WINGSTHE MAGAZINE OF SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL | FALL 2014

Eagles Blessed with Chaplain and Sacred Heart Sisters on Campus

What is the Eagle Fund?The annual Eagle Fund is the most important fundraising event at SMCHS each year. Tuition alone does not cover the cost of providing a SMCHS education. We rely on voluntary annual Eagle Fund contributions to help make up the difference each year. We are calling on every member of our school community to support our annual Eagle Fund. YOUR gift will make a BIG difference!

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The Eagle Fund is Santa Margarita’s annual giving program. Students, faculty and staff ask for your help in strengthening the tradition of excellence that comes from a Santa Margarita education. Your unrestricted gift to the Eagle Fund enriches our students’ experience through:

• Increasing learning resources and toolsfor academic success

• Retaining excellent faculty

• Providing tuition assistance to students

How to Give to the Annual Eagle Fund

Use the envelope provided and mail your gift to us

Donate online at www.smhs.org/eaglefund@

• Building a robust financial foundation forSanta Margarita Catholic High School

• Giving Santa Margarita the flexibility for newinnovative growth opportunities

We Need You…

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Dear Friends: This is a fantastic time for Santa Margarita! Last school year was an incredible year for the Eagles with our athletic teams earning more CIF championships in one year than ever before, our arts department bringing home top honors receiving the MACY for best musical and Santa Margarita once again being ranked as a top high school in the nation for academics by The Washington Post. This school year is already off to a wonderful start. It is an exciting new era at

Santa Margarita with the full implementation of our One-to-One Tablet PC program. Each of our students and faculty now have a tablet PC, loaded with educational software, providing an immersive educational experience that will prepare our students for today’s college courses and the professional world. I have been impressed thus far with the use of the tablets in the classroom and the enthusiasm for the new program. Santa Margarita is also blessed to welcome Mr. Andy Sulick, from the charter class of 1991, back to campus this September as president. Mr. Sulick first returned to SMCHS in 1996 to begin his career in education. He worked as both a history teacher as well as a football and golf coach before moving on to JSerra in 2003 where he served as the founding director of admissions before being named assistant headmaster. He holds a master’s degree in Catholic educational administration from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor’s degree in education/history from the University of Redlands. It is wonderful to have an alumnus who received a Catholic education and then devoted his career to Catholic education come back to serve as a leader at his alma mater. Mr. Sulick succeeds Mr. Paul Carey who served as president for five years before electing to pursue other opportunities. We wish Mr. Carey and his family continued success in all future endeavors and thank him for furthering the mission of the school. Underpinning all of our school’s blessings is a vibrant faith life. Our school masses remain beautiful celebrations, our Kairos and grade level retreats are well attended, and our Christian Service program has undergone a positive change to class level projects enabling our students to bring our charism of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ, to our world. With the addition of a full-time chaplain, we have been able to offer more faith-based services to our student body. Santa Margarita is a blessed place in so many ways. Thank you for your continued support. We are pleased to have you as part of our family where every day is a Great Day to be an Eagle!

Caritas Christi,

A Message From Principal Raymond R. Dunne

WINGS is published by the Office of Communications at

Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

PrESIDENT J. Andrew Sulick ’91

PrINcIPal Raymond R. Dunne

alumNI rElaTIoNS

Lori Gardner

EDITor Amanda Coronado ’98

DESIgN aND ProDucTIoN

Teri Beauchamp

STaFF WrITErS

Amanda Coronado ’98, Lori Gardner, Jaimee Lieske ’08, Sean Zeitler ’01

STuDENT coNTrIBuTorS

Morgan Begg ’14, Christian Bohuslavizki ’14Rachel Gallardo ’14, Perla Shaheen ’16

Shannon Pierson ’16

ProFESSIoNal PhoTograPhErS Robert Russell, Steve Wylie,

Oliver Yu ’04

coNTacT uSEmail the Office of Communications at

communications@smhs.org or call us at 949-766-6000. You can also read more about

Santa Margarita Catholic High School at www.smhs.org

Please submit name and address changes as well as Class Notes updates by email to the alumni

office at alumni@smhs.org

Calling all Eagle Alumni contributors! Can you offer your writing or photography skills to assist in

the publication of this magazine? Contact the editor at pr@smhs.org

Santa Margaritacatholic high school

22062 Antonio ParkwayRancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

949-766-6000

Santa Margarita Catholic High School offers a college-preparatory education emphasizing the formation of the entire person. SMCHS strives to develop students who are people of faith, skilled lifelong learners, healthy individuals and involved citizens of our world. Students are challenged to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and morally.

Use the envelope provided and mail your gift to us

Welcome CLASS OF 2014 to the SMCHS alumni family! Class of 2014 By the Numbers

$33.1 Million in scholarship offers 406 Members of the class, 1 in 3 graduates had a cumulative GPA of a 4.0 and higher 165 CSF lifetime members161 StudentsgraduatedwithanInternationalBaccalaureateCertificate 144 Colleges and universities that graduates will attend 100 Percent of students performed community service

99 Percent of graduates continuing their education at the college level 92 AP Scholars71 National Honor Society members61 Student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level28 Students graduated with an International Baccalaureate Diploma19 Student-artists continued their arts education at the collegiate level15 National Merit Commended students3 NationalMeritfinalists,2NationalMeritScholar

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NEW FriENdS

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Introducing Campus Chaplain Father Randy and Faith Formation Facilitator Sister Joanna

SMCHS attracts students from around the globe.

A look at the history and tradition of the Eagle mascot.

Find out what your fellow alumni are up to.

Santa Margarita students and alumni create change both close to home and abroad.

WHAT’S NEW ON CAMPUS SMCHS continues to progress with a focus on the future.

NOW ArriviNg BEHiNd THE BEAk CLASS NOTES

CrEATiNg CHANgE

ON THE COvEr: Father Randy presides over the Welcome Mass 2014 at SMCHS. Photo by Oliver Yu ’04

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Stay connected:

ALUMNi FOOdiES

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Alumni are making their mark on the culinary scene.

Follow us on Twitter @SMCHSEagles Follow us on Instagram @santamargaritaeagles

SMCHS alumni are suiting up in collegeand the pros.

ACAdEMiCS

grAdS ON THE gridirON

ArTS

ATHLETiCS

rEUNiON HigHLigHTS

ALUMNi SNAPSHOTS

Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/smchseagles and at facebook.com/smchsgraduates

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EAgLE dOME ENHANCEMENTS The Eagle Dome, home to many of the school’s performing arts productions, recently saw improvements including the addition of stadium seating as well as a grand canopy entrance. The school is currently researching and planning for a Center for the Arts.

CALENdAr CHANgES Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, Santa Margarita shifted its school year calendar to start in mid-August and end in late May. The changeallowsourstudentstofinishfinalsbeforegoingon Christmas break as well as additional time to cover more curriculum before Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams in May.

ONE-TO-ONE TABLET PC PrOgrAM More than 100 Lenovo Helix tablets were distributed to all SMCHS faculty last fall. The tablet runs on the Windows 8 platform and is also a full-functioning laptop. With the start of the 2014-2015 school year, every student now has their own tablet PC providing a more immersive educational experience.

ENrOLLMENT Santa Margarita’s enrollment is at 1,733 students for the 2014-2015 school year, the highest the school has seen since the 2001-2002 school year. This August, SMCHS welcomed more than 450 freshmen into the Class of 2018, the largest freshman class since the Class of 2000. Santa Margarita is also pleased to have 69 international students from countries around the world attending SMCHS this school year.

NEW TrACkAfterbecomingoneofthefirstblueall- weather synthetic surfaces in the Southern California in 1996, the SMCHS track was renovated with a new state-of-the-art surface remaining true to Eagle blue.

BULLPEN rENOvATiONNewartificialturfwasinstalled in the SMCHS baseball bullpen and the halo surrounding home plate. The enhancements allow the team to utilize the space for practice when the weather makesthefieldunplayable.

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LiBrAry iMPrOvEMENTS Work to modernize the Borchard Library has been completed. The redesigned library supports a more technology-based, collaborative learning environment as we adapt to the needs of a one-to-one tablet PC school. Lounge areas with plush seating, circular tables with charging stationsandlargeflatscreenmonitorsthatcanconnecttostudent tablets encourage collaboration. Quiet study areas offer a peaceful environment to concentrate. The renovation also includes the addition of a tech service center.

SCrEENWriTiNg A new screenwriting class guides students through the entire process of writing a feature length screenplay. Class discussions provide insight into developing ideas, discovering characters, and bringing them to life with a solid story structure. Students also learn marketing concepts so that by the end of the year each student will leave with a script in hand and a strategy for selling it.SALTWATEr TANk A new 300-gallon saltwater

aquarium provides our students with hands-on learning opportunities. The aquarium is home to SouthernCalifornia coastline marine life including surf perch, giant keyhole limpets, hermit crabs, sea cucumbersand several species of sea stars.

TrOPHy CASE A new trophy case can be found justoutsidetheSMCHSActivitiesOffice.The15-footlong, 8-foot tall display case houses trophies earned by programs under the Activities Department including our ice hockey, pep squad and equestrian teams.

PASTOrAL PrESENCE Santa Margarita welcomed Father RandySampintoastheschool’sfirstfulltimecampuschaplainand Sister Joanna Strouse as the new faith formation facilitator. Both Father and Sister assist with the pastoral needs of the school.

MEN'S CHOirForthefirsttimeatSMCHS, Santa Margarita has an all-male choir. The focus in on fun with students learning the fundamentals ofvocal technique and music theory.

CENTrAL PLANT ENErgy PrOjECT The school recently upgraded the heating and cooling system. The newenergy-efficienttechnology,whichincludesanewchiller yard that uses ice to deliver cool air, is part of Santa Margarita’s commitment to sustainability and will result in a cost savings to the school. As part of the project, the school’s Moiso Family Pavilion now has air conditioning, a long-awaited campus upgrade.

At Santa Margarita, we’re always looking for ways to improve student life and the educational experience. It’s an exciting time as we continue to progress with a focus on the future. Here’s a look at a few points of pride featuring the latest and greatest.

“Father’s homilies are always significant in some way to high school life and Sister Joanna seems to always understand the

stresses of high school. They both remind me how much prayer helps with all the stress.”

– Meagan Wilkinson ’14

FAiTH Faith-Filled Friends

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From celebrating mass, to hearing confessions as wellas cheering on the Eagles at football games and even

impressing students with his hula hooping skills, Father Randy Sampinto joined the Eagle family last school year as the school’s campus chaplain. While having clergy on-site at diocesan schools has always been a priority, it remains a constant challenge given priests’ primary role is within the parish community. Three years ago, however, the Diocese of Orange began planning an effort to assign chaplains to each diocesan high school. Through this initiative, Santa Margarita was able to hire the school’s first full-time chaplain. Father Randy Sampinto comes to Santa Margarita from 7,336 miles away as part of the Filipino religious community called Alagad ni Maria (Disciples of Mary). “Father Randy is a young, vibrant and charismatic priest with a true gift for working with young adults,” said Ryan Lilyengren, Director of Communications at the Diocese of Orange. Father joins the Campus Ministry staff alongside the newest Faith Formation Facilitator, Sister Joanna Strouse, who came to Santa Margarita from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. In 2010, Santa Margarita formed a partnership with the Sisters of the Sacred Heart to create a greater religious presence on campus. Both Sr. Joanna and Fr. Randy help with the pastoral and spiritual needs of the school including celebrating the sacraments, planning liturgies, speaking and teaching in religion classes, assisting with service projects and organizing faith formation opportunities.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done in order to bring the gospel to our students at SM,” said Nancy Hormuth, the school's campus ministry director. “It’s wonderful to have partners in grace to assist us in this humbling task.” According to the National Catholic Education Association, in 2013, only 3.2 percent of staff at Catholic schools were religious/clergy with sisters at 2.2 percent, brothers at 0.5 percent and clergy, which includes both priests and deacons, at .5 percent. That’s compared to 90 percent in the 1950s. The sharp shift is partly attributed to the decline in the number of men and women entering religious orders, according to NCEA. Santa Margarita is believed to be the only Catholic school in Orange County to have both a sister and priest on staff.

“Having a sister and priest on campus allows us to have more of a personal experience with them,” said Kendall Aldridge ’14. “A lot of other schools don’t have that, so I feel really blessed that we do.” Whether it’s through retreats, Christian service projects, school masses or in the classroom, every day Fr. Randy and Sr. Joanna continue to discover what it means to be an Eagle. “It is very inspiring to be around students who are so determined and well-rounded,” said Father Randy. “This is a very vibrant community and I’m happy to be a part of it.” ■

“I think they are a great addition to ourCampus Ministry family. Sister Joanna is always in our class making an effort to meet us all and Father Randy leads the best Peer Ministry masses.”

– Kevin Lieber ’14

FATHEr rANdy Born: Antipolo, Philippines joined Priesthood: 2008 Previous job: Director of Formation and Assistant Pastoral Director Hobbies: Reading and listening to music

SiSTEr jOANNA Born: Williamsburg, VA joined Sisterhood: 1988 Previous job: Director of Sacred Heart Retreat Camp Hobbies: Spending time with her community

Faith-Filled Friends

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Christian ServiceSErviCE

Developing the habit of seeing the world as God sees it

FRESHMEN: Caritas Christi ProjectThe Caritas Christi Project provides each freshman the opportunity to visit Goodwill Industries with their religion class. Students are introduced to the Catholic faith’s commitment to social justice. The day begins in the Sacred Heart Chapel with Eucharistic Adoration before heading to the Goodwill Center in Santa Ana. Once on-site, the freshmen receive a detailed orientation on the work of Goodwill, interact with the individuals served by Goodwill who are mostly adults with developmental disabilities, and learn about adaptive tools that assist the disabled in their journey to become fully integrated into society. The Caritas Christi Project culminates with the entire freshman class serving as coaches and mentors to more than 1,100 athletes at Santa Margarita's Special Olympics track and field event in March.

