FOCUSon Ursuline - Ursuline High School

Transcription

FOCUSon Ursuline - Ursuline High School
FOCUS on Ursuline
Towoomba, Australia Sydney, Australia Kellyville, Australia Klagenfurt, Australia Salzburg,
Belgium Vienna, Austria Mons, Belgium Ilheus, Brazil Paraisópolis, Brazil Resende, Brazil
Ribeirão Preto, Brazil Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Salvador, Brazil Chiguayante, Chile Zagreb,
Croatia Kutnά-Hora, Czech Republic Olomouc, Czech Republic Prague, Czech
Republic Forest Gate, England Greenwich, England Ilford, England Westgate-On-Sea, England Wimbledon, England Amiens, France Arras, France
Avallon, France Beaugency, France Paris, France Saint-Saulve,
France Bayonne, France Digne Les Bains, France Grenoble,
France Lyon, France Montauban, France Pau, France Caen,
France Nantes, France Quimperlé, France Vannes,
France Athens, Greece Maroussi, Greece Budapest,
Hungary Dombovar, Hungary Győr, Hungary
Kisvarda, Hungary Sopron, Hungary Jakarta,
Indonesia Solo, Indonesia Papua, Indonesia
Kotamobagu, Indonesia Capriolo, Italy Gorizia,
Italy Sesto-Calende, Italy Puebla, Mexico
Lima, Peru Kraków, Poland Poznań, Poland
175 Ursuline schools
one world community
Rokiciny, Poland Rybnik, Poland Siercza,
Poland Wrocław, Poland Thiès, Senegal
Bratislava, Slovakia Trnava, Slovakia
Ljubljana,
Slovenia
Koper,
Slovenia
Johannesburg, South Africa Krugersdorp,
South Africa Hualien, Taiwan Kaohsiung,
Taiwan Bangkok, Thailand Chiangrai,
Thailand Frontenac, Minnesota Dallas,
Texas Kirkwood, Missouri New Orleans,
Louisiana Springfield, Illinois New York
City New Rochelle, New York Wilmington,
Delaware Dedham, Massachusetts Waterville,
Maine Great Falls, Montana Moscow, Idaho
Santa Rosa, California Caracas, Venezuela
URSULINE HIGH SCHOOL
SUMMER 2009
President’s Message
Administration
President/Principal
Julie Carver
707-524-1130 ext. 113
jcarver@ursulinehs.org
Vice Principal
Caryn Inman
707-524-1130 ext. 119
cinman@ursulinehs.org
Director of College Counseling
Cyndi Niendorf
707-524-1130 ext. 120
cniendorf@ursulinehs.org
Director of Finance
Peter Kingston
707-524-1130 ext. 117
pkingston@ursulinehs.org
Director of Advancement
Margaux Hardy
707-524-1130 ext. 142
mhardy@ursulinehs.org
Co-Directors of Admission
Lisa Ormond
707-524-1130 ext. 115
lormond@ursulinehs.org
Kathleen Kelly
707-524-1130 ext. 135
kkelly@ursulinehs.org
Mission Effectiveness
Sr. Francis Kearney
707-524-1130 ext. 116
sfkearney@ursulinehs.org
Board of Trustees
John Wehde*
Brag Pighin
Sue Goranson
Joe McNeany
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
David Beach
Julie Carver
Ex Officio Member
Michael Cumbo*
Carole Ellis
Sr. Shirley Garibaldi, OSU
Paige Mazzoni
Debbie McGowan*
Kim McNeany*
Martin Reilley*
Sr. Christine Van Swearingen, OSU
Raven Wachtler
* Retiring Board member
Catholic Education, a Lighthouse and a Crossroads
Julie Carver, President / Principal
President/Principal Julie Carver made this formal address at the Baccalaureate Mass
on Saturday, May 23, 2009.
Graduates, Parents, Families, Bishop Walsh, Father Alvin, Faculty and Staff:
As I was planning my speech last week, I received an e-mail to alumni from
Father Jenkins, the President of the University of Notre Dame regarding President
Obama’s visit. In his letter Fr. Jenkins referred to Catholic education as both a light
house and a crossroads. I thought what a great idea for a graduation speech!
Apparently, President Obama thought so too and structured his speech around
this quote. Seems a bit unfair given that I actually earned my juris doctorate at Notre Dame and the school just
gave the President one for free.
Nevertheless, I think the metaphor has a strong value for our two schools.
In the words of Father Jenkins, “As a lighthouse, we strive to stand apart and be different, illuminating issues
with the moral and spiritual wisdom of the Catholic tradition. Yet, we must also be a crossroads through which
pass people of many different perspectives, backgrounds, faiths, and cultures. At this crossroads, we must be a
place where people of good will are received with charity, are able to speak, be heard, and engage in responsible
and reasoned dialogue.”
As a lighthouse, our schools uphold our traditions and the tenets of our founders, St. Angela Merici and John
Henry Cardinal Newman. And our students act as a beacon for others. Ursuline’s theme for this year was “Shine”
based on Matthew 5:16… “let your light shine before people in such a way that they will see your good works
and glorify your Father in heaven.” The graduating class of 2009 has shined. Between Ursuline and Cardinal
Newman our seniors have completed over 8,000 community service hours. During these hours you have served
as role models and inspired thousands of other people. Imagine if your kindness touched one person per hourthat would be 8,000 people and a huge underestimation.
At the crossroads, our students have engaged in responsible and reasoned dialogue, in the classroom, on retreats
and in their communities. You have grappled with social justice issues in the classroom and have confronted
them in your CBSL projects.
As you leave Ursuline and Cardinal Newman behind, if I could give you one piece of advice that I wish I would
have had-I would say to you “be open to change.” Very few decisions in life are permanent. Be willing to change
your major, transfer schools and quit your first job and maybe even your second or third job. These are not
failures; they are opportunities. I doubt that many of us in this room are doing what we thought we would as
high school graduates. Who dreams of becoming a principal? A crazy person, that’s who!
Graduates, I know you will continue to lead the way and also be open to differing opinions as you go on to one
of the many wonderful colleges where you have been accepted. To complete the metaphor, follow the advice of
Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a
trail.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2009.
Cover Story
Contents
2........ Cover Story
Ursulines Worldwide
6........ Serving Others
Lima, Peru
Serving Others
at Home and Afar
9........ Our 2009 Graduates
Graduates
22...... Amazing Students
31...... Ursuline Giving
Amazing Students
Ursuline Giving
& Community
Departments
Student awards..........................8
A STUDENT’S PERSPECTive..........18
Admissions...............................20
Focus On Ursuline is published two times a year by Ursuline
High School for alumnae, faculty/staff, parents, students, and
community friends. We apologize for any unintentional errors and
omissions found in this publication despite exhaustive
efforts to be accurate and thorough.
Graphic Design: Jesse Hilsenrad
Ursuline High School
90 Ursuline Road
Santa Rosa, CA. 95403
Main Phone: (707) 524-1130
Website: www.ursulinehs.org
Printed by: Barlow Printing
Publication Manager and Editor: Lisa Ormond
Assistant Editor: Kathleen Kelly
Story Contributors: Ursuline faculty, staff, students and alumnae
Winter/Spring SPORTS..............24
Visual & Performing Arts.......28
ADVANCEMENT............................30
Mission
Photographs: Ursuline photographer Tamara DeMello, Dirk
Bietau, and Ursuline parents and students. Additional school
images available at www.rpstudios.com and www.dirk.com.
Cover: Ursuline student pictured—Adrianna Bertoli. Photo by
Dirk Bietau—www.dirk.com.
Please call (707) 524-1130 or e-mail advancement@ursulinehs.org to
notify Ursuline of any distribution changes or needs. FOCUS on
Ursuline is also available online at www.ursulinehs.org.
Rachael Rochioli
In the spirit of the gospels we
challenge each student to seek
knowledge, clarify values
and act on convictions.
3
Ursuline Worldwide
A View of the Ursuline Global Community
By Researcher/Alumnae Volunteer Lerick Allen and Alumnae Outreach Luigi Fabiano
Angela Merici founded the Company of St. Ursula in 1535 in Brescia,
Italy and since that time Ursuline communities have spread to six
continents. In 1991 there was a meeting of Ursuline groups in Rome,
Italy in order to foster unity. Below is a list of Ursuline groups that
attended. The list is likely not inclusive of all of the Ursuline groups
and communities in the world, but you can see how diverse and
encompassing the work of Ursuline Sisters is worldwide.
Ursuline Groups Worldwide
Companions of St. Angela, Bertsham
Ursulines of Bruno, Saskatchewan
Canadian Union of Ursulines, Québec
Ursulines of the Chatham Union London, Ontario
Ursulines of Prelate Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Ursuline Society Ursulines of Belleville, Belleville, Illinois
Ursulines of Paola, Paola, Kentucky
Ursulines of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
Ursulines of Mount St Joseph, Maple Mount, Kentucky
Ursulines of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Ursulines of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio
Ursulines of Brown County, St Martin, Ohio
Ursulines of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio
Ursulines of Youngstown, Youngstown, Ohio
Ursuline Franciscan Congregation, Mangalore
Satyseva Sisters, Karnataka
Calvarienberg-Ahrweiler, Ahrweiler
Federation of German-speaking Ursulines, Duderstadt
Brentwood Ursulines, Brentwood
Ursuline Congregation of Tildonk, Brussels
Ursulines of Hasselt, Hasselt
Ursulines of Wavre-Notre-Dame, Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Waver
Ursulines of Sigüenza, Sigüenza
Ursulines of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand
Sisters of St. Charles du Puy, Le Puy
Union Ste Angèle Mérici, Malet
Union of Irish Ursulines, Cabinteely
Company of St. Ursula, Federation of the
Institute of St Angela Merici, Brescia
Diocesan Company of St Ursula, Brescia
Company of St. Angela Merici, Mantua
Company of St. Ursula, Verona
Ursulines of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Asola
Religious of St. Ursula, Brescia
Ursulines of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Breganze
Ursuline Sisters of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, Gandino
Ursulines of St. Charles, Milan
Ursuline Sisters, of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Rome
Ursulines of the Sacro Monte of Varallo, Rome
*Ursulines of the Roman Union, Rome
Ursuline Sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Verona
Ursuline Sisters of Saint Jerome, Somasca
Ursuline Sisters of the Holy Family, Syracuse
Ursulines of Malta, Sliema
Ursulines of Bergen, Bergen
For more information about the Ursulines of the Roman Union visit their
website at www.ursulines-ur.org.
Ursuline High School in Santa Rosa, California is a member of the group
known as the Ursulines of the Roman Union. The Roman Union was
formed in 1900 at the behest of Pope Leo XIII with the goal of uniting
the smaller Ursuline communities together for greater effectiveness. The
headquarters of the Orsoline Unione Romana, as it is called in Italian,
is the Generalate House in Rome. There are approximately 175 Ursuline
schools worldwide in 29 countries. These schools range from nursery
school through university level. Schools are just one area of involvement
for Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Union, as they are doing good works in
seven or more additional countries.
In reading the school profiles that follow, you will notice differences but
also commonalities that connect all Ursuline schools worldwide. The
Latin phrase, “Serviam,” which means “I will serve” shines through as a
universal mission of all schools.
The Power of the Ursuline Website
By Rene Hernandez, Technology Coordinator
The Ursuline High
School website was
Ursuline Web
Site Traffic
created in 1995 by an
Ursuline student. Over
the years it has gone
through several
changes and
appearances. It has
become the number one place that parents, students, and prospective
families find information about the school.
The school’s website averages about 37,000 unique visitors every year
with about 80% percent of those coming from the United States while
4
the other 20% originate from different locations around the world such
as Canada, Europe, Africa, China, Russia, Brazil and Australia. A “unique
visitor” refers to a person who visits a website more than once within
a specified period of time. About 87,000 pages are viewed by these
website visitors throughout the year.
Google has been our “best friend” since it refers about 75% of our
visitors. Keywords visitors use are Ursuline Sisters, Bay Area Crab Feed
or just simply Ursuline High School. The top three most visited pages on
Ursuline’s website are: School Calendar, President’s Weekly message and
the Faculty and Staff directory. Our website is a powerful marketing tool
and an important informational tool for the community.
Ursuline Worldwide
Ursuline School Profile
Brescia House School, Bryanston, Republic of South Africa
Founded: 1966
Current Enrollment: Approximately 800
Ages: 5-18, Primary, Middle and High School
Fun facts: The school takes off August 9th, National Women’s Day,
which honors women who fight for social justice.
Alumnae are affectionately called Old Girls.
Netball is a hugely popular sport. Netball is played
by over 20 million people in more than 70
countries worldwide. It is the most popular
women’s sport in Australia and New Zealand.
Netball has its roots in basketball. There is no
backboard, and the rules are different. The ball
used is the size of a volleyball.
This is netball—whoa!
Administration Vision
Brescia House School has a distinctive Catholic ethos, grounded in the
Ursuline commitment to selfless and loving service of God and the
community. We are proud to be a part of a worldwide Ursuline network
of schools, which educates thousands of learners annually. These young
people grow up not only to serve, but also to transform their communities
in unique and visionary ways.
Ms. M. Bothma - Principal of Brescia House School
Our girls will need to have the ability to exercise judgment and responsibility;
have an attitude for lifelong learning and show maximum flexibility and
adaptability for the future. We encourage our girls to be positive risk-takers
and have looked at the fears we face and the things that prevent us from
reaching our true potential.
Mrs. B. Nott - Principal of the High School
Service
“The greatest gift that girls of Brescia House
can give to the community is their time … “
and Brescia House Serviam girls do a lot more
than that. Collecting blankets, food, warm
clothes and toys; visiting the SPCA, local
schools and needy charities; and developing
Primary School Girls
a spirit of giving throughout the school.
Brescia House girls are known for their generous hearts and the Serviam
Club continues to grow in numbers, generosity and commitment.
Extra-Murals
Hockey, netball, tennis, squash, swimming, athletics, diving, spinning,
fitness, outreach group, debating, public speaking, chess, drama, choir,
marimbas, music centre with individual tuition in a variety of instruments,
music ensemble, and more.
Remembering Her Trip Across the World
By Ursuline Sister Dianne Baumunk
Visiting the Ursuline schools in South
Africa right after apartheid ended
was quite an experience. Our two
large high schools in Bryanston
and Krugersdorp looked very much
like our schools anywhere else in
the world with students seriously
academic and service oriented. At the
end of a long hall at Brescia House in
Bryanston, was a life size plaster
relief of St. Ursula and her
companions created by six students from the school. It was striking to
see students of the 21st century “rubbing shoulders” with martyrs of the
early church.
Both schools sported obvious security: high fences topped with barbed
wire enclosing the campus, alarm systems and guard dogs patrolling
even during the school day. This is a country that is no stranger to
violence. Another striking feature of these schools was the pride with
which the students wore uniforms. The Brescia House website states that
“the uniform unites, the individual shines through.” Not only students,
both government and private, but all sorts of choirs and groups proudly
wear distinguishing garb. There is a powerful sense of “belonging.”
North of South Africa in the rural country of Botswana, schools had
much simpler structures minus the security measures. Only little
wooden fences were needed to keep roving goats from eating flowers
and trees. Elementary students eagerly greeted guests with songs and
avid interest. It was common to see children gathered in the dirt under
a tree for class or to see an assembly “hall” marked simply with rows
of semi-circles of stones in the dirt. Ursuline Sisters teach reading and
writing and also work in vocational schools there. With the Bushmen
of Botswana, Sisters have set up a co-op store so sculptors earn a living
selling their carvings. Life is much simpler in Botswana.
Editor’s Note: Sister Dianne traveled to Africa in the summer of 1995 to visit
Ursuline Sisters and their ministries.
5
Ursuline Worldwide
Ursuline School Profile
St. Angela’s School, Forest Gate, London
Founded: 1862
Current Enrollment: Approximately 1,350
Ages: 11-18
Fun facts: In 2008, for her outstanding contributions to education,
Delia Smith, the Head Teacher (principal), was awarded the Order of
the British Empire (OBE), which was personally pinned and affixed onto
her by Prince Charles. St. Angela’s School is a healthy eating school and
they don’t have “any junk food!”
