What I remember most about my childhood is the feeling of hope for the adventure that each day would bring. My childhood home was attached to my mom and dad’s grocery store—Henry’s Market at 12213 Willowbrook Avenue. We had an enor-mous yard with big trees, three rental apartments on one side, and one on the opposite side. Behind our house were several garages for storage, washing clothes, and a pen for rabbits and chickens that my brother and I mistakenly befriended...if you know what I mean...dinner! Above the garages was an apartment where my Nonna lived. Adjacent to her apartment was a well-maintained outdoor patio. My uncle had put these multi-colored, thick, hard plastic sheets around the patio, probably to keep us kids from falling down two stories! All I knew was that I loved the patio because the color on the plastic made each day seem like a carnival.

Each morning, I would jump out of bed and run up to my Nonna’s apartment. I just loved being up there, probably because my brothers were not there with me! In retrospect, each day with my Nonna was a new adventure. Each day I would either play on the colorful, outdoor patio in my very colorful, make-believe world; or help my Nonna cook pasta or bake biscotti; or sit in rapt attention as she told me stories of her home, family, the war, and people she met while working as the postmaster of her little beach town in Italy. I woke

up each morning with great anticipation because I knew each day would be a brand new adventure with my Nonna.

Today, I feel the same way about SJHS. There is always something new I learn from the girls, the staff, the families. I believe, too, that your daughters embark on a new adventure when they enter the blue gates of the school. It might be the same classroom and teacher, but each lesson is a new adventure in literature, science, the arts, world languages, history...

Each day for each of us is a new beginning filled with hope and anticipation of “the more.”

Is it not what Jesus promised us, just like he promised the apostles at Pentecost, “I will remain with you until the end of time.” This promise should drive us to wake-up each day with great anticipation and hope for adventure!

God bless each of you and your families as we enter this holiday season of Thanks and Thanksgiving!

May Mother St. John Fontbonne and St. Joseph keep you in their loving care.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mendoza, ’73Principal

Published six times a year for the students, parents, alumnae, and friends of Saint Joseph High School.

Photography: Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ

Writing/Editor: Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ

Design: OPM Design Group, Burbank

2

3

6-7

8

IN THIS ISSUEDear Parents/Guardians and Friends,

NEWSBeginnings

Honors

Transition Backto School

Jester Shine

Jester Athletes Shine

Junior Rings

Alumnae

In Closing…

5825 North Woodruff Avenue • Lakewood, CA 90713 • Tel (562) 925-5073 • Fax (562) 925-3315 • www.sj-jester.org

46 Yearsof Catholic Education

CELEBRATING

Fall Volume 45, Number 7

8

9

10-11

12

Minerva Awardees Sr. Terry Dodge, SSL, with Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, and Oprah Winfrey with Maria Shriver at the Minerva Awards presentation on October 27. (See page 11.)

Welcome: A Year of New Beginnings

Fontbonne Scholars

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

All of which woman is capable, the theme for this academic school year at Saint Joseph High School, reflects the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, the founding religious community who were the first teachers and administrators at SJHS. The theme set the tone for the new year. Being all each person can be, living up to all of one’s God-given talents, this is truly a challenge and a reward for all members of the SJHS family—students, faculty, staff and parents. Let us all begin.

At the close of the Opening Liturgy the previous year’s Carondelet and Fontbonne Scholars were recognized and incoming Fontbonne Scholars in the freshman class were called forward to receive plaques. Freshman Fontbonne Scholars and their parents enjoyed lunch on the green outside the Flynn Center following the liturgy.

FreshmenPictured above, from left to right:Elizabeth ChungBianca Alliyah Rose FilartMichele PennalaKala KopecekMelanie RaderAngel PinaAlexandra BlackAnna ScolamieriTinamarie MedinaAmanda Seckington

Not Pictured: SophomoresEmily KentLaura MachadoMarisella GarciaJessica VelezJustine GonzalesChristina MecklenburgKaitlynne BohmChandler RomingerAngeline FerrerKayli BotizRylie CottrielJennifer Garcia

Kristen LagoJenise MarsettiRaquel PriceAnh TranYuxin (Emma) Zhang

JuniorsMelissa OwensAlexis HicklinYing (Christina) LiAllison MartinezAmy MoralesKarissa OchoaAlexa RiosAriel Romero-Sbarounis

Samantha SotezCarina TetschJazmin Vargas

SeniorsElizabeth KentCarolyn NiemeyerAllison JosephMara KelleyGloria HaddadNatalie HaddadKassandra GuimapangMichelle SerranoHailey WhitmanTatiana Leiva

2

3

CHALLENGING THE MIND, CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT

3

This past summer, after many flight delays and the experience of being stranded in a hotel for several days, the Olympic basketball team from the African nation of Angola arrived in California and made its way to Lakewood. The Angolan team managers made an arrangement to use the Flynn Center for daily practices, workouts and preparation for competition.

