If we work upon marble, it will perish;if we work upon brass, time will efface it;if we rear our temples, they will crumble into dust;but if we work upon immortal minds,if we imbue them with principles,with just fear of God and love of our fellowmen,we engrave on those tabletssomething which will brighten all eternity.

Daniel Webster

As our seniors graduate, our hope is that we have done just that—worked with them to love their neighbor, to live principled lives, and to put their trust in almighty God. We pray that our God will keep them in the palm of his hand as they leave us to begin their new lives in a world that will certainly challenge all that you, and SJHS, have taught them.

The Class of 2007 was ter-rific! You will see in this sum-mer newsletter just how great they are. They certainly left their indelible mark at SJHS. We look forward to seeing or hearing from them at their vari-ous college break times.

It does not seem possible. Where has this year gone? So quickly your daughters enter

as freshmen and, in a blink of an eye, they are seniors—graduating, and off to college. Well, for you fresh-man, sophomore and junior par-ents—relish the time they are in

high school. Attend their activ-ities. When you can, join us for school liturgies, and chaperone

a dance or two. Yes, your

daughter may grimace, but it is only a facade because deep down inside she likes to have you around and for you, it is a moment in their lives—a teenage mo-ment—soon gone and one that cannot be recaptured.

We want to especially welcome our new Fresh-man families and their daughters to high school life at SJHS. You will find that high school is filled with many activities for your daughter and for you. Although Bin-go is your primary volunteer responsibility, we want to encourage you to participate and volunteer for events

like our annual Carnival in Sep-tember, our Mardi Gras/Casino Night in February, and the many other events or activities that fit in your calendar. We have a won-derful school and great students. We look forward to the time we have with your daughter to as-sist her in her development as a young woman in the tradition of the CSJs, always in a spirit of “excellence tempered by gentle-ness, peace and joy.”

Friends, in closing, I thank you for your support and kind words throughout the year. We are able to provide a quality, Catholic, CSJ education because of your commitment to who we are and what we are.

May St. Joseph and Mother St. John Fontbonne, the foundress of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, keep you and your families in their prayers.

Enjoy your summer with your daughters. They are yours until August 27!

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Sincerely,

Dr. Mendoza, Class of 1973

Spring/Summer 2007Volume 42, Number 5

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

Photography: Sister Nancy Munro, CSJJohn Chacon

Writing/Editor: Sister Nancy Munro, CSJ

Layout, Design,and Illustration: OPM Design Group, Burbank

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IN THIS ISSUE

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) and Friends of SJHS,

Distinguished Scholars Dinner

Parent Appreciation

Choir ConcertDance Performance

Second Semester Awards

Prom

Baccalaureate Mass Graduation & Colleges to Attend

Valedictorian Salutatorian

Field Day & Spring Sports

Alumnae Updates and News

NHS Get on the Bus Project

In Closing

NEWS

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

Dr. Mendoza congratulates Barbara Lopes Mahakian, ’68, SJHS Alumna of the Year at this year’s C’est Magnifique.

Dr. Mendoza and distinguished scholar Linda Moore, ’07.

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

Students who maintained a 3.5 unweighted GPA in eight or more Advanced Placement and Honors Classes were fêted on April 23rd with a Distinguished Scholars Award Dinner. Helen Spagnoletti Thies, ’74, was the guest speaker for the evening. 1998 SJHS Alumna of the Year, Helen is an attorney with Chernow & Lieb and proud parent of a freshman at SJHS.

Distinguished Scholars Applauded

2Distinguished Scholars are: Lizette Alvarez, Luz Aquino, Kristin Arguedas, Angelica Borrayo, Trishia Chavez, Gabriella De La Torre, Rachel Enerio, Alinna Flores, Sarah Gomez, Nadine Gutierrez, Gabrielle Labayen, Adilene Lopez, Rita Miles, Linda Moore, Meagan Nadal, Lauren Perez, Cydney Purificacion, Sabrina Rivera, Michelle Rossi, Mara Saldana, Janeen Sanchez, Kimberly Schrock, Sara Spacht, Kellie Sylwanowicz, Hillary Tilden, Neena Valdemor

THE FOLLOWING PARENTS WERE SPECIALLY HONORED FOR SERVICE TO SJHS:

Over 100 HoursLorenzo and Ernestina AguilarJavier and Patty AlfaroJohn and Patricia BracerosJulius and Zenia EmpenoMiguel Inocente and Georgina GledresRon and Rosa MartinezGus and Sonia MatamoresMatthew and Billie MealyDan and Rita MilesJoe and Pat PachecoAnthony and Lynda SalcidoNarciso and Columba Ubario

Over 200 HoursJose and Irma Nunez

Over 300 Hours Michael and Margaret Geesing

Over 400 HoursStewarat and Nancy HayesKaren and Gregg RoffersPaul and Tammy St. Onge

Over 500 HoursCarlos and Lisa Herrera

Special thanks and recognition for service above the call of duty were also given to Lisa Lindgren, the Kirby Family and Rosalie Chacon, and alumnae parents Julie Showalter, Betty Green and Andrew Martinez.

Parent Appreciation EventA thousand notes saying “thank you” would never be enough to express the many

ways Jester parents are appreciated. Whenever there is a need, Jester parents are there. No matter what the task, a Jester parent seems to be able to handle the request. Thank you to all Jester parents, but especially those who have given so much of their time. On May 8th parents attended an early evening of refreshments and thank you certificates.

Irma and Jose Nunez

Allison Cook, ’84, former alumna of the year, accepts her certificate for over 300 volunteer service hours.

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During the month of May the spirit seems to lift on campus. Heavy-duty test prepping takes place, but there is also another spirit that seems to float around campus. After a semester, and even a year, of hard work the dance classes perform and the handbell choir, steel drum band, percussion ensemble, women’s chorus, show choir and concert choir show their stuff for parents, family and friends. The variety and depth of talent on campus is amazing—whether it be doing samba, flamenco, a bit of cabaret, “Fab Four,” doo wop or disco—Jesters are good. Just take a look!

DANCE AND MUSIC

SJHS Artists Put A Little Spirit In Spring

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

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On Wednesday, June 6th, the juniors, sophomores and freshmen gathered in the Flynn Center for their Second Semester Academic Awards Ceremony. The preceding week had been filled with graduation excitement, news about awards and scholarships, and good-byes. Four years of hard work led to that week—and the juniors, sophomores and freshmen moved that much closer to their senior year.

The Brown Book Award was given to Tessa Hayes (f). Also Grace Gail Cara (g), SJHS Girls’ State representative for this summer, and Jessica Reiner (e), chosen as SJHS HOBY representative, received certificates of commendation for their leadership abilities. Marissa Lazalde (a) received a certificate of commendation and the Dear Neighbor Award for her quick thinking and use of skills she had learned in First Aid Class. She helped a young boy, Brandon Teepen, who had seriously injured his knee. After he received med-ical treatment his doctors and mother credited Marissa for her quick thinking and care. Brandon’s mother came to SJHS to watch Marissa receive her award.

Academic Awards were given in individual subjects. Special recognition and cer-tificates of honor were given to students who received four or more certificates. Receiving four certificates were: Jamie Collaro, Nicole Del Castillo, Autumn Nailes and Gemalene Sunga (b). Erin Keith (d) earned five cer-tificates of honor and Pamela Tiet (c) received six.

Distinguished Scholars Applauded

CALENDAR FOR BEGINNING of 2007-2008 SCHOOL YEAR

Wed., August 22Meetings: Campus Ministry 9-12 pm Choir 9-12 pm Peer Helper Training 9-2 pm Curriculum Committee 12-1 pm Convocation Training 2-3 pm

Thurs., August 23 Meetings: Teachers New to SJHS 9-12:30 pmDepartment Meetings 1-3 pm Dept A 1-2 pm Dept B 2-3 pm

Fri., August 24Meetings: Faculty 8:30–9:30 am Faculty Retreat 9:30-12:30 pm Section Teachers 1-2 pm

Mon., August 27 Orientation, Retreat and Meetings:Frosh/Transfer Student Orientation 8-11 amFrosh Retreat 11:15-1:45 pmModerators’ Mtg. 2-3 pm

Tues., August 28Orientations and In-ServiceSenior/Frosh Orientation 8-11 amSoph/Junior Orientation 11:30-2:30 pmCSJ/Administration In-Service 3:30-7:30 pm

Wed., August 29 Classes Begin, 1 pm dismissalPeer Helper Training 1-2:30 pmFall Sports Parent/Coaches Mtg., 7 pm in Flynn

Thurs., August 30 1 pm dismissalPeer Helper Training 1-2:30 pmFundraising Committee Mtg 6-8 pm

Fri., August 31 1 pm dismissal

Mon., September 3 Labor Day—No School

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With the theme of “Tomorrow Never Dies,” Prom 2007 on May 12 was a fabulous success. Prom Jesters and their dates looked fabulous and the setting was outstanding. Prom Queen Sarah Gomez and her court received bouquets of roses that matched the loveliness of their smiles, dresses and spirit.