Our School and Students
Our motto of Serviam is at the heart of all that we do as a school. St.
Angela’s is a focused, hard working and friendly Catholic school, aiming
to provide every opportunity for our students to achieve their very best
and to leave our school confident and independent young women, well
equipped for higher education and life beyond. We are pushing the
frontiers of education in every direction and have embraced new
teaching and learning initiatives, allowing our students to learn at an
accelerated rate.
St. Angela’s school is special in many ways. St. Angela’s is a multi-ethnic,
voluntary-aided Technology College in the London Borough of Newham,
one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in the country.
We are based in the heart of the east end of London. From the busy streets
of Forest Gate, St Angela’s is a haven of beautiful gardens and peace. The
school population reflects the Catholic population of the borough, which
are largely Afro-Caribbean, African, Filipino and white. 70% of school
population are from ethnic minorities.
School Activities
Head Teacher Delia
Smith is pinned by
Prince Charles.
There are many after school activities, including:
several choirs, PE groups, homework club, chess club
and more. During exams all departments run extra
study support lessons for those taking exams after
school, on Saturdays and also during the school
holidays.
The choirs from our school are very successful taking
part in many competitions and performances. We are also involved in
many sporting activities, often winning trophies for cheerleading, football,
dance and cricket to name a few. The school has a very strong justice and
peace group running many fundraising activities in both the main school
and post 16. We have very talented public speakers winning competitions.
Editor’s Note: Information for this profile was obtained from an e-mail correspondence between
Luigi Fabiano and Chiara Evans, a lay minister at St Angela’s School.
Traveling the Globe the Ursuline Way
By Paige Mazzoni, Class of 1984
World traveler Paige Mazzoni (right)
dances in a fountain on the Avenue des
Champs-Elysées in Paris, France on
Bastille Day, 1987.
6
The summer of 1987, between
my junior and senior years in
college, I went on a three week
whirlwind tour of Europe with
two girlfriends. My parents
bought me my Eurorail pass
and gave me a little money
and the rest was up to me. To
save money, I looked into
staying at Ursuline convents in
several countries. Sister Francis
Kearney gave me a letter and
the addresses of convents in
Rome and Switzerland. I wrote
letters ahead but had no dates
or firm reservations. And we
were off!
We started out in Switzerland – first stop, Zurich. We stayed at the
Ursuline convent. I went to the window, showed the letter from Sister
Francis and was told that we could stay. The curfew was 12 midnight,
we had a simple breakfast of coffee and bread, and we could not come
home “rowdy.” We put our stuff down, knowing it was very safe, and
proceeded to go out and enjoy Zurich. We came home to a safe, clean,
warm bed. It was nice having nuns taking care of us.
From Switzerland we rode the train, sometimes sleeping on it to save
money and wove our way through Europe. Germany, Austria, Spain,
France and then Italy. We had a wonderful time spending hours in
museums, staring at art, sampling local food and going to concerts,
operas and plays. In Italy, we again stayed in an Ursuline convent in
Rome. No where else could you get a clean, safe lodging RIGHT next to
the Spanish Steps for $10/night. In Rome, we got chocolate with our
rolls in the morning. The trip was great and we all have memories for a
lifetime. And the Ursulines made it all possible!
Ursuline Worldwide
Ursuline School Profile
Colegio Santa Ursula, Lima, Peru
Founded: 1936
Current Enrollment: Approximately 1,400
(Pre-School through High School)
Ages: 3-18
Fun facts: The word Colegio means school and not college. German is
the second language at the school; instruction begins at age 3. Many
students go to Germany as exchange students, others graduate and
attend German Universities. Handball is a popular school sport.
arrived from Germany, including five in 1940 that miraculously survived
a terrible fire aboard the ship Orazio off of the coast of Toulon, France.
That disaster claimed 106 lives including 4 nuns from another order.
The Ursuline Sisters and their way of educating were enthusiastically
embraced by the people of Peru. Today, Lima is a city of over 7.5 million
people and Colegio Santa Ursula with its nearly 1,400 students is a
strong and vibrant presence.
History
In 1936 two German
Ursulines, Mother Cáritas
and Mother Gertrude arrived
by ship to the port of Callao
in Lima, answering the call
to open a school. Within two
months 3 more Ursulines
arrived. There was some
Arial view of Colegio Santa Ursula Campus
hardship during this period
because people were allowed to leave Germany with only 10 marks. The
first school was set up in a rented house that was old, had no electricity,
and was lacking furnishings for classrooms. The Peruvian and German
community responded with the necessities, and the school began. The
Mothers spoke to the 84 students in German, and it was awkward at
first, but soon the language of love had created a communications
bridge.
The school grew, and two more rental houses were added, and the
students soon numbered 274 by 1938. More and more Ursuline Sisters
Service
Colegio Santa Ursula has a direct relationship of solidarity with another
Ursuline school, Colegio San Jose, which is located in the impoverished
Miramar neighborhood of Lima. There are approximately 700 students at
this school, ages 2-11 years old.
Every month at Colegio Santa Ursula, students of participating age bring
one kilo (2.2 pounds) of nonperishable food to school for collection. The
types of food and amounts needed are predetermined at the beginning
of the year, and the more common items are rice, cooking oil, and
powdered milk. The gathering is then distributed to Colegio San Jose.
Once a year the Big Collection happens where items in good condition that
are no longer needed are collected at Colegio Santa Ursula and taken to
Miramar. Students from Colegio Santa Ursula also share their skills
with students at Colegio San Jose with an ongoing tutoring program,
especially in the subject of mathematics. Finally, once a year the Colegio
San Jose holds a Kermesse, which is kind of a school carnival and
fundraiser. Colegio Santa Ursula has a booth at the Kermesse from
which they sell cakes and cookies that have been made and donated by
students and their families, with the proceeds going to Colegio San Jose.
Fascinating Facts about Ursuline Schools Worldwide
• St. Angela School in Bandung, Indonesia (K-12) is the Ursuline school with the
most students: 3,484 (approximately).
Countries with
the Most Ursuline Schools
• Italy has no Ursuline high schools, only elementary and middle schools.
France
41
Indonesia 26
USA
13
Poland
11
• Many secondary schools in other countries use the term “college” or
“university,” but in the United States we call them “high schools.”
• In 1727 Ursuline Academy in New Orleans was founded by 12 Ursuline Sisters
from France. It is the oldest continually-operating school for girls in the U.S.
and is also the oldest Catholic school in the United States.
• The oldest institution of learning for women in North America is the Ursuline
monastery in Quebec, founded in 1639 by Ursuline Sisters. Today there is a
historical museum and teaching center there.
7
Service
Community Based Service Learning—Lives Touched, Lives Changed
By Judi Greaney, CBSL Coordinator
“If you want peace, work for justice.” The words of Pope Paul VI remind
us that we are all called in some way to work for the common good. The
Ursuline students in the Class of 2009 modeled and more fully realized
this in a variety of ways over the past year. Our community can certainly
be proud that this year seniors logged over 8,000 hours as they
completed their projects.
Community Based Service Learning (CBSL) witnessed extraordinary
global service projects in India, Peru and Mexico. National service
extended to the rebuilding of New Orleans and working with the
children of military families in Alaska. But the true impact is
immeasurable based upon the countless lives our girls affected.
Locally, our students continued to establish a variety of enrichment
programs and developed on going partnerships with our local
elementary schools and junior highs.
This year more students recognized and responded to the Catholic Social
Teaching theme of Stewardship as evidenced by the emergence of local
projects and actions that promote environmental sustainability. Because
of these student originated and driven projects, Ursuline High School, in
partnership with Cardinal Newman, Patchworks Farm and the Y.M.C.A.,
received a $39,100 grant from State Farm Insurance Companies. The
installation of solar panels, establishing bee keeping and recycling
programs were among those CBSL projects that were noteworthy
among hundreds of other entries vying for this grant.
New Orleans Service
After raising money for their cross
country trip, Seniors Alissa Geving and
Alyssa Ramazzotti traveled to New
Orleans in February for several days as
part of their Senior Service Project.
Working through the Catholic Charities
organization both locally and in New
Orleans, they planned their volunteer
service efforts. One service activity they
did was to help Hurricane Katrina victims
repair and rebuild their houses.
8
Not only do our students actualize the words of Saint Angela, “We have a
greater need to serve others than to be served,” but their service proves
to be life changing as well. Sarah Bertero said, “Working in multiple
clinics in India for three weeks changed my world view and further
focused my career choice in medicine.”
Rebecca Royston is convinced that her work with the poorest of the poor in
Tumbiscatio, Mexico, “opened my eyes to the power of children and helped
shape my future goal to becoming an elementary school teacher.”
Katherine Robinson, Class of 2006, affirms her Ursuline service work in
Namibia, Africa helped shape her future goals. “I now hope to go to law
school and become a civil rights attorney. CBSL made it clear to me the
most meaningful work is that which benefits not only me but others in
the global community.”
We live in a world of interconnectedness, rather than differences. Our
Community Based Service Learning Program provides the means for our
students to discover that in taking care of others lies the profound lesson
that they are taking care of themselves.
State Farm Grant
(Left to right) Junior Nicole
Pilar, Science Department
Chair Lisa Quinn, President/
Principal Julie Carver and
Junior Marjorie Broffman hold
the symbolic grant check
received from State Farm
Insurance for CBSL projects
that promote and develop environmental sustainability. Nicole Pilar
designed a bee keeping project that involves organic gardening which will
take place at Patchworks Farm. Marjorie Broffman is developing a project
that teaches children about the importance of recycling and how to make
practical use of recycled products. Marjorie will also be a core member of
the local YMCA Youth Advisory Board. This board will act as a resource for
YMCA programs, providing their knowledge, expertise and input related to
environmental and other issues affecting children and youth.
Service
Science Serviam is Alive and Growing
By Lisa Quinn, Science Teacher
Senior Natalie Kidd meets a new “friend” at
the Marine Mammal Center.
So often through the years,
students have asked me why
they have to take science. Of
course, the science teachers
always remind them that
science is all around them,
and has an effect on
everything they do. Oddly
enough, more students are
recognizing and realizing this
true connection and taking
action. This is becoming
increasingly evident when
we look at the ways that
students are choosing to
invest their time and energy
in community service.
Senior Sarah Bertero traveled to India this year to serve others, to build
upon her passion for science, and to explore her desire to enter the
healthcare field some day. She delivered donated medical equipment,
received medical training, and worked as a member of a medical team
in a mobile medical care clinic during her three week trip. Sarah’s work
with the Doctor’s Goodwill Foundation (DGF), an organization that is
dedicated to providing relief and medical care to those who need it, not
only impacted the lives of the people she cared for, but also helped to
confirm her desire to pursue a career in medicine. And after hearing
about Sarah’s incredible experiences and the organization that she
worked with, juniors Lindsey Hazlewood, Natasha Qabazard, and
Stephanie Pires have signed on to participate in a DGF medical mission
to the Dominican Republic this upcoming school year.
Tina Beigelbeck and Natalie Kidd have also received training and worked
as members of a medical team this year. However, their patients were
seals and sea lions in a hospital in the Marin headlands. Tina’s love for
animals and Natalie’s love for marine biology led them to the Marine
Mammal Center, a nonprofit organization that rescues, rehabilitates and
releases injured, sick and orphaned marine mammals that are found
on the 600 miles of coastline between Mendocino and San Luis Obispo.
Every week Tina and Natalie would work with the veterinarian staff and
other volunteers to provide care and collect scientific information. This
helps to increase our understanding of marine mammals, their health
and their environment. This information can then be shared with others,
so that more of us will appreciate these animals and understand how
some of our decisions impact their lives. After hearing about the MMC,
Shannon Babic, Jacci Conroy, and Ali Summers are hoping to replace Tina
and Natalie after they depart for college.
Even projects that don’t seem to have any relation to science sometimes
wind up taking you there. Amy Sautter and Madeleine Diab wanted
to empower the young women living at the Sierra Youth Center. The
goal of this residential facility for teenagers with criminal histories is
to introduce new skills and build self-esteem. Amy and Madeleine also
wanted to improve the living environment, teach responsibility, and
help rebuild the culinary program. The solution to this problem was to
renovate a greenhouse and construct a sustainable garden. The garden
was planted with donated and purchased fruit trees, vegetables, and
herbs. Once harvested, the produce was used to create nutritious meals
in the kitchen at the center or was sold to local restaurants. This resulted
in a more beautiful living environment for the girls, income for their
culinary program, produce for the kitchen at Sierra, and the opportunity
for the girls to acquire gardening skills and a good work ethic.
These are only a sample of the many projects this year that have enabled
students to apply and expand their knowledge of the sciences. And next
year, we will see even more as we have projects that will address
nutrition, exercise, medicine and health care issues, animal care and
treatment, recycling, sustainable agriculture and the importance of bees.
Patchworks Farm is located behind Ursuline High School and operated by Noel
Schmidt. The farm not only is a working farm growing food for the local
community, but it also serves as an outdoor learning laboratory for students
and adults alike, focusing on educating others about a sustainable future.
9
Service
CBSL Senior
Project
of the Year
Amazement Surrounds Senior CBSL Boards
By Lisa Ormond, Admissions
minute oral presentation of their project and
audience questions followed. It was an incredible
day and students and community alike were proud
of their accomplishments and the significant
impact their service had on the community.
Nicole Kazemini presenting her project
“Love is the Movement.”
Winners Amelia Lincoln and Allison
Zegarra (left to right). Teacher Rich
Herrmann presents the plaque
that has their names engraved on
it which permanently is displayed
in the administration building.
Winner
Proyecto Amistad
(Project Friendship)
Allison Zegarra &
Amelia Lincoln
On May 14, students from Ursuline and Cardinal
Newman presented their Senior Community Based
Service Learning (CBSL) projects to the Ursuline and
general community. Both school campuses were a
buzz with smiling, finely dressed seniors carrying
binders, poster boards and PowerPoint presentations
ready to explain details and revelations about their
senior service projects. Each student provided a 10
Reflection on the Day
“I think the Senior Board Presentations is a wonderful experience. Their (the students’) pride in doing
such meaningful and productive work showed on
each of their faces when they were making their
presentations that day. This event is really the culmination of all the students’ hard work that has taken
place in the last four years at their schools. All the
senior projects were so diverse and so worthwhile—
really incredible!
Parent Norma Ramazzotti
mother of Senior Alysa Ramazzotti
Global Mural of Service
Finalists
Mission India
Sarah Bertero
Luz De Futuro
Diana Gonzalez
Border to Border
GinaLisa Tamayo
Kids of Tumbisatio
Victoria Oswald
and Rebecca Royston
10
This beautiful mural was designed by Ursuline parent
Donnie Young with the help of her daughter Ellery.
Donnie, Hospitality Representative for the Ursuline
Parent Association and one of the key organizers of
the Senior Boards event, said she wanted to make a
sign for the event to thank the seniors for their service
efforts. Teacher Jennifer Gray provided the 175 senior
pictures, Donnie created the concept and did the
assembling, and Ellery did the lettering and selected
the quote for the mural. “I decided on a circle for the
mural, because I was thinking community and about
embracing these students which reminded me of a
circle. It whisks off on the edges as if we’re letting them
(the students) go, off into the world and they’re going
to take what they learned here and impact other
communities,” said Donnie.
Class of 2009
A Proud Moment
By Cyndi Niendorf, Director of College Counseling
I would like to congratulate both the parents and students for their success in the college applications/admissions process. I know it was challenging at
times. The Counseling Department enjoyed working with all of you, and we are extremely proud of our girls and their accomplishments. Below are a few
exciting statistics about the Class of 2009 which show the results of these students' hard work of four years.
• 100% of our graduates are going to college.
• The Class of 2009 was accepted at 118 different institutions of higher learning of which 65 were out of state schools and
three were International universities in England, Ireland and Scotland.
• In the fall, this graduating class (74 students) will enroll at 39 different schools. 80% of the students will attend four year
schools and 20% will begin their education at a community college with plans to transfer to four year institutions.
• Our students were awarded $1,170,176 in scholarships for the first year of college. Note: This represents scholarships
offered from all schools where students were accepted including where they will enroll.
Class Of 2009
Ursuline Graduates Were Accepted at the Following Colleges and Universities
American University
Arizona State University
The University of Arizona
The Art Institute of California -- Los Angeles
Belmont Abbey College
Beloit College
Boise State University
Boston College
Boston University
Butler University
University of California at Berkeley
University of California at Davis
University of California at Irvine
University of California at Los Angeles
University of California at Merced
University of California at Riverside
University of California at San Diego
University of California at Santa Barbara
University of California at Santa Cruz
California Lutheran University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
California State University, Channel Islands
California State University, Chico
California State University, Dominguez Hills
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fullerton
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Los Angeles
California State University, Monterey Bay
California State University, Northridge
California State University, Sacramento
California State University, San Marcos
Carroll College (Montana)
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Chapman University
University of Colorado at Boulder
Colorado State University
Columbia College
Cuesta College
DePaul University
Dominican University
Eckerd College
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, San Diego
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, San Francisco
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles
Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University
Foothill College
Fordham University
Gonzaga University
Hamline University
University of Hawaii at Hilo
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Humboldt State University
University of Idaho
University of the Incarnate Word
Indiana University at Bloomington
University of Kansas
Lewis & Clark College
Linfield College
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University New Orleans
Marquette University
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
University of Miami
Michigan State University
Minnesota State University, Mankato
University of Minnesota, Morris
Montana State University, Bozeman
The University of Montana, Missoula
Mount Holyoke College
National University of Ireland, Galway
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
University of New Haven
New York University
University of North Alabama
Northeastern University
Notre Dame de Namur University
Occidental College
University of Oregon
Pace University, New York City
University of the Pacific
Pepperdine University
Pitzer College
University of Portland
Prescott College
University of Puget Sound
The American International University in London (Richmond)
Saint Leo University
Saint Mary’s College of California
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Saint Vincent College
San Diego State University
University of San Diego
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology
San Francisco State University
University of San Francisco
San Jose State University
Santa Barbara City College
Santa Clara University
Santa Rosa Junior College
Seattle University
Smith College
Sonoma State University
Southern Oregon University
Springfield College
University of St. Andrews (Scotland)
St. Edward’s University
The University of Tampa
The University of Texas, Austin
Tulane University
Vanguard University of Southern California
Washington State University
Westmont College
Whitman College
Willamette University
11
Class of 2009
Ursuline Graduates
2009 Senior Awards
Sophia Aschow
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Tina Beigelbeck
Ursuline Award Ceremony Student Speaker
Sr. Edmund Fallon Drama Award
Ursuline Girl Award
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – Social Science
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Performing Arts – “Charley’s Aunt”
Honors – Dance TA
National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine
Cal Grant
Boston University Grant
Boston University Supplemental University Grant
Academic Competitiveness Grant
Pell Grant
New York University Liberal Studies Program Scholarship
New York University J. Eckhouse Scholarship
New York University Provost’s Grant
New York University Grant
University of Miami Founders Grant
University of Miami Grants
Sarah Bertero
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – History
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Health Sciences
Honors – Public Speaking
Honors – Campus Ministry
2009 CBSL Senior Project Finalist
Press Democrat Point of View – Teen Life Essay
Press Democrat Teen Faces
National Ursuline Educational Service Student Recognition
Renee Lee “Making a Difference” Award
University of San Francisco Tuition Grant
University of San Francisco Accepted with Distinction – Top 20%
Seattle University Sullivan Leadership Award Nominee
Seattle University Arrupe Scholarship
Seattle University Grant
University of Portland President’s Scholarship
Dominican University Trustee Scholarship
Dominican University Grant
RMS Hospital Gujarat, India Certificate of Appreciation
Vrajbhoomi International School, India Special Recognition
Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship
Adrianna Bertoli
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Esperanza Service Award
Scholar Athlete – Soccer
NBL All-League – First Team – Soccer
Scholar Leadership Award
Press Democrat Point of View – Teen Life Essay
University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship
Jenna Bundesen
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Every Fifteen Minutes Recognition
Honors – AP English 12 Lit/Comp
Honors – Christian Life Styles
St. Mary’s College Scholarship
Academic Competitiveness Grant
Pell Grant
Cal Grant
Caycee Cali
Honors – Drawing
Kerissa Catania
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Stephanie Chau
Scholar Athlete – Soccer
Scholar Leadership Award
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship
Blair Copple
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Athlete – Golf
NBL All-League – First Team – Golf
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
12
2009 Senior Awards Ceremony
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
ABC 7 Top Scholars Nominee
University of Puget Sound Trustee’s Scholarship
Nina D’Argenzio
Bank of America Achievement Award – Art
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
2009 Principal’s Art Collection Award – “Still Life 2008”
Honors – AP Studio Art
Gabriela DeBenedetti
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Honors – Christian Life Styles
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Loyola Marymount University Scholarship
North Coast Builders Exchange Scholarship
Lindsay Ferrigno, Director of
Catherine Del Casale
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
College Counseling Cyndi
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Niendorf and Tina Beigelbeck
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
(left to right). Tina and Lindsay
Highest Honors – AP Studio Art
Honors – Psychology
won the Sr. Edmund Fallon
Cal Grant
Drama Award.
Chapman University Dean’s Scholarship
Chapman Grant
Academic Competitiveness Grant
Pell Grant
University of Santa Barbara New Freshman Scholarship
University of California Grant
Loyola Marymount University Achievement Award
Loyola Marymount University Freshman Grant
Fordham University Jogues Scholarship
Hofstra University Presidential Scholarship
Shelby DeMello
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – Technology
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Mathematics/Technical
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Performing Arts – “High School Musical”
Highest Honors – Photoshop 2
Honors – School Newspaper
Honors – Public Speaking
Presidential Youth Inauguration Conference
Pell Grant
Cal Grant
Academic Competitiveness Grant
University of California Irvine Grant
University of California Davis Undergraduate Scholarship
University of California Davis Campus Fee Grant
Santa Clara University Grant
Madeleine Diab
Scholar Leadership Award
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
University of San Francisco Scholarship
Saint Mary’s College Scholarship
North Coast Builders Exchange Scholarship
Akilah Douglas
Pell Grant
Academic Competitiveness Grant
California State University Grant
Angelina Duckett
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Arts
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Esperanza Service Award
Scholar Athlete – Volleyball
Honors – AP Studio Art
Sr. Julie Donnelly Service Award
Digital Photography Juried Exhibition 2nd Place
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship
Zone of Focus Digital Photography 2nd Place
Santa Rosa Photographers Society Award
2009 Principal’s Art Collection Award – “Choices”
University of Portland Holy Cross Scholarship
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Andriana Duckworth
Ursuline Girl Candidate
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Psychology
National Ursuline Student Leadership Conference Representative
University of San Francisco Grant
Dominican University Dean’s Scholarship
Dominican University Grant
Kansas University Grant
University of California Merced Dean’s Scholarship
Class of 2009
Ursuline Graduates
2009 Senior Awards
University of California Riverside Dean’s Scholarship
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Bronze
Samantha Estomba
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Christian Life Styles
Caitlin Feldman
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Athlete – Volleyball
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Butler University Academic Scholarship
Marquette University Ignatius/Magis Scholarship
Beloit College Eaton Scholarship
Hamline University Undergraduate Leadership Award
(Left to right) 2009 Special
Hamline University Trustee Scholarship
Hamline University Grant
Ceremonial Speakers:
University of Minnesota Morris Associates Scholarship
Salutatorian Christina Romeo,
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota LaSallian Grant
Co-Valedictorians Amelia
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Presidential Scholarship
St. Mary’s University of Minnesota Grant
Lincoln and Jane Reilley, and
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Bronze
Ursuline Award Ceremony
Lindsay Ferrigno
Senior Speaker Tina
Sr. Edmund Fallon Drama Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Beigelbeck. Tina Beigelbeck
Bank of America Achievement Award – Drama
won the prestigious
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Ursuline Girl Award for 2009.
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
CMEA Choir Award – Excellent Rating
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Performing Arts – “Charley’s Aunt”
Highest Honors – Chorus
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship
DeMeo Family Scholarship for Performing Arts
New York University Provost’s Grant
New York University Dean’s Grant
New York University J. Eckhouse Scholarship
Pace University President’s Scholarship
Pace University Grant
University of California Santa Barbara Freshman Scholarship
University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship
Southern Oregon Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
University of Portland Holy Cross Scholarship
University of Pacific President’s Scholarship
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Christa Gallagher
2009 Principal’s Art Collection Award – “Seeing Small Insects”
Honors – Design
Ursuline Girl Candidate
Sr. Julie Donnelly Service Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – Communications
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Athlete – Lacrosse
Scholar Athlete – Varsity Basketball
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Honors – AP English 12 Lit/Comp
Honors – Economics
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
ABC 7 Top Scholars Nominee
Cal Grant
University of Oregon Nonresident Dean’s Scholarship
Washington State University Cougar Academic Award
University of California Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship
American Institute of Architects Redwood Empire Scholarship
University of Idaho Scholarship
Gonzaga University Scholarship
Montana State University Scholarship
Coca Cola Scholars Program Semi-finalist
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Silver
Andre Vicini Memorial Scholarship
Helen Kellum Scholarship
Alissa Geving
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
First Female & Youngest 360 Sprint Car Track Champion at Petaluma Speedway
Civil War Sprint Car Series Rookie of the Year
University of Oregon Scholarship
University of Oregon Dean’s Scholarship
Kimberly Gogas
American Math Contest – Third Place UHS
Bank of America Achievement Award – Foreign Language
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Honors – AP Latin Literature
Sonoma County High Point Junior Hunter/Jumper Champion
Diana Gonzalez
2009 CBSL Senior Project Finalist
Bank of America Achievement Award – Family & Life Science
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Highest Honors – Christian Life Styles
Cal Grant
Allyssa Hastings
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Honors – Academic English 12
Honors – Dance II
Montana State University Academic Achievement Award
University of Montana Leadership Achievement & Service Award A sea of 2009 graduation hats
University of Oregon Academic Achievement Award
Michigan State University Out-Of-State Achievement Award
Sarah Jensen
Vanguard University Scholarship
Southern Oregon University Western Undergraduate Exchange Scholarship
Nicole Kazemini
Highest Honors – Photo 1-2
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Most Improved Senior Scholarship
Natalie Kidd
Bank of America Achievement Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Highest Honors – Yearbook
Honors – US Government
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Ecology
ABC 7 Top Scholars Nominee
Every Fifteen Minutes Achievement
American University Dean’s Scholarship
Boston University Dean’s Scholarship
University of Miami Dean’s Scholarship
Northeastern University Dean’s Scholarship
Yvonne Labbé
Ursuline Girl Candidate
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Literature of Film
Honors – AP English 12 Lit/Comp
Cal Grant
Italian Catholic Federation Scholarship
Loyola New Orleans Scholarship
Loyola New Orleans Grant
Loyola New Orleans Campus Visit Tuition Credit
Loyola New Orleans Cardoner Leadership Fellowship
Asian Pacific Maria Elena Yuchengco Memorial Journalism Scholarship
St. Edward’s University Scholarship
St. Edward’s University Grant
St. Edward’s University Donor Scholarship
Seattle University Arrupe Scholarship
Seattle University Grant
University of San Francisco Grant
University of the Incarnate Word Dean’s Scholarship
University of the Incarnate Word Grant
Notre Dame de Namur University Belmont Scholarship
Sarah Langer
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Journalism/Media
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Christian Life Styles
North Coast Builders Exchange Scholarship
Amelia Lincoln
Ursuline Girl Candidate
AP Scholar Award
UC Eligibility in the Local Context: Top 4%
2009 CBSL Senior Project of the Year
Sr. Gabriel O’Connor Leadership Award
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Plaque Winner
Science & Math
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Community Action
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Athlete – Soccer
NBL All League – Second Team – Soccer
Press Democrat All Empire NBL Scholar Athlete of the Year
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Honors – AP English 12 Lit/Comp
Honors – French IV
13
Class of 2009
Ursuline Graduates
2009 Senior Awards
Honors – AP Calculus
Honors – AP Physics
Honors – US Government
Press Democrat Teen Faces
Girls Nation 2008 Representative from California
Girls Nation Most Outstanding Senator
Girls Nation Most Outstanding Senator Scholarship
National Ursuline Educational Service Student Recognition
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship - Semi-finalist
Rotary Club of Santa Rosa Outstanding Student Award
Berkeley Leadership Scholarship Finalist
Jacqueline Madison
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – US Government
Esperanza Service Award
Senior processional at Sonoma
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Bronze
Claire McGowan
State University
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
St. Mary’s College Scholarship
Cortney McIntosh
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Academic English 12
Dominican University Presidential Scholarship
Dominican University Grant
Pell Grant
Meagan McNaughton
Honors – Graphic Design
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Kirsten Memmer
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Honors – Academic English 12
Honors – Faith
Honors – Environmental Science
Jennifer Meyer
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Excellence in Dance Award
Outstanding Senior Athlete
Scholar Athlete Swimming and Diving
2009 Empire Swimming Best 1 Meter Diving
Press Democrat All Empire NBL Athlete of the Year
Honors – Graphic Design
Sonoma County Math Steeplechase Competition
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Sophia Molavi
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Photoshop 1
Global Young Leaders Conference – Budapest, Vienna and Prague
Michelle Moorehead
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Colleen Mullen
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Highest Honors – Academic English 12
Highest Honors – Trig/Precalculus
Highest Honors – Faith
Highest Honors – US Government
Highest Honors – Economics
Honors – Chorus
Honors – Physics
CMEA Choir Award – Excellent Rating
Dewey and Irene Baldocchi Memorial Scholarship
Natalie Netter
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Honors – Painting
National Ursuline Student Leadership Conference Representative
Constance Noonan
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Scholar Athlete – Cross Country
Scholar Athlete – Track
CMEA Choir Award – Excellent Rating
Placida Ordaz
NBL – All League – First Team – Softball
Arizona State University Grant
Arizona State University University Grant
(Left to right)Angelina Duckett
Chaminade University Leadership Scholarship
and Madeleine Diab inside St.
Pell Grant
Victoria Oswald
Joseph’s Catholic Church at the
2009 CBSL Senior Project Finalist
Baccalaureate Mass.
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
14
Natalia Rabellino
Highest Honors – Painting
Alyssa Ramazzotti
Bank of America Plaque Winner – Fine Arts
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Four Year Music Award
Highest Honors – Advanced Choir
Honors – Spanish II
CMEA Choir Award – Excellent Rating
Scholar Performing Arts – “Charley’s Aunt”
Scholar Performing Arts – “High School Musical”
Scholar Leadership Award
Every Fifteen Minutes Recognition
Linfield College Grant
Rachel Rapp
Four year music award recipient
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Alyssa Ramazzotti with
Honors – Yearbook
Ursuline’s Choir Director
Irish Dance World Championships 2009
Bethany Neese.
Jane Reilley
2009 Ursuline High School Co-Valedictorian
Ursuline Girl Candidate
UC Eligibility in the Local Context: Top 4%
Bank of America Plaque Winner – Liberal Arts
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Athlete – Golf
Highest Honors – AP English 12 Lit/Comp
Highest Honors – AP Latin Literature
Honors – US Government
National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Scholar Leadership Award
Daughter’s of the American Revolution – Good Citizen Award
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship – Semi-finalist
University of California Los Angeles Scholarship Recognition Award
University of California Davis Regent’s Scholarship
Tulane University Presidential Scholarship
Santa Clara University Family Scholarship
Bryana Robles
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Christina Romeo
2009 Ursuline High School Salutatorian
UC Eligibility in the Local Context: Top 4%
Bank of America Achievement Award – Science
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Honors – French IV
Honors – Faith
Honors – US Government
Honors – Economics
Honors – Psychology
Scholar Leadership Award
ABC 7 Top Scholars Nominee
University of the Pacific President’s Scholarship
University of the Pacific Grant
Alizah Rotman
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Athletics
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
NBL All League – Second Team – Cross Country
Willamette University Scholarship
Rebecca Royston
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
2009 CBSL Senior Project Finalist
University of California Santa Cruz Grant
Dominican University Scholarship
Santa Clara University Grant
Most Improved Senior Scholarship
Alexis Rubattino
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Athlete – Soccer
NBL All League – Second Team – Soccer
Highest Honors – Spanish III
Honors – AP Calculus
President/Principal Julie Carver
Sonoma County Math Steeplechase Competition
congratulates Shelby Demello at
Santa Clara University Scholarship – Soccer
Fresno State Scholarship – Soccer
the Senior Awards ceremony.
Notre Dame de Namur University Scholarship – Soccer
Class of 2009
Ursuline Graduates
2009 Senior Awards
Amy Sautter
Bank of America Achievement Award Family & Life Science
Erika Sorensen
Bank of America Achievement Award – Computer Studies
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Highest Honors – Web Design 2
Lucy Stevenot
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Highest Honors – Latin III Honors
Honors – Trig/Precalculus
Honors – Faith
Honors – Physics
Honors – Economics
President/Principal Julie
University of the Pacific President’s Scholar
Myrna Stevenot
Carver congratulates Akilah
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Douglas at the 2009 graduation
President’s Award for Educational Excellence
ceremony.
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Honors – Latin III Honors
Honors – Faith
Gonzaga Dussault Scholarship
Richmond American International University, London, Dean’s Scholarship
Brittany Swelam
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Rotary Leadership Recognition
GinaLisa Tamayo
Scholar Athlete – Golf
NBL All League – Second Team – Golf
Bank of America Achievement Award – Music
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee English/Foreign Language/Education
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Honors – Advanced Choir
CMEA Choir Award – Excellent Rating
Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award
2009 CBSL Senior Project Finalist
Susan Taylor
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Cal Grant
Every Fifteen Minutes Recognition
Boise State University Western Exchange Scholarship
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Christina Tognetti
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
NBL – Most Valuable Player – Soccer
All Empire Player of the Year for Soccer
St. Mary’s College Scholarship, Soccer
St. Mary’s College Academic Scholarship
Christine Trezise
Ursuline 2009 graduates—
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
President’s Award for Educational Achievement
joyous and playful.
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Scholar Leadership Award
Highest Honors – Psychology
Kayla Vann
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Valerie Vann
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Amanda Vannucchi
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Eckerd College Academic Achievement Scholarship
University of Tampa Grant
Hawaii Pacific University Scholarship
Jocelyn Villavicencio
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – Religious Studies
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Jennifer Meyer and Ursuline
Scholar Leadership
Honors – Creative Writing
Dance teacher Gabriella
Honors – Academic English 12
Thompson at the Senior Awards
Honors – Spanish III
Ceremony. Jennifer was the
Cal Grant
Dominican University Dean’s Scholarship
recipient of the 2009
Dominican University Grant
Outstanding Senior Athlete and
Jenaca Voth
the Excellence in Dance awards.
Senior Athlete Award Nominee
Honors – Dance II
Amanda Wilcox
Sr. Bernard Gleason Honor Roll Award
Arizona State University Grant
Arizona State University University Grant
California State University Sacramento State Grant
Pell Grant
Ashley Wilkinson
Highest Honors – Drawing
Allison Zegarra
2009 CBSL Senior Project of the Year
California Scholarship Federation – Lifetime Member
Bank of America Achievement Award – English
Press Democrat Youth Service Award Nominee – Agricultural/Vocational
Sr. Mary Peter Dresser Honor Roll Award
Scholar Athlete – Water Polo
Scholar Leadership Award
Scholar Performing Arts – “High School Musical”
Highest Honors – Public Speaking
Kohl’s Kids Who Care Nominee
Press Democrat Point of View – Teen Life Essay
National Ursuline Educational Service Student Recognition
Lewis & Clark College Leadership & Service Scholarship
Santa Clara University Grant
Saint Mary’s College Honors at Entrance Scholarship
Occidental College Achievement Scholarship
Pitzer College Spring Diversity Program
Girl Scout Gem of a Girl Runner Up
Girl Scout Gold Award
Prudential Spirit of Community Service, UHS Nominee
President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold
Four Year Award Honorees—Congratulations Graduates!
Seniors and Freshmen of Ursuline High School on
Senior Award Ceremony day.
2009 Co-Valedictorians
Jane Reilley and Amelia Lincoln
2009 Salutatorian
Christina Romeo
Ursuline Girl Award
Tina Beigelbeck
Ursuline Award Ceremony Senior Speaker
Tina Beigelbeck
Outstanding Senior Athlete
Jennifer Meyer
Excellence in Dance
Jennifer Meyer
Four year Music Award
Alyssa Ramazzotti
Sr. Edmund Fallon Drama Award
Tina Beigelbeck and Lindsay Ferrigno
Sr. Gabriel O’Connor Leadership Award
Amelia Lincoln
Sr. Julie Donnelly Service Award
Andriana Duckworth and Sarah Germini
15
Class of 2009
A Generous Alum Resurrects Student Award
In April, Alumnae Stacey Benoist-Herve reinstated the “Most Improved
Student Award,” the award that she received herself when she
graduated from Ursuline in 1978. “When I received this award, it made
a huge impact on my life. It gave me the boost in confidence I needed
to go on to accomplish many things in my life. I hope this award and
cash gift will also do the same for someone else.” It is because of the
generosity of community members like Stacey that we’re able to
continue our mission of educating young women to “seek knowledge,
clarify values and act on convictions.”
For more information about Ursuline Scholarships,
please contact Margaux Hardy, Director of Advancement,
at mhardy@ursulinehs.org or (707) 524-1130 ext 142.
“The Most Improved Student” award recipients for 2009. (Left to right) Winner
Rebecca Royston, scholarship donator Stacey Benoist-Herve and Winner Nicole
Kazemini.
A Place Like No Other—A Graduation Reflection
By Patricia Rota, Spanish Teacher
Ursuline Spanish teacher Patricia Rota with the sophomore class council.
I have just returned from graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2009.
Although I didn’t know many of the seniors (it is my first year of
teaching Spanish to mostly underclasswomen at Ursuline), I felt the
familiar pride of walking with them and knowing we are launching
young men and women who have received the best of education.
I left my teaching position at Newman nine years ago. I had taught
Spanish there for seven years and in leaving I did not know how difficult
it was going to be to find this amazing learning environment anywhere
else. Trying to find it in both Florida and California (in private and public
schools) proved to be futile. In my search, I kept longing for that unique
combination of academic excellence, genuine care, spiritual guidance
and mostly a truly loving environment for students and teachers, a place
where all felt secure enough to grow. The search led me back to where I
knew it existed, to Ursuline.
16
This combination of “loving while educating” has been evident to me all
year. Mostly, I witnessed it in the week of several events sequenced into
such a clear message to our students. I saw how at the Mother/Daughter
Brunch we could provide a ceremony of recognition and exaltation of this
deep bond and of the passage of letting go. In the next few days we, as a
school, experienced “Every 15 Minutes” together and the sobering reality
and responsibility of this love for each other. This was followed by Holy
Thursday and the “Washing of the Feet”—where along with the service
of maintaining our lovely campus, the sophomore class actually washed
each other’s feet. The culmination of this humble and symbolic act gave
the week another deeply felt dimension of what we are to each other.
Again, I couldn’t help but juxtapose the bounty of these events next
to my prior experience at many other schools. There is such grace at
Ursuline and Newman—and the students are what make this possible.
They are so able and willing to receive, to ponder and to incorporate into
their being what is being offered. Then, best of all, they manifest this
into the world.
There will always be a lingering sadness that all young people don’t seem
to be given these possibilities. From what I have seen, young people
everywhere seem to yearn for this full range of guidance in their lives. But
for now, I am simply honored and grateful to be a part of this reality.
Class of 2009
Recent Grad Moves to Ireland, Prepares for
College in New Country By Caitlin Feldman, Class of 2009
So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself
in the culture here and learning something new
every day. I am not nervous about going to school
here, because I feel like I have great community
support (my
family, friends,
Ursuline) to
give me the
confidence to
just keep
challenging
myself, and
having fun
while I do it. I
feel like
my past
experiences
have enabled
me to go out
into the world with confidence and to not be afraid
of differences and instead embrace them!
I’m very excited about attending the University in
Galway. Last Friday, I went to have a tour and fell in
love with the campus. Before this visit I was feeling
somewhat apprehensive, because I hadn’t signed
up for any classes or even heard from the college
about orientation like all of my friends back in the
U.S. In visiting the college I found out why. They
take a three week test that is cumulative of their
entire education for the most part. They take this
test at the end of their final year of what would be
equivalent to high school in the states. The students
themselves apply to about four different Universities
or various programs and don’t know if they’ve been
accepted until early August. Then, depending purely
on their test scores, they can go to what University
they’ve been accepted to. So orientation and class
registration isn’t until late August!
I have also found that their programs are much
different here. I am enrolled in the Bachelor of
Science (undeclared) which means that the only
classes I will take are science-based. My first year of
college, I will take only science courses, no English,
no electives, no extra math. Here, once you have
chosen your major you stay just in that subject. I do
have mixed feelings about this in that if you don’t
know where you want to go it’s a little more difficult
to just try a little of everything like in the U.S. In the
States just about everyone takes similar classes their
first two years, and that’s what I was expecting. But
for someone like me who knew what she wanted
to do, it’s great because you don’t have to take all
those other classes that don’t really relate to your
major. I get to jump right into what I’m interested
in! Some might think that this model doesn’t
provide as well of a rounded education, but others
say you can learn more in depth information about
a specific subject; so as of now, I feel that I will get a
lot out of just focusing on my major.
The Spirit
of St. Angela
Award
The Spirit of St. Angela Award
is given to the student in each
grade level (9-11) who
epitomizes the core values that
form the mission and philosophy
of all Ursuline Schools
throughout the world. At each
grade level, one student is voted
upon by their peers from among
the nominees as being the
student who in the past year has
most exemplified the Ursuline
core values of respect,
responsibility, self confidence,
leadership, support, hard work,
caring, service, vision and
spirituality.
Grade 9
Winner: Belden Long
If someone would have told me five years ago that I
was going to move from my small town in Northern
Indiana, go to high school in California, and then
go to college in Ireland, I probably would have
laughed and walked away in disbelief. But all of this
has happened! In moving to California, I feel like I
finally broke free of my comfort bubble and began
to realize that there is so much in the world worth
seeing. The second I had the opportunity to move to
Ireland, I jumped on it knowing that it would be a
chance of a lifetime.
I’m loving every moment here in Galway, Ireland—
even getting caught in the rain!
Nominees:
Indigo Bannister
Lauren Forsell
Elizabeth Herman
Kelsey Reilley
Grade 10
Winner: Tina Traboulsi
Nominees:
Kimberly Curran
Angeline Kelly
Hanna Paulson
Isabelle Straka
Grade 11
Winner: Michelle Stone
Nominees:
Yasmin Almanaseer
Allyson Beach
Madelyne Trione
Ellery Young
17
Ursuline Employee News
Ursuline
Honors Its
Longtime
Employees
These faculty and staff have
over 25 years of dedicated
service to Ursuline High School
and the Ursuline community.
We thank them for their
incredible commitment to
our students.
33 Years
Fran Osegueda
30 Years
Cyndi Niendorf
29 Years
Carol August
Faculty and Staff Member of the Year-We Honor You
Each year the Ursuline
Faculty and Staff vote
for the faculty member
and staff member who
“epitomize the core
values that form the
mission and philosophy
of all Ursuline Institutions throughout the world.”
Two individuals tied for the faculty of the year
honor, Mike Kamplain and Kathy Snodgrass.
Fellow employees said of Kathy: “She has created more
meaningful liturgies, worked on Every Fifteen Minutes,
does the Frosh overnight and she teaches too!” For
Kathy’s inspired work on liturgies, Day of the Dead,
sleepovers and so many other activities.
Fellow employees said of Mike: “Mike has helped to
develop the liturgy program and retreats. His leadership
Congratulations and our heart felt thanks to these
cherished members of our Ursuline family.
The 2009 Senior Teacher Choice Award was
presented to Alice Meyer. This award is given by
the senior class to the teacher they feel was most
inspirational and influential in their school years at
Ursuline. Senior Award Speaker Tina Beigelbeck
hugs winner teacher Alice Meyer after the award
announcement.
Please Take a Bow
President/Principal
Julie Carver was
honored in the May
issue of the North Bay
Business Journal as an
innovative North Bay
leader in education.
Others honored included 15 other university
and college presidents, area superintendents
and just three high school administrators.
Congratulations Ms. Carver!
18
This year’s staff winner is
Lisa Ormond, Co-Director of Admissions. Fellow
employees said of Lisa:
“Lisa has changed the
culture. Her contacts,
strategy and
perseverance greatly benefit Ursuline in the wider
community of Sonoma County. She has made a
wonderful difference in recruiting and uniting the school
and has involved the faculty in a very positive way.”
Senior Teacher Choice Award
27 Years
Luigi Fabiano
26 Years
Caryn Inman
Nancy Michnevich
Lisa Quinn
is extremely valuable to our school community.”
Another said, “He is rooted in spirituality.”
Lauren Frost receives her
credential at a ceremony in
early June.
Ursuline and Cardinal
Newman teacher
Lauren Frost
completed her single
subject teaching
credential this spring
from Dominican
University of California.
Congratulations on
your achievement
Lauren!
Ursuline Employee News
The Counseling Department
A Group of Lifelong Learners
Last fall, Director of
College Counseling Cyndi
Niendorf attended the
National Association for
College Admissions
Counselors Conference in
Seattle for an update on
Counselors Elfi Bailey, Molly
trends in college
Guerra and Carol August
admissions. While in
Seattle, she visited Seattle University and University
of Washington.
Emerson College, Bentley University, Clark
University and Worchester Polytechnic Institute.
Mrs. Niendorf also toured University of Victoria,
Simon Fraser University, Emily Carr University and
University of British Columbia this past year. In the
spring, Mrs. Niendorf participated in a Boston area
tour of colleges - including Simmons College,
In addition, Ursuline counselors annually attend
the University of California and California State
University counselor workshops in addition to other
workshops sponsored by College Board, ACT, and
Financial Aid to stay current in their field.
“Just as we guide our students about the
importance of seeing a campus, these counselor
trips expand our knowledge about colleges and
universities outside California and help us make
recommendations to our students. The opportunity
to interact with a group of 50 college counselors
from around the world is a rich, educational
experience,” said Mrs. Niendorf.
Catholic Congress Conference
By Kathy Snodgrass, Campus Ministry Advisor
I was privileged to attend this three day event where
over 45,000 Catholics from around the country were
in attendance. “Love unfolding...Igniting our Yes” was
the theme of the 2009 Los Angeles Religious
Education Congress (RSC) held at the Anaheim
Convention Center. RSC Director of the Los Angeles
Office of Religious Education Sr. Edith Prendergast
said of the theme, “Love unfolding is the way of Jesus,
calling his disciples to ‘come and see,’ calling us into
deeper friendship and interconnection with Him and
with all of life. This bond of oneness, this fastening of
the spirit to God, sustains us on the path, generates
and ignites a fresh energy, and propels us to give
voice to our ‘yes’ anew.”
The event started with Youth Day where
16,000 enthusiastic young people gathered for a
celebration mass. During workshops, teenagers
sang along to popular Catholic music and listened to
dynamic speakers addressed such subjects as dating
and peer pressure. On day two, the adult workshops
began and over 300 choices of speakers were
presented from such topics as faith and culture,
Catholic women in the church, forming faith in teens,
creating meaningful liturgies for teens, liturgical
dance and social action.
I am grateful to our President/Principal Julie Carver
who has said “yes” to the many new ideas that
we’ve been able to implement in Campus Ministry
this past year. Most of the ideas were a direct result
of the “fresh energy” that Sr. Prendergast spoke
about and I myself experienced at the Congress
gathering. At Ursuline’s liturgies for example, we
have been able to improve the environment of the
gym, the location of the celebrations and we’ve
used technology during large prayer gatherings.