Faculty member Nicole Vasquez acted as school liaison and assisted the team as they became familiar with the Flynn Center. She also helped them schedule practices. Serious about their sport, the Angolan team was used to working out every day to refine their

game, and they paracticed hard to make up for the days they had lost while

stranded outside the United States. Finding themselves thousands

of miles from home, Ms. Vasquez’ friendly smile and helpfulness made them feel welcome. As a sign of the team’s gratitude to SJHS for the use of the facility the Angolan team donated their

Angolan Olympic Basketball Team Visits

Saint Joseph High School recently received word from the College Board testing services that several Jesters earned honors and commendation for their performance in the following tests:

National Merit Scholarship Program - Letter of CommendationThe top 50,000 of over 1.5 million students who took the 2009 PSAT/NMSQT received Letters of Commendation. The following SJHS students received such letters: Nicole S. CasillanMarcella A. KelleyKelly C. Schrock National Achievement Scholarship Program—Outstanding Participant The following student scored in the top 3 percent of more than 160,000 Black Americans who took the 2009 PSAT/NMSQT. She is:Breanna C. Hampton

The National Hispanic Recognition Program The NHRP identifies academically outstanding Hispanic/Latino high school students based on their PSAT/NMSQT and cumulative GPA. The following SJHS students are recognized:Ilse M. Gomez - ScholarKelly C. Schrock - Scholar ADVANCED PLACEMENT SCHOLAR AWARDS Based on outstanding performance on Advanced Placement Exams the following students received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. (** indicates class of 2010)

SCHOLARS: Nicole CasillanMarissa Delgado**Michelle Deville**Mary DupontIlse GomezShannon KeithElizabeth Kent

Victoria Mariscal**Judith Martinez**Kelly SchrockHillary Stabelfeldt** SCHOLAR WITH HONORStudents who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.Elizabeth Lopez**Lianne Nelson**Gemalene Sunga** SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION Students who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.Jessica Flores**Natalie Gonzalez**Jennifer Searight**

new training and weight-lifting equipment to the school. The equipment was much needed and joyfully received. Ready for use by the students, SJHS now has —three Weider weight-training machines, a treadmill, stationery bike, elliptical machine.

ACADEMIC HONORS & AWARDS

3

Saint Joseph’s Jesters were certainly busy this past summer: traveling in Europe, visiting Japan as ambassadors, studying in Washington or at the Sorbonne in Paris, painting rooms in an orphanage in the Dominican Republic, participating in a peace march in El Salvador, or just spending countless hours as a lab intern right here in the U.S. By reaching out and broadened their worlds in meaningful ways—they were simply being “all of which women is capable.” Way to go, Jesters!

Jesters Going Beyond the Ordinary

Monday through Friday this summer, for about six hours each day,

Christine Zimmerman, ’11, worked as a “high school researcher” at USC’s engineering department in the Armani Lab. After graduation from SJHS in May, Christine wants to begin studies for a degree

in engineering. Though many days still lie ahead before that degree can

become a reality, Christine feels she is ready to begin the work. During the last school year, Christine

searched for a summer internship. She had heard of Dr. Andrea Armani and decided to visit her website. In Dr. Armani’s lab at USC, PhD candidates and master’s level students do research and serve as interns as they work with Dr. Armani. On Dr. Armani’s website an opening for a “high school researcher” had been indicated. The professor was looking for a volunteer intern who would work during the

summer. There was no test for the position, but rather an application process.

Christine was chosen for the position and was assigned a project—altering the fabrication parameters of sol-gel silica in order to make sol-gel more efficient. As it turned out, the USC work overlapped the SJHS back to school schedule, but Christine was able to return to SJHS and continue at USC simultaneously. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one of the most amazing experiences in my life,” says Christine. Working with Dr. Armani and the interns, Christine said. “Dr. Armani taught me so much and she is probably the reason I want to go into engineering. She is one of the most inspiring women engineers in the field and has accomplished so much.” Christine shared that Dr. Armani is writing her a recommendation that will accompany her application to USC.

