THE GAELBishop GormanGAZETTE High School Alumni Newsletter | Spring 2021
grocery store workers delivery drivers military educators firefighters doctors workers nursesThank You! airline CONSTRUCTION heroes AMBULANCE farmers police TRADES restaurants child care workers pharmacists energy workers REALTORS MECHANICS notes of interest Dear Gaels,
Here we are, spring 2021, one year into our “new normal”. We couldn’t have imagined the twists and turns this past year would have put us through and all of the challenges along the way. So much is different yet, some things haven’t changed. We are seeing great things being done by our alumni (page 3), our teachers are rising to the occasion like never before (page 1) and our students are prevailing, even through the many adversities they have faced this year. It wouldn’t have been possible without the heroes amongst us.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the year started off with no sports, clubs, special events, or pep rallies, but we have started to reach a turning point in these unusual times. Sports teams are back in action (page 7), in-person club meetings are happening, virtual pep rallies have been streamed and some special senior class events are on the horizon. As we continue to work through our “new normal”, the community’s commitment and resilience is ever present and we can start to see a light at the end of the tunnel. One of the most heartwarming moments has been seeing the students’ appreciation to the administration, faculty and staff for their unwavering support; academically, emotionally and spiritually.
As I reflect on the past year, I can’t help but feel proud of Bishop Gorman High School and I am humbled to be a part of this community. From watching the administration work countless hours to getting the school year underway in a safe manner to the teachers providing in-person learning for our students no matter the circumstances, it is an honor to be a part of Bishop Gorman High School. At the end of the day, we’ve seen heroes emerge in ways we never knew possible and we are so proud to call many of those heroes “Gaels”.
To all Gaels - students, alumni, families, faculty and staff - Congratulations on a successful school year and thank you for your continued support and prayers. It’s safe to say “we did it”.
Go Gaels!
Lauren (Blaney) Blasek '04 Assistant Director of Advancement
Spring 2021 Spring 2021 | THE GAEL GAZETTE contents
1 celebrating our heroes: faculty, staff, alumni
5 faith on campus
6 legacy in action
8 spotlight: head football coach brent browner
10 coming up... the ultimate spring auction!
11 roll call
The Gael Gazette
"Even though I’ve only been
virtually connected to school this "I appreciate everything year, there’s nothing but gratitude in my the teachers have done... just heart for Bishop Gorman and all of the staff checking in with me on the little things, members for making it what it is. It must’ve making sure my day is good and making sure been a lot of hard work to structure this I’m doing OK mentally. I also appreciate the school year but here I am, still learning... crossing guards asking how my day has been. it’s been great." Their genuine kindness goes a long way making my day a little bit better." celebrating heroes TEACHERS ARE HEROES Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bishop Gorman teachers have been navigating new technology, new ways of teaching and new classroom environments. They are showing up to provide familiarity during uncertain times and adapting quickly to the rapidly changing educational scene. With 80% of the student population on campus and 20% distance learning, educators are managing teaching both online and in-person simultaneously. They have had to adjust to this new setting all while taking care of themselves and their families.
The school has surpassed all expectations in the goal of providing a safe way for our students to attend classes this year and it would not have been possible without our teachers' unwavering commitment to this goal. We are proud to say, while following COVID-19 restrictions; the school has not had to shut down since opening in August. Thanks to the diligent work of Nurse Sandy (Sagel) Young '75, Greg Piet and the Administration, Bishop Gorman students have had the opportunity to engage in a safe learning environment while following all precautionary measures.
Now more than ever, Bishop Gorman educators are invested in their students' academic achievement and their overall well-being. Teachers are adding lightheartedness to the heavy days and offering emotional support to their students. They are focused on providing a solid learning environment, like they have never had to do before, while learning new things about the classroom themselves.
Thank you to the Bishop Gorman High School Faculty and Staff who have made this school year happen. YOU ARE HEROES.
"I just want to let the teachers know that the students see how hard they are trying. I see that you guys are THANK doing your best to help us and YOU! I really admire that."
"The administration comes into the classes to wave and say 'HI' every day. They check up on us and ask about ourlike days. it." I really
1 Spring 2021 Jordan Aguilar ’10 –• Karen Alessi • Joanne Andrews ’78 •– Chelsea Anstett •– Alicia Aquino • Laura Armeni-Kneesel ’03 •– Itzia Barron • Joshua Bartee • Jill Bernhardy • Lauren (Blaney) Blasek ’04 • Kristin Block • Jay Bonar ’82 • Alice Braun • Brent Browner • Kevin Calkins • Carmella Cao •
Gregory Cava ’76 • Paul Ciullo • Monica Conteduca • Breanne Copenhefer • in action Robert Crisp • Pamela Cross • Reginald Cruz • Virginia Cunningham • Nicole (Gagnon) Davis ’97 • Amy Dawson • Mary DeJoria • Ian Devlin •
Vicky Diaz • Gino DiMaria ’84 • Stacy DiVento • Jeanette Dixon • heroes Monica Estiandan • Lora (Crammer) Feely ’98 • Jack Feger • Judy Ferguson • Elena Ferrante-Martin • Chuck Fiore • David Fish • Linda Fox • Margaret Foy • Dara Franceschi ’17 • Jo Ann Frazier • Jesus Garcia • Andrew Giger • Steve Gillis • Jimmy Gleich ’01 • John Goertemiller • Tracy Goode • Danny Green • Joshua Greene • Mark Gustaveson • Joseph Haller • Mark Hancock • Isabel Henry • Barrett Henzel • Frank Hicks • Juliana Hilliard • Wayne Holman • Caprice Houston-Bey • Olivia Hurst • Kelly Ivie • Morgan Jackson • Rebecca Jackson • Sherry Jackson • Larry Javier • Jenifer Jefferies • Pattie Johnson • Kristin Kardon • Kathy (Ralenkotter) Keating ’91 • Aidan Kennelley ’16 • Kevin Kiefer • John Kilduff • Jacob Knee • Sheryl Krmpotich • Louisa Lemos • Kerry Lieb • Greg Lim • Rob Lundquist • Tara Maguinness • John Paul Manfredi ’07 • Heather Marr • Kimberly Martinez • Mary-Kathleen McCann • Gigi McCombe • Christi (Thomas) McEachern ’86 Adriana McGurk • Katherine Menchacatorre • Patrick Menchacatorre • Bridget (Moore) Michlik ’95 • Nicole (Sarret) Moeslacher ’95 • Jacob Moore • Linda Myers Firestone • Courtney Napoli ’09 • Kevin Nixon • Gregg Nunley • Deborah O’Brien • Tim Opdendyk • Vanessa Orozco • Greg Piet • Ryan Pietranton ’92 • Laura Pittmon • Toni Poidmore • Anthony Prato • Nathan Radzak • Kevin Reilly • Grant Rice • Domingo Rivera • Tessa Rivera • Deidre’ Roberts • Michelle Roberts ’99 • Rachel Roybal • Michelle Rumschlag • Theresa Sampaio • April Sauline • Marc Sayre • Joseph Shipp • Deborah Shireman • Richard Spiritosanto • Patricia Taris • Kim Tegano • Janu Tornell-Ferraro • Donna Trematerra • Br. Dan Tripamer '84 • Leonard Urso • Jason Valle David Vela ’86 • José Velásquez • Melanie Wattenbarger • Lisa (Blasco) Werksman ’85 • Jackie White ’98 • John-Paul White • Michael Wright ’91 • Sandy (Sagel) Young ’75 •
The Gael Gazette 2 he•ro hîr′ō (noun): a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. A person who, in the opinion of others, has special achievements, abilities, or personal qualities and is regarded as a role model or ideal. celebrating heroes
t has been a trying year for many thanks to COVID-19. To the incredible caregivers and Ifrontline workers — we cannot fully express our gratitude for your continued heroism. We asked the Bishop Gorman community to nominate “Alumni Heroes” so that we could honor and celebrate them in this issue of the Gael Gazette.
Michael Hardman '16
• Las Vegas • City of Las Vegas Firefighter/Advanced EMT
Mike is so young to be on the frontline Julie (Womack) Gomez '75 with some of the sickest patients and is even working at the homeless medical • Las Vegas facility at Cashman Field. • SICU Nurse, Valley Hospital "Julie has worked tirelessly throughout " the COVID-19 pandemic to assure her patients are receiving the best care Lauren V. Bedrock '08 during their stay in the hospital. Like many frontline workers, she has always • Las Vegas " been willing to put in extra hours, pick up • Registered Nurse extra shifts - knowing that her patients needs are what’s most important. Julie "Lauren has been working throughout this pandemic as RN in is always going above and beyond to COVID-19 ICU unit. Lauren has showed courage and selflessness provide compassionate care for her in her conviction to not only care for her patients but also in patients, especially during this time caring for their families. The circumstances, the stress, and the when their loved ones are unable to pressure she deals with daily are unimaginable and yet she still be at their bedside. Additionally, Julie manages to show compassion and kindness to all who cross her path. ensures that her staff has the safest Lauren is not only a COVID-19 hero to me, but also to countless working environment possible." others she has nursed." THANKS
Paula Sayegh '09 GAELS!
• Oklahoma City, OK Michael Moody '03 • Oncology Pharmacist • Las Vegas Paula has never once • Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department let COVID deter her from Michael is dedicated to all he helping people beat their does and has never wavered cancer diagnosis. in fulfilling his duties during " this pandemic. 3 Spring 2021 " " " YOU Heather Morgan '92 ROCK! • Battle Creek, MI • Nurse, VA Hospital
Heather Morgan has been working on
the front lines at the Michigan VA as a heroes in action nurse. She’s an absolute hero.
" Ashley (Finch) Latina '03 Layla Acosta '96 • Las Vegas " • Pharmacist • Las Vegas • Respiratory Therapist, Spring Valley Hospital I am so proud of her for "Layla has been on the front lines of the fight against not only persevering COVID-19 in Southern Nevada. Layla put her responsibilities to her patients and our community ahead of any concerns for through these tough herself, caring for the sickest patients and relaying messages months, but for having from family members who were not allowed to visit their a tremendous impact loved ones. The empathy and care Layla showed her many patients and their families during their darkest hours is a on" those whom she testament to her emotional strength and character. Her serves. Pharmacists professionalism and dedication to providing the best medical care certainly saved lives. Layla's selflessness and dedication to serving others is haven’t received much what has set her apart." recognition over this past year, but they should, especially with everything they deal with each day.
OUR HEROES" Dr. Ryan Hafen '03
Colette (DeFilippis) Valiente '04 • Las Vegas • Anesthesiologist and Critical Care Physician, UMC • Las Vegas • ER Nurse, Southern Hills Hospital "This pandemic has affected everyone, including our local medical community, whose daily duties have intensified to a level few have ever experienced, and which all hope to "Colette has been caring for patients never have to experience again. Working in the ICU, Ryan treats critically ill patients, diligently since the start of the COVID-19 and for more than a year now that has included those critically ill with COVID-19, pandemic. Overcoming the challenges in numbers which sometimes pushed their team to their limits. He’s been part of that came with looking after herself wonderful, hopeful recovery stories. But also many instances where, despite Herculean and her family, she has been resilient, efforts, the outcome was not what everyone hoped for. As visitors have been prohibited courageous, and brave all while being for much of the pandemic, Ryan has also borne the brunt of the understandable caring and inspiring. With great sacrifice emotional strain of patient’s family members who are not able to see their loved ones. over the last year, healthcare workers like Throughout it all he has exhibited admirable dedication, professionalism and empathy. Colette have shown us true commitment Even when he has given his all, all day and leaves work with a heavy heart, he always to making our world a better place." greets the kids with a big smile when he comes home and finds the energy and focus to spend quality time with them. He’s our hero everyday."
The Gael Gazette 4 Pivoting our Days of Reflection… again!
In the pre-pandemic world, our Days of Reflection would take place on a Friday, where an entire class would gather together at the ATC to explore a different aspect of the faith life on campus with their peers. But the restrictions placed upon large gatherings at the onset of COVID-19 forced us to have to get creative. So Campus Ministry pivoted the events to a weekly video reflection model that was shown in the Theology
faith on campus classrooms on Thursdays and Fridays of each week—which went on for the entire first semester. After the Christmas break, some of those restrictions were lifted and we were able to reformat the structure of our Days of Reflection to be able to administer these experiences in person once again—just on a much smaller scale.
We continue to use the GAELS acronym, as in years past, to incorporate the theme for each class:
God - Freshmen Beginning with the Seniors in February, a specific week was Accountability - Sophomores designated for the students to gather, socially distanced (of Excellence - Juniors course), at Holy Spirit Catholic Church during their English Leadership - Seniors classes from Tuesday to Friday for a mini period of reflection on Stewardship - we tie this theme into all four grades levels by each day. This provided the opportunity for the students to take focusing on service a break from their regular schedule and have a bit of time during the week to pause and reflect on their lives amidst inspiring talks, meaningful activities, prayerful music, and moments of silence. “It was so refreshing to be able to do ministry face to face with students again,” said Director of Campus Ministry, Mr. Sayre.
Celebrating Class Mass at Holy Spirit In November of 2020 Bishop Gorman High School I really enjoy attending Theology Class was able to celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass Masses because they allow for people for the first time since the start of the pandemic. to come together and pray. I think Students gathered at Holy Spirit Catholic Church it’s especially important to do things on a Thursday and Friday during their Theology together as a team and community. classes and online learners were able to join through My favorite part of class Masses would a YouTube live stream to worship together as one. be the singing at the end of the Mass. These Theology Class Masses were also celebrated in It’s" enjoyable and fun to watch the February and will be again on April 22-23. whole school sing together. Chloe Groce '22
Father Bill Kenny '62 celebrates Mass with BGHS students at Holy Spirit " Christian Service
Despite offering “safe” service opportunities (with none to very low contact), there are students who go out in person to serve the vulnerable in our community.
Pictured are Bishop Gorman students: Isabelle Isla '24, Catherine Isla '24, Miranda Loos '24, Marissa Loos '24, and Vincent Machado '24.
Thank you to the BGHS freshmen who helped load food into a truck on March 6 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The event called Stuff The Truck benefitted the food pantry at Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada and was organized by Mrs. Jeanne Kilduff. Twelve tons of food were collected through this event. The food pantry at Catholic Charities has helped those in need during the pandemic, as many families have lost their employment.
The students from left to right are: Logan Ashley '24; Nicholas Moore '24; Barrett VanderLind '24 Carter Umphress '24 (Victoria [Yi] Umphress '89); Ryan Soucoup '24
5 Spring 2021 Great job Gaels! National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test in their junior year of high school. Semifinalists are the highest scoring entrants in each state and are invited to apply for the National Merit® Scholarship.
Bishop Gorman is proud to have six seniors recognized in this legacy in action Presidential Scholars program. Congratulations to: Finalists: Ethan Goroza '21, and Maia Marshall '21. Program Commended: Shaelin Chong '21, Zachary Knehr '21, Jocelyn G. Lotterhos '21, and Derek N. Nguyen '21.
The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by Executive Order of Congratulations to the Art & Writing Portfolio the President, to recognize and GOLD KEY winners in the Scholastic Art & Writing honor some of our Nation's competition! most distinguished graduating high school seniors. In 1979, the Program was extended Zachary Knehr '21 Alyssa Mangio '21 to recognize students who Sergiy Montano '21 Nicole Needham '21 demonstrate exceptional talent in Sophie Vansomphone '21 the visual, creative and performing arts. In 2015, the program was again extended to recognize students who demonstrate ability and accomplishment in career Class of 2021 Valedictorian, and technical education fields. Each year, up to 161 students are Salutatorian & Co-Valedictorians named U.S. Presidential Scholars, one of the Nation's highest honors for high school students. The Valedictorian: Salutatorian Scholars represent excellence Aleea Rios-Franzi Aja Johnson in education and the promise of greatness in young people. Co-Valedictorians Ava Adamson Connor McFadden Application to this program is by invitation only. Bianca Capanna Allan Morones Bishop Gorman is proud to have two candidates, Madeline Chatham Nicole Needham Maia Marshall '21 and Vladislav Reva '21, invited to apply (Lisa [Griffen] Chatham '90) Ethan Nguyen for the Presidential Scholars Program. Jaylen Choi Mariane Pedrosa Congratulations! Isabel Dela Cruz Liberty Perez Isabela Delos-Reyes Vladislav Reva Serena Entringer Reese Rosebeck Riley Ventura '24 was awarded a Certificate of Jenna Favazza Adriana Salgado Participation from the Silver State Schools Credit Union. Carmela Ferrence Annie Shao Her artwork titled "The Magic Melody" is a fun and light-hearted piece. Ferris Ferris Eva Silvestri (Peter Ferris '82) Joseph Simmons III Congratulations Riley! Rosina Gillett Juliana Sinobio (Kathryn [Maffey] Gillett '91) (Edward Burke '80) Ethan Goroza Mya Skowronski Michael Gugino Lauren Soong (Madalene [Fischer] Gugino '87) Megan Soong Katelyn Hackworth Andrea Soto Kelly Hashiro John Sullivan Jocelyn Lotterhos Amanda Vaskov Alyssa Mangio Braya Weaks Maia Marshall Aidan Yamachika
Great job Gaels! The Gael Gazette 6 legacy in action Go Gaels Congratulations to the following seniors who signed their National Letters of Intent to play their sport in college.
