St. Augustine High School 3266 Nutmeg Street

San Diego, CA 92104-5199619-282-2184

www.sahs.org

Dear Parents and Friends

Now More than Ever“What sculpture is to a block of marble,” said Joseph Addison, “education is to the soul.”

The Augustinian education provided at Saints helps shape a young man’s char-acter and his view of the world. Howev-

er, a stronger force than their formal education is the learning they get in the home. Therefore at Saints, as in many Catholic schools, we be-lieve that parents are the “primary educator”.

Furthermore, because we value community (Unitas), we desire to have a school environment that boasts of great parent support and involvement. The type of parental involvement that makes a positive differ-ence in student achievement is more than “volunteering.” While sup-porting the school in activities such as student retreats and athletics is important, your concerns go deeper than this; and so should your involvement. We encourage parents to become directly involved in their stu-dent’s academic learning experience. Stay connected with instruc-tors. Ask your student to share his insights and reflections as he jour-neys through the semester. Current evidence shows that when parents are meaningfully involved in their student’s education, scholastic achievement can greatly improve. According to the book, The Evi-dence Continues to Grow by Anne Henderson, the positive impact of parental involvement “is beyond dispute”. On behalf of the faculty and staff, in this season of Thanksgiving, I want to thank you for entrusting to us your most precious gift, your boys. Together we can sculpt the hearts and minds of these young Saintsmen, preparing them for our changing world.

Yours in the Spirit of Catholic Education,

James HornePrincipal

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Was there ever a more noble use of Dougherty Gym than to bring together first-year students from

Saints and OLP in Latin dance lessons and the first annual Saints-OLP Freshman Social? Monday through Thursday in the first week of October, the gym served exactly that purpose. Each afternoon, two long lines of

...The Road Together

Mark of a Great School; Saints Passes

the TestBy Edwin Hearn, PresidentSt. Augustine High School

If you read a daily newspaper, you know that just about every

day there is an article or editorial criticizing the educational establishment. The difficulties facing K-12 education across the United States are unsettling and

vexing. There are no easy answers. It is a complex problem with many facets from the breakdown of the family and immigration to learning styles and the necessary approaches to teach. The structural dynamics of the American educational system does not allow for simple solutions. The major concern centers on the position of the United States in the world and the abil-ity of our country to compete in the future. With so many students dropping out and/or undereducated, the United States seems to be dropping continually lower in the world rank-ings. The educational establishment is being reshaped by the political establishment. The broad ranging plans of both the Bush and Obama Administrations – “No Child Left Behind” and “Reach for the Top” – attempt to reshape public education with high-stakes testing and teacher accountability in exchange for federal dollars. While the intent is commendable, the resulting process is flawed. With the “test” becoming the most important assessment tool to determine student growth, the curriculum has been nar-rowed. Test scores do have a place in education. It is important to annually assess students’ academic growth and make some compari-sons with other schools. However, test scores show only academic progress. They cannot measure the other complexities that make up the human person, the spiritual, social or ethical growth that is a core component of a Saints education. The mission of St. Augustine High School is to incorporate the core Augustinian values

This is Fun!—Getting into the swing of the annual ninth grade dance lessons in Dougherty Gym are Saintsman Nick Dhuyvetter (’14) with his OLP partner Courtney Govan. That’s Mike Young (’14) in the background. More photos see page 5.

Edwin J. Hearn, Jr.Saints/OLP Freshman TurnDougherty Gym Into Ballroom

By John White (Parent ’11, ’13)

Principal James Horne

November 2010 Vol 30 no. 3YOUR MONTHLY REPORT ON THE ST. AUGUSTINE HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE

Saints Scene

Continued on page 5.

Father, thank you for the gift of familyWhich challenges and loves meFor friends who listen to and support meAnd for calming and guiding my restless heart

Thank you for the search for Truth Which leads me to your SonAnd for his gospel message Which leads to me love

Thank you for the invitation To let me love myself as I amAnd inviting me to changeThose things that do not give you honor

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freshmen and -women in stocking feet shook hands, giggled nervously and plunged into the timeless practice of social dance lessons to the sounds of Buena Vista Social Club and other Latin bands. Two instructors at center court from Positive Energy Dance Company called steps and set the social tone, aiming for the Freshman Social that Friday. “Boys, shift right and change partners. Introduce yourself. Ask her name.” At Saints, Messrs. Hecht, Sipper and Dent collaborated on this year’s weeklong event, and on the ladies’ side, Freshman Class Moderator Ms. Ilene Nagem orches-trates the OLP’s involvement. “This is really fun, and I enjoy being a part of it,” says Mr. Isaak, who also helped supervise lessons. “It’s remarkable how much these students learn in just an hour, even the students who have never danced a step in their life.” “All right, here we go. Take her hand, and we’re going to do the basic step. And 5-6-7-8, forward so rock-step-together, rock-step-together... So, what do our freshmen look like as they’re learning to dance? Their steps are tentative. Their grins are sheepish. The chat-ting never stops. They crane their necks to keep an eye on the instructors. They’re doing their best to pay attention to their partners. And, in the middle of all of this, they’re try-

NEED $10,000

FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

See Page Seven

An Augustinian Prayer of ThanksgivingFr. Gary Sanders O.S.A.

Thank you for encouraging me To be a part of a community of faithWhere everyone is called To pray, to sacrifice, to love and forgive.

Thank you for not always saying ”yes”To every request I make of youAnd for heeding the needs Of those less fortunate than I

And, Father, thank you for the bounty You give me and those I loveMay it be put to our useSo that we may better serve you

Amen.