Christine learned a great deal this summer—about engineering and also about dedication. “I chose to stay there every day. She would have let me have breaks, but I chose to stay,” says Christine. In a search of the Armani Research Group website, each intern is listed with a photograph. At the end of the intern listings are two photos—one of a young man who was a high school researcher for 2009, and next is Christine as the high school researcher for 2010.

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

During the summer SJHS’ Girls’ State representative Elizabeth (Beth) Kent, ’11, participated in Girls’ State, a week-long experience of government in action. “Intensive” was the best single word Beth could think of to describe her experience.

For Beth the best part of Girls’ State was meeting girls from all over California and getting to know more about the political system. An eye opener for her was the fact that “even though we all come from different backgrounds, we all want to make the world better and effect positive change.” Beth feels that working together can be easier when everyone realizes that “we are all the same.”

Of all the experiences she enjoyed during Girls’ State, her favorite was Mock Supreme Court and learning how cases are handled. Beth is seriously thinking about getting into

law when she graduates and she joined Mock Trial at SJHS again this year. (On a side note: her father is a construction defect litigator.)

“Most of the girls I spoke with want to major in political

science or government,” she said recently about Girls’ State.

In addition to pre-law, Beth, too, is considering a major in political science.

Regarding what college she will attend, Beth is keeping her options open for now and not committing to any one school.

Though Girls’ State was a great exposure to what other teens are saying about their future plans, for Beth the best part was getting away and experiencing what it is like to be involved in adult, real world politics.

Christine Zimmerman

Elizabeth Kent

4

CHALLENGING THE MIND, CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT

35

CHALLENGING THE MIND, CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT

For five weeks, sophomore Olivia Seitz participated in “Summer Studies in Paris” with her older brother Daniel, who attends Loyola High School. Olivia took a course in French for college credit at the Sorbonne University in Paris. Her study/tour group stayed in a hotel just outside Paris.

Students had a weekly itinerary to visit various sites and student advisors gave them tours during the day. Each evening from 2:30 to 6:00 pm the group attended classes. The students studied in Sorbonne satellites around Paris. At 6:00 or 7:00 each evening they returned to their hotel for dinner. On weekends they went on all day excursions—to Chamborg with its gothic architecture and hunting lodge, to the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Olivia says that each day she walked past the Cathedral and its beautiful rosetta stained glass window. They also visited Versailles, Chenonceau and the river that went around the gardens and castle and couldn’t pass up visiting Disneyland Paris. The group certainly

It wasn’t just luck that Brittany Roehm, ’11, was given a chance of a lifetime to visit Japan. Brittany says it all started when Lomita’s City Councilwoman Margaret Estrada encouraged her mom to get involved in the sister city program in her hometown. “My hometown has a sister city program with Takaishi, Japan in Osaka,” says Brittany. “Two years ago my mother visited Japan as a chaperone, and last summer our family hosted Eri Ueda to come to the U.S. to live with us.” (Brittany even gave Eri her bedroom.)

By opening this door, Brittany was chosen this past summer to spend two weeks in Japan with Eri’s family. Brittany got to know Eri’s parents and her two older siblings very well. “It started to feel like home and I became attached,” says Brittany. “Eri and I are into the same type of music and we got along like sisters. In Japan anime (animation) is very popular and we both got into it.” Eri, 19, is currently a student at Osaka University.

“Eri and her family were so kind to me and made me instantly feel comfortable. I wasn’t homesick at all,” says Brittany. “I felt like I had a family there.” Before going to Japan she had prepared by studying Japanese and had earned an equivalent of two years at El Camino College. While in Japan she spoke as much as she could in Japanese.

Brittany attended host program events with the Sister City

Brittany Roehm Program and spent weekends with the Ueda family. The group met with the mayor and city council, the fire department, and the police department. “It was an enlightening experience,” says Brittany. “We have many similarities and differences in our daily lives. They incorporate ancient traditions as part of everyday life.”

Brittany wore a special summer kimono during the visit. She participated in the Oban (or harvest) Festival there.

“The family went to Eri’s grandparents home for the festival. It was a very moving experience. I was an

outsider, but they took me in and treated me with great love and respect. It was touching

and very life changing for me. Now I am a little homesick for the Ueda family.” Luckily Brittany is able to talk on Facebook with Eri.

“It was amazing and I am so grateful to the Sister City Program and my host family and, most especially, my host mother who

was amazing. I tried to help out. She worked so hard to keep everyone on schedule. She

and her husband even cooked dinner together at home. Mr. Ueda spoke English really well, too. I

learned a lot about their culture. It has changed me a lot. I want to go back again someday. I can’t imagine living my whole life without going back there. We were all crying at the airport. No one wanted to go home.”