The sound system was updated to enhance the
overall experience. Also, we’ve worked closely
with Ursuline’s Choir to create a lively but prayerful
experience at all liturgies. It’s my hope that I’ll again
attend this event next year, keeping my spiritual
energies ignited for developing and directing future
Campus Ministry activities.
2008-2009
Campus
Ministry
We Appreciate You
Ursuline students, faculty
and staff thank the following
dedicated students and
Campus Ministry Coordinator
Kathy Snodgrass for their
tireless efforts in our Liturgy
Celebrations this year. All
were beautiful, meaningful
and wonderful!
Bethany Codding
Kimberely Curran
Torina Giannetto
Haily MacDonald
Amanda Oseguera
Tina Traboulsi
Elizabeth Wang
Savannah Clements
Felicia Afuan
Allyson Beach
Jasmine DeMange
Bailey Desmond
AnneMarie Destruel
Lauren Gibson
Gianna Gonnella
Kelsey Pighin
Alexandra Robertson
Rachael Rochioli
Michelle Stone
Madelyne Trione
Olivia Turnross
Ellery Young
Tina Beigelbeck
Sarah Bertrero
Andriana Duckworth
Caitlin Feldman
Lindsay Ferrigno
Sarah Germini
Yvonne Labbé
Amelia Lincoln
Jennifer Meyer
Jane Reilley
Palm Burning Procession
commemorating Ash Wednesday.
Students, Staff and Faculty
participate in a solemn procession
that leads into the Ursuline gym.
19
Student Perspective
Mother
Daughter
Brunch
The Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference
and Inauguration By Allyson Beach, Class of 2010
Savannah Clements, Class of 2011
The Mother Daughter Brunch
was so much fun and a huge
success! It seemed like all the
girls enjoyed spending time
with their moms and
grandmas. The event began
with a great welcoming talk
from Mrs. Rota about her
personal experiences with
her daughters and about the
special bond they share.
Instead of a fashion show,
this year the sophomore
class decided to have
karaoke. A couple of moms
and daughters got up and
sang together and it was
really funny. I really like this
event, because it provides a
different way to bond with
my mom and the rest of my
classmates, and I enjoyed
seeing everyone dressed up
and having fun together. The
Mother Daughter celebration
is a special way to honor the
bond between mother and
daughter which there isn’t
always time for in our busy
lives.
20
The 2008 presidential race was an exciting chain of
events to watch, but being there in the crowd on
Inauguration Day, as a witness to history, was
monumental. I was one of eight students from
Ursuline and Cardinal Newman who attended the
Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference. We began
the week with talks from Lisa Ling, General Colin
Powel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Al Gore. Then
Inauguration Day came. In the crowd of two million
people, I could feel the energy and excitement of
the surrounding American people: waving flags,
cheering, laughing, standing close together.
Throughout the morning and during President
Obama’s acceptance speech, I could hear the elderly
African American women, wrapped tight in their
fur coats, weeping and see them hugging each
other. I saw soldiers in uniform, children from
schools, and students from college standing in awe.
I saw firsthand the pride and happiness of the
American public. I learned about the importance of
patriotism, solidarity, camaraderie and the
appreciation for the accomplishments of one
another. I will always remember that day.
Jacqueline Payne, Class of 2012
Hoards of people,
long lines and
the chilly wind
biting at exposed
skin were all a
part of my
experience at
Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration.
Surrounded by millions of people, I listened as
Obama, the 44th President of the United States and
the first African American president was sworn into
office. Those who were watching this event from
home did not feel the surge of energy that I did at
this moment. Joyous screams filled the air and
American flags were seen waving across the crowd
of almost 1.6 million people. Meanwhile, a couple
had climbed on top of an information booth to hold
a sign that read: “I have a dream. Dreams come
true.” This banner waving in the wind summed up
my experience that day which made my trip
life-changing. It was on this day I was proud to be
an American.
The World History Trials
By Angeline Kelly, Class of 2011
All of the
sophomores
were really
energized and a
little nervous
about the World
History Trials.
The night before
the trials we
practiced our lines and got our clothes ready
– we were told we needed to look professional.
The whole experience was one that I won’t
forget. There was excitement in the air for all of
the sophomores as we prepared for the trials.
Mr. Herrmann made it really interesting and I
couldn’t believe how much we all got into it!
Seeing my classmates up on the witness stand
and being cross- examined made this history
lesson about the French Revolution come alive.
Student Perspective
A Grateful Senior Goodbye
By Shelby DeMello, Class of 2009
Throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe
harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore.
Dream. Discover. – Mark Twain
Today, as I
reminisce about
the four years at
Ursuline, some of
my most
memorable
experiences came
through my
involvement in
the theater arts program. As a freshman, I was first
and foremost a dancer having little experience in
theater. Not only did Ursuline provide me
opportunities to act, dance and sing onstage,
but I also managed, participated in set design
and choreographed offstage. These experiences
connected me with lifetime friends, helped me
build my confidence, and allowed me to broaden
my horizons as a dancer.
I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to
experience new things, make new friends, and build
my future. My Ursuline education prepared me
well. I will attend UC Davis in the fall. To my fellow
seniors, the support and love you have shared has
inspired me to be a better person—thank you.
Every Fifteen Minutes
By Marjorie Broffman, Class of 2010
The whole experience didn’t really hit me until I
was under the emergency blanket, hearing the fire
truck race towards the car where my friend Kyle
Decker and I were trapped. I had a million thoughts
running through my head, but there was no time to
focus on just one, and the only thing I could think
about was the task
at hand. The
experience was
one that I am so
grateful I was able
to experience. From
the minute I walked
into the room and
had fake blood put
all over my face, to
the final stage of
the process where
I ended up sitting
directly in front of my mom at my own funeral, the
level of intensity of this process was extreme.
every aspect of this event work. How every day this
“situation” happens and many people are affected
and not just families, but also those who have to
deal with the injured and deceased. The message
from the experience was that all of these people
could be spared the pain and feelings of loss, if
only people would
think before getting
into a car, and not
make the decision
to drink and drive.
Though every
person’s experience
who was involved
in this program was
different, I believe I
can say that the life
of every individual
who participated in
the Every Fifteen Minutes was changed, including
my own.
Although people were able to view what each
participant went through, nobody was able to see
the amount of effort and time that it took to make
Editor’s Note: The Every Fifteen Minutes Program is a realistic simulation
designed to educate students about the dangers of drunk driving and
distracted driving.
Student
Elections
and Council
By Belden Long, Class of 2012
This year, along with
entering the wonderful new
world of Ursuline sisterhood,
came many exciting
opportunities and one of
those was Student Council.
Many of us young, curious
freshman at the bottom of
the food chain, were eager to
lead and have an active voice
in our community. With
creative posters, catchy
slogans and entertaining
speeches the freshman
elections were a huge aspect
to our year. Although there
were limited positions
available, everyone showed
great sportsmanship.
Through the elections, we
were able to unite as a class.
We got to know one another
and began to see the many
bright personalities of our
fellow classmates. The
Freshman Student Council
was spirited, enthusiastic
and responsible. You could
always count on us to get our
class pumped about trying to
beat the seniors in crazy rally
competitions. Leadership is
one of the most admirable
virtues and is an
incredible opportunity
offered to students at
Ursuline.
21
Admissions
Banner Year in Admissions—Looking Ahead
By Lisa Ormond, Co-Director of Admissions
The Freshman Class of 2013 will soon be upon the Ursuline campus, full
of energy and excitement about their new school and community. It
has been an incredible year in Admissions. Both Kathleen and I want to
thank the administration, the Board of Trustees, the faculty and staff,
and our Ursuline parents and students for making this a year to
remember and for standing by our sides as we diligently worked to
enroll girls at Ursuline High School.
Our fantastic freshman! Ashley
Rosenberg, Sinead Lafferty,
Breanna Walsh and Sarah Wiggins
(left to right).
Over 70 freshmen students will walk
through Ursuline’s halls on the first
day of school and there’s reason to
celebrate! A positive enrollment trend
is in the making. The Admissions
Department developed and
implemented several new recruiting
and marketing strategies this past
year in an effort to reacquaint our
general community about Ursuline
and to invite them to visit campus.
held three larger-scale open house events, and also hosted seven “mini”
ones during the year with about 42 families joining us for those. The
number of students who shadowed in 2008-2009 exploded with over 65
girls visiting on 14 different days. Also, Admissions made 15 classroom
presentations with Link Crew girls to Catholic, charter and public schools
throughout the school year.
We’re looking forward to next year’s 2014 student recruitment. We ask
that you please tell your friends, neighbors, business associates, and
others about our wonderful school. Even with modern technologies,
personal referrals and friendly conversation are still the best methods of
bringing students and parents to campus. Please continue to help us in
our efforts.
Editor’s Note: The 2009-2010 Admissions Events Calendar is provided on the last page of the FOCUS.
Feel free to share these dates (Preview Day, Open Houses, Placement Tests, etc.) with those you
know. Thank you.
Savannah Clements (Junior Class
President and Link Crew leader)
makes sure her “shadows” are
comfortable on the Ursuline
front porch.
From October 2008 through July 2009, we were proactively telling
others about Ursuline in many different ways. Starting with October’s
Preview Day where 115 8th grade girls visited the campus until the
final Parent Visitation Day in June, prospective students and parents
were continuously guided around campus to learn more. Admissions
Ursuline Girl Camps Sizzled during the Summer
By Kathleen Kelly, Co-Director of Admissions
Ursuline offered 14 unique camp experiences and fun for girls this
summer on our campus. Over 200 girls spent a week on Ursuline’s school
grounds participating in all types of cool summer fun. There was a
camp for every girl and interest including: fencing, lacrosse, water polo,
basketball, drama, Art and Dance from Around the World, Mind-BodySpirit camp for teen girls and more. Many students stayed for a morning
and afternoon session and hung out in Brescia Courtyard for lunch and
music.
Caitlyn Crandall, Class of 2000, was back on campus running an engaging
Drama Camp. Girls between the ages of 12 and 14 from many different areas
of Sonoma County came together for fun and friendship. We are listening to
the feedback from camp participants. Stay tuned for next summer’s camp
offerings which may include an Extreme Adventure Camp for Girls!
22
Summer Camp welcome sign
Girls practice their newly learned
fencing skills.
Admissions
Link Crew Leaders Serve Ursuline in Many Ways
By Alice Meyer, Link Coordinator and Ursuline faculty member
As a Catholic school, a strong community is essential to our mission. The Link Crew leaders provide
our new students with their first glimpse
of what it means to be part of the Ursuline
community. These students are an integral part of
Ursuline High School and how we welcome girls
to the Ursuline sisterhood. Link Crew consists of
about twenty junior and senior students who are
apt leaders and communicators. Ursuline’s Link
Crew facilitates new Student Orientation and
Preview Day. Throughout the year they also
give presentations to middle school students,
prospective families and community members;
always with grace, pride and friendliness. These
students represent Ursuline and have an
important role as the “first face” students and
parents see.
Perhaps the truest testament to the Link Crew
is that nearly fifty girls this year applied for just
twenty 2009-2010 Link positions. Students
usually apply for the same reason; because
when they were new to Ursuline, it was a
Link Crew leader who first made them feel
welcomed and they want to give back. What
freshmen Natalie Andrews said of the Link
Crew really sums it up, “Their leadership really
shined through when welcoming us to Ursuline.
They’ve inspired me to be in the Link Crew when
I become an upperclassman.”
We offer wholehearted gratitude to the 20082009 Link Crew for a remarkable year, and
for their commitment and contributions this
past year. We congratulate and welcome the
new 2009-2010 Link Crew members and look
forward to working with them.
2009-2010 Link Crew and incoming freshman at the
2009 Welcome BBQ/Swim Party in May. Frosh Marissa
Greenband, Link Kaitlyn Wright, Link Lindsey
Hazlewood and Freshman Caitlin Hanson (left to right).
2008-2009 Link Crew
Felicia Afuan
Yasmin Almanaseer
Tina Beigelbeck
Adrianna Bertoli
Sarah Bertolli
Kayla Birney
Marjorie Broffman
Kristina Conophy
Bailey Desmond
Madeleine Diab
Andriana Duckworth
Paige Esposti
Caitlin Feldman
Chelsea Forman
Paige Garzini
Sarah Germini
Chelsea Goldschmidt
Allison Harf
Amelia Lincoln
Mariah Longo
Katherine Peterson
Stephanie Pires
Natasha Qabazard
Alyssa Ramazzotti
Rachel Rapp
Jane Reilley
Rebecca Royston
Rebecca Soracco
Michelle Stone
Madelyne Trione
Allison Zegarra
2009-2010 Link Crew
Felicia Afuan
Jennifer Bipes
Erin Clark
Savannah Clements
Bethany Codding
Kim Curran
Kara Groom
Allison Harf
Lindsey Hazlewood
Alex Locey
Dayna McDaniel
Amanda Oseguera
Stephanie Pires
Amanda Pratt
Natalie Qabazard
Rachel Rubattino
Laurel Sleigh
Isabelle Straka
Madelyne Trione
Olivia Turnross
Emily Weiss
Kaitlyn Wright
It’s all in the Family for the Class of 2013!
We proudly welcome the young women listed below who make up Ursuline High School’s Class of 2013. For over 129 years Ursuline has been educating generations of girls; twenty six
members of this exceptional group of young women follow a grandmother, mother or sister who graduated from Ursuline. Many life time friendships are sure to be developed as this
group enters from twenty four different schools! We look forward to getting to know you and your families.
AllysonAhlstrom
Home Schooled
Tica
Anderson
Windsor Middle School
Alessandra Anton
St. John’s Catholic School
Arianna Barragan- Johnson St. Rose Catholic School
Talia
Baugnon
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Katie
Bipes
St. Rose Catholic School
Emily
Bonfigli
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Heidi
Booth
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Janene
Borromeo
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Amanda Broffman
Twin Hills Middle School
McKenna Brooks
St. Rose Catholic School
Jessie
ButlerTwin Hills Middle School
Kara
Chandler
St. Rose Catholic School
Kayla
Cogliano
St. John’s Catholic School
Tori
Conte
Guadalupe Private School
Mariah
Coogan
Sonoma Country Day
Audrey
Dappen
Robert Lewis Stevenson Middle School
Shelby
Darrall
St. Helena Catholic School
Shelby
Deffterios
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Andrea
Duffy
Sonoma Country Day
Kyndall DuttonTwin Hills Middle School
Melany
Duty
Windsor Middle School
Morgan
Edgar
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Taylor
Enzler
St. Mary’s of the Angels Catholic School
EllinoraFilice
St. John’s Catholic School
Maureen Flanagan
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Amelia
Ford
Salmon Creek School
Giulia
Geary
St. Rose Catholic School
Rebecca Glasbrener
Herbert Slater Middle School
Marissa
Greenband
Santa Rosa Charter School
Kelsey
Greenwood
Kenilworth Middle School
Morgan
Griswold
Terra
Groah
Caitlin
Hanson
Logann Haworth
Jacqueline Holtschult
Zoe
Horn
Emily
Knott
Ashlee
Krahne
Sinead
Lafferty
Ashley
LaFranchi
Margaret Leinen
Sarah
Matossian
Jordan
Matteri
Jazlyn
McCoy-Loose
Natasha Meier
Chiara
Nicastro
Paige
Nonella
Madeline North
Madison Ortega
Emily
Papale
Julia
Personeni
Regina
Pozzi
Lana
Procopenko
Natalie Ramirez
Caitlyn
Rei
Audrey
Romano
Ashley
Rosenberg
Marigrace Scrivanich
Anna
Smith
Karen
Somma
Elizabeth Stogner
Windsor Christian Academy
Guadalupe Private School
Santa Rosa Middle School
St. John’s Catholic School
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Mendocino Middle School
Mark West Charter School
Rincon Valley Middle School
St. Rose Catholic School
Healdsburg Middle School
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. John’s Catholic School
Rincon Valley Middle School
Washington School
St. John’s Catholic School
Willowside Middle School
Windsor Middle School
Twin Hills Middle School
St. Eugene’s Catholic School
Willowside Middle School
St. Vincent de Paul School
Willowside Middle School
St. John’s Catholic School
St. Rose Catholic School
Rincon Valley Middle School
St. Rose Catholic School
Mark West Charter School
Rincon Valley Middle School
St. Rose Catholic School
St. Rose Catholic School
Alexandra
Jean
Kaela
Breanna
Kathryn
Sarah
Claire
Jennifer
Taylor
Teague
Trompeter
Wall
Walsh
Walsh
Wiggins
Wilson
Wittry
Young
St. John’s Catholic School
Guadalupe Private School
St. John’s Catholic School
St. Rose Catholic School
St. Rose Catholic School
Rincon Valley Middle School
St. John’s Catholic School
St. Rose Catholic School
St. Vincent de Paul School
*Names in bold represent a student who is connected to a grandmother,
mother or sister who is an Ursuline alumna. Note: this is the current list of
students at the time of publication. Changes may occur prior to the start
of the school year.