FOOTBALL: DJ Herman - San Diego State University, CA; Jaden Hicks - Washington State University, WA; Charlotin Charles - Fresno State University, CA; Tafao Amataga - Southern Utah University, UT; Ma’a Gaoteote - Michigan State University, MI; Sean McConnell - University of Jamestown, ND; Bradley Johnson - Morehouse College, GA FENCING: Ethan Nguyen-Duke University, NC
Although the Winter Sports season was officially cancelled in Southern Nevada, Bishop Gorman “Fall Sports” are currently taking place. Teams are working out and playing games under COVID-19 guidelines from the Governor of Nevada and the NIAA.
Current sports in season are:
-Boys & Girls Tennis -Girls Golf -Boys & Girls Soccer (W) SOCCER: Sammy Nieves-SMU; Jena Madrid-UNLV -Boys & Girls Cross Country (M) BASKETBALL: Will McClendon-UCLA -Football (W) BASKETBALL: Isabella Westbrook-Adams State University, CO -Girls Volleyball (M) GOLF: Jake Johnson (Susan [Schmitt] Johnson '90, Danny Johnson'90)- The Spring Sports begins on April 3, and Rocky Mountain College, MO includes the following sports: (W) GOLF: Gianna Marretti-UNLV SOFTBALL: Nycole Cootes-Marymount California University, CA; -Baseball -Softball Sarah Aguilar – Dakota College at Bottineau, ND; -Boys Golf Katelyn Hunter-Canisius College, NY -Boys and Girls Lacrosse BASEBALL: Gavin Mez-UNLV; Santino Panaro- UNLV; -Boys and Girls Swimming & Diving Tyler Whitaker-University of Arizona, AZ -Boys and Girls Track & Field -Boys Volleyball (M) SOCCER: Diesel Fiore-Eastern University, PA; Keegan Brooks – Linfield University, OR Practice begins Saturday, April 3, 2021 (W) LACROSSE: Karsyn Sadler-Queens University of Charlotte, NC First contest may be held Thursday, April 15, 2021 Last contest Saturday, May 22, 2021 You can watch a LIVESTREAM of games played at Bishop Gorman, just visit our website bishopgorman.org and look for the NEWS button on the HOME page for the link.