Next year Brittany wants to focus on liberal studies and music in college. She is applying to Loyola Marymount, Santa Clara University and St. Mary’s College in Indiana. In all likelihood she will keep a return visit to Japan somewhere in her future.

Olivia Seitz saw a lot of amazing sights on the excursions. For Olivia it was a true French immersion

experience—she used her French whenever possible, even when ordering meals. The group was in Paris for Bastille Day and went to the Eiffel Tower for fireworks synchronized to music. Her roommates Meena and Alisha were from New York and she misses them a lot.

“I just loved experiencing another culture and being able to walk through the

city. We were being able to choose what we would do every day as we became immersed in

Paris. The chaperones did not just let us loose, but you could make choices,” said Olivia afterwards. “The group visited the Jewish quarter and the Muslim area of Paris.” She found that nearly everyone speaks some English in Paris. “They enjoy that you are trying to speak French. It is very metropolitan. The streets were very narrow. I just loved walking through Paris. No air conditioning. Everything was at least three stories high. The architecture was fascinating.”

5

6

The SJHS family warmly welcomes faculty new to the school: Natalie Risley, Jillian Felger and Josh Ornelas!

Faculty New to SJHS

Orientation Days, Welcome Week activities and the first days of school brought endless opportunities for Jesters, faculty and parents—a prelude to a school year well begun.

With homeroom to start their “day” Jester parents had a full night of six “blocks” or class periods during Back to School Night; meeting each of their daughter’s teachers in 8-minute classes. Many a parent developed a healthy respect for trekking across campus in search of their assigned classroom and all it takes to avoid a late slip.

Luckily between Blocks C and D an opportune “snack break” was provided in Chapel Court to the accompaniment of music provided by the “Princesas de San Jose.”

From day one SJHS teachers found themselves inundated with questions: “Do we really have homework every night?” and “You said the first test will be what day next week?” Taking it all in stride were Jillian Felger, Josh Ornelas and Natalie Risley—faculty new to SJHS. Joining them in becoming part of the SJHS school community, were a special group of young ladies, not only new to SJHS, but new to the United States. After wading through all the red tape facing a foreign exchange student, SJHS administrative assistant Nancy Swartout says the work has been “so worth it.” Three years ago SJHS had but one foreign

exchange student, today there are seven. Each girl brings to the campus a fresh smile, a wealth of unique experiences, and a promise of lifelong friendships.

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

New Faces, Functions & Fun!

See page 9 for related

story

KicKing off the school year with:

37

Vivian RamirezA member of Lifeteen Youth Ministry at her parish, St.

Linus Church, Vivian Ramirez, ’12, went on a seven day trip to the Dominican Republic through Mustard Seed Communities (an organization her mom runs). Four teens from different high schools and six adults in the group painted rooms and spent time with kids at an orphanage for children with disabilities in Puerta Plata. One day they visited a village with a large population of Haitian refugees. “The kids ran up to us speaking in French.” (Vivian is learning Spanish, not French—but through gestures understood a great deal.) She met a 10-year-old girl named “America” who only wanted to hold her hand. As they walked along the rocky, uneven terrain Vivian looked down and “I saw she had no shoes on…you don’t need words for that,” she said.

In one village that Mustard Seed supports, there was a boy Johnny, 12, who had several mental and physical disabilities. We walked into an outside area and kept looking around. “So I went and held his hand—words cannot explain the emotions. Just by a simple touch of a hand, you can change someone’s life,” says Vivian.

“I think about it every day and I realize how grateful I am for all I have and for the people in my life, the abilities I have,” she said. “It is a very humbling experience.” Vivian keeps a photo of Johnny in her book bag and looks at it every day as a reminder.

Natalie KesterDuring the summer SJHS junior, Natalie Kester went

on a week-long mission trip to El Salvador with Resurrection Lutheran Church, Redondo Beach. The goal of Natalie’s group was to help Resurrection School in El Salvador. Some lent a hand at a center run by the church that distributes food to the homeless. Another group of students went out to villages providing aid as needed. Natalie’s group visited San Miguel Province, and Santa Tecla Municipio, an area on the outskirts of the capitol, San Salvador. Natalie’s group also visited Soyapango, a village on the verge of destruction.

For most of her stay Natalie, with others, helped out at Resurrection School. She and other students from the U.S. also participated in a August 6th peace march.