SOpHOMORES: Agnus Dei ProjectThe Agnus Dei Project gives sophomores the opportunity to serve the working poor families who are part of the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen ministry. One Saturday a month, from October to May, sophomore religion classes organize and run a themed carnival on the grounds of St. Joseph’s School, the site of Loaves and Fishes, in Santa Ana. The sophomores plan and create game booths, organize crafts and activities as well as serve breakfast and lunch.

JuNIORS ANd SENIORS: Lumen Christi ProjectThe Lumen Christi Project is a two-year program encompassing a student’s juniorand senior year. In the fall of the junior year, students participate in a service fair providing students an opportunity to interact with various nonprofits including representatives from places such as Modjeska Ranch Rescue, Share Our Selves, Orange Coast Interfaith Shelter, The Shea Center, Habitat for Humanity, and many more. After choosing a service site, students develop, plan, research and execute a more in-depth, self-identified service project in collaboration with their religion teacher and other staff and faculty mentors. Students can choose to work individually or in small groups with a nonprofit agency that serves the needs of the poor through direct service. One of the goals of the Lumen Christi Project is that students will identify structural or organizational issues based on their research and on-the-ground experience with that agency and propose solutions for those issues. Each student’s project will be presented in a class presentation.

One of the most important ways students learn is through service. Recently, Santa Margarita shifted from tallying service hours focusing instead on engaging students in service through meaningful projects. “Hours is about putting in the time,” said Principal Ray Dunne. “Service learning is about giving time.”

class service projectsThe service program is integrated into the religion curriculum at each grade level. Coordinated by Campus Ministry, the program seeks to develop in each student the art of recognizing, comprehending and caring for the needs of others while working as a school community to accomplish a common goal. A testament to Caritas Christi, the love of Christ, the program develops in each student the habit of seeing the world as God sees it. “Through service, students become God’s hands, feet and heart,” said Peg Dzida who oversees the school’s service program.

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Christian Service

While the students of Santa Margarita Catholic High School had the day off, the school’s faculty and staff participated in a service retreat this past winter with a focus on fighting to end hunger. Christian service is an integral part of a Santa Margarita education with all students required to participate in grade-level service-learning projects. While members of Santa Margarita’s faculty and staff perform service throughout the year, this was the school’s third official all-school faculty and staff service day. The day began in the school's banquet room with morning mass and was followed by a presentation on hunger. The speakers included Paul Leon, founder and director of Illumination Foundation, who discussed homelessness and food scarcity in Orange County and Maria Dzida, founder and director of Loaves and Fishes, a soup kitchen in Santa Ana. “Pope Francis has encouraged people everywhere and from all spiritual traditions to be aware of issues of suffering and to do something about it, locally and internationally,” said Peg Dzida, an assistant director of campus ministry who oversees Santa Margarita’s service program. “Education like these retreat days is important to both galvanize us to action and to focus that action effectively.” Following the presentations, the faculty and staff made their way to the school's Moiso Family Pavilion (gym) to take action in the fight against hunger. Inside the gymnasium, several stations were set up to create food packages to be delivered to Catholic Relief Services centers in Burkina Faso, Africa. Whether it was distributing the materials, weighing the food or loading the packages into boxes, each person played a vital role in the process.

“We don’t always think about the need out there,” said Spanish teacher Carita Garcia. “It was satisfying to know we did something to help even if it’s on a small scale. We get so busy with our lives and tend to forget that there are others that don’t have the basics like food.” Garcia said she hoped her students would be inspired by the work of the faculty and staff. “As educators, we need to be role models,” she said. In a single hour, the school’s faculty and staff pulled together to prepare 14,980 food packages that were sent to Africa. They also donated $1,435 worth of Burger King gift cards which were distributed at the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Santa Ana. “Everything makes a difference,” said Brandon Romano, a member of the Stop Hunger Now team who worked with Santa Margarita on the service project. “We want the next generation to question why hunger was even an issue when we have enough food in the world to feed everyone.”

Faculty and Staff Fight to End Hunger

SMCHS faculty and staff service day, February 5, 2014

SMCHS faculty and staff pulled together to prepare 14,980 food packages in one hour that were sent to Burkina Faso, Africa.

julia Solazzo ’13 »

Eagles Creating ChangejULiA SOLAzzO ’13 Julia Solazzo is a scholar, athlete and artist. She graduated from Santa Margarita with a 4.62 GPA earning an International Baccalaureatte diploma, a rigorous program offered at SMCHS and select schools across the globe. While she has a passion for art and excelled in the visual arts courses at SMCHS, Solazzo also shines in math and science. She currently attends USC where she is studying engineering and art. “It’s remarkable how Julia molds her strength in math and science into her works of art,” said Santa Margarita visual arts teacher Emily Dilbeck. The well-rounded student also excelled outside of the classroom at SMCHS playing tennis and helping to plan school masses and retreats. But what stands out most about this stellar student is her compassion for others. Solazzo has been involved

with Acres of Love in South Africa since 2005. After seeing how children were living in South Africa – starving and abandoned – she then saw the stark contrast of educated and healthy children living in the Acres of Love homes and wanted to help. She founded Santa Margarita’s Acres for Love Club working to raise awareness and funds for Acres of Love homes. Acres of Love provides family-based homes, education, health care and love to those affected with HIV/AIDS in South Africa. Through her efforts, and with the support of her family, she started a new home for children called the San Juan Capistrano and Friends Forever Home in South Africa and continues to raise funds to support the home’s operating costs. She is currently raising money for another home and working on a documentary to raise awareness for this cause.

As part of a class project for Santa Margarita’s Visual Arts IB class, Solazzo created artwork depicting the faces of the ophans she met and served in Africa. “It’s amazing the difference you can make in the life of a child,” Solazzo said. “My passion is helping others who can’t help themselves.”

Inspirational Eagles Tackle Global Issues, Create Change

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ANdrEW HArdENBUrgH ’13 While at Santa Margarita, Andrew Hardenburgh was a four-year high school baseball athlete, graduated with a 3.71 GPA, was a member of National Honor Society, served as a Link Crew leader helping freshmen transition to high school, volunteered at his church as both an altar server and vacation bible school leader and participated in the school’s Model United Nations program. Hardenburgh continues to excel at Gonzaga University maintaining good grades with a major in broadcast journalism, participating in intramural sports and enjoying the outdoors with friends including hiking. He appears to be a typical teenager on the road to success. Yet, Hardenbugh suffers from a chronic condition where breathing doesn’t come easy. Unlike most college students, early morning breathing treatments and taking enzymes to help aid digestion are part of his daily routine. But clearly, Hardenburgh doesn’t let this chronic condition that affects his lungs and digestive system slow him down. In fact, quite the opposite. At Santa Margarita, Hardenburgh also served as co-president of the Make-A-Wish/Cystic Fibrosis Club working to raise awareness and funds to fight cystic fibrosis. He continues to lead by example staying positive and never giving up hope in finding a cure. “If anything, cystic fibrosis motivates me more than brings me down,” Hardenburgh said. “It helps me remind myself I can overcome obstacles and hard times.” During his senior year at Santa Margarita, Hardenburgh pitched three games for the Eagles and didn't allow any earned runs. SMCHS Head Baseball Coach Dave Bacani calls him an inspiration. “Andrew has never made his condition an excuse and will not accept being treated differently,” Bacani said.

While many teens are hitting the beach and shopping malls during their high school summer vacations, Taylor Capretz traveled to Nepal, Ghana, and Brazil to work with and care for women and children suffering from AIDS/HIV. Capretz’s crusade began after attending an event about empowering women at the RAND Corporation and learning that AIDS was the No. 1 killer of women and children globally. Capretz, a then young high school student, quickly formed a plan to visit these countries to help and discover what commonalities led to high AIDS deaths among women and children in these areas. She cared for and supported the children by feeding, playing, and teaching them English. In addition, she helped educate children and their mothers about nutritious diets and counseled them on HIV/AIDS. But upon her return, Capretz wanted to do more. She established the Red for Life foundation to continue to support the women and children she worked with and worked with a filmmaker to create “Suffer Little Children,” a documentary of her experiences that she distributed to Orange County high schools to help raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic. The documentary was runner- up for first place at the 2011 United Nations International Film Festival. “Experiencing the culture, religion, beliefs, values and the pain and struggle of the people in countries that represent some of the poorest in the world has made me look at life in a very different way,” Capretz said. “I wake up each day not only appreciating what I have been given and the opportunities that are available to me, but also asking myself what can I do today that can make someone else’s world a better place to live in – this to me is what life is all about.”

Through her global efforts, Capretz also discovered that the United States didn’t have a youth delegate at the General Assembly. “I was shocked to learn this, as we are such a progressive society,” said Capretz. “I decided to take action because I strongly believe that we (young adults) should have a voice in the decisions regarding the youth of the United States.” Numerous letters and phone calls later, as well as the eventual approval of the U.S. Department of State, the United States now has a youth observer at the U.N. General Assembly. The observer voices concerns about issues affecting youth and reports back to the U.S. Capretz is currently studying philosophy and pre-med at USC, and ultimately wants to go to medical school and become a surgeon working for Doctors Without Borders.

Taylor Capretz ’13

Eagles Creating ChangeTAyLOr CAPrETz ’13

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Andrew Hardenburgh ’13

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NATALiE HAMiLL ’09 With the world ahead of her, Natalie Hamill was anxious to enter Santa Margarita Catholic High School as a freshman. Just like many other high school aged students, she was looking forward to participating in athletics, making new friends and beginning to pave the way for her future. But Hamill’s journey quickly took a sharp turn when shortly after the beginning of her freshman year, she began to notice changes in her mother Pam’s behavior. Ordinary tasks became too difficult and mood swings and unexplained crying the norm. At age 47, the hair dresser of 30 years began to forget to book client appointments and on the job tasks that were once easy suddenly became problematic. Stress and hormones were blamed, but by Hamill’s senior year the symptoms became more prevalent and the fact that something wasn’t right was clear. Hamill pressed on with school and sports along with helping her dad keep an eye on her mother. Her senior year, the standout athlete earned a college scholarship to play volleyball at Point Loma University and was named Santa Margarita’s Female Athlete of the Year. During Christmas break of Hamill’s freshman year of college, her life quickly changed when her dad took her to a class about learning to live with a person with Alzheimer’s disease. It was there that Hamill learned her mother had been officially diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. A Christian her entire life, Hamill surrendered herself to God. “The only thing that got me through this was prayer and faith,” said Hamill. Along with juggling classes and volleyball, Hamill continued to put her mother first making trips home to Laguna Niguel each week from Thursday evening until Sunday to help her father care for her mom. “I don’t ever regret going home and spending time with my mom and dad,” she said. “I’m glad they raised me the way they did so that I love coming home. We love each other unconditionally. I want to be able to look back and know that I wasn’t at some party when I could have been holding my mom’s hand.”

By Hamill’s sophomore year her mother no longer recognized her. Yet, each week Hamill returned home by her father’s side to care for her mother, a job she began to call “mommy sitting.” Hamill took over the duties of bathing, feeding, dressing and just listening providing her father with a much needed break. “It is inspirational and heartbreaking at the same time, when you think about what Natalie has had to do at such a young age,” Mary Ball, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties told San Diego’s Union Tribune in a story recognizing Hamill. “For all caregivers out there, it is a 36-hour-a-day job. It is all-consuming at any age, and Natalie has shown such selflessness and maturity in the face of the terrible disease her mom has.” The summer before her senior year at Point Loma, Hamill worked as an intern at the Alzheimer’s Association of San Diego/Imperial Counties where she continued to work as the organization’s outreach coordinator. A recent career change to real estate provides her with more flexibility to spend time with family and care for her mom. Hamill continues to support the Alzheimer’s Association and the newly-engaged bride will soon appear on “Say Yes to the Dress” where she plans to use her stardom to advocate for Alzheimer's awareness. At a recent San Diego Walk to End Alzheimer’s event, Hamill and her father were keynote speakers sharing their story and the message that those suffering from the disease, as well as their family members and caregivers, are not alone. Hamill’s one piece of advice for anyone who might be going through the same journey? “Ask your loved one every question you ever wanted to know about them or you,” she said. “You may never get the chance again.”

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voice for Alzheimer’s disease advocacy, fighting for critical Alzheimer’s research, prevention and care initiatives at the state and federal level. The association diligently works to make Alzheimer’s a national priority. For more information about their effort go to www.alz.org

We love eachother unconditionally. I want to be able to look back and know that I wasn’t at some party when I could have been holding my mom’s hand.” Natalie Hamill ’09

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< Nicole Minkina ’13

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On the morning of Sept. 11, 2013, students arrived on campus to find their lockers had been vandalized…with kindness, that is. SM lockers were a sea of yellow after Post-it notes with encouraging words were stuck to every locker on campus. As students read the notes of kindness with quotes such as, “Your smile brightens the day,” “Don’t fit in, stand out,” and “Don’t stress, everything will be okay,” the campus was abuzz as to who was behind the act of kindness. No students came forward and teachers and staff were left stumped. After being anonymous for most of the day, the culprits were eventually unmasked. The ‘Post-it girls,’ as they quickly became known, were then sophomores Emerica Rogers ’16 and Bella Montes ’16. When the girls decided that they wanted to spread kindness and feel closer to their school community, both agreed that they would love to receive words of encouragement from a stranger. Between the two of them, they spent more than 20 hours writing more than 2,000 of the encouraging Post-its. On the eve of 9/11, the hours of hard work were stuck in place and the girls returned early the next morning to watch their peers’ reactions. “I saw one boy put his Post-it on his shirt,” said Rogers. “He was walking around with a big smile on his face. That really stuck with me.” The entire SM community was enthralled by the random act of kindness. Even alumni and parents joined in on the Post-it craze

as pictures and news of the ‘Post-it girls’ quickly spread via social media. Messages from alumni sharing their pride in their alma mater and thanking Rogers and Montes for brightening their day poured in. “You guys are amazing,” Bella responded to the outpouring of love on the school’s Facebook page. Even on such a tragic day as Sept. 11, a simple idea blossomed into a true display of Caritas Christi, the love of Christ, for the entire Eagle community. “We just wanted to make one person smile,” said Rogers. “Even if only one person was affected by it, that was enough for us.”