Editor’s note: Saints Chaplain Fr. Bob Gavotto O.S.A., (’55) shares with us a message by Pope Benedict XVI in General Audience of Wednesday, January 16, 2008. Here His Holiness discusses St. Augustine’s last days and here is what he says to us also!

Today, I would like to talk about the great Bishop of Hippo, St Augustine. He chose to appoint his succes-sor four years before he died. Thus, on September 26, 426, he gathered the people in the Basilica of Peace at

Hippo to present to the faithful the one he had designated for this task. He said: “In this life we are all mortal, and the day which shall be the last of life on earth is to every man at all times uncertain; but in infancy there is hope of entering boyhood… looking forward from boyhood to youth, from youth to manhood and from manhood to old age; whether these hopes may be realized or not is uncer-tain, but there is in each case something which may be hoped for. But old age has no other period of this life to look forward to with expectation: in any case, how long old age may be prolonged is uncertain…. I came to this town – for such was the will of God – when I was in the prime of life. I was young then, but now I am old” (Ep 213, 1). At this point Augustine named the person he had chosen as his successor, the presbyter Heraclius. The assembly burst into an applause of approval, shouting 23 times, “To God be thanks! To Christ be praise!”. With other acclamations the faithful also approved what Augustine proposed for his future: he wanted to dedicate the years that were left to him to a more intense study of Sacred Scripture (cf. Ep 213, 6). Indeed, what followed were four years of extraordinary intellectual activ-ity: he brought important works to conclusion, he embarked on others, equally demanding, held public debates with heretics – he was always seeking dialogue – and intervened to foster peace in the African provinces threatened by barbarian southern tribes. He wrote about this to Count Darius, who had come to Africa to settle the disagreement between Boniface and the imperial court which the tribes of Mauritania were exploiting for their incursions: “It is a higher glory still”, he said in his letter, “to stay war itself with a word, than to slay men with the sword, and to procure or maintain peace by peace, not by war. For those who fight, if they are good men, doubtlessly seek peace; nevertheless, it is through blood. Your mission, however, is to prevent the shedding of blood” (Ep 229, 2). Unfortu-nately, the hope of pacification in the African territories was disappointed; in May 429, the Vandals, whom out of spite Boniface had invited to Africa, passed the straits of Gibraltar and streamed into Mauritania. The invasion rapidly reached the other rich African provinces. In May or June 430, “the destroyers of the Roman Empire”, as Possidius described these barbarians (Vita 30, 1), were surrounding and besieging Hippo.

Fr. Bob Gavotto OSA (’55)

Boniface had also sought refuge in the city. Having been reconciled with the court too late, he was now trying in vain to block the invaders’ entry. Possidius, Augustine’s biographer, describes Augustine’s sorrow: “More tears than usual were his bread, night, and day, and when he had reached the very end of his life, his old age caused him, more than others, grief and mourning” (Vita 28,6). And he explains: “Indeed, that man of God saw the massacres and the destruction of the city; houses in the countryside were pulled down and the inhabitants killed by the enemy or put to flight and dispersed. Private churches belonging to priests and ministers were demol-ished, sacred virgins and Religious scattered on every side; some died under torture, others were killed by the sword, still others taken prisoner, losing the integrity of their soul and body and even their faith, reduced by their enemies to a long, drawn-out and painful slavery” (ibid., 28, 8). Despite being old and weary, Augustine stood in the breach, comforting himself and others with prayer and meditation on the mysterious designs of Providence. In this regard, he spoke on the “old-age of the world” – and this Roman world was truly old - he spoke of this old age as years earlier he had spoken to comfort the refugees from Italy when Alaric’s Goths had invaded the city of Rome in 410. In his old age, he said, ailments prolifer-ate: coughs, catarrh, bleary eyes, anxiety and exhaustion. Yet, if the world grows old, Christ is perpetually young; hence, the invitation: “Do not refuse to be rejuvenated united to Christ, even in the old world. He tells you: Do not fear, your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle” (cf. Serm. 81, 8). Thus, the Christian must not lose heart, even in difficult situations, but rather he must spare no effort to help those in need. This is what the great doctor suggested in his response to Honoratus, Bishop of Tiabe, who had asked him whether a Bishop or a priest or any man of the Church with the barbarians hot on his heels could flee to save his life: “When danger is com-mon to all, that is, for Bishops, clerics and lay people, may those who need others not be abandoned by the people whom they need. In this case, let all depart together to safe places or let those who must remain not be deserted by those through whom, in things pertaining to the Church, their necessi-ties must be provided for; and so let them share life in common, or share in common that which the Father of their family appoints them to suffer” (Ep 228, 2). And he concluded: “Such conduct is especially the proof of love” (ibid., 3). How can we fail to recognize in these words the heroic message that so many priests down the centuries have welcomed and made their own? In the meantime, the city of Hippo resisted. Augustine’s monastery-home had opened its doors to welcome episcopal colleagues who were asking for hospitality. Also of his number was Possidius, a former dis-ciple of Augustine; he was able to leave us his direct testimony of those last dramatic days. “In the third month of that siege”, Possidius recounts, “Augustine took to his bed with a fever: it was his last illness” (Vita, 29, 3). The holy old man made the most of that period when he was at last free to dedicate himself with greater intensity to prayer. He was in the habit of say-ing that no one, Bishop, Religious or layman, however irreprehensible his conduct might seem, can face death without adequate repentance. For this reason he ceaselessly repeated between his tears, the penitential psalms he had so often recited with his people (cf. ibid., 31, 2). The worse his illness became, the more the dying Bishop felt the need for solitude and prayer: “In order that no one might disturb him in his recol-lection, about ten days before leaving his body, he asked those of us present not to let anyone into his room outside the hours in which the doctors came to visit him or when his meals were brought. His desire was minutely com-plied with and in all that time he devoted himself to prayer” (ibid., 31,3). He breathed his last on August 28, 430: his great heart rested at last in God. “For the last rites of his body”, Possidius informs us, “the sacrifice in which we took part was offered to God and then he was buried” (Vita, 31, 5). His body on an unknown date was translated to Sardinia, and from there, in about 725, to the Basilica of San Pietro in Ciel d’Oro in Pavia, where it still rests today. His first biographer has this final opinion of him: “He bequeathed to his Church a very numerous clergy and also monasteries of men and women full of people who had taken vows of chastity under the obedience of their superiors, as well as libraries containing his books and discourses and those of other saints, from which one learns what, through the grace of God, were his merits and greatness in the Church, where the faithful always find him alive” (Possidius, Vita, 31, 8). This is an opinion in which we can share. We too “find him alive” in his writings. When I read St Augustine’s writings, I do not get the impression that he is a man who died more or less 1,600 years ago; I feel he is like a man of today: a friend, a contemporary who speaks to me, who speaks to us with his fresh and timely faith. In St Augustine who talks to us, talks to me in his writings, we see the everlasting timeliness of his faith; of the faith that comes from Christ, the Eternal Incarnate Word, Son of God and Son of Man. And we can see that this faith is not of the past although it was preached yesterday; it is still timely today, for Christ is truly yesterday, today and forever. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Thus, St Augustine encourages us to entrust our-selves to this ever-living Christ and in this way find the path of life.

