2013 fall sgmhs alumni magazine

San Gabriel Mi�ion High School

Mi�ionHigh Magazine

San Gabriel Mission High School254 S. Santa Anita St.San Gabriel, CA 91776(626) 282-3181, Ext. 117 www.sgmhs.org

datesto remember

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December7-8

January12

February6

March1

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May18

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Open HouseTime: 11am-2pmSGMHS254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel

SGMHS Christmas BoutiqueTime: All DaySGMHS Auditorium254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel


Dominican Day CelebrationTime: 9am-2pmSGMHS254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel

Parent DanceTime: 6:30pm-11:30pmSGMHS254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel*Contact: Mrs. Sosa at 626-282-3181 ext. 107 for tickets

Alumni Benefit LuncheonTime: TBASGMHS Auditorium254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel*Contact: 626-282-3181 ext. 116 for tickets

Art Showcase and Donor Thank You ReceptionTime:11am-2pm*Contact: 626-282-3181 for further information

Baccalaureate LiturgyTime: 5pmChapel of the Annunciation GraduationTime: 5pmMission Playhouse

*For all questions, please contact Mrs. Rocio Martinez Pineda at 626-282-3181 ext. 116

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W H E R E D O O R S O F O P P O R T U N I T Y O P E N

A N D D R E A M S B E C O M E R E A L I T Y

Fall 2013M A G A Z I N E

s a n g a b r i e l

Mi�ion High School

Lynna Huang

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PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

ALUMNI LETTERS

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Katherine Burns Sartori, Class of ’63SGMHS Alumni Performed At The S.G. Mission PlayhouseAlumni Benefit Scholarship Luncheon Huge Success

SHOW PIONEER SPIRIT! PRICES FOR MISSION GEAR

SGMHS HIGHLIGHTS

San Gabriel Mission High School Celebrates 61st GraduationSGMHS Senior Named Grinnell Posse ScholarViolin Prodigy At SGHMS Wins CompetitionsSGMHS Senior Accepted To West PointSGMHS Senior Accepted To Art Institute Of Chicago

STAYING CONNECTEDUpdates from fellow Alumni

IN MEMORIAM

Fall 2013

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M A G A Z I N E

s a n g a b r i e l Mi�ion High School

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From the Principal

Dear Friends of Mission,

Editor: Rocio Martinez Pineda & Jo Anne Disney

Design & Creative Direction: Ashley Roide-Becerra

© 2013 San Gabriel Mission High School

Cover: Art work done by: Lynna Huang, class of 2013Mission High is published twice a year by San Gabriel Mission High School for alumni, parents, and friends. For more information, please contact:

San Gabriel Mission High School254 S. Santa Anita St.San Gabriel, CA 91776

(626) 282-3181, Extension 117 www.sgmhs.org

It is hard to believe that we are at the beginning of a new academic year. At San Gabriel Mission High School, this will be a milestone year, as we �nalize our preparations to become authorized at in International Baccalaureate World School. This time next year, we will have the First Cohort of our Diploma Programme. This is a truly exciting time for us all, and I look forward to further empowering our young women as they impact their high school experience in their quest to further their education. I am very proud of the ongoing accomplishments at our school. We continue to see our graduates matriculate into higher-education at above-average rates, our AP scores continue to improve, the number of scholarships offered to our graduates is on the rise, and our faculty continues to explore ways to enhance the learning experience through ongoing and regular professional development. It is my hope that you will continue to support San Gabriel Mission High School, as the need for providing a quality Catholic education to our young women is critical to empowering our future Pioneers to be productive and faith-�lled citizens. I am also looking forward to meeting many of you over the course of our school year. Whether it be during a casual drop-in, or at our Casino Night, at a reunion or at Graduation, I am always excited to be regaled with tales of Mission in the yesteryears. Your presence on campus means so much to us all, and the continuous generosity that I witness on a daily basis is testament to the spirit of giving that so envelops the desire in each one of us to assure our young women that we have a vested interest in their futures. I pray for abundant blessings in your life, and I ask that you continue to keep Mission, your Alma Mater, in your hearts and minds.

