Eagles' Nest Fall 2024

eagles’ nest

fall 2024

St. Thomas High School Community Magazine

Eagles’ Nest Printed December 2024

The Eagles’ Nest is published twice annually by St. Thomas High School 4500 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77007-73332

713.864.6348

Rev. James Murphy, CSB - President

Dr. Aaron Dominguez ’96 - Principal

Daniel Bryant ’93 - Assistant Principal

Mark deTranaltes ’83 - Vice President for Advancement

Ronald George - Vice President of Finance

Jerome Llorens - Dean of Students

Sarah Jane Redding - Communications Specialist

Steve Cummings ’07 - Alumni Director

Katie Romero - Marketing Specialist

Dr. Maxwell Holmes - Director of Admissions

KH Studio - Layout, Art Direction + Design

Brooke Holmes/b.marie.photography - Cover Photo

“Men of St. Thomas, Stand for all to see!”

I love our alma mater! When our student body stands to sing this song, linked shoulder to shoulder, their voices make a proud sound! They demonstrate their pride in their school. Its history, traditions, vision, and mission. They connect the school’s past, present, and future.

Entering a new school year, we teach this anthem to the class of 2028 and well as our transfer students. We entrust them with the history and traditions of a school that was founded in 1900. A school that has stood on the corner of Memorial and Shepherd since 1940. A school that won 3 state championships last year. A school that raised over $922,000 for tuition assistance through Round Up back in March.

What stories will be added to the rich legacy of St. Thomas? What will these Men of St. Thomas do to show the “honor and truth and understanding” of which they sing? What will they leave for the next classes to aspire to follow? I am excited to find out the answers to these questions throughout the course of this year.

I am excited to walk beside these Men of St. Thomas along this journey. And I am honored to stand beside them and to sing with full voice “For the world must know that we are the Men of St. Thomas High!

Eagle Fight Never Dies!

Fr. Jim Murphy, CSB

EAGLES PARACHUTE IN RECORD-BREAKING $922,415 FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE

In March of 2024, St. Thomas students made history. The Eagles beat the Round-Up fundraising record with $922,415 raised for tuition assistance.

Mentored by Vice President for Advancement Mark deTranaltes (’83), Alumni Director Steve Cummings (’07), and Annual Fund Coordinator Kenny Martin (’01), the students drew upon their bonds of brotherhood to exceed the fundraising goal and former record, made the year before. The stellar performance in the 2024 Round-Up season will allow St. Thomas to provide access to Basilian education and a chosen family of brothers to current and future students.

On March 1, the Round-Up board, Father James Murphy, and a crew of skydivers revealed to the school community the total amount of money raised. The theme for the Round Up Reveal was “Edge’s 8,” a play on the film Ocean’s 11.

“The skydivers helped tie in the plotline to the theme,” Cummings said. “Every year, the students try to outdo and outperform all of the action from the previous reveal. So, skydivers seemed appropriate, and it had never been done before.”

After months of fundraising and planning for the celebration, the board pulled off an unforgettable event that captured the spirit of the entire season.

“Planning the final assembly while trying to plan weekly assemblies, videos, everything was the biggest workload of my high school career,” Round Up Board Co-Chairman Luke Edgecomb said. “The most challenging part was finding time to plan and film the weekly videos. The amount of effort that every member of our media team put in was instrumental to the success of Round Up. It all payed off in the end when the reveal went to plan.”

From skydivers to the record-breaking $922,415, it was a historic afternoon of relishing in the successes of each student who contributed their time and fundraising efforts to the mission. Simon Pham (’24) set the year’s individual record with a sales total of $88,080.

“The amount of effort that every member of our media team put in was instrumental to the success of Round Up.”

“My initial goal was one student for one year [approximately $22,000],” he said. “Then my attitude was to reach for two students. But I was only halfway through the season. The key was to focus on the next person who benefits, not just the sell. When I realized who I was supporting, that was the motivation.”

Sam Moore (’24) held the second-place position, racking up $73,095 in sales.

Motivated by goodness, discipline, and knowledge, the St. Thomas student body created a remarkable memory for the Eagle community. In raising nearly one million dollars for tuition assistance, the students exemplified the value of Basilian education and brotherhood.

eagles fly the path to the future

st. thomas celebrated the achievements of the class of 2024 during the school’s 124th commencement weekend.

Surrounded by faculty, family and friends who supported and inspired their extraordinary accomplishments, the 2024 graduating class has now joined a long and noble history of alumni.

One hundred and forty eight Eagles formed a stream of Red through the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on May 25. The Class of 2024, embodying the values of Basilian education: goodness, discipline, and knowledge, left the halls of St. Thomas as dignified young men of integrity and grit. The graduating class also received a cumulative $16 million in merit-based scholarships to their colleges and universities.

“The Class of 24 was special for several reasons,” Principal Aaron Dominguez said. “They achieved outstanding results on standardized tests—their AP exam scores and average SAT, ACT, and PSAT were well above state and national averages.”