Prom 2007

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On Friday, June 1st, following the Senior Awards Ceremony, a final roll call of the 198 member class of 2007 took place. As each graduating senior’s name was called, she stood and walked out of the Flynn Center—symbolically ready, and educationally and spiritually ready to begin a “journey” strengthened by years spent at Saint Joseph High School.

Dr. Mendoza stated in her letter to the graduates, “May your face reflect the spirit of love, hope and zeal because of the choices you’ve made during your time at Saint Joseph High School. Always remember to reflect God’s light to all you encounter.” Parents, family members, friends and faculty shared those same hopes and prayers as the afternoon began with a Baccalaureate Mass presided by San Pedro Regional Bishop Alex Salazar. Immediately follow-ing the Mass, Sarah Gomez gave the Valedictory Address and diplomas were conferred. The Alma Mater was sung and graduates were dismissed.

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

FOR THESTRENGTH

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CHALLENGING THE M IND , CULT IVAT ING T HE SP IRIT

FOR THEJourney

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

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American UniversityArizona State UniversityAzusa Pacific UniversityBiola UniversityBelmont Abbey CollegeBoston UniversityCalifornia State Polytechnic University, PomonaCalifornia State Polytechnic University, San LuisCalifornia State University, BakersfieldCalifornia State University, Channel IslandsCalifornia State University, ChicoCalifornia State University, Dominguez HillsCalifornia State University, East BayCalifornia State University, FresnoCalifornia State University, FullertonCalifornia State University, Long BeachCalifornia State University, Los AngelesCalifornia State University, Monterey BayCalifornia State University, NorthridgeCalifornia State University, San BernardinoCalifornia State University, San MarcosCerritos CollegeChaminade University of HonoluluClark Atlanta UniversityConcordia UniversityCornell UniversityCypress CollegeDrexel UniversityEast Los Angeles CollegeEl Camino CollegeFelician CollegeFlorida Gulf Coast UniversityFlorida State UniversityFordham University

Class of 2007 University Acceptances

Franciscan University of SteubenvilleFullerton CollegeGolden West CollegeGonzaga UniversityHoward UniversityHumboldt State UniversityLincoln UniversityLong Beach City CollegeLoyola Marymount UniversityLoyola University, ChicagoMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMercyhurst CollegeMiles CollegeMount Ida CollegeMount St. Mary’s College, ChalonMount St. Mary’s College, DohenyNew York UniversityNorthern Arizona UniversityOrange Coast CollegeOur Lady of the LakePennsylvania State UniversityPrinceton UniversityRio Hondo CollegeRitsumeikan Asia Pacific UniversitySaint Mary’s College of CaliforniaSan Diego State UniversitySan Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco State UniversitySan Jose State UniversitySan Jose State UniversitySanta Clara UniversitySanta Monica CollegeSantiago Canyon College

Spelman CollegeSt. John’s UniversityStanford UniversityStephens CollegeThe Fashion Institute of Design & MerchandisingThe Pennsylvania State UniversityThe University of PortlandTougaloo CollegeTrinity Western UniversityUniversity of Alaska AnchorageUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of California, BerkeleyUniversity of California, DavisUniversity of California, IrvineUniversity of California, Los AngelesUniversity of California, MercedUniversity of California, RiversideUniversity of California, San DiegoUniversity of California, Santa BarbaraUniversity of California, Santa CruzUniversity of Missouri-ColumbiaUniversity of Nevada, Las VegasUniversity of OregonUniversity of RedlandsUniversity of San DiegoUniversity of San FranciscoUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of VirginiaWhittier CollegeWoodbury UniversityXavier University of Louisiana

Valedictory AddressClassmates, there are many today to

whom we should express gratitude. On behalf of the class of 2007, thank

you, administration, for pushing us to be-come all of which woman is capable. Thank you, staff, for safeguarding and taking care of us these four years. Thank you, faculty, for guiding and supporting us. What you have taught us far exceeds the knowledge con-tained in any textbook. Thank you, to our families, without whom we wouldn’t be here, without whom we wouldn’t be who we are. Our families have given us roots. Together with our teachers, they have given us wings.