— Benedict XVIWednesday, August 25, 2010St. Augustine, pray for us.

A U G U S T I N I A N H E R I T A G E

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Augustine in the Words of Pope Benedict XVIAnd asks: who is your companion on your life’s journey?

Thursday-November 11th 7pmSaturday-November 13th 2 pm and 7 pm

Sunday-November 14 2 pm

Coronado School of the Arts (Cosa)650 D Avenue, Coronado

$11 Per TicketTicket Information Available Online at sahs.org

Tickets will be sold at the door the night of each performance.

Saints Players present

A Christmas Carol

Chances are, at one time in your life, you’ve had a chance to learn all about the infamous Mr. Scrooge. The crotchety old man of legend who’s persistence in believing there was

no such thing as the “spirit of Christmas,” lead to an unbelievable journey about the discovery of a newfound love of people and their ability to care for others despite diversity. Well now that story comes to life, and music, when the Saints Players present a musical version of A Christmas Carol November 11, 13, and 14. For the past century, A Christmas Carol has reminded many of the Christmas spirit of giving. This year the Saints Players will be the first group to produce this play since its premier last Christ-mas. Composer/lyricist, Jimmy Calire from the 70’s band America, reached out and congratulated Saints for being the first to showcase the play. Screenwriter J.B. White wrote the script adaptation, which is taken directly from the novel. “I was attracted to the newness of the play and its fidelity to the Dickens story. Its music seemed to capture the spirit of Dickens’ world. I thought it would be good doing theatre that was fresh and new to the world of theatre,” says Mr. Joe Bernens, Saints’ director of the school’s many successful productions. The play began as a non-musical until Mr. Calire was asked to provide music to the script. At first, the play developed into a full length 3 ½ hour play. After some careful trimming, the Calire and White story now provides a fresh look at the tale with all the memo-rable characters and dialogue from the novel, with much of the text directly put to music. In addition to the play, Mr. Calire planned a visit with the stu-dents at rehearsal to provide a rare opportunity for the cast to meet a play creator. Calire will see the play’s rehearsal; grab a chance to dialogue with the actors and crew members, and share with them his insights and vision about the play. “Such an opportunity as this may never come by the students again,” says Mr. Bernens. “One thing most important when putting on a play is to remain true to the playwright’s fidelity to the story,” adds Mr. Bernens. Having him visit is a rare treat that will certainly help in our endeavor to remain true to his vision.” Mr. Calire and Mr. White also plan to attend the production in November.

Saints First To Debut NewVersion Of A Christmas Carol

Composer lauds school for producing newest adaptation By Robert Blodgett (Saints Parent ’12 & ‘14)

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The production includes contributions from both students and adults. Senior Jacob Whispell designed the logo and set, Senior Paul Williams is assisting Mr. Tim Hilgeman with vocals, Ju-nior Thomas Davies and Freshman Alberto Serrano handled the orchestrations, and seniors Donovan Theseira and Roberto Estrella are the stage managers. Adult members of the team included Mrs. Debbie Torgeson for choreography, Mrs. Delilah Sanderville and Mrs. Erin Cullen for costuming, with a generous contribution from the Costume Shop, and Mr. Erich Watson and Mr. Rich Nixon for set construction. Tickets are available online at www.sahs.org. and will also be sold at the door.

Save the Date!Annual Christmas ConcertFeaturing the

Guitar Ensemble, Symphonic Band and the 32nd Street Jazz Band

December 9, 20107 pm/Dougherty Gym

FREE

Admission

King’s Court—Homecoming King, Saintsman William Wickett is the cen-ter of attention being held up by fellow Seniors (left to right): Jason Bilger, Ryan Merrill, Derek Snyder, Jesse Watson and M.J.McKinnley

New Queen—This year’s 2010 Homecoming Queen from OLP is Mariel Oberwager.