Natalie reflected on the experience and said afterwards that she was “humbled by everything I saw,” noting that the lady they stayed with had been tortured during the civil war. “It made me want to take what I learned to my Peace and Justice class this year and start a project.” Most of all she remembers feeling like she “wanted to do something.”

Being all of which they are capaBle:

summer programs & experiences

CHALLENGING THE MIND, CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT

New Faces, Functions & Fun!

Sandra Toledo Congratulations to Jester Sandra Toledo, ’11, who received

a scholarship to attend a special program at the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons in Washington, DC. The program is part of the National Hispanic Youth Initiative designed for high school students interested in pursuing a career in science or in a medical field after college.

During a week of study in July, Sandra focused on health, biomedical research and policy development. Sandra’s scholarship covered all expenses except airfare. Costs of housing (students lived in dorm rooms at George Washington University), transportation, educational opportunities and visits to various medical sites were included.

More than 600 students applied for the program but only 60 were chosen. Academic standing, community service hours, and other activities related to science, involvement at school and volunteerism were determining factors in the selection process.

No Fall Carnival would be complete without folklorico dancing, delicious homemade tacos, funnel cakes, our very own Princesas de San Jose Mariachis, those ubiquitous goldfish in glass bowls, time spent with old friends, prizes—lots of them—and maybe a bit of cotton candy. One of the most fortunate people was Jenny Roberts of Long Beach, whose ticket #188618, was the winning ticket in the annual give-away. Congratulations to Jenny and all

those who came to enjoy the Carnival. Many thanks to those who gave so much time to help make it a success.

Fall Carnival

Faculty members Mayra Aguilar, Mary-Elizabeth Benson, Celine Figueroa, the parents of faculty member Mayra Aguilar, and twelve alumnae travelled to Rome, Florence, Madrid and Barcelona for ten days this past summer. The group marveled at Rome’s Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica, the beauty of David and the pure joy of gelato in Florence (especially in the high heat). In Spain they visited the Prado and Reyna Sofia in Madrid, and experienced a flamenco show. The girls learned how to make a Spanish seafood specialty paella in Barcelona.

Jester European Travelers were: Alma Ruby Beltran, ’11 | Andrea Beltran, ’11 Ashley Malpica, ’13 | Carolina Nunez, ’11 Aimeee Sarabia, ’12 | Elvira Sarabia, ’13

8

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

Jester Athletes Some teams/sports are still playing as of press time.

Golf News

Jester Alexandra de la Torre was named to All League at the end of the season. The golf team was in 1st place all league as of newsletter publication. Congratulations to the top seven golfers, First Team Golf, in the Camino Real League: 1. Alexandra de la Torre; 2. Zoe Mascola; 3. Barbara Moore; 4. Catherine McLoughlin; 5 (tied). Samantha Palmer and Pessica Wiese; 7. Taryn Zatarain.

Cross Country

Varsity Jester runner Gabi Gonzalez, ’13 set a school record of 18:18 at the Santa Fe Dam meet and the Jester team was 2nd in All League. In the same meet senior Julia Plecnik placed 6th, frosh Kala Kopecek placed 7th and junior Adrianna Vasquez placed 10th.

In individual races junior varsity members placed: Sarah Mendoza, 1st; Tyler Levengood, 3rd; Samie Barajas, 11th; Samantha Markham, 11th; Valerie Gonzalez, 9th; Marysol Uribe, 19th; Breanna Hampton, 20th; Cielo Zavala-Esquivel, 26th; Janelle Somono, 28th; Desiree Lee, 29th; Mercedes Ubario, 31st; Sam Soltero, 12th; Lindsey Vasquez, 35th; Thalia Capilla, 11th; Lauren Mercado, 38th; Liliana Rodriguez, 39th; Hayley Pascual, 41st; Elise Cota, 49th; Jacquelyn Campana, 50th; Jessica Acuna, 65th.

Volleyball

Under the leadership of Coach Michael Hinton and assisted by faculty member Jillian Felger, the Jester varsity volleyball team placed 2nd, All League. As of the newsletter publication deadline playoffs had yet to be played.