Now, Class of 007, Donald Ducks, Licensed to Quack, Duckaneers. The bad news is that this is the last time we will all be together as a class, as one body still undivided by space and time. We have just begun to really know each other, and already we are leaving, separating from our classmates and friends, from the amazing girls that make up our class. The artists, on stage and pa-per, whose pursuit of beauty and truth enrich all of our lives. The tireless athletes who win victories and trophies in the most diverse of sports, from soccer to swimming, softball to golf, cheerleading to powderpuff.

The shy girls… The loud girls…The girls with dark brown hair and brown kind eyes, with

dispositions so sweet, so modest, that even now they don’t suspect they are being mentioned. The incredible girls, the giving trees who put the dreams and troubles of their friends before their own, who show by example that it is better to give, especially when you give all of yourself. The tomboys who show us just how strong women can be. The wild ones, yes, the wild ones, who remind us that we are free—our lives and destinies are our own. There are too many to mention. I feel honored to have been a part of this class.

The Good News is—No, it’s not congratulations that you are graduating. Graduating is an accomplishment. The Future is our good news. The places we will go, the goals and careers we will pur-sue. Even if you don’t know now where exactly that is, you must know that you will make your own path in spite of obstacles and

without fear. And we shouldn’t worry. The quali-ties that made you stand out at Saint Joseph, will make you shine in the “real” world. I’m not talk-ing merely about success. Success is hollow when defined by purely material possessions. Success is fulfilled in the individual’s pursuit of happiness.

Anne Morrow Lindbergh said: “Don’t wish me happiness, . . . it’s gotten beyond that, somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor — I will need them all.”

I don’t need to wish you these things, how-ever…senses of humor, courage, purpose, dedi-cation, kindness and love, because you already have them. With them will come happiness and

whatever version of success you seek.Which brings us back to the beginning… “To all of which

woman is capable.”We’ve been here for four years, and I’ve always wondered about

those words. Something in the idea that Saint Joseph would make us “all of which woman is capable” seemed to impose, or at least as-sume, limits regarding what we were or were not capable of.

Looking at you all here today, after meeting you, knowing you, I realize that my concern was ridiculous. As if there was any-thing you aren’t capable of. You are far more capable than you can ever begin to realize. So maybe that was the point.

Good luck, class of 2007. Thank you and good-bye. Written and delivered by Sarah Gomez, ’07

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Salutatorian

Valedictorian, Sarah Gomez, ’07

Salutatorian, Sarah Spacht, ’07

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

Continuing a proud Jester tradition, Holy Spirit School visited SJHS on May 24th. Holy Spirit stu-dents were able to ride ponies, visit a petting zoo, enjoy lunch provided by various clubs and organizations on campus and play. They played tug-a-war, ran races in competition, jumped all over the inflatable slides and playground equipment, and participated in a Jester rally as part of Field Day 2007. The weather cooper-ated as they, and Jesters, simply had fun and enjoyed

about three hours on campus.

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Ready-Set-Have Fun SPORTS AWARDS GIVEN

Jester Sports Awards were given on campus at the end of the Spring athletic season. Spring sports include swimming, softball, gymnastics, and track and field. Most valuable swimmer on frosh/soph was Hailey Guerra, junior varsity Marrissa Carrillo, varsity Rita Miles. Most valuable player in softball was Gennifer Kluver. In gymnastics most valuable player on the junior varsity level was Dayna Boik and on the varsity level Sammy Bello. In track and field the best distance runner was Denise Nunez.

Special awards were given in the following areas:

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Denise Nunez

SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEARRita Miles

JESTER AWARD Dana Vargas

JESTER AWARD Gabriella De La Torre

Announced at graduation, the SJHS Wendy’s High SchoolHeisman National Nominee is Kellie Sylwanowicz.

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SECOND GENERATION AWARDS

The following alumnae and their graduating senior daughters were recognized at the commencement exercises for the Class of 2007:

Alinna Flores, daughter of Carmen Gonzalez, ’76Maureen Hunter, daughter of Patricia Murphy, ’77Patricia Kaminski, daughter of Carilyn O’Connor, ’80Jessica McMaster, daughter of Annette Breslin, ’80Danielle Pacheco, daughter of Patricia Avila, ’75Aubrey Toves-Favero, daughter of Jocelyn Toves, ’69Julia Vasiloff, daughter of Michelle Van Ruiten, ’71Kellie Vilander, daughter of Debra Penaloza, ‘76

CLASS OF 1987The Class of 1987 reunion will be at the

Long Beach Airport Marriott on October 20, 2007. Karen Arboit Nolta is the contact person. Her email address is: knolta@verizon.net

Mark your calendars now. As more plans are made, you will be notified.