Knowing the Score—In an era where high school music and drama programs are shrinking across the nation, Saints ongoing performing arts experience continues to thrive and explore creative new ground. Case in point, this fall’s Saints Players presentation (beginning Nov. 11) is an original musical adaptation of Dickens classic Christmas tale. Because Saints’ talented actors and musicians are the first high school-ers to present the musical, composer/lyricist Jimmy Calire, a former member of the icon rock group America, recently attended a rehearsal on campus. Here, Mr. Calire goes over details with choreographer Mrs. Debbie Torgeson, a Saints alum parent with Saints Music Director Mr. Joe Bernens. See page 2 for performance dates.Photo by Ernie Torgeson, Saints alum parent.

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SAINTS OPEN HOUSEf o r p a r e n t s o f C l a s s o f 2 0 1 5

Nov. 7, 1- 4 PMTours: 1-2 PM

Presentation: 2-3 PMMeet Dept. Chairs: 3-4 PM

For More Information Contact Mike Haupt619-282-2184 x5521

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As Saints NewestEagle Scout

Adam Whelan Worked on

Park Project

Freshman Retreats Stirs Unitas into Action

Senior Adam Morgan Whalen (’11) earned Eagle Scout rank last spring. Adam is a Boy Scout in Troop 950,

based at Pershing Middle School in San Diego. Adam started as a Cub Scout in Pack 951 at Our Lady of Grace School in El Cajon in first grade. Because Adam spent much time camping & hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park, he chose to do his Eagle Service project at the park. His project involved upgrading erosion control measures at several sites at the base of Cowles Mountain, which

is part of Mission Trails Regional Park. Adam secured a generous monetary donation from the Surfrider Foundation to complete his project, and was assisted in completing his Eagle project by several Saintsmen who are also scouts, along with his scout troop and fam-ily. Adam has had a great experience in scouting, and says that his favorite scouting adventure was the backpacking trip to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico that his troop went on last summer. He recounts that “While [the trip was] some of the hardest times I’ve had to endure, [it] was the most rewarding as well. I learned so much about teamwork, perseverance, and how to cope with a new and challenging environment. Our leadership skills were put to the test, [and] I will always carry with me the lessons I learned from Philmont.”Adam has continued his leadership development at Saints, and is serving as ASB Treasurer his senior year. Adam has been a member of the varsity swim team all four years, and is a Core Team leader for the New Life youth group at Our Lady of Grace Church. In his spare time, Adam worked as a lifeguard at a community swimming pool. His scouting experience has served him well, and he has learned many skills that will benefit him and those around him in the future.

It took weeks, if not months, of planning. Finally, last month 205 freshman students de-scended onto campus for what would become a defining retreat of their entire Saints experi-

ence. The 10th Annual Freshman Overnight Retreat took place right here at Saints, and celebrated the community that our newest students have just been welcomed into. The freshmen participated in small group dis-cussions, completed a neighborhood service project, and all had the privilege of sleeping on the newly updated gym floor. Not to be missed were an epic dodge ball game, pitting the class of 2014 against the Big Brothers, and a campus-wide game of Cap-ture the Flag led by fearless dad Robert Blodgett. The retreat also included dinner at the Big Broth-ers’ house, with Big Sisters and faculty leaders as guests, as well as a prayer service and one-on-one

One of the many wonderful Fall traditions at the school is the annual Family Mass held on the

lawn of Vasey Hall. Presiding this year were Fr. Bob Gavotto, OSA, (’55) and Fr. Alvin Paligutan, OSA.

Traditional Family Masson Vasey Patio

Photo Essay by Ernie Torgeson

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talks about each freshman student’s transition into high school. The retreat concluded with a Family Mass celebrated by Fr. Bob on Sunday morning, and over 400 family members joined in the celebration. Without the help over 60 Big Brothers and 100 parent volunteers this retreat experience would not have been possible. Special thanks go out to our hospitality team, made possible by the overtime efforts of Rachel Cave and Juan Ibaibarriaga, Patty Infantine -our food coordinator extraordinaire, Annalee Hulburt and Janice Rougas as event co-chairs, and Brian Manns for cheerfully leading the overnight crews. Thank you to everyone involved in the plan-ning process, the retreat was a huge success

—By Kate Crachy, Campus Ministry.

Frosh Retreaters – Top Photo (left to right): Charles Rayner, Pat-rick Hagan, Dallas Haupt, Ian Barringer, Tom Mezzacappa, Sam Varela, Jamie Steckbeck, Rodrigo Vazquez de Marcado and Austin Diamond; Middle Photo (L-R): Mario Coda, Adam Goodbody, Evan Critchlow (senior), Chris Barr, Davis Glazener, Daniel Pe-kin, Hector Castellanos, Nick Sinclair, Connor Whalen, Emilio Guerra (senior) Lower Photo (L-R): Eric Rivera, Adam Kosen, Giovanni Busalacchi, Umberto Falcone, Ulises Osuna, Emilio Lopez, Anthony Sylvester, Ivan Herholz, Tyler Herburger, Mason Brown and Kevin Bitar. .

Saints Tradition—The top picture Walt and Joan Horne, parents of Principal Jim Horne are shown with their grandson young Daniel Horne. Middle row, left: Taylor Tonner (’11) holding the Sacramental wine; Middle row, right Kevin Dixon (’11) and Adam Whalen (’11) partici-pated in distributing communion.