Sincerely,

Jamie J. Collins

Rev. Bruce Wellems, CMFpastor/administrator

Jamie Collinsprincipal

Betty Ann Overleyvice principal

Raquel Cagigasassistant principal-dean of student life

Marielle Sallo assistant principal-dean of academics

�eresa Tran-Trieudirector of counseling

Alma Rivasdirector of activities

Jessica Calderondirector of marketing and outreach

Rocio Martinez Pinedadirector of development and alumni relations

Angelina Sosabusiness office manager

Sue Notheisalumni president

2 Mi�ionHigh Magazine | Fall 2013

ALUMNI LETTERS

Sincerely,

Sue Sanchez Notheis ‘60President, SGMHS Alumni Relations

ALUMNI BOARDMEMBERS

Merrillee Brown Taylor, ’55

Sister Mara Anne ’57

Bob Wilber ‘59

Marilyn Aragon ‘60

Cathy Dorsey ‘60

Sue Notheis ‘60

Pat Taylor ‘60

JoAnn Camperi ‘62

Tom Semonell, Sr. ‘63

Esther Arredondo ‘64

Chuck Taylor ‘64

Shirley Reifer ‘65

Glenda Sammelman ‘65

Jo Anne Disney ‘71

Leslie Perez ‘84

Rocio Martinez(Development & Alumni

Relations Director)

Dear Alumni, The past two years of my presidency have flown by and as I prepare to step down, I want to thank those who supported the Alumni Association with their time, talent, and generous contributions. My heartfelt appreciation goes to the Alumni Board who devoted countless hours by attending meetings, getting the meeting minutes and announcements out to their classmates and the community, especially for volunteering time to make the 19th Annual SGMHS Alumni Golf Tournament and the 4th Annual Benefit Luncheon successful events. Special thanks go to the school’s Alumni Relations Department for their untiring support of me and for all of the Alumni projects and events. Thanks to the golfers & volunteers who made the final Alumni Golf Tournament at the San Gabriel Country Club so memorable. In addition, thanks to the Alumni, SGMHS teachers, and staff who participated in the 2013 Dancing with the Mission Stars Competition and Fundraiser. These folks did a remarkable job on both events. They raised $21,451.97, which contributed substantially to reaching the goals set by the Catholic Education Foundation, who matched the funds. This money has gone to providing scholarships to students in need of financial assistance to attend SGMHS and receive the quality Catholic education they deserve. The generosity and support of members of the classes of 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1971, 1984, 1998, 2000 and 2012 cannot be overstated. In particular, my classmatesfrom 1960 responded to every request that I made by volunteering to assist with or by funding school events. I have now been connected to SGMHS for 57 years and plan to stay connected in some capacity. I am retiring from teaching this month, but will continue to serve on the board with Marilyn Aragon as the Class of ’60 Representatives. I encourage all Pioneers to get involved in school events or have at least one person from each class to serve on the Alumni Board. Plan to attend mini reunions with your classmates at Alumni sponsored events like Mixers and the Annual Benefit Luncheon. Remember that the school has designated all Thursdays as “Alumni Days” whenever school is in session. Please visit the school website at www.sgmhs.org and drop in at your Alma Mater to reconnect with memories and the place “Where Tradition Meets Vibrant Spirit.”

Hello Fellow Alumni,

My name is Connie Olmos and I have the distinct privilege of being your Alumni President for the 2013 – 2014 school year. Entering Mission in the fall of 1975 as a scared formerly “public schoolgirl” I soon grew to love mission, its vigorousacademics as well as it’s many memory making activities. Those four years literally flew by and I graduated from Mission High School in 1979 – Shout out to the Royal Lions! After Graduating Mission I opened up a dog grooming business “Ragamuffin”, but it was in 1996 that I came “Home” again and beganworking here at Mission and eighteen years later I am still in love. As the schoolsecretary I am fortunate to interact with just about everything going on “Mission”.

I have one beautiful daughter Andee who also graduated from Mission in 1998 and one equally beautiful Granddaughter Luna, who is currently a fifth grader at Mission Elementary. My hope is that she will be a part of the class of 2021!

I am excited to be in this position and hope in the coming months to share my many ideas with you. One of my main goals is to bring the women of the 70’s and 80’s back into the fold. There are so many ways to help our dear old alma mater and I hope to entice many of you to come back “Home” as well.

Soon you will be invited to join our very own Alumni Facebook Page where I hope to unite all the individual class pages and connect all the Pioneers. One of my favorite things to do is speak to fellow alums and hear their stories about Mission and beyond. I also hope to be blogging soon on our website so that all alums are in the know.

If there is anything you need to, have to, or want to know, or even if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me: [email protected] or 626/282-3181 X101.

I look forward to talking to you!Connie

Hello Alumni,My name is Jackie Marroquin, I amthe new Development and Alumni Relations Assistant for San Gabriel Mission High School. As a local community member and an alumna from Alhambra High School, I am familiar with the greatness the San Gabriel Valley has to offer. During my short time at SGMHS,I have already had the pleasure of meeting a few of the many wonderful alums. I have enjoyed seeing your faces light up when you remember your times here and often imagine your stories come to life as I regularly walk up and down the green lockers in the school hallways. I look forward to collaborating with Mrs. Rocio Martinez Pineda on important projects that will not only positively impact the current young ladies of your beloved alma mater, but also the graduates and alums like you. The staff and students have had a contagious wonderful spirit that I take home with me to share with my loved ones every day after I leave the office. I encourage you all to come visit our school, support our events, check out our website. Please follow us on our social networking sites as well like Facebook, Instagram, WordPress and Twitter to get your daily dose of our Pioneer spirit. San Gabriel Mission High School is continuing to pioneer through each decade with a piece of each of you in every young lady that roams through these halls. Take the time to reconnect with your fellow class mates of SGMHS and also meet our current young ladies. I hope to meet and see you all at the Alumni Benefit Luncheon April 5, 2014. The Development and Alumni Relations Office wishes you Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,Jackie Marroquin

Jo Anne Disney has accepted a new part-time position at San Gabriel Mission High School this year. Her new title is Library Coordinator/ Media Relations. Jo Anne’s office is now located in the library where she will continue tutoring students in both English and writing, including writing

press releases for SGMHS. In addition, Ms. Disney acts as advisor for SGMHS students who are participating in the Writing Internship Program with one of our local news-papers, the Mid Valley News. At the paper, Jo Anne is the Assistant Editor/Feature Writer and serves on the Board. We wish her well in her new jobs.

3Mi�ionHigh Magazine | Fall 2013

For further information about future events or to purchase tickets, please contact the Development/Alumni Relations Office at626-282-3181 ext. 116

Dear Alumni,“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t been in bed with a mosquito.”—Anne ToddickWe believe learning is a lifelong process and we continue to support the interests and general welfare of our alumni by enhancing, cultivating and fostering a sense of community. When you make a financial contribution to SGMHS, you help ensure that our students receive the best possible education, both inside and outside the classroom. Also, you are making it possible for students to receive the gift of a Catholic education. Mission is a school that places family at its center. Being a school with a long tradition, we are proud of the many voices our parents, teachers, students, alumni and community members bring to our wonderful school. Mission is truly a dynamic place: a place where critical thinking is tempered with a desire to promote social justice; a place where intellectual stimulation manifests itself academically, spiritually, physically and socially. Mission is an all girls’ high school where the seeds of the present will become the fruits of our future. Any contribution, no matter how small or large is another brick to build a strong foundation for a brighter future.This year we are currently working hard to raise monies for our tuition assistance program. Currently, 90% of our students are receiving a tuition scholarship. For every dollar raised, the Catholic Education Foundation will match dollar for dollar. We currently have 25 students on a waitlist that are desperately in need of tuition assistance. That is 25 different families waiting to hear the door open for a life changing opportunity that you could open by sharing your resources.You can sponsor a student. Sponsor a student for a day which is $21.10, or a week at $148.08, or a month at $641.67 or even better a year at $7,700.00! Every bit helps and we know you can assist us in making a difference in the lives of these young women. *This figures are based on a 12 month payment*Remember you are always a part of the San Gabriel Mission family. There are many opportunities to come back and visit your Alma Mater which was once your everyday home. Have your reunion here on campus and join our festivities. Reminisce and bring your parents to Parent Dance which is open to Alumni and Friends. Celebrate Christmas and buy gifts from our vendors to give to your loved ones at our annual Christmas Boutique. Attend our Alumni Benefit Luncheon and have a delicious meal an afternoon and see our Art Showcase, and so much more. Do not miss out on walking the halls and sharing in those magical memories. We want to hear from you! We look forward to seeing you around our campus and hope to see you throughout the year. May God bless you always, Rocio Martinez Pineda Director of Development and