CLASS OF 1977 AND 1997Please contact Karen Castillo at (562) 925-5073, ext. 125

if you are interested in chairing either of these two reunions.

REUNION NEWS

Alumnae UpdatesC

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s Leigh Ann Jakubik Dryer, ’85, and her husband Ron just welcomed their 2nd child, a 10 lb 6 oz little girl named Jillian Lucy on April 27th. Her 2 1/2 year old big brother, Robby, is thrilled with his baby sister and is patiently waiting for her to play with all his Hot Wheels that he keeps trying to “share” with her. Leigh Ann and Rob and their family have lived for the last ten years in Graham, WA, a suburb of Seattle. Leigh Ann sends spe-cial greetings to the class of 1985 and hopes that “this finds all ’85ers healthy and happy!

Another Jester living in Washington State, Margaret Diserio Wilkerson, ’85, and her husband Norman and chil-dren Matthew, 18, and Katie, 13, live in South Cle Elum, in the Cascades region, where there are “lots of rivers, lakes and skiing.” She says she “would love to at-tend the 2015 reunion” and wants news about what is happening at SJHS. When in the area, she attended Cerritos Col-lege and earned a pre-school teaching degree. Presently Margaret is working as a waitress.

CHALLENGING THE M IND , CULT IVAT ING T HE SP IRIT

Julia Vasiloff, daughter of Michelle Van Ruiten, ’71

“We have been grounded in the virtues of our school motto: Love, Hope, and Zeal. We are women who were loved into existence by our Creator and naturally respond in LOVE to Her in return. We are women of HOPE, joy-filled as our Jester mascot implies, because Jesus has incarnated the world with salvation. We are women of ZEAL, empowered by the Holy Spirit who gives us ‘Strength for our Journey.’”

Barbara Lopes Mahakian, ’68Guest Speaker and Alumna of the YearSenior Awards Ceremony 2007as she welcomed graduates into the Alumnae Association

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

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Let us know what is happening in your life. We’d love to hear about your son’s first touchdown (or first birdie, for that matter). Tell us about that degree you are work-ing on or workshop recently attended. Marriages, births, new jobs, recognition for a job well done—these all make us happy. Or just maybe you have decided to retire or found your dreamhouse or started a new career. All tell us about what is hap-pening in your life. Send a note, write an email or enclose a newspaper clipping—whatever works best for you!

Contact us at: Alumnae Office, SJHS, 5825 No. Woodruff Avenue, Lakewood, 90173. An email may be sent to Karen Castillo, Director of Alumnae Relations, at: kcastillo@sj-jester.org

IN CLOSING

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:

Vincent Correon, grandfather of Stephanie Flesner, ’09

Edith Dowell, mother of Kathleen Dowell Foster, ’79

Grace Herenda Gray, grandmother of Jamie Herenda Gray, ’96, andKatelyn Herenda, ’04

Stella Segura, grandmother of Jessica Segura, ’95, Adriana Segura, ’97, and Valerie Segura, ’02

Saul Garcia, father of Jasmine Garcia, ’00

The National Honor Society at SJHS recently supported a program originated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet called “Get on the Bus.” The program first began as a way for young children to visit their mothers in prison and has received national recognition for the many ways in which it has changed the lives of the children and their mothers. Most children of prisoners do not have access to transportation to visit their parents. Likewise, without the contact of the children in the lives of the prisoners, they often give up hope for rehabilitation.

This year the program included a visit to men’s prisons on Father’s Day. And SJHS students packed travel bags of juice, water, snacks, toys and Kleenex for 96 children to take on their bus ride to see their fathers. Thank you, Jesters, for reaching out to those in need!

FATHER’S DAY EXPRESS

Important Datesto Remember10 Last day of class for Driver’s Education Last day of class for: basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, water polo, gymnastics

20 Last day of class for pep squad

23-24 Final Exams

24 Last day of academic courses

2 Last day of class for volleyball

3 Last day of class for cross country