The Class of 2024 faced their freshman year during the COVID-19 pandemic, and did so with patience and tenacity. They finished their time at St. Thomas fully bonded as brothers. In between the moments of joy and reverence were invitations to take stock, with satisfaction, of their lives, friendships, and academic goals.

“They faced the adversity of the pandemic well, persevered, became tech savvy in new ways, and never let it hold them back,” Dominguez said.

At their graduation ceremony, Father Tom Rafferty (’75) spoke to the newly-minted alumni and shared invaluable insights and testimony for the students, as they continue on the path to being lifelong learners. Father Rafferty urged them to look to the St. Thomas Alma Mater to remember that the world must know they are the Men of St. Thomas High.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 for all of their accomplishments.

EXEMPLARY

EAGLES

Salutatorian David Neason now attends Texas A&M University to study Biomedical Engineering.

Valedictorian and National Merit Finalist Campbell Brown is continuing his education at the University of Texas at Austin to study Electrical Engineering.

The Class of 2024 left a lasting legacy of academic acclaim, including Brown and Will Wittman each earning Semi-Finalist distinction in the National Merit Scholarship Program’s 69th competition.

LEGACY GRADS

CLASS OF 2024

1 - California

Occidental College Saint Mary’s College of California University of California, Berkeley

2 - Arizona

Arizona State University Tempe Campus

Northern Arizona University

The University of Arizona

3 - Utah

The University of Utah

4 - Colorado

Colorado State University (4) United States Air Force Academy

5 - New Mexico

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

6 - Texas

Angelina College (2)

Angelo State University

Austin Community College (2)

Baylor University (2)

Blinn College (4)

Coastal Bend College

Dallas Baptist University

Houston Community College (3)

Lone Star College

Ranger College

Rice University

Sam Houston State University

St. Edwards University

Texas A&M University – College Station (18)

Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi (3)

Texas A&M University – Galveston (2)

Texas A&M University – RELLIS

Texas Christian University

Texas State University (3)

Texas Tech University (2)

The University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Austin (12)

The University of Texas at Dallas (2)

The University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

The University of Texas at Tyler

The University of Texas Permian Basin

Trinity University (4)

University of Dallas

University of Houston (5)

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

University of St. Thomas (4)

7 - Oklahoma

State University (3)

The University of Oklahoma (2)

8 - Kansas

(2) 19 - Ohio

The Ohio State University

EAGLES SOAR

To My Fellow Eagle Alumni, and the greater STH Community:

As we approach the celebration of the 125th anniversary of St. Thomas High School, it gives all of us time to reflect on the many positive things that have come out of each individual relationship we may have with our cherished institution. I recently attended the alumni game, and as I looked out over the parking garage at the St. Thomas brethren, it provided a moment of tremendous solace knowing that the school will continue to thrive because of the love so many men share for one common ground.

It is hard to believe, but this school year will mark my eighth and final year on the St. Thomas Board. My personal commitment (like all the Board members before me and those yet to come) is to leave the school in a better place than where I started. No better evidence of that is the tremendous work done by the Board over the past few years around strategic planning.

Under the leadership of former Board member Trey Wood ’82 and current Board member Mike Hanks P’15, P’18, an incredible group of individuals were put together on the Strategic Planning Committee to draft, design and implement what the Board hopes will be a plan that will last for many years to come. A special thanks to Board members Chris Malloy, Ron Andrews, Brian Cronin, Bo Huggins, Clark Sample, Mary Criaco and Shawn Savarino for all their hard work and dedication to this project.

There are five pillars to the plan with various related action items. The pillars are: Basilian Charism, Financial Stewardship, Facility Development, Captivating Communications and an Exceptional STH Experience. The strategic plan is a living document that will continue to grow and adapt in the years to come by the adoption of annual standards for the school and its Board to maintain.

I encourage everyone to take a few minutes and check out the plan in its entirety on the St. Thomas website under the appropriate tab, or ask the Advancement Office to share the flyer for the plan.

Blessings to the entire St. Thomas family. Eagle Fight Never Dies.

Kurt M. Hanson ’83, P’14

BASILIAN EDUCATION EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED

Teacher of the Year and Educator Awards

The St. Thomas High School Teacher of the Year for 2023-24 is English teacher Claudia Mundell. Mundell earned the prestigious honor for her passionate service to her students and for always exemplifying the school’s mission: Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge. From spiritual leadership to academic motivation, Mundell represents the best that our school has to offer.

“The honor means a lot because it comes from my peers,” Mundell said. “I just feel a lot of gratitude.”

Mundell has been a beloved member of the St. Thomas faculty since 2014 and is living out her lifelong goal of working in education. As a young girl, she would play pretend-school with her stuffed animals and toys, and in high school, she was taught by an impactful and caring English teacher, who solidified her dreams of being an educator. Mundell received her Bachelor’s degree in English from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and later earned her Master’s in English from California State University of Long Beach. She has taught public middle school in San Antonio and at other Catholic schools before finding her place at St. Thomas.