NiCOLE MiNkiNA ’13 Originally from Minsk, Belarus, Nicole Minkina’s family was affected by alcoholism when she was just a toddler. At the age of 4, her mother brought her to the United States in hopes of a better life. “I was given an amazing gift I will never take for granted,” Minkina said. During her time at SMCHS, she was an avid member of the school’s Next Step program, a Drug Use is Life Abuse program which uses high school students as mentors to educate middle school students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. But Minkina wanted to do more. Overcome with gratitude for a life free of drug abuse, she desired to give back to the country she left behind. Through research, Minkina learned that her home

country of Belarus is plagued with one of the highest rates of alcohol and drug abuse in the world. Hoping to spare other families the pain that her own family suffered, she returned to Belarus last summer to help establish and work with Mothers against Drug Abuse, a Belarusian anti-drug organization working to provide high school students and educators in Belarus with the tools to conduct drug and alcohol education programs. Minkina took her efforts one step further by founding the Global Drug Prevention Initiative (GDPI) as a way to extend effective drug prevention programs internationally. Modeled after the Drug Use is Life Abuse Next Step program, the GDPI currently provides a peer drug education program in Minsk, Belarus. Minkina, drawing on her experience as a standout member of Santa Margarita’s speech and debate team and Model United Nations program, worked with the United Nations and local Belarusian organizations to establish the program which is now offered in five high schools with student volunteers reaching out to an additional 20 schools. She is currently working to expand the program to other countries. The young activist, who was named an Orange County Register “Graduate Who will Change the World” in June of 2013, has continued her service work with GDPI from the East Coast where she attends Yale University. “I hope to change the world through youth-focused drug-education programs that can influence diverse communities, regardless of how small they are, across different parts of the world. With millions of people internationally being harmed by substance abuse – either through their own use or through tragedies that affect their friends and family – communities are in need of solutions that can impact people on a more personal level,” Minkina said.

EMEriCA rOgErS ’16 and BELLA MONTES ’16

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Eagles Make HistoryThe 2013-2014 school year was extraordinary with the Eagles taking home more CIF championships in one year than ever before, the school’s first MACY award for Best Musical of the Year as well as ranking among the top 40 private schools in the nation by the Washington Post. “It takes the whole team to win. Always one must be gracious and have humility, gratitude and teamwork over personal ambition in a year of great accomplishment.” Mrs. Amy Luskey-Barth, Director of Theatre Arts

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2013-2014 School year Accolades Academic WorldQuest World Affairs Council

Anaheim ducks High School Hockey League ChampionsCalifornia State Championships Third Place Small danceCalifornia youth in Theatre Advocacy Essay Contest Winner: Joanna Pisano ’14

Carson Scholars: Hannah Barnes ’17, Gunnar Epping ’16, Sebastian Reyes ’15, John Tanner ’16, Alexander Ury ’14, Alexandra Zintel ’15

Childress MACy Awards:Best Musical of the Year “Pippin”Best Supporting Actor: Nicholas Rule ’14, “Pippin”

CiF-SS Coaches of the year (5) (see page 26)

Eagles Make History CiF-SS Team Championships: Baseball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Girls Soccer, Girls Swimming and Diving, Girls Water Polo

First Friday Friars zug Cup Award:Ryan Andrew ’14

individual Event/relay CiF Champions (9) (see page 26)

international Thespian Festival National individual Events:First Place Original score: Tyler Cotner ’14, “The Crucible” All-accomplished ratings for monologue: Joanna Pisano ’14

jAMz Nationals: Grand Champion, Song and Cheer

MUN: Record Number of Delegation Awards

National Merit Scholars: Austin Drysch ’14 and Ellen Liu ’14

National debate Tournament: Grant Kalasky ’15 represented Southern California and placed in the top 20 in the nation for Lincoln-Douglas Debate

National record Holder: KatieMcLaughlin’15,100-yardbutterfly

National Scholastic Press Association: Ninth Place in the nation for student newspaper broadsheet 17 pages or more

Orange County Athletic directors Association Female Athlete of the year: Haley Wan ’14

Orange County Cappies Best Lead Actor and Actress in a Musical:Tyler Cotner ’14 and Andrea Martinez ’15 “Pippin”

Orange County register FemaleAthlete of the year: Katie McLaughlin ’15

Perfect ACT: Daniel Semeniuta ’15

Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association Field Championship: 1A Division Fourth Place

Trinity League Championships: Girls Soccer, Girls Swimming and Diving, Boys Swimming and Diving, Girls Tennis, Boys Tennis, Boys Volleyball, Girls Water Polo

USA dance regionals: First Place Intermediate Dance

USA dance Nationals: Second Place Open Division Small Lyrical

USA Nationals: First Place AdvancedLarge Varsity Show Cheer

USA Nationals: First Place Advanced Medium Varsity Song/Pom

Washington Post: Ranked Nationallyas a Top Private School

World Strides Heritage Performance: Silver Third Place Chamber Singers

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For 23 years, Santa Margarita Catholic High School students have traveled the world competing in mock meetings of the

United Nations. Through the Model United Nations program students study and debate current world issues and international affairs while serving as delegates of member countries of the United Nations. As of last school year, Santa Margarita student delegates have represented all 193 members of the United Nations at the simulated conferences. The program was established by Richard Voelkel, former SMCHS social studies department chair, in 1991. Today, Santa Margarita is known as one of the most successful schools for MUN in the county with longtime teacher John Remmell serving as the director. “They said if you want to be hired here you have to be an MUN teacher and I had no idea what it was,” said Remmell who majored in political science. “It’s become something I love and I’ve done for 18 years.” Dedicated, empowering, passionate and nurturing are just a few of the words students use to describe Remmell. “He cares so much for his students and is willing to do anything to help us succeed,” said Santa Margarita graduate Alex Rupp ’13. “His encouragement pushed me to do better in everything I do.” Travel is an important part of Model United Nations with the SMCHS delegates making yearly expeditions to China, Paris, Boston, and Washington D.C. consistently bringing home top honors.

The program helps students develop lifelong skills including research, writing, public speaking, conflict resolution, leadership and compromise while meeting other students from across the world. “Students are exposed to the world we live in and become more responsible world citizens,” Remmell said. “They learn to work with people around the globe to make this world a better place.” SMCHS student Emma Doelp ’16 said Remmell encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone. “He helped me a ton at all the conferences and encouraged me in my struggle with public speaking,” she said. The competitive, yet nurturing spirit of the program helps the teens grow as they learn to stand up for their own views and speak out against injustice. “John has clearly built up the program to a very competitive level and the students that

are involved are having a good time, but also getting a lot out of it academically,” said MUN teacher Bryn Dubois. Living up to high expectations, during the 2013-14 school year Santa Margarita students earned more than 582 individual awards, including 63 gavels, and a record seven delegation awards given to the top performing school at the conference. For the third consecutive year, Santa Margarita's MUN program was ranked by Best Delegate, an education company specialzing in MUN support, as one of North America's top MUN programs. The students and staff of Santa Margarita Catholic High School take a lot of pride in the success of the program. “When SM does something,” Remmell explains, “we do it right.”■

ACAdEMiCS

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Story by SMCHS student Perla Shaheen ’16

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They come seeking a challenge, the opportunity to broaden their horizons and a college-preparatory

education that will land them in the top schools across the United States. This school year, Santa Margarita Catholic High School is home to 67 international students from 10 different countries. These students sacrifice being away from their families staying with local host families many of whom are current Santa Margarita parents and students. The lure, international students say, is a well-balanced education and the hopes of attending a prestigious American University. With an average GPA of a 3.89, nearly all of the 26 international students in the Class of 2014 went on to attend the

nation's leading universities including Clemson, College of William and Mary, Michigan State, New York University, Purdue, Penn State, UC San Diego and the University of Southern California to name a few. “I am so grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to study in the United States,” said Yanzhe Feng ’14 who transferred to Santa Margarita his sophomore year from his high school in China and goes by his American name “Ronnie.” Feng began his freshman year at Boston University this fall. Despite growing up in a country that values conformity, Feng wanted the opportunity to be “different.” In China, he said, students study from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. with little to no time for a

personal life. They also take the same classes as their classmates without the ability to specialize in a subject area, he said. Feng said he values the American education system where you can choose your courses and get involved in student life outside of the classroom including participating in athletics and joining campus clubs among other extracurricular activities. “By choosing the classes you want, you define yourself through the education system,” Feng said. “The American dream is so fascinating. You can make anything happen if you try. I am so grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to study in the States.”

NOW ARRIVING: Santa Margarita Attracts Students From Across the Globe

ACAdEMiCS

international students have recently come to SMCHS from the following countries:AustraliaCanadaChinaCroatiaGermany

KoreaLatviaMexicoNorwaySerbia

SpainSwedenThailandTurkeyVietnam

growing every year:The number of internationalstudents at Santa Margarita

Catholic High School.

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Following transferring to Santa Margarita his sophomore year from China, Feng joined the basketball team, got involved in the Associated Student Body serving as treasurer and helped found the school’s International Students Club which organizes social opportunities and allows students the opportunity to share their culture. This past school year, the club went to Magic Mountain amusement park as well as a Los Angeles Clippers basketball game. But being an international student didn’t come without challenges. When Feng first moved to the United States, English was a challenge. Each morning, he woke up extra early to hold “practice conversations” in the mirror. His English quickly improved and so too did his confidence. “You make the miracle happen,” he said. “I want to be sure I am making the most of my experience here.” All international students must be fluent in English to attend the school, said Jeff Reinert, the school’s international student coordinator, a position that was recently created to accommodate the growing number of students from abroad. In the past five years, the number of international students has skyrocketed. In 2009, the number of international students was just two. Reinert conducts a Skype interview with all overseas applicants to better get to know them and assess their English conversation skills. “We want to make sure it’s a good fit,” he said.

Santa Margarita does not advertise overseas or have contracts with outside agencies to bring in international students. The power of Google and the school’s strong academic reputation including the fact that Santa Margarita offers the rigorous International Baccalaureate program and is recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, the U.S. Department of Education’s highest honor, keeps the applications flowing in. With the increase in international students, Santa Margarita began an international student support program to help these students adjust to life at

an American college-preparatory high school. The after-school guidance program provides assistance with homework, writing, reading comprehension, study skills, adjusting to a new culture and more. Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, an international student counselor was also hired to help support the unique needs of these students. “We want to make sure it’s a smooth transition,” Reinert said. Another source of comfort for these exchange students comes from the families they live with. Since these students are unable to see their parents and siblings, their host families offer a warm environment where they feel supported and safe. “I really care for my host family,” said Han Yu ’14, from China. “It was never awkward living with them because they were all so kind.” The rich diversity international students bring to campus makes the world a smaller place, Reinert said. “They help American students better understand cultures from around the world,” he said. “Our students learn more and gain more by studying side by side with their peers from around the world.” ■

“i love the school spirit. it’s almost like a university.At home they don’t havehigh school sports.” Helene Eitel ’15, Germany

“The people here helped me to feel welcome in a new area. Everyone has been kind and helpful.” Max Cervera ’14, Spain

“i like this school because it really challenged me.” da young “rebecca” ghim ’14,South Korea

“The American dream is so fascinating. you can make anything happen if you try. i am so grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to study in the United States.”yanzhe “ronnie” Feng ’14

◄Yanzhe “Ronnie” Feng ’14, middle, with fellow SMCHS graduates, on graduation day 2014.

▲Tyler Cotner ’14

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Santa Margarita Catholic High School came away with top honors at the 44th annual Childress M.A.C.Y. Awards held in June at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. The school’s production of “Pippin” won Best Musical of the Year awarded each year to a “production from a school that reaches far beyond the norm with the singing, acting and dancing coming together in complete harmony.”

The M.A.C.Y. (Music and Arts Commendation for Youth) Awards is considered the CIF of high school theatre. Founded in 1969 by John Childress, the program is dedicated to encouraging, recognizing and rewarding achievement and excellence in high school musical theatre. The M.A.C.Y. judges attended 46 musicals throughout the 2013-2014 season.

This is Barth’s sixth M.A.C.Y. for best musical during her 26-yearcareerandSantaMargarita’sfirst.UnderBarth’sleadership, Santa Margarita received the Literature Brought to Life Award at the M.A.C.Y. Awards in 2011 for “Les Misérables” and the Magical Journey Award for “Beauty and the Beast” in 2012.

Awhimsicalcoming-of-agestoryaboutthesonofthefirstHoly Roman Emperor, “Pippin” boasts pop-rock music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson. In describing Santa Margarita’s run of “Pippin,” the judges commented, “They had audiences leaping to their feet in appreciation and joy.”

The cast of “Pippin” took home 13 individual awards including:

Highest Achievement and Best Supporting Actor: Nick rule ’14 for his portrayal of CharlesHighest Achievement: Tyler Cotner ’14 for the role of Pippin and Andrea Martinez ’15 for her performance as The Leading PlayerOutstanding Achievement: joanna Pisano ’14 for her role as Berthe, ryan Melosini ’15 as Lewis, Hannah Baker ’17 as Fastada and Michaela galvin ’16 as Catherine Bright Spot Awards: Carson Preusse (future eagle), dylan Field ’17, Lara Adra ’16, Trevor Lown ’15 and daniella kubiak ’16

SMCHS Wins Best Musical of the year

ArTS

The inspiration came while sitting in the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln during the International Thespian Festival. Theatre Director Amy Luskey-Barth tapped then rising senior Tyler Cotner ’14 on the shoulder and asked, “How would you like to create an original score for our fall production, The Crucible?” Cotner quickly agreed and took on the creative challenge with enthusiasm as part of his Talon Theatre production class.

The process began with several readings of the script to understand the story, mood, and atmosphere of Arthur Miller’s dramatic play about the Salem witch trials of 1692. Using clicks, hums, pops, whistles, claps, throat singing, and snaps, combined with the piano and cello, Cotner succeeded in

creating an atmosphere evoking the tension and uncertainty of what was taking place on stage. In addition to the composition, Cotner served as sound designer mixing effects and voices over the live

“voicescapes,” the live sound effects created by the actors and actresses on stage. “Tyler’s score helped with transitions from one scene to the next while increasing dramatic tension,” Luskey-Barth said. A year later following graduation, Cotner found himself back at the University of Nebraska for the International Thespian Festival where the idea of composing an original score began. Only now Cotner was being recognized for his chilling composition for “The Crucible” establishing him as the nation's top sound designer following competing in the National Individual Events Showcase for sound design.

Cotner grew up working with recording software in a home studio with his father, also a musician. He plays six instruments including percussion, stand-up and electric bass, drums, guitar and the piano. In addition to being a musician, Cotner is also a gifted actor and the recipient of M.A.C.Y. and Cappies Awards for acting and musical theatre. With plans to major in music composition at Boston University, Cotner hopes to eventually compose music professionally.

“I love the experimental nature of creating new music and playing with sound concepts,” he said.

Top Student Sound designer in the Nation

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Men’s Choir Takes Center StageA class of 57 teenage boys might sound like chaos to some, but at Santa Margarita it’s the sound of the new men’s chorus. ForthefirsttimeinSantaMargaritahistory,anall-men’schorus was added to the curriculum last school year. The choir made its debut last October at the fall choir and handbell concert. When Choral Director and Performing Arts Department Chair Francisco Calvo started at Santa Margarita in 2008, there were only 15 boys enrolled in the entire choral program. Today, there are 81 boys in the program with 57 enrolled in men’s choir for the 2014-2015 school year, nearly double from the inaugural year.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” said d’Mitri jackson ’16. “But what really matters is that we make the music happen. Perhaps it is the chemistry we all have as friends and classmates. Not to mention Mr. Calvo understands us and we respect him.” With all of the boys taking a full course load and many of them participating in athletics as well, Calvo believes this class is a great opportunity for students to have fun in a relaxed environment. “Singing is a form of artistic expression that bolsters human creativity and teamwork,” Calvo said. “Forget about competition, awards, trophies or CIF rings. Just sing because it’s fun.”

it’s been a lotof fun. But what really matters is

that we make the music happen.”

Advocate for Arts EducationSanta Margarita Catholic High School theatre standout joanna Pisano ’14 captivated legislators, arts advocates and members of the California Department of Education with her award-winning essay in which she advocated for the importance of educational theatre. Pisano’s piece was the focal point of the morning at the 17th annual California Youth in Theatre Day in Sacramento on March 11. Pisano, who received a scholarship to study acting at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, was awarded the honor by the California Educational Theatre Association (CETA) and California State Thespians. Poised, passionate, and professional, her words inspired and touched those in attendance with her personal recollection of how theatre has impacted her life and the lives of others. “Theatre is so much more than learning lines and moving across a stage,” reads Pisano’s essay. “It is the truth. It is telling the stories of those who cannot tell them for themselves. Theatre has changed my life and permits me to change the lives of others. Theatre arts education is important to

America’s future precisely for this reason; it allows people of all ages, especially those who feel insignificant, to utilize their uniqueness and passion to make a difference in the world.” In the afternoon, Joanna, her father Frank Pisano, and Santa Margarita Director of Theatre Arts Amy Luskey-Barth walked the halls of the State Capitol to advocate for the arts

in education calling on Assemblywoman Diane Harkey, Senator Mark Wyland and other members of the California State Assembly representing Orange County districts.

◄ joanna Pisano ’14 with Senator Mark Wyland at California Youth in Theatre Day.

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For 27 years they have cheered on the Eagle faithful. Embodying the spirit and soul of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, the Eagle mascot position leads many to wonder who is behind the beak. “The mascot is the ultimate representative of school spirit and pride,” said Pep Squad Director Dana Maas who works with the mascot as part of the Pep Squad program. This past school year, two students who as part of the mascot code of ethics will remain anonymous, stepped forward to carry on the cherished tradition of becoming eagle. “Who wouldn’t want to be the mascot?” said one of the two girls who shared the coveted eagle position last school year. “It’s the kind of experience that’s once in a lifetime.”

Most students at SMCHS spend football games making memories in the student section, but those inside the mascot suit watch the game from a much different perspective. “You really do become the eagle, and everyone sees you as that,” said one of the mascots. “They don’t see you as the person under the suit.”

Unnamed Eagles provide bird’s eye perspective of becoming the school mascot

Story by SMCHS student Shannon Pierson ’16

“The fans and students are amazing so it was pretty easy to come out as the Eagle and get people pumped up and make them laugh.” - Christine Zurbach ’94

Our pride. Our symbol.

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In the costume, the girls are conscious that their actions — their walk, their body-language, their movements — exemplify the spirit of the eagle. “The entire night there’s the atmosphere of the game and of the cheering students,” one mascot said. “It all convinces you to be the best eagle that you can be.” Each mascot bringstheirownsetoffeatherstotheflock. “The little things they add to it make it their own,” said Principal Ray Dunne. Former eagle mascot Lauren Streufert ’13 was known for breaking out her roller skates at school pep rallies. She is also remembered for her unforgettable appearances at varsity football home games pulling along three little eaglets in a wagon dubbed the “Eagle’s Nest.” Last year's Eagle mascots, one who once again is assuming the role behind the beak for the 2014-2015 school year, clearly had much to live up to, but both eagles embracedthejobaddingtheirownpersonalflair.Thetwogirls, in addition to the customary yellow tights and feather uniform, sported their own custom blue and gold high-top converse kicks — each embroidered with the phrase: “Go Eagles.” The mascots also voluntarily attended both home and away games during the varsity football season.

During games, the eagle mascot is charged with pumping up the crowd, taking photos with students and kids and spreading eagle pride. They take on the part all while upholding the code of silence expected of mascots and enduring the grueling heat inside the eagle suit. With no promise of reward or recognition, these spirited eagles dutifully undertake the job. “What makes it worth it is that energy you get to exchange with the crowd. Everybody there at the game is so excited and so pumped up for the Eagles,” said one of the mascots. “You get to help build that atmosphere of school spirit and school pride.” It’sdifficulttoimagineourselvesstandingintheirtalons.Under the Friday night lights, the eagle mascot faithfully rallies students to believe not only in their team but in their school. ■

“Being the Eagle mascot was a blast! i loved every minute of it from making kids laugh to pumping up the fans…it was always so much fun. And the best part was that no one knew who i was!” - Lauren Streufert ’13

◄ Eagle illustration by Morgan Begg ’14. The talented Begg is now in her first year of art school at the University of Southern California.

ATHLETiCS

2013-2014 CiF TEAM CHAMPiONSHiPS Baseball CIF-SS Division 1 Girls Basketball CIF-SS Division 3A Boys Basketball CIF-SS Division 3AA Girls Soccer CIF-SS Division 1 Girls Swimming and Diving CIF-SS Division 1 Girls Water Polo CIF-SS Division 2

2013-2014 COACHES OF THE yEAr Brian Weathersby, Girls Water Polo: Orange County Coach of the Year, Division 2 CIF Coach of the Year Chuck Morales, Girls Soccer: Orange County Coach of the Year, Division 1 CIF Coach of the Year dave Bacani, Baseball: Division 1 CIF Coach of the Year jeff reinert, Boys Basketball: Division 3AA CIF Coach of the Year Matt Houser, Girls Basketball: Division 3A CIF Coach of the Yearron and rich Blanc, Swimming: National High School Coaches Association, National Coaches of the Year

The baseball team’s championship victory at Dodger Stadium in June put a bookend on a record-breaking year for the Eagle athletic program marking the school’s 53rd CIF title and the sixth CIF championship of the school year, an unprecedented feat. The Eagles took home more CIF team and individual titles in one school year than ever before. The Eagles also captured seven Trinity League championships this past school year bringing the grand tally to 181 league titles.

2013-2014 iNdividUAL EvENT CiF CHAMPiONS Boys and Girls Swimming 200-yard Freestyle: katie McLaughlin ’15 200-yard Freestyle: grant Shoults ’16 100-yardButterfly:katie McLaughlin ’15 200-yard Freestyle Relay: Camryn Barry ’17, raquel remick ’14, Elizabeth devitt ’14, katie McLaughlin ’15 400-yard Freestyle Relay: Elizabeth devitt ’14, Sydney Franzen ’14, Emily Boggess ’16, katie McLaughlin ’15 Boys and Girls Track and Field Pole Vault: kaitlyn Merritt ’15 300IH: Austin Tinsley ’14 Wrestling jeff Holsinger ’14 220 pounds Nathan Fier ’14 106 pounds

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Bob Mezeul, Girls LacrosseHometown: Bethpage, NYyears Coaching: 30-plus. Prior to joining the Eagle family, Mezeul spent the last seven years at Amador Valley High School in Pleasanton, CA as an assistant coach and goalkeeper for the girls varsity lacrosse team where he helped lead the team to the CIF North Coast Section playoffs each year, three consecutive years in the finalsandanNCSchampionshipvictory in 2008. The 2014-2015 season will be Mezeul’s second year coaching the Eagles.

Adam guy, Boys LacrosseHometown: Lake Forest, CA years Coaching: Seven yearsat the high school level. Guy enters his second year coaching the Eagles. He served as a head coach at El Toro in 2010 and 2011 where he led the Chargers to a combined record of 24-12, two trips to the playoffs and a berthinthesemi-finalsin2010.

Brian Weathersby, Girls Water PoloHometown: Lake Forest, CA years Coaching: Eight years at the high school level. InhisfirstseasonwiththeEagles, Coach Weathersby led the team to both league and CIF titles. Prior to coming on as the head coach at Santa Margarita during the 2013-2014 season, Weathersby served as an assistant coach for both the Eagles and El Toro’s girls water polo programs. He also coached with the SOCAL Water Polo Foundation.

Craig deBusk, Girls BasketballHometown: Laguna Beach, CAyears Coaching: Coach DeBuskentershisfirstseasonas head coach having served as an assistant varsity coach for the Santa Margarita boys basketball program from 1998-2008, coaching with his dad Jerry DeBusk. He served as the associate head coach in 2008. Coach Craig DeBusk helped lead the program to three league titles, three CIF titles and two state titles. He has been a health science teacher at Santa Margarita since 1996.

With eight state championships, 53 CIF championships and 181 league championships in the school’s history, Santa Margarita is honored to have dedicated coaches who have encouraged our student-athletes to soar to greater heights. Santa Margarita is proud to welcome four new head coaches including a new head football coach.

rick Curtis Named Head Football Coach

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Rick Curtis as the head varsity football coach and member of the faculty. Curtis enters his 37th year as a high school football coach most recently guiding Northwood High School for the past 13 years. Prior to his tenure as Northwood’s head football

coach and athletic director, Curtis coached at Servite, University, Laguna Hills and Irvine. While at Irvine, Curtis served as the athletic director for 10 years; was the defensive coordinator for three consecutive CIF Championship teams in 1991, 1992, and 1993; and coached basketball, track, softball and golf. Coach Curtis has 29 years of experience as a business education and physical education teacher and is an adjunct professor at Concordia University in the Masters in Athletic Administration and Coaching Program. After 14 years at Irvine High School, Curtis opened Northwood High School as its athletic director and head football coach in 1999. Coach Curtis received the NFL's Coach of the Week award in October of 2000 and was a recipient of the CIF Southern Section's Pursuing Victory with Honor Award in 2001. Curtis and his football coaching staff were named to coach in the 2004 South Orange County All-Star Game and he led his team to a 22–8 victory in the annual Orange County Classic. In addition to his teaching and coaching, Curtis has also served as

an advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for the past fiveyears. “CoachCurtisisoneofthefinestveterancoachesand he is a tremendous all-around person,” Athletic Director Rich Schaaf said. “Our school and football program are fortunate to have a man of his caliber lead our student-athletes and continue to build upon the Eagle tradition.” Curtis grew up in Mission Viejo and graduated from Mission Viejo High School before earning his bachelor's degree in business administration from Cal State Fullerton, his teaching credential from the University of California, Irvine and his master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University. “He (Curtis) is a man of great integrity who is in coaching for all the right reasons; for him it is all about the students he teaches and the athletes he coaches," said Principal Ray Dunne. "At his core he is a very spiritual man who lives his faith. I believe that his attention to the needs of his players; solid, ethical leadership of the overall program from freshman level through varsity; and a goal of helping each player use their God-giventalentstotheirfullestwillbeofgreatbenefittotheplayersand football program of SMCHS.” Coach Curtis and his wife Mary are the proud parents of seven children: John, Steven, Leslie, Ashleigh, Bryan, Sean, and Blake. SMCHS has a rich football tradition including four league championships, three CIF championships, and one state championship. The Eagles boast six CIF Players of the Year including Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, class of 1998.