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Dancing in the GymContinued from page 1

ing to figure out what to do with their feet. There is a nervous, energetic anticipation in the air that would make grown-ups smile fondly and reach for a camera. Parents may wonder why their presence is not required at dance lessons. The reason is simple: The youngsters do not want us there. For that matter, neither do the moderators. “You don’t want parents or even too many teachers here,” explains Mrs. Nagem, “because it’s important to the students to have a good time on their own.” “Now you’re going to lead her into a turn. Men, you take her hand, and we start from the basic. 5-6-7-8, forward-for-the-men, back-for-the-men, basic-to-the-side, and lift-her-hand and left...and right...” “This is really a first formal opportunity for Saints freshmen to meet their peers from OLP,” explains Mr. Sipper. “Our schools do so well academically, athletically and spiritually that we want to round it out socially. It’s a good chance for them to learn real dance steps, which – face it – everybody is going to need sooner or later. My freshman classes told me that they were appre-hensive at first, but once they get in here and start moving, they’re much more interested and they have a very good time.” “Now a dip. Men, it’s rock-step-left-arm-out-and-hold. Ladies, it’s rock-step-turn-and-lean-and-trust-him. He’s not going to drop you. I promise...” “Back when I went to OLP in the late 1960s, we started freshman dance lessons with Saints,” says Ms. Negem. “They had hundreds of us in the gym at the same time, and it was chaotic. Now we break it up so that there are about 50 students from each school per day, which is a much more manageable number. The freshmen tell me that they enjoy it and look forward to it. It’s the first exposure to Saints for many of them. For a long time the program was around traditional ballroom dancing – foxtrot, waltz, swing – and about five years ago we switched to Latin dance, like cum-bia, salsa and merengue. The students seem less daunted by this than by the ballroom dancing.” “Both Mr. Sipper and Ms. MacVay have done a lot of work in bringing these dance lessons to where they are today,” acknowledges Mr. Hecht. “Now, I’m glad to have Positive Energy work-ing with us on this, because they do a lot more than just teach the steps. Michael adds a hint of cotillion to it by having the students introduce themselves and observe decorum. That’s important for the Freshman Social, where first-years from both schools are in the same boat, meeting in a non-threatening environment. It’s an opportunity for them to put their dance lessons into practice use while the steps are still fresh in their mind.”“OK, that was a cumbia, and you all did very well. Give yourselves a hand.” The Freshman Social took place on Friday, October 8, in the gym. Positive Energy guided 200 freshmen through their steps for the first hour, then they were on their own with Latin rhythms for the second hour. How did they look at the end of a week of dance lessons? Better than we parents expect. Their steps were more confident, their knees were bending, their hips were moving, and several of the most accomplished dancers won iTunes gift cards. So, parents, are you curious? Ask your freshman to show you what he learned.

Social Media Goes Live—Twitter, Facebook or e-mail all you want, but there are few events that can duplicate the fun of an old-fashioned “live-and-in-person” sock hop in the gym. Among the Saints/OLP students participating in this year’s Saints/OLP frosh dance mixer were (top row, left to right): Christian Fessia and Kaitlyn Cook and Anthony Syl-vester and Marianna Ripa; (Second row, left to right); unidentified Saintsman with Vi-ana Pham; twirling OLP-er is Charlotte Yim; Pablo Ortega and Kaylyn Talia; (Middle lower inset photos, L-R starting from top: Ada Herrera and Branca Gonzalez; Jessica Kuhn and Joseph Zaccaro; Kimberly Ha and Julia Brekka; (Bottom row):Philip Park and Annie Calvet and Natalie Nemeth and Hector Castellanos-Gonzalez.

Photos by Saints Yearbook Staff

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Great SchoolContinued from page 1

of unity, truth and love into every facet of the cur-riculum. All academic departments and co-curricular programs, from our Christian Service & Retreat program, to our athletic & intramural programs, as well as our intersession and leadership programs, are required to report on how the core values are imple-mented into their program or department. This work is evaluated through the Philosophy and Augustinian Mission Effectiveness Committee. This evaluation process repeats itself every four years. Additionally,

the “Saints Experience” is evaluated through a series of Exit Interviews with members of the senior class prior to graduation. The feedback helps the Board of Directors and the faculty to monitor and improve the educational process. It also gives us confidence that we are making a difference and students are being formed around our core values.

* * *The true mark of any institution is its response during a tragedy. Last month, the unimaginable occurred when Saints lost Bryan Goebel ’13, a beloved student, classmate, and friend. The response of the faculty and administration was immediate, clear and inspiring. Within hours, the first of several prayer services was held, close friends of Bryan identified, and the faculty in-serviced as to schedule changes and ser-vices. The students understood the gravity of the situation; their actions captured a glimpse of the strong teaching of St. Augustine High School. No amount of testing would allow us to measure the size and quality of our students’ hearts. While this was a most difficult moment for Saints, it was also a truly proud one. The response from the community was overwhelming. The presence at all services was strong and heartfelt. One single email was sent to the sophomore parents requesting food for the reception fol-lowing the funeral. The quantity of food that arrived was at least three times more than was needed. Through the darkness of this tragedy, the spirit of Saints shown through for all to witness. If this was the final exam, Saints passed with honors!

Edwin J. Hearn, Jr.

Saints Scholarsin the News

Principal James Horne has announced recently that six Saints seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation

from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mr. Horne to Con-nor Dowling, Jon Kalfayan, Brody Leonard, Spencer Poiset, Patrick Smith, and Zachary Tucker. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students, who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test.

Eric Querin NamedAlumnist of Year

Principal James Horne has announced recently that six Saints seniors have been named Commended Students in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation

from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corp. (NMSC), which conducts the program, will be presented by Mr. Horne to Connor Dowling, Jon Kalfayan, Brody Leonard, Spencer Poiset, Patrick Smith, and Zachary Tucker. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students, who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Saints Alumnist of the Year for 2010 is Eric Querin, a 1977 grad. At Saints, he excelled in basketball and track and was awarded the St. Augustine Medal for Athletics. In 1983, Eric married Julia Kudas, Our Lady of Peace graduate. They have three terrific children, Christopher, Joshua and Alexa. Both Chris and Josh are Saints alumni, and Alexa is currently a freshman at OLP and like her mother became a Saints cheerleader. As a Saints alumnus, Eric held the position of Alumni President for three years and has been active in many, many activities including the original fundraising for the new buildings. He has been call on so many times over the years to assist in any number of ways, and he always answers the call with a resounding “yes.” Eric embodies the Saints spirit in everything he does. He consistently gives 110% in every aspect of his life: family, work and community.