“Catholic education is the way to go for me,” Mundell said. “I get to do what I like with who I like; the adults, the students, teachers, parents, everyone. It’s a special place.”

In her ten years at St. Thomas, Mundell has earned a reputation of being a positive role model for her students, a thoughtful educator, and an encouraging, collaborative colleague. Her fellow teachers nominated her for the award, citing her professionalism, preparedness, and sense of humor as reasons for her to receive the honor.

“She is a genuinely good and kind person,” Judy Granbury, Dean of the English Department, said. “She is there and present for her students in every single class. She makes a tremendous difference for everyone on this campus.”

Outside of the classroom, Mundell loves to read and walk the Bayou. She also takes great pride in being a wife, and a mother of two sons, Joe (’21) and Ben (’26).

Now equipped with this award, Mundell enters the 2024-25 school year with just as much dedication to and care for her students as ever before.

“This award is very humbling,” she said. “Every year, we ask, ‘what can we do better?’ and I can’t wait to meet the new students and see these young men grow.”

MORE ESTEEMED BASILIAN EDUCATORS

Four more members of the St. Thomas faculty received honors on August 6 for their steadfast service to their students and the school community.

Chrissy Gensheimer – Excellence

Dean of Instruction and History teacher Chrissy Gensheimer received the Excellence Award for the 2023-24 school year.

Gensheimer’s nomination for the honor declared that she is cheerful, always helpful, and a consummate professional.

Chau Nguyen – Mutual Respect

Dean of Fine Arts Chau Nguyen received the Mutual Respect Award for the 2023-24 school year. Always willing to lend a helping hand or listening ear, Nguyen is an architype of mutual respect in the STH community.

Lorin Lee – Academic Achievement

Dean of the World Languages department and Mandarin teacher Lorin Lee received the Academic Achievement award for the 2023-24 school year. According to her colleagues, Lee is a dedicated educator with an unparalleled presence in the classroom.

Noel Romero – Enthusiasm and Joy Biology and Chemistry teacher Noel Romero (’08) received the Enthusiasm and Joy award for the 2023-24 school year. Romero inspires his fellow Eagle brothers every day as a lifelong learner with a positive, can-do attitude.

READY, SET, CHICAGO

After eleven weeks of rehearsals, students from St. Thomas, Incarnate Word Academy, and Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart rocked Cemo Auditorium from March 29th-31st with a witty Teen Edition of Chicago.

“The play was chock full of great performances, great backstage life, and great tech.” Director Dan Green said. “It was probably the best show we’ve done in forever.”

“THE PLAY WAS CHOCK FULL OF GREAT PERFORMANCES... IT WAS PROBABLY THE BEST SHOW WE’VE DONE IN FOREVER

”

Chicago: Teen Edition featured a more school-appropriate script, but the show kept much of the same satirical messaging as the original Broadway production. Other changes to the production include transforming the ‘Razzle Dazzle’ number into a show-stopping circus act, complete with students on stilts and setting off confetti cannons.

“Our philosophy has always been go big or go home,” Green said about the number.

This philosophy not only informed the depth of performances, but also the intricacies of the Chicago an stage design. Throughout the production’s three-day residency, Cemo Auditorium was transformed. The detailed set, created by St. Thomas students, included newly constructed jazz tables for the audience members in front-row seats, to emulate the jazz-club setting of the show. The stage rotated, and the student-led lighting crew followed each step as performers moved and danced across it.

“The lighting design was extraordinary,” Green said.

Charlie Bellomo of St. Thomas (’24), Flinn Burrell of Incarnate Word (’24), and Cecelia Carasco of Duchesne (’24) portrayed their respective roles of Billy Flynn, Velma Kelly, and Roxie Hart for four consecutive nights. Despite the potential stress of doing back-to-back performances, they never missed a beat.

“Charlie’s performance of ‘Razzle Dazzle’ was a complete show-stopper,” he said. “Flinn was amazing as Velma Kelly. She knocked that role right out of the park. Cecelia played Roxie Hart brilliantly. She got huge laughs, and she was dynamic in her delivery.”

Reflecting upon the experience from rehearsals to tech to the final showcase, only three words come to mind for Dan Green: “Relief. Elation. Satisfaction,” he said.

DREAM BUILDERS

To foster student growth, St. Thomas offers more than 45 different student clubs on campus to assist in the process of developing Eagles into Men of St. Thomas. Students are empowered to join and start their own group that speaks to their interests and spark their passion for lifelong learning, each under the supervision of a faculty sponsor. Club meetings range from chess tournaments, to conversations on important topics, to community service.