The Freshman Class of 2013 and the 2009-2010 Link
Crew pose for a group picture at the Welcome BBQ/
Swim Party held in May.
23
our amazing student athletes
Accomplished Diver Leaves Her Mark
By Jennifer Meyer, Class of 2009
I was a competitive gymnast for
11 years so diving was an easy
transition for me. Competing for
Ursuline’s diving team has been a
huge highlight of my high school
years. The strong support from my
coaches and teammates from
both Ursuline and Newman has
made the experience better than I
could have ever imagined. Having
such great teammates to stick by
you through the hard work and
the fun really created what a high
school sport was all about for me.
Diving forces you to push past
your fears and the lessons that I
have learned from that will stay
At North Coast Section Championships,
with
me for the rest of my life.
Jennifer performs a back somersault, 2
My diving accomplishments:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ursuline’s Most Valuable Diver (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009)
Swimming & Diving Team Captain (2009)
NCS Scholar Athlete (2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009)
Qualified for North Coast Section (2006-2009)
One of the Top 10 divers in Northern California
Undefeated in North Bay League since Sophomore Year
First Team All-Empire (2008)
North Bay League Championships: 2nd Place (2006 and 2007)
North Bay League Champion (2008 and 2009)
2009 Press Democrat’s “Athlete Of The Year” Ursuline’s “Outstanding Senior Athlete” award recipient
Diving for UC Davis next year!
Editor’s Note: This year Jennifer dove against 35 divers in Northern California to place 10th overall
in North Coast Sectional competition. She captured incredible honors both in and out of the pool.
She earned Ursuline’s prestigious Senior Award, “Outstanding Senior Athlete,” for her athletic and
scholastic accomplishments. Congratulations Jennifer!
1/2 twists dive.
Humbly Breaking Records Her Way
By Michelle Stone, Class of 2010
The 2009 track season was a whirlwind for me. I started the season by
breaking the Ursuline pole vault record with a jump of 10’7” at my first
meet and from there continued to set higher bars (literally). Daniel
Greinke and I set a co-ed team meet record at the Piner Gold Rush
Relays, and I also broke the meet record at the Santa Rosa All City
competition. I placed first at the North Coast Section (NCS) finals to
qualify for the Meet of Champions in Berkeley, where I took second place
and then headed down to Clovis to compete at the CIF State Track and
Field Championship.
The State meet was incredible, because the stadium was full of the
energy of over 9,000 athletes, coaches and spectators. It was
inspirational to see the other vaulters, but it was also amazing to
watch the runners, jumpers and throwers, several of whom broke
national records while I was there. At State, I qualified in the
preliminaries to compete in the finals, where I jumped a personal
best of 11’10” which tied me for seventh place. This vault ranks me first
all-time in the Empire and fifth all-time in NCS. I have improved my
vaulting by 28 inches since last season, and I only hope to progress more
24
next year. I have been fortunate to be able to compete in this amazing
event, and I can’t believe the support I have received from the Ursuline
and Newman community.
Michelle vaulting to her personal best, Empire Record and Ursuline school record
of 11’10” at the CIF State Track and Field Championship.
Editor’s Note: Michelle’s seventh-place state finish was the best by a girl pole vaulter in Ursuline High
School and Redwood Empire history. That a way Michelle!
our amazing student athletes
Lacrosse at Ursuline High School? That’s Right!
Reflecting on the Inaugural Season - By Lauren Gibson, Class of 2010
Starting a new sport at
Ursuline was not an easy
task, especially since most
girls had never held a
lacrosse stick or seen a real
game played before. In the
spring of 2008, I started
talking to friends about
how it would be really fun if
we could have a school
team and many people
were interested. I will never
forget the first time I finally
got a group of girls out to
play catch. From there, I
organized some more
Lauren Gibson in a playful moment
clinics and more girls
started showing up. With the help of the Ursuline’s administration, our
coach Steve Kozlowski, and many parents, Ursuline now has its own
lacrosse team.
Our spring season was a fun, exciting and memorable experience. Our
team worked so hard to learn the basics of the game, and I was amazed
at how much our team improved by the end of the season. The two
games that we won were extremely rewarding. Our team was also
awarded with the North Coast Scholastic Girls Lacrosse Championship
Team Award for outstanding academic excellence. I am so grateful to all
of the girls who took a chance to be apart of the lacrosse team. I have
learned so much from all of my teammates and from this experience.
Next year, we will be apart of MCAL league and I can’t wait to continue
helping the lacrosse program develop.
Editor’s Note: Lauren Gibson is the student
who first had the vision and initiative to
start the lacrosse team at Ursuline. Thank
you Lauren for your efforts—the team,
future teams and Ursuline High School
commend you. Lacrosse has now become
part of Ursuline’s athletic culture because
of you.
Those lacrosse girls sure have fun!
Senior Goalie Natalie Netter
Scholastic Honors for Lacrosse Team
Way to Go Girls!
The UHS Lacrosse team was awarded the North Coast Scholastic Girls Lacrosse Championship Team Award
for 2009. This award is given to the top three teams in each division. Bears Lacrosse earned the award with a
team grade point average of 3.46. We are proud of you girls!
25
Ursuline Winter/Spring Sports
Softball
By Mary Cooper, Coach
The Varsity softball team
concluded an outstanding
2009 season. They had a
fourth place league finish
with a 7 – 7 league record
and 12 – 10 – 1 overall record
in Division III. The Bears
made their 10th North Coast
Section appearance in the
last 11 years losing to Drake
5-4. Seniors Placida Ordaz
.415, Valerie Vann .362 and
Kayla Vann led team hitting
with a .361 batting average.
The Bears pitching rotation
of senior Kerissa Catania,
sophomore Haily MacDonald
and freshman Hailey
Eisenhauer proved instrumental
in the teams’ success. Placida
Ordaz and Haily MacDonald
were selected the NBL All
league 1st Team and Valerie
Vann and Hailey Eisenhauer
were selected All League 2nd
team. The Bears are looking
forward to their 2010 season
returning nine players to their
roster and competing in their
bi-annual softball
tournament in Las Vegas.
26
Basketball
By Jeff Paul, Coach
The 2008-09 Bears Basketball season was a very
special one. The girls worked extremely hard and
very well together resulting in some incredible team
accomplishments for Ursuline. The varsity,
junior varsity and freshman all won North Bay
League (NBL) titles. For the first time since 2004, the
Bears varsity team won the League title. Also, for
the first since 2004, the varsity Bears swept the
Montgomery Vikings beating them at home in
overtime and on their home court 64-60. The varsity
team finished the season with a league record of
12-2 and an overall record of 19-10. Four players
earned all league titles: Junior Tara Puccioni and
Sophomore Jordan Henry were first team All-League
selections and Senior Sarah Germini, Junior Ellery
Young and Junior Bronte Sheahan received
Honorable Mention selections. The Bears also had
two of its members make the Press Democrat’s
All-Redwood Empire team. Congratulations to Jordan
Henry for being selected first team All-Redwood
Empire and Tara Puccioni for her second team
selection honor.
The freshmen team finished the season strong with
a 13-1 league and an overall record of 21-3. Both
teams won NBL titles.
The Bears basketball program is a young program
with the varsity team only graduating one senior
this year. Thank you Senior Sarah Germini for your
great career as an Ursuline player, but also for serving
as a great role model for younger players. Ursuline
parents and basketball fans can look forward to next
year and another exciting Bears basketball season,
expecting the Bears to be the team to beat for the
league title.
In addition to the varsity team’s success, the junior
varsity and freshmen teams enjoyed successful
seasons as well. The junior varsity team finished with
a league record of 13-1 and an overall record of 21-5.
Lacrosse
By Steve Kozlowski, Coach
The inaugural season for the Bears Lacrosse team
was a memorable one. The girls were able to
punctuate the fun first season by earning the NCS
Scholastic Championship Team Award. Remarkably,
none of the 22 girls on the team had ever played
lacrosse prior to that first early spring meeting and
practice. Yet, they managed to grab two wins and
gain respect of their opponents by the end of the
season. What these girls did in this first season will
always be remembered at Ursuline. In 2010, the
team will join the MCAL which will be very
challenging and competitive. I look forward to
working with future Bear lacrosse players at
Ursuline. Lacrosse is sure to become a part of the
Ursuline tradition!
Ursuline Winter/Spring Sports
Swimming and Diving
By Mark Hartman, Coach
The Ursuline Bears Swim and Dive team took
Special Recognition
third place overall in the NBL this season.
Awards
Our league record was 6-2 and we finished a
strong third at NBL League Championships,
Most Valuable Swimmer
only 51 points behind league champion
Freshman Allison Straus
Maria Carrillo High School. Jennifer Meyer
was League Champion in diving and was an
Most Valuable Diver
automatic qualifier for the North Coast Section
Senior Jennifer Meyer
placing 10th overall. Anne Marie Destruel
finished 2nd in the NBL championships in
Most Improved Swimmer
diving, and was also a competitor at the North
Freshman Matilda Schroeter
Coast Section meet. The swimmers were led
by freshman standout Allison Straus who
Most Improved Diver
finished the season very strong at the NBL
Junior Anne Marie Destruel
championships with a 2nd place finish in the
100 free, and a 5th place finish in the 200 free.
Senior Award
Other double finalists for the Bears were
Jenaca Voth
juniors Allyson Beach and Alexandra
Robertson, and freshman Mackenzie Carl. Also
Coaches Award
making strong swims and competing well
Junior Allyson Beach, Freshman Jacqueline Payne
at the League Championships were Chelsea
and Freshman Mackenzie Carl
Colnett, Kaitlin Daniels, Nora Schram, Jenaca
Voth, and Jeanette Butler. Congratulations
to all swimmers and divers for an
outstanding season. We look forward to
2010 and the legitimate chance to compete
for a league championship.
Track and Field
By Pat LaFortune, Coach
A small but talented
squad of track and
field athletes
completed a
successful season.
The league record (3
wins/4 losses) did
not reflect their true
success. Although
short in numbers, the team had an outstanding attitude and work ethic.
Pole Vaulter Michelle Stone highlighted the season. She was 1st at the
NBL Finals, 1st at the Redwood Meet of Champions, 2nd at the Meet of
Champions in Berkeley and 7th at the California State Meet in Clovis.
Michelle also set the Ursuline pole vault record with a jump of 11’10”.
Other athletes qualifying for the Redwood Meet of Champions were:
Ali Nelson in the 100 and 200 meters, Michelle Milsap in the 100 meters,
Megan McKeller and Madelyne Trione in the 300 meter hurdles, Julie
Brookfield in the discus, and finally Jessica Blinman in the long jump.
All of the above athletes are returning next year and with the addition of
new Ursuline students, there’s no doubt the team will reach even greater
heights in 2010.
27
Ursuline Winter/Spring Sports
Rosters
Track and Field
Swimming and Diving
Lacrosse
Ali Nelson
Senior
Britney Biagi
Junior
Erica Cunningham
Junior
Shay Lamb
Junior
Megan Mckellar*
Junior
Isobel Moellar*
Junior
Aliza Rothman
Junior
Michelle Stone*
Junior
Madelyne Trione*
Junior
Jessica Blinman
Sophomore
Julie Brookfield*
Sophomore
Jasmine Demange
Sophomore
Isabelle Straka*
Sophomore
Jen Tognettie
Sophomore
Michelle Millsap*
Freshman
Connie Noonan*
Freshman
Timber Price*
Freshman
Head Coach: Pat LaFortune
Asst. Coach: John LaFortune
Asst. Coach: Lynn Meister
Asst. Coach: Elaine Cavalin
Asst. Coach: Curtis Byrd
Asst. Coach: Jen Clouse
Asst. Coach: Rich Kingsboro
Jennifer Meyer*
Jenaca Voth
Allyson Beach*
Amy Bennett
Chelsea Colnett*
Kaitlin Daniels*
Anne Marie Destruel*
Allison Harf*
Kelsey McCarthy
Matilda Schroeter*
Maeve Sheeran
Olivia Turnross*
Bethany Codding*
Jessica Goldberg
Marina McCormick
Nora Peterson*
Alex Robertson*
Liz Wang*
Caterina Balletto*
Ariana Bates
Jeanette Butler*
MacKenzie Carl*
Jacqueline Payne*
Katelynne Rettig*
Nora Schram*
Laurel Sleigh*
Allison Stauss
Celja Uebel*
Emily Vasallo*
Christa Gallagher
Sarah Germini*
Natalie Netter
Bryana Robles
Yasmine Almanaseer*
Jacqueline Balletto
Chelsea Booth*
Sydney Bradley
Lauren Gibson*
Lauren Hylbak*
Ellery Young*
Jennifer Bipes*
Erin Clark*
Torina Giannetto
Jesse Skizewski*
Lauren Vukicevich*
Bea Chambers
Theresa Mateo*
Julia McKellar*
Josie Statzer
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Senior
Senior
Senior
Senior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Junior
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Sophomore
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Head Coach: Steve Kozlowski Swimming Head Coach: Mark Hartman
Swimming Asst. Coach: Jeff Scharfen
Diving Head Coach: Cari Hogan
Team Photos: Basketball, Lacrosse and Softball by Tamara
Demello. Swimming and Diving; Track and Field by Dirk Bietau -- www.dirk.com
* Designates Scholar Athlete, qualifying with a 3.5 GPA or higher during the season of their sport.
28
Ursuline Winter/Spring Sports
Rosters
Varsity Basketball
JV Basketball
JV Basketball
Sarah Germini*
Senior
Ashley Ortiz
Junior
Tara Puccioni*
Junior
Bronte Sheahan
Junior
Ellery Young*
Junior
Ali Beazell
Sophomore
Jordan Henry*
Sophomore
Hailey MacDonald
Sophomore
Rachel Rubattino*
Sophomore
Belden Long*
Freshman
Head Coach: Jeff Paul
Asst. Coach: Tom Corriveau
Asst. Coach: Don Jensen
Julie Brookfield*
Sophomore
Ashley Cook
Sophomore
Shay Lamb
Sophomore
Kim Singler
Sophomore
Liz Wang*
Sophomore
Hailey Eisenhauer
Freshman
Gianna Fistolera*
Freshman
Elissa Maloney*
Freshman
Helen Moses-Happ* Freshman
Elisa Vargas Freshman
Head Coach: Tom Corriveau
Asst. Coach: Don Jensen
Trisha Baluyut*
Amy Bussell
Avery Dutton*
Lauren Forsell*
Rilee Hakola
Jenna Harrison*
Taylor Lownes
Theresa Mateo*
Isobel Moeller*
Nicole Ressio
Maddy Thompson
Softball
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Freshman
Head Coach: Paul Hansen
Asst. Coach: Kristy Lee
Asst. Coach: Sally Hansen
Marissa Shafer
Junior
Megan Badger
Sophomore
Hailey Eisenhauer
Freshman
Kayla Vann
Senior
Katie Wright Junior
Elissa Maloney*
Freshman
Valerie Vann
Senior
Placida Ordaz
Senior
Lindsey Taylor*
Sophomore
Dayna McDaniel
Sophomore
Kerissa Catania
Senior
Ali Beazell
Sophomore
Head Coaches: Mary and Mark Cooper
Asst. Coach: Joe Williams
29
Spring Visual and Performing Arts
A Busy, Fun Spring for Visual and Performing Arts
By Monica Bryant, Art Teacher and Lisa Ormond, Admissions
Disney’s High School Musical
-Song, Dance and Drama!