Alumni Relations

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A L U M N ISpotlight

Katherine Burns Sartori, Class of ’63, calls herself a Dream Traveler. “To be happy,” she writes, “we need to re-create ourselves two or three times a year and many times in a decade. That’s what makes life an adventure. Sometimes I can’t wait to try something new. Other times the last thing I want to do is test a new path. I'm frozen. Stuck. But life often forces us into a new niche. Looking back, I’m usually glad I took the first step. The characters in my stories are, too.” Katherine’s love for writing began at age nine when she announced her dream of writing a book someday. Over the years, teachers at San Gabriel Mission High School nurtured her talent. Later, she wrote corporate newsletters, training manuals, advertising brochures, complex manuals to test and maintain helicopter and airplane parts, and even a writing curriculum that she taught at California State University, Fullerton. Once retired, Katherine traveled to far-off countries

with her husband, but continued writing, publishing travel articles and stories, such as, “Mending Shattered Bonds” in The Cup Of Comfort Book For Single Women. Finally, in 2012, her novel, The Chosen Shell, was published! In the words of author DeAnna Cameron, “The book depicts a young woman who is caught between a desire to live a life of divine purpose and a yearning for human love. Once a nun herself, Katherine Sartori follows Celie’s journey from vulnerable teen to empowered adult, offering a fascinating glimpse inside monastic convent life. Although Celie’s transformtion is rooted in the turbulent 1960s, her story offers a stirring and uplifting message that transcends that era.” Many readers have already asked Katherine to write a sequel. Right now though, she’s finishing another novel called Lily And Eve, about two very opposite lifelong friends whose personal wounds lead them to Ireland where faery magic, Celtic mysteries and Irish men change them, threatening their friendship… and even their lives.

Katherine Burns Sartori ‘63

Katherine Burns Sartori, Class of ’63 Katherine Sartori’s book, The Chosen Shell

www.katherinesartori.com dreamtravelerkas.blogspot.com

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

n June 2, 2013, the Olympia Philharmonic Society presented the Cal-State, L.A. Symphony Orchestra and the Olympia Youth Orchestra, “in Talents of San Gabriel Valley, celebrating the centenary of the City of San Gabriel.” The Music Director and Conductor was Fung Ho. Two world renowned soloists, mezzo-soprano, Suzanna Guzman and soprano, Alba Quezada performed. Both Ms. Guzman and Ms. Quezada are San Gabriel Mission High School Alumni; Suzanna from the Class of 1973 and Alba from the Class of 1971. Together they sang Entr’acte et Barcarolle from “Tales of Hoffman” and The Flower Duet from “Lakme.” In addition, Ms. Guzman sang Habanera from “Carmen,” while Ms. Quezada sang O Mia Babbino Caro from “Gianni Schicchi.” Alumni from SGMHS attended the concert and were in awe of their former classmates. The entire audience was mesmerized by their amazing voices. Ms. Guzman “is one of the original Associate Artists of Los Angeles Opera and has appeared as principal soloist with symphonies and opera houses around the world.” Among her many accomplish-ments, Ms. Guzman was the principal soloist on the Southwest Chamber Music’s Grammy-nominated CD, Carlos Chavez: Volume III, she was in the “4000th performance of The King and I with Yul Brynner, world premiere and recording of Goya with Placido Domingo with the Washington National Opera, and best known for her portrayal of the title role in Bizet’s Carmen. Her many awards include being “honored by People Magazine en Espanol as an outstanding Latino in Music, the Hispanic Scholarship Fund 2012 Mentor of the Year, 2012 California Latino Caucus Spirit Award, 2012 Legacy Award for Women in Theatre, 2012 Mexican American Opportunity Fund Woman of the Year, just to name a few. Currently, she can be seen weekly on the KCET’s series OPEN CALL.” In addition, Ms. Guzman is the Director of Community Engagement at the L.A. County High School for the Arts. Ms. Quezada “has performed in operas, musicals and on the recital stage throughout the United States and Europe. She has worked in recording, film, television, and radio.” Some of Ms. Quezada’s many highlights include: “an original cast member of Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, the title role of Frida at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Maria

in West Side Story at the Teatro Tivoli in Barcelona, a Community Concert Artist, and the featured soprano in the Grammy nominated recording for Best Classical Album, Carlos Chavez: Volume III.” Currently, Ms. Quezada is on the faculty at Long Island University in Brooklyn; is an Associate Professor of Voice at the New School for Drama; and is on the voice and speech faculty at the Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute in New York City. Both Suzanna and Alba have been best friends since SGMHS. Suzanna said that “the friendships you forge in high school can turn out to be the most satisfying and rewarding, as no one knows you like the person who has seen you in braces.” At Mission, they were both influenced by their music teacher and Madrigals Director, Mrs. Joyce Donahue. Alba said that she and Suzanna first started singing in a rock band. Thanks to the persistence of Mrs. Donahue, she was able to get Alba to take singing lessons which started her career path in opera. Suzanna was doing musical theater and Alba persuaded Suzanna to take lessons from her voice instructor, which led Suzanna to opera as well. What amazing careers for two San Gabriel Mission High Alumni!

O “... have been best friends since SGMHS.

Suzanna said that “the friendships you forge

in high school can turn out to be the most

satisfying and rewarding...””~ Suzanna Guzman ‘73

World renowned soloists and SGMHS graduates: Alba Quezada and Suzanna Guzman

SGMHS ALUMNI PERFORMED AT THE S.G. MISSION PLAYHOUSE

5Mi�ionHighMagazine | Fall 2013

RRRRRRRRRRShow Pioneer Spirit! PRICES FOR MISSION GEAR

Contact Jessica Calderon in the Marketing and Outreach Office at (626) 282-3181, ext. 128 for more information.

SGMHS mom & dad t-shirts

$14.00

SGMHS black fitted t-shirt

$12.00

SGMHS gray fitted t-shirt

$12.00

SGMHS hooded sweatshirt

$30.00

OTHER ITEMS FOR PURCHASE:

SGMHS crewneck sweatshirt - $25.00

SGMHS regular t-shirt - $12.00

SGMHS scarf - $10.00

SGMHS decal - $7.00

SGMHS lanyards - $3.00

SGMHS pen - $1.00

SGMHS pencil - $0.75

On April 27th San Gabriel Mission High School held their 4th Annual Benefit Scholarship Luncheon, including performances by the contest winners of “Dancing Around the World with the Mission Stars,” and special performances by actor and singer Aaron Lohr, (The Mighty Ducks, Rent, Noise, The Wreck) and singer, Toni Boller. Senior Jackie Abing provided wonderful back-ground piano music at the event as well as performances by the SGMHS choir. Mission’s Drama Class offered their rendition of Maya Angelou’s, Phenomenal Woman.

The funds that were raised will not only assist the Fine Arts Department,but will also be used for scholarships to deserving students. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a huge success!

Alumni Benefit Schola�hip Luncheon Huge Succe�

T H E W I N N E R S of “Dancing with the Mission Stars”:

First Place – Team # 8Junior, Kathleen Lim and Alumni, Erny Henry – Class of 1958

Second Place – was a tieTeam #1Senior Samantha Duran and Alumna Johanna Castro – Class of 1998Team #7Junior, Gailyn Pilimai with alumna Andrea de Luna – Class of 2000

Congratulations everyone!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

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May 31st marked San Gabriel Mission High School’s 61st graduation ceremony that was held at the historic San Gabriel Playhouse.

The Commencement speaker was Marisa Tellez, a SGMHS alumna from the class of 1999. Ms. Tellez “is considered one of the experts of crocodilian disease and ecology, and currently has a book in print on crocodilian parasitism. Marisa is now inthe process of finishing the PhD program in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department at UCLA.”