2013-2014 iNdividUAL EvENT CiF CHAMPiONS Boys and Girls Swimming 200-yard Freestyle: katie McLaughlin ’15 200-yard Freestyle: grant Shoults ’16 100-yardButterfly:katie McLaughlin ’15 200-yard Freestyle Relay: Camryn Barry ’17, raquel remick ’14, Elizabeth devitt ’14, katie McLaughlin ’15 400-yard Freestyle Relay: Elizabeth devitt ’14, Sydney Franzen ’14, Emily Boggess ’16, katie McLaughlin ’15 Boys and Girls Track and Field Pole Vault: kaitlyn Merritt ’15 300IH: Austin Tinsley ’14 Wrestling jeff Holsinger ’14 220 pounds Nathan Fier ’14 106 pounds

28 | WINGS

Texas Football reunites Eagles kyle Skierski ’01 began playing footballinthefifthgradefortheMission Viejo Cowboys. He has since taken his passion for football all the way to Texas, a state where cowboys and football are famous. It was there wherehewasreunitedonthefootballfieldwithfellow Santa Magarita graduate Colten Christensen ’11. Skierski was scooped up by TCU Head Football Coach Gary Patterson a few summers back while coaching LSU and TCU summer football camps. He served as an offensive graduate assistant and assistant offensive line coach for three seasons before joining the Aurora University Spartans coaching staff as the offensive line coach. Prior to working at TCU, he spent 18 months at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi as an offensive line coach. Skierski’s resume also includes a successful college football career at UC Davis, a European football tour and a master’s in educational administration. The Santa Margarita graduate also enjoyed two tours of duty with the SM family as an offensive line coach: one in 2002 where he coached Mark Sanchez as a freshman while rehabbing from a back injury and attending Saddleback College and the other in 2008 and 2009 when he was able to watch younger brother kirk Skierski ’08 play for the Eagles. Skierski was joined at TCU last football season by fellow eagle alumnusColtenChristensen’11.Christensenspenthisfirsttwoyears after high school learning the game at the junior college level before receiving a few offers from Division II schools. Determinedtofulfillhislife-longdreamofplayingD-1ball,hedeclined the offers. In need of a mentor and guidance, he later reached out to Skierski who had coached him while at SMCHS. Christensenknewfulfillinghisdreamswasn’tgoingtobeeasy.He listened, trained and took the advice of his mentor even

changing positions from line-backer to running-back for the best chance at earning a spot on the team. Not only did Christensen make the team, he impressed the entire coaching staff in the process making the travel roster and even playing on special teams in the SMU game last year. “What he lacks in size he makes up for in heart, attention to detail and courage,” Skierski said. “He is smart and has good instincts.” Christensen said he is forever appreciative of Coach Skierski forgivinghimtheopportunitytofulfilladreamthatbeganat7 years old in a Saddleback Valley Bear uniform. “I am extremely grateful for the advice, guidance and life-long friendship of Coach Skierski that started at SM many years back,” Christensen said. Skierski understands clearly the importance of mentors. He too was taught more than just the game of football by past Santa Margarita coaches including Scott Britt, john Byszewski ’91, Shane Mielke ’91, Chris King and John Rodriguez. At SMCHS, he was taught how to be a man, use teamwork, be respectful and organized, to trust, persevere and more. He strived to emulate Eagle football players and leaders including Carson Palmer ’98, john Minardi ’98, and rudy Holstein ’98. Skierski knew it would one day be his turn to set the example for the next generation. As for the aspirations of these young men, Coach Skierski hopes to one day be a head coach while Christensen would like to eventually practice physical therapy.

river runs deep atWashington StateSanta Margarita graduate river Cracraft ’13 turned heads last season as a starting receiver for Washington State. Cracraft ended his freshman campaign with three touchdowns and 46 catches. He gained 614 yards averaging 13.3 yards a catch and 47.2 yards per game while competingin all 13 games. At Santa Margarita, he was a four-year letterman earning All-State and All-Trinity League honors his sophomore year as well as All-CIF honors his junior year while helping to lead his team to CIF Pac-5 and state Division 1 championships. As a senior, he was named All-County, All-Trinity League and Trinity League Offensive Player of the Year.

What is the biggest difference between college and high school football?“The biggest difference between college and high school football for me is the speed and tempo of the game.” What advice would you give to current high school football players that want to play college football?“Never give up on a dream.”

How did SM prepare you for the college both academically and athletically? “Being at a school like SM that demands organization has really prepared me for college academically. And coming from the Trinity League, I have been competing at the highest level of competition in the nation now forthepastfiveyears.”

ATHLETiCS

kyle Skierski ’01 Colten Christensen ’11 Eagles united at TCU

WINGS | 29

kyle Skierski ’01: Aurora UniversityOffensive Line Coach

Matthew Bock ’09: Washington State University

Colten Christensen ’11: Texas Christian University

Marco Fragnito ’11: Fordham University

reiley Higgins ’11: Brown University

Logan Sweet ’11: UCLA

johnny Mcgrory ’12: San Diego State University

Mack Pierson ’12: University of Pennsylvania

Max Tuerk ’12: University of Southern California

reid Andrew ’13: Wesleyan University

river Cracraft ’13: Washington State University

dane Crane ’13: University of Washington

rj Mazolewski ’13: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Connor O'Brien ’13: University of Washington

riley Sorenson ’13: Washington State University

johnny Stanton ’13: University of Nebraska

ryan Wolpin ’13: University of Northern Colorado

Carson Palmer ’98: Arizona Cardinals

gavin Escobar ’09: Dallas Cowboys

Our SM grads are not only making tackles and touchdowns, but a few SM Eagles can be found cheering on the field.

Nicole della Maggiore ’12: Song at University of Oregon

Caroline isaac ’12: Cheer at University of Oregon

rachel Ott ’12: Cheer at San Diego State University

Mari yacoubian ’13: University of Oregon Acrobatics and Tumbling Team

“Cheering and being a part of the University of Oregon Ducks is incredible! The excitement and energy from the minute you wake up until the end of the day is unbelievable.”Nicole Della Maggiore ’12 University of Oregon

Acrossthecountry,SantaMargaritagraduateswereoutonthefootballfieldlastfall.Weenjoyedcheering our Eagles on as they proudly represented our alma mater and enjoy seeing most of them back in the game this fall along with Nick Begg ’13 Washington State, grant Hilton ’14 UC Davis, ryan kilander ’14 Notre Dame, jonathon LaBonty ’14 Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, jeremy McNichols ’14 Boise State University, drake Schwenke ’14 The College of Wooster, and Alex Ury ’14 Washington University in St. Louis. Did we miss someone? Please excuse the omission and let us know by emailing alumni@smhs.org

“Being on the field at Autzen stadium is a feeling I can't describe, a mix between adrenaline, excitement and pure fear.” Caroline Isaac ’12,University of Oregon

“Every time I put on the SDSU uniform, it’s a privilege and when I run onto the field I think of Mr. Dunne saying, “It’s a great day to be an Eagle.” Rachel Ott ’12, San Diego State Cheer

“Being on the acrobatics and tumbling

team has given me the opportunity to

get to the next level doing something

that I love while at the same time

proudly representing the University of

Oregon.” Mari Yacoubian ’13, University of

Oregon Acrobatics and Tumbling

Colten Christensen ’11

30 | WINGS

WINGS | 31

Fresh out of college and ready to hit the

ground running, Kris Riggs ’98 began his career at Gallo Wine Company in sales. After a few years learning the ropes, Riggs fell in the love with the wine business and was quickly inspired to build a business of his own. In early 2007, Riggs and his

wife Cara began meeting with wine makers and production teams in Sonoma and the Central Coast. The following year, American Vines Wine Company was born. The company’s brands include Blank Canvas, Happy Ending, Las Olas, Vin Amor and Riggs Z-Estate. Riggs built his business on hard work and giving back to many local and national nonprofit organizations. “The last thing I would ever want to happen would be to look back at my life and wish I had done more,” Riggs said. “With the many experiences I’ve had in my life, I’ve learned that life is a very valuable, fragile thing and there are a lot of people in true need. We are proud to support and give back to the charities we work with.” Director of Alumni Programs Lori Gardner sat down with Riggs to hear what’s next for his wine company after celebrating their five-year anniversary last fall.

What has been the biggest obstacle to starting your wine business? One of the early obstacles was finding the right winemakers and production team to make our wines. It’s important to have extremely talented and dedicated individuals who have a passion for the art and craft of winemaking. Their abilities and synergy make our wines impressive and consistent. Our winemakers are using some of the most environmentally sustainable winemaking practices in the industry. Additionally, our biggest obstacle was and always will be the competitive nature of the business. There are many extremely powerful suppliers and distributors that I compete against.

Who was your first customer? My first customer was Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican Restaurants. They helped me launch my wines and have supported me from day one. They pour our Las Olas Wine as their house wine. I would not have been in business today if it was not for the Avila family’s support and friendship.

What is your definition of a good glass of wine? A good glass of wine, well that is very subjective. People have different taste profiles and wine profiles so to me a good wine is a varietal, a nice and well-balanced wine, but the best glass of wine is one that is meant to create and share wonderful memories with families and friends.

What are the plans for the future of American Vines? The plans are to continue to grow our business through new brands. We were able to see some of the biggest growth in sales when we introduced our Happy Ending brand and we recently launched a new brand called Blank Canvas. The new wine is a greeting card/wine bottle in one, the first of its kind. The Blank Canvas wine label is left blank so it can be used to leave a message or draw on it. The wine idea, dreamt up by my wife, can be used for events like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, thank yous, dinner parties or for whatever occasion you wish.

Where do you see your business in five years from now? In 2013 we produced and sold about 6,000 cases. In five years, I realistically see our business growing to about 100,000 cases largely due to the new addition of Blank Canvas wine. We will continue introducing new brands to grow volume and add more locations. I see us becoming an international business and located in all 50 states.

Where can we find your wine today? Our wines are located in six states right now with plans to distribute in 35 to 40 states. Our new Blank Canvas wine will be driving the expansion. Currently you can find our wines in many Albertsons stores in Southern California, all the Avila El Ranchito Mexican Restaurants as well many independent retailers, fine wine bars and restaurants in Orange and San Diego Counties.

If we were to open your wine refrigerator at home what would we find? Well, you will find lots of Las Olas wines for sure! I have some J. Lohr cabernet, Silver Oak cabernet, Roblar cabernet and some Pahlmeyer cabernet. ■

“The last thing I would ever want tohappen would be to look back at my life and wish I had done more,” Riggs said. “With the

many experiences I’ve had in my life, I’ve learned that life is a very valuable, fragile thing

and there are a lot of people in true need. Weare proud to support and give back to the

charities we work with.”

kris riggs ’98 uncorks the wine industry

Growing a Grape Business

32 | WINGS

NoAH BLöm ’98 SETS ORANGE COUNTY RESTAURANT SCENE ABLAZE

PLAYING WITH ALUMNi FOOdiES

WINGS | 33

upon arriving at the intimate ARCrestaurant, guests are greeted by

rustic piles of aromatic wood while the smell of sweet yet smoky citrus wafts through the air. Rows of lemons roast on the petite wood burning oven while a mixologist meticulously cuts fresh thyme and basil for handcrafted cocktails. On the hand-cranked grill, sweet smelling pork continues to simmer. The charming, open kitchen is chock-full of fresh, local ingredients. The décor: a bit early 1920’s New York with weathered wood, broken brick and open flame providing an intimate, cozy atmosphere. Soft jazz plays in the background making you feel right at home. Something different is definitely happening here. Co-owner and chef Noah Blöm ’98, who owns the Costa Mesa restaurant with fiancé Marin Howarth, cooks the same way we have since the beginning of time – with fire. Unique to ARC is a small French crank grill fueled by citrus wood and a brick hearth oven burning almond wood. You won’t find fancy appliances, standard ovens, deep fryers or even an ice machine. Blöm is taking the culinary industry by storm believed to be the only restaurant in the United States cooking solely over open flame.

“Love is the secret to cooking with fire,” says Blöm. “It’s a living breathing thing. Treat it with respect and love it and it shows the same respect.” Cooking over the fire is like a dance with the staff continuously shuffling the dishes to get the perfect balance of heat and char. Oven temperatures range from 1500 to 2000 degrees. Sizzling hot meals are delivered to guests on cast iron skillets and black clay plates. Every item on the menu is carefully selected from only the finest local ingredients. The bread is homemade and the poultry and meats raised on local farms then butchered and cured in house. Even the ice is given special treatment made slow to freeze and as crystal clear as the finest diamond. All items are from scratch including staples such as mustard and grenadine. The cocktails get plenty of attention here too. The bar is lined with homemade bitters, apples, pears, cucumbers, basil and more. “If you can’t make it, we don’t want it,” Blöm says as if all restaurateurs follow this same principle. Keeping it simple and clean is Blöm’s philosophy in the kitchen. Comfort favorites include pork and beans, a bubbling broccoli and cheese casserole,

tender meatballs paired with a tomato, garlic and whiskey sauce and, of course, steak and potatoes. ARC customers seem to have found a favorite in Blöm’s meatballs. Blöm explains that it takes five days of love to make them, but well worth the wait. “We want you to feel just as good when you leave as when you are here,” says Blöm emphasizing the care that goes into preparing the food. Blöm reflects on his career and travels after his high school years from cooking school at the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and then on to New York where he spent time in the kitchen at the five-star restaurant Daniel and studied at NYU. The food scientist opened his first restaurant in the historical village of Manchester, Vermont, a taco stand where he began using only fresh ingredients. He later toured the country opening restaurants and finally landed back in Orange County amid the surge in dining options for foodies seeking fine cuisine sans the pomp and circumstance of neighboring Los Angeles. What’s next for Blöm? The food purist is in the process of opening another restaurant called Ash that will be double the size of ARC and use the same key ingredients: fire and love. ■

Sizzling hot meals are delivered to guests on cast iron skillets and black clay plates.

NoAH BLöm ’98SETS ORANGE COUNTYRESTAURANT SCENE ABLAZE

PLAYINGWITHOC registerFood Critic

Brad A. Johnson 2013 Chef

of the Year

Chef Blöm's Favorite Restaurants:

Il Dulce, Old Vine Café and In-n-Out for a good

burger. “Everything has its place.”

34 | WINGS

Food and Family 48-Year Tradition Keeps Customers Coming Back Santa Margarita Alumni Family Offers Home-Cooked Food Made with Love

ALUMNi FOOdiES

I t’s simple to understand why Avila’s El Ranchito restaurants are flourishing. Meet any of the family members

and you will quickly see their passion for food and family. Forty-eight years ago after arriving from Mexico, Salvador and Mama Margarita Avila, grandparents of Santa Margarita graduates marcus ’00, michael ’97 and Bianca ’03, settled in Huntington Park to open their first restaurant. Mama Avila’s authentic Mexican recipes that have been in the family for years kept bringing the customers in. Family owned, family operated and family loved, the Avila family business began. Today, with 12 family-owned and cared for locations all with their own unique character and charm but true to the Avila tradition and Mama Avila’s recipes, Avila’s El Ranchito remains a Southern California favorite. Menu items are made from scratch daily and guests, just like the employees, are treated like family from the moment they enter the doors. The house favorite, Mama Avila’s chicken soup, can be found simmering on the stove and has even been known to have healing qualities. The soup was once rumored to be listed in a New York paper as “soup that could help cure the common cold.” Made with local fresh ingredients including avocado, chicken, cilantro and limes to name a few, it’s served piping hot with homemade tortillas. The Avila family has stacked up their share of recent awards including being voted the Orange County Register’s Favorite Mexican Restaurant in 2012 and 2013, Trip Advisor’s 2013 Certificate of Excellence Winner, and the Register’s third place margarita award winner in 2012. We recently caught up with Michael Avila ’97 at his Laguna Beach restaurant to talk about the family business.

What is the key to running a successful family business?Communication and working together. We are all ready to lend a helping hand.

When did you start to get involved in the family business?I began going to work with my dad in his restaurant at 8 years old. In high school and college, I worked for my Uncle Sergio in the summertime at his restaurant as a bus boy. After attending college at the University of San Diego, I worked at the Huntington Beach, CDM and Newport Beach locations. Shortly after marrying my wife Christine, my father asked us to open the San Clemente site. Eventually I opened up my own Avila’s restaurant in Laguna Beach.

What do you believe the secret to good cooking is?Taking the time to make it right.

Do you still like mexican Food after all these years?I can eat Mexican food every day. It is still my favorite food. My wife and I both love to cook together. We like to make unique dishes all with fresh ingredients.

What is the biggest challenge of being a restaurant owner?You are never off the clock. We treat all of our employees like family. Since we can’t be here 24 hours a day, we need to have managers that “have our back” and care about us as well.

Are mama’s recipes the same today as they were over 40 years ago?We still use all the original recipes. If we didn’t it, it wouldn’t be my grandmother’s food or Avila’s El Ranchito. This whole business is her creation and that is why we have her on the cover of the menu. The various locations may have a unique or special dish, but all still use the original recipes made fresh every day. ■

Bianca Avila ’03

Michael Avila ’97

Marcus Avila ’00

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Food and Family Bianca Avila ’03Marketing Manager, Corona Del Mar StoreFavorite Dish at El Ranchito: Fresco chile relleno combination Favorite High School memory: My favorite memories would be hanging out with all of my friends at lunchtime, surfing and Kairos. Key to Success: Customer loyalty and treating employees like family Secret to the family business: Communication and respect If we opened your refrigerator what would we find? Leftovers from Avila’s, guacamole, salsa, Las Olas wine and some cheese

Michael Avila ’97 Owner, Laguna Beach StoreFavorite Dish at El Ranchito: I whip up something different every day mixing and matching ingredients while keeping it simple.Favorite High School memory: Meeting people from all over. I met so many great friends from high school that I still keep in contact with today. Key to Success: Communication, working together and trustIf we opened your refrigerator what would we find? Lots of fresh food including tomatoes, onions, avocados, chicken, ground turkey, beer, wine and milk.

Marcus Avila ’00 Owner, Laguna Niguel and Orange StoresFavorite Dish at El Ranchito: Shrimp al mojo de aho, Mexican garlic butter shimp and my grandma’s original recipeFavorite High School memory: My Kairos retreat. It was nice to have the opportunity to grow close to others I didn’t know as well. Also, spending time with great friends who made each day special.Key to success: Communication and utilizing and relying on one another’s strengths If we opened your refrigerator what would we find? Fruits, vegetables, fresh fish – I am blessed to know some local fishermen in San Clemente. Turkey, I love turkey sandwiches. And milk.

36 | WINGS

Intrigued by food, Greg Moro ’04 has had a passion for cooking ever since he can remember. During his years at Santa Margarita Catholic High School, Moro worked at a deli in Tustin and was a server at Da Bianca Trattoria in Orange where he had the opportunity to prepare dishes along with his serving responsibilities. It was at this restaurant that Moro met notable Orange County restaurateur Chef Pascal Olhats. The relationship proved to be quite a valuable one for his future. Upon graduation from high school, Moro headed to San Francisco to attend The California Culinary Academy, one of the top culinary schools in the country. By age 26, his dream of becoming an executive chef was realized. Moro took time away from his new assignment of chef de cuisine at Tustin’s Nieuport 17 Restaurant to catch up with us on his culinary journey.

OC Golden Foodie Award-winning Chef Greg Moro ’04 Making His Mark in the Culinary World

Chef greg Moro, SMCHS ’04

ALUMNi FOOdiES

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Recipe by Chef Greg Moro, Nieuport 17 in Laguna Beach

When you graduated from culinary school where did you begin your career? After culinary school I interned at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. I received a call one day from Chef Pascal Olhats whom I met at Da Bianca Trattoria and he offered me a training position at his restaurant Tradition in Newport Beach. I spent the next four and ahalfyearstrainingunderChefPascalathisflagshiprestaurant,traveling around the country with him and trying to learn as much as I could. After learning immensely from Pascal, I left Tradition to work at a couple different kitchens and expand my cooking technique. When a position at the award-winning Laguna Beach restaurant French 75 became available, Chef Pascal offered me the executive chef job. Pascal has always been a great mentor and will continue to be as my career progresses.

is there a certain cuisine or style of cooking that you have adopted and what dish would be your favorite to prepare? When you attend culinary school you learn all styles, but then you begin to pick your passion. My style of cooking is inspired by French influence.Myfavoritedishtoprepareisachickentruffle-stuffedquail. My dish was actually featured on the cover of “Great Taste Magazine” in October 2012, the same month I won the OC Golden Foodie Award for Best French Cuisine in Orange County while at French 75.

is there a special “greg” signature dish that you feel no onecan match? One of my favorite dishes is pan roasted salmon with burgundy mushroom risotto. It took me a bit to get the dish perfected, but after trial and error I found my secret ingredient. Red beet juice mixed with white wine created the perfect color for this dish.

How did you end up working at Nieuport 17? After many years, French 75 closed their doors in December of 2012. Shortly after, I was hired as the Chef de Cuisine at Nieuport 17 to use my creativity to liven up longtime menu favorites and develophigherendfinediningspecialswiththelong-termgoal of drawing in new customers and growing the business. What’s it like to make dinner for greg Moro?I am sure people are intimidated to make food for me, but I try to enjoy the dining experience with friends and not critique their food. I eat food for research and development.

What can we expect to see from Chef Moro in the next few years?I am hoping to be a participant on one of the Food Network shows like “Cut Throat Kitchen,” “Grocery Store Wars,” “Chopped” or whatever new show may arise on the network. But I will continue to use my creativity, training and passion for food to forward my career. I am eating much cleaner and healthier these days and enjoying getting up early to workout. I also love to ride my motorcycle to clear my head. if we were to open your refrigerator today what would we find in it?Tomato cucumber salad, black bean hummus, turkey soup and a few beers. I eat most of my meals at work so I don’t do too much shopping for home.

What advice would you give someone who wants to go to culinary school?Goandworkinakitchenandtryitoutfirstbeforeyouengageinschool. It is not an easy job; there are very long hours and it is a very stressful profession. Make sure you have gotten your feet wetfirst. ■

OC Golden Foodie Award-winning Chef Greg Moro ’04 Making His Mark in the Culinary World

Truffle Quail Serves 2–3 SAUCE 4 Boneless Manchester Farms quail 4 oz brandy 1/3 c demiglace 1/4 c chicken stockVegetable oil – as needed Trim quail by cutting off tips of legs and at the elbow of the wing, use trimmings for sauce and reserve the birds to be stuffed. Roast the quail trimmings in a very little oil. Add brandy off heat being very carefulofflamebecauseitcancatchfire.Oncetrimmingsarebrown, simmer lightly until au sec (almost dry). Add demi-glace and chicken stock and reduce for 15 minutes.

QUAiL STUFFiNg 10 Chicken tenders 12 oz Heavy cream 3 ozTruffleoil 3 ozTrufflepeelings Salt and pepper – to taste In a food processor pulse chicken tenders until ground, add a third of the cream to mixture and pulse. Remove mixture and place in a metal bowl set in an ice bath to keep chicken cold, fold in remainderofcream.Foldintruffleoil and peelings, season with salt and pepper. Cook off a small patty to check seasoning. The mixture should be of a mousse consis-tency. Place into plastic piping bag. Stuff the quail by placing bag tip into bird between legs and squeezeinstuffinguntilniceandfull, reserve birds for roasting.

CAULiFLOWEr PUrEE 2 Purplecauliflower 3 c Cream Cream – to adjust consistency Roughlychopcauliflower.Boil in cream until soft. Blend until smooth and use additional cream to adjust to desired thickness.

FiNgErLiNg BrUSSEL rOAST 1lb Fingerling potatoes – halved vegetable oil – as needed Salt and pepper – to taste 8 Brussels sprouts – cleaned, halved and blanched. Saute potatoes in a hot pan with very little vegetable oil until golden brown. Add salt and pepper and toss in Brussels sprout halves.

QUAiL 2 T Vegetable oil Salt and pepper – to taste

Heat oil in stainless steel saute pan until very hot. Lightly season birds and place breast side down in pan. Place in 400 degree oven and roast for approximately 7 minutes. Pull pan and turn birds, then cook for about another 7–9 minutes. Remove and let rest. Cut birds in half, then cut in half again and arrange on plate.

ALUMNi FOOdiES

38 | WINGS

Baking has been a way of life for me,” says Amy Sayles ’04 who has been baking since she can remember. Sayles has been mixing up sweet treats from the time she was about 4 years old. She became serious about her career aspirations in the kitchen as a senior at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. Sayles, who attended Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, was recently named head pastry chef at Panzano restaurant in denver, Colorado.

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Director of Alumni Programs Lori Gardner had the chance to catch up with Sayles and see what sweet things she is doing today.

What are some of your favorite memories of Santa Margarita? I have so many fond memories at Santa Margarita, but I would have to say one of my favorite moments was Krispy Kreme Fridays before school. I guess I must have a sweet tooth!

While attending Santa Margarita did you know what aspect of the hospitality/culinary industry you would pursue? I did know I wanted to be in the hospitality industry but wasn’t sure which aspect. I had intentions of becoming a wedding planner for awhile, but found that I had a bigger love for pastry than planning parties. What is your specialty — sugars, cakes, pies, candies? My specialties are a bit odd. Ice cream, marshmallows and cookies which, of course, are even better when they are all together! What is the best part of being a pastry chef and the most difficult? The best part of my job is being able to be with my friends at work and have fun being creative and for sure the worst is the long hours and the toll it takes on my back and legs.

What is the key to being successful in the pastry business? The key to success in the pastry world is to be consistent and patient. Good pastries take time.

How did you work your way to the top as a head pastry chef? I was able to work my way to the top by overcoming many obstacles, but was persistent in knowing that the struggles I faced would only make my eventual success sweeter.

do you have any special recipes that are under lock and key? I would not share my grandmother's snickerdoodles recipe.

When you eat out do you order dessert? And if so what would be your favorite dessert? I don’t usually order dessert when I go out, but I always look at the menu to see what else is out there. If I do order dessert, I like to ask what the pastry chef’s favorite dessert is and then order that.

If I opened your refrigerator today what would I find in there? I don’t have much in my refrigerator right now, but I usually always have some combination of Naked juice, honey Noosa yogurt, some sort of fancy cheese for me to snack on, and my real Achilles heel is Telentini sea salt caramel ice cream.

What are your pastry dreams and where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? My 10 year plan is to own my own bakery/ice cream/pastry shoppe, preferably with some cheese too! ■

Amy's Honey vanilla ice Cream

Boil, whisking occasionally:

4 1/2 Cups Heavy Cream

2 1/4 Cups Whole Milk 6 oz. Honey 6 oz. Granulated Sugar

1 Vanilla Bean 1/2 t Kosher Salt Once boiling, remove from heat and slowly whisk in 15 Egg Yolks

Return to medium heat, and cook about 3-5 minutes until thick,

stirring constantly to avoid egg scrambles. Removefromheatandpasst

hroughafinemeshstrainer,

allow cooling completely then freezing in an ice cream maker.