Catching Air—the High School Musical cast.
Lindsay Ferrigno (Sharpaye) and Tyler
Bertolone (Ryan) perform magic.
High School Musical dance couples
show how it is done.
Ursuline’s spring musical held in the transformed Ursuline Gym captured
and wowed audiences during the weekends of March 26-28th and April
2 & 4. The play had two casts and all students shined. The hard work of
the sound, set and staging crew also contributed incredibly to the
success of this production. The production was directed by Lee Anne
Wentz. Cardinal Newman’s school band played the musical score for the
show and was led by music instructor Morris Acevedo.
ROLE
CAST A
CAST B
Troy
Michael Larson
Richard Dobbins
Gabriella
Elena Traboulsi
Kristina Conophy
Ryan
Jordan Landeverde
Tyler Bertolone
Sharpaye
Alyssa Ramazzotti*
Lindsay Ferrigno
Chad
Hunter Scott
Max Friedhaur
Taylor
Ella Goldschmidt*
Shelby DeMello
Zeke
Dominic Herbert Dominic Herbert
Kelsi
Tina Traboulsi*
Anna Taddei
Mrs. Darbus
Dahly McCormick*
Allison Zegarra*
Coach Bolton
Connor Williams
RJ Schwing
Martha
Shelby DeMello*
Nicolette Molina
Jack Scott
Max Campana
Nathan Glab
Susan
Samantha Coté
Samantha Coté
Jason
Brandon Hatter
Brandon Hatter
Cathy
Katelynne Rettig
Katelynne Rettig
Moderator
Haley Wild-Sichi
Haley Wild-Sichi
Dancers
Jocks, Skaterdudes Support Crew
Morgan Connors*
George Panoski
Lauren Forsell*
Jasmine DeMange Joevon Hatter
Emily Gogas*
Ariana Bates
Dalton Bertolone
Jordan LeBaudour
*Designates Ursuline Scholar Performing Arts student, having a 3.5 GPA or
higher during the production.
Imagine That!
During the month of March, Ursuline’s Brescia Hall was adorned with
incredible student artwork. Art on view at this annual visual art
exhibition included paintings, drawings, photographs, mixed media,
and mixed media sculpture. About 84 Ursuline and Cardinal Newman
students displayed their work. Participating art students Angelina
Duckett and Randall Brown were awarded cash prizes for their art in
area contests.
Art on Display during the Imagine That! exhibit
Photos by Ursuline photographer Tamara Demello
30
Spring Visual and Performing Arts
Ursuline’s Choir
Talent Beyond Belief
The choir participated in the North Bay Choir Festival at Sonoma State
University. Ursuline’s Choir, about 25 girls strong, rehearsed and
performed three songs that displayed a variety of technical and
emotional vocal work. The three were: Laudate Dominum, The Song in
the Air, and A Red, Red, Rose. The choir received Superior and
Excellent ratings for their performances. The choir received compliments
of having the most “dynamic” sound among the groups competing that
day. Ursuline’s Choir also sang and performed six numbers at the Spring
Performing Arts Showcase, collaborating with student dancers on One
and with 20 guitarists for the show finale, Imagine. Ursuline’s Choir is
directed by Bethany Neese.
Ursuline’s Choir in formal dress with Choir Director Bethany Neese
Spring Performing Arts
Showcase Sensational Evening
Ursuline’s Choir at the Spring Performing Arts Show
The Spring Performing Arts Showcase was an exciting new venture
which highlighted the growth and culmination of the Visual and
Performing Arts curriculum at both Ursuline and Cardinal Newman High
Schools. Instead of holding separate dance and choir shows in the spring
as was done in years past, this year Ursuline chose to combine all
elements together to create a showcase featuring over 120 students
from Ursuline and Cardinal Newman’s Performing Arts Programs. The
Ursuline sponsored event, which was directed by Corey Lott and
Gabrielle Thompson, was held in the main theater at the Wells Fargo
Center on April 30. This spectacular show was truly an incredible
collaboration of dance, choir, guitar and visual arts and was a
friendly reminder just how talented our students really are!
So, Show Me!
...and the Students Did
Musical talent exploded on stage at this Cardinal Newman-Ursuline
High School Arts Council sponsored event held on April 24 at the Wells
Fargo Center. Audiences were treated to performances by Ursuline and
Cardinal Newman students including classic rock, Mozart, pop and
everything in between. One word to describe the evening—fantastic!
Ursuline students strut their stuff.
Photos by Ursuline photographer Tamara Demello
31
ADVANCEMENT
Meet Ursuline’s Advancement Department
By Margaux Hardy, Advancement Director
Margaux Hardy, Advancement Director
In November, Margaux Hardy stepped into the Director of Advancement
role for Ursuline. Anyone who has worked with Margaux during the
past six years at Ursuline, knows her love of the school, her relationships
with the families and community and her tireless work ethic. Besides
her experience at Ursuline with events and fundraising, Margaux also
has an extensive background in Human Resources, community outreach
and labor relations as well as grant writing. Margaux is grateful for
the opportunity to lead the Advancement Department in a new era of
fundraising and community building.
Chrystie Prokopakis, Advancement Coordinator
Chrystie Prokopakis joined the Advancement Team this past March.
She comes from a professional background in customer service, sales
and project management. She is an alumna, an alumnae parent, past
President of the Alumnae Association and current Polenta Feed event
leader. Her skills, knowledge and love for the school make her an asset
to the Ursuline community.
The Ursuline Advancement Department: Chrystie Prokopakis, Luigi Fabiano
and Margaux Hardy (from left to right).
Luigi Fabiano, Alumnae Outreach
Luigi Fabiano has been with Ursuline High School since 1981 when he
worked as the Head Counselor and taught 9th and 10th grade Religion.
In 1996, Luigi suffered a stroke that affected his left side. After a short
break, Luigi returned a to help guide the department until 2000 when
he began working as the Alumnae Outreach Coordinator. Today, Luigi
helps to organize class reunions, collect biographical sketches from
Alumnae and organizes the Alumnae/Varsity games.
The President’s Circle Fund—Ursuline’s Annual Fund
Background...The President’s Circle Fund is the primary vehicle for
supporting the school’s operating needs and raises unrestricted funds that
support the many features that keep Ursuline extraordinary - including
low student/faculty and counselor ratios, a full-time librarian, tuition
assistance, educational curriculum, and our beautiful grounds. The
President’s Circle Fund is an important way to show how much you value
the excellent education, spiritual foundation, and the service and
leadership opportunities Ursuline provides young women in
our community.
Why Give?...Tuition paid per student covers only a portion of the cost of
educating each student. The President’s Circle Fund offers a tax deductible
giving option to help supplement the $2,680 gap per student (2009-10
school year.)
How Much Should I Give?...Gifts to the President’s Circle Fund vary.
What matters most is participation. Each gift matters and every
donor is valued.
32
Don’t Forget Matching Gift...Many companies offer a matching gifts
program to support their employees’ philanthropy. Check with your
company to see if this employee benefit is offered. It’s a simple way to
double or even triple your personal donation.
Make a Gift...One-time gifts or pledges are welcome. Gifts are accepted
via check and credit card. For your convenience, payments can made
through our secure online payment system on the Ursuline website at
www.ursulinehs.org under the Ways of Giving tab. We also accept shares
of stock.
Stay Involved and Please Be Generous ...There are many ways to
support Ursuline High School today and in the future. Such “ways” include
attending events, games and performances and giving generously to
our current campaigns including the President’s Circle Fund, the Capital
Campaign and the Endowment Fund. To find out more about these and
other ways of giving to Ursuline, please call Margaux Hardy, Advancement
Director, at (707) 524-1130 x 142.
ADVANCEMENT
Ursuline Parent Association-Above and Beyond
By Margaux Hardy, Advancement Director
Ursuline has an amazing Parent’s Association (PA). These dedicated
parents devote time and treasure in a successful effort to help
support the fundraising and hospitality functions of the school.
All current families are encouraged to attend meetings and get
involved. They meet monthly on the second Wednesday of each month
at 6:00 p.m. in the Ursuline library. Nancy Rogers-Zegarra, 2008-2009 PA
President said, “Our mission is to support the school as the faculty strives
to empower our daughters to realize their full potential, pursue social
justice, and provide leadership by responding to the needs of the
community. Join the Parent Association and be a part of these very
special years that we share with our daughters.”
Ursuline wishes to thank the 2008-2009 Parent Association for a
wonderful year. The unique dedication, talents, love and kindness given
to Ursuline from the following board members is sincerely appreciated.
President
Nancy Rogers-Zegarra
Vice-President
Kathy Nulton
Secretary
Vicky Locey
Hospitality
Diane Bard, Chair
Donnie Young, Chair
Terri Balletto
Suzy Ferrigno
Barbara Netter
Theresa Rochioli
Parlimentarian/
Trustee Liason
Historian/
Volunteer Coordinator
Raven Wachtler
Tamara DeMello
Senior Rep
Sophomore Rep
Julie Bertoli
Rebecca Langer
Norma Ramazzotti
Kim Sautter
Wendy Tognetti
Vicki Biddulph
Jill Goldberg
Becky Scrivanich
Denise Steele
Wendy Tigner
Junior Rep
Freshman Rep
Suzanne Beach
Laura Robertson
Gail Wright
Jane Weil
Lynn Carl
Denise Feldman
Tracy Schriver
Charlotte Straus
Kathi Youngblood
Dad’s Club Liaison
Treasurer
Debbie Connors
Darrell Bertacco
The Ursuline and Cardinal Newman Dad’s Club – A Social Club for Dads
Why wait? Join now!
The Dad's Club has grown over the past few years due to the outstanding efforts of Allan Henderson and the willingness of Dads in our
community to get involved. This social organization is a “light-hearted,
social club bringing Dads together from both schools to meet and enjoy
each other’s company over a good meal, for the betterment of our kids.”
These Dads have loads of fun, care about their children and community
and give regularly. Not only do Dads of current students participate but
several alumna Dads continue to enjoy this monthly club gathering. Last
year Darrell Bertacco, father of Olivia UHS Class of 2011 and husband
of Laurie Gutierrez Bertacco UHS Class of 1980, joined the UHS Parent’s
Association and served as their representative.
Gatherings are typically on the last Wednesday of each month and are
hosted by various Dads. The menu changes to reflect each month for
instance Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day. Meals are followed by a short
business meeting and a raffle. The cost to attend each meeting is $15$20 with all proceeds going directly to the students and the schools.
This year, the Dad’s Club presented a check to both schools for $5,300!
Ursuline’s portion of the money will be used to purchase a new
anatomically correct model for health class and to build a barbeque
pit in the covered eating area.
Get involved with the UHS-CN Dad’s Club—it’s loads of fun for a good
cause. Contact Ursuline’s Representative Darrell Bertacco at
(707) 838-1590 or (707) 799-8568 for more information.
The Dad’s Club presents a
check for $5,300 to both
schools at the last Dad’s
Club event of 2008-2009 at
Sapphire Hill Winery.
Pictured (left to right in
front)UHS President/
Principal Julie Carver, Dad's
Club Reps Jeff Bertoli and
Allan Henderson, CN
President Mike Truesdell
and Principal Graham
Rutherford.
33
ADVANCEMENT
Ursuline Crab Feed—Focusing on Food and Tradition!
By Margaux Hardy, Advancement Director
For the past 28 years, hundreds of volunteers have been making sure
that Ursuline’s major annual fundraiser, the Crab Feed and Auction, is
the finest and best offered anywhere.
The Memories
“My Mom & Dad started the Crab Feed with some other parents when
my sister was at UHS in the early 80’s. They also started the Cardinal
Newman Silent Auction (Big Event) with some other parents when I
was at Cardinal Newman in 1979. I would come home from college to
help cook the live crabs outside the kitchen and then stay for the dance
in Brescia Hall. Over the years the crowd at the Crab Feed grew so large
that we had to start using the huge cookers out at the wharf in Bodega.
I took a few years off from helping out after college, but I’ve been there
pretty much every year in some form helping out. My dad keeps saying
he’s going to retire from the Crab Feed, but I’ll believe that when I see it,"
said Mike Nonella.
Paul and Cookie Schaffer have been preparing the pasta, salads and
appetizers for the Crab Feed for the past 26 years. The Schaffers, who
own Paolo’s Ravioli Deli on 4th Street, return each year with friends and
family to join in the fun and to support the school. They too began while
their children were attending Ursuline and Cardinal Newman. They bring
the right Italian flavor that compliments the fresh crab and wine
selections served on both nights.
For the past two years, Barbara and Frank Gonella of the Union Hotel
have graciously prepared and donated fresh Clam Chowder and desserts
for the Saturday night Gala. Barbara’s homemade desserts are to die for!
And the clam chowder has been a huge hit on the cold January evenings
and a perfect addition because the theme of the event is San Francisco.
Many of our Ursuline families donated cases of wine to be served at the
event. The outstanding generosity of these wineries is most appreciated.
Thank you to Kendall Jackson, Balletto Vineyards, Chalk Hill Estates,
Clos du Bois, Dry Creek Vineyard, Geyser Peak Winery, Murphy Goode,
and Paradise Ridge for their donations. A special thank you to Eagle
Distributing.
The Crab Feed Steering Committee (including the # of years served)
Auction Chairs
Becky Scrivinich (1)
Kathi Youngblood (1)
Volunteer Coordinator
Tamara DeMello (4)
Decorations Chairs
Diane Bard (2)
Donnie Young (2)
Wine Auction Committee
Terrie Balletto (3)
Debbie Connors (2)
Maggie Martin (2)
Kathi Youngblood (1)
Beverage Chair and
Master of Ceremonies
Peter Singler (3)
Crab Feed photos by Dirk Bietau -- www.dirk.com
CRABFEED2009
34
Kitchen Chair
Steve Chia (6)
Wine Steward
Peter Tonti (7)
Event Floor Manager
Chad and Benita Lamb (3)
Parking
UHS Dad’s Club (10)
Wine Tasting Coordinator
Tom Randolph (1)
Graphic Designer
Jacci Summers (3)
Head Cashier & Registration
Sue Fowler (5)
Finance
Debbie Connors (2)
Head Bartender
Lisa Boisclair (3)
ADVANCEMENT
Volunteers—Thank You!
By Margaux Hardy, Advancement Director
The Ursuline Spirit has inspired armies
of volunteers to devote countless hours
and resources to support our school.
This vital tradition of service is upheld
through the phenomenal efforts of our
dedicated Parents and Students, Board
of Trustees, Alumnae and Alumnae
Families, Faculty, Staff and Community
Partners.
The faculty and staff of Ursuline High
School nominated the following
families and community partners for
their outstanding volunteerism.
A very special acknowledgement
of gratitude to these wonderful
helpers:
Outstanding Community Partners
The Union Hotel,
Barbara and Frank Gonnella
American Asphalt, Allan Henderson
Michelle Marie’s Patisserie,
Michelle and Doug DeFors
Nonella Construction,
Roy and Mike Nonella
Paolo’s Ravioli Deli,
Cookie and Paul Schaffer
Patchwork Farms
Noel Schmidt
Eagle Distributing
Mikey Head
Outstanding Senior Parents
Mona Duckworth – Golf Tournament
Laurie and Billy Jensen – Crab Feed
and Athletic Department
Tamara DeMello – Ursuline Parent
Association and Theater Arts
Rebecca and Tom Langer –
Ursuline Parent
Association and Athletic Department
Laurie Molavi – Advancement
Jennifer McIntosh – Bingo
Nancy Rogers-Zegarra – Ursuline
Parent Association and Theater Arts
Wendy Tognetti – Community Based
Service Learning
Norma Ramazzotti – Ursuline Parent
Association & Theater Arts
Martin and Beth Reilley – Ursuline
Board of Trustees & Marketing
Senior Parent Spotlight—
The Jensen Family
Laurie and Billy Jensen began
supporting Ursuline in 2003 when
their daughter Danielle began her
freshman year. Since then the school
has benefited greatly from their kind
efforts. In addition to generously
supporting our giving campaigns, Billy
initiated, organized and financially
supported many fundraisers for the
Athletic Department including: the
installation of the new gym floor in
2007, the purchase of the basketball
shooting machine, and he served on
the Steering Committee for the Golf
Tournament. Laurie blessed us with
her creativity and great organizing
skills. For two years, she not only
chaired the Crab Feed, she was also
the Volunteer Coordinator and
Decorations Chair. Ursuline is forever
grateful for the efforts of the Jensen
Family. Congratulations to their
daughters Danielle, Class of 2007 and
Sarah, Class of 2009.