You’re invited to the

Saints Tailgate BBQSaints vs. Cathedral

Friday November 12, 2009Dinner served 5 pm to 7 pm, Game at 7 pm

Mesa College Parking Lot 2

Connor Dowling

Patrick Smith

Zac TuckerSpencer Poiset

Brody LeonardJon Kalfaya

For more information please call:Fiona Theseira (858) 344-2213 or Maggie Mudd (619) 850-1031

Fiona@sddreamhome.com or mjmudd2004@gmail.com

$10 Pre Sale, $12 per person after 11/5/10$20 for 50/50 cash opportunity drawing

Desserts available for purchasefrom Saints Cheerleaders

MENUDelicious BBQ BeefPulled PorkBBQ SauceMashed PotatoesGravyCaesar Salad

Corn on the CobRollsButterSoft Drinks (Water, iced tea and lemonade)

Bring your family & friends…

lawn chairs andblankets too!

Show your spirit & wear

Purple & GoldGet Socialwith the

Austin Parent’sAssociation

Alum of the Year– Eric Querin (’77) is shown with award as Saints Alum-nist of 2010. Others are (left to right). Eric’s wife Julia Querin (’78 OLP); son Chris Querin (‘2006); son Josh Querin (’09); daughter Alexa Querin (’14 OLP); Eric; Eddie Mendoza (’77); brother Ed Querin (’85); Dave De-Celles (’70); David Camarata (’77), Dave Knoll (’75) and Saints President Ed Hearn. Photo by Ernie Torgeson (Parent of Alums).

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Michael McRoskey (’14) received national atten-tion recently by being one of the top awardees in a student video contest at the USA Science and

Engineering Festival. The Saints Freshman won the third prize award for his video entry “The Appliance of Science.” The video contest tallied more than 100 entries, and the awards ceremony was last month in Washington, D.C., by Bill Nye the Science Guy, as part of the festival’s Expo on the National Mall. Top prizes include an HD camcorder (first prize), in addition to cash donations assigned to the students’ school science or technology programs, WOLFRAM Mathematica visual-ization software, and Adobe PREMIERE editing software. The contest was sponsored by the Kavli Foundation, as part of its mission to advance public understanding of science.

Saintsman Wins Science Honor

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Publisher: Edwin J. Hearn, Jr. Saints President Editor-in-Chief: James Horne Saints Principal Senior Editor: Steve Chipp (’68), Alumni DirectorManaging Editor: Thomas Shess, Alum Parent (’05)Thomas.Shess@gmail.comStaff Writers: John White and Robert Blodgett, Saints Dads Art Director: Carol Sherwood

Chief Photographers: Ernie Torgeson & Pat HealyCirculation Director: Casey Callery, Director of Community Relations and Special Events.Austin Parents Assn. Editor: Theresa “TK” Kosen Editor Emeritus: John D. Keller O.S.A. (’55)Correction PolicyWhile every effort is made to be accurate, we occasionally err. We do apolo-gize to those impacted and kindly ask that you notify the Managing Editor so we may choose to publish corrections or amplifications in future issues.

Saints Scene Your monthly reporton the St. Augustine

High School Experience

The Honor RollSt. Augustine High School Scholar Standouts

Congratulations to the following Saintsmen for having earned a grade point average of 3.20 orhigher duing the first quarter 2010-2011. Roster compiled by Mrs. Jeannie Oliwa, School Registrar.

SENIORSClass of 2011

Principal’s ListGPA of 4.0 or betterGerardo AzcarragaChris Jordan Perpetua BanagaKevin Michael BarajasThomas More BarrettKevin Callahan BauckmanConor Patrick BeckJames Robert BirkettChristopher Burton CattTyler Christian ConnollyDarren Thomas CritchlowEvan James CritchlowEvan David CrowerSean Leonard DaveyKevin Thomas DixonMichael Sean EbelingJose Luis EscamillaJoseph Taylor EvansRyan Monroe FolettaJorge Salgado GarciaTyler Berton HodgdonAntonio Sebastian JimenezJon Matthew KalfayanChristian Michael KondanMichael John LoCocoVitorio Nicklaus Guiseppe LorenziniBrian Sullivan MaloyJohn Reilly MarinBrandon Cole MartelliChristopher Logan McConnellGabriel MorenoAlexis OsunaBrian Jacob PanishMichael Day PhillipsSpencer James PoisetMatthew Ponteprino RushRyan Phillip RustVito Anthony RyanAdam Thomas SecordConnor Dean SmithPatrick Gromer SmithDerek James SnyderRaymond Sami TotahZac Spencer TuckerNicholas Daniel ValentiniAdam Morgan WhalenWilliam Arthur WickettPatrick Michael Wynne

First HonorsGPA of 3.60 to 3.99Teague Kristian AshcraftNicholas Andrew ChurchDavid Alexander CookJoseph Wesley CookGiancarlo CortesJohn Ryan CrokeConnor Mac Niallais DowlingDavis Steven HovlandJames Gonzalez JoaquinNicholas Yiannis KotselasBrody James LeonardAlexander Nathan Noel LowerCarlos Cristobal MartinezAustin Jacob McCalleyRyan James MendozaChase Alan Mohan MinosAnthony Raffi OghassabianVijay Hitesh PatelMatthew Joseph PekinMichael Dylan RobertsonMatthew Richard RyanCarlos Hiram SotoGeoffrey Alan SuppleeRyan James VillardJesse Ian Watson