40 | WINGS

The Class of 1993 celebrated 20 years on Aug. 3, 2013 at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. The warm summer evening was filled with hugs, laughter and memories both past and present. The 130-plus classmates were joined by past SM faculty to really make the evening a special one. The planning committee of Corrie Hinze Buachhuber, Rachel Perez Harvey, Gwenne Eberle Kooman, Jami orlowski La Fave, meghan meihaus, Jill Heneghan mulato, Julie Savant Sulick and Robin Arseneau Torriero put together a fabulous night walking down memory lane and are looking to plan more class get-togethers. DJ Chris had SM grads dancing the night away! Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and video tribute put together by Jami Orlowski La Fave.

rEUNiON rECAP

Graduates from the class of 1994 gathered for their 20-year reunion on Aug. 2, 2014 at the El Adobe de Capistrano restaurant in San Juan Capistrano. It was a beautiful summer night spent reminiscing with friends. The restaurant was bustling with hugs and laughter while graduates made memories to last a lifetime. The Eagle alumni were joined by past SM faculty. The reunion committee of Jodie Julian Cerruti, Lisa Paulsen Hartung, michele morris Linaweaver, Aaron maldonado, Chris Rochon and Patrick Strader put together a wonderful reunion weekend including golf, a social event and a fun reunion.

Class of 199 4

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2003 Chairs: Shannon McKnight Quiring, Greg Rosalino and Jess Vom Steeg Campbell

class of 2004: 10-year reunion

Saturday, October 4, 2014 • 6pm until 11pm Balboa Yacht Club, Corona Del Mar Chairs: Katie Hankins Neubauer and Maggie DeLain

For ticket information visit: www.smhs.org/10year

Class of 2008 The class of 2008 celebrated their five-year reunion on June 29, 2013 at Dave & Buster’s in Irvine. More than 85 alumni gathered for their first reunion since leaving the nest. The alumni traveled across the globe from places including Ohio, Arizona, and Colorado and as far away as London to spend time catching up with friends. The group enjoyed socializing, dancing and playing pool while swapping stories. A thank you goes out to Lauren Barber and Jaimee Lieske for helping the alumni office organize this event.

Class of 2003The class of 2003 reunited on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013 at the Balboa Yacht Club in Corona del Mar to celebrate their 10-year reunion. The reunion committee was headed up by Jess Vom Steeg Campbell, Greg Rosalino and Shannon mcKnight Quiring. The group did an outstanding job of gathering their classmates together. More than 130 guests filled the yacht club to reminisce about high school memories and talk about what is filling their lives today. Jess and Shannon organized a wonderful opportunity auction of beautiful baskets filled with goodies donated by their fellow 2003 classmates. The opportunity sales helped raise more than $650 for the Eagle Fund, the school’s annual giving program that benefits everyone on campus and helps with tution assistance for current Santa Margarita students.

Class of 2009 SM grads from the class of 2009 celebrated their five-year reunion on June 28, 2014 at Dave & Buster’s in the Irvine Spectrum. The classmates enjoyed music, food, dancing and games while sharing memories about the good old days at Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

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Shooting Hoops for a Greater CauseBasketball Tournament Pays Tribute to Joey Campbell ’01

CelebratingSarah5K Memorial Run in Honor of Sarah DeMille ’05 Turns SixIn its sixth year, the Sarah DeMille 5K Memorial Run has become a community favorite bringing runners of all ages and abilities together to honor DeMille’s life and raise scholarship funds. An avid runner and four-year member of Santa Margarita’s cross country team, DeMille passed away while at college in 2006 as a result of an automobile accident. On the morning of July 19, once again the trackwasfilledbrightandearlywithrunnerseager to support the event and pay tribute to an Eagle athlete whose contagious smile and commitment to hard work and her team will always be remembered.

Thisyear,thetrailwasfilledwithmorethan350 runners including alumni, students,friends and members of the greater community. The morning also included the annual “Future Eagle” Fun Run for those 10 years and younger, a pancake breakfast, local vendors and opportunity prizes. Luke Maillard of Phoenix, who attends Brophy Prep High School in Phoenix, Arizona,tookfirstwithatimeof17:56.AlexisWright,12,ofHighland,Utahcameinfirstonthe ladies side with a time of 20:27 followed by Santa Margarita Sheridan Scifres ’15 of Coto de Caza who came in as a close second with a time of 21:13. More than $20,000 was raised for the Sarah DeMille Memorial Scholarship. Applied Medical, the company where DeMille spent two summers working as an intern, began a scholarship in DeMille's memory shortly after the tragic accident that cut DeMille's life short when a deer struck the car she was riding in. The Sarah DeMille Memorial Run was then created to fund the scholarship, awarded each year to a lady Eagle runner with the same qualities as DeMille. Coaches describe DeMille as having an infectious spirit. DeMille believed that hard work and commitment paid off and her sunny disposition encouraged those around her to always strive for their best. “I believe Sarah is there watching, cheering, and challenging every runner to give their best just as she always did,” said Gil Garcia, longtime girls head cross country coach who coached DeMille.

Lastyear’smilestonefifthanniversaryevent secured $17,500 for the scholarship fund with an unprecedented number of alumni in attendance. The momentous event also brought together four previous recipients of the scholarship: karmyn Mcknight ’10, jessica Mumaugh ’09, Sarah Porter ’11 and Aitana zermeno ’12. The year was also a record-breaking one with alumnus julian de rubira ’06 setting a course record with a time of 16:13 while Brooke Pigneri ’14 came infirstfortheladieswithatimeof20:41:6. “The endless support from our wonderful alumni, students, families, sponsors and community is instrumental to the success of this event,” said Lori Gardner Santa Margarita’s director of alumni programs. “We are already looking forward to next year’s event continuing to grow bigger and better.” As the event continues to mature, so does the scholarship fund. This year marks the firsttimethattheSMCHSladiesandboyscross country teams are united under the same coaching staff, something DeMille always wanted to see. This will open up the opportunity to award the scholarship to a runner on the boys team along with the selection of a lady runner. Sarah’s mother, Mary Jane DeMille, said she knows that her daughter would be proud. “AttheveryfirsteventIthoughtshe’dbea little embarrassed by all the attention, but I would have to say she would be very proud at the growth,” Mary Jane DeMille said.

2013 winners Brooke Pigneri ’14 and julian de rubira ’06 pictured withjessica Mumaugh ’09 (middle).

Sarah DeMille's parents, Mary Jane DeMille and Stephen DeMille, pictured at the 2014 event

Four previous winners of the Sarah deMille ’05scholarship fund: karmyn Mcknight ’10, Sarah Porter ’11, Aitana zermeno ’12 and jessica Mumaugh ’09.

Toyota of Huntington Beach – Robert, Mary, Alison ’04, Stephanie Miller

russell and Lazarus – Chris, Helene, Christina ’02, Stephanie ’05, jessica ’07, Natalie ’09, Russell ramp Logistics – Darren, Lulu and Payton ’15 Crawford

dr. david grant ’94 d.d.SApplied MedicalPeppinos restaurantsThreaded Films – Steve Luxenberg ’00Terenea realty – Joanne DeBlis

dj Chris

The giuliano Family – Greg, Theresa, Francesca ’08, Brentano ’12

2013/2014 Sarah deMille 5k Memorial run Sponsors rancho dental group and OrthodonticsThe Lake Family – Robert, Lisa, Eric ’06, Lindsey ’08The van ruiten Family – Chris, Sheryl, garrett ’08, Sheraya ’05

The Scifres Family – Frank, Shelley, Sheridan '15 and Logan '17 BallPark Pizza – Jim, Diane, Cicely ’95, Tiffany ’96, Brittany ’01, joelle ’12

Scott Feyka '98 The drust Family – Stefan, Christy, jacquelyn ’13, Samantha ’16 The Pigneri Family – Robert, Denise, Troy ’11, Brooke ’14

Carolyn and rob richard

The van Boom Family – Joel, Kyle, Perry ’07, Wes ’10, jack ’15

Life Choice Wellness Center

ALUMNi SNAPSHOTS

SMCHS grads Enjoy Alumni day at The Big A

EighteenalumnireturnedtotheSMCHScampusinJanuarytoeducateandinspiretheclassof2015aspartofthefifthannualAlumni Career Day. This year's keynote speaker was Sarah Walker Ollenburger ’96, who shared her experiences in working as a hiring manager. Ollenburger emphasized how poor judgement on social media can negatively affect your professional career and the importance of always presenting yourself in a positive light. Following Ollenburger's speech, students explored the Alumni Career Day college fair, talked with alumni one-on-one and met with college representatives. The grads in attendance worked in medicine, law, entertainment,sales,marketing,firesafety,fashion,teaching,engineering,videoproduction,financialinvestingandphysicaltherapy. If you are an SMCHS grad and would like to participate in the 2015 Alumni Career Day on January 28, 2015, please email Lori Gardner, director of alumni programs, at alumni@smhs.org.

For the past two years, Santa Margarita graduates and their families have enjoyed a day at the ballpark coming together for Alumni Day at Angel Stadium. About 50 members of the Eagle family have attended the event each year kicking off the day with a tailgate hostedbytheAlumniOffice.Graduatesofallagesand their families enjoyed getting together to catch up and meet new faces. Following the game, children of alumni had the opportunity to run the bases. Thank you to Bryan kretzmer ’00, Shane Mielke ’91 and jeyor Patel ’06 for organizing the 2014 Alumni Day event. We look forward to getting more Eagles to the stadium next summer!

Alumni return to Share Career Advice

Jenna Sherman Shott '02

Steve Luxenberg'00

Aishling McCullagh Wendell '01 and Linda McCullagh Pelligreen '98

Noelle Bellow '07

Jordan Smith '05

SMCHS Career Day 2014

Participants for Alumni Career Day included: kris Farris ’95, Chris kelishes ’95, Sarah Walker Ollenburger ’96, Elizabeth Barry Burgamy, Md ’97, Scott Feyka ’98, kyndell gaglio Paine ’98, Scott Schimmel ’98, dani diLoretta kelly ’00, Bryan kretzmer ’00, Steve Luxenberg ’00, Mariel Covarrubias, Esq. ’02, jenna Scherman ’02, dave Luxenberg ’03, katie Sales ’05, jordan Smith ’05, Taylor zuccolotto ’07, Noelle Bellow ’07, Chris Lupin ’08

A group of SMCHS alumni tailgaters at Alumni Day 2014 - Angel Stadium

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Four previous winners of the Sarah deMille ’05scholarship fund: karmyn Mcknight ’10, Sarah Porter ’11, Aitana zermeno ’12 and jessica Mumaugh ’09.

Steve McBride ’96 and kristin ross McBride ’96 welcomed second daughter, Molly Eibhleann, in September of 2012. Their oldest, Bridget, is a fantastic big sister. Steve and Kristin married this past April in a small ceremony near their home in Providence, R.I. with their beautiful girls serving asflowergirls.Alec Thompson ’96 officiatedandAlyssa Wenda Finklestein ’96 was the wedding

photographer. Tj Szymczak ’96 was also in attendance. Kristin works as a high school counselor and Steve works as a director of product management with Qualys. If anyone comes back east, look the happy couple up!

Mary Sabin Person ’96 and Courtney Clements Shamitko ’96 attended game six of the World Series at Fenway Park where the Boston Red Sox clinched the World Series.

Christine Connellan kerekes ’98 and husband Erik welcomed their second child, Tatum, on March 22, 2013. She was born at home and Erik delivered her because there was not even time to get to the hospital! It was a Hollywood movie delivery, complete with Mom in laboronthelivingroomfloorandDad(adoctorthankfully!) delivering his own daughter. Tatum is

younger sister to son Keegan. Christine and Erik are having a blast being parents to their precious babies.

Lisa Mann ’99 received a Widney Alumni House Award at the 2013 USC Volunteer Recognition Dinner for her loyal service and dedication to the university. She has been president of USC Town and Gown Junior Auxiliary of OC, a women's nonprofitgroupthatraisesfundsandawards

scholarships to OC residents attending USC undergrad, for the past two years and has been on the executive board for seven years. On top of that she has accepted another volunteer position: Chapter Advisor of Alpha Chi Omega, Epsilon Chapter.

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Brooke Barbee ’99 married Bryan kallenbaugh ’99 inDanaPointonApril20,2013.Twenty-fiveSantaMargarita alumni were there to celebrate their special occasion. Brooke and Bryan reconnected when SM alumni Tim ’00 and Clare (O'Sullivan ’00) Dean paired them up. The couple currently resides in Irvine, CA

Sean zeitler ’01 and his wife Meghan welcomed theirfirstchild,MorganMcCreaZeitler,onMay12, 2013 for a nice Mother's Day surprise. Morgan was 7 pounds,13 ounces and 21 inches long. Sean and Meghan met while working together at Asics and were married at The Villa in San Juan Capistrano on Sept. 3, 2011. Meghan, Morgan and Sean reside in Lake Forest, CA.

jenny Peterson Cramer ’98 and her husband Travis are pleased to announce the addition of their daughter, Bailey Aimerance, to their family. Bailey was born in the Democratic Republic of theCongoandJennyandTravisflewthereinJanuary of 2013 to complete her adoption. After spending 10 days in the country, they were able toflybackhometoColoradoasafamilyofthree.Theyweresogratefultocelebrateherfirst

birthday a few days after they landed. You can follow their adventures at travisandjennyadopt.blogspot.com.