Special Acknowledgements
The following people are recognized
for their outstanding volunteerism and
service to Ursuline High School.
Class of 2010
Barbara Gonnella
Diane Bard
Donnie Young
Carole and Wes Daniels
Christine and Bill Nelson
Mary Stone
Karen and Vic Trione
Class of 2011
Darrell Bertacco
Debbie Connors
Shayne Miller-Bogyo and Mike Bogyo
Leslie DeMeo
Jill Goldberg
Annie Krzywicki
Kim and Don Wallace
Chad and Benita Lamb
Class of 2012
Catherine and Tom Andrews
Lisa Biagi
Lynn and Tim Carl
Penny Chambers
Michelle and Doug DeFors
Mary McCarthy
Kathi Youngblood
Jim Price
Alumnae Department
Lerick Allen
Michelle Silveira-DeBenedetti,
Class of 1978
Francis Forbes Patchett, Class of 1953
Sue Fowler, Class of 1983
Bette Johnson, Class of 1954
Marilyn Ward, Class of 1957
Barbara and Gienna Gonnella at
the 2nd Annual Garden Party at the
Union Hotel in Occidental.
Crab Feed photos by Dirk Bietau -- www.dirk.com
CRABFEED2009
35
ADVANCEMENT
Buildings & Grounds Partnerships Behind the Scenes—Pat’s Angels
By Pat Barry Ursuline Plant Manager
We are extremely fortunate to benefit from the generosity of our
community businesses. With the economy in turbulent times Ursuline
needs help more than ever, and the generosity and kindness of these
angels has been overwhelming. We are truly grateful for their presence
and support.
Allan Henderson, (American Asphalt and Cardinal Newman graduate
of 1974), is always offering his assistance and resources to help our
school. In addition to serving as the “Grand Pooh-Bah” and leader of the
Dad’s Club, he and his crew fill pot holes when needed; slurry sealed our
campus, coordinated and implemented the update of the covered eating
area, paved the new dumpster area and he participates in many
fundraising efforts. Allan’s daughter Kalin graduated in 2006 and is
currently attending Arizona State University.
Another one of our angels is Eric Anderson. Since 1998, Eric has helped
set up the room for the Friday night Crab Feed. And every summer he
has reset the locks on the freshman lockers. He started helping through
the parent service hour program and continues to the support the
school. His daughter Kelly graduated in 2001 and is now working as
nurse in San Francisco.
A third angel of our school is Mike Nonella (Nonella Construction and
Cardinal Newman graduate of 1981). He has been helping our greater
school community ever since high school. His father Roy Nonella was one
of the originators of the Ursuline Crab Feed, and he and Mike continue to
lead this tradition 28 years later. As well as his participation with the Crab
Feed, Mike continues to help in so many other ways. “Mike always donates
his time, resources and knowledge to whatever project he is part of. I know
I can always call him for help. He is always a great resource for us,” said Pat.
Mike’s daughter Paige will be starting her freshman year at
Ursuline this fall.
Ursuline’s Buildings and Grounds Team (left to right):
Juan Cruz, Plant Manager Pat Barry, Antonio Aguilar, Jose Ochoa Sr., Jose Ochoa Jr.
Ursuline Chapel Friends Needed
Ursuline will be renovating the Chapel in the Administration
Building and we need your help! We are forming a committee
that will organize and support the fundraising efforts needed to
create a place of worship and reflection for our school. If you’re
interested in getting involved or have information that can help us
with our project, please contact Margaux Hardy at
(707) 524-1130 x 142 or e-mail mhardy@ursulinehs.org.
Ursuline High School Chapel in the Main Office Building
36
Thank you for your generous support during the first four
years of ... our best, The Cooperative Campaign.
With your help we have accomplished:
• 167% of our $2 million endowment goal
• Construction of the Athletic and
Convocation Center
• Permanent off-street parking behind a newly
landscaped berm along Ursuline Road
• Measurable support for a new library
ADVANCEMENT
Ursuline Alumnae Association and Council
The Ursuline Alumnae Association has been organizing and supporting
the school through fundraising efforts for many years. They welcome all
alumnae who would like to stay actively involved with the school and
there are many opportunities to do so.
We are currently in the process of reintroducing the Ursuline Alumnae
Council and are looking for new members. This committee will meet to
discuss the many possibilities of supporting the school and planning
different alumnae activities and campaigns. If you are interested
in getting involved, please contact Chrystie Prokopakis at
cprokopakis@ursulinehs.org or call (707) 524-1130 x 112.
Alumnae Board, 2008-2010
President Melissa (Cambra) Morelli, Class of 2000
Co-Vice President Morgan (Beerbohm) Langlois, Class of 2000
Co-Vice President Meredith Crotty, Class of 2000
Secretary
Lupita Fernandez, Class of 1992
Parliamentarian Nancy (Penitenti) Moran, Class of 1954
The Ursuline Garden Party—Supporting the Ursuline Endowment
A Special Tribute and Thank You
Garden Party Steering Committee (left to right): Advancement Director
Margaux Hardy, Alumnae Board President Melissa Morelli, Garden Party Chair
Mary Davison, Co- Director of Admissions Kathleen Kelly and Alumnae Board
Vice-President Morgan Langlois.
The ocean fog retires over the forested ridge and the rising sun warms
the picturesque town of Occidental. It is morning and country muffins
and desserts are already baking in their ovens. Fresh pasta dough is
rolled out to become their famous homemade ravioli and local garden
produce is delivered to their backdoor. Another day begins at the Union
Hotel, as it has for more than a century…In 2008, Barbara and the
Gonnellas invited the Ursuline Alumnae Association to hold a Garden
Party and Plant Sale to support the Ursuline scholarship program in the
Bocca Ballroom at their Union Hotel in Occidental. Not only do they open
the doors of their family restaurant on a Saturday morning in March,
they also donate the entire reception including champagne, juices,
Barbara’s award winning pastries and more. Thank you Gonnellas!
Class Reunions - Keeping In Touch
SAVE THE DATE
Class of 1959
50 Year Reunion
Date: October 17, 2009
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Luther Burbank Art & Garden Center
Contact:
Lana (Santini) Hassett
(707) 545-8247
lana1941@sbcglobal.net
Class of 1961 Pre-50th Planning
Contact:
Janness Slaby
(707) 874-9082
slaby@comcast.net
Class of 1999
10 Year Reunion
Date: September 19
Time: TBD
Location: Hilton Hotel in Santa Rosa
Contact:
Erika Copenhaver
eac8114@yahoo.com
WHAT FUN WE HAD*
Class of 1969
40 Year Reunion was held on August 15
at Pietrina Buttitta-Cargile’s home
Class of 1979
30 Year Reunion was held on August 15
at Cardinal Newman High School
Class of 1984
25 Year Reunion was held on August 1
at Cardinal Newman High School
Class of 1989
20 Year Reunion
Was held at the Fountain Grove Inn
* send your reunion photos to Chrystie
Prokopakis cprokopakis@ursulinehs.org
we will include them in the Winter FOCUS
and post on the Ursuline website!
37
ADVANCEMENT
Alumnae Updates
Thank you to all the alumnae who have
maintained contact with the school over the years.
We love to know how you’re doing and what is
happening in your life. Send Luigi Fabiano,
Alumnae Outreach Coordinator at
lfabiano@ursulinehs.org your current
information and bio. Don’t be shy!
1959
Katherine (Mascott) McNeill is both a professional
artist and an inspirational writer. Her book, “Art by
Faith,” is a personal story of how she overcame
adversities in her life. She describes the book’s
message as being “never give up on a dream:
pursue it with all your heart and hard work.
With faith in God, nothing is impossible.”
1979
Valina (Camilli) Dawson has been a member of
the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Department of Neurology since 1994. She is currently
Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience and Physiology.
Her research interests include examining models of
stroke and Parkinson’s disease.
Christine Mugridge is the co-author of “John Paul
II: Development of a Theology of Communications.”
Published by the Vatican publishing house, the book
was presented to the public by Cardinal Georges Cottier
(retired theologian of the Pontifical Household) at a
symposium on February 4, 2009. Catholic Word will
distribute the new book in English.
1984
Bronagh (O’Doherty) Maugg is the local executive
vice president of the Association of Flight Attendants.
A United Airlines flight attendant herself since 1990,
Bronagh represents San Francisco-based members of
the union and has been involved with planning and
coordinating grievance schedules, political and media
campaigns, and work actions (such as strikes).
1986
Trish (Merrill) Law is the Director of Alternative
Education for the Windsor School District. She started
work on her Doctorate degree this year.
1959
50th Anniversary
October 9th, 2009
Family Night
38
1987
Tracie (Dunnicliff) McGinley lives in San Diego with
her husband and four boys. She works part-time as a
dental hygienist.
Jacque Menard works in Benicia for Kiva Designs,
a wholesaler/designer of luggage and performance
travel gear. She will begin work on her Masters of
Business Administration in July. Jacque lives in Vallejo
with her daughter, Ra ‘Ya.
1989
Heather (Gallagher) Quinn lives in Idaho with her
husband and children.
Ru Scott is the owner/buyer of Punch clothing stores.
Her first store opened in Sebastopol in 1997 and a
second store in Santa Rosa followed two years later.
In May 2008, she opened a men’s clothing store called
“Shank.”
Erin (Callahan) Sharp has an 11-year-old daughter
who just finished fifth grade.
1992
Naomi McAuliffe received her degree from the New
England College of Osteopathic Medicine and returned
to Santa Rosa to do her residency in Family Medicine
with Sutter/UCSF. Her focus is on women’s and child
health. Naomi describes her medical career as both
“a vocation and a passion,” and emphasizes the
physician’s need to be a “true humanitarian.”
Heidi Miersemann became engaged on December
31, 2008.
1993
Amanda (Delwiche) Hoese just opened her dental
practice in Santa Rosa.
Ann-Marie (Rosa) Webster and her husband Kevin
(with their dog, Maggie) moved from Connecticut
to Sebastopol in July 2008. She is currently teaching
music at the Santa Rosa Junior College and at the
Sonoma County Children’s Music School. Additionally,
she offers private piano and voice lessons to both
adults and children.
1994
Danielle Dezorzi has enjoyed
more than 10 years of
professional experience in the
fields of Program Management,
Process Design and
Implementation, and
Regional and Global Recruiting
Management. She has worked for
several Fortune 500 companies.
2009
1995
Elizabeth (Kinkade) Scott was posted to Altus Air
Force Base in Oklahoma in November 2008 where she
serves as an instructor pilot for the 58th Air Refueling
Squadron. Elizabeth was featured in Altus AFB’s March
2009 tribute to Women’s History Month.
1996
Natasha (Klobas) Ruge married Captain Nathan Ruge,
USMC (Cardinal Newman, 1996). They live in Stafford, VA.
Denise Trione is currently the Operations and
Hospitality Manager for Trione Vineyards and Winery.
1998
Alexa Delwiche works as a Systems Analyst for the
San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Amanda Dranginis married Dimitri Athanasiou on
January 25, 2009. She graduated from UC Davis and UC
Berkeley Law School and is currently a tax attorney for
Fenwick and West in Mountain View.
Anya Wingert received her Master’s Degree in Public
Policy and will be entering the Foreign Service as a
Junior Program Development Officer for the US Agency
for International Development.
2000
Brooke Fitzgerald earned her BA in Economics/
Mathematics from the University of California at Santa
Barbara. She is currently a student at the Tepper School
of Business at Carnegie Mellon University where she is
pursuing concentrations in Marketing and Strategy.
2003
Christa Durand was one of three local sopranos
featured in Project Applause’s elegant Santa Rosa
concert event, “A Song for Summer.”
Ashlee Henig is currently pursuing her Ph.D in
Earth Science/Oceanography at Scripps Institute of
Oceanography at UC San Diego. Her focus is on
mid-ocean ridge complexes and seismology.
2004
Catherine Fabiano is working for the Peace Corps
in Panama where she will complete her two-month
orientation session. She is slowly but surely learning to
understand the local dialect and has already assisted
in several agricultural projects.
2006
Katherine Robinson and Sarah Wright spent their
spring semester abroad through the Semester at Sea
program. They visited 12 countries, including a return
to Namibia where they had done their CBSL project in
the summer of 2005. Sarah states: “This experience has
not only greatly enriched our lives as individuals but
has proven that Ursuline helps builds friendships that
last a lifetime.”
Calendar
2009-2010 Academic and Event Calendar
August
November
13
17
18
18
19
19
20
24
27
28
29
Freshman Orientation & Yearbook/ID Photos
Sophomores & Juniors -- Yearbook/ID Photos
First Day of School
Seniors ID Photos - A-L after school
Seniors ID Photos - M-Z after school
7:00 p.m. -- Freshman Parent Night
7:00 p.m. -- Sophomore Parent Night
Ursuline/Cardinal Newman Service Fair
6:00 p.m. -- Welcome Dinner for Parents
Welcome Dance
Ursuline Alumnae Soccer Game
4
16
19
21
Fac Professional Dev/ Student Holiday
7:00 p.m. -- Senior Parent Night
Patchworks Farm’s Celebration
7:00 p.m. -- Junior Parent Night
2
3
7
12-16
17
18
19
26
Homecoming Game
Homecoming Dance
3:00 p.m. -- Prospective Parent Visitation
1st Quarter Exams
Ursuline-Cardinal Newman Fun in the Fall
Alumnae Sunday Mass & Lunch
Student Shadow Day
Preview Day for 8th Graders
1
11 a.m. -- Admissions Open House
4, 5, 6 Fall Drama Production
7
Polenta Fundraiser Dinner
9
Veteran’s Day Holiday, observed
11, 12, 14 Fall Drama Production
12
3:00 p.m. -- Prospective Parent Visitation
16
Student Shadow Day
19
6:30 p.m. -- Admissions Open House
20
Father/Daughter Dinner/Dance
25
Jog Holiday
26-29
Thanksgiving Holiday
December
2
3:00 p.m. -- Prospective Parent Visitation
3 & 4
Dance Show
5
8:45 a.m. -- Admissions Placement Test
7
Student Shadow Day
9
Christmas Choir Concert
11-16
Semester Final Exams
17
Christmas Holiday Begins
September
October
January 2010
6
9
11
12
18
24
25
29 & 30
School Resumes
8:45 a.m.-- Admissions Placement Test
Student Shadow Day & Applications Due
3:00 p.m. -- Prospective Parent Visitation
Martin Luther King, Jr. – Holiday
11 a.m. -- Admissions Open House/Brunch
Student Shadow Day
Ursuline Crab Feed
UrsUline HigH scHool
90 Ursuline Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
707-524-1130
www.ursulinehs.org
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit #470
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e at w w w. u r s u l i n e h s . o r G
Sarah W
Ursuline
right & K
atherine R
obinson
Alumnae Around
the World
Dr. Ch
Sarah Wright (UC Davis), Class of 2006
Katherine Robinson (UC Berkeley), Class of 2006
Desert in Namibia, South Africa. Sarah & Katherine
studied abroad for a period of 100 days aboard a cruise
ship with 750 other students this past spring with the
Semester at Sea program.
Caitlin Feldman, Class of 2009
Shop Street in Galway, Ireland. Caitlin will attend the
National University of Ireland, Galway this fall.
Dr. Christine A. Mugridge, Class of 1979
St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy
Christine is an author, broadcast
journalist, & founder of a religious/
educational non- profit
organization, Sacred Arts
Communications, working regularly in collaboration with
the Vatican.
an
dm
Caitlin Fel
ristine
A. Mu
gridge