NEWS FOR ALUMNI& FRIENDS OF AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL
THE DUMB OX
SPRING/SUMMER 2022 EDITION
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Falcon Community, As we were working on this second issue of "The Dumb Ox" and we went back and forth about the stories that we would tell, I found myself looking fondly back at Aquinas over the years. Now there could be several reasons for this; for one, as our community continues to grow we will break ground on new facilities to accommodate this growth and the physical changes of the campus are quite apparent. The other, a small update of the "D" building, forced a different type of reflection. The "D" building, which will now be known as Heritage Hall, in honor of all Aquinas alumni, besides aesthetic updates, will house large murals of Aquinas since its inception in 1955 up through its most current graduates. It was identifying the moments that will makeup these murals that had me looking at these young Falcons that didn't know what life had in store for them, but did know that they would leave their mark on Aquinas. The fact that many of these individuals have gone on to become my friends and coworkers is a true testament to the power of the Aquinas community. As our campus changes and we welcome record setting numbers this Fall, I can't help but think about the impact the current group of Falcons will have on our community and what life holds in store for them. St. Thomas Aquinas...pray for us! Dr. Chris Barrows President Aquinas High School
CONTENTS 1. Letter from the President 2. La Riviere Society 4. Important Dates 5. 2022 Scholarship Dinner 6. Growing the Future 8. The Next Generation of Alumni 10. 2022 Aquinas Golf Tournament 12. Athletics- Season Wrap-up 14. Preserving the Legacy Campaign 15. On Campus-Spring Semester highlights 16. Saying goodbye 18. Class Notes 20.Together We Can Campaign
Administration Most Reverend Alberto Rojas, Bishop of Diocese of San Bernardino Dr. Sam Torres, Superintendent Dr. Chris Barrows, President Dr. Amanda Egan, Principal Mr. Ron Simmons, Assistant Principal Discipline and Student Services
LARIVIERE SCHOLARSHIPS & TEACHING EXCELLENCE 2022 Four high achieving students and an inspiring teacher were among many who were honored recently at the Aquinas High School end-of-school term Awards Night. These four students entering their Senior year of high school were spotlighted for not only their academic accomplishments but also their outstanding character. Avid learning and solid citizenship are the qualities that are recognized and celebrated with a LaRiviere scholarship.
Kristen Cervantes from Eastvale
Andres Robles from Moreno Valley
Abby Barrows from Yucaipa
Diego Guerrero from Rancho Cucamonga
The LaRiviere Teaching Excelence award was presented to Aquinas HS faculty member Rebecca Forbush. Ms. Forbush has consistently demonstrated the qualities that reflect her dedication to her profession, is an excellent communicator and inspires each student to perform at their very best.
Father Earl LaRiviere was a Jesuit trained priest who taught at Aquinas High School from 1959 to 1969. He was a larger than life presence in the classroom and his booming voice kept students on the edge of their seats. Father Earl had very high expectations for his students and inspired each to perform at their very best. Many former students credit Father LaRiviere with instilling in them an appreciation for learning and the importance of a solid work ethic. These qualities have served each well during their adult lives. For more information visit www.larivieresociety.com
SAVE THE DATE
HOMECOMING 10.7.22
... be sure to get your tickets to the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner which will be held on 10/8/22
2022 SCHOLARSHIP DINNER On April 23rd, Alumni and friends gathered together to celebrate the achievements of some of our distinguished alumni during the 23rd Annual Aquinas High School Scholarship Dinner. Each year, the Aquinas community gathers together to recognize the achievements of some of our most distinguished alumni while raising funds to provide scholarships for students. This year the 2022 honorees were: Mr. Patrick Pavlian class of 1969; Dr. Jack Carlson, class of 1987; Ms. Michelle Philo, class of 1997; Mr. Bill Lemann, class of 1969; Mr. Cameron Nelson, class of 2001. Congratulations to this year's honorees who join a long list of distinguished alumni.
2022 Distinguished Alumni Honorees
growing for the future 20 years ago Aquinas had a little less than 300 students. One could stroll through St. Bernardine's Hall (the "B" building) and find empty classrooms being used for storage. Fortunately, those days are a distant memory and this fall Aquinas will welcome approximately 600 students to the oasis on Date and Sterling. The administration has been preparing for this growth over the last several years, subtly planning for when the campus as we know it, would need to expand. Well, that time has come, and this summer there will be a ground breaking to make way for the future of Aquinas academics. The Janice Lemann Center for Visual Arts and the Steinmann Family Innovation Center will offer over 5000 sqft of space designed to allow students to create and develop skills that will lead them into the future as ambassadors for change and leaders in the light and truth of the Gospel. The buildings will be located in the grassy area to the East of Reisch stadium where the old football scoreboard is located. Each of these two buildings will, from the outside, appear as mirror images of each other full of glass walls and the ability to have indoor/outdoor learning spaces. A breezeway will separate the two spaces that allows student work to be displayed through floor to ceiling glass walls; the breezeway will also act as the new official entrance to Reisch Stadium. The real difference in the functionality of these spaces will be on the inside. The Steinmann building will be the new home of the Aquinas Engineering Academy and the Robo-Falcons, Aquinas' robotics team. The main classroom will provide nearly 1500sqft of open space filled with state-of-the-art equipment and technology to allow students to see engineering and robotics projects from the design phase through fabrication and production. This space will be joined with another classroom space that will able to be used for teaching math or other general science classes. The Janice Lemann Center for Visual Arts will provide a new home for some of our most creative Falcons. The main studio space will once again provide nearly 1500 sqft of indoor space with nearly another 1000 sqft of outdoor space designed to allow our students to find the beauty and inspiration in all of God's creation. Another space in the building will be used as a space to take students creativity and allow them to combine it with technology. This classroom will enable students to use the newest technologies in conjuction with various arts forms to create pieces of art in a variety of mediums.
To the East and joining the new buildings with the Gogo Gymnasium and Scafiddi Family Amphitheater will be a new student plaza. The plaza will be filled with sitting areas to eat and study, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. In the center of the plaza will be a fountain and clock tower and upon the completion of the plaza will be the opening of a new cafe style snack bar to offer students with more options for lunch and break. Perhaps the best part of this new project is that it is already 100% funded. Through generous donations from donors and organizations that will be named in a later press release, the cost of construction will be completely covered as well as the establishment of a $500,000 endowment. Construction will begin in July and be completed in time for the 2023-2024 school year.
TOP OF THEIR CLASS Abein Abraham is Aquinas’ class of 2022 valedictorian.
He has maintained a cumulative 4.73 GPA. “I wanted to challenge myself and to do the best I could academically,” said Abraham. He has also been a member of water polo, cross country, tennis, Associated Student Body (ASB), and National Honors Society (NHS) throughout his four years at Aquinas. He plans on attending the University of California, Berkeley in the fall and pursuing degrees in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science. Abraham studies and works tirelessly, causing a separation between his social and school life. Some of his high school academic achievements include taking 14 Advanced Placement courses and advanced math courses online during the summer. He emphasizes the significance of time management as advice for students trying to succeed in school. “Space out your work into hours and don’t do too much in one day,” said Abraham. Being named valedictorian was rightfully earned through Abraham’s incredible efforts alongside his acceptance into a university with a prestigious reputation. Most importantly, he reminds students to be themselves. He said “Try to stick out. Don’t focus on being number one, do your best. Try your hardest and compete at your own pace.”
Aquinas Senior, Emilie Petit is the salutatorian for the Aquinas class of 2022.
She will be attending the University of California, Berkeley and majoring in Bioengineering. School has always been an important focus for Petit and she has aimed to be at the top of her class. She’s put in endless hard work trying to achieve her goal. “It took a lot of studying, late nights, taking any extra opportunities I could such as summer classes, and just a lot of work,” said Petit. She believes earning salutatorian was worth all the effort she put in, especially being accepted into her dream school. For future students aiming for this goal, she advises them to take opportunities, talk to counselors, put in hard work, but also enjoy high school and have fun. Overall, Petit is proud of her achievement and is thankful for all the support her family gave her.
AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION SNAPSHOT
140
Graduating Seniors
+Million Dollars 2022 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES Arizona State University Azusa Pacific University Baylor University Benedictine College California Baptist University California Polytechnic University, Pomona California State University, Fullerton California State University, Los Angeles California State University,Long Beach California State University, San Bernardino Chaminade University of Honolulu Chapman University Clemson University De Paul University Dominican University Elmhurst University Florida Memorial Unive Fresno State University Grand Canyon University Humboldt State University La Sierra University Morningside College Marywood University Michigan State University New York University Nyack College Northern Arizona University
Olivet Nazarene University Pennsylvania State San Diego State University Southern Utah University Southwest Baptist University Temple Univerity Texas Tech University University of Alabama University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of California, Riverside University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of Dallas University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Oregon University of Redlands University of San Diego University of Southern California University of New Hampshire University of Utah Woodbury University
in Scholarships awarded
17 Athletes committed to playing at the collegiate level
Register Today! Pay for your Registration by Oct. 1st for a chance to win $100 Amazon or Adidas gift card
2022
Aquinas High School
30TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
OCTOBER 22 AT THE REMODELED ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB
11:00am shotgun start
DON'T MISS OUT
Live Auction Items include: a trip for two to Belize, a pair of electric bikes, Big Bear cabin getaway, Padres tickets and overnight accommodations, catered Super Bowl party, and more! Adidas Giveaways Raffles and much much more!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There are several sponsorship opportunities available. All Sponsors will receive a tax deductible donation letter and will be recognized in the tournament program. Use the QR code below to sign up for a sponsorship or visit our website: www.aquinashs.net
PLATINUM SPONSOR: $5000 Golf for four (4) in the tournament Logo in the tournament program and ad running throughout the year on videoboard in the stadium 4 Dinners 5 entries into raffle
AQUINAS SPONSOR: $2,500 Golf for four (4) in the tournament Logo & description of company in the tournament program 4 Dinners 2 entries into raffle
FALCON SPONSOR: $2000 Golf for four (4) in the tournament Logo & description of company in the tournament program 1 entry into raffle
DINNER SPONSOR: $1750 Logo advertised on tables Golf for four (4) in the tournament Logo in the tournament program
$150 per golfer or $500 per GOLF CART SPONSOR: $1500 foursome (includes dinner Logo advertised on all golfers carts and boxed lunch) Golf for four (4) in the tournament 4 Dinners Logo in the tournament program
PUTTING CONTEST SPONSOR: $1000 Golf for one (1) in the tournament Logo in the tournament program
FALCON FAMILY & FRIEND: $250 Logo in the tournament program
TEE SIGN SPONSOR: $150 Sign displayed on a tee box
G N I R P S / R E T N WI N O S SEA FALCON
ATHLETICS
KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARK Aquinas Athletics continue to excel throughout the winter and spring seasons. Boys Soccer finished with back to back Ambassador League Championships and went to the second round of CIF Playoffs. Boys Basketball ended the season with a 2nd place finish and also went to the second of CIF Playoffs Girls Soccer had a 5th place finish and Div. 7 Quaterfinalist in CIF. While Girls Basketball had a 2nd place finish and were Div 4A Semifinalist in CIF. Spring sports also had similar successes. Baseball finished as Back to Back Ambassador League Champions and were Div 4 CIF Semifinalist. Softball were Back to Back to Back Ambassador League Champions and made it to 2nd round of CIF. Boys Track were Ambassador League Champions and Girls Track had a 3rd place finish Boys Swim had a 5th place finish, while girls swim ended the season in third place. Boys tennis finished in third. Aquinas also added a new sport this year, Boys Volleyball, who finished their inaugural season in 5th place. Also, below is a list of all our senior athletes who signed with their respective colleges/universities to continue their athletic pursuits.
Baseball Cade Nolan Morningside Univ., Iowa Maxwell Ryan Marywood Univ., Pennsylvania Seth Cesena Morningside Univ., Iowa
Volleyball Maia Cicero Whittier College Delani Nevarez Univ. of Redlands
Boys Soccer Tony Flores Univ. of San Marcos Angel Pais Olivet Univ., Illinois Alex Martinez Providence Christian College
Girls Soccer Bailey Loria Chaminade Univ.- Honolulu
Softball Elleana Navarro Upper Iowa Univ., Iowa Jaci Hernandez Nyack College, New York
Football Cesar Fernandez Claremont College Junior Taase Univ. of Hawaii Tui Hala Utah Tech Connor Waymire Benedictine College, Kansas Zach Mendieta Benedictine College, Kansas Maxwell Joseph Fullerton College
quinas high school
g n i v r e s e Pr the Legacy
CAMPAIGN
The goal of the of the Preserving the Legacy campaign is a simple one, to make sure Aquinas is equipped to serve students for generations to come. Many of Aquinas' classrooms were built during its first 20 years. Since then some classrooms have been updated, but many have not. At this point in time these classrooms are in need of a much needed update in order to guarantee current and future Falcons are able to learn in the most innovative and technologically advanced classrooms possible. Please click the link to see how you can be a part of this wonderful opportunity.
WWW.AQUINASHS.NET
SPRING SEMESTER HIGHLIGHTS On Campus
SAYING GOODBYE Campus News
This April, Aquinas said goodbye to a beloved member of the Falcon community. Brandi Williford passed away on April 13, 2022. Brandi had been a faculty member of Aquinas since 1996. In her over 20 year career, she served in several different roles. From drama teacher, yearbook and ASB Moderator, to community relations director. However, her passion was always in the theater. She served as director of a number of productions such as Willie's Diner, MASH, Our Miss Brooks, Bye Bye Birdie, Lumberjacks and Wedding bells, Beauty and Beast, Aladdin, The Wizard of Oz, and numerous others. Brandi changed students’ lives both on and off the stage. During her over 20 year Aquinas career, she was a mentor and guide to so many students. She stayed connected with alumni long past their time at Aquinas and many considered her a role model and friend. She was a person who always wanted to help and any event she worked on was pure magic. She left an indelible mark on the hearts of alumni, colleagues, family and friends. Her tireless dedication and impeccable work has helped shape Aquinas into what it is today and her impact on the Aquinas community will be felt for generations. You will be forever missed Miss Will!!!