In the spring of 2024, Eagles Kale Mazurek (’26), John Simoneaux (’25), Richard Brush (’26), Harrison Banks (’27), and Christopher Brochu (’24) volunteered in building, delivering, and installing brand-new beds for children in the Houston area. The project occurred in collaboration with non-profit Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a national organization whose mission is to provide beds, built my volunteers, for children who currently lack one. Volunteers assist in the building, delivery, and installation processes.

Mazurek, Simoneaux, and Brush are all members of the on-campus club Brothers under the Cross, which organized the volunteer opportunity. Led by science teacher Noel Romero (’08), the club is built on a mission of faithfully serving others on a daily basis.

“The goal of Brothers under the Cross is building a group all about service and faith,” Mazurek, the club’s founder, said. “This project really aligned with the club, in that it’s going out and serving people.”

Brush had previously worked with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and informed Mazurek about the organization, in hopes that Brothers under the Cross would take part in their mission. Upon sharing his positive experience, Brush and Mazurek worked together to find time for the club to work with the non-profit.

“It’s an amazing club,” Brush said. “It’s very focused in its mission of building faith and a good, strong community. I really appreciate being a part of it.”

In the first stage of volunteering, the students sanded and drilled wooden bedframes and planks to partially construct the beds. Later, a group delivered the beds to local families and installed them in the children’s bedrooms. The children who benefitted from their service ranged in ages from three to ten years old.

“It was nice getting to talk to the families,” Simoneaux said. “One of the kids wanted to help, so he asked what music we liked and played that. His mom didn’t speak much English, so he was also helping us translate. It was great talking to him. He was so sweet, and his mom was so grateful.”

After their day of volunteering, the students reflected on the experience with enthusiasm, joy, and a newfound sense of gratitude.

“It was my favorite volunteer work I’ve done,” Simoneaux said. “Happiness is the goal of Jesus Christ, so spreading that happiness and joy, was very meaningful.”

TRACK & FIELD TRIUMPH

The St. Thomas High School Track and Field team, led by head coach Nathan Labus, secured first place in the 6A division of TAPPS this spring. This win marked the fourth for the Eagles in the past nine years.

“Everybody stayed focused throughout the meet,” Labus said. “We all knew we had a chance to do very well, and they all stepped up and took care of business.”

Competing from May 2nd to the 4th, the team earned 156 points, placing themselves securely in first place by 39 over the runner-up. Edward Bocock (’24) was responsible for 29 of the 156, earning distinction as an Athlete of the Meet. In the field events, Bocock had a victorious performance in the triple jump and placed fourth in the long jump. On the track, he placed first in the 110m hurdles, fifth in the 300m hurdles, and third in the 4x400 relay with Caleb Soluren (’26), Elijah Henry (’25), and Ryan Bordas (’25).

The field events concluded on the first day, with a dominant showing from Bocock and the St. Thomas shot put and discus throwers early on. Tyler Day (’24) and Larry Benton (’24) snagged first and second place in discus. Benton also placed first in shot put, with Michael-Anthony Okwura (’24) secured the third place spot.

Benton, Day, and Okwura are all now playing collegiate football at Vanderbilt, Rice, and University of California, Berkeley, respectively.

“It’s fun to coach multi-sport athletes,” Labus said. “Especially when you have kids that want to be there and want to learn. They thrive off each other, too. They push each other and want to get better.”

By the end of day one, the Eagles had soared ahead of the competition.

“We had scored so many points that first day that nobody could really catch us,” Labus said.

In the events following, the student-athletes kept their momentum, with impressive times posted across the distance, relay, hurdle, and sprint events. David Carbajal (’26) ran a 1:56 in the 800 meter race, just shy of the school record (1:54). Also on day two of competition, Robert Pacini (’25) secured second place in the pole vault.

On May 4th, the team celebrated their victory over the 6A division, which marks the eighth championship for Coach Labus.

“All the coaches are phenomenal. Everybody is so technically smart, and we have a great cohesiveness among the coaches,” Labus said. “And our team is very young, so that’s exciting. There’s lots to look forward to.”

CHAMPIONS AT LAST

WRAPPING UP A SUCCESSFUL SEASON, EAGLE WRESTLING CELEBRATED ITS FIRST TAPPS STATE TITLE IN MORE THAN A DECADE, ALSO CROWNING THREE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS IN THE FINAL COMPETITION. THE EAGLES’ COMMITMENT TO THE SPORT AND GRITTY DETERMINATION RESULTED IN 225 TEAM POINTS, OUTPACING SECOND PLACE BY 13.5.

Led by head coach Michael LeHolm in his sixth year, this championship win is the first for the school since 2013.

Trace Langin (’25) earned a decisive victory in the 285-pound division with a 17-4 final result. Robert Pacini (’25) captured the 113-pound division, pinning his opponent at the 1:09 mark. Joshua Guzman (’27) earned the top spot in the 150-pound division.

Logan Koteras (’27) Jacob Prochaska (’26), Boyd Quinlan (’24), David Grattan (’25), and Italo Chavarria-Mendez (’26) cashed silver in their final matches. Bronze finishers were Jackson Vaughn (’26) and Evan Loera (’26).

“The boys wrestled really, really well,” LeHolm said. “All of them scored points toward the state championship. It was super cool that everybody was contributing.”

These dominant performances follow a long-running streak of close finishes for the Eagles, including a pair of state runner-ups in 2019 and 2021 plus third-place results in 2018 and 2022.

Now with a first place position to prove it, the St. Thomas wrestling program remains a force to be reckoned with.

“This season meant a lot to the coaching staff and the team,” LeHolm said. “We’ve been so close so many times, so to get over that hump was awesome. We’re really excited for this next season, to hopefully repeat and build on what we have.”

FULLFILLING THE HIGHEST PRIORITY

On March 19, donors and recipients of financial scholarships celebrated the school’s and students’ achievements during the 17th Annual Scholarship Breakfast. In line with the Basilian Mission of Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge, St. Thomas High School has long benefitted from the generous financial contributions of its donors.

“Our scholarship program continues to grow every year through the generosity and kindness of our St. Thomas community. The impact a scholarship has an immeasurable effect on a student, because it is not just about the four years here on campus. A scholarship enables a student to take the tools he gained here, and go out into the world to use them.” states Vice President

deTranaltes and Foundation Board President John Granger ’97 took part in the celebration in Reckling Gymnasium with a leadership

Benefactors are often the most direct way to set in motion the exponential force of an Eagle education, igniting

“I’m proud to say that the foundation is as healthy today as ever and contributed a record amount to tuition assistance this academic year,” Granger said. “And the board recently voted to increase that pledge for the next fiscal year without sacrificing support for the ever-growing needs of

Granger recognized like-minded individuals for providing the investments required to fortify the school, particularly Kroencke P’21, Michael Soper ’85 P ’23, Clay Rynd ’08, and Al Clay ’61.

Granger also acknowledged the recent addition of Ronny George to the Business Office as Vice President of Finance, “who has already made huge contributions to our collective efforts and represents all the values that St. Thomas stands for.”

The Foundation Board oversees more than 80 named and endowed scholarships made possible by the selflessness of contributors since 1969, with more than half established since 2000. Eagle students also benefit from numerous sponsored grants such as the Basilian Fathers Inner City Schools Scholarships, the Basilian General Counsel Scholarships, and Specs Scholarships.

This benevolence is critical to fulfilling the school’s single highest altruistic priority: ensuring access and affordability for all students seeking the St. Thomas experience.

“The more I looked back on my time at St. Thomas, the more I appreciate the history and friendships I made there. Years after I graduated, my son Travis (Class of 2018) attended St. Thomas and the Basilians were there to aid my family to ensure his education. I knew it was time to give back,“ reflected Mark Bartniski ’83. “It was then I decided to put the St. Thomas Foundation in my will, and continue to tradition of supporting students in need.”

Since 1900, St. Thomas has embraced its goal, its passion, its obligation to provide a supportive, safe environment for students to thrive, inspiring them to create positive change everywhere life takes them. Generous gifts from Eagle alumni allow the school to continue its nearly 125-year-long legacy of fruitful education.

ASTROS & EAGLE ALUMS SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS

The Houston Astros game on August 2, 2024 began the National Anthem, sung by St. Thomas’ own Father Murphy, and ended with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays. St. Thomas alumni enjoyed every moment from start to finish, as 160 members of the Eagle family gathered to root for the home team at the 2nd Annual St. Thomas Astros Night.

“This has quickly become a very popular alumni event,” Alumni Director Steve Cummings said. “The section was at max capacity.”

The alumni in attendance caught up with their classmates and fellow Eagle brothers in the Centerfield Impact Party Deck.

The good ol’ boys reminisced on their time at St. Thomas, connecting over their shared love for the school and its people.

“This was a spectacular representation of St. Thomas High School, from me getting to sing the anthem on the field to literally hundreds of St. Thomas alums and their families being there,”

Father Murphy said. “I’m so proud of this community, so proud to be a part of it.”

The event brought out alumni of all ages, each with their own stories of St. Thomas to tell. When asked about their time as a student and their experiences as members of the Alumni Association, they all had similar things to say.

“The best thing is all of the camaraderie and how many friends I made at St. Thomas,” Ray Meleton, class of 1964 said. “I just really enjoyed it.”

The brotherhood of Eagles shapes each young man who passes through the halls, and it is a connection that endures beyond graduation.

“A group of us still meet maybe once every two months to eat lunch and have fun together,” Charles DeJohn, class of 1958 said.

The alumni appreciated getting the opportunity to relax and watch the ‘Stros with their friends, some of whom they hadn’t seen for years. The attendees also enjoyed concessions provided with a voucher, and each went home with a 2024 edition custom St. Thomas x Astros baseball cap to remember the night and commemorate their everlasting St. Thomas connection.

“St. Thomas Astros Night is the perfect communal event for celebrating summer, our alumni network, and the Eagle brotherhood,” Cummings said.

’04, ’07, ’09 Highest Attended

FASHION, FAMILY AND FUN

The River Oaks Country Club bore witness to the most fashionable event of the spring when the Mothers’ Club hosted the 53rd Annual Style Show and Luncheon on April 26, 2024. This year’s theme: Run for the Roses.

“The River Oaks Country Club was transformed into a Kentucky Derby party atmosphere,” Director of Special Events, Gretchen Penny said. “As you would expect, there were plenty of big hats and Mint Juleps, and roses galore.”

Event Chairs Kathleen Brickley, Killian Gilbert-Smith, and Haley Finkelman, along with the support from 2023-24

Mothers’ Club President, Paige Dominey, threw a spectacular party, full of joy and bittersweet reflections on the young men’s time at St. Thomas.

“In that moment, we’re so proud of our sons and that they’re about to launch from St. Thomas,” Brickley said. “It’s such a great event for all of us.”

The show featured seniors from the Class of 2024 strutting the runway in their favorite school activity garb, whether that be from football, track & field, band, theater, journalism, or any other campus group that shaped their time at St. Thomas. The 2024 Style Show also continued a seven-year partnership with Dillard’s, who dressed the mothers in glorious style.

Students and their mothers enjoyed aperitifs throughout the luncheon, and, after the runway show, they continued the tradition of witnessing the presentation of Senior Letters to Mom.

“Of course, as always, the highlight of the day was when Father Murphy and Dr. D read the touching, and sometimes hilarious, Letters to Mom,” Penny said. “Not a dry eye in the place.”

The event concluded with the seniors gathered on stage, wearing the baseball caps of their chosen colleges or universities and singing their Alma Mater, arm in arm.

Even after its fifty-three year tenure, the Style Show remains a favorite and fashion-forward event of our St. Thomas family’s each spring.

“Any mom can be a part of it, and I wish that every mom of a senior chooses to be a part of it,” Brickley said. “The bond that we all share is that we are the mothers of these young men who became young men at St. Thomas.”

THE TICKER FALL 2024

ST. THOMAS PEOPLE IN THE NEWS AND ON THE MOVE.

Kevin Cooney ’63 starred in the theatrical production, The Father last April in Houston at the 4th Wall Theater Company. Cooney played the character role of “Andre” in which famed actors Anthony Hopkins and Frank Langella each won an award when they played this role. (HopkinsAcademy Award, and Langella - Tony Award.) Cooney is a veteran actor with more than 50 small role titles in television and film.

Jack Hugele ’64, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War, appeared in the recent documentary film, Apache Blues: Welcome Home. Along with his fellow infantry unit members, Jack helps share the story of his and his fellow soldier’s mission and the overall difficulties the soldiers faced during the war and upon their return home. Reaching the rank of lieutenant in his military service, Jack was awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, an Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and four Air Medals.

Phil Boudreaux ’79 was inducted to the Houston Astros Media Wall of Honor on April 16th. Phil has made contributions to Houston baseball for the past 40 years in helping broadcasts with statistics research. He also is co-author and collaborator to the 2021 book, Houston Astros’ Golden Era.

Michael Soper ’85 is president and CEO of the Legacy Funeral Group. This network owns and operates 160 funeral homes, cemeteries, and crematories across eight states. For his nationally ranked business and success, Michael’s college alma mater (Texas Christian University) recently recognized him with the university’s 2024 Valuable Alumni Award.

Michael Bingham ’98 is the franchise owner and operator of Bricks and Minifigs, Houston’s newest Lego store. Located in the Meyerland area off S. Braeswood, Michael hopes his store brings joy and creativity to children through building and design.

Anthony Calleo ’98 is owner and operator of the Houston area pizza chain, Gold Tooth Tony’s. His newest location recently opened in the south Houston area off of Bellaire Blvd. Calleo is also the executive chef and co-owner of local pub, Rudyard’s.

Tommy Schulte ’00 was appointed the new Director of Business Development for the Beck Group in Austin, Texas. The former St. Thomas Alumni Director now lives in Austin with his wife, Brittany.

Raffi Nasr ’10 recently celebrated his restaurant’s (Craft Pita) 5th year anniversary. Most recently, Raffi was a contestant on Food Network’s reality show, Alex vs. America. His Mediterranean style cuisine competed against internationally recognized Iron Chef, Alex Guarnaschelli.

Peter Scamardo ’15 is a published author based in San Antonio, Texas. He recently published his latest novel titled, The Flyers - a fictional novel where fantasy meets the Texas landscape. Peter is a current Regional Editor for MySA, an online newsletter covering news in the San Antonio area. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from the University of Houston.

Elliot Hammon ’17 recently earned his law doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law. Elliot earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History at Southwestern University.

Jordan Marget ’17 recently earned his law doctorate from the University of Houston Law Center where he was the president and co-founder of the Sports & Entertainment Law Organization. Jordan earned his Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.

Cadesman Brickley ’18 graduated last year with his Masters in Business Administration from Baylor University and is now a Strategy Analyst for the Production & Automation Technologies Team at ChampionX.

Grant McCoy ’20 is a recent graduate of Creighton University with Summa Cum Laude honors. He earned his BSBA in Finance and Technology. He will begin law school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law this Fall.

J.D. Perez ’21 competed in Louisiana’s 105th Golf Amateur Championship this past June. He teed off against 143 golfers in a 72-hole stroke play tournament hosted by the Country Club of Louisiana. J.D. is a former Varsity Golf team member and winner of the Jackie Burke ’40 Most Valuable Player Award. He is currently studying Finance at Louisiana State University.

Augustus “Gus” Boettcher ’21 is an Economics History and Cinema Arts major at Vanderbilt University. Recently, his co-produced film, On the Dying Grass premiered at the Beverly Hills Film Festival. It won the Best Student Film Award.

in memoriam

Pat Goeters ’48, April 1, 2024

Sean G. Lockridge, July 14, 2024

Former Student

William E. Dendy ’50, April 30, 2024

Brother of Robert L. ’56 and Timothy M. Dendy ’59

Joseph W. Gillespie ’50, May 16, 2024

Father of Robert J. ’79 Christopher ’86 and Brian A. Gillespie ’91, and grandfather of Craig B. Haag ’08 and Sean C. Gillespie ’19

Tony A. Palazzo ’50, May 26, 2024

Sam A. Messina ’51, February 17, 2024

Wayne A. Habermacher ’52, February 3, 2024

Brother of Stephen R. Habermacher ’53

William J. Griggs Jr. ’53, May 7, 2024

Anthony R. Gullo ’53, June 16, 2024

George W. Strake, Jr. ’53, February 9, 2024

Cousin of Andrew J. ’24, C.J. ’44, William B. Kehoe ’72, and Charles L. Fitzgerald ’38; in-law to Robert J. DeWalch ’61; and great-uncle to Benjamin P. ’14 and Cameron S. Condara ’16

Henry M. de Ybarrondo ’53, March 20, 2024

Brother-in-law to Rev. Rafael R. Davila, M.M. ’49, Michael A. ’53, and Anthony M. Davila ’58

Richard R. Arnold Sr. ’54, August 21, 2024

Father of Richard R. “Randy” Jr. ’87, Winthrop E. ’89, and Michael L. Arnold, former student.

Edwin E. Finn ’55, August 9, 2024

Brother-in-law of Richard J. Florance ’53

James F. Rosprim Jr. ’55, July 25, 2024

Father of St. Thomas Staff Member, Carol Mandola and father-in-law to Johnny B. Mandola ’94

John J. “Jack” Sevcik ’55, March 7, 2024

Leighton F. Young ’55, June 3, 2024

Son of Leighton F. Young Sr. ’33, and brother of John R. ’57 and Thomas S. Young ’66

Neil P. Sweeney III ’56, April 13, 2023

John J. Chavez ’57, September 20, 2024

Lawrence C. Ewing ’57, June 3, 2024

Ronald J. Helmke ’57, January 10, 2023

Karl X. Jamail ’57, April 24, 2024

Charles S. Salerno ’57, August 24, 2023

Robert L. Earthman Sr. ’58, August 26, 2024

Father of Robert L. Jr. ’83 and David M. Earthman ’88; son of J ames B. Earthman ’22; brother of James B. III ’52, Dr. Thomas P. ’54, John A. ’56, William J. ’59, Michael R. ’62, Donald C. Earthman ’64; and uncle to John A. ’84, Stephen D. ’85, Michael G. ’92, Richard W. ’94, and Eric T. Earthman ’99

Joseph “Mike” Gibbons ’58, June 14, 2024

Father of Patrick M. ’83 and Keith C. Gibbons ’88

John Paul Idoux ’58, April 26, 2024

Michael J. Jung ’58, August 7, 2024

Brother of Thomas J. Jung ’55

Miguel E. Useche ’58, April 11, 2024

Robert A. Pulido, Sr. ’59, January 28, 2024

Father of Robert A. Jr. ’87 and Michael A. Pulido ’89, grand-father of Aidan Pulido ’25; cousin of Oscar Padilla ’57, Paul Padilla ’85, Ben Coy ’86, and uncle to Thomas Hidalgo ’20.

Joseph D. Carrabba ’60, March 20, 2024

Brother of Michael L. Carrabba ’71

Dr. David W. Guillet ’61, August 24, 2024

Brother of Paul Guillet ’63

Jack J. Hofstetter ’61, September 27, 2017

Dan L. Huber ’61, January 2, 2019

William J. Thacker ’62, June 24, 2024

Edwin H. “Hilch” Lindsay ’63, May 29, 2024

Kenneth A. Perez ’63, May 29, 2024

Donald C. Earthman ’64, May 29, 2024

Son of James B. Earthman ’22, father of Chris M. ’94 and Eric T. Earthman ’99, brother of James B. III ’52, Thomas P. ’54, John A. Sr. ’56, Robert L. ’58, William J. ’59, Michael R. ’62, and Bruce E. ’68

Fr. William A. “Drew” Wood ’64, September 12, 2024

Anthony V. Valdes ’64, November 16, 2021

Brother of Romualdo Jr. ’49, Michael V. ’51, Joseph M. ’55, and Cruz V. Valdes ’59

Pete A. Mier ’65, July 19, 2024

Brother of Patrick Mier Jr. ’61

Alexander C. Yokubaitis ’65, July 7, 2024

Brother of Ronald B. ’61, Roger T. ’63, Dan R. ’68, Mark A. ’70, and Dr. John A. Yokubaitis ’79; uncle of Fred A. ’84, Curtis M. 88, and Nathaniel T. Yokubaitis ’89; great uncle to Edgar M. Yokubaitis ’14; and cousin of Brian J. Barron ’74

James J. McConn Jr. ’66, July 14, 2024

Son of James J. McConn Sr. ’44, brother of Michael G. ’68 and T. Kevin McConn ’71, nephew to John L. Jr. ’41 and Robert G. McConn Sr. ’42, and cousin to Robert G. ’66, John L. ’70, Gary M. ’72, John L. III ’74, Burke S. ’76 and Mark D. McConn ’77

Brett F. Woods ’66, March 5, 2024

David W. Connelly ’67, January 17, 2024

Dewitt C. Dunn, III ’67, February 10, 2024

Torrey J. Roberts ’67, March 9, 2024

Brother of Andrew H. ’57 and Ed. F. Roberts ’61

J. Robert Imber Jr. ’70, August 10, 2024

Dr. Robert E. McDonald ’71, April 5, 2024

Brother of Dr. Michael W. McDonald ’66

Dr. John J. Stranahan ’71, May 6, 2024

Brother of Ralph W. Stranahan ’77

Nick Cable ’72, October 6, 2024

Paul A. Stavinoha ’74, April 14, 2024

Son of Jerome L. Stavinoha ’52

Jeremy C. Rangel ’89, October 6, 2024

Joseph V. Summa ’94, August 20, 2024

Ose F. Edobor ’97, August 8, 2024

Henry W. Trigg, ’00, March 3, 2024

Brother of Walter H. Trigg ’00 and uncle to Henry T. Sherman ’27

William C. “Carey” Link ’04, November 2, 2023

Nephew of Lt. Col. Elbert W. ’51 and Cabanne H. Link ’53

Kristian William F. Bexar ’07, April 1, 2024

Brother of Robert J. Bexar, II ’00

St. Thomas Family

Ona M. Adair, April 15, 2024

Wife of Jeff Adair ’82, and mother of Alex M. Adrion ’14

Timothy A. Clarkson, August 7, 2024

Father of Timothy C. “Campbell” Clarkson ’15

Former St. Thomas Dean of Students and Athletics Coach

Carolyn W. DeNina, October 23, 2024

Mother of Trey DeNina III ’88

Margaret F. Hotze, March 27, 2024

Mother of Dr. Steven F. ’68, Bruce R., Sr. ’70, James B. ’71, Ernest M. “Mark” ’74, David N. Sr. ’75, Richard K. ’78, and Christopher A. Hotze and grand-mother to several St. Thomas Alumni

Sharon Hugele, March 7, 2024

Wife of John C. “Jack” Hugele ’64, and sister-in-law to James M. Hugele ’67 and Robert Murski ’69

Barbara Ann Kurtin, June 30, 2024

Wife of Stanley Eugene ’51, mother of Michael ’73, Darby ’74, Kurt ’80, Roger ’85, Jerry ’87, and Ronald Kurtin ’93; grandmother to Ian ’05 and Isaac Kurtin ’09; Brian ’97, and Alex Kotzur ’02, aunt to William E. ’61 and Mark Kurtin ’68, and James R. ’64 and Dennis H. Alexander ’68; and great-aunt to Timothy P. Kurtin ’07

Charles F. Major Jr. , August 25, 2024

Father of Chuck F. Major III ’77

Mike McConnell, February 23, 2024

Father of S. Blake McConnell ’93; Former Head Football Coach (1978 - 1992) and Dean of Students (1992 - 2012)

Michael A. Parsons Sr., June 26, 2024

Father of Michael A. “Tony” Parsons Jr. ’89

Patricia Wimberly, April 15, 2024

Wife of Larry Wimberly ’64 and sister of Frank Sheppard ’62

Susan Zientek, May 10, 2024

Wife of Larry Zientek ’66, sister of James Colville ’64, cousin of George Hatten ’53; and niece of George Hatten ’31 and Judge William Hatten ’31

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