The Valedictorian for the Class of 2013 was Miss Araceli Padron, who will be attending UCLA in the fall. The Salutatorian was Miss Jaclyn Abing, a Posse Scholar. She will be attending Grinnell College.

In addition, SGMHS is proud to announce that Miss Nancy Mattazaro has been accepted to West Point and Miss Lynna Huang received a scholarship to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Congratulations to all the graduates from your San Gabriel Mission High Family!

S A N G A B R I E L M I S S I O N H I G H S C H O O L

HighlightsSAN GABRIEL MISSION HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 61ST GRADUATION

Commencement speaker, Marisa Tellez, Class of ‘99

Graduation 2013

Colleges Our Seniors Have Been Accepted ToAlbion College Arizona State University Azusa Pacific University Baylor University Bethany College California Lutheran University Cal Poly University Pomona Creighton University CSU Bakersfield CSU Channel Islands CSU Chico CSU Dominguez Hills CSU Fullerton CSU Long Beach CSU Los Angeles CSU Monterey Bay CSU Northridge CSU San Marcos Dominican University Drexel University Fordham University Grand Canyon University Grinnell College Humboldt State University Liberty University Marymount College Menlo College Mount St. Mary’s College New Mexico State University Niagara University Northern Arizona University North Carolina State UniversityNotre Dame de NamurSan Diego Christian College

San Diego State UniversitySan Francisco State UniversitySan Jose State UniversitySavannah College of ArtSanta Clara UniversitySienna Heights UniversitySt. Catherine University – St. PaulSt. Mary’s College of CaliforniaSt. John’s University – Queen’s CampusSouthern Utah UniversityUC BerkeleyUC DavisUC IrvineUC Los AngelesUC MercedUC RiversideUC Santa BarbaraUC Santa CruzUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of ArizonaUniversity of Minnesota Twin CitiesUniversity of New MexicoUniversity of OregonUniversity of San DiegoUniversity of Tennessee KnoxvilleUS Military Academy – West PointUtah Valley University Wake Forest UniversityWestmont CollegeWhittier CollegeWillamette UniversityWoodbury UniversityThe School of the Art Institute of Chicago

7Mi�ionHighMagazine | Fall 2013

VIOLIN PRODIGY AT SGMHS WINS COMPETITIONS

SGMHS SENIOR NAMED GRINNELL POSSE SCHOLAR

San Gabriel Mission High School is proud to announce that senior, Jaclyn Abing, has been named a Grinnell Posse Scholar. There were over 2,500 nominations from Los Angeles alone, and only 10 openings for Grinnell College.

The Posse Foundation started in 1989 when a student dropped out of college and claimed that, “I never would have dropped out of college if I had my posse with me.” According to Posse’s website, “that simple idea of sending a group of students to college together to act as a support system for one another was the impetus for a program that today has become one of the most comprehensive college access programs in the United States.” In addition, the Posse Founda-tion “partners with 44 partner colleges and universities in 18 states.”

The application and nomination process started in August of 2012. To select the scholars, there was a process called the Dynamic Assessment Process (DAP), involving 3 rounds of interviews. Jaclyn was notified in late December that she was a Posse Scholarship winner. She began “Posse’s 8-month pre-collegiate training program this past January, 2013.

According to Jaclyn, “I chose Grinnell College (located in Grinnell, Iowa with a population of 9,100), because of its mission in self-governance and open curriculum” as well as its size, as Grinnell has a little less than 1,600 student s in total. Jaclyn is very excited as Grinnell is “one of the top and most rigorous liberal arts colleges, and it has become her dream school.”

Jaclyn will major in History aspiring to work in the field of education, with an emphasis on teaching at the college level.

Congratulations Ms. Jaclyn Abing on becoming a Grinnell Posse Scholar. Your Mission High Family is proud of your accomplishment.

Christine Park, a junior at San Gabriel Mission High School and a violin prodigy, has recently won 1st place in the American String Teachers Association’s “Area Competition” and the “L.A. Regional Competition.” Next year she will be competing in the State Finals.

Ms. Park was born in South Korea and has played the violin since the age of 4. She and her family moved to Wei Hai when she was 12 years old. At 13 she went to Beijing to study the violin. Christine came to the U.S. 2 ½ years ago. After school she practices between 2 and 3 hours a day. On non-school days, Christine practices 4 to 5 hours a day. Her dedication and passion for playing the violin is evident in her love of

music. When Christine plays the violin, she touches your heart and evokes feelings that fill your soul.

Christine chose to play the violin because as she said, “even though it is small like me, this musical instrument produces very strong sounds.” She is dedicated to playing the violin, and this coming year will apply to the Juilliard School of Music as well as the Manhat-tan School of Music, the Cleveland Conservatory of Music, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Christine’s future plans are to become a professor of music and teach the violin.

Jaclyn Abing and parents


SGMHS SENIOR ACCEPTED TO WEST POINT

SGMHS SENIOR ACCEPTED TO ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

San Gabriel Mission High School is proud to announce that senior Lynna Huang has been accepted to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ms. Huang has been interested in art since she was little, but her heavy academic work load in Taiwan prevented her from getting involved with art. When she came to America three years ago, she finally was able to study art as part of her curriculum. With the encouragement of her art teacher, Mr. Chris Landinguin, who also attended the Institute, Lynna applied to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. According to Mr. Landinguin, “Lynna is one of the most naturally talented artists to come through Mission in the past 10 years. Her understanding of color and surreal style makes her work eye catching and worthy of hours of artist conversation.” Lynna’s love of art and her SAIC Merit Scholarship to the School of the Art Institute bring her one step closer to realizing her dream of becoming an interior designer.

San Gabriel Mission High School is very proud of Lynna and her accomplishment!

San Gabriel Mission High School is proud to announce that Senior, Nancy Mattazaro has been accepted to West Point. She plans on majoring in science, hoping to pursue a career in the medical field. Ms. Mattazaro believes that her 4 years at San Gabriel Mission High School offered her more opportunities and leadership skills. She is grateful for “the flexibility, encouragement, and support” she received from faculty here at SGMHS.

Nancy has been a part of numerous organizations and among them she served as Associated Student Body Treasurer as well as Student Council; she played varsity soccer for 4 years and was captain this year; she was an American Youth Soccer Organization Regional Referee; a member of the Key Club; a Girl Scout Patrol Leader; the Student Director of Campus Ministry; a Church Lector and Eucharist Minister; and she set up a scholarship for an outstanding 8th grade student at All Saints Catholic School in East Los Angeles.

Congressman Xavier Becerra, from the 34th Congressional District of California, nominated Ms. Mattazaro for admission to West Point. Founded in 1802, the Academy has a reputation for offering a “challeng-ing academic curriculum that offers a balanced education in the arts and sciences.” Last year, 3,070 women applied to West Point, 732 were nominated, 438 qualified, and only 191 were admitted.

SGMHS HIGHLIGHTSSGMHS HIGHLIGHTS

San Gabriel Mission High School is proud of Nancy and her accomplishments and wish her a successful future.

Nancy Mattazaro and parents with Congressman Becerra


In Memoriam

Roger Burns ‘53

James Taylor ‘57

Norris C.Hundley, Jr. ‘54

Donna McKiernanWorthy ‘57

Rosemary Hestich(Hrstich) Case ‘55

Richard Lies ‘60

Hector Galindo ‘55

John Moran ‘60

Francis (Frank)McConnell ‘56

Paula QuirozQuintanar ‘60

We all remember the beautiful smiling face with the long blond hair. Valerie Soller was a happy, friendly, energetic young girl who played sports with all her heart. Whether it was tetherball, basketball or volleyball at All Souls School where she helped us win the 1958 CYO Girls Softball Championship, or other sports at San Gabriel Mission High, Valerie loves playing sports and was good at all of them. As she grew into a woman, she continued to pursue other sports like water skiing on Lake Arrowhead or bicycling in the outdoors many miles every day. She never complained about her lifelong battle with diabetes, but bicycled many marathon races to raise money to find a cure for that disease. She sang in the choir at the Catholic Church in Arrowhead where she spent her summers, and was active in her parish in Hunting-ton Beach where she and her husband, Peter, lived the rest of the year. Valerie was a gener-ous soul with her time, talents, and treasure.

Valerie was so disappointed that she could not attend our 50th High School reunion last October because she needed to be by her husband's side at his mother's memorial service. She remained lifelong friends with Peggy Loggins, Peggy Quinn, Judy Burns, Joanna Littlejohn and others. To them we offer our sincere sympathy. Each of us has a special memory of Valerie. Please keep her and her family and friends in your prayers. A few of us will be attend to attend her services on Friday. We know many of you would like to be there but are unable to. We will offer our Mass that day for Valerie on behalf of all our classmates. Valerie went to bed on Wednesday night with a headache and died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Arrowhead. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace through the mercy of God in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Valerie Soller Kompaniez Class of 1962


CLASS OF 1971 CELEBRATES 60TH BIRTHDAY

Staying ConnectedRRRRRRRR

San Gabriel Mission High School’s class of 1971 continues to party hearty! Their most recent celebration was a joint 60th Birthday Party On May 18th. The event was held at the home of alumni, Jeff and Kathy Childs Swensson. Alumni Mudd Campos Patris and Larry Trujillo saw to every intricate detail. Tables were adorned with brightly colored table cloths and napkins that blended in with the Spanish theme. Tasty Mexican food was provided by the Taco Griller. Party-goers enjoyed an open bar with a variety of drinks and appetizers, including a large fruit bouquet from Edible Arrangements compliments of Mudd. Alumna Maria Badame Hernandez provided delicious See’s chocolates. Alumni Brian Goebel acted as resident photographer. Over 50 alumni attended the event, including Liz Cash Hess, who flew down for the event from Oregon, John and Laura Venegas Valdez from Cathedral City, and Alma Santana Lawson from Indio. It seems since their reunion at SGMHS two years ago, classmates have rekindled friendships and forged new ones. The “vibrant spirit” definitely lives on with the class of 1971. Go Pioneers!

SGMHS Class of 1971 60th Birthday Party


Come and shop with over 40 different vendors!

Avon | CookieLee | Home Items | Tupperware | PartyLite | Toys

Many Kinds of Jewelry, Baked Goods, Jams, Jellies, Candles, Cactus, Succulents, Clothing

Custom Christmas Trees, Ornaments, Wreaths

And much, much more!

• Santa will be here for photo opportunities for the kids!

• Lots of goodies to tempt your taste buds!

Save T H E D AT E

San Gabriel Mission High SchoolProudly Presents Our

7th Annual Christmas Boutique

Saturday: December 7, 2013:11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2011:9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

In Our High School AuditoriumAt the corner of Santa Anita & Broadway 254 S. Santa Anita St., San Gabriel, CA 91776

Join us for a wonderful start to the Christmas Holidays!

San Gabriel Mi�ion High School


San Gabriel Mission High School254 S. Santa Anita St.San Gabriel, CA 91776(626) 282-3181, Ext. 117 www.sgmhs.org

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SGMHS Christmas BoutiqueTime: All DaySGMHS Auditorium254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel


Dominican Day CelebrationTime: 9am-2pmSGMHS254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel

Parent DanceTime: 6:30pm-11:30pmSGMHS254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel*Contact: Mrs. Sosa at 626-282-3181 ext. 107 for tickets

Alumni Benefit LuncheonTime: TBASGMHS Auditorium254 S. Santa Anita Street, San Gabriel*Contact: 626-282-3181 ext. 116 for tickets

Art Showcase and Donor Thank You ReceptionTime:11am-2pm*Contact: 626-282-3181 for further information

Baccalaureate LiturgyTime: 5pmChapel of the Annunciation GraduationTime: 5pmMission Playhouse

*For all questions, please contact Mrs. Rocio Martinez Pineda at 626-282-3181 ext. 116

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 354 San Gabriel, CA

W H E R E D O O R S O F O P P O R T U N I T Y O P E N

A N D D R E A M S B E C O M E R E A L I T Y

Fall 2013M A G A Z I N E

s a n g a b r i e l

Mi�ion High School

Lynna Huang

2013 fall sgmhs alumni magazine

Documents

Transcript of 2013 fall sgmhs alumni magazine