avanti - spring/summer 2014

SPRING/SUMMER 2014

Avanti

POSTMASTERS AND READERS Please send address changes to Office of Advancement at Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street | Napa, CA 94558, or email [email protected]. AVANTI is also available online at www.justin-siena.org.

Comments and/or editorial contributions can be sent to Director of Communications Eileen Mize at [email protected]. The School reserves the right to publish and/or edit material to reflect the values of our mission.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL SEALIn addition to identifying our location and the year of our 1966 founding, our seal contains the history of our school. The Justin-Siena seal embodies the icons of the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael (who co-sponsored the school through the 2005-06 academic year) and the De La Salle Christian Brothers.

The original Dominican black and white cross, fleury, indicates a spiritual ideal in spreading the Gospel of Christ by preaching and teaching. The five-pointed star signifies the sign of faith, which guides all Christian Brothers and Lasallian partners in their vocation of Christian education.

Finally, “Sempre Avanti” heralds the legacy of the Brothers, and more specifi-cally, Justin High School. Italian for “always forward” these words appeared on the Justin High School seal representing a commitment to looking forward and never being compla-cent, while exhibiting a passion for preparing the students entrusted to their care.

justin-sienaJustin-Siena is a Catholic high school

in the Lasallian traditioncalled to provide educational excellencein a loving, Christ-centered community

that prepares students to serve and to lead

in an ever-changing world.

Make your gift online at www.justin-siena.org/annualfundor use the enclosed envelope.

fundANNUAL

Our Legacy. Their Future.We are proud to support Justin-Siena as one of our

philanthropic priorities, and hope others will do the

same. As alumni of Justin-Siena we know firsthand how

valuable a Justin-Siena education is and how it awak-

ens something inside each Brave. If you haven’t already,

please consider a gift to the Justin-Siena Annual Fund

and join us, 100% of the faculty/staff, 100% of the

Board of Trustees, and 70% of parents in supporting

the future of bright, capable, and deserving students.

Mia ’04, Donny ’95, & August ’98

SEBASTIANI

What’s inside?

Highlights

Avanti

8 Mission Matters

18 Braves Bites

22 Braves in the Arts

24 Braves Report

30 Braves World AlumniClassNotes

About the CoverRetiring with a collective 190+ years of service, we say goodbye to (l-r) Bob Yeend; Sally DiGiacomo; Daphne Birk-myer; Sister Susan Allbritton, OP; Steve Meyer; Dick Tres; and Patti Wells. Read more on page 6.PHOTO BY KATHY KELLEBREW

On Thursday, June 5, 2014, 158 graduates crossed the podium on the North Lawn at the 45th Commencement Ceremony. We are proud of the Class of 2014 and wish them well. With 100% of the class matriculating to college, these young men and women em-body our efforts to inspire faith, scholarship, and bravery.

Mrs. DiGiacomo touched the hearts and opened the minds of so many during her thirty years at Justin-Siena. And because of her commitment to the Lasal-lian cornerstones of educational excellence and fostering an inclusive commu-nity, hers is a living legacy that will carry on for future generations of Braves. Pictured right at a recent celebration with her daughter, Patricia DiGiacomo ’92.

Learn more about our developing Boarding Program to occupy the former Siena Convent, Fitness Center rennovations, and exciting new curriculum initiatives that broaden the scope of delivering a college prep education that is accessible, relevant, and sustainable.

45th Commencement the Class of 2014 16

Coming to Campus This Fall 11

A Legacy of Learning 4

justin-siena magazine for alumni, families, and friends | spring/summer 2014

4

11 16

Look for this icon throughout the magazine. It means: MORE ONLINE.

For a complete and up-to-date

calendar of school events visit:

www.justin-siena.org/calendar

Mon, August 18First Day of School

A special welcome to

the Class of 2018!

Fri, October 31Homecoming

Football Gamevs. San Rafael

@ Dodd Stadium

Thurs, November 20President’s

Circle ReceptionDining Hall

Thurs, October 30Braves Bash,

Rally, & BonfireA Braves Homecoming

tradition

Sun, October 26Open HouseA great day for

prospective families to visit campus

Mon, December 8Our Lady of

Guadalupe Mass and Celebration

Thurs, September 4Mass of

the Holy SpiritFirst All-school Liturgy

Patrons Plaza

October 23-26Justin-SienaTheatrepresents

The Twilight Zone – Live on

Stage

Wed, November 26Alumni Games

First All-school LiturgyPatrons Plaza

Fri, October 3Alumni Hall

of HonorHonoring our most distiguished alumni

Mon, November 3Alumni

Generations Golf TournamentNapa Valley Country Club

Fri, December 12Winter Concert

The Chapel at Mont La Salle

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Places to go. People to see!calendar

A Catholic High School in the Lasallian Tradition

AVANTI is published twice a year by the Office of Communications for Justin-Siena alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff.

Mr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO

A Message from the Office of the President

Just prior to graduation this year, I was reflecting with our valedictorian and sa-lutatorian on what makes Justin-Siena special. While I wasn’t surprised by their answer, I was surprised at their tone and sincerity. Both of these fine young women, bound for Stanford and UC Berkeley, said without hesitation and with great pas-sion, “our teachers.” They talked about the teachers who touched both their minds and hearts. They talked about the academic challenges presented to them by their teachers, but also the incredible care their teachers took to assure their learning and success. They talked about the availability of their teachers and the personal

relationship forged with them. Our founder, St. John Baptist de La Salle, refers to Lasallian teachers as being older brothers or sisters to the students entrusted to their care. That image of an older sibling is a powerful one. I am the oldest in my family of three children, so I did not have the benefits of such a relationship. I do however remember wanting, at a young age, such a relationship. Not because my parents were not there for me, quite the contrary. But the relationship of a sibling is different. An older sibling is someone who listens with measured judgment and controlled reaction. It is someone who is friend, counselor, and companion all at once. Our siblings are the people we will know the longest in our lives, and therefore it is a relationship that is sacred and special. I think the Founder’s use of the image is an inspirational one to those who are called to the vocation of teaching in a Lasallian school. In this edition of Avanti, we celebrate those older brothers and sisters who have tended to the needs of our stu-dents here at Justin-Siena for several years, and in some cases spanning two generