news - Santa Margarita Catholic High School

j •I•N•G•S •I•N•G•S 

Summer 2006 

Class of 2006 News. . . . 2-7 

Activities News. . . . . . 8-13 

Academic News. . . . . 14-18 

Athletic News. . . . . . . 19-21 

General News. . . . . . . 22-25 

Mothers Club News....24 

Guild News...........24 

Development News. . 25-27 

Alumni News. . . . . . . 28-44 

EAGLE ALUMNI 

SECTION PAGES 

28-44 

Santa Margarita 

Catholic High School 

22062 Antonio Parkway 

Rancho Santa Margarita 

California 92688 

949-766-6000 TEL 

949-766-6005 FAX 

The Eagle Newsletter published by Santa Margarita Catholic High School 

Dear Parents, 

May I express my hope that your summer vacation 

has been a good one for your family? We closed 

the past year on a very successful note with the 

graduation of the Class of 2006 and we look forward 

for the same level of success for the Class of 2007. 

The summer months found our campus to be a busy 

place. With summer school and all of the normal 

camps we will also have an extra important event: 

Ground Breaking on July 8th. This initiates the 

start of construction for the first part of our master 

plan for completing our campus. We are excited! 

During the course of the summer many of our 

seniors will participate in the Kairos retreat 

program. Last year, over 80% of the class made 

a Kairos retreat. What a huge undertaking! Also, 

Classes of 1996 and 2001 will have their class 

reunions – welcome back! 

Our new school year begins with very important 

student orientation days on August 28 through 

the 31st. Of course, by these dates all of the fall 

activities and sports will be fully involved in their 

programs and seasons. We wish only success for our 

young men and women in the Band, Cheerleading, 

Color Guard, Dance, Football, Cross Country, 

Boys’ Water Polo, Girls’ Tennis, Golf, and Girls’ 

Volleyball teams. We will have a fall sports rally 

on September 11th for Spirit Week as a show of 

support. We also congratulate all those involved 

in the 2006 spring sports successes: Boys’ Golf – 

Serra League and CIF champions; Boys’ and Girls’ 

Swimming – Serra League champs with the Girls 

as CIF runner-ups; Girls’ Track – Serra League 

champions; Boys’ Volleyball – Serra League champs. 

Not too far off in the future, Back-to-School Night 

is scheduled for the 27th of September. This evening 

is one very important event; one that you do not 

want to miss. You will have the opportunity to 

meet your son or daughter’s teachers, learn from 

them about the content and requirements of their 

courses, and have the chance to sample high 

school life, again. 

The Opening Mass for the new school year will 

be celebrated on September 7. During this liturgy 

we, as a school community, will pray for a successful 

school year and give thanks for the many blessings 

bestowed upon our school. Parents are most 

welcome to join in the celebration. 

The maintenance department has been very 

busy cleaning, repairing, moving, and, in general, 

sprucing up our beautiful campus. These staff 

members, often invisible, are the unseen heroes 

who make our facilities comfortable and student 

friendly. The administrative staff and counselors 

have worked diligently in preparing for a smooth 

start for the school year. To all, we gladly say 

“Thank You!” 

Among the faculty and staff, a few will be moving 

on to new opportunities. We wish each a fond 

farewell and best wishes. They are Laura 

Bonnecaze, Maria Espino, Rev. Mr. James Lane, 

Rita Leiter, Colleen Livingston, Paige Prescott, 

and Dave Weinberg. 

Our fondest desire is that all of you find your 

experiences this year at SMCHS to be positive 

and successful and that your expectations placed 

on your student son or daughter are realized. The 

faculty and staff of SMCHS will do all in their 

power to provide the best educational environment 

possible and provide a reasonable challenge to all 

of our youngsters in order to help them achieve 

to their ability. Working together is always the 

ingredient for success. 

Sincerely in Christ, 

Brother Lawrence Monroe 

Principal 

SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL www.smhs.org

2 

CLASS OF 2006 news 

* all info as of 6/8/2006 

students without college information did 

not report to it to the Counseling Office. 

W H E R E A R E T H E Y G O I N G? 

Brittany Adame - Northern Arizona University 

Arash Afghahi - NYU 

Alisa Allsberry - Golden West Community College 

Tyler Alt - San Diego State University 

Michael Amador - Santiago Canyon College 

Emily Andersen - Saddleback College 

Darby Anderson - UC Berkeley 

Krista Anderson - Saddleback College 

John Angelo - United States Naval Academy (NAPS) 

Lauren Ankenman - Sonoma State University 

Sherry Apat - San Diego State University 

Deandra Arena - UC Irvine 

Allison Arnold - Sonoma State University 

Michael Aspegren - Johns Hopkins University 

Caitlin Atkinson - San Diego State University 

Margaret Aust - Loyola University Chicago 

Sarah Ayala - St. Louis University 

Eric Babbitt - College of Wooster 

Matthew Bader - John Carroll University 

Rachel Bailey - San Diego State University 

Anne Bain - Saddleback College 

Kristine Baluyot - Stanford University 

Dominic Barnes - American Musical & Dramatic Academy 

Flora Barron - UC Berkeley 

Christopher Barry - Santa Clara University 

Mikaila Becker - Xavier University 

Trevor Benkie - Cal Poly Pomona 

Kara Berlinski - University of San Francisco 

Dru Bertagni - Saddleback College 

Eduard Bestard - Saddleback College 

Meredith Bevan - Saddleback College 

Daniel Bibona - UC Irvine 

Rebecca Bivona - Santa Clara University 

Elizabeth Bradford - Purdue University 

Heather Bradshaw - Pepperdine University 

Rachel Brady - Orange Coast College 

Caryn Brenn - UCLA 

Alison Britt - University of Arizona 

Cameron Brown - Saddleback College 

Chanel Brown - Asheville-Buncombe Community College 

Paul Bruno - Santa Clara University 

Jessica Bunge - San Francisco State University 

Brooks Burgoon - Santa Barbara City College 

Thomas Butkiewicz - Concordia University 

Nerissa Cadalso - Fordham University 

Nicole Cambeilh - Saddleback College 

Michael Camp - Orange Coast College 

Christopher Campbell - Santa Barbara City College 

Jessica Campbell - Colorado State University 

Kaydee Campbell - San Diego State University 

Michelle Campion - Santa Clara University 

Steffen Canty - University of Tulsa 

Joseph Caporuscio - No College Plans 

Robert Caraveo - University of San Diego 

Jonathan Carlson - Concordia University 

Taylor Carlson - San Diego State University 

Samuel Carreon - UC Davis 

Andrea Carrera - Santa Clara University 

Fred Carrera, IV - Northeastern University 

Ashley Causgrove - San Diego State University 

Holly Cento - University of Kentucky 

Brett Chamberlain - UC Santa Barbara 

Gertrude Chancellor - UC Irvine 

Christine Charhut - Northwestern University 

Anthony Chiu - Saddleback College 

Julie Chiuminatta - UC Irvine 

www.smhs.org SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

The Class of 2006 walking through the gates of 

SM on their way to the Baccalaureate Mass. 

Lauren Christ - Saddleback College 

Derek Cisna - Saddleback College 

Samantha Clements - Loyola Marymount University 

Julie Cochran - Cuesta College 

Jeremy Collins - UC Davis 

Kristen Conners - Saddleback College 

Caitrin Connolly - Loyola University Chicago 

Katia Correa - San Diego State University 

Kristen Costantino - Santa Barbara City College 

Skyler Courter - NYU 

Michael Crawley - Cal State Monterey Bay 

Lauren Creed - Fordham University 

Steven Croce - Southern Methodist University 

Ross Cumming - United States Naval Academy (NAPS) 

Michelle Cunnane - University of San Diego 

Jeffrey Cusick - UC Irvine 

Jonathan Daniels - Undecided 

Christopher David - UC San Diego 

Jonathan Dawson - Saddleback College 

Maria De Filippo - San Diego State University 

Julian De Rubira - UC Santa Barbara 

Lauren De Silva - UC Davis 

Erin Deane - Pepperdine University 

Craig Deatrick - Loyola Marymount University 

George DeHuff, IV - USC 

Peter Deltondo - United States Military Academy (West Point) 

Setareh Derakhshandeh - Cal State Fullerton 

Aamir Dhalla - Saddleback College 

Koosha Diba - UC Irvine 

Lauren Dickerson - University of San Diego 

Bradley Dixon - University of Arizona 

Ryan Donaghy - Saddleback College 

Kathleen Donahue - Villanova University 

Stacia Dopudja - Southeast Missouri State University 

Whitney Downes - San Francisco State University 

Emily Downey - Saddleback College 

Michael Dunn - Cal State Northridge 

Steven Dupre - San Francisco State University 

Ryan Dzubnar - Orange Coast College 

William Eaton - Cal State Long Beach 

Johannes Elbertse - Arizona State University 

Nicole Emanuel - Point Loma Nazarene University 

Katelyn Emery - Saddleback College 

Erin English - Vanderbilt University 

Stefanie Etow - University of Notre Dame 

Wesley Falik - Northeastern University 

Hannah Feldman - San Francisco Community College 

Justin Feldmann - Auburn University 

Marcus Fernandez - Saddleback College 

Michael Ferraro - University of San Diego 

Dominic Ferrey - Ohio State University 

Zackary Fettel - University of Arizona 

Brooke Figge - Arizona State University 

Alyssa Figueras - UC Santa Barbara 

Brennan Figueroa - Santa Barbara City College 

Kristina Finch - NYU 

Erin Fitzgerald - University of San Francisco 

Matthew Forsum - UC Santa Barbara 

Tanya Fragnito - Saddleback College 

Paul Fryling - San Diego State University 

Courtney Gabriel - Sonoma State University 

Ariana Gaffoglio - Fashion Institute of Design & 

Merchandising 

Elise Gallardo - University of San Francisco 

Adam Gardner - Saddleback College 

Jillian Gates - DePaul University 

Aaron Gertner - Texas Christian University 

Nichole Gerwin - Saddleback College 

Gregory Giebel, Jr. - Cal State Long Beach 

Gianna Gipe - USC 

Michael Gleason - Loyola Marymount University 

April Glenn - Santa Ana College 

Danielle Godino - Villanova University 

Brandon Golob - UC Berkeley 

Ryan Gonzales - Point Loma Nazarene University 

Linda Gonzalez - Colorado State University 


Vanessa Gonzalez - San Francisco State University 

Jacob Gordon - Northeastern University 

Barbara Grant - George Washington University 

Adam Grazer - Arizona State University 

Alyssa Greene - Smith College 

Ryan Griego - Cal Poly Pomona 

Erin Griffin - Texas Christian University 

Scott Grubert, Jr. - Cal State Fullerton 

Jonathan Gunderson - Santa Clara University 

Tiffany Gunnemann - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Alexander Halim - UCLA 

Matthew Hansen - Cal State Long Beach 

Kevin Harves - University of Wisconsin, Whitewater 

Matthew Haskell - University of San Diego 

Aubrey Heim - San Francisco State University 

Karen Heisler - Washington University in St. Louis 

David Helman - Saddleback College 

Lindsay Henderson - Cuesta College 

Joseph Hendren - Concordia University 

Eric Henningson - USC 

Morgan Hergenrather - Oregon State University 

Stephen Heri - Saddleback College 

Asgie Hernandez - Saddleback College 

Christian Hernandez - University of San Francisco 

Vanessa Hershberger - Saddleback College 

Todd Hitzeman - San Francisco State University 

James Hoffski - Cal State Northridge 

Christian Holbrook - Northeastern University 

Alexandra Hudgins - Cal State Long Beach 

Thomas Hull - Harvard 

William Hull - University of Notre Dame 

Natalya Hundrieser - Centro Universitario 

Iberio-Americano 

Diana Hunt - USC 

Scott Hurlbut - Saddleback College 

John Hurt - University of San Francisco 

Ashleigh Hvinden - Sonoma State University 

Ryo Imai - Saddleback College 

SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER 2006 

3


Francisco Infante - Saddleback College 

Lauren Ingram - Grossmont College 

Blake Irwin - Chico State University 

Casey Isaac - UC Irvine 

Weston Isler - Westmont College 

Hunter Jackson - Saddleback College 

Michelle Jackson - Penn State University 

Ashley Jenkins - Saddleback College 

Taleen Jerjian - UC Irvine 

Andrew Johnson - Saddleback College 

Jacquelyn Johnston - USC 

Cheyenne Jones - Orange Coast College 

Lindsay Joy - Gonzaga University 

Michael Jurinek - Saddleback College 

Alexander Kacik - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Kevin Kahle - University of San Diego 

Brian Karamian - UC Berkeley 

Monique Kattan - Cal State San Marcos 

James Keefe - UCLA 

Shea Kelly - University of Colorado, Boulder 

Michael King - Saddleback College 

Kevin Klemens - Norwich University 

Michael Klimkowski - UC San Diego 

Marley Knox - No College Plans - Travel 

Meredith Kramer - UC Santa Barbara 

Kelsey Krieger - Gonzaga University 

Lauren Kuzmack - USC 

Jordan Laakso - Grossmont College 

Eric Lake - University of Oregon 

Patrick Lane - Loyola Marymount University 

Nicholas Langan - Saddleback College 

Colleen Lank - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Kathryn Leahy - Santa Clara University 

Heather Leimkuhler - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Ashley Leonard - University of Colorado, Boulder 

Dominic Leone - Loyola Marymount University 

David Linzmeier - Loras College 

Melissa Livingston - Baylor University 

Taylor Lockett - UC Santa Barbara 

Nathaniel Looney - USC 

4 

Christina Lopez - No College Plans 

Kelly Loretta - Loyola Marymount University 

Conor Loughman - Boston University 

Justin Loy - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Jessica Lucier - Harvard 

Justin Lussier - Saddleback College 

Robyn Luttrell - San Francisco State University 

Mandy Madden - San Francisco State University 

Rupesh Madhav - Johnson and Wales University 

Mark Madril - Saddleback College 

John Maltese - University of Notre Dame 

Elizabeth Manapsal - Cornell University 

Lauren Marchica - University of Colorado, Boulder 

Gina Maricondo - Saddleback College 

James Markel - Cal State Fullerton 

Tiffany Martin - University of Washington 

Kendall Mauvezin - Chapman University 

Michael Mayhugh - Saddleback College 

Brittney Mc Anena - University of Arizona 

Logan Mc Bride - Gonzaga University 

Brooke Mc Call - Saddleback College 

Timothy Mc Carthy - Cal State Fullerton 

Brittany Mc Cauley - Chico State University 

Tahnee Mc Kelligan - No College Plans - Travel 

Kyle Mc Kenzie - Saddleback College 

Bridgette Mc Mahon - Santa Clara University 

Morgan Michaels - Santa Clara University 

Nathalie Michiels - Middlebury College 

Devonie Migues - University of the Pacific 

Channing Miller - University of Arizona 

Jaclyn Miller - University of San Diego 

Ashley Milnes - University of San Diego 

Hannah Mora - University of San Francisco 

Robert Moran - Community College 

Katherine Morris - University of San Diego 

Natalie Moylan - San Francisco Academy of Art 

Jeffrey Mumaugh - Saddleback College 

Kristin Munoz - UCLA 

Grady Murphy - Purdue University 

Kelly Murphy - San Diego State University 

Chad Musselman - Cuesta College 

Nicholas Nader - Chapman University 

Joseph Nanci - University of Arizona 

Joseph Nazarian - Saddleback College 

Matthew Neal - Cal State Long Beach 

Amanda Neilson - Concordia University 

Alaycia Nelson - Saddleback College 

Samuel Nevins - St. Mary's College of California 

Natasha Niezgoda - Saddleback College 

Brian Norman - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Kelly M Norris - USC 

John Nuccio - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Patrick Nuttall - Trinity University 

Bryce O'Bard - Cal State Fullerton 

John Ontiveros - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Michael O'Sullivan - Santa Clara University 

Russell Paez - Humboldt State University 

Matthew Paone - Santa Barbara City College 

Larissa Pardo - George Washington University 

Jeyur Patel - Georgia Tech 

Nehal Patel - UC Irvine 

Pratik Patel - NYU 

Tapan Patel - UC Berkeley 

Ryan Pefley - UC Santa Barbara 

Joseph Pellizzon - Arizona State University 

Estefania Perez-Sahonero - Saddleback College 

Jacquelyn Perrine - Cuesta College 

Luke Pezanoski - No College Plans 

Gabriel Pineda - Cal Poly Pomona 

Connor Plante - Chico State University 

Elyse Platt - Loyola Marymount University 

Camille Poblete - Cal State Fullerton 

James Prietto - UC Berkeley 

Matthew Prouty - Orange Coast College 

Beeta Rafiekian - American University 

Kendra Ramirez - Cornell University 

Karina Ramos - Cal State Long Beach 

Stephanie Ramsey - Fashion Institute of Design & 

Merchandising 

Eliot Rebensdorf - Arizona State University 


Lindsey Reid - University of San Francisco 

Meghan Reis - Saddleback College 

Christopher Rettenmaier - UCLA 

Nicholas Rettenmaier - UCLA 

Eric Reuland - MIT 

Kolbie Richardson - Saddleback College 

Christina Richter - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Brittanie Rivoli - Saddleback College 

Lauren Robertson - Ohio State University 

Melissa Robinson - University of Colorado, Boulder 

Thomas Roby - Arizona State University 

Daniel Rodriguez - Grossmont College 

Rachel Rodriguez - Saddleback College 

Courtney Rosenquist - Seattle University 

Lindsey Rowell - Sonoma State University 

Laurajean Roxas - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 

Christopher Ruiter - Saddleback College 

Pedram Sabrkhani - UC Irvine 

Brent Salyer - Cal State Fullerton 

Alexandra Samson - St. John's University 

Kensie Sanchez - UC Irvine 

Janelle Sanderson - Point Loma Nazarene University 

Jenessa Sansone - Saddleback College 

Courtney Sanvido - Wake Forest University 

Jessica Sato - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Ryan Saucedo - Orange Coast College 

Biagio Scarpello - San Diego State University 

Danielle Schulz - NYU 

Adam Schutte - United States Marine Corps 

Jordan Selva - Gonzaga University 

Andrew Selzer - Penn State University 

Brian Shams - UC Irvine 

Megan Silver - Sonoma State University 

Andrew Sinderhoff - UCLA 

Jennifer Sinkey - Cal State San Marcos 

Kathleen Smokowski - University of Iowa 

Maya Smolarek - UC Berkeley 

Andrew Spelman - Cal Poly Pomona 

Kati Spitz - San Francisco State University 

Christine Staffon - Boston College 

Kristen Steinbach - Schreiner University / US 

Naval Academy 

Jenna Steward - Oregon State University 

Eric Stoker - Northern Arizona University 

Katherine Suarez - Santa Clara University 

Asad Syed - Cal Poly Pomona 

Kristen Talor - Saddleback College 

Kevin Tamanaha - Cal State San Marcos 


Jonathan Tanco - University of New South Wales 

Brittany Taylor - Orange Coast College 

Dustin Taylor - Saddleback College 

Matthew Taylor - Art Institute of California 

Samantha Telly - USC 

Kyle Thomas - Syracuse University 

Mychel Thompson - Stoneridge Prep 

William Thompson - MIT 

Robert Thomson - Arizona State University 

William Trette - Saddleback College 

Kelsa Trom - UC Berkeley 

Jonathon Trujillo - Utah Valley State College 

Rebecca Twinem - Colorado State University 

William Van Dorn - Dominican University 

Lauren Vartanian - Chapman University 

Lauren Vass - Savannah College of Art and Design 

Andrea Vigil - Cal State Long Beach 

Arthur Vigil, III - UC San Diego 

Patrick Visconti - Saddleback College 

Stephanie Vreeland - Undecided 

Jordan Walker - UCLA 

Mary Walker - Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 

Amy Wallace - UC Irvine 

Jacob Walsh - Catholic University of America 

Christie Ward - Loyola Marymount University 

Holly Warpeha - Northeastern University 

James Warren - St. Louis University 

Katherine Waters - Community College 

Erin Weatherwax - San Diego State University 

Taylor Wells - Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University 

Stefani Welsh - Irvine Valley College 

Clinton Wesselink - Saddleback College 

Kathryn Whichard - United States Naval Academy 

Maureen White - Saddleback College 

Taylor Whiting - Savannah College of Art and Design 

Matthew Wickham - Montana State University 

Jayme Wilson - San Francisco State University 

Eric Winblad - Azusa Pacific University 

Emilie Winckel - USC 

Joseph Wingert, Jr. - Santa Barbara City College 

Daniel Witczak - Loyola University Chicago 

Lauren Wood - UC Santa Cruz 

Jacquelyn Wu - UC Davis 

Heather Wysocki - Saddleback College 

Jiyoon Yang - USC 

Kelly Yocca - UC Irvine 

Chelsea Zambito - Arizona State University 

Alan Zarnegar - Boston College 

BY THE NUMBERS... THE CLASS OF 2006 

22% were involved in International Baccalaureate (full diploma and certificate) 

40% took at least one Advanced Placement course 

52% were involved in a competitive sport 

7% were involved with more than one sport 

12% held after-school/summer jobs 

40% of the senior class reported receiving some kind of scholarship for 

college expenses. 


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6 


SMCHS Students Earn Over 

$11,000,000 in Scholarships 

SMCHS held its 16th Annual Senior Awards Night on 

Wednesday, May 17, 2006. The graduating Class of 2006 

came together for an evening full of cheers and applause 

as awards were handed out for their achievements in the 

areas of academics, athletics and service. 

As a tradition, each year the total dollar amount in 

scholarships awarded to SMCHS students is announced 

to boisterous applause. Last year, the class of 2005 earned 

$5,915,261 in scholarships awarded over four years. 

However, the Class of 2006 more than doubled the 

amount of scholarships earned by bringing in 

$11,966,750 over four years. Over 40% of the senior 

class reported receiving some kind of scholarship for 

college expenses. The students, faculty, staff and parents 

in attendance gave the class a well-deserved standing 

ovation. 

Scholar-Athlete Kathryn Whichard topped 

the list of scholarships earned with 

$1,720,552. The Naval Academy bound 

senior earned full or partial scholarships to 

22 colleges, including: Boston University 

(Alexander Graham Bell Scholarship), 

Brown University (National Merit), 

University of Chicago (University Scholar), 

NYU (National Prestigious), Northwestern University 

(NROTC), Notre Dame (NROTC), and USC 

(Presidential Scholarship). The Naval Appointment that 

Kathryn received is valued at $355,000 over four years. 

Class of 2006 Top Scholarship Earners: 

Kathryn Whichard - $1,720,552 total scholarships 

Attending the US Naval Academy. Education valued at 

$355,000. 

Dominic Ferrey - $670,044 total scholarships 

Attending Ohio State University on an Academic Scholarship 

for $121,492. 

Darby Anderson - $500,000 total scholarships 

Attending UC Berkeley on an Athletic Scholarship for 

$100,000. 

Christine Staffon - $422,926 total scholarships 

Attending Boston College. 

Eric Babbitt - $382,000 total scholarships 

Attending College of Wooster as a Merit Scholar for $60,000. 

CLASS OF 2006 

VALEDICTORIAN &SALUTATORIAN 

Jessica Lucier graduated number one in the Class of 2006 on 

Saturday, June 3, 2006. As an International Baccalaureate Diploma 

Candidate, Jessica opted for the most rigorous curriculum at 

SMCHS. Although she excelled in all subject areas, her passion 

lies in the areas of English, philosophy, and the classical languages, 

both greek and latin. She pursued her interests in philosophy by 

serving as a discussion leader in Symposium, SMCHS’ Philosophy 

Club. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a life 

member in California Scholarship Federation, and a National 

Merit Commended student. Beyond the classroom, Jessica was 

also an active participant in Model United Nations, Corazon 

(a community outreach program), and the varsity Track & Field 

Team. Jessica will compete as a collegiate pole-vaulter as she begins 

her college career at Harvard University in the fall. 

Maya Smolarek graduated number two in the Class of 2006. Since 

her freshman year, Maya challenged herself academically by taking 

honors, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate 

courses. Maya was recognized as an AP Scholar, a Bank of America 

Achievement Award winner in the area of English and a National 

Merit Commended student. Outside of the classroom, she has 

volunteered her time at Children’s Hospital of Orange County 

and continues to nurture her fourteen year passion for the piano. 

Maya was one of a select group of students to receive the 

University of California’s Regents and Chancellor’s Scholarship 

in recognition for her outstanding intellectual ability. She will 

attend University of California, Berkeley in the fall with a 

major in astrophysics and a minor in music. 

Both students were honored at SMCHS’ Commencement 

Ceremonies, held on Saturday, June 3, 2006 at the Bren Event 

Center on the University California, Irvine campus. The girls gave 

an non-traditional speech, in that, they gave it together. The girls 

spoke of the family environment and the many gifts they have 

received from their education at SMCHS. The girls presented a 

challenge to the Class of 2006: “We have a responsibility to do 

something with the gifts we have received from SMCHS. We need to 

continue to impact lives and most importantly, ‘Set the World on Fire.’” 

Brother Lawrence Monroe with Jessica Lucier and Maya Smolarek 

at the Senior Awards Night. 


C ARITAS A WARD W INNER 

A special SMCHS tradition is presenting the Caritas 

Award. The Caritas Award is unlike the other awards given 

in that it is awarded by the entire faculty. This award 

recognizes the individual at SMCHS who, simply put, 

is an exceptional human being. “Caritas Christi,” the 

SMCHS school motto speaks of the Love of Christ, a 

generous and selfless love. The student need not be a top 

academic student (although this year’s winner was), but 

one who is well-rounded in academics, athletics, the arts 

and in service to others. John Maltese was named the 

2006 Caritas Award winner at the Class of 2006 Senior 

Awards Night. John received a standing ovation from 

his peers when his name was announced. 

Among John’s many accomplishments, 

he is a member of the National Honor 

Society, California Scholarship 

Federation (CSF), Model United 

Nations and was an International 

Baccalaureate Full Diploma candidate, 

an active member of Talon Theatre and 

was recognized by the city of Rancho 

Santa Margarita for his work in ASB 

(four-year member; Sophomore Class Secretary; Junior 

Class President). 

Mrs. Lyn Alexander says, “John is the kindest, most 

genuine student I have ever taught. His compassion and 

service to others is an inspiration to us all.” John will 

attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall. 

Past Caritas Award Winners: 

Matthew Steinbach (2005) 

Mark Khouzam (2004) 

Nathaniel Imperiale (2003) 

Tai Baird (2002) 

Bridget McAvoy-Hein (2001) 

Vincent Prietto (2000) 

Stacey Fikert (1999) 

Natalie Atkins (1998) 

Patrick Fisher (1997) 

Brian Meihaus (1996) 

Nikki Buffa (1995) 

Jeff McGuire (1994) 


EARNED RANK 

Logan McBride, SMCHS Class of 2006, 

earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 

February 2006. Logan, Troop 615, 

friends and family spent 350 hours 

mapping twenty-two trails in Whiting 

Ranch Wilderness Park. Logan 

provided the park rangers with detailed 

information on each trail so visitors to 

the park will be able to select an 

appropriate trail for their fitness level 

and plans to hike, bike or horseback ride. Logan enjoys both 

hiking and running and has participated on SMCHS’ Cross 

Country and Track & Field teams. Logan’s report included 

suggested training routes for Cross Country teams and a five 

mile route for Boy Scouts completing their hiking requirement. 

Logan accepted a scholarship to attend Gonzaga University 

next year. Congratulations to Logan and best wishes for much 

continued success! 

Throughout the school year, WINGS has featured some of 

the Eagle Scouts accomplishments. To share your Eagle Scout 

story with SMCHS, please e-mail a short summary and photo 

to wings@smhs.org. 

Eight young men were given certificates of recognition 

for their accomplishment of achieving the honored 

Eagle Scout Award, the highest advancement rank 

in Scouting, at the 2006 Senior Awards Night. The 

2006 Eagle Scouts from SMCHS: 

Christopher David 

Michael Gleason 

Logan McBride 

Kyle McKenzie 

Dominic Leone 

David Linzmeier 

Ryan Pefley 

Daniel Witczak 

The award is a performance-based achievement whose 

standards have been well-maintained over the years. 

Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the 

Eagle Scout rank; only about four percent of all Boy 

Scouts do so. 


7

8 

A SM Tradition Continues! All seniors 

were invited to hang a copy of their 

acceptance letters on the “Where are 

We Going?” wall in the Counseling 

Office. Congratulations to all seniors 

on your college acceptances! 

Elizabeth 

Bradford & Mike 

King were 

announced King 

& Queen at the 

prom which was 

held at Disney’s 

Grand 

Califonian. 

ACTIVITIES news 

C LASS OF 2006 SENIOR A CTIVITIES H IGHLIGHTS 

The Senior 

Yearbook Party 

is a fun tradition 

where the 

class receives 

their yearbooks 

and has lunch 

in the Moiso 

Pavilion. 

The Marian Mass was 

also a tribute Mass to 

the Class of 2006. 

Seniors were invited to 

gather around the 

altar during the last 

song of Mass. 

The Annual Senior 

Masquerade Dinner 

Dance was held 

aboard the Catalina 

Flyer. The boat sailed 

around the Newport 

Harbor, the seniors 

dressed in their 

costumes, had a 

great meal, danced 

and were awarded 

prizes for costumes. 

The Eagle fans had a lot to cheer about this 

school year as our athletic teams had 

terrific seasons! 

Eight Kairos Retreats were offered to the Class of 

2006. Over 80% of the class attended the 

special retreat, many naming it the “best thing” 

they did in high school. 

79 seniors participated in the 

Mothers Club Fashion Show, 

“Hooray for Hollywood.” The 

seniors modeled clothes from 

Replay and as a tradition, 

wore their college sweatshirts 

down the runway. 

Emilie Winckel 

was crowned the 

2006 Homecoming 

Queen. The 

following night, 

the Homecoming 

King, James 

Prietto, was 

announced at 

the dance. 

Eagle Pack was a group of 

spirited seniors & underclassmen 

who traveled to all our 

sporting events leading our 

supporters in cheering for 

our athletes. 


Congratulations to the Class of 2006 Senior 

Officers and ASB Officers. Thank you for your 

commitment and dedication to SMCHS. You 

will be missed! Best of Luck! 

Senior Class Officers 

Conor Loughman 

Position: Senior Class President 

Favorite ASB Moment: The ASB retreat tire game 

Mike Klimkowski 

Position: Senior Class Vice President 

Favorite ASB Moment: The ASB retreat air guitar contest 

James Prietto 

Position: Senior Class Secretary 

Favorite ASB Moment: The ASB retreat air guitar contest 

Eric Reuland 

Position: Senior Class Treasurer 

Favorite ASB Moment: The ASB retreat 

Gigi Gipe 

Position: ASB President 

Favorite ASB Moment: Elections 

ASB Officers 

Diana Hunt 

Position: ASB Vice President 

Favorite ASB Moment: The superhero dance at ASB Camp 

Brooke Figge 

Position: ASB Secretary/Treasurer 

Favorite ASB Moment: Elections 


Grad Night 2006 

Hooray for Hollywood! 

It seemed to all that Grad Night at the Orange County 

Fairgrounds was a huge success. We could not have had such 

a good turnout of students without all of the help given by 

parents and administration. First and foremost, I want to thank 

my committee: Lisa Lake, Darla Nelson, Mary Neilson, Tony 

& Susan Adame, Patty Geibel, and Jo Nader. This evening 

would not have run as smoothly without your help. A special 

thanks to Jeff Nowlin and Terry Harris in the Activities Office 

and their support team. 

The following families were gracious enough to donate items 

for prizes at Grad Night: Harves Family, Spitz Family, Pezanoski 

Family, Butkiewicz Family Family, Welleling Family, Geibel 

Family, Ramoska Family, Cento Family, Pelazon Family, Chiu 

Family, Donahue Family, Grubert Family, Nevins Family, Etow 

Family, Fitzgerald Family, Miller Family, Michaels Family, Shams 

Family, Figueras Family, Roxas Family, Warpeha Family, Sato 

Family, Munoz Family, and the Reid Family. We want to send 

out a special thank you to these people and to the people who 

gave their time to chaperone our evening. We could not have 

done it without all of the help! 

Sincerely, 

Lee Ann Cento 

Grad Night 2006 Chair 

New SMCHS Website Design! 

SMCHS has been working 

on our new website design 

for the past several months. 

We are thrilled that the 

new & improved site was 

launched on June 21, 2006. 

We will continue to update 

the site throughout the 

summer, getting it ready for 

the 2006-2007 school year. 

Be sure to add 

www.smhs.org as a favorite 

in your web browser and 

visit it often for the most 

up-to-date SMCHS news 

& events. 

Please note: our website 

address will remain the 

same – www.smhs.org. 


9

10 


ORIENTATION DATES FOR 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR 

(Times to be announced) 

Monday, August 28, 2006 – Freshman Orientation 

Tuesday, August 29, 2006 – Sophomore Orientation 

Wednesday, August 30, 2006 – Junior Orientation 

Thursday, August 31, 2006 – Senior Orientation 

Friday, September 1, 2006 – All Transfer Students Orientation 

Reminder 

Orientation is required for all students and attendance will be taken. 

Students must be in uniform dress. Students will have Yearbook and 

ID pictures taken. Detailed information will be available at the 

beginning of August. 

MAGAZINE DRIVE 

FROM THE OFFICE OF ACTIVITIES 

The SMCHS magazine drive will take place this year in October. 

The kick-off assembly will be Thursday, October 12, 2006. There will 

be four turn-in dates on October 19th, 24th, 26th and 31st. Please 

remember to remind all of your family and friends to save those 

subscriptions and renewals for Santa Margarita. Magazine subscriptions 

make great Christmas gifts. Lots of prizes will be given away! Last year 

SMCHS sold enough magazines to earn a day off from school. Stay 

tuned for more information! 

Volunteers Needed: 

In order for the Magazine Drive to be successful, we need parent 

volunteers to help record magazine orders. We are looking for helpers 

for each collection day (October 19, 24, 26 and 31). If you are able to 

volunteer from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on any of these dates, please call the 

Activities Office at 949-766-6050. 

2006-2007 ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS 

Along with our Magazine Drive we will be selling 2006-2007 

Entertainment Books. These books have great discounts for all of 

your favorite restaurants, movie theaters, department stores and so 

much more! On each Magazine Drive turn-in day, students will be 

able to purchase the books for $35 each (retail price is $40). Don’t 

miss out on this opportunity to support our school! 

IMPORTANT! 

Be on the Lookout for an August Information Mailer! 

In August, the Activities Office will be mailing out a packet of 

information pertaining to boosters, clubs and orientation. Please 

look through the entire packet carefully. There is important 

information pertaining to the 2006-2007 school year. 

PEP SQUAD NEWS 

Pep Squad's Cheer and Songleading staff wishes 

our newest alumni families success and happiness 

as a new chapter begins for our graduating seniors. 

Congratulations to new Alumni Janelle Sanderson 

for her California All-State Team selection and 

scholarship, as well as Erin Weatherwax for the 

start of her professional cheer career with United 

Spirit Association. 

Good luck and thanks to our senior leaders: 

Aubrey Heim, Diana Hunt, Erin Weatherwax, 

Janelle Sanderson, Kathleen Donahue and Lauren 

Ingram. Each has been a wonderful example for 

her squad, each carried the torch of SMCHS 

traditions, supported her team mates, maintained 

good sportsmanship and worked hard to achieve 

her goals. Again, thank you girls. We wish you 

all the best in the future! 

Summer Cheer Camp will be held on June 28th, 

29th and 30th this year, hosted by our nationally 

ranked Cheer and Song teams. Please join us for 

a fun-filled camp experience. Forms are available 

on the school website. 

The Annual 

Half-Time Youth 

Cheer Clinic will 

be hosted this fall at 

one of the first home 

football games. This 

half-time Youth 

Clinic is always a 

special event for 

young cheerleaders who receive cheer lessons 

before game time and join our Pep Squad on the 

field in a special half-time performance. All future 

Eagles are invited to watch the SMCHS Pep web 

site for details later this summer. 


DANCE ANNOUNCES 2006-2007 TEAM 


The Eagle Dance Team is proud to announce the addition of nine new members, including four freshmen. After a very tough 

audition process, 22 members were selected to be a part of the prestigious team. Over the summer, the dancers will practice twice 

per week in preparation for their summer workshop in Las Vegas. The dancers will attend the Tremaine Dance Convention where 

they will study all types of dance styles from a variety of well-known teachers and choreographers. In August, the team will once 

again participate in and host the LA Dance Source Workshop. This is an opportunity for our dancers to work with some of the 

most successful LA choreographers in the business. To have these artists on our campus is a huge honor. For more information 

on the Dance Team or Dance Department, please visit our web site at www.smhs.org. 

The 2006-2007 Eagle Dance Team: Caroline Bramlage, 

Amanda Brewer, Kellie Caro, Michelle Crane, Michelle 

Cusator, Nicole Diubaldo, Rachel Gardner, Hannah 

Guerrero, Katie Kobayashi, Shelby Koehler, Brittany Lane, 

Cara Masters, Alyson Miller, Meghann Murphy, Brigette 

Myers, Lauren Perone, Mary Ann Peters, Rachel Pollard, 

Celia Rettenmaier, Shannon Tierney, Perry Van Boom 

and Andrea Villamar. 

At the California Association of Dance Teams Awards 

Banquet, two Santa Margarita Dance Team members 

walked away with the top scholarships awarded by the 

organization. 2005-2006 Dance Team captain, Michelle Campion, won the prestigious Kay Crawford Memorial Scholarship for 

leadership. Elyse Platt was the first place winner of the California Association of Dance Teams scholarship. Both dancers have 

been four year members of the SMCHS Dance Team, as well as soloists. Congratulations to Michelle and Elyse for this amazing 

and well deserved honor. 

MODEL 

Congratulations to this year’s gavel winners: Chris Barry, Flora 

Barron, Mikaila Becker, Skyler Courter, Billy Hull, Tanya Fragnito, 

Rebecca Bivona, Ashleigh Hvinden, Alyssa Figueras,Brandon Golob, 

Robyn Luttrell, Lauren Marchica, Nick Nader, John Maltese, Jessica Lucier, Sam 

Telly, Eliot Rebensdorf, Ryan Pefley 

The following students were recognized at the annual MUN awards banquet for their 

superior accomplishments and dedication to the MUN program: 

Secretary General’s Choice Award 

Kevin Jain 

Excellence in Leadership 

John Maltese and Jessica Lucier 

Best Delegates 

Sam Telly and Nick Nader 

UNITED NATIONS 

Student Advocate Award 

Michael Craigmile 

Richard Voelkel Visionary Award 

Danielle Potter 

South Orange County Model UN Conference (SOCOMUN) 

The 15th Annual SOCOMUN Conference will be held on September 30, 2006 at 

SMCHS from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is the first mandatory conference of the 

year for all MUN students. It is especially important for our freshman students, as it 

is an essential introduction to the world of Model UN! 

Congratulations to 

Samantha Telly (on 

right in photo) and 

Skyler Courter (on 

left) for winning first 

and third place 

respectively in the UNA-USA 

Orange County Essay Contest 

competition. The Mayor of Mission 

Viejo, Lance MacLean, announced 

the awards at the fifth annual 

International Festival at Soka 

University on Saturday, May 6, 

2006. Samantha was presented 

with a $100 check and Skyler 

was presented with a $25 check. 

Samantha’s winning essay was a 

letter to President Bush explaining 

what should be done regarding UN 

reform. Sam graduated with the 

Class of 2006 and was the Secretary 

General of the MUN program. Sam 

will be attending USC next year. 


11

12 


EAGLE COMPETITIVE DEBATE 

The Eagle Debate Novice Team ended the 

season with a competitive on-campus tournament 

enjoyed by all. The novice team has officially been 

invited to join the varsity team for next year’s season. 

They are looking forward to competition in Policy 

and Lincoln Douglas style debate, National and 

International Extemporaneous, Humorous and 

Dramatic Interpretation and Original Oratory. 

Continuing varsity members for the 2006-2007 

team: Kaitlin von Hoffman (President), Nick 

Pizzurro (Vice-President), Melissa Halbers, Bess 

Thomson, Erica Jain, Christina Andrews, Ashley 

Lazarz, Kevin Jain, Mark Connor, Megan Shain, 

Katie Fitzpatrick, Stefan Juneaus and David 

Liebel. The team is looking forward to tournaments 

throughout California and maybe some out-of-state 

travel with Nationals. Coach Hauser is looking 

forward to the new varsity members because at the 

end of 2007, she will be losing many four-year 

members. Look for many National Forensic 

Honor Cords at next year’s graduation. Honor 

cords by Eagle alumni most recently garnered by 

Brandon Golob ‘06 began with Devon Beckwith 

’03 and Greg Sayer ‘04 and Javanne Golob ‘04, 

intervening year winners Christina Maher ‘04, 

Katie McCarthy ‘04, Danielle La Chance ‘05, 

Kevin Kane ‘05 and Kate Jones ‘05. 

SEASON CLOSES… 

TEAM GROWS 

The Talon Theatre Arts Department closed a great season with packed houses 

for the Advanced Theatre Workshops of Steel Magnolias and Bright Ideas. 

The International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate Candidates successfully 

sent their portfolios and individual projects to the IB Council. Intermediate 

and advanced students look forward to next season and all levels are anticipating 

the full extra and co-curricular productions for the 2006-2007 season. See you 

next season! 

BAND MEMBERS WIN AWARDS, LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 

Congratulations to the graduating seniors in the Santa Margarita Band 

and Color Guard for a fantastic 2005-2006 year, as well as to all members 

who won awards and leadership positions, announced at the annual 

band and color guard banquet held on June 1, 2006. 

Eagle Regiment drum major in 2006-2007 will be Rebecca Nichols, 

and assistant drum major will be Ryan Pope. Color guard leaders will 

be Emily Howard, Natalia Sole-Almodovar and Marissa Morimoto. 

Graduating senior Jonathan Tanco was honored for his service as drum 

major, and Rebecca Nichols, as assistant drum major during 2005-2006. 

Graduating seniors Erin English and Jaclyn Miller and junior Emily 

Howard were recognized for their service as color guard captains during 

the past year. 

The John Philip Sousa Award, a nationally recognized honor given for 

outstanding dedication and superior musicianship, was presented to 

Jake Walsh, a clarinetist and four-year band member. The Louis 

Armstrong Jazz Award, a nationally recognized award to honor 

outstanding jazz students, was won by bass and guitar player 

Greg Halverstadt. 

Seniors who won Outstanding Musician awards were: Kristine Baluyot, 

Jeremy Collins, Arthur Vigil, Lauren Wood and Jake Walsh. The 

Outstanding Musician award also went to juniors Greg Halverstadt, 

Andrew King, Matt Kunicki and Kimberly Wilson, and to sophomore 

David Bird. 

The “On Fire” award was presented to senior Matthew Taylor; 

sophomore Jonathan Quirk; and freshman Sean Beever. Directors 

Awards were won by seniors Margaret Aust, Jonathan Tanco and 

Matthew Taylor; junior Taylor Bradford; sophomores Rebecca Lowe 

and Rebecca Nichols. 

Named Outstanding Band Members for each grade were: seniors 

Christopher David and Lauren Wood; junior Richard Cinco; 

sophomore Nicole Moss; and freshmen Sean Beever and Anne Lum. 

Taylor Bradford was named Outstanding Percussionist. 

Winning awards for Most Improved Band Members were: senior 

Taleen Jerijan; junior Collin Nelson; sophomore Ryan Pope and 

freshmen Nella Samra and Andrew Sheoni. Most Improved Jazz 

Band Member was junior Andrew King. 



Santa Margarita Catholic High school students participated in the fifth annual Eagles Soar for Charity fundraising drive in support 

of The Isaiah House (Orange County Catholic Worker) and raised $15,000. On Monday, May 15, 2006 over 50 freshmen walked 

five miles through Santa Ana learning about the homeless; how they got there and what they are doing to try to help their situations. 

At the conclusion of the walk, the members of the freshman Interdisciplinary Triad classes hosted a BBQ for the homeless at the 

Catholic Worker house. Prior to the walk, the students obtained sponsors. All of the money went to keeping the shelter open and 

allowing it to continue supplying food and shelter for many homeless men, women and children. The students raised a total of 

$15,000 that will directly support the Orange County Catholic Worker. 

The Isaiah House gives food, shelter and a safe place to sleep to an average of 100-150 homeless people per night (mainly women 

and children). They are able to do all of this for less than $5 per person per day. The Isaiah House is only able to survive based 

on charitable donations made throughout the year. 

The Make-A-Wish Club would like 

to thank everyone who either donated 

their time or money to this 

wonderful organization that grants 

wishes to kids with life-threatening 

diseases. As this year comes to an end 

the club would like to wish our senior 

members good luck and remember, 

keep up your philanthropy work, 

we're proud of you! 

The club will be kicking off the 

summer with a fun day in the sun 

at Wild Rivers on Saturday, July 8, 

2006. Members will be assisting the 

Foundation with this special event 

by sponsoring and running the ping 

pong/goldfish booth! Also, on 

July 14, 2006 the club will be 

participating at the Steinberg 

Leadership Institute of Teens being 

held at Soka University. Our very 

own, Alexia Bouttier (Class of 2008), 

will be a youth leader at this event! 

Best of all, we will be starting the 

new school year with a wish being 

granted to a local child. Stay tuned 

for more details! The Make-A-Wish 

Club welcomes all new members. 

Please check the school's website 

for more information. 

Eagles Soar for Charity 

On Tuesday, June 6, 2006, 34 golfers under the leadership of Event Chairs Ralph 

Linzmeier and Bob Gau achieved their goal: 100 holes of golf in one day and raising 

over $85,000 for SMCHS! The golfers enjoyed the cool day at Monarch Golf Links. 

We want to thank the following golfers: 

Rich Blanc 

Ron Blanc 

John Brady 

Michael Brand 

Matt Steinbach 

Les Bunge 

Cristy Chapman 

Ken Charhut 

Brandon Cosenza 

Deirdre Dolan 

Bob Gau 

Katie Gau 

Jeff Gibbs 

Jeffrey Harris 

John Hirschboeck 

Jim Hoff 

Brian Hogan 

Adam Hopp 

We want to thank the follow Tee Sign Sponsors: 

Albert & James Photography 

Apple Photography 

Avila El Ranchito 

California Stage & Lighting 

Champion Trophy Company of Southern California 

Dave Helman 

Jim Hoff & Asics 

Ingardia Bros. Produce 

Josten’s Graduation Products 

Josten’s Photography 

Juniors Golf Carts 

Mike Ramoska & Wilson Sporting Goods 

Sandy Hull 

Gary James 

George Lasezkay 

Ralph Linzmeier 

Dan Longo 

Jack Maxwell 

Patrick McCullagh 

John Nuccio 

Tim Pierce 

Jeff Reese 

Loyd Roux 

Steve Sellwood 

Brian Sperry 

Jim Stark 

Joel VanBoom 

Bill Visconti 

Burton Young 

Nowlin Fence, Inc. 

QSP 

Santa Margarita Ford 

Signature Party Rentals 

Skyline Pest Control 

TLC 

Thomson Learning 

Transportation Charter Services, Inc. 

Waxie Sanitary Supply 

Westway Enterprises 


13

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ACADEMIC news 

SM STUDENT TO PUBLISH FIRST NOVEL 

Class of 2006 International Baccalaureate (IB) 

Full Diploma Candidate Skyler Courter was an 

avid reader of short stories and novels at an early 

age. Her infatuation with reading grew into a 

passion for writing that led to the publication 

of her first novel. “I believe that the stories we 

read present us with an opportunity to gain 

insight into our own values, beliefs, morals, 

even prejudices, sometimes helping us realize 

what we must overcome to develop into better 

individuals,” said Skyler. Coming to a bookstore 

near you this month is KnightFALL, a novel which 

Skyler wrote at the age of 16, as an expression of 

her own insight into high school life. 

KnightFALL is a novel about Renee Knight, a 

fun-loving teenager whose life fell apart at the 

seams after a tragedy struck her family. Renee 

and her best friend spend a weekend with their two brothers on 

Catalina Island, off the coast of Southern California. But with the 

arrival of a stranger and a series of frightening deaths, Renee must 

confront her fears of the family accident, uncover the shocking 

identity of the culprit, and fight for survival to turn this vacation 

into what she had hoped – the trip of a lifetime. Published by 

Aventine Press, the 280-page novel will keep you on the edge of 

your seat. It is frightening and suspenseful. It is an amazing book 

for this summer reading. 

Skyler will be attending New York University, as a member of the 

Class of 2010 and will double major in comparative literature and 

cinema studies. To the promising writer, we wish her the best! 

Congratulations to creative writing students Jillian Gates, Kendall 

Mauvezin, and Billy Van Dorn! Each student will have a play published 

in the upcoming book, 101 Ten Minute Plays by Teens for Teens. 

Jillian Gates played Oliver in Talon Theatre’s spring production 

of Oliver! Jillian will attend DePaul University in the fall. 

Kendall Mauvezin will be studying theatre next year when she 

attends Chapman University. Kendall was accepted into the theatre 

program on her first audition at Chapman University, on the spot, 

an unusual happening which says a lot about her talent. 

Billy Van Dorn was a long-time student in the Talon Theatre and 

theatre arts department. 

SMCHS moves to E-News! 

In an effort to better communicate with the parents 

of our community, SMCHS is launching an updated 

newsletter format. SM Parents will now receive a 

monthly e-newsletter, called E-Wings, from 

SMCHS that will automatically link to our new 

website. More information regarding the E-Wings 

will be mailed home in the Activities mailer in 

August. In that mailing, you will receive specific 

instructions on how to register your e-mail address. 

Parents will no longer receive the printed WINGS on 

a bi-monthly basis; however, you will be able to 

personally print information from the e-newsletter. 

Parents will, however, continue to receive the Annual 

Report and the bi-annual Alumni Newsletter, WINGS, 

which will include a summary of happenings on 

campus from the previous semester. 

We feel that our new E-Wings format will provide 

parents and students of SMCHS with current, 

relevant and timely information regarding our school. 

We look forward to the change and hope that all 

of you do as well! 

The IB French students put their practice into 

play when they took their end-of-the-year field 

trip to La Maison Gourmet, a little café on Lake 

Mission Viejo. The class had to order their meal in 

French and enjoyed a marvelous time on the lake. 


SMCHS SAT I Prep Courses 

Fall 2006 Courses October 02-05, and 09-11, 2006 

November 16, 20-21, and 27-30, 2006 

The Course 

The SMCHS SAT Prep Course is an intense program 

covering all of the Math and English testing techniques and 

skills offered in the longer and more expensive courses. 

This 24-hour course is offered four times a year – twice 

in the fall, once in the spring and once in the summer: 

Course Course Dates SAT Test Date 

02 – 05 October 

Fall 

14 October 

09 – 11 October 

Fall 

Spring 

16 November 

20 – 21 November 

27 – 30 November 

23 – 26 April 

30 Apr – 03 May 

02 December 

05 May 

Summer To Be Determined None 

Note: SMCHS is an official testing site for the SAT on October 14, December 02 and May 05. 

Fall and Spring class dates are tentative and may change due to finalized school schedule. 

Both of the fall courses and the spring course are 

comprised of two classes – one in the afternoon and one in 

the evening. In the summer, there is only one class 

The courses last either seven or eight days. The first 

day is the longest day and will be used to administer an 

actual SAT test. It will be graded and scored by the 

students so they can test themselves in the future. This 

process will also give the students a base score to which 

they can compare all future test scores. 

Class time for the remaining six or seven days will be 

evenly divided between Math and Verbal classes. 

Within these classes the students will learn and practice 

test taking techniques and shortcuts, learn guessing 

strategies, complete vocabulary building exercises and 

valuable essay writing tips specifically for the NEW SAT 

test. 

Information about the SAT test and registration for the 

test may be obtained at the website: 

www.collegeboard.com.* 

*We have no affiliation with the College Board or ETS. 

The OCTOBER Course . . . 

The Afternoon Class – Where and When 

The first day of class will be held on Monday, October 

2 nd , in the Science Lecture Hall. Because the students will 

be taking a test, this class will last about 4 hours. The test 

will start at 2:45 p.m. and will last until approximately 6:45 

p.m. [Students should bring a calculator.] 

The remaining six classes (Tuesday through Thursday, 

10/03-05, and Monday through Wednesday, 10/09–11) will 

start at 2:45 p.m. Four of these days will last until 5:45 p.m. 

and two days will last until 6:45 p.m. 

The Evening Class – Where and When 

Although this class is open to all SMCHS students, it 

was originally established so that athletes have the 

opportunity to attend practice and still prepare for the SAT. 

The first day of this class will also be held on Monday, 

October 2 nd , in the Room G219. These students will also 

be taking an SAT test. The test will start at 6:00 p.m. and 

will last until approximately 10:00 p.m. 

Out of the remaining six classes (Tuesday through 

Thursday, 10/03-05, and Monday through Wednesday, 

10/09–11), four will last from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and 

two will last from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. 

Materials 

Each student will receive The Official SAT Study Guide, 

a Verbal manual and a Math manual. 

The Instructors 

The afternoon instructors are Elyse Rhodes (English 

Department) and Gary Fox (Math Department). The 

evening instructor is Sean Basford (Math Department). 

Questions? 


If you’d like to know more about the SAT or our 

preparation course, feel free to call me, Gary Fox, at (949) 

766-6000 x 4044. 

FALL 2006 REGISTRATION FORM SAT 

Please return this registration form with your check, payable to SMCHS. Both the afternoon and evening courses must 

each have a MINIMUM of 10 students and a maximum of 30 students. Once 30 students have registered, additional registrants 

will be placed on a wait list. If the wait list reaches 10, a second class will be opened. 

Registration will be filled on a first come, first served basis. All checks and registration forms must be returned by 

Wednesday, September 27 th for the October course and by Wednesday, November 13 th for the November course. 

Mail to: SAT Preparation Course, 22062 Antonio Pkwy, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 

Student Name: _______________________ Grade: _____ Price – $350 

Address: __________________________________________ [Price includes $50 for books/manuals.] 

__________________________________________ 

Home Phone: _______________________ �Course (please circle one): OCT NOV 

Work Phone: ________________________ �Class (please circle one): Afternoon Evening 

Registration and enrollment in these classes do NOT include payment or registration for the actual SAT Test on October 14 th . 


15

16 


Underclassmen Academic Awards 

SMCHS honored our juniors, sophomores and freshman for their outstanding academic accomplishments throughout the 

2005-2006 school year. Each day during the last week of regular classes, Brother Lawrence read the names of the students 

receiving the highest academic award in each of their classes. The presentations were made on Eagle Television and broadcasted 

to the entire student body. 

DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE: 

Jeffrey Reese – Concepts in Science 

(Human Biology & Ecology) 

Ashley Wilson – Concepts in Science 

(Physical Science & Chemistry) 

Bryan Figueras – Concepts in Science A 

(Human Biology & Ecology) 

Bryan Figueras – Concepts in Science A 

(Physical Science & Chemistry) 

Kristen Redsun – Biology 

Alexandra Rivera – Biology B 

Marisa Medina – Biology ID 

Kevin Jain – Biology Honors 

Liza Smith – Biology AP 

Erica Jain – Biology AP/IB 

Timothy Irani – Chemistry in the Community 

Jordan Heil – Chemistry 

Karina Galvin – Chemistry Honors 

Ryan Martin – Physics 

Teresa Henisey – Physics Honors 

Jessica Harnisch – Anatomy & Physiology 

Courtney Crisp – Anatomy & Physiology Honors 

Andrew Jones – Forensic Science 

Garret Roy – Oceanography / Marine Biology 

DEPARTMENT OF RELIGION: 

Parris Wells – Religion 1 

Hailey Schellin – Religion 1 ID 

Michael Erkelens – Religion 2 

Robert Sciulla – Religion 3 

Nicole L. Nelson – Religion 3 ID 

Samantha Hernandez – Philosophy HL 1 IB 

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES: 

Megan Michaels – Geography 

Courtney Henson – Geography ID 

Douglas Blaalid – Geography MUN 

Shannon Mitchell – World History 

Zachary Rackleff – World History 

Matthew Ferrara – World History ID 

Elizabeth Wildermuth – World History MUN 

Shivani Patel – World History AP 

Alyssa Rutherford – European History AP 

Mark Connor – United States History 

Brittany Lane – United States History 

Nicole L. Nelson - United States History ID 

Kaitlin Von Hoffmann – United States History MUN 

Katherine Fitzpatrick – United States History AP 

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL STUDIES CONT: 

Mark Hirschboeck – United States History IB 

Danielle Potter – United States Government 

Nicholas Pizzurro – Economics 

Gregory Zuccolotto – United States History 

& Politics AP 

Gregory Zuccolotto – Macroeconomics AP 

Corey Rovzar – Psychology AP 

Alison White – World War II 

James Stark – Introduction to Law 

Gregory Welch – Fundamentals of Business 

Ownership & Operation 

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS: 

Elizabeth Walker – Algebra 1A 

Alexandra Rivera – Algebra 1B 

Ryan Pinner – Intermediate Algebra 

Sahar Bagheri – Algebra 1 

Katherine Kennedy – Algebra 1 Honors 

Jamie Azdair – Algebra 2 

Kevin Jain – Algebra 2 Honors 

Kyle Aldridge – Geometry B 

Francesca Sefton – Geometry 

Karina Galvin – Geometry Honors 

Colleen McNutt – Precalculus 

Anna Patej – Precalculus Honors 

Jonathan David – Precalculus IB 

Jacqueline Lisinski – Virtual Skills 

Jennifer Peterson – Introduction to Programming 

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL ARTS: 

Stephanie Lu – Beginning Art 

Gerald Dalisay – Advanced Drawing IS 1 

Jaclyn Wickham – Painting 

Francesca Sefton – Advanced Painting 2 

Anne Loughman – Advanced Painting Honors 

Cassandra Lorton – Ceramics 

Mark Heard – Advanced Ceramics 

Michael Erkelens – Photography 

Michael Adame – Film as Art 

Ryan Martin – Video Graphics 

DEPARTMENT OF PERFORMING ARTS: 

Tiffany Schmidt – Beginning Handbells 

Shannon Mitchell – Advanced Handbells 

Jonathan David – Music Theory IB 

Catharine Bishop – Music Theory AP 

Beatrice Mora – Beginning Theatre Arts 

Kristen Fiore – Intermediate Theatre Arts 

Jessi Noel – Advanced Theatre Arts 

Katelyn Kitchens – Advanced Theatre Arts IB 

Jennifer Norman – Theatre Design & Practicum 

Cassandra Monnahan – Concert Choir 

Thomas Mina – Chamber Singer Honors 

Peter Currivan – Chamber Orchestra Honors 

Mark Dally – String Orchestra 

Taylor Bradford – Steel Drum Ensemble/Battery 

Alexander El Nabli – Steel Drum Ensemble/ 

Battery Honors 

David Bird – Steel Drum Ensemble / Pit 

Gregory Halverstadt – Steel Drum Ensemble/ 

Pit Honors 

Amanda Kiepe – Wind Ensemble 

Rebecca Nichols – Wind Ensemble Honors 

Meghann Murphy – Beginning Dance 

Jenna Dato-on – Intermediate Dance 

Emma De Lain – Intermediate Dance IB 

Rachel Pollard – Advanced Dance 

Samantha Hernandez – Advanced Dance IB 

Caroline Bramlage – Dance Production 

Michelle Pellizzon – Dance Production IB 

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION: 

Megan Vass – Physical Education 

Jessica Gatfield – Health ID 

Kim McKelligan – Health 

Brittany Forsdick – Fitness 1 

Ryan Draper – Athletic Conditioning 

DEPARTMENT OF WORLD LANGUAGES: 

Joseph Benton – Ancient Greek 1 Honors 

Emily Howard – Ancient Greek 2 Honors 

Kim McKelligan – French 1 

Megan McGannon – French 1 Honors 

Garrett Van Ruiten – French 2 

Mary Letourneau – French 2 Honors 

Julianna Bloom – French 3 

Kathleen Reed – French 3 Honors 

Jennifer Fink – French 4 

Raymund Parpana – Latin 1 


CONT. OF UNDERCLASSMEN 

ACADEMIC AWARDS 

DEPARTMENT OF WORLD LANGUAGES CONT: 

Viraj Patel – Latin 1 Honors 

Justin Breunsbach – Latin 2 

Michael Fice – Latin 2 Honors 

Mark Hirschboeck – Latin Literature AP 

Megan McGannon – Mandarin Chinese 1 

Kevin Doyle – Spanish 1A 

Christyn Rowatt – Spanish 1B 

Ashley Olsen – Spanish 1 

Alyssa Ferraro – Spanish 1 Honors 

Jeffrey Reese – Spanish 1 Honors 

Jared Shears – Spanish 2A 

Nikolas Dialynas – Spanish 2B 

Alican Pekcan – Spanish 2 

Rachel Pollard – Spanish 2 

Anna Patej – Spanish 2 Honors 

Natalie Garg – Spanish 3 Conversation 

Lauren Jenkins – Spanish 3 Conversation 

Brittany Lane – Spanish 3 

Alexandra Rivera – Spanish 3 Honors 

Christian Clinton – Spanish 4 IB 

Janis Shannon – Spanish 4 AP 

Nadia Moubayed – Spanish 4 AP/IB 

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH: 

Matthew Bock – Academic Literacy 

Cullen Landry – English 1 

Megan Michaels – English 1 Honors 

Shivani Patel – English 2 

Michael Shaffer – English 2 Honors 

Sarah Mitchell – English 3 

Stephanie Peckham – English 3 ID 

Michelle Smith – English 3 AP 

Teresa Henisey – English 3 AP/IB 

Jennifer Dragan – Film Aesthetics 

Katherine Fitzpatrick – International Trends 

in Cinema Honors 

Ryan Petersen – Creative Writing 

Baylie Dimitroff – Advanced Creative Writing 

Jennifer Choi – Journalism 1 

Katherine Weber – Advanced Journalism 

Kathleen Reed – Advanced Journalism 

Megan Michaels – Speech Communication 

Kevin Jain – Debate & Argumentation 


TEACHER RECOGNITION 

Congratulations to the following teachers who have been recognized 

by various organizations in the 2005-2006 school year: 

Hazel Dyer was recently appointed as a candidate into the Manchester 

Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women in Education. Hazel 

has also been considered for inclusion in the new edition of Who’s Who 

of American Women. 

The following teachers were included in the most recent publication 

of Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers: 

Mike Cope 

Florence Delfolie 

Peg Hanley 

Nancy Keane 

Nancy Shearon 

Kathy Shafranske 

Teresa Villa (for the third year in a row) 

Mark Van Ness (for the third year in a row) 

Kathy Shafranske has been included in the most recent publication 

of National Honor Roll’s Outstanding American Teachers, as well as Who’s 

Who of American Women. 

INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES GOING STRONG! 

This year’s Junior Triad instructor team of Jean Hauser, Lauren Brown and 

Lisa Gantz had a great year with a creative and innovative group. The final 

project for the year had the class in a meeting with the RSM City Planner 

and City Manager, which proved to be enlightening for all participants. 

The ID graduates of 2005 were the initiators of this particular experience 

and it has now become an integral part of the curriculum. The combination 

of Religious Studies/American History and American Literature proves to 

be an innovative source for today’s challenges. The students get hands-on 

experiences as citizens for this new millennium. The instructors are heartened 

by the thoughtful, logical manner by which the students tackle the US and 

world issues. If you are not apprised of the Interdisciplinary program available 

at SMCHS – look into it – you will be impressed. 


17

18 


SM Teachers Prepare for the 2006-2007 School Year 

During the summer months, much of the SMCHS faculty will be preparing for the upcoming school year by attending 

conferences and traveling to return to school in the fall with information and research to benefit the SM Students. 

Joan Alvarez is busy this summer! She was awarded a master’s degree in English from UCI on June 16, 2006. She attended a five-day 

International Baccalaureate Workshop on Internationalism in Pacific Grove in June. She will also attend a five-day Advanced Placement 

Workshop for English Language & Composition at the University of San Diego in July. 

Chris Baier will be spending a month in India filming a documentary on the work of a Jesuit priest and his Human Rights Organization. 

Renee Blanc will be taking an online summer school class this summer. She will be taking Health Education: Health Care 

Perspectives for Teachers through the University of San Diego. 

Doris Gatfield will be attending the Learning Brain Expo in Florida from July 19-22nd. 

Tom Gerlach will be attending the Fulbright Summer Classics Seminar in Rome and Naples. 

Jean Hauser will be running a three week Introduction to Debate Workshop in July for middle school students at St. Margaret's. 

Judy Luttrell will be attending a week-long AP Literature and Composition course in San Diego during the last week in July. 

Mark Powell enrolled in the AP By the Sea Workshop at University of San Diego the last week in June. It is a five-day workshop 

on Physics. 

Swami Greg Rhodes will be exploring the culture, art, and geography of India for two months. 

Nancy Shearon will attend the National Archives summer workshop for educators called Primarily Teaching 2006 from July 10-14, 

in Laguna Niguel. This workshop, presented by the staff of the National Archives and Records Administration, "provides a varied 

program of lectures, demonstrations, analysis of documents, independent research and group work that introduces teachers to the 

holdings and organization of the National Archives. Participants will learn how to do research in historical records, create classroom 

materials from records, and present documents in ways that sharpen students' skills and enthusiasm for history, social studies, and the 

humanities. Each participant will select and research a specific topic using the records of the National Archives, and develop a teaching 

unit that can be presented in his or her own classroom." 

Nadia Sinitskaia will be attending three summer sessions: On July 20 she will attend the Choral Super Session in Las Vegas. From 

July 26-28, she will attend the Concordia Summer Ring in Irvine and then from August 7-11, she will attend the Choral Ensemble 

Vocal Technique in Pasadena. 

Carol Smith will be working with Agile Mind, an education company formed in 2001 to enhance both equity and high achievement 

in challenging academic courses. In collaboration with the Charles A. Dana Center at the University of Texas at Austin, the company 

has developed research-based resources to support high achievement for a broad range of students. It is an organization built on a 

combination of high-tech and high-touch strategies. In addition to Internet-delivered services, educators and administrators also 

receive face-to-face seminars, mentoring, and high-quality support materials to manage their demanding workloads, improve their 

expertise, and dramatically improve outcomes for their students. 

Dr. Jeff VanderWilt will be teaching a two-week graduate class at St. Joseph's College in Standish, Maine. The class is called 

"The Mass: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." It is offered by their Master's in Pastoral Theology program. 

Christine Veilleux left on June 10th for New Jersey to grade the French AP exam. The following week she attended a five-day 

conference in San Diego for the AP course in Psychology. 

Mike Woods is going to Colorado State to work for the College Board reading AP Government tests. 

Dave Zeitler will be attending the Summer Science Institute at UCI during the first week of August. 


The Eagle Athletes had an amazing 2005-2006 season. All teams 

performed well in the Serra League. The following list is a recap 

of the season’s champions: 

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL 

• Serra League Champions 

• CIF Runner-up 

GIRLS WATER POLO 


BOYS SOCCER 


• CIF Champions 

GIRLS SOCCER 


BOYS GOLF 


• CIF Champions 

BOYS SWIMMING 


GIRLS SWIMMING 



Fall Season: 

GIRLS GOLF 


Winter Season: 

GIRLS BASKETBALL 


Boys Basketball 


WRESTLING 

• Individual Serra League Champions: 

Eric Lake, Mike King, Biagio Scarpello, 

Grady Murphy and Chris Maclean 

Spring Season: 

• Four girls won the CIF Championship in the 4 x 50 freestyle relay: 

Darby Anderson, Breanna Gordon, Katie Whichard and Devonie Migues. 

Stay Tuned... 

BOYS TRACK 

• Ryan Martin – 800 Meter CIF 

Champion 

GIRLS TRACK 


BOYS VOLLEYBALL 


• Advanced CIF Playoffs 

A summary for every sport will be included in the 

2005-2006 Annual Report which will be mailed in late 

Fall 2006. 

ATHLETIC news 

Girls Track & Field 

On behalf of all of the coaches I would like to 

thank all of the girls’ track and field families for 

their unbelievable support and generosity this 

season. I would also like to thank you for the very 

nice gifts that we received at the banquet. I hope 

that you all have a great summer and I look forward 

to another great season in 2007. 

Sincerely, 

Coach Hayes Ferry 

Boys Track & Field 

Coach Zeitler & his coaching staff would like 

to thank the boys Track & Field parents for their 

generous post season gifts. Coaching the boys is 

fun for us and our pleasure...we thank you for 

your appreciation. 

Eagles Hosted Lift-a-Thon 

In April 2006, the Eagle Football Team had 

a lift-a-thon to raise money for former coach, 

John Royston, who was critically injured in a 

hit-and-run accident. The team is proud to 

report that the lift-a-thon was very successful. 

The four-day event generated media support 

from the Orange County Register and the 

Channel 4 News. The media attention 

generated an additional $4,100 directly 

to the John Royston Fund. 

In addition to monies already collected, a 

Servite Family will be matching lift-a-thon 

monies up to $10,000 and Shea Homes will 

donate up to $20,000 for a specific item, i.e. 

helping to retrofit their house or providing 

a handicapped vehicle. 

Thank you to all who supported this very 

special fundraising event. It was a huge success! 


19

20 


SMCHS 18th Annual 

EAGLE Open Golf Tournament 

Benefiting Girls Basketball & Football 

Monday, August 14th, 2006 

at Marbella Country Club 

For more information or a brochure, 

please contact Derrek Uhl, Football Office, 

949-766-6000 ext. 2216 or 

UhlD@smhs.org 

Boys Cross Country 

The Boys Cross Country team has started preparing for the 

upcoming season. Any boy looking to participate on this year’s 

team should join the summer program that officially starts at 

7:15 a.m. on July 10, 2006. The team will meet at the weight 

room before starting their workout. Further details about the 

summer program, and much more, can be found on our web 

site: www.smeaglesxctf.org. 

Eagle Summer Camps 

Please check the athletic webpage for information 

on summer camps. All SM sports that are offering 

summer camps have information posted, as well as 

registration information. 

There are many sport teams that are offering camps 

for Future Eagles (youth camps). 

Congratulations to Eagle Basketball player, Whitney Wood, 

who has verbally committed to Colorado State. Whitney, Class 

of 2007, will play her senior season with the Eagles next year.. 

Whitney has earned recognition for her talent in CIF and the 

Serra League with MVP of the Serra League; All-team Orange 

County Register; and back to back CIF player of the year. 

Congratulations... 

OCYSF Honors SM Athletes 

The Orange County Youth 

Sports Foundation (OCYSF) 

honored two Santa 

Margarita Catholic High 

School seniors, Katia Correa 

and Thomas Hull, at its 

annual awards dinner on 

Wednesday, May 17, 2006 

in Santa Ana, California. 

The OCYSF has awarded over 

$1,000,000 in scholarships 

in its 35-year history. SMCHS was the only high 

school in Orange County to have two OCYSF award 

winners this year. 

The OCYSF bestowed scholarship awards on Thomas 

Hull and nine other scholar athletes from ten different 

Orange County high schools, based on grade point 

average, academic and athletic performance, extra 

curricular activities and community service. Thomas 

was one of four football players in Orange County to 

be so honored. Since 1972, OCYSF has awarded 87 

scholarships to young Orange County men and women 

who have excelled in sports, academics and citizenship. 

The Foundation also presented the Jim Valentine 

Courage Award to Eagle basketball player, Katia Correa, 

as one of three student athletes from three different 

high schools, based on success attained in overcoming 

or adapting to adversity. Since 1982, 33 young student 

athletes have received the OCYSF’s prestigious Jim 

Valentine Courage Award to assist them in pursuing 

their education. These students had suffered serious, 

and in some cases, catastrophic injuries or illnesses. As 

special as the award has become to OCYSF, even more 

special has been the opportunity to monitor the heroic 

efforts of the winners as they overcome or adapt to 

their misfortunes. 

Congratulations to John Fitzpatrick, Head Girls Softball 

Coach, who was chosen to coach the South Softball Team 

in the 14th Annual All-Star North/South Softball Game 

on Tuesday, June 6, 2006 at California State University- 

Fullerton at the Softball Field. The top female high school 

seniors from Orange County competed in this game. 

Congratulations to Coach Fitzpatrick for this coaching honor! 


2006 Swim Team 

The 2006 SMCHS Swimming and Diving team 

wrapped up another successful season amidst 

news that the school’s long-awaited pool is now 

only months away. This season saw the swim 

team break 14 new Serra League records on the 

way to sweeping the six team championships; 

boys and girls varsity, junior varsity, and 

frosh/soph. Responding to the theme of 

“back-to-back,” the swim team has now swept 

all of the league titles for the past two seasons; 

an accomplishment no other team has reached 

in Serra League history. 

The girls varsity enjoyed one of the best seasons 

in team history with championships at the Villa 

Park Relays, the Capo Valley Relays, and the 

prestigious Foothill Swim Games. The girls 

finished with an overall record of 7-1 and 

finished as the CIF Division I Runner-ups. 

The team of Darby Anderson, Breanna Gordon, 

Katie Whichard and Devonie Migues won a CIF 

title in capturing the 200 freestyle relay at CIF 

finals. Seniors Devonie Migues and diver 

Caitlin Atkinson were selected NISCA Speedo 

All-Americans. 

The boys varsity also completed a terrific season, 

winning the Foothill Swim Games for the first 

time in school history and claiming their second 

straight Serra League championship. The boys 

team ended up with a 5-3 overall record, a 7th 

place ranking in the Orange County Register’s 

Top 10 Poll and three All-American times. 

Senior Brett Chamberlain was named an All- 

American in the 200 and 500 freestyles, Eric 

Babbitt set a new Serra League record in the 100 

butterfly and the team of Chamberlain, Babbitt, 

Rickey Wilson and Johannes Elbertse sprinted to 

an All-American time in the 200 medley relay. 


Baseball Recognition 

A Recognition Banquet was held at the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet 

Club in honor of all the 2005-2006 Baseball athletes. The SMCHS 

baseball coaches recognized the athletes individually for their hard work, 

dedication and drive. Special recognition went to the following athletes: 

Making Orange County All-Star Baseball Team were Jeff Cusick and 

Danny Bibona. Jeff Cusick batted .446 with five home runs and 23 

RBIs while Danny Bibona batted .429 with one home run and 15 RBIs. 

Making the First Team All Serra League was senior infielder Jeff 

Cusick, who will attend UC Irvine. Named to the Second Team All 

Serra League was senior pitcher BJ Thompson, who finished with an 

ERA of 2.019 and 26 Ks in 34.2 innings. 

Joe Nanci (Varsity) received the Coaches' Award. Jay Shears 

(Junior Varsity) and Hunter Warkentien (Freshman) received the Eagle 

Award. All three athletes served as role models, displaying excellent 

work ethics, leadership, dedication and perseverance. 

Robert Kelly and Stuart Zach were named the Most Valuable Players 

for Freshman and JV levels, respectively. Blake Leyva (Freshman) 

received the Most Outstanding Player. Jeff Brewer (Junior Varsity) was 

named Offensive MVP. 

BJ Thompson (Varsity) was named Top Scholar Athlete for his 

outstanding academic achievements. For four consecutive years, he maintained 

the highest GPA on the team (4.0 and above). BJ, a Full IB student, 

will be attending MIT. Chris Lupin and Nick Matranga were 

also named Top Scholar Athlete for Junior Varsity and Freshman, 

respectively. 

Congratulations to all of these dedicated young men! They gave their 

all and are absolutely deserving of this recognition. SMCHS bids 

farewell to the Class of 2006 with pride and gratitude. Nine out of 12 

senior athletes will be going to a four-year college and will play baseball. 

They are: 

Mike Aspegren – Johns Hopkins University (Blue Jays) 

Danny Bibona – UCI (Anteaters) 

Freddy Carrera - Northeastern University (Huskies) 

Jeff Cusick – UCI (Anteaters) 

Michael Ferraro – University of San Diego (Toreros) 

Kevin Harves – University of Wisconsin at Whitewater (Warhawks) 

Jordan Selva – Ganzaga University (Bulldogs) 

Jon Trujillo - Utah Valley State (Wolverines) 

BJ Thompson – MIT (Engineers) 

Bill Visconti, Baseball Booster Club President, praised Head Coach Kris 

Jondle in his first baseball season at SMCHS as “a coach with passion, 

integrity, and strength. He provided our athletes an experience of true 

Christian competition, developing their athletic skills, but more 

importantly teaching them the values of good sportsmanship, 

self-discipline, respect for others, and responsibility.” Coach Jondle is 

making an impact extending well beyond the diamond. The baseball 

parents and athletes echoed Visconti’s sentiments. 


21

22 

SENIORS 

August 10th - A-I 

August 11th - J-R 

August 14th - S-Z 

JUNIORS 




SOPHOMORES 


August 21st - J-R 

August 22nd - S-Z 

FRESHMAN 




GENERAL news 

EAGLE’S NEST 2006-2007 BOOK SALES 

The Eagle's Nest will be open from 

7:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. 

until 3:30 p.m. during book sales. 

It is very important that you make your 

purchases only at your appointed time 

so that we can serve everyone in the 

most efficient manner. USED BOOKS 

WILL BE APPORTIONED 

EQUALLY ON EACH SALE DAY! 

This will ensure everyone having equal 

opportunity to buy used books if they 

choose. 

If you will be on vacation, etc. during 

your allotted day, you may have a 

friend pick up your schedule in the 

bookstore and purchase books for 

you. If you choose to purchase books 

BEFORE your scheduled time, you 

must purchase all new books. 

Thank you in advance for your 

adherence to the above schedule. 

SMCHS is pleased to announce that Bishop Tod Brown of the 

Diocese of Orange has allocated a grant in the amount of $110,000 

to provide Tuition Assistance to students from Santa Margarita 

Catholic High School for the 2006-2007 school year. There will be 

38 families who receive assistance from the Diocese in the 2006-2007 

school year. 

Eligibility for this funding is restricted to Roman Catholic 

students with financial need who reside within the geographical limits 

of the Diocese of Orange. Recipients must be registered members of 

a parish within the Diocese. 

In addition to the Diocese allocated grant, SMCHS also has a tuition 

assistance program. There are 89 families who will receive assistance 

from SMCHS in the 2006-2007 school year. The monies are funded 

by SMCHS and private donations. Please call the Business Office at 

949-766-6060 for more information. 

BUSINESS OFFICE NEWS 

As we begin our new ‘tuition’ year we would 

like to go over a few things with you. 

All of our tuition payment schedules began on 

July 1, 2006. If you are paying on the annual 

plan your full payment was due on July 1st. If 

you are paying on the semi-annual plan your first 

half year payment was also due on July 1st and 

your second half year payment will be due on 

January 1, 2007. If you chose to pay on the 

10-month payment plan your first payment was 

due on July 1, 2006 and the first of the month 

thereafter through April 1, 2007. We can only 

accept Visa or Master Charge for the semi-annual 

payment or the Annual payment. We cannot 

accept credit card payments for the monthly 

payments. 

Please make your payment on the first of the 

month and no later than the 10th of the month 

by 4pm. If your payment is received after 4pm 

on the 10th of the month your tuition account 

will automatically be charged a $10.00 late fee. 

There are no exceptions. 

When making your payment, please put the 

billing account number that is found over your 

name on the billing statement, in the memo 

portion of the check. Also, please tear off the 

top portion of the billing statement to send with 

your check. By doing this, you will ensure that 

your payment will be credited to your account. 

If during the school year you find that you are 

in need of Financial Aid, please do not hesitate to 

call the Business Office to make arrangements to 

pick up a Financial Aid package. And if you feel 

that you would like to make a donation to our 

Financial Aid program to help someone who may 

be experiencing a financial setback due to a job 

loss, poor health or a death in their family, please 

send your donation to the Business Office and 

please note on your check that it is for the 

Financial Aid program. Thank you so much 

for considering this in your financial plans. 

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and 

please call the Business Office at 949-766-6051 

if you have any questions regarding your tuition 

and payments. 


HELP! 

M ISSING A LBERTSONS I NFORMATION 

If you have registered your Albertsons card in the Community 

Partners Program and designated SMCHS to receive your credit, 

please check your card number to see if one of the following card 

numbers belongs to you or someone you registered: 

42555121525, 42555117789, 42572080333, 42574333526, 

42574425828, 42574940451, 

Also, we are not able to match the following supporters to a 

SMCHS student: 

Anna Cuterrer – 42571770072 

Elizabeth Dubiof – 42574072130 

Shannon R. Gaffney – 42571141913 

Raina M. Goff – 42555147791 

Elizabeth J. Nierzwleri – 42570582500 

Jean A. Schwartz – 42570196744 

These names and numbers are listed on the quarterly Albertson’s 

report, however, we are not able to apply the credit to any 

SMCHS student’s tuition account, sport or club. If one of these 

names or numbers belongs to you, please call or e-mail Catherine 

Hassen at 949-766-6004 or HassenC@SMHS.org. 

I MPORT ANT E -SCRIP I NFORMATION 


E MPTIES 4 CASH 

Santa Margarita Catholic High School 

has launched a recycling and fundraising 

program with the help of a recycling 

company called Empties4Cash. Please 

bring the empty inkjet cartridges, 

secured in a sealed plastic bag, to school 

and put them in the collection box 

located in the Front Office. SMCHS will be reimbursed 

for each empty inkjet cartridge that has a print head. We 

need cartridges from all of the following brands of printers 

that have print heads: HP, Lexmark, Xerox, Compaq, 

Samsung, Kodak, Canon (not BCI), Apple, Sharp, Dell 

and Brother. 

No Epson, Laser Toners or 

Canon BCI cartridges, please! 

Thank you in advance for helping us recycle ink cartridges 

and participating in this fundraising program. If you have 

any questions, please call or e-mail Catherine Hassen at 

949-766-6004 or HassenC@SMHS.org 

You may register your Albertson’s Preferred Savings Card at the front desk of SMCHS in person or you may e-mail your name, 

card number, phone number and the name of the SMCHS student to receive your credit to HassenC@SMHS.org. Albertsons 

will donate back to the school quarterly a percentage (up to $250/month = 1%; $250-$450/month = 2%; $400-$500 = 3% 

and over $500/month = 4%) of your purchases from Albertsons and Sav-On which we will split with you; half to the school’s 

operating fund and half to your student’s tuition, sport or club. 

You may register your Ralph’s Club Card at the front desk of SMCHS or via e-mail as above to also receive credit for your 

student’s tuition, sport or club. Please provide the student’s name, the card number, mailing address and phone number of 

the card holder. Your Ralph’s purchases will be tracked by your club card usage and a percentage of your purchases 

($0-$500/month = 4% and over $500/month = 5%) will be donated back to the school quarterly, which we will also 

split with you. 

Register your credit cards/ATM cards at www.escrip.com and when you use those cards to make purchases at eScrip vendors listed 

on their website, a percentage of your purchases will be donated back to the school and we will also split that percentage with you. 

Please make sure that you update the credit card expiration dates with eScrip so they can continue to track your purchases. 

Obtain even more credit by registering family and friends’ cards, also! IMPORTANT: Please remember to notify us of their 

name(s) so we can give the credit to your student. 

Call Catherine Hassen at 949-766-6004 or e-mail HassenC@SMHS.org with any questions. 


23

Dear SMCHS Mothers, 

24 


Mothers Club 

Wow! It’s time to say goodbye for 2005-2006. This 

year has flown by too quickly. Many life changes 

have taken place both to our mothers and for our kids. 

Everyone is another year older and another year wiser! 

Mothers Club finished its year with a successful 

Fashion Show. Congratulations to Sally McLeod 

and Janet Lisinski for chairing a fabulous event. 

The kids looked stunning in their outfits from 

Replay and were lucky enough to take them home. 

The food was delicious and the setting was beautiful. 

Thank you to all the ladies who decorated the 

tables, they took your breath away the moment 

you walked into the room. 

To the rest of my board, I want to give a heartfelt 

thank you for working so hard these past two years. 

These ladies gave us fabulous programs, great social 

outings and most of all friendships to treasure. 

Mothers Club’s gifts to me were these ladies who 

have become my friends and have been with me 

through two years. I hope that many of you who 

have not checked out Mothers club as of yet, will 

do so next year. It is a place just for us moms to 

enjoy each other and open doors we may not 

have opened before. 

To Linda Birck, I say, “thank you, good luck and go 

get ‘em!” Linda will be the new president next year 

and she will make mothers club an even better place, 

although it’s pretty darn good right now! Please join 

us next year and see what we are all about and know 

that there are other moms out there who are feeling 

all the things you are, asking the same questions and 

looking for someone just like you. 

So long, farewell, but not goodbye. You all have 

touched me and I thank you for that. 

God Bless, 

Gail Nichols 

2005-2006 SMCHS Mothers Club President 

Dear Santa Margarita Families, 

Summertime, and the living is easy… so the old Cole Porter song 

goes. However, it seems like this summer is only slightly modified 

from the school year! The Santa Margarita School campus keeps busy 

with summer school, summer camps and team practices. We keep 

driving our kids to and from their activities, trying ever harder to 

fit a beach day in. Summer isn’t so easy after all! 

Many, many thanks for those men, women, parents, faculty and 

student alumni, who participated in the Golf Marathon, held June 

6th at Monarch Beach Golf Links. It was a great day, with beautiful 

weather and wonderful company, working towards a common goal 

of raising funds for our teacher and staff annual bonuses. A big 

round of applause goes to Clark Hyman, Bob Gau, Ralph Linzmeier 

and George Lasezkay for all of their hard work and effort to make 

this day the success it was. 

We have received a lot of calls from parents who weren’t on the last 

Safe Homes list that was sent out in late April. We are sorry if we 

inadvertently omitted your name. I did receive several pledge cards 

after the list was already sent to the printer. Each family will have a 

new opportunity to participate in the 2006-2007 Safe Homes 

program. I will be mailing out this year’s paperwork by the middle 

of July and will be asking for a return of all pledge cards by August 

15. Everyone needs to sign up each year; the list does not carry over 

from year to year. Please be on the lookout for those yellow envelopes! 

We bid a fond farewell to Mark & Isabel Bloom, Robin & Gary 

Griffin, and Oonagh & Ralph Linzmeier, as they end their tenure on 

the Guild Executive Board. We will truly miss their enthusiasm and 

energy and wish them the best in all their future endeavors. Thank 

you for everything you have done to make Santa Margarita a better 

place, for our students, faculty and families. We appreciate your hard 

work and dedication. 

We hope your summer does slow down to a less hectic pace and that 

you have a safe and relaxing few months. We look forward to seeing 

everyone again this fall. 

Sincerely, 

Patty and Hal Brand 

The Guild 


Hooray for Hollywood! 

375 guests, including mothers, daughters, grandmothers and aunts, 

gave a “Hooray for Hollywood” by attending the Santa Margarita 

Catholic High School Mothers Club 16th Annual Luncheon & 

Fashion Show on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at the Fairmont Hotel in 

Newport Beach. As is tradition, the guests sat at beautifully 

designed table centerpieces created by the talented members and 

guests in attendance, each one relating to the theme, “Hooray for 

Hollywood!” In total, there were 38 picturesque tables. The Fashion 

Show, co-chaired by SMCHS Mothers, Janet Lisinski and Sally 

McLeod, featured 79 senior students, nine faculty & staff members 

modeling fashions from clothing company, Replay. The highlight 

of the show featured SMCHS senior students bidding all a farewell 

walk down the runway, featuring their choice of college sweatshirts. 

As a special surprise, all of the models were given the clothes they 

wore in the fashion show! 

Replay was so pleased with the 

success of the show – it was their 

“thank you” to the models. 

Attention Class of 2007! All 

seniors will be invited to join 

in the Mothers Club 17th 

Annual Luncheon & Fashion 

Show which will take place in 

May 2007. Information will 

be available in January 2007. 

SMCHS Mothers Club 

RACE FOR THE CURE 

Please join us on Sunday, 

September 24, 2006 at 7:30 a.m. for the 

5k walk/run which takes place at Fashion Island, 

Newport Beach. To join our team please visit: 

www.ocraceforthecure.kintera.org/smchsmothersclub 

Team t-shirts can be ordered from Donna Petrilli 

at dmpfit1@aol.com for $10 each. 


On Friday, May 12, 2006 the SMCHS community came together to celebrate our last Mass in the 

2005-2006 school year. The Mass was a Marian Celebration, as well as a farewell ceremony to the 

Class of 2006. Special guests to the Mass were SMCHS grandparents, Founders and friends. SMCHS 

Chaplain, Father Craig Butters, presided over the Mass and the SM Worship Band led our community 

in song. After the Mass there was a reception in the Strader Grotto, where students could visit with 

their grandparents. 

If you missed this year’s Marian Mass & Grandparents Day and would like to be included in next 

year’s celebration, please call the Office of Development at 949-766-6080 to receive an invitation. 


25

DEVELOPMENT news 

The “Completing the Dream” Campaign for Santa Margarita Catholic High School seeks to build on traditions, 

sustain excellence, ensure a lasting legacy and complete the original dream of the school’s Founders. After several 

years of careful planning and preparation, the Campaign for SMCHS is being organized to provide the financial 

resources necessary to complete construction of several critical facilities through the four remaining milestones of 

the school’s updated Master Plan. 

26 

Milestone One – Approximately $8 Million 

• State-of-the-art Aquatic Center with 50-meter 

Olympic qualifying swimming pool, bleacher seating 

for 400, shower facilities and concession area. 

• 114 additional parking spots added to the senior 

parking lot. 

• Three permanent buildings with storage facilities 

for student activities and weight room facilities. 

Milestone Two – Approximately $6.5 Million 

• Permanent building to house student and school 

facilities including additional classroom space, general 

meeting and conference rooms, athletic facilities, 

football offices, team rooms, wrestling practice area 

and storage. 


Santa Margarita Catholic High School 

Please help us Complete the Dream: 

Megan Meihaus 

SMCHS Development Office 

949-766-6080 

Campaign@smhs.org 

Invites you to join us as we begin 

Completing the Dream 

and officially launch construction 

at a very special 

Groundbreaking Ceremony 

Saturday, July 8, 2006 

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

SMCHS Campus 

DEVELOPMENT news 

Milestone Three – Approximately $8 Million 

• Permanent classroom building to replace portable 

facilities. The new classroom building will include a 

state-of-the-art science wing with increased lab areas 

and workspace and will house the Eagle Television 

studios and the Auxiliary Studies Program. 

Milestone Four – Cost Not Yet Available 

• State-of-the-art Performing Arts Center with 

theatre seating and performing arts classrooms and 

practice facilities (band, orchestra, choral and drama) 

• Remodeled offices in the Administration Building 

(Lyon Hall) to permanently relocate the Business and 

Development Offices. 

• One-level parking deck over the senior parking lot. 

Blessing and dedication by 

Most Reverend Tod D. Brown, D.D. 

Bishop of Orange 

Special family portraits and other surprises 

Fun for the whole family 

Invitations were mailed in early June, if you did not 

receive an invite, please call 949-766-6080 

Or e-mail campaign@smhs.org 

Enter campus at the back parking lot on the corner 

of Plano Trabuco and Dove Canyon 

(Look for our event signs) 


27

28 

ALUMNI news 

Welcome to our 2006 Alumni summer edition of WINGS! 

The months have flown by since our winter edition of Wings, but it is that time again when we reach out to our now 5,858 alumni, 

alumni parents and current families, too! It is time to sit back and read all of the great updates on your classmates and catch up on 

some fun events that have taken place at your alma mater. Be sure to read ALL of Wings so you can be in the know on some of the 

exciting happenings here on campus. Take a few minutes to read about the present and the future, while reminiscing about the 

wonderful past that you have shared with your SMCHS family. We are so happy that you continue to share your lives with us! 

Contents 

29 

30 

31 

32 

33 

36 

43 

44 

ALUMNI 

of Santa Margarita Catholic High School 

Eagle Alumni Scholarship Winners 

Alumni Speakers on Campus 

The Class of 1996 says, “I do” 

36 Married Couples... and Growing! 

Alumni Out & About 

Alumni Sports & Football Ticket Order Form 

More than 80 Class Updates & Photos 

Check out the new & improved www.smhs.org 

Update Form 

And much more… 

29 29 

30 32 

36 

Enjoy your alumni issue of Wings! Send us your comments, 

suggestions and of course, your updates. We want to 

share your good news too! The deadline for the winter 

issue of Wings will be November 1, 2006! Contact 

Michele Papay in the Alumni Office at 949-766-6000 

ext. 1511 or alumni@smhs.org. Be sure to visit our 

website at www.smhs.org in-between the issues of Wings 

so you can learn all the up-to-date news over the coming 

months. We are so proud of our former Eagles and 

would love to hear from you! 

ATTENTION: 

C LASS OF 1996 AND C LASS OF 2001! 

Your reunions are here, July 8, 2006 for the Five Year and 

July 22, 2006 for the Ten Year. It is not too late to attend. 

All reunion invitations have been mailed. If you know of 

anyone who has not received their invitation, please call 

the Alumni Office at 949-766-6000, ext. 1511 right away. 

Hope to see you at the reunions! 

S A V E T H E D A T E! 

C LASS OF 1997 AND 

C LASS OF 2002! 

CLASS OF 2002 FIVE YEAR REUNION 

SATURDAY, JULY 14, 2007 

CLASS OF 1997 TEN YEAR REUNION 

SATURDAY, JULY 28, 2007 

Be sure that the Alumni Office has your 

updated mailing address. E-mail updates to 

alumni@smhs.org 


ALUMNI RETURN TO CAMPUS 

This past semester a couple of SMCHS alumni returned 

to campus and reconnected with their alma mater on a 

different level. We have so many incredible alumni with 

such diversified accomplishments. We hope to continue 

to have our alumni return to campus, as it is a great 

experience for everyone involved and a wonderful way 

for the past and the present of Santa Margarita to meet. 

Courtney Harper ’04, who is now 

attending UCI, spent an entire Friday in 

April back on campus. However, instead 

of attending classes like she used to, 

Courtney was at the front of the 

classroom speaking to the senior religion 

classes. Dr. Jeff VanderWilt had 

requested an alum to discuss college life 

with his students and Courtney was the 

perfect choice. She spent the entire day 

on April 28th, telling the senior students 

about the challenges and opportunities that college 

presents. This gave them the opportunity to hear first hand 

what might be ahead for them. Courtney shared her 

personal and spiritual journey and then handled questions 

with confidence and true empathy. Dr. VanderWilt was 

incredibly pleased and said that Courtney was a great 

inspiration to the students. It was a long day for Courtney 

but she enjoyed having the opportunity and said that if 

only one student gained something from the experience 

that it was well worth her time. Thank you, Courtney, 

for caring and for doing such a great job! 

Matthew Brabek ’93 began a journey 

about three years ago and has traveled half 

way around the world. After spending 

time as an ambulance driver, surf 

photographer and geologist, Matthew said 

he began living a dream he did not even 

know he dreamt. He recently returned to 

our campus on January 5th and spent the 

day in Elaine Jones’ Cultural Geography 

classes. Matthew was entertaining as he 

shared stories about an extended stay in 

Papua New Guinea, where he was involved in the 

production of a film for National Geographic. He told the 

students about the cultural based community, showed a 

photo presentation, shared samples of colorful hand made 

hats, a bow and arrow set and other local artifacts and even 

sang a song in “pigeon,” one of the 800 different languages 

that is spoken in Papua New Guinea. The freshman classes 

enjoyed the real life geography lesson and you could definitely 

feel Matthew’s passion in his stories and his message. He 

wanted the students to realize that sometimes they have to 

put themselves “out there” and “create opportunities," and 

also his favorite saying now of, “don’t dream it, do it.” It 

was an educational and fun day for both Matthew and the 

classes. Thank you, Matthew, for sharing your dream! 


SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED 

The Eagle Alumni Association Scholarship 

tradition continued with the presentation of 

two $1,000 scholarships at Senior Awards 

Night on May 17, 2006. There were a record 

number of applicants this year. Five finalists 

were selected and interviewed. The group of 

finalists is always a little different and this 

year they were friendly, confident and 

well-spoken. During the interviews, each 

of them was asked for one word to describe 

Santa Margarita and they 

responded with: “amazing;” 

“diverse;” “stimulating;” 

“relaxing;” and a made up 

word ~ “fantasmagorical!” 

As you can imagine, the 

interviews were fun and lively. 

From the group of finalists, 

it was a hard decision but two 

winners and three runner-ups 

were named. As a special memento of their Santa Margarita 

years, the runner-ups received a silver cross pen engraved with 

their names and the SM eagle logo. The 2006 runner-ups were: 

Christopher Barry, attending Santa Clara University; 

Stefanie Etow attending the University of Notre Dame and 

Cami Poblete attending Cal State Fullerton. 

The winners each received $1,000 to be used towards college 

expenses. Their names are engraved onto the Scholarship 

Perpetual Plaque which hangs in the Alumni Office and they 

received an individual plaque and also, the eagle logo cross pen. 

Congratulations to our 2006 winners! They are Brandon Golob, 

who will be attending University of California Berkeley and 

Diana Hunt, who will be attending USC! We are very proud 

of both of you and all of your 2006 classmates! 

The tradition continues… 

All of our EAA Scholarship winners to date: 

CLASS OF 2001: 

Jennifer Abalos (LMU) & Heather Casey (USC) 


Tai Baird (St. Mary’s College) & Megan Moen (UCLA) 


Nathan Imperiale (George Washington) & Brad Mielke (NYU) 


Ashley Kalimada (George Washington) & Thomas Sabin (NYU) 


Jessica De Filippo (USD) & Deirdre Dolan (Boston University) 


Brandon Golob (UC Berkeley) and Diana Hunt (USC) 


29

30 


A LUMNI S WEETHEARTS The Class of 1996 says I do… 

In the past issues we have starting telling “love stories” about our alumni sweethearts. We all know that you leave SMCHS with a 

feeling of family, but the Class of 1996 seems to take that to the next level. We have 36 married alumni couples and there are 10 

couples that include at least one spouse from the Class of 1996! 

On July 22, 2006, this class will celebrate their Ten Year Reunion at the Westin Hotel ~ South Coast Plaza. Invitations have been 

mailed and it promises to be a really great event as the two Reunion Committee Chairs have worked very hard to add a special fun 

flair. It just so happens that BOTH of these chairs belong to our Alumni Sweethearts group and we thought it would be fun to 

tell a little bit of their love stories along with other 1996 sweethearts. Enjoy these special stories that make you realize why 

SMCHS is like family and to many, they truly do become family! 

TRACY (MCCROSKEY) STIEGLER ’96 & JUSTIN STIEGLER ’96 

- as told by Tracy Stiegler 

Justin and I were the greatest friends in 

high school. We always found time to 

flirt and even go on a few platonic 

dates, as there was always “something” 

there. The summer after freshman 

year of college (I was at SMU, he at 

Ohio State), his parents moved to 

Atlanta, so for him to come back to 

the OC would be more of an effort. I 

love parties, so when I heard he was coming 

in town for a visit, I threw him a "Welcome Back to 

California, Justin" party. It was there, he asked me on a 

date before he went back to Ohio. We went to a party at 

Matt Baier's ‘96 house and the rest, as they say, ‘is history.’ 

Three years of extremely high phone bills (the days 

before free long distance cell phones), and a few visits to 

Ohio and back to California, we knew it was forever. On 

February 11, 2000 Justin worked out the 'secret 

mission' with my sorority sisters. He 

coordinated with another friend, Brad 

Byszewski ‘96 to hang out with me 

that night. When the time came for 

Brad to pick me up, my sorority sisters 

went downstairs to talk with him. 

When I got downstairs, I saw my 

friends, but not Brad. From around 

the corner, Justin surprised me with 

two dozen roses and he was dressed in 

a suit. He led me to a rental car, and we 

proceeded to go to dinner at our favorite restaurant, 

Bandera's on PCH. After our great dinner, we went to 

Balboa Island, where we went out the very first time in 

high school. Rather than walking around the whole 

island, we stopped at a bench, and Justin proposed. It 

was a blur! We immediately went to my parent’s house, 

who actually knew before I did. Turns out Justin flew 

in a day earlier and took my parents to dinner to ask for 

my hand in marriage. On April 28, 2001 we were married 

in a small church in Laguna Hills with a reception in San 

Juan Capistrano. We went to Italy on our honeymoon, and 

two years later our daughter, Katelyn, was born. We just 

celebrated our five year anniversary and are excited for 

the years ahead that still await us! 

Stories from 

Our 1996 Ten Year Reunion Chairs... 

BRIAN MEIHAUS ’96 & MEGAN (STRADER) MEIHAUS 

- as told by Brian Meihaus 

We met at the SMCHS summer ASB Officer 

Retreat in 1995, I was Senior Class President 

and Megan was Junior Class President. Since 

I was a football player and Megan was a 

cheerleader, it was a surprise we didn’t really 

know each other before that weekend, but 

from day one it was clear that there was 

“something special” between us. By the time 

the weekend was over, after lots of laughs playing 

miniature golf, we both had developed crushes on each other and 

from there…the rest is history! We did the typical high school dating 

things, like attending school dances and hanging out at Ballpark 

Pizza after football games. I graduated and went on to the 

University of Notre Dame while Megan remained a dedicated 

and loyal “home town honey” as she finished her senior year at 

SMCHS. The following year Megan was admitted to the 

University of Notre Dame and came to join me in South Bend! We 

dated all through college and even when we each decided to study 

abroad during different semesters (me in Ireland and Megan on 

Semester at Sea), we still remained close through long letters and 

expensive phone calls. After college, we moved to 

Chicago where we each lived with our Notre 

Dame roommates and began our careers. We 

both moved back to southern California in 

October 2002. I proposed shortly after in 

January of 2003 on the top of Deer Valley 

Mountain with Megan’s entire family waiting 

down at the bottom to celebrate with us! We 

were married at Our Lady Queen of Angels 

in Newport Beach on October 24, 2003 and 

honeymooned in Hawaii. In October 2004, we moved into our 

first home together in Irvine. Many are amazed that we made it 

through such a long road and ended up together, but we knew, 

even when we were only 16, that we were meant to be together. 

Everything happens for a reason! 


STEVE WAGNER ’96 & 

STEPHANIE (BURKE) WAGNER ‘96 

Steve Wagner and Stephanie Burke, both 

1996 Santa Margarita graduates, went their 

separate ways after high school graduation. . . 

and became cross-town rivals. Steve attended 

UCLA as a leading teammate of the UCLA 

golf team, while Stephanie enjoyed being a 

Delta Gamma at USC and all that the school 

had to offer. Their paths crossed again late 

freshman year of college and they have been 

together since! Steve and Stephanie were 

married in July of 2001. They were blessed 

with an adorable daughter, Madeleine, in 

summer of 2004 and are expecting another 

daughter in summer of 2006. Steve and 

Stephanie have lived in Ladera Ranch for 

four years and enjoy re-uniting with local 

fellow SM graduates. 

K RISSY LUX ’96 & JAMES LUSTER ’96 

Krissy Lux ’96 and James 

Luster ’96 will join the very 

special group of married alumni 

from the Class of 1996 on July 

2, 2006 which will make them 

the newest addition to this 

group and bring our SMCHS 

alumni sweethearts to a total 

of 36 married couples! 

Brennan Couple 

Maas Couple 

Lyle Couple 

Stube Couple 

Taylor Couple 

Vartanian Couple 


36 COUPLES... AND GROWING! 

Michelle (Nann) Barker ‘00 & Jared Barker ‘99 

Laura (Baggott) Bender ‘95 & Michael Bender ‘95 

Jennifer (Rodarte) Berard ‘95 & Brian Berard ‘95 

Lauren (Owens) Bordages ‘97 & Drew Bordages ‘97 

Allison (Moffatt) Brennan ‘98 & Daniel Brennan ‘98 

Shauna (Hoffman) Carabba ‘95 & Nicholas Carabba ‘95 

Meri (Riley) Carrillo ‘96 & Adam Carrillo ‘96 

Jodie (Julian) Cerruti ‘94 & Robb Cerruti ‘93 

Erica (Landon) Delperdang ‘96 & Vince Delperdang ‘96 

Erin (Smead) Duffy ‘94 & Kevin Duffy ‘93 

Adam Dzierzynski ‘93 & Jenna (Zanotti) Dzierzynski ‘95 

Elizabeth (Foster) Farris ‘95 & Kristofer Farris ‘95 

Erin (Fallon) Finneran ‘94 & Brian Finneran ‘94 

Karly (Farris) Foster ‘98 & Mark Foster ‘93 

Kelly (Van Meter) Latini ‘95 & Andrea Latini ‘95 

Brandi (Morales) Lopez ‘98 & James Lopez ‘98 

Krissy (Lux) Luster ‘96 & James Luster ‘96 

Jessica (Baker) Lyle ‘00 & Owen Lyle ‘00 

Ashley (Toch) Maas ‘99 & Daniel Maas ‘98 

Julie (Morin) McDonald ‘99 & Sean Mc Donald ‘99 

Megan (Strader) Meihaus ‘97 & Brian Meihaus ‘96 

Katie (Ledingham) Minardi ‘98 & John Minardi ‘98 

Nicole (Pierantoni) Munz ‘96 & West Munz ‘95 

Amanda (Guilford) Murray ‘00 & Lee Murray ‘00 

Mary Katherine (Heim) Patterson ‘99 & Rory Patterson ‘98 

Shanell (Moffatt) Pierce ‘94 & Jerome Pierce ‘92 

Jennifer (Fritz) Redwitz ‘92 & Eric Redwitz ‘92 

Lisa (Kneisel) Reightley ‘95 & Ryan Reightley ‘95 

Shannon (Redfern) Santoni ‘97 & Timothy Santoni ‘96 

Tracy (McCroskey) Stiegler ‘96 & Justin Stiegler ‘96 

Megan (McMillan) Stube ‘99 & Jeff Stube ‘92 

Julie (Savant) Sulick ‘93 & Andy Sulick ‘91 

Courtenay (Lauer) Taylor ‘98 & Robert M. Taylor ‘96 

Tamara (Turnage) Trask ‘91 & Keone Trask ‘91 

Jolene (Shurlock) Vartanian ‘96 & Marco Vartanian ‘96 

Stephanie (Burke) Wagner ‘96 & Stephen Wagner ‘96 

ENGAGED ALUMNI COUPLES 

Christine Ferraro ‘98 & Jarlath Curran ‘98 

Katie Gentner ‘98 & Timothy Sanders ‘98 (July 2006) 

Erin Walsh ‘99 & Joshua Farra ‘96 (October 2006) 

Are we missing you and your 

high school sweetheart? 

Please e-mail Alumni@smhs.org and 

let us add you to our list. 

Also, we’d love to hear your story! 


31


1. Nick Steele ’98 seems to be enjoying 

himself as he joins Drew Barrymore in a 

print ad for Baskin Robbins selling ice 

cream in Korea. 

2. Tiare Baird ’03 (Emmanuel College), 

Nicole Deblieux ’03 (Boston College) and 

Shannon Estrada ’03 (LMU). This photo, 

taken at Piccadilly Circus, was from when 

the three SM classmates met in London this 

past semester while Nicole studied in Bath, 

England and Shannon studied in Florence, 

Italy and Tiare came to visit them. 

3. 23 alumni came together for this great 

group photo taken at the 30th birthday 

celebration for Patrick Strader ’94 held at 

Old World Village in Huntington Beach in 

April. Scott McIntosh ’94, Scott Lanni ’93, 

Brian Meihaus ’96, Blake Oldfield ’99, 

Aaron Maldonado ’94, Mike De Fries ’94, 

Eric Krumplitsch ’94, Kris Farris ’95, Kim 

(Farris) Berg ’94 and her husband Brian 

Berg, Stephen Lanni ’96, Jolene (Shurlock) 

Vartanian ’96, Marco Vartanian ’96, 

Quincey Trigillo ’97, Meghan (Meihaus) 

Van Aarde ’93, Ryan Spillers ’96, Elizabeth 

(Foster) Farris ’95, Kelly Farris ’98, Angela 

Trigillo ’94, Caroline (Kelly) Gray ’95, 

Patrick Strader ’94, Renee (Mc Kay) 

Snyder ’95, Megan (Strader) Meihaus ’97, 

Heather Riccabona ’93. 

4. Four friends from the Class of 1997 are 

looking sharp as they reunited at Josh Chai’s 

wedding on January 14, 2006. Mark Greco 

‘97, Josh Chai ‘97, Jason Walsh ‘97, and 

Graham Ruby ‘97. 

5. Eagle graduates from several different years 

reunited for a fun, yet competitive game of 

ultimate Frisbee in June. Doug Ciolli '03, 

Conor Barrett '03, David Ciolli '02, Kyle 

Curran '05, Kevin Papay '03, Brad Mielke 

'03, John Maltese '06. Chris Steele ‘03 also 

played, but is not pictured. 

6. The Trigillo sisters, Angela ‘94 and 

Quincey ‘97 enjoy getting dressed up for 

2006 Valentasia. 

7. Class of 2005 graduates: Matt Steinbach, 

Katie Gau, Diedre Dolan and Michael 

Brand played in the Eagle Classic Golf 

Marathon in June. 

8. Special guest Mickey Mouse joined Brian 

Meihaus '96, Megan (Strader) Meihaus '97, 

Drew Bordages '97, Lauren (Owens) 

Bordages '97, Aaron Maldonado ’94, Dana 

and Patrick Strader ’94, Kevin and Caroline 

(Kelley) Gray ‘95, Bill and Ashley (Kweder) 

Branch '98, for a fun photo at Valentasia 

2006, held in February, at Disney’s Grand 

California Hotel. 

32 

Out & About 

1 2 3 

4 5 

6 

9 10 

7 

9. For the second year in 

a row, Tim Pierce ‘98 

and Jeff Harris ‘91 

participated in the Eagle 

Classic Golf Marathon. 

10. Three SM varsity soccer alumna reunited at the annual Legends Alumni soccer game. Amy 

Rodriguez ’05 (USC), Michelle Hull ’04 (Harvard), and Robin Reames ‘04 (Saddleback). 

11. Katie Gau ’05 and Jessica Jones ’05 enjoyed a fun afternoon together at the Mothers Club 

Annual Fashion Show and Luncheon in May. 

12. Several alumni and current SMCHS moms gather together for lunch after one of the 

monthly Mothers Club meetings: Anne Harper, Paula McGovern, Michele Papay, Linda 

Magarro, Mary Henisey, Donna Petrilli, Janet Holmes, Mary Benkie, Sydney Riccio, 

Connie Hull, Annette Helman, Karen Kenny Walsh and Vicki Ramoska. 

www.smhs.org SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 

11 

8 

12


GO EAGLES! Below is the updated football schedule for the 2006 season. We hope to see 

many of you at all of the games but be sure to plan on attending Homecoming 2006 on 

Friday, October 6, 2006! Also, new this year, purchase season tickets with a special rate for 

all alumni! (See order form below.) 

CALLING ALL FOOTBALL ALUMNI 

Please email your name, grad year, current address, contact phone number (home or cell) and e-mail address to Andrea Aldridge 

at AldridgeA@smhs.org so the football office will have your current contact information. 

VARSITY FOOTBALL - 2006 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW 

• ALL Home Games at Saddleback Community College Stadium. 

• $60 Per Season – 6 Game Package** 

• Special Rate for Alumni - $50 per season 

• Easy to Purchase Options – Cash, Check, Credit Card. Your season ticket purchase directly supports SMCHS and the 

SMCHS Football Program. 

• Do NOT Hesitate – Act NOW!! We have been very successful each year and expect a sell-out again this year. 

2006 Varsity Schedule 

Friday, September 1 HOME vs. Long Beach Poly ** 7:30 PM 

Friday, September 8 HOME vs. Poloma Valley ** 7:30 PM 

Friday, September 15 HOME vs. Dorsey ** 7:30 PM 

Friday, September 29 Away @ Fountain Valley 7:00 PM 

Friday, October 6 HOME vs. Foothill ** 7:30 PM 

Homecoming 

Friday, October 13 HOME vs. Mater Dei ** 7:30 PM 

Thursday, October 19 Away @ Orange Lutheran 7:00 PM 

Friday, November 3 Away @ St. John Bosco 7:30 PM 

Friday, November 10 HOME vs. Servite ** 7:30 PM 

Senior Night 

2006 SEASON TICKET ORDER FORM 

Name: ______________________________________ Class of: _____________ Date: _______________ 

Address: _____________________________________ City: ________________ Zip: ________________ 

Phone Number: ______________________________ E-mail Address: _________________________________ 

Please send me ________ set(s) of season tickets @ $ 60 each. 

Please send me ________ set(s) of season tickets for ALUMNI @ $50 each. 

Total Amount: ________________ 

Payment Method: 

• Check #: ______________________ Made payable to “SMCHS Football.” 

• Credit Card (Circle one) VISA, MasterCard or American Express 

Credit Card Number: ______________________________________ 

Exp. Date: ________ 

Send Payment and Order Form to: 

SMCHS Football Office 

22062 Antonio Parkway - Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 

Tickets will be sent directly to the above address and will go out after August 1, 2006. 


Save the 

Date: 

10.6.06 

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34 


Alumni Volleyball Reunion Game 

On Friday, May 5, 2006, the Moiso Pavilion was the site 

for the Annual SMCHS Boys Volleyball Reunion Game. 

Seventeen former SMCHS varsity players participated in 

the anticipated event that continues to grow each year. 

The evening kicked off with warm-ups and a round robin 

tournament of teams mixed with alums and members of the 

2006 varsity squad. Then, the alumni team faced off against 

the varsity team in a final match. The alumni team won the 

first game, but the current varsity players took the second 

game. Both teams decided that the evening would end in a 

tie with a rematch next year! Afterwards, everyone headed to 

BallPark Pizza for dinner and socializing. As always, the event 

was a great reunion for alumni and their families. Notice to 

all Boys Volleyball Alumni: Be sure to mark your calendar 

for this annual event for Mother’s Day weekend in May 2007! 

Here is a list of the alums who participated: 

Ruben Pranata ‘95 

Ryan Wesierski ‘95 

Brian Meihaus ‘96 

Justin DeBlasio ‘97 

Adam Breault ‘98 

Marcus Skacel ‘98 

Steve Modry ‘02 

Kevin Wolett ‘02 

Brendan Crafts ‘03 

Nick Kolodziej ‘03 

Patrick Eaton ‘04 

Jeff English ‘04 

Spencer Moran ‘04 

Mike Runkle ‘04 

Paul Miszkowicz ‘05 

Rich Shaw ‘05 

Jordan Smith ‘05 

Gift of the Heart Tournament 

“WOW” seems to be an appropriate phrase to describe 

this incredible event that brings together hundreds of 

alumni and alumni families, current families, coaches 

and so many people who make up the “heart” and spirit 

of the SMCHS family. The Second Annual Gift of the 

Heart Flag Football Tournament was played at Santa 

Margarita on Friday, November 25, 2005. The event, 

which has been dedicated to Damien Minna ’97, to 

help raise money for his on-going rehabilitation after a 

spinal cord injury in August 2004, raised about $25,000! 

Almost 250 participants played and so many more took 

part in the fun day! Congratulations to Team Fantasy 

Design for winning the tournament and to all those who 

helped to make it such an amazing day. This year was 

extra special as Damien was able to be present. To track 

Damien’s progress, visit www.damienminna.com. For 

information about the 2006 event, contact the SMCHS 

Football Office at 949-766-6000, ext. 2205. 

Softball Alumni – Mark your Calendars 

The Second Annual Softball Faculty-Alumni Game will take place on 

Saturday, February 17, 2007 from 10 a.m. until noon so be sure to 

mark your calendars! We are looking for interested alumni softball 

players to come out and "show off" your talents against the varsity 

squad. T-shirts will be provided to all participants and a barbeque 

will follow the game. If you have any questions, call Coach 

John Fitzpatrick at 949-766-6023. 


Calling All Dance Team Alumnae! 

The Dance Team Alumnae are forming an 

Alumnae Group. We will have a planning meeting 

in mid-August to get the group going. Our 

purpose is to reconnect SM Dancers from across 

the years and also support the current Dance 

Team. Ideas include: a summer get-together 

for alumnae & their parents, as well as current 

dancers & their parents, sponsoring a basket 

for the Spring Concert, and future alumnae 

get-togethers to reconnect with other dancers, 

just to name a few. If interested please contact 

Laurie Park'01 at lpark@law.tulane.edu 

written by Brooke Barbee ‘99 

After seven years away, walking through the front 

gates of Santa Margarita inspired a bit of déjà vu, 

as I returned in May for the dance concert. I had 

spent countless hours in the Dome and walking 

in that night took me back. Jazmine Armijo ’00 

and I went to see how the dance program has 

developed since we left. 

When I was at SMCHS, we had a great dance 

team. The program was relatively new with Ms. 

Wooley as director but as the concert started, I 

realized how much she and Tracy Vosper have 

done for dance. The girls are amazing! After the 

second dance, Jazmine and I looked at each other 

realizing we would not make the team now. They 

are good! There are many dancers involved in the 

IB dance program as well, which Ms. Wooley and 

Santa Margarita helped establish. Their beautiful 

choreography showcased the breadth of dance 

education today available at our alma mater. 

When I was competing with dance, we were often 

jealous and fearful of certain powerhouse schools 

that always excelled and won. Santa Margarita is 

one of those schools now. I am very proud of the 

contributions I made to the dance program, but 

the sweat and tears of hundreds of dancers have 

made the dance team the brilliant success it is 

today. I cannot wait to see next year’s concert! 

Past vs. Present 

Girls Soccer Reunion 

The annual Girls Soccer Alumni/Varsity 

Game was held on December 21, 2005 on 

the SMCHS soccer field. The event 

brought together 20 alumni soccer players 

who challenged the current varsity team. 

The game was exciting with the lead 

changing several times and it was a close 

friendly game! The rules were loosened just 

a bit, with open substitution and 

possibly even more than 11 players on the 

field at a time now and then! The most 

important thing – everyone had a great 

time! Be sure to join us again in December 

for this fun annual event. 

Check our website in the fall www.smhs.org 

for the exact date. See you then! 


SAVE THE DATE FOR FUTURE EVENTS 

SMCHS Homecoming - Friday, October 6, 2006 at 7:30 pm 

Boys Soccer Annual Alumni Game - Friday, December 22, 2006 at Noon 

Girls Soccer Annual Alumni Game - TBA 

Valentasia 2007 – Saturday, February 10, 2007 

Softball Faculty/Alumni Game - Saturday February 17, 2007 at 10 am 

Boys Volleyball Annual Alumni Game - Friday, May 11, 2007 at 6:00 pm 

Mothers Club Fashion Show - TBA 

2006 Eagle Classic Golf Marathon - Tuesday, June 5, 2007 

Class of 2002 Five Year Reunion - Saturday, July 14, 2007 

Class of 1997 Ten Year Reunion - Saturday, July 28, 2007 

For more information on upcoming events, be sure to visit www.smhs.org 

The SMCHS Alumni 

Office wants your 

photos! Anytime you get 

together with other 

alums, please send or 

e-mail your photos and 

tell us: 

Who? 

What? 

When? 

Where? 

Why? 

Are you planning a 

reunion with the Club, 

Activity or Sport you 

were involved with at 

SMCHS? Let the 

Alumni Office help you! 

Contact the Alumni 

Coordinator, Michele 

Papay, at 

949-766-6000 ext. 1511 

or alumni@smhs.org. 


35

36 


C LASS OF 1991 

Kathleen (Fallon) Boyle ’91 was married to 

Mater Dei alum, David Boyle ’90 on April 

9, 2005. Many Santa Margarita Eagles and 

Mater Dei Monarchs celebrated with the 

happy couple at their Nuptial Mass and 

reception in Dana Point. SM alumni 

wedding party members included: matron 

of honor, Erin (Fallon) Finneran ’94, 

Jennifer (Kleppe) Lester ’91 and Brian Finneran ’94. Kathleen 

and David live in Irvine and hope to start a family soon. 

Lisa M. Valle ’91 graduated from a residency in obstetrics and 

gynecology from the University of California, San Francisco - Fresno 

Medical Education Program in June 2005, “after many years of 

school.” Lisa practices at an office in Anaheim Hills and delivers 

babies and performs surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital of Orange 

and Anaheim Memorial Medical Center. She happily resides in 

Newport Beach. 


Erika (Blinn) Geisler '92 was married on April 2, 2005 to William 

Geisler. The couple honeymooned in Eastern Europe, Turkey, Egypt, 

Cyprus, Greece and Italy for one month. They welcomed a beautiful 

daughter, Olivia Belle Geisler, on May 3, 2006. The couple lives in 

Colorado and Erika is a practicing clinical psychologist in 

Fort Collins. 


Michelle Ahumada-Brown ’93 is an optometrist 

practicing in Dana Point at Ocean Ranch 

Optometry. Michelle and her husband, Jason, live 

in San Juan Capistrano with their two children, 

Burke, born February 2004 and Alessia, born 

August 2005. The photo shows Burke and Alessia 

with their grandfather, Michael Ahumada, on the 

day before his retirement. 

Mark Foster ’93 and Karly (Farris) Foster ’98 welcomed their new 

son, Griffin, on January 18, 2006. See Karly’s update on page 38 for 

a photo and more information. 

Joshua Soneson ’93 has been busy with school and received his 

bachelor of science degree in physics from Cal State Fullerton in 

2000, his masters of science in applied mathematics from the 

University of Arizona in 2002 and his Ph.D in applied mathematics, 

also from the University of Arizona in 2005. He also has been busy 

with his personal life, as he is getting married on October 7, 2006 

to Subok Park, who he met in graduate school in Tucson, Arizona. 

Joshua enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities especially running, 

biking and mountaineering. He is currently working at the Food and 

Drug Administration in Rockville, Maryland as a postdoctoral fellow 

where his job is to model high-intensity focused ultrasound devices, 

which are used for noninvasive tumor ablation and deep bleeder 

coagulation, to ensure the devices' safety and efficacy. 


Paul Ferguson '94, Captain, United States Air Force, is currently 

deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom & Iraqi Freedom. 

Julia (Cronin) Holt '94 and her husband, Kevin 

Holt, will celebrate their third wedding 

anniversary this summer. The couple was 

married on July 5, 2003 at St. Monica Catholic 

Church in Santa Monica, California and the 

wedding and reception were featured on the Style 

Network's television show, Whose Wedding is it 

Anyway? Members of the bridal party included: 

Amanda (Heim) Einhorn '94, Laura 

(Whittington) Madlock '94 and the bride's brothers, Jeff Cronin 

'99 and Greg Cronin '03. Laura Madlock's two daughters, Kaleigh 

and Taylor, served as flower girls. Patrick Strader '94 served as a 

reader for the ceremony. The couple honeymooned in Amalfi and 

Florence, Italy and currently resides in Los Angeles. Julia is a trial 

attorney and Kevin develops and produces marketing events and 

tours for the automobile industry. 

Kristen Koenig ’94 teaches elementary 

school and loves working with younger 

children. She is living in San Diego, where in 

addition to teaching, she is also a DJ. "Kiki's" 

greatest passion is her DJ career. She spins at 

various clubs in the area three to four times a 

week and also at weddings, school dances and 

home parties. She has traveled around the 

United States "spinning." All of the above 

keeps her very busy but she still manages to run half and full marathons. 

Mike Moodian ’94 is currently completing his second year of 

doctoral studies in organizational leadership 

at Pepperdine University in California. An 

article that he co-authored, “21st Century 

Leadership and Its Intersection with 

Organizational Culture,” was recently 

published in Scholar and Educator: The 

Journal of Educators and Scholars. A second 

article, “Lessons of Optimum Leadership 

from Small-City Mayors,” was published in the Business Research 

Yearbook: Global Business Perspectives. In March, the provost 

of Pepperdine awarded Mike with a grant to research spirituality and 

intercultural sensitivity. Mike also works as a marketing manager for 

KRh Thermal Systems in Irvine, California. 


Kate (Elftmann) Rader '94 and her 

husband, Jeff, wanted to let you know 

about their adorable new additions: 

Identical twin girls, Lauren Noelle and 

Caroline Lane, were born on January 24, 

2006 at 9:56 p.m. and 9:57 p.m. in 

Newport Beach, California. In the photo, 

Jeff is holding Lauren and Kate is holding Caroline. Everyone is doing 

well and needless to say, Kate is staying busy! 

Jennifer (Pauli) Sillitto ’94 and her husband, 

Brian, currently live in Columbus, Georgia. 

Jennifer moved to Columbus after graduating 

from Southern Methodist University in 1998. 

She met her husband while working as a 

television anchor and reporter at a CBS 

affiliate in Columbus. After tying the knot, 

Brian and Jennifer had the opportunity to host 

a morning television newscast together for a 

couple of years before they had their first 

child, Isabel, on August 30, 2004. Jennifer is enjoying her time as 

a stay-at-home mom and editor of a new local women’s magazine. 

She also serves on the executive committee of the Junior League 

of Columbus. Jennifer, Brian and Isabel spent Easter 2006 with 

Jennifer’s parents, who have retired and live in the mountain 

community of Hendersonville, North Carolina. 

C L ASS OF 1995 

Hadley Blinn '95 will be married on September 30, 2006 to David 

Iacovelli. She has a business as a professional horse trainer and riding 

instructor in Windsor, Colorado. Hadley and her sister, Erika 

(Blinn) Geisler ’92 live only blocks away from each other. Hadley 

and David recently traveled with Erika and her husband, William, 

to Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. 

Brandon Park ’95 has joined the Army in hopes of becoming an 

Army Scout. Graduation from Ft. Knox was June 15, 2006 and 

Brandon is currently stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He is a 

member of the Cavalry Scouts; the front men who are sent out to 

see what’s ahead in enemy territory. Brandon is scheduled to deploy 

to Afghanistan in December. Brandon would love to hear from you 

and receive mail during mail call. Contact the Alumni Office to get 

Brandon’s e-mail and mailing address! 


Christina (Anderson) De Roo ’96 

attended the University of California 

Santa Barbara but then went on to 

graduate from Cal State Fullerton, 

where she also earned her teaching 

credential. Currently, she teaches adult 

education for the Capistrano Unified 

School District. Chrissy married her husband, Fred De Roo, in 2004 

and her daughter, Brooklyn, was born in January 2005. 


Amanda McDorman '96 graduated from USC with a bachelor’s 

degree in English. Amanda lives in New York City and is currently 

working for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. She leads the "Team 

Fox" campaign helping individuals and organizations plan community 

fundraising events to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's 

disease research. 

Lawrence Morrisroe ’96 is living in San Jose, California and 

continues to work for Yahoo, where he has been for the last six years. 

Lawrence and his wife, Jenn, enjoy participating in triathlons in their 

free time. 


Diego A. Covarrubias ‘97 earned his bachelor 

of science degree in biology from UCSD in 

2001 and his medical doctorate degree from 

the Universidad Central del Caribe, Puerto Rico 

in 2005. Diego is now working in a residency 

program in diagnostic radiology, with the goal 

of becoming an interventional radiologist, 

through New York Medical College and SUNY 

at various hospitals in Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

Diego married Ashley Rodden in May 2005. 

Ashley and Diego met at UCSD and she stuck with him through four 

great, but long years of medical school spent studying (and surfing) 

in Puerto Rico. She now works for HBO in the media relations 

department handling publicity for such shows as The Sopranos and 

Curb Your Enthusiasm, after four years at CNN's Larry King Live. 

The couple is living and working in Manhattan, enjoying the city, 

but still surfing and Diego says, “Long Island actually has some decent 

waves.” The couple’s wedding was blessed not only by the presence of 

his siblings, Naisha Covarrubias ’98, Gabriel Covarrubias ’01 and 

Mariel Covarrubias ’02, who were in the wedding, but also by 

friends, Dan Deen ‘97 and Gregg Joyce ’97, who served as groomsmen. 

Ron Zakaria ’97, who also attended UCSD with Diego, was another 

groomsman and Ron’s brother, Roland Zakaria ‘96, was also present 

at the wedding. Diego says, “It was a great time and the honeymoon 

in Fiji wasn't too bad either!” 

Maggie Fisher ’97 graduated from UC Irvine in 

2002 with a master’s degree in teaching. She taught 

fourth grade at Barcelona Hills Elementary in 

Mission Viejo for three years. Maggie is currently 

teaching third grade at Wagon Wheel Elementary 

in Trabuco Canyon. 


37


Nick Mauro ‘97 graduated from Boston College in 2001 and took 

a job with an advertising agency in San Diego where he worked for 

four years. During that time, he was transferred to Austin, Texas and 

met his fiancée, Katharina, who is from Germany. This Easter, Nick 

and Katharina became officially engaged and will wed in the summer 

of 2007. Recently they moved to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to run a 

high end furniture store called Treasures, headquartered out of San 

Diego. They bought a house near the beach, enjoy living in Mexico, 

for now, and have picked up quite a bit of Spanish. 

Zachary Mueting ’97 is currently attending Cal Poly Pomona for his 

master’s degree in landscape architecture. It is 

a three year program and he will graduate in 

June 2008. He finished his undergraduate 

degrees in computer science and information 

technology management, while living in 

Colorado. Before attending a university full 

time, Zachary traveled Europe extensively. 

There he met a lovely lady, Alison Nero, 

whom he traveled with until she had to return home. Zachary 

returned home to the United States to meet up with her and travel 

across the country looking at different universities. Somewhere along 

the way, they both fell in love and have never stopped traveling 

together. After living in Maine and Colorado, they settled in Dana 

Point, California and will be married on July 22, 2006. Shortly after 

the wedding, they will return to where they first met, Rome, Italy 

and spend the rest of the summer on their honeymoon. 

Gabriela (Melendez) Roemhildt ’97 has been 

leading an interesting life for the past few years. 

Since leaving her teaching position in 2002 at 

SMCHS, Gabriela got married and moved to 

Naples, Italy. She and her husband, Mark, who 

is a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy, 

lived there for two years. Their daughter, Raina 

Elisabeth, now 18-months-old, was born in 

California, while they were in between tours. Gabriela and Mark 

moved to Sasebo, Japan in January 2005 and were there until just 

recently. Their next move is to Hawaii where Mark will be stationed 

at Pearl Harbor. Life has been a whirlwind for them with all of the 

homes, traveling and having a baby! Gabriela and Mark enjoy moving 

to new areas but they are anxious to settle down one day. 

38 


Brianne “Breezy” (Wedertz) Burke 

’98 and her husband of four years, DJ, 

have just purchased a home in Rancho 

Santa Margarita. Brianne says it's 

wonderful to be back after eight years 

and is enjoying rediscovering the area, 

as it has changed so much since her 

high school years. Their son, Tanner, 

who is three-years-old, will be starting preschool next year at St. 

Mary's in Aliso Viejo. Brianne is so excited to see Tanner grow and 

looks forward to his high school days at SMCHS someday (and then 

onto USC, of course!). She is enjoying her time as a mom and wife 

and they look forward to expanding their family soon. 

Mark Fontes ’98 is wrapping up over two years 

as the anchor at cable network, Wealth TV. His 

newscast, Wealth International News, airs live, 

twice each weekday, across the country. Mark also 

writes for a women's basketball website, NWBL.com, 

and has interviewed many WNBA greats like Becky 

Hammon, Ruth Riley and others. Mark graduated 

cum laude from St. John's University in New York 

in May 2002, then spent a year as a field reporter for KTRV in Boise, 

Idaho. He's making plans to return to the east coast during 2006. 

Karly (Farris) Foster ’98 and Mark Foster 

’93 welcomed their second child, Griffin, who 

was born on January 18, 2006 and weighed 7 

pounds 6 ounces. Molly, almost two-years-old, 

is a great big sister and loves having her new 

brother, Griffin, as part of the family! 

Geoff Huston ’98 graduated from UC 

Berkeley but has returned home to southern California. Geoff is 

currently studying for his real estate broker’s license. 

Katie (Ledingham) Minardi ‘98 and John Minardi ‘98 were united 

in marriage on March 25, 2006 at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in 

Dana Point. The couple was honored to have Fr. Dave Dwyer, John’s 

team priest from the University of Colorado, Boulder, fly in from 

New York to preside over their beautiful ceremony. Kate Toman ‘98 

was the wonderful maid of honor who also flew in from the east coast 

for the big day. SM wedding party alumni included bridesmaids: 

Christen Herold ‘98 and Katie Gentner ‘98 and groomsmen: 

Rewdy Holstein ‘98, Shaun Jackson ‘98, Jim Lopez ‘98 

and Rick Hagmann ‘91. John Schweitzer ‘98 was a 

groomsman as well; however he was not able to attend 

because he is currently serving our country in Iraq. There 

were over 70 alumni and alumni parents in attendance! After 

an amazing reception at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott where 

the bride and groom and guests danced the night away, Katie 

and John honeymooned in breathtaking Moorea and Bora 

Bora, Tahiti. The newlyweds live in Rancho Santa Margarita 

and love married life! 


Paul Morrisroe ’98 was transferred from Florence, Italy to Madrid, 

Spain, where he opened a new office for the 

company that he has been working for over the 

past three years. He enjoys traveling through 

Europe and sometimes catches up with other 

SMCHS alums. During the final weekend of 

the winter Olympics, Paul met up with Brandon 

Rudak ’98 and SM former student Catherine 

Meeker. He also enjoyed the Oktoberfest in 

Germany last year, as is obvious by this photo! 

Lt(jg) Bill Pollak ’98, United States Navy, will leave the USS 

Howard in San Diego this summer to take a job as the Admiral's 

aide in Bahrain, which will afford him long days and a lot of 

challenges, travel and opportunity. 

Paul Restelli '98 graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor 

of arts majoring in business administration, with an emphasis in 

marketing. Paul is currently working in the financial services industry 

for Downey Savings and Loan. 

Brandon Rudat ’98 could be seen each night on television during 

the winter Olympics. Brandon is a sportscaster for NBC and was 

featured on the show, The Olympic Zone, which was broadcasted 

during the Olympics from Torino, Italy. 

Stacey Santefort '98 and Brian Stuck became 

engaged in April 2005. Stacey graduated from 

Loyola Marymount University and Brian from 

the University of Notre Dame. The couple met 

on a blind date set up by family and friends. 

Their wedding will take place in August 2006 

at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. 

Ethel (Tatlonghari) Spotts '98 and her husband, Neil, were married 

in May 2002. The couple has a beautiful two-and-half-year-old 

daughter named Benna Marie Spotts. Ethel and Neil met at Cal State 

Fullerton and now live in Aliso Viejo. Neil has worked for American 

Drug Pharmaceuticals for the past two years and Ethel works at 

Mission Regional Hospital. 

Nicholas Suhr ’98 graduated with 

honors from the United States Military 

Academy at West Point in 2002. He 

was promoted to Captain in the United 

States Army in November 2005. 

Nicholas was awarded the Bronze Star 

for valor, during his 15-month tour of 

duty in Iraq, that ended in March 

2005. Nicholas is currently stationed at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, 

Hawaii where he enjoys his work as a battalion maintenance officer 

with the 25th Infantry. 



Jared Barker ’99 graduated from Cal State San Marcos in December 

2003 with a bachelor of arts with a major in history and a minor in 

business. He currently works as a territory manager for Mohawk 

Industries. Jared is married to Michelle (Nann) Barker ’00 and 

the couple lives in Ladera Ranch. 

Lindsay (Martin) Boyle '99 graduated from the 

University of Colorado, Boulder in 2004 with a 

bachelor of arts in religious studies. She met her 

husband, John, while attending college and they 

have been married since May 2005. John is the 

director of communications at Calvary Bible 

Church in Boulder and Lindsay works as an 

account representative at Medtronic Navigation 

in Louisville. Lindsay is also on the volunteer 

youth staff at their church, where she works as a 

mentor for high school girls. Lindsay and John live in Boulder and 

enjoy spending time in the mountains skiing and snowboarding, 

fishing and mountain bike riding. She misses California and her 

family, but other than that, life's great! 

Megan Cunha ‘99 graduated from 

the University of Utah – again! She 

graduated with a bachelor of arts in 

mass communication: public 

relations in 2003, then with a 

certificate in conflict resolution: 

mediation and facilitation in 2004 

and she just completed her master’s 

degree of education in higher education: leadership and policy on 

May 5, 2006. Megan’s family, including her sister, Brianna Cunha 

’05, and close family friend, 2nd Lt. Will Watson ‘99, USAF, 

attended the ceremony in Salt Lake City, Utah. Megan is currently 

residing in Orange County and actively pursuing her job search in 

the field of mediation, divorce child custody and victim offender 

restoration, which is her passion! 

Stephanie Lynne Kanda ’99 was married to Emanuel Pasternack 

from San Diego on March 25, 2006. Tara Brown ’00 was the maid 

of honor and the bridesmaids included 

SM alums: AnnMarie Lavoie ’99 and 

Christina Leu ’99. Also, Andrew Kanda 

’97 was one of the groomsmen. Both 

Stephanie and her husband are 2003 

graduates of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo 

School of Business. Stephanie is currently 

a senior financial analyst with Toyota 

Motor Corporation and Emanuel is an assistant manager at Wells 

Fargo Financial. The couple honeymooned in Whistler, Canada and 

they now reside in Torrance. 


39


Erin (Zeitler) Meserve ’99 and her 

husband, Broc, welcomed their beautiful 

baby daughter, Michaela Margaret, on 

December 5, 2005. 

40 

James P. Rankin ‘99 is attending Chapman 

University and will graduate in the summer of 

2007 with a degree in criminal justice. James is 

also considering joining the Army National Guard 

as a Second Lieutenant and specializing in military 

intelligence, while pursuing his master’s degree in 

intelligence. He is engaged to Stacy McTier and 

although they do not have a specific date, they are 

thinking of getting married in the summer of 2007. 


Michelle (Nann) Barker ’00 graduated from the University of San 

Diego in May 2004 with a bachelor of arts in diversified liberal art 

and also with a mild/moderate education specialist teaching 

credential. Michelle works for Tustin Unified School District at a 

middle school, as a special education teacher. Michelle is married 

to Jared Barker ’99 and the couple lives in Ladera Ranch. 

Ryan Campeau ’00 graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 2004. 

He has been working as a physical therapy aid at a clinic in Marin 

County for two years. Ryan will begin Western University Graduate 

School in September for his doctorate degree in physical therapy. 

Ryan lives with fellow SMCHS classmate Matt Garwin ‘00. 


Jenny Anderson ‘01 accepted a full athletic scholarship for soccer 

to Clemson University in South Carolina. She graduated in 2004 

and is currently in graduate school at Kansas University. Jenny will 

be married to her fiancé, Andrew Hammond, on July 14, 2006 at 

Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado, California. 

Erin Campeau ’01 graduated from the University of Arizona in 

December 2005. Erin is currently in Management Training with 

Enterprise Rent a Car in Newport Beach. She is living with SMCHS 

classmates Natalie Lawrence ’01 and Amanda Rayes ‘01. 

Ashley Crabtree ’01 graduated on May 28, 2006 from the College 

of Communications at California State University, Fullerton, with a 

bachelor of arts in public relations. She was recently presented with 

the special Chairs Award for Exceptional Service to the Department 

of Communications. Ashley is currently interning at a boutique 

public relations agency in Rancho Santa Margarita called Gonzo 

Communications, where she will begin a full time position after 

graduation. Last summer, Ashley traveled to Australia for one month 

and visited Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Byron Bay, Frasier Island and 

the Whitsunday Islands as part of a nonprofit organization that sends 

volunteers around the world to help with conservation issues. She 

thought Australia was amazing and beautiful and she can’t wait to 

visit again. This summer, Ashley hopes to visit Mexico or Hawaii. 

Andrew Hagstrom ’01 graduated from the University of Arizona in 

December 2005 with a bachelor of science in social sciences with an 

emphasis on regional development. While attending the university, 

Andrew was on the dean’s list for two semesters. After graduation, 

he is planning on traveling abroad for two months. 

Kristen Lynch '01 graduated from Princeton University in May 2005 

with a bachelor's degree in history. Kristen then accepted a two-year 

fellowship with the United States Golf Association as a grants 

program associate. 

Kyle Monin ’01 graduated from Chapman University in 2005 with 

his bachelor of arts in Business. He is currently the assistant manager 

for Bank of America at the local Plano Trabuco branch (in Rancho 

Santa Margarita) in Albertsons. 

Megan Morrisroe ’01 graduated from the University of San Diego 

in May 2005. Right after graduation she went to Guadalajara, 

Mexico for six weeks where she volunteered at an orphanage, while 

also taking a class. She is now working as an account executive for 

a wholesale mortgage lender based in San Diego with her territory 

being Orange County. 

Steven Murray ‘01 graduated from Southern Illinois University 

on May 13, 2006 with a bachelor of arts degree in cinema and 

photography with an emphasis in cinematography. Steven enjoyed 

his college experience in southern Illinois but is glad to be back in 

California where he and his fiancée, Megan Yackle, will be married 

on July 15, 2006. 

Naveen Poonian ’01 graduated cum laude from the Marshall School 

of Business at USC in May 2005 with a double major in business 

finance and marketing. He made the dean’s list in 2003, 2004 and 

2005. Naveen is currently employed at iBASEt as a financial analyst. 

Katie (Katherine) Pugh ‘01 graduated from Villanova University in 

May 2005 with a bachelor of arts in art history. She is currently living 

in New York City and recently finished her first year of graduate work 

in museum studies at New York University. Katie is working part 

time at ArtInfo.com, as well as interning at the Museum of Modern 

Art in the corporate relations division of the development department. 

Sara (Stewart) Sullivan ’01 was married to Michael Sullivan on 

February 18, 2006 at the Waikoloa Hilton in Hawaii. The wedding 

was held in the chapel on the beach at sunset with immediate family 

and friends attending. The Maid of Honor was Kim Stewart ‘00 and 

Michelle Stewart ’98 was one of the bridesmaids. Sara and Michael 

honeymooned on a Caribbean cruise. 



Courtney Birck ’02 graduated from Southern 

Methodist University on May 20, 2006 with a 

bachelor of arts degree majoring in corporate 

communications and public affairs, with a 

minor in Spanish. While attending SMU, she 

was on the executive board of the Alpha Chi 

Omega sorority and was also a writer for the 

college newspaper. Courtney also spent six 

weeks studying in London last summer and did 

an internship for Michael Burns & Assoc. in Dallas during her final 

semester at SMU. Courtney has joined Spaeth Communications as 

an associate and will be living in Dallas. Courtney is pictured with 

her sister, Caitlin Birck ‘08. 

Kristin Gatfield '02 completed her studies in March 2006 and 

graduated from UCLA with a double major in political science 

and communications. Kristin will be attending USC Law School 

in the fall. 

Katy Gorelick ‘02 is completing her last year of culinary arts study 

at the Art Institute of Orange County. She recently worked for three 

days with Wolfgang Puck in preparation for the Academy Awards 

Governor's Ball dinner in Hollywood. Her design work will be 

featured in an upcoming issue of Bon Appetit Magazine highlighting 

"Upcoming Talents." Her company, New Elements Catering, is very 

busy with functions throughout Orange County. 

Lucy Hiskett ’02 was the Valedictorian for the School of Education 

at USC for the graduating class of 2006. She was also named to the 

National Dean's List, graduated summa cum laude, was Greek 

Student of the Year 2006, a member of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, 

Golden Key Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society 

and received the USC Leadership Scholarship, USC Dean's 

Scholarship and Delta Delta Delta Scholarship. Lucy will be teaching 

at St. John's Episcopal School in Rancho Santa Margarita in the fall 

and is very excited about her new job! 

Alex Huston ’02 graduated with an associate of arts degree from 

Saddleback College and then joined the Army Rangers. He recently 

returned from Afghanistan to do further training in Tacoma, 

Washington, where he is currently stationed. Alex’s family asked that 

you please keep him in your prayers as he will be deployed again in 

September 2006. 

Matthew Kaddatz ’02 graduated cum laude from Westmont College 

on May 6, 2006 with a bachelor of science degree, where he double 

majored in computer science and religious studies. Matthew will be 

working for three months on the island of Maui, Hawaii and then 

starting in September he will be working in property management in 


Baja California, Mexico for the 

Waterfront Development Company. 

Christina Kendrick ‘02 is currently 

completing her first year of medical 

school in the UCR/UCLA Thomas 

Haider Program in biomedical 

sciences, where she is one of only 24 

students selected for this accelerated 

program. Christina is also an active participant in the student-run 

health clinic which provides medical care to the homeless population 

of Riverside. On the weekends, she teaches the SAT classes for high 

school students and proctors practice exams for SAT, LSAT and 

MCAT students. Christina also finds time to take care of her puppy, 

Romeo, who keeps her sane! Christina’s family joined her for the 

white coat ceremony at UCLA last August. 

Christina Russell ’02 graduated from UCLA this year with a 

bachelor of science in history and political science, with an emphasis 

on international relations. As a member of the group, Students for 

International Change, she will travel to Tanzania this summer for over 

eight weeks to help with HIV/AIDS education. 


Amanda Dolan ’03 recently completed her third year at San Francisco 

State University and will graduate next year with a degree in Theater 

Arts. She continues to perform in shows, most recently in a series of 

One Acts, directed by the head of the theater department. In addition 

to this, Amanda was chosen to originate a role in a One Act written 

by the director, with original music that she collaborated on. She is 

planning on studying at Oxford over the summer, through the British 

American Dramatic Academy. Amanda spent last summer studying at 

the American Conservatory of Theater in San Francisco. After college, 

Amanda plans on pursuing graduate school. 

Meghan Grizzle '03 is a rising senior at Harvard, where she will 

receive both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in linguistics next year. 

She is the president of Harvard Right to Life, on the executive board 

of the Harvard Republican Club, a mentor to third-to-fifth grade girls 

and a Bible Study leader. Despite, or perhaps because of, Harvard's 

reputation as the "Kremlin on the Charles," she enjoys engaging in 

political dialogue at just about every waking moment. She also takes 

every opportunity she gets to travel and has recently been to 

Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain, in addition 

to studying in Portugal for a summer. This summer Meghan will be a 

research intern at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. and 

will be doing thesis research in Hawaii. 


41


Jennifer Hebets ’03 completed her junior year at 

George Washington University in Washington, D.C. 

and recently spent a semester abroad in Bolivia. 

Studying with the School for International Training 

based in Cochabamba, Bolivia, Jennifer was engaged 

in four months of studies dealing with themes 

of Bolivian culture, politics, economics and 

international development, as well as intensive 

language studies. Much of the coursework involved 

ethnographic field work and direct interaction with the people of 

Bolivia, in order to gain a more realistic sense of the social and political 

indigenous movements presently affecting the country. Throughout 

the semester she also travelled with the program to various parts of the 

country including the world's highest capital city, La Paz; the world's 

highest navigable lake, Lake Titicaca; the colonial silver mining capital, 

Potosí; and the Río Mamoré in the Amazonian river basin. During 

her time in Bolivia, Jennifer also spent a period of time living with 

a rural family in the remote province of Mizque. Recently, she has 

completed a month-long anthropological study of revival of traditional 

Aymaran textiles and ceramics as a means for sustainable development 

on the Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca. 

Vanessa Rodriguez ’03 was hired by the USC School of Architecture's 

Office of Advancement and put in charge of the Guild's Silent 

Auction and Benefit Dinner. The event, which was held in May, 

had Vanessa soliciting donations from celebrities and also sketches 

from prize winning architects. Vanessa said she had come a long 

way from soliciting for the MUN International Dinner prizes. 

42 


Mallory Campeau ‘04 recently finished her second year at Saint 

Mary’s College in northern California. She will be spending the 

first semester of her junior year in Rome this fall. 

Inge Hergenrather ‘04 just completed her sophomore year at USC 

in the Marshall School of Business. Last year she pledged Alpha Delta 

Pi and is now living in the sorority house. She has a job on campus 

working for the USC Athletic Department. This summer, Inge will 

be a counselor at a Christian camp near Spokane, Washington. Inge’s 

parents are looking forward to attending the USC/OSU football 

games over the next four years since Inge’s sister, Megan 

Hergenrather ’06 will be attending Oregon State University 

and each of them is attending one of their parent’s alma maters. 

Anne Markel ’04 is currently attending Loyola Marymount 

University in Los Angeles and has devoted a good part of her 

collegiate time doing service. Last summer Anne flew to Lourdes, 

France with the Knights of Malta. She spent ten days living in the 

hospital assisting with the sick and disabled. During her spring break 

in April 2006, Anne traveled with other LMU students to Mexico 

working in a small village caring for, reading, playing and teaching 

religion to poor 

children. In May 

2006 she traveled 

to New Orleans 

with Bishop 

Dominic Luong 

from the Diocese of 

Orange to view the 

Hurricane Katrina 

devastation and 

meet with high school students, encouraging them to work within 

their communities helping the elderly. On June 24, 2006 Anne will 

return along with her newly founded group Pilgrims for H.O.P.E. 

(Helping Other People Excel) which will include other high school 

and college students, including her brother, James Markel ’06. Anne, 

also with her brother James, will return to Lourdes, France in August 

to again assist the sick with the Knights of Malta. Anne is pictured 

second from the right in the above photo. 

Alek Ramoska ’04 has just 

completed his sophomore year at the 

University of Colorado, Boulder. He 

is continuing to pursue his major in 

integrative physiology and plans to 

minor in business. Highlights for the 

year included a fabulous trip with the 

Snowboard Club to Whistler Resort in Canada, night boarding at 

Loveland Pass and rock climbing the Flat Irons. 

Mark Restelli '04 was awarded a full scholarship 

to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to play football. After 

red-shirting his freshman year, Mark earned a 

starting position on defense playing "rover" 

linebacker. He had an outstanding year setting a 

Cal Poly freshman football record with 83 tackles 

which helped Cal Poly football to a school best 

ever #6 national ranking. Mark is also excelling in 

the classroom in his major of agricultural business. 


Deirdre Dolan ’05 loves Boston University! Although the winter was 

tough, she wouldn't change anything for the world. She's working 

in the Boston University Admissions Office as an admissions 

ambassador and a president’s host (tour guide). She's also involved in 

student government and joined the Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Deirdre 

has been elected to serve on the All-Sorority Panhellenic Council for 

next year and she is extremely honored to have this position. This 

summer she will be on a six-week abroad program in London with 

the College of General Studies. Deirdre has made amazing friends 

in Boston and is so happy. 


Bridgette Hertel ’05 will be a Trojan in the fall. Bridgette's 

major at USC will be in English (creative writing) and she will 

be in the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Bridgette is 

planning to become a teacher. 

Kurt Huston ’05 is currently a sophomore at Loyola 

Marymount University in Los Angeles, majoring in accounting. 

Danielle Lachance ’05 recently joined the re-election 

campaign for California Senator Feinstein as an intern. 

Beth Palkovic ‘05 is attending USC and is currently an intern 

at NBC news and is also writing for the Daily Trojan. 

Lindsay Palmer ‘05 attends Arizona State University in Tempe, 

Arizona. Because of her love for children, Lindsay is majoring in 

early childhood education and wants to teach kindergarten, first 

or second grade. Lindsay recently had the opportunity to 

student teach in a kindergarten class and loved it! 

Adam Stout ‘ 05 is attending Marquette University and is part 

of the student government and is also producing a TV show 

on campus. Adam hopes to teach in the future. 

Jennifer Yanni ‘05 is attending the University of California 

Irvine where she recently was the assistant moderator of the 

Chinese Cabinet simulation at the UCI MUN Conference. 

Jennifer has been offered an internship in Washington, D.C. 

at the Women's National Democratic Club. 


The Class of 2006 certainly left their mark at SMCHS, as all of 

the other classes have in the past. We look forward to receiving 

updates from our newest class of alumni and all Santa Margarita 

alumni for the winter issue of Wings! Be sure to send your 

updates and photos to alumni@smhs.org by November 1, 2006! 

Congratulations and Good Luck to the 392 graduates in the 

Class of 2006! 

SMCHS has launched a new website! 


Remembering Sarah De Mille ‘05 

Sarah Ashley DeMille 

October 23, 1987 - February 24, 2006 

Sarah is deeply missed by her family, friends and 

the entire Santa Margarita Community. 

On February 24, 2006, Sarah De Mille, 

an SMCHS alumna from the Class 

of 2005, died in a tragic car accident in 

Northern Arizona. Family and friends 

have established a Memorial Fund in 

her honor which will be used for a 

Scholarship that will go to a 

deserving student at SMCHS. 

If you would like to contribute to this 

fund in honor of Sarah, please send a 

check to the SMCHS Development 

Office. Checks should be written out 

to SMCHS, please designate “Sarah 

De Mille Memorial” on the memo line. 

The family thanks you for 

your support! 

SMCHS has been working on our new website design for the past several months. We are thrilled that the new & improved site 

was launched on June 21, 2006. The new website is going to benefit Alumni as well. Log on to www.smhs.org and take a look! 

One great improvement is that you can now register yourself and then access other registered users. Note: no e-mail addresses will 

be visible. Go to the Alumni drop down menu and choose ‘Register Yourself!’ 

Be sure to add www.smhs.org as a favorite in your web browser and visit it often for the most up-to-date SMCHS news & events. 

Many Alumni mention that they would like to hear from other SM Alums. Due to privacy laws, we do not publish personal contact 

information in Wings. To contact any Alumni, please e-mail or call the Alumni Office, or read the paragraph above and try our new 

Alumni Registration Form! 

Note: As with any publication, we try our best to have all the facts and spelling correct. We apologize if we overlooked anyone who sent 

information to us for this issue of WINGS and for any errors that may have occurred in this publication. Please notify us of any oversights 

and thank you for understanding. 


43

PARENTS: 

If your son or 

daughter has moved 

from your home, 

please call the Alumni 

Office at 949-766-6000, 

ext. 1511 with his/her 

current address. 

Thank you! 

SANTA MARGARITA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 

22062 Antonio Parkway 

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 

Please mail, fax, or email information to the SMCHS Alumni Office 

22062 Antonio Parkway, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 

(949) 766-6000, ext. 1511 

Fax (949) 766-6040 ~ E-mail: alumni@smhs.org 

Non-Profit Org. 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

Mission Viejo, CA 

Permit #581

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