Jester Travellers in Europe

Global JestersThe Jester world greatly expanded in September. Thanks to the

hard work of administrative assistant Nancy Swartout, seven young women from Korea, China and Vietnam joined the Jester family. Often referred to as I-20 students or foreign students, they add their own particular gifts and talents to the campus. As Nancy Swartout said earlier in the year, “Three years ago only one I-20 student attended SJHS.” These students—two of whom had been Jesters last year—joined clubs, signed up for activities, and brought their own sense of humor and willingness to learn to the Jester campus—making it a richer place. Our foreign students are:

From Vietnam: Ahn Tran, sophomore

From China: Yuxin (Emma) Zhang, sophomore and Ying (Christina) Li, junior

From Korea: Yeseung (Susana) Choi, sophomore and her sister Yejeong (Clare) Choi, junior, plus Esther Kim, sophomore and Yesom (Liz) Kim, junior

39

CHALLENGING THE MIND, CULTIVATING THE SPIRIT

During November the Visual and Performing Arts Departments of Saint Joseph and Saint John Bosco High Schools presented the second show of the 2010-2011 season, The Phantom Tollbooth. The play, adapted by Susan Nanus from the book by Norton Juster, ran at Saint Joseph High School through November 21.

The show follows Milo, a bored kid, on his adventures through a mysterious tollbooth into The Lands Beyond. There, joined by his trusty companions Tock, the watchdog, and The Humbug, he looks for answers to difficult questions: Which are more important, words or numbers? What do synonym buns taste like? Is it faster to travel by miles or half inches? And what does a square wheeled steamroller running over a street full of hard-boiled eggs sound like? Milo must rush to rescue two princesses before Rhyme and Reason are lost forever.

The combined Jester and Bosco production involved a cast of twenty, most playing multiple roles. Director Brian Bozanich worked with elements of commedia dell arte, Warner Brother’s cartoons, and improvisational comedy to create a silly world

reminiscent of Oz or Wonderland. The show was underscored by Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which provides outstanding accompaniment in a bold and playful world. Working on a set pieced together from oversized Lego, the performance had something for everybody.

In addition to the public performances, the cast performed four daytime shows for fifteen schools and more than 1,700 fourth through eighth graders. These free performances were made possible through a grant from Supervisor Don Knabe and the Fourth Supervisorial District Arts Education Partnership Program.

Ohana: Junior RingsIn many Pacific Island languages, including Hawaiian,

the term “Ohana” means “family”—not in the sense of a birth mother, father, brother or sister, but rather in terms of the larger community. Ohana is revered and given respect. Everyone becomes responsible for everyone else. If one is happy—all are happy. If one grieves—the whole community grieves or supports or is there for the others in the ohana. It is this theme that pervaded the 2010 Junior Ring Ceremony on October 22nd. As the juniors, the 187 member Class of 2011, expressed it so well in their program, when they quoted Lilo and Stitch: “Ohana means family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.”

The Phantom Tollbooth

10

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

We Remember Polly Pope

Class Acts: Alumnae Updates

The name Polly Pope has a special place in the history of Saint Joseph High School. Though not a SJHS alumna, she was everything else—proud parent of a Jester, member of the founding first faculty at SJHS—a teacher, coach, athletic director, mentor. Her blood simply ran Jester Orange. Often the first person on campus and the last to

leave, Polly attended senior retreats, class meetings, rallies, summer cheer camps and league meetings. She cheered her girls on to victory and gave them support when they were lost. Polly Pope was synonymous with SJHS for fourteen years from 1964 until 1978.

Polly passed away quietly on August 3, 2010, in her home surrounded by Bill, her husband of 50 years, and their three children and their families.

Since Polly’s death many have shared their memories. Daughter Carla, who knew her mother as a teacher, coach, athletic director, mentor and friend, also shared coaching with her mother at St. Anthony High School in the 1980 and 90’s.

With Polly there was always the advantage of those she “brought along.” If Polly was there for an event, it generally meant someone else came along. Remembered still at SJHS

was her husband Bill. He was her biggest fan, her greatest cheerleader through everything.

Whenever Polly was at Jester games, Bill would be there, too, ever supportive and loving. When her

children Carla, Craig (St. Anthony ’82) and Christyn (St. Anthony ’84) were old enough, they, too, attended

every event. At this year’s All Souls Liturgy at SJHS, Polly was specially

remembered. Polly’s husband Bill and daughter Carla attended the liturgy. Polly was a true “people person.” Family, friends, meeting new people, being with others, were Polly’s great joys. “And her great love,” says her daughter, SJHS alumna Carla Pope, ’80. When asked what was her mother’s favorite year, Carla responded, “There wasn’t any one year. They were all good.” Every year was special to Polly “because of the people,” she said. “Every class had that special group. It was very interesting to me that if I would see people that I hadn’t seen since I was six years old, they were important to her. She always had Jesters around her. It could have been anyone—a drill team member or a coach, and they weren’t always athletes. Sometimes she took people in who just needed to get away.”