The Brandi Fund Brandi Williford loved helping students become the best versions of themselves. She believed this could be done through leadership, hard work, and most importantly, daring to be great! The Brandi Fund has been established by her friends and family to enable deserving students to receive the opportunities they deserve here at Aquinas High School. Please consider supporting Brandi's vision by making a gift to the Brandi Fund today.
CLASS NOTES 1983 Christina McPeck - completed her doctorate in Organization Development Educational Leadership this past May
2001 Michael Donally- 5 year Plumbing Apprenticeship(building Schools, Hospitals and Universities) Journeyman/Master Plumber. Licensed General Contractor - DONALLY INC. LIC #1068201 (909)272-9878 DONALLYINC@GMAIL.COM I DO EVERYTHING. Residential, Commercial, Industrial. From Ground Breaking to 3 story buildings. Service and Repair to Remodels and New Construction. Kitchen & Bathroom Remodels, ADU's, Granite & Quartz Coutertops, Concrete (basic, stamped, colored, driveways, walkways, pool surrounds, etc, Asphalt new and resurfacing. I Legitimately Do Everything (Except Carpet)
2010 Nicholas Paramo- celebrating a new job marriage and baby
2015 Lindsey Ybarra- will be graduating in August from college of St. Mary's with her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) Jacqueline Powell- Married fellow alumni, Jack Enriquez and is completing Pharmacy residency at Arrowhead Medical Center
Alexis Houser Chavez Married June 2021. Participated in a missionary trip to Amazonas, Brazil. Graduated from Loma Linda University March 2022. Earned RN license May 2022. In the process of getting hired on at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Chris Ortiz - Received a Bachelors Degree in Liberal Studies at California State University, San Bernardino. Received a Masters in Education with a Teaching Credential at the University of California, Riverside Upon graduating with his Masters and Credential in 2021, he was immediately hired as a 6th Grade Elementary Teacher at Holcomb Elementary in San Bernardino. Marisa Makamereh graduated from CBU with a BS in Criminal Justice/Psychology in December of 2021.She is currently enrolled in a MSW program at CBU with an expected graduation date: 2023 She is currently employed at DSH-Patton as the executive assistant for the hospital administrator
IN MEMORIUM Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen
Teresa Bonadiman class of 1979 Alex Katemopoulos class of 1979
CLASS NOTES Emily Morgan- Graduated from Loma Linda University in 2022 with a Masters in Occupational Therapy. She was fortunate to recently get her first full time position as a pediatric occupational therapist
2016 Henry Widdicombe- Graduated from Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) in 2020 and Saint John’s University—School of Theology and Seminary, Master of Theological Studies (Systematic Theology) expected in 2023. He is currently living and working at the Lake City Catholic Worker Farm
2017 Hannah DeBellis- graduated from Boise State University with her masters degree in social work. She was also blessed with her dream job out of school, and will be working as a hospice/medical social worker in Montana.
If you have updates or know of any alumni who have passed on, please let us know by filling out an alumni update. Go to www.aquinashs.net and click the alumni tab!
Khaeryst Estrella- After graduating from UCLA in 2020 with a B.A. in English, she joined Loyola Marymount University's PLACE (Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Educations) program and began teaching at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Riverside as a junior high English Language Arts teacher. Since graduating, she has accepted a new position for the coming 2022-2023 academic year! Continuing her teaching career, she will be teaching junior high English and religion at Our Lady of the Assumption in San Bernardino! Paloma Sandoval - Recently commissioned as a 2LT in the Army as an Active Duty Engineer Officer. She Also got engaged to her high school sweetheart Glenn Alfaro
2018
Morgan Ferraris- Moved to Minnesota and was promoted to Sr HR Business Partner Madison Ybarra- graduated in December with a BS in Biology from College of St. Mary's and a minor in psychology and chemistry. She is currently working for a dermatologist in Boulder, CO
2021 Reina Castillo - is attending California State University, Bakersfield Pre-Med Student, working towards a nurse practitioner degree and is starting her first season as a D1 softball pitcher in one month
TOGETHER WE CAN CAMPAIGN
Last year our “Together We Can” campaign raised nearly $65,000 to enable us to replace the hallway doors and windows in several of our older buildings on campus. These updated windows and doors provided much improved safety as well energy efficiency. This year our campaign will once again focus on our student’s safety. The 202223 “Together We Can” campaign will raise funds to increase the number of security cameras around the campus and the upgraded infrastrucure requirements needed to run what will be on the most state-of-the-art security systems available. Visit our website: aquinashs.net/advancement to learn more about this very important campaign and to make a gift today!
AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL
Aquinas High School 2772 Sterling Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404