00Shannon Simon ’00 and Christian Reyes met in July of 2011 on a dating website. In December 2012 Christian proposed and the couple was married on May 18, 2013 at The Garden Room in Garden Grove. The bridal party consisted of seven bridesmaidsandfivegroomsmen.Inattendancewere alumni Samantha Sears ’00, Liz Lloyd ’00, Ethel Tatlonghari ’98 and older brother david Simon ’98.

Lameese Elqura ’00 married Justin Chang on March 9, 2013 in an unforgettable ceremony and reception at the historic Los Angeles Union Station. Lameese works as an urban planner for the city of Los Angeles and her husband is afilmcriticandeditor.TheycurrentlyresideinPasadena.

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Brandon Smith ’00 had been living in Seattle for 8 years launching and enhancing the Amazon Kindle until he recently moved to the Netherlands with his wife Amanda and daughter Eleanor for a new job opportunity. They will be living in The Hague for the next couple of years while Brandon works on a project for Amazon called Amazon Web Services. They are enjoying exploring Europe and visits from family and friends.

Alison Fenstermacher Habeger ’02 and hus-bandMattwelcomedtheirfirstchild,PeterConnorHabeger, on Sept. 8, 2013 at 12:53 p.m. He was born at 7 pounds 9 ounces and 19 inches long. Alison and Matt met while attending Pepperdine University and were married at St. John Vianney Chapel on Balboa Island on Sept. 27, 2008. Alison, Matt and Peter currently live in Rancho Santa Fe, CA.

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class notes

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renee Christensen ’02 recently married Michael vancho ’02 on July 27, 2013. They were married at the bride's parents' house in Coto de Caza, Calif and their bridal party included fellow alumni: Laura Christensen ’03, Malia Bowman ’02, Kristin Gatfield ’02, kimberly Nguyen ’02, Brittany Mcdonald ’02, j.d. vancho ’04, Brad vancho ’07, Tyler Fessenden ’02, Matt riggs ’02 and Adam Tucker ’00. Fellow grad Nate Hoppes ’02officiated.

Brent Linas ’03 joined the Navy after graduating from UCSB and working four years in the entertainment lighting industry. Upon grad-uationfromOfficerCandidateSchoolhewentthrough extensive training in Explosive Ordnance Disposal, diving, marksmenship and HALO (high altitude, low opening) parachuting. Brent was assigned to a platoon on Coronado and served a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan. Email Brent at bvlinas@mac.com. He'd love to hear from his Eagle Family.

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kelly davies ’03 and kevin Michelena ’03 were married Aug. 3, 2013 at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano with a reception following at El Adobe Restaurant. Kevin and Kelly went to Santa Margarita’s senior prom together after meeting at the senior lock-in in 2003. Eagle Alumni Erika Figge ’03, gabe Medeiros ’03, Lenny Collins ’02 and Adriana rios Collins ’02 were in attendance

at the wedding. Kelly graduated from Pepperdine University in 2007 with a bachelor’s in communications/creative writing and recently worked as the director of digital media at The Ellen DeGeneres Show where she won an Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches in Daytime Entertainment. Kelly recently accepted a position at Facebook in San Francisco working in strategic development for entertainment broadcast partnerships. Kevin graduated from USC with a degree in international relations and is currently employed with the federal government. Kelly and Kevin moved to San Francisco and are excited to start their new life together. They are grateful to SMCHS for bringing them together and for all the wonderful memories shared there!

04Brian Schumway ’04 married kristina Finch ’06 on April 27, 2013 in a small family ceremony in the greatest city in the world: Austin, Texas. Brian and Kristina, who didn’t know each other at SMCHS, met shortly after Brian returned from Iraq. The rest is history!

jenna kohnke ’04 recentlyproducedafilm with New York Giants defensive end Mathias KiwanukaandfilmmakerCaseyNeistat.Whilefinishinglawschool,JennaisworkingfortheAmerican Cancer Society's Treat the Pain Program helping to increase access to essential pain medicines in resource-limited countries. In April, the crew traveled to Uganda to put together ashortfilmthattheteamhopeswillreacha

wide audience and raise awareness and funds for the program. Visit the website www.treatthepain.org for more information.

Michelle Hull ’04, Our Lady of Fatima ’00, Harvard ’08 (magna cum laude), Columbia Law ’11 (James Kent Scholar), is a member of the State Bars of California, where she practiced law at Paul Hastings, and New York, where she is currently practicing law at Wilmer Hale.

Lindsay Smith ’04 has worked for Brandman University,aChapmanUniversityaffiliate,forfour years. Currently she manages the brand messaging for the university across digital and traditional media channels. While working there full time, Lindsay enrolled in Brandman's MBA program and achieved her MBA with an additionalcertificateinOrganizationalLeadershipin August 2013. Lindsay loves to travel. This past November, she visited Bali and Hong Kong.

05Elizabeth Cattern Murray ’05 and her husband Jasonwelcomedtheirfirstson,WilliamChristopher, on May 3, 2012. He was born at 7 pounds and 19 inches long.

Amy rodriguez ’05 was traded on Nov. 7, 2013 from the Seattle Reign FC to the FC Kansas City. Rodriguez is a two-time gold medalist in women's soccer from both the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics.

class notes

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Logan McBride ’06 got married on June 1, 2013 to Taylor Clark. The couple met in college at Point Loma Nazarene University and was married there too. Other alumni included in the bridal party were William Hull ’06 and Chris Barry ’06. Taylor and Logan currently live in San Diego where Logan works as university relations coordinator for General Atomics and Taylor is a case manager for SAY (Social Advocates for Youth) San Diego.

Bj Thompson ’06, who has always been fascinated with the world-changing advance-ments in research and innovations in science and engineering, began dreaming of going to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge,Mass.whenhewasinfifthgradeat St. John's Episcopal School. BJ pursued his dream throughout his middle and high school

years by taking challenging courses. BJ graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2006 as an International Baccalaureate Full Diploma student. He received his bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering and computer engineering from MIT in June of 2010. Thereafter, he pursued his graduate studies at MIT completing his thesis on standalone capacitively coupled occupancy sensors. BJ received his master’s of engineering in electrical engineering in February 2013. He currently works for Apple Computer as a hardware engineer.

Mychel Thompson ’06 is playing basketball for the Santa Cruz Warriors, a NBA development team.

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class notes

Stacia dopudja ’06 graduated in 2010 with a bachelor of science in sports management from St. John's University in New York. After graduatingfromhighschool,Staciafirstplayedsoftball at Southeast Missouri State for two years in which she broke the home run record her freshman year with 12 home runs. She then transferred to St. John's University in 2008 where

she continued a successful softball career helping to lead her team to the Big East Championship Tournament her junior year. Stacia was captain of the softball team her senior year. She took a year off after graduation and decided to go back to St. John's University to pursue a master's in business administration focusing on marketing management. She graduated in May 2013. She also participated in the Executive in Residence Program which was only offered to the top MBA students in her class. Stacia is now working at Hyundai Capital in Irvine as a senior analyst, customer content in marketing.

07Francesca d. Sefton ’07 is presently studying optometry at the New England College of Optometry in Boston. Francesca graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2012 earning a bachelor's of science degree in biological sciences. Having spent a semester abroad at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia during her undergraduate years, she returned to Australia for a post-graduate internship in dry-eye research at the University of Western Sydney in 2012. This

reinforced her interest in vision and led her to a one-month fellowship with Unite for Sight in Chennai, India, in 2013, where she assisted with hundreds of vision screenings and observed life-changing cataract surgeries in extremely impoverished areas. Francesca continues to paint as a hobby (thanks to her painting classes at SMCHS) and looks forward to providing excellent vision care as a worldwide optometrist when she graduates.

Thomas Hull ‘06, who graduated from Harvard in 2010 where he was a varsity football starter on repeat Ivy League Championship teams, is currently a medical student at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine where he received his white coat in August of 2013.

kyle Aldridge ’07 and Hannah Thomas Aldridge recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. They were married on July 7, 2012 on the island of Oahu in Hawaii where Hannah was born and raised. The two met while studying at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Their outdoor, family-style wedding included several SM Eagles including best man Sean Aldridge ’05, groomsmen ryan Maxwell ’07 and Matthew Browning ’07, and bridesmaid kendall Aldridge ’14. Kyle is currently a firefighter and also an ambulance operator for the city of Huntington Beach and Hannah works in college admissions at UC Irvine. The couple resides in Laguna Hills and enjoys surfing on their days off together.

Stephanie Peckham ’07 and Asaiah Passwater ’07 tied the knot at Dove Canyon Country Club on June 22, 2013. Many SM alumni were in attendance including bridesmaids Lindsay Peckham ’04, darby Anderson’06 and kacey Anderson ’08. Stephanie was the starting goal keeper and team captain for the Cal water polo team and holds the team record for most saves.

She earned a degree in sociology. Asaiah majored in English at St. Mary's College of California where he played club volleyball. Stephanie works for a company in Mission Viejo as a HRIS (human resources information sys-tems) analyst and Asaiah started an e-commerce business, ClearlyFiltered atwww.ClearlyFiltered.com,specializinginwaterfiltration.Thecoupleresides in Ladera Ranch, Calif. with their cat Indy.

We LOVE to hear from our Eagle Family. Send us your class note to be featured in thenext issue of WINGS magazine. Please email

your information to alumni@smhs.org

46 | WINGS

Lauren Oosdyke ’08 signedherfirstprofessional contract to play women's basketball in Iceland. She was later released continuing her career in Langen, Germany playing for Rhein Main Baskets of the top German basketball league Daman Basketball Bundesliga. Lauren finisheduphercareeratUniversityofNorthernColorado as a top player leaving her footprint in the record books as well. She graduated holding

recordsforfourthinscoring,fifthinrebounding,secondinfreethrowsmade, fourteenth in assists and sixteenth in blocks. Lauren also was named team captain on three occasions and was named the Big Sky Conference Player of the Week three times as well. Lauren was named to the USA National All Star Under-20 Team this summer and enjoyed sharing the road with 20 members of her team to China. The women competed with teams from all over the world and came home earning a firstplacetrophy.TheteamenjoyedtheChinesehospitality.

dayeanne Hutton ’08 has landed the role of Harriet Smith in "Emma Approved," the new web series from the Emmy award-winning creators of "The Lizzie Bennet Diaries." “Emma Approved” is a modern web series adaptation of Jane Austen's “Emma.” It is the third Austen adaptation from co-creators Bernie Su and Hank Green. She is a recent graduate of Columbia College of Chicago where she graduated cum laude with a bachelor's

in theatre. Being an avid reader, she is thrilled to be creating the character of Harriet Smith, Emma Woodhouse's doting friend, in this exciting new web series. Her character made her debut on episode three and had a standalone interview as well. Dayeanne currently is being managed by Mark Blake ’91. Blake runs talent group Mark Blake Management.

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jennifer Flynn ’08 graduated from the United States Air Force in 2012. She is now serving as a second lieutenant, USAF. Jennifer is pictured on the left with President Obama.

class notes

klay Thompson ’08 scored a career high 38 points on Oct. 30, 2013 while playing the season opener game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors won the game 125-94.

class notes12

Santa Margarita's MUN program ran into this group of alumni while they were sightseeing in Boston prior to a MUN conference at Brown (BUSUN). Blaine reiger ’12, Steven Holcomb ’12, Natalie grabowski ’13 and kaitlyn Burrola ’12 caught up with MUN teacher John Remmell.

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Principal ray dunne had a few recent visits to University of Oregon for business enjoying pizza at Tracktown with some 2012 and 2013 graduates. Pictured with Principal Dunne above (left to right): ian Whelan ’12, Spencer Tyler ’12, Brentano giuliano ’12, Caroline issac ’12, Nicole della Maggiore ’12, Emily Hamman ’12 and Chrissy ghio ’12.

Pictured: ryan Finney ’13, Matt Ellis ’13, Ashley graves ’13, Brentano giuliano ’12 and Spencer Tyler ’12

In Loving Memory“He will raise you up on Eagles Wings”

Santa Margarita would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the following members of the Eagle community. We will always hold you close to our hearts.

Rebecca Bouvier ’94 Adam Caughern ’94 Michael Anderson ’13 mr. Nick KrausSMCHS Performing Arts Teacher

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UPCOMiNg EvENTSOCTOBEr 2014

4 Class of 2004 10-year reunion6:00pm Balboa Bay Club

10 Homecoming Tailgate Party4:30pm Saddleback College

16 St. Margaret Mary Mass and installation of President Andy Sulick ’91

8:30am Moiso Family Pavilion

18 An Evening Under the Stars5:00pm SMCHS

30- Talon Theatre Presents:1 “The Little Prince” and “Let your Life Sing”

NOvEMBEr 20142 Fall Open House

11:00am SMCHS

18 Alumni and Friends remembrance Mass8:30am Moiso Family Pavilion

19 8th grade visit day 8:45am SMCHS

dECEMBEr 2014 7 Performing Arts Christmas Production

“A 1940s Christmas Homecoming” 3:30pm and 6:30pm Moiso Family Pavilion

jANUAry 201520 Winter Open House

7:00pm SMCHS

28 Alumni Career day 8:30am SMCHS

29 Catholic Schools Week Mass8:30am Moiso Family Pavilion

29 Fifth Annual SMCHS Arts Show 6:00pm Borchard Library

For a complete list of event details, visit www.smhs.org/events

You’re Invited Saturday, October 18

DINNER DANCING AUCTIONFor information on sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please contact the Development Office

at (949) 766-6080 or email blueandgold@smhs.org. Purchase your tickets at www.smhs.org/blueandgold

CHANgE SErviCE rEQUESTEd

Parents of Alumni: If this issue is addressed to your son or daughter who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please direct them to update their information at www.smhs.org/directory