When asked about stand out moments for her Mom, Carla said, “The people who came back to coach or simply help out, like Lisa Torres. These were the stand out moments.” Carla added, “And I was lucky enough to be able to coach with her.” She said, “I try to tell my kids how amazing she was. Words just don’t do her justice. They’re young now and they just didn’t have the opportunity to really know her.”

Polly taught, coached and directed the athletic program at St. Anthony High School from 1978 until 1994. Technically she turned over the leadership of the coaching to her daughter Carla in 1990 and both Polly and Carla retired from St. Anthony High School in 1994. At the end of the 1994 school year Polly moved to Millikan High School and served as guidance counselor on that campus until she fully retired in 2002.

May Polly now know the comfort and peace that only God can give. May she rest in peace she so richly deserves. Amen.

Polly Pope Scholarship Foundation

Polly laid the foundation for much the traditions and programs we cherish today including our assigned class colors and our excellent sports and pep squad programs. She was everywhere on or campus and always took care of the needs of the Jesters.

A scholarship has been established in her memory that extends beyond athletes to all those who participate in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA). This scholarship will be awarded annually to one sophomore, junior or senior.

For more information, or to make a donation to the Polly Pope Scholarship Foundation, please contact Mrs. Karen Castillo, ext. 125.

S A I N T J O S E P H H I G H S C H O O L

For the last six months alumna Claire Tindula, ’05, has served with the Peace Corps in South Africa in its HIV/AIDS Outreach Program working among young children impacted by the disease. Claire has found that even the slightest gift can make a huge difference in a child’s life… whether it be crayons or a used book, for these are things that few children there can call their own. Things we take for granted.

In a desire to help Claire, a number of members of the SJHS school community would like to support her efforts in South Africa by sending gently used (or even new) children’s books. Also needed—the postage for sending these books. Please contact the alumnae office for more information. The following is an edited letter from Claire:

Sanibonani! (Sah-nee-boh-nah-nee)Greetings from South Africa! I graduated from Saint Joseph

High School in 2005 and am currently serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer with the Community HIV/AIDS Outreach Program in South Africa. I live in a community near the town of Mtubatuba in KwaZulu-Natal. There I work with a community-based organization, called Ithembalesizwe (‘Hope for the Nation’) Community Care Center. The Center supports people living with HIV/AIDS and chronic diseases, as well as children and youth who have been orphaned or made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS.

South Africa has the most people living with HIV/AIDS of any country (5.7 million), and within South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal is the province with the highest rate of prevalence (15.8% and 32-50% amoung women aged 25-29). As you can imagine, the compounding factors of hunger, poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and gender inequality are devastating.

Around 100 children come to the Center after school for

a meal every day because they do not have enough food at home. The Center occasionally

gets donations of clothing and shoes to give to the children. In my time here, I am hoping to

create more after-school programs for the kids. Exposure to reading more books would give these children the opportunity to practice reading, as well as help them develop their English skills so they can further thier education and get jobs to support themselves and their families. I am trying to get more books and games in the hands of these children by setting up a small library/game room/craft area at the Center.

Your donations from this book drive would mean SO much to them, and would provide them with an opportunity to open their eyes and minds to another world. Who knows how they will be inspired by what they read and by the people halfway around the world that cared enough to send them a book.

Thank you in advance for thinking of us and for anything you can send to help. Siyabonga kakhulu, nisale kahle (Thank you very much and stay well),Claire Tindula, ’05, aka Siphiwe Buthelezi PO Box 838 • Mtubatuba 3935 • South Africa ctindula@gmail.com • claireinsafrica.blogspot.com

Sister Terry Dodge, SSL, ’69, Honored With Minerva Award

11

Sandra Day O’Connor was appointed to the Supreme Court. Just to be standing next to her, to someone who received the same award, is extremely overwhelming. It is humbling to know that what I do, which I see as so everyday, can have such a tremendous impact on others.”

Sister Terry worked with Crossroads, in Claremont, since 1989—21 years. “We provide an environment where women who started off on the wrong path can change their life and grow.” From the Crossroads mission statement: “The mission of Crossroads, Inc. is to provide housing, education, support and counseling in a homelike environment for women who have been incarcerated. Our goal is to empower women to take control of their lives and to help them step out of the revolving door of prison and jail.”

Sr. Terry attended St. Cyprian School before coming to SJHS. When asked about the place SJHS holds in her life, Sr. Terry said, “Going to an all girls’ high school, really gave me the breadth and scope to do what I’m doing. I am an advocate for this type of environment. It is probably one of the reasons why I enjoy so much working with, and for, women today. It all started when I was surrounded by capable women at SJHS.”

