The Class of 2013 Our Founding Class Brandi Berger Aline Blasizzo Sarah Clester Hannah Curry Clare Friesenhahn Mary Grace Gagnon Anastazia Gilman Mary Glatt Jordan Gross Joe Knotts Catherine Lewanski Erin Macleod Daniel Martinez Lindsay Mechtel Tristan Monsisvais Paul Mueller Hannah Musser Flavio Navarro Sean Pierce Jacob Sorgi Alex Wainscott Valerie Wood Cassidy Zgabay • ALABAMA • SOUTH CAROLINA University of Alabama Limestone College • • Pepperdine University Baylor University • COLORADO Northeast Lakeview College Colorado School of Mines Our Lady of the Lake University United States Air Force Academy Schreiner University • CONNECTICUT St. Mary’s University United States Coast Guard Academy Stephen F. Austin University • Texas A & M – College Station Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Texas A & M – Galveston Full Sail University Texas Christian University • GEORGIA Texas Lutheran University Savannah College of Art and Design Texas State University – San Marcos • INDIANA Texas Tech University University of Notre Dame University of Dallas • NEW YORK University of Siena College University of Mary Hardin Baylor United States Merchant Marine Academy University of North Texas • NORTH CAROLINA University of Texas at Austin High Point University University of Texas at • OHIO UTSA - College of Engineering (Ohio) University University of the Incarnate Word University of Dayton • WISCONSIN • PENNSYLVANIA Marquette University Arcadia University Duquesne University Robert Morris University Awards and Commendations

St. Thomas Aquinas Awards, for distinguished academic achievement History Scholar ……………………………… Cassidy Zgabay Theology Scholar…………………………… Mary Grace Gagnon Science Scholar ……………………………… Paul Mueller Math Scholar……………………………… Hannah Curry English Scholar……………………………… Anastazia Gilman Foreign Language Scholar………………… Mary Glatt Art Scholar……………………………… Tristan Monsisvais

The +Michael Travis+ Core Virtue Awards, named for our beloved colleague, for exemplary observation of our core virtues Humility……………………………… Hannah Musser Faith……………………………… Clare Friesenhahn Courage……………………………… Anastazia Gilman Love……………………………… Valerie Wood

Archbishop’s Medallion…………………… Mary Grace Gagnon

National Merit Scholars, Commended … Hannah Curry, Mary Glatt, Anastazia Gilman

Salutatorian……………………………… Anastazia Gilman

Valedictorian: ……………………………… Hannah Curry Faculty and Staff

Sarah Anderson, Science Mary Ledford, Latin, yearbook Amy Thomson, English B.S., Texas A&M University B.A., University of Oklahoma B.A., Trinity University M.A., University of Oklahoma M.A.T., Trinity University Dr. Paul Foster, Ph.D., History B.A., University of Notre Dame Silvia Lorenzen, Spanish Lisa Tobias, Science M.A., Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania B.A., UNAL - Monterey B.S., Bates College Ph.D., Catholic University of America M.A., UT-Pan American M.A., Barry University

Dr. Jacob Friesenhahn, Ph.D. Suzanne Meche, Mathematics Michael Travis, emeritus Theology B.S., University of Texas at Austin B.S., Bridgewater State University B.A. University of Dallas M.Ed., Southwest Texas State M.Ed., Bridgewater State Ph.D., Southern Methodist Heather Patillo, English Sharon Strickland, college Deacon Robert Gorman, Ph.D., B.A., Colorado State University counselor Theology M.A., Chapman University B.A., St. Mary’s University B.A., Seattle University M.Ed., Univ. of Texas at San M.A., University of Oregon Bianca Pitman, Art Antonio Ph.D., University of Oregon B.F.A., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio Laura Sullivan, business manager Peggy Harkins, Faith formation B.B.A. Southwest Texas State B.A., University of Dallas Dr. Alyssa Robson, counselor M.Ed., Univ. of Texas at San Antonio B.A., Rice University Ed McCabe, CPA M.A., St. Mary's University M.A., Rice University Ass’t Principal, Athletic Director Ph.D., Rice University B.B.A. Southwest Texas State Dr. Christina Kenney, MD, Science MBA, Southwest Texas State B.S., Texas Tech University Martha Sweeney, mathematics M.D., University of Wisconsin B.S., University of Texas at Austin Andrew Iliff, Principal M.A.T., Univ. of Texas at Austin B.A., University of Notre Dame M.Ed., Trinity University Baccalaureate Mass 12:30 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish Church

Celebrant…. Msgr. Larry Christian, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Con-celebrants…Father Martin Leopold, Moderator of the Curia Msgr. Larry Stuebben, retired, former Moderator of the Curia & Head of 1987 Papal Visit to Texas Msgr. Albert Hubertus, former student of St. Joseph’s School Father Tony Pesek, Pastor, Sts. Peter and Paul Church and Father Don Cowie, SM

Music by the JPIICHS Liturgical Choir, under the direction of Dr. Christina Kenney

Prelude to Mass...... “Sanctuary” (traditional) Processional hymn...... “God with Us,” (Marc Bird, Steve Hindalong) First Reading...... Sirach 2:1-11 Read by Brandi Berger “Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not.” Responsorial Psalm...... Psalm 37: “Commit your life to the Lord, and he will help you.” Read by Aline Blasizzo Arcadia University Texas Lutheran University Gospel...... John 15:9-17 “Remain in my love.” Baylor University Texas State University—San Marcos Prayers of the Faithful...... Written by the Class of 2013, read by Hannah Musser Colorado School of Mines Texas Tech University Duquesne University United States Air Force Academy Offertory hymn...... “Holy is His Name” (John Michael Talbot) Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Official Congressional appointment) Communion hymn...... “How Beautiful” (Twila Paris) Full Sail University United States Coast Guard Academy Alma mater...... Alma Redemptoris Mater High Point University United States Merchant Marine Archbishop’s Medallion...... Presentation by Superintendent Patricia Davis Limestone College Academy Blessing of the Graduates.... Deacon Gorman, Father Christian Miami (Ohio) University University of Alabama Our Lady of the Lake University University of Dallas Recessional hymn...... “The Summons” (John Bell) Pepperdine University University of Houston St. Michael’s Prayer...... Led by Joe Knotts Robert Morris University University of Mary Hardin Baylor ******************* Schreiner University University of North Texas Post-Mass...... Mr. Iliff Siena College University of Notre Dame St. Mary’s University University of Texas at Austin ALL ARE WELCOME AT A RECEPTION BETWEEN MASS AND GRADUATION. Stephen F. Austin University University of Texas at San Antonio IT WILL BE HELD IN THE FAITH FORMATION BUILDING. Texas A & M – College Station UTSA - College of Engineering

Texas A & M – Galveston University of the Incarnate Word EXIT THE SANCTUARY AND TURN LEFT. FOLLOW THE SIGNS OUT OF THE BUILDING AND INTO THE FAITH FORMATION BUILDING. Texas Christian University Commencement Exercises

3:00 p.m., Holy Trinity Parish Center

ALL GUESTS ARE ASKED TO BE IN THEIR SEATS BY 2:50 p.m.

Entrance...... Pomp and Circumstance, Elgar performed by Coker Brass

Processional order...... Cross bearer; Shield bearer; Sword Bearer; the Rock.

Invocation and welcome...... Cassidy Zgabay, Senior Class President

National Anthem...... performed by Sarah Clester, Mary Grace Gagnon, Mary Glatt, and Valerie Wood

Salutatory Address...... Anastazia Gilman, Salutatorian

Proclamations from the Cities of Schertz, New Braunfels, and the State of Texas Michael Carpenter, Mayor of Schertz Gale Pospisil, Mayor of New Braunfels

Valedictory address...... Hannah Curry, Valedictorian

JPII traditions...... Andrew Iliff

Commencement Address...... J. Michael Belz President, Catholic Life Insurance

Conferring Diplomas...... Dr. Foster, Dr. Kenney, Andrew Iliff

Tassel moving...... Andrew Iliff

Benediction...... Deacon Robert Gorman

Recessional...... Prelude to Te Deum, Charpentier performed by Coker Brass

The John Paul II Catholic High School Community would especially like to thank Mr. Michael Belz for accepting our invitation to deliver this year’s commencement address. Catholic Life Insurance is a key supporter of Catholic education in Texas. We are pleased to have him as our guest.

We also offer a very special thank you to our superintendent, Patricia Davis, for being with us this afternoon, and for her support of JPII.

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

BRANDI BERGER MARY GRACE GAGNON  University of Houston  University of Dallas  High Point University  President’s Scholarship  Academic Scholarship  Texas A&M University – College  Siena College Station  Presidential Scholarship  Texas A & M University at  Siena Grant Galveston  Duquesne University  Texas Tech University  Academic Scholarship  Presidential Scholarship  Arcadia University  Texas State University – San Marcos  Distinguished Scholar Award  Comal County A & M Mothers’ Club  Knight Scholarship  Catholic Daughters of the Americas-  University Grant Texas State Court  St. Edward’s University  Catholic Daughters of the Americas  President’s Merit Scholarship Court #2085  University Grant  Knights of Columbus  Your Community Impact  Garden Ridge Lions Club Scholarship  VFW Post 5623 Scholarship ANASTAZIA GILMAN

 University of Dallas ALINE BLASIZZO  Trustee Scholarship  Stephen F. Austin University  Betty Leventz Memorial  Texas Tech University Scholarship

 University of Alabama SARAH CLESTER  Presidential Scholarship  Texas State University Full out-of state

 Texas A&M University – College HANNAH CURRY Station  University of Alabama  Texas Christian University  Presidential Scholarship -  Dean’s Scholarship Full out-of state  Engineering Leadership MARY GLATT Scholarship  University of North Texas  Colorado School of Mines  UNT Excellence Scholarship  James E. Casey Scholarship  Texas Highest Graduate Award JORDAN GROSS

Austin Community College CLARE FRIESENHAHN  University of the Incarnate Word JOSEPH KNOTTS  Catholic High School Scholarship  Northeast Lakeview College  UIW Presidential Scholarship  UIW Alumni Scholarship  UIW Direct Admit to Nursing School Scholarship  = acceptance to university  San Antonio Coalition for Life  = Scholarship, award from university (SACFL) Youth Essay Contest  = general scholarship, award  Bracken Bowling Club

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

CATHERINE LEWANSKI PAUL MUELLER  University of the Incarnate Word  United States Air Force Academy  Archbishop Gomez Catholic official Congressional appointment High School Scholarship  Full Tuition, room & board  Dean’s Scholarship  United States Coast Guard Academy  Kenedy Foundation official Congressional appointment  Our Lady of the Lake University  Full Tuition, room & board  Faculty Scholarship  United States Merchant Marine Academy  Full Tuition, room & board ERIN MACLEOD  University of Notre Dame  University of the Incarnate Word  University of Dayton  Distinguished Scholar Award  Trustees’ Merit Scholarship  Bishop Carmody Catholic  Marquette University High School Scholarship  Ignatius Academic Excellence  Baylor University Scholarship  Merit Scholarship  Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University  Embry-Riddle Scholarship DANIEL MARTINEZ  Miami University  Full Sail University  RedHawk Excellence Scholarship  Navy ROTC Scholarship LINDSAY MECHTEL  Palo Alto College HANNAH MUSSER  Alamo Colleges Foundation  University of Texas at San Antonio Scholarship  Terry Foundation Scholarship  San Antonio Livestock Exposition,  Texas State University Inc. Scholarship  Alamo Area Youth Horse FLAVIO NAVARRO Association Scholarship  University of the Incarnate Word  Catholic High School Scholarship TRISTAN MONSISVAIS  Savannah College of Art and Design SEAN PIERCE  SCAD Academic Achievement  Texas Lutheran University Scholarship  Limestone College  SCAD Academic Honors Scholarship JACOB SORGI  SCAD Artistic Achievement  Duquesne University Scholarship  Academic Scholarship  University of Texas CAP  Robert Morris University (Coordinated Admission Program) ALEX WAINSCOTT Northeast Lakeview College

 = acceptance to university  = Scholarship, award from university  = general scholarship, award

Acceptances, Scholarships, and Awards

VALERIE WOOD  Texas Lutheran University  Presidential Scholarship  Pacesetter Scholarship  Schreiner University  Presidential Scholarship  San Antonio Regional Scholarship  Our Lady of the Lake University  Faculty Scholarship  Challenge Award  St. Mary’s University  Trustees’ Scholarship In total, as reported,  Madeleine Scholarship the 23 graduates of  University of the Incarnate Word  Presidential Scholarship John Paul II  Bishop Carmody Catholic High School Catholic High School Scholarship  University of Mary Hardin-Baylor have amassed $3.1 million  Freshman Honor Scholarship in scholarships, awards,  Texas A & M University – College Station  University of Texas at San Antonio and offers.  2008 Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair Scholarship  2009 Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair Scholarship

CASSIDY ZGABAY  Texas A & M University – College Station  University of Texas at San Antonio  Pepperdine University  University Alumni Grant  Pepperdine Grant  University of Dallas  Trustee Scholarship  Texas Christian University  Dean's Scholarship

 = acceptance to university  = Scholarship, award from university  = general scholarship, award

Special Thanks

The thank you section of any program seeks to share gratitude and thanksgiving for the many persons and groups that made that event possible. In our case, the efforts of many people – through the direction and graces of the Holy Spirit – have made our school possible. Certainly, prayers consistent and earnest have been offered on behalf of our school and students, in union with those of Mary our Mother, many saints, and soon to be saints. We would like to offer up as many of the special people (that we can remember!) who over the past ten years have worked to bring us to this time and place. Nolite timere...... the JPIICHS Community

PARENTS OF THE CLASS OF 2013 Anita Gross and Robert Gross Kathleen and Gary Pierce Jeanne and Timothy Knotts Laura Sorgi Theresa and Bruce Berger Amanda and Jan Lewanski Adriana Bazan Joyce and Alain Blasizzo Jeff Zunker and Jennifer Macleod JoAnn and Joseph Wood Stephanie and Floyd Clester Mary and Ralph Martinez Tammy and Craig Zgabay Audrey and Jon Curry Katherine and John Mechtel Colleen and Cary Friesenhahn Eileen and Frank Monsisvais THANK YOU, PARENTS! Mary Jane and George Gagnon Theresa and William Mueller Elaine and James Gilman Lisa and Michael Musser Amy and Raymond Glatt Flavio Navarro & Martha Lara Cordova

SCHOOL COUNCIL 2012-2013 Audrey Curry 2011- Msgr. Dennis Darilek 2007- President -- Jim Gilman 2007- George Gagnon 2010- Vice President -- Ray Glatt 2010- Deacon Robert Gorman 2007- Treasurer -- Wendy Rybicki 2011- John Torrez 2011- Secretary -- Mary Kelly 2011- Dr. Alex Urteaga 2007- Patrick Cronin 2007- Craig Zgabay 2007-

The Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S. Father John Mary Foster Archbishop of San Antonio The Mission of Divine Mercy The Most Reverend Jose H. Gomez, STD Peggy and Dan Harkins Archbishop of Los Angeles Msgr. Eugene O’Callaghan Bishop Oscar Cantu The Pioneers of St. Joseph’s Chapel and School Bishop of Las Cruces, New Art Gonzales, Kristen Beeghley, Erica Wendell, Bud Father Martin Leopold, Moderator of the Curia Dahlmann, Bob Olivera, Nick Hunter, Joe Martinez Ruben Hinojosa, CFO, Archdiocese of San Antonio & Colton Hermes Brother Ed Loch, Archivist, Archdiocese of San Antonio Mary Ann Gonzalez Superintendent Patricia Davis Melinda Miniel & Candy Quinones Sister Carla Marie Lusch, SSND Hal Baldwin Msgr. Dennis Darilek Michael Carpenter Father Tony Pesek Ken Funderburgh Father Jose De La Rosa Jackie Travis Father Alejandro Del Bosque Tim Drolet Jacqueline Palermo Veronica Riordan Deanna Sanchez Catholic Life Insurance JoAnn Wood Carlos Enrico Robert Whitworth Casey Friesenhahn Gilbert Saenz, Principal, Antonian College Prep H.S. John Dulske & Msgr. Mike Yarbrough, Holy Trinity Gil Hine Matt Grochett, Herff Jones Mark and KK Stevenson Knights of Columbus Council #4183, New Braunfels Don Maxwell Knights of Columbus Council #6856, OLPH Valerie Bowen Andrew Bennett, PT, Dr. Michael Vrana, & Marli Laura Sullivan! Carollo Joni Coker Jeff Zunker, Astek Environmental Dr. Marc Walker Joe Wood Roy Linnartz John Lovett, River City Builders Liz Grow Cary Friesenhahn, Friesenhahn & Marbach Cnstrn. OUR PRIESTS!

SENIOR CLASS GIFT Through their own fundraisers, and the generosity of the Knights of Columbus Council 4183, the Class of 2013 has donated to JPII a set of custom-built trophy cases for the lobby of the school. The gift will be formally dedicated in the fall during Founders Weekend.

TRADITIONS The Rock is in place on stage, and normally sits at the front door of the school. All members of the community are asked to touch the rock upon entering and leaving campus, as a reminder to be the rock, the cornerstone of our faith and of our school.

The sword and shield are symbols of the Guardian, our school’s mascot. The sword and shield are held by different classes and solidarity teams as a part of competitions held throughout the school year. The Guardian mascot is modeled after our Guardian Angels and St. Michael.

The blue and white cords worn by the Class of 2013 are Founder Cords. Given to our founding classes, the cords represent St. Mary and St. Joseph. The white invokes St. Joseph the builder and the serious work of building a school after the model of the Holy Family. The blue invokes St. Mary and her “Yes,” her fiat, which mirrors the yes of our students to the call to serve at JPII.

The core virtues of the school are humility, faith, courage, and love. Through much prayer and deliberation, these were given to the school by the founding board. These form the charism, or spirit, of the school.

Nolite Timere! which means: “Be not afraid!” These words used repeatedly in scripture, and by Jesus in the New Testament, to assure us that God is with us. Pope John Paul II echoed these words in his visits with the youth in the United States and throughout the world. In a world of confusion and anxiety, the words of the Master and of his Servant, the Pope, ring loud and clear. Young people need not be afraid to embrace truth itself, which is not just an idea, but even more importantly, a Person: Jesus Christ who calls us to the adventure of a holy life.

John Paul II frequently added to his appeal of “Nolite Timere!” the following rallying cry: “Aperite plene portas Christo!” “Open wide the doors the Christ!” Young Catholics and Christians are called to embrace the life of the mind with great courage and with right judgment in great trust, reverence and wonder of God’s love.

What we built! - by all of us

In August 2009… JPII was a stack of textbooks, 40 Macbook computers, some desks, nine classrooms and offices, and a lot of ideas on a page.

In May 2013… JPII is 150 families, 20 of the best teachers in the area, 17 sports teams, 3 play-off appearances, 6 individual state champions, 18 clubs, 3 National Merit Scholars, $3.1 million in scholarships and awards, 8 AP Classes, Homecoming, 12 Solidarity teams and 12 saint intercessors, Founders Weekend, Casino Night, retreats at the Mission, Camp HEB, and St. Hedwig, 185 Masses and counting, St. Joseph’s Chapel, St. Michael’s Chapel, the best liturgical music group in the state, five student government groups, Field Day with color throw, the best Catholic school debate team in the Archdiocese, an whole art wing, galas featuring prominent Catholic leaders like George Weigel and Karl Keating, and today 23 shining new alumni. Now, we are Guardians.

Most especially, day-by-day, year-by-year, we are becoming who we hope to become, a school founded in humility, faith, courage, and love, a place for all to encounter Christ and know Him. Thank you, Class of 2013! We are John Paul.