Second HonorsGPA of 3.20 to 3.59Eduardo Ackerman

Nolan Cornelius AlisasisAndrew Anthony AnguloDylan James ArmsteadVictor Joseph AsaroAndrew Herbert BarrackRichmond Ignacio CampanoCesar CardenasHayden Gerard CaveBrandon Landeros ColchinJack Peter Corrao IIIMichael John CoyneJoseph Anthony DagostinoChristopher Alfonso DerrGrant James DexterJoseph David DrayRoberto EncinasGilberto FimbresJulian Ricci GarciaSean Howard HalboGhassan Victor HanhanJohnny Jackson IVMiguel Rey LocsinKevin Michael-James McKinleyLucas Hanks MoralesJoshua Albert MottaleRicardo NoriegaDylan Christopher PliskinSebastian James RevelsSteven Michael SalangerDonovan James TheseiraTobias Guillermo ValdezPaul Ian WestermeyerJack Brooke Winters

JUNIORSClass of 2012

Principal’s ListGPA of 4.0 or betterPatrick Joseph BonesDominic Joseph CarusilloSpencer Riley CastilloCullen Quinn ConatyMaximiliano CortesThomas Aubert DaviesCarlo Raphael Fulgencio EscuderoAustin Gabriel Farres OriolAdrian GutierrezJonathan Paul HeidMichael Joseph InfantineDaniel William JohnstonConnor Michael KeefeNicholas Austin KemmeDavid Evan LloydHeriberto MartinezJohn Conrad McGarryJuan Manuel Moreno IVWilliam Patrick MorstadRyan Alexander MuirBrian Thienan NguyenJason NunezMatthew Stephen PalmerRaul PareyonAlexander John PayneNathan Timothy PenickDerek Lee PriceNathaniel Douglas RainsNeil Everett RensNicklaus Karl RuppertGerard Paul Liang-Ren ShenBernard David SkomalAlexander Tyler SwiderRyan Theodor TweedAndrew Sebastian VazquezJohn Patrick WilsonAugustus Joseph WoestmanJason Sacamay YudionoRonald Rudolph Zappardino

First HonorsGPA of 3.60 to 3.99Daniel Adam AcevedoMichael James Barr

Ian Amadeus BoboliaMatthew Christopher CamarataStefan Taylor CarnahanRoberto Carrillo RivasEloy Celis SanchezEdwin Flores Corpus Jr.Pietro Anthony DeLucaAustin Dean DiamondJohn Punzalan DomporChad Alexander FitzgeraldRyan Raymond GarofaloIrish Joseph GironDerek Roman Pharaoh GrahamPeter James HulburtLorenzo JuarezLars Thomas LeweckJoshua Ignacio MaciasAlejandro Ryuichi MiyaiNicholas Bennett MorrellDaniele Giovanni NarelliAnthony Patrick NavaJesse Eduardo NoriegaLuke Christopher NowlandDominic Gabriel PaduaSamuel Joseph ParadaDrew Alan Peterson Jr.Patrick Thomas PleinAnthony Santino PratoDaniel Gregory RamirezKarl Michael Cameros ReyesEric Mario RiveraBlaine Patrick SafirBryan Joseph TarantinoStanley Andrew Tryka

Second HonorsGPA of 3.20 to 3.59Gerald Comia AlisasisJose Javier ArreolaLuis Carlos AstiazaranJuan Ignacio Ballinas RangelTed Vincent BendrickReagan Hunter BrandonMason Anthony BrownRobert Etienne CayaCole Donovan ChristyChristopher Joseph CondonSean Christian ConnorsLuke Samuel Daly-KulaniWilliam Robert DeCinoAndrew Richard DeebDaniel Clyde FariasJacob Christian FultonAndrew Raymond HealeyTimothy John HilgemanJoseph Michael KennedyRobert Alan KinslowJames Eliot LowellAnthony Najib MansourKenneth Alan McClenahanThomas Michael MezzacappaSpencer Herbert-William MorganBilly James RamirezDominick James SawayaKyle Patrick SchaarDaniel Joseph Shaw-CedenoMario SutkaDominic Arthur VetuschiJoshua Guillermo VidalsKevin Waylon Yim

SOPHOMORESClass of 2013

Principal’s ListGPA of 4.0 or betterMichael Athanasios BalourdasRobert Edmund Hubbard BaughmanJoel Sinlao BautistaPatrick John DixonPatrick Cristobal GerardoDiego Francisco HealyGregory Thomas HeidRobert Milton Jertberg III

Jordan Joseph De Jesus LapiraJason Luab MapaJoseph Edward McCabeLuis Andrés MirandaJoseph Le MoserNicholas Colwell MunozKevin OsmanBenjamin Jackson PiorkowskiDarren Joseph PolandXavier Aloysius Nerona RedondoCole Richard SchenewerkRyan Michael StamperEvan Daniel SudaScott Francis SzafranskiAndrew Dominic WhiteThomas Jefferson WickettJames Joseph Zehentbauer