In 2004 California’s First Lady Maria Shriver created the Minerva Award to honor remarkable women dedicated to improving California’s communities, the state and the world. The award recognizes the work of living women who act as architects of change to empower others, who make a profound and positive difference in the world.

The 2010 recipients of the Minerva Award were recognized at a special program on October 27 in Long Beach. This year’s recipients were: Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor (retired), the first woman on the nation’s highest court; Oprah Winfrey, television and publishing personality; Oral Lee Brown, a community activist in Oakland; Carolyn Blashek, who has delivered over 500,000 care packages to service members overseas; and Sister Terry Dodge, SSL, SJHS ’69, whose Crossroads ministry serves women recently released from prison and assists them as they transition to life “outside.” Sister Terry is the executive director of Crossroads.

Several days after receiving the Minerva Award, Sr. Terry said, “Words cannot describe the feeling of standing shoulder to shoulder with such remarkable women. I remember so well when

Bringing Hope toSouth Africa’s Children

5825 North Woodruff AvenueLakewood, CA 90713Tel (562) 925-5073Fax (562) 925-3315www.sj-jester.org

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PaidPermit No. 60039Long Beach, CA

MAY THEY REST IN PEACEPlease keep these members of the SJHS family and their loved ones in your prayers. A Mass of Remembrance will be celebrated in the school chapel for each of the following members of the SJHS school family. We remember:

Important Dates to Remember

Laura Carlos, mother of Carla Carlos, ‘92

Frances Casillas, grandmother of Vanessa Yanez, ’08

Judith Commodore, mother of Patricia, ’84, Anna, ’86, and grandmother of Jessica, ’08

Frank E. Figueroa, father of faculty member Celine Figueroa, ’90

Johnnie S. Garcia, spouse of Jacob and father-in-law of Jackie Cordova, SJHS staff member

DE

CE

MB

ER

DE

CE

MB

ER

JA

NU

AR

Y

Marie T. Hauck, grandmother of Jessa T. Hauck, ’01

Susan J. Paul, ’80

Polly Pope, mother of Carla Pope Coburn, ’80, member of founding SJHS faculty, longtime faculty member, coach and Director of Athletics

Kristine Sander, ’84

First name Urdiales, grandfather of Ana Lucia Urdiales, ’xx

1-11 Red Bucket/Holy Spirit School Drive

3-4 Holiday Dance Performances, 7 pm

7 Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Dinner, 5 pm

8 Immaculate Conception Liturgy, 11:15 am

Mini Open House, 4 pm

9-10 Holiday Choir Performance, 7 pm

12-14 Pre-Exam “Dead” Period

15-17 Semester Exams

20 Semester Exam grades due

20-Jan 4 Christmas Break

Note: Front Office closed from Dec 18 – Jan 2

4 Last day to register for ACT

5 Special Schedule for Faculty Inservice

6 First day of second semester— classes resume

10 Career Fair, 7-8:30 pm

11 Faculty Meeting

12 High School Information Night, 7-8 pm

13 1st Semester Awards Ceremony, 11:15 am

14 Incoming Freshman deadline for application

17 Martin Luther King Holiday— no classes

20 Alumnae Association Meeting, 6:30 pm

22 High School Placement Exam, 8-12 noon

24 Freshman Parent Night, 7-8:30 pm

25 Freshman Retreat, 9-2:30 pm

28 Sophomore Lock-In, 6 pm

29 Academic Decathlon 1

30-Feb 5 Catholic Schools Week

Freshman Interviews, 3:30-6:30 pm

ALUMNAE,Mark Your Calendars!Next Alumnae Association MeetingsJanuary 20 and March 17, 2011 6:30 pm in the Media Center.

For more information,contact xxxxxx xxxxxx at: (562) 925-5073 x##.

Alumna and Science Department faculty member Sarah Santos, ‘02, currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in education at Loyola Marymount University, has been notified that she is the recipient of a scholarship to assist her in her studies at LMU. A special component of the scholarship is the gift of an additional $3,000 for the SJHS Science Department to be used for department teaching materials and supplies. Funded by the AFCEA (Armed Forces Committee in Electronics Education) Sarah’s scholarship is intended for use by teachers of women who encourage their students to go into careers in engineering, technology, electronics, and forensics. Congratulations, Sarah!

Alumna Faculty Member Receives Scholarship