7 Spring 2021 What does
How were you able to connect with the team What has the team been up to lately? the BGHS in the early days of the pandemic lockdown? We have been practicing and gearing Like many programs around the country, up for the spring football season which we utilized Zoom to connect with our officially started this month! players. It is a platform that we had not football used before, but will definitely be taking advantage of in the future. It is the one What does the BGHS football team have in tool that helped us when we could not be store for the future? in person with the student-athletes. We have a talented group of young players team have who are excited that the season has begun so they can display their skills on the field. What has been the biggest challenge you have in store? faced so far over the past year? The uncertainty has been the biggest Tell the Bishop Gorman community more Coach problem. We have had to start and stop about you… practice several times throughout the I am just a humble guy that has been Brent Browner year because of the changing COVID-19 blessed with an amazing wife and two requirements. As with anything, wonderful children. I am so honored to be In January 2020, Brent Browner was consistency and keeping a set schedule the Head Football Coach of such a great named Head Football Coach at Bishop is important to our players. Not having school with an outstanding community Gorman High School. He hit the either of those has been tough. Lastly, behind us. Every day we have worked pavement running with the team as helping our seniors to get the college diligently to get football back on track they were gearing up for the fall 2020 interest that they would have had during and provide the best possible high school season. A year has now passed and this year has been tough. football experience for our student- Coach Browner is finally going to get athletes his first season as Head Coach in the books. It will not be anything he could What has been the silver lining in all have ever imagined, but he is ready to of this? give these student-athletes a football Our players have been able to season they will never forget. practice in the ATC and Fertitta field. Our Offensive Coordinator, A year ago, you became the head football Coach Craig Canfield, reminded coach here at Bishop Gorman. Who would the players at the end of practice have thought your first year as Coach would yesterday that it is an opportunity have been one like this! How have you and to take their minds off all the the team been handling it? problems going on with Definitely not how I envisioned my first COVID-19, come out, and do year as Head Coach. That being said, there something they love to do. is no better place in the country to coach at than Bishop Gorman High School. The team has been very resilient during this unprecedented time. Our administration and facilities staff did a remarkable job getting the school and the Athletic Training Center (ATC) ready for students and student-athletes. Their hard work allowed our team to get back into school safely, as well as practice and continue to develop our players throughout the year. 9 Spring 2021
low winners net winners gross exciting for our winners! Congratulations to our especiallytournamentThemoreone. was waysthan supporters at the tournament, it was a successin Between the beautiful week-long weather and all of the great a bottle of champagne and more, to take home with them and enjoy. Hole” gift box (sponsored by “19 a with off topped was golf of round players' the restrictions, post-tournament reception was not permitted this year due to competitive aspect anda senseofcamaraderie. While the usual leaderboard availablewas throughout the weekgolfersgive to the a safe event while following allCOVID-19 guidelines. A live virtual their convenience. The new tournament format madeit possible for 5 days to allow our golfers the opportunity to book their tee time at 5 Club during the week ofSunday, November 1 Golden Entertainment The 35 advancement th . Yes, that’s right – the tournament took placeover the courseof th Annual Bishop GormanGolf Classicsponsored by from KAIROC rm B Systems JBE from was held at the beautifulBear’s Best Golf XL Companies GolfClassic Bishop Gorman . st – Thursday, November ) that included snacks, and our low low th
success! sponsors who were a part of this event and helped to make it a and golfers,volunteers,our of all to out go Manythanks program. Moneyfromraised our Golfsupports the Classic assistance tuition XL COMPANIES, RAFAEL FRAMERS, TOP NOTCH SERVICES, ELLIS ISLAND, PENTA BUILDING GROUP, HIGH DESERT We lookforward tothe36 BREAKTHRU BEVERAGE NEVADA, ROBCO ELECTRIC, PAR 3LANDSCAPE, CHAPMAN AUTO GROUP, Fall 2021andhopetoseeyouallthere! A specialthankstoourTitle Sponsor: JOSTENS -LANCE &ROXANNE SHOEN HOWARD &HOWARD ATTORNEYS, and otherMajor Sponsors: INTERSHINE GRAPHICS, and GOLDEN ENTERTAINMENT PETROLEUM, th AnnualGolfClassicin
THE ULTIMATE SpringAUCTION!
Online silent auction benefitting the Bishop Gorman Tuition Assistance Program advancement For the past 39 years Bishop Gorman has held the annual Knight of the Gael event which is one of our most successful fund-raising efforts. Due to current restrictions, we have decided not to have an in-person event this year and instead try to raise the funds we would have generated from Knight of the Gael with an "Ultimate" Spring Auction. Please consider participating by bidding in the auction or by donating an item or package! Monday, May 3rd through Friday, May 7th All bidding will take place online through our online bidding website, GiveSmart. Visit www.bishopgorman.org for more information
If you would like to donate to this year's Silent Auction, please email [email protected] by April 20th.