First HonorsGPA of 3.60 to 3.99Alberto AcostaTaylor Brant AhearnJose Sebastian AlberdiKyle Grohmann-William BeddowMichael Francis CaliSpencer Filippone CalvertTimothy Luke ChapmanAbelardo CorralEdrick DrachenbergJose Armando Fernandez GuerreroConnor Gregory FilleyJames Sullivan FilleyDaniel Patrick FlanaganDavid Stephen Francis Jr.Andrew Thomas GaylordAlexander John GerickWill James Marcial GonzalezHuy Nang HaNicholas John HesslingTyler Berend HofsteeAustin Gannon HyattTristan JuarezRobert Daniel KieltyKostas Yiannis KotselasAlex Richard LarsonPatrick James LavelleAndrew Patrick LeyvaGregory Scott LoweJoseph Thomas MaaloufMichael Alexander MartinMatthew Peter MedaNicholas Stephen NadhirMatthew Zachary PalpallatocNicolas Alejandro QuirogaJoseph Clifford RammCameron George RobertsJuan Miguel Rodriguez- LynchStephen Coleman RougasJoseph David SaadAdrian Llevares SantosAustin Joseph SchmidJose Oscar ValenzuelaScott Anthony WalshMark Robert Wolford Jr.Adrian Xavier ZavalaZachery Christopher Zickert

Second HonorsGPA of 3.20 to 3.59Robert Frederic AragonLeelye AshenafiGarrett Philip BarclayDaniel Enrique BartolomeNoel Melodias BenitezFlavio Rene BorquezDamian George CarusilloDominic Manuel ChavezRobert Frank De Cort Jr.Cooper Stephen DeGrawJohn Paul DixonRico James DominguezKyle Anthony EdmondsAntonio Jose Diamsay FaustinoDiego Francisco Gonzalez

Steven Michael GrosseJose Mario HankAlejandro Joseph IbaibarriagaFrancisco Koichi IshinoMax James KaderabekBrynton Jevon LemarRoss Gordon LemmelAnthony Vince Cala LlevaresCharles Xavier MadrugaRaynald Mari MarteThomas Harold McCarthyKyle Francis MishkyRyan Denver NeckMatthew Ryan NessWilliam Macaspac RainesCarlo Salomon RuizAustin Andrew SiragusaKevin Patrick SkinnerLuke James TotahDavid Trung-Hieu TranIan Michael TrolingerNicholas Alexander VithaJohn Daniel Yourg

FRESHMENClass of 2014

Principal’s ListGPA of 4.0 or betterSantiago AlcalaJacob Burton AlvordTomas ArellanoRoc Frank BeasKevin Christopher BitarNickolas Anthony CamarataBraulio Saul CastilloJohn Charles DowneyBrian Patrick DugganNathaniel John FisherJose Fernando GalanDiego GarciaRodrigo GarciaDavis Hall GlazenerRyan A GoffTyler Joseph Rex HadzickiMatthew Kane JosephDillon Kelliher KeefeMatthew James KubasakMax Alexander Bondoc LalanganGabriel Alexander LopezKim Johnson MahoneyJoseph Fitzgerald MazzeoMichael Paul McRoskeyKyle Matthew MenesesMatthew Hayden MortonMatthew Joseph O’ConnorPatrick Michael O’ConnorPhilip Gordon Greub ParkDaniel Reid PekinCharles Christopher RaynerChristopher Jonas RiceTimothy Ryan Bautista SacamayChristopher Aaron SheltonTimothy Joseph Liang-Yong ShenChristopher Thien Phuc TaoTravis Buchanon WilkieSteven Charles Yevchak

First HonorsGPA of 3.60 to 3.99Robert Sebastian AguaisPatrick William AndersonJohn Joseph Matthew BacinoGregory Thomas BarajasKieran James BertonSamuel Stephen BuseBernardo Edgar CervantesBenjamin Carr ConcannonLuke Anthony Charles CorrentiMichael James CurtisAnthony DaoudNicholas Alan DhuyvetterPaul Huy DoanRyan James EngelbrechtRyan William Faupel

Blake FergusonEnrico Antonio GarciaJulio Esteban Garcia-GranadosPatrick Martin HaganSean James HickeJacob Daly KeaneAriel Delmundo KenneyJeffrey Patrick MaaschJoseph Joshua McGuireBrendan Thomas McNamaraEvan James NicholsGerman Padilla-ChoyNathaniel Soliman Nepomuceno PascualChristian-Moreno PolakJoseph Fitzgerald PreimesbergerEsteban Geovanny QuesadaRamon Alejandro RiesgoWilliam Gromer SmithLukas Byron StaudermanJamie Patrick SteckbeckTyler John TanakaJustin Charles ToscanoSamuel Laurence VarelaNathan Evan WatsonConnor Joseph WhalenJoshua Connor WharryKonrad William Woestman

Second HonorsGPA of 3.20 to 3.59Eduardo Luis AcostaDiego AlcocerNicholas Adams AllardMichael Ikenna ArinzeAaron James BalinChristopher James BarrIan Andrew BarringerJonathan Michael BrunerKevin John BurnhamGiovanni Michele BusalacchiRodrigo Alonso ChavezMario Adolfo CotaCheyne Robert DavisChristopher Coil DunnMarlon Isaac EspinosaIztac David Flores-OrtizChristian Edward FrancoCole Patrick HabibJavier Ignacio Haro-LopezRyan Gibson HarrisConnor Patrick HauptTyler Joseph HerburgerIvan Haley HerholzAdam Dale KosenChristian Edward LegaspiTrevor Newcomb LeweckLawrence LiuSebastian Antonio LopezMatthew Edward MartyAdam Joseph McGrathJoshua Luis MoronesDerek Anthony Navarro- AndersonPablo OrtegaUlises OsunaJustin Daniel PageJohn Murray PetersonJordan Spencer RichardsonMatthew James RobertsCody John RussellNicolas Jake SchieleNathaniel Lucier SennettSalvatore SilvaEdward Michael SimpkinsNicholas Alexander SinclairGuy Feeney StevensAnthony Giovanni SylvesterJoseph Drew TellaricoSergio ValdezDaniel Wan WooMichael Joseph Young