Bishop Gorman High School’s Gaels Theatre Guild Presents Nv State Thespian Peter Competition The following students received Superior Ratings at the NV State Thespian Competition. They have qualified and the to compete at the National Competition in June! Technical Theatre Larissa DeDera '21, Short Film Starcatcher Athena Jett '21 (Karina (Mikeli) Jett '92, Makeup Design A Play by Rick Elice Raquelle Reyes '21, Costume Construction Based on the Novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson Performance Originally produced on Broadway by Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Greg Schaffert, Eva Price, Tom Smedes, and Disney Theatrical Productions Ellie Cobo '23, Solo Musical Theatre Andrew Golden '23, Solo Musical Theatre Marissa Romero '23, Solo Musical Theatre Laura Penalosa '21, Solo Musical Theatre Jasmine Onwutuebe '24, Solo Musical Theatre April 27, 28, 29 at 6pm Taylor Bair '22, Group Acting Box Office Information Limited Seating Call: 702 - 476 - 4175 Nicole Wills '22, Group Acting Tickets available on www.showtix4u.com State Mandated Social Rebekah Winkler '22, Group Acting Distancing Rules in Effect Jim3 House of Performing Arts Christopher Sullivan '21 (Chris Sullivan '84), 5959 S. Hualapai Way Las Vegas, NV 89148 www.bishopgorman.org To have faith is to have wings Contrasting Monologues & Solo Musical Theatre Elena Ferrante-Martin Artistic Director & Managing Producer PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. Congratulations! www.mtishows.com The Gael Gazette 10 2000s, cont.
Noelle (Kessler) Festa '04, husband, Ryan,
roll call 1980s and big brother, Beau, welcomed baby girl, Lola Ryan Festa, into the world on February 7, 2020.
Executive Producer Chad Layne '89 and Director, Anthony DiMaria '84 produced & released the full-length Joshua Litt '04 and wife, Keya, welcomed documentary, Jay Sebring...Cutting a baby boy, Theodore Howard Litt, on to the Truth, on Amazon, AppleTV and June 15, 2020. streaming. The film features Dennis Hopper, Quincy Jones, Quentin Tarantino and was named one of 2020's Best Films by The Hollywood Film Critics Association. Kristina (Hawkins) Hafen '03 and husband Ryan Hafen '03 welcomed their son, Bryce Hawkins Hafen on 1990s August 7, 2020. Siblings, Carson and Hazel, love coming up with new ways to make David Philip Mullins '92 recently released their little brother laugh. his second book, a novel titled The Brightest Place in the World. David currently resides in Omaha, Nebraska and is an associate 2010s professor of English at Creighton University. Crosbey and Alexander Volker '11 were married on November 6, 2020, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Fr. Bill Kenny '62 officiated the ceremony. Bishop Gorman Joey Orduña Hastings '93, JD, CEO of alumni in the wedding party the National Council of Juvenile and Family included Alyssa Volker '15, Court Judges has been appointed to two Adam Volker '08, Nicholas committee positions with the Institute for Nicastro '08, and Kerigan the Advancement of the American Legal Kenny '11. System (IAALS) and the National CASA/ GAL (Court Appointed Special Advocate/ Guardian ad Litem) Association for Children. Meghen Phenicie '16 graduated from Montana State University in November of 2020, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary 2000s Education K-8. She graduated with highest honors and Magna Cum Laude. In December Aurora Driscoll Barker '07 and of 2020, she began working as a full-time special her husband, Leland, welcomed son, education paraprofessional in Bozeman, MT. Felix Thomas John, on November 28, 2020. All are healthy and happy in Omaha, Nebraska. 2020s Remi Coneh '20, joined the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in Israel right after graduation in Mike Zaher '04 and Ashley (Thompson) the midst of the pandemic. She enlisted, finished Zaher '05, welcomed their son, Joseph basic training and is currently a field soldier in Rory Zaher on October 28, 2020. He advanced training. She is due to complete in weighed 7lbs. 2oz. and measured 20 inches the summer and become a commander of an long. Mom and dad are so in love with their all men special unit for the next two years. baby boy!
11 Spring 2021 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Athar Haseebullah '05, has been named Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada; the first time since the organization started in 1966, that a person of color is leading the ACLU. Haseebullah is a double alumnus of Howard University, serves as secretary of the Urban Chamber of Commerce, president of the local Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity alumni chapter, a board member for the roll call Interfaith Council of Southern Nevada, and chairman for Masjid Ibrahim. He has practiced law in Las Vegas since 2015 and is well-known for his desire to help people and improve society. Athar has even come back to Bishop Gorman since graduating to speak to a World Religion class.
On December 5, 2020, community leader and visionary, Richard Etter passed away, and on March 1, 2021, his loving wife Nancy joined him. They were passionate about education and played an important role in the development of Bishop Gorman High School. Richard and Nancy had four children (Christina '82, Kathryn '83, Tim '89, and Daniel '92) and four grandchildren attend Bishop Gorman. BGHS is proud to have had the pleasure of honoring Richard and Nancy as the 9th Annual Knight of the Gael honorees in 1991. We are In Our Prayers grateful to the Etter family for all they have done for Bishop Gorman High School. Steven Bartel '62 passed away on March 29, Sean Higgins '82 passed away September 23, 2020. 2020, of AML. Steven served two tours of duty Sean was 6th in the legendary Higgins clan and an in Vietnam. He enlisted in the navy and became influential member of the Las Vegas Gaming Industry. a Seabee, and is interred at Tahoma National He will be greatly missed by everyone who had the Cemetery in Washington. Beloved husband of 46 privilege to know him but most especially by his years to Judy Bartel, loving father to two children, loving family: Lynn, Samantha '12 and Connor and Poppy to six grandchildren. Steven left a legacy '14, his mother Lucia, his 9 brothers and sisters, of his loving soul, kindness and gentle manner that will always be Maureen '74 (Jack '74), Mary Beth '75 (Eric), Michael '77, remembered. Brigid '78, Kevin '80 (Ana), Brian '83 (Lisa), Shannon '84 (Chris), Terry '86 (Beth) and Missy '87 (Colby) and many nieces and Barbara (Bobbie) Buckley returned home to her nephews who adored him. heavenly family on September 30, 2020, surrounded by her children and grandchildren: Michael (Cathy Louis "Coach Lou" Pisani, passed away on February '74), Jan '70 (Bill Hart), Brian '71 (Susan), Kevin 6, 2021. Lou was the Head Baseball Coach at Bishop '72 (Silvia), Leslie '73 (Todd Shaffer '74), Jill '74 Gorman from 1983-1987. All four of his children, (Jack Stilwell), Hilary '76 (David Murphy), Monica Veronica '72 (Charles), Lyndalou '74 (Brian), '80 (Dan Futryk), and Alison '82 (Michael Davitt), Juliana '77, and Sam '82, attended Gorman as 29 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren many of them Bishop well as 6 of his 14 grandchildren. Coach Lou was a Gorman grads. Bobbie was a devout Catholic and loving matriarch pillar in the Las Vegas baseball community for over that held faith and family close to her heart. Her warmth and spirit 50 years and loved to share his passion, enthusiasm, and skills for the will be missed by all who knew her. game he loved with all the players he coached. Most notably, Lou was a man devoted to his faith and family, a loving and supportive father Dr. David William Erbach, passed away on February and grandfather. 15, 2021. Dave began working at Bishop Gorman High School in 1978. He was Assistant Principal, Jack Raftery Sr. passed away on November 20, taught several history classes, coached football 2020. As the patriarch of the large and much-loved and basketball and acted as the Athletic Director Bishop Gorman family, seven out of nine of his for several years. He coached the Gaels to a State children graduated from Gorman: Jack Jr '67 (Kay), Championship and was known as “Coach” to many Patty '69, Cathy '73 (Kevin), Mike '74 (Donna '75), of the students. From 1991 - 1998, Dave served as the principal Jimmy '78 (Linda), Keenan '80 and Maureen '82 of Bishop Gorman. He continued in education for a total of 45 (Tio '77) for a total of 15 children and grandchildren years and ultimately retired from CCSD in 2016. He was a beloved attending Gorman. In 2016, Bishop Gorman honored colleague, boss, teacher, coach, and friend. him at the 33rd Annual Knight of the Gael. Jack’s commitment to his family and dedication to Catholic education was an inspiration to all and sets the example of what it means to truly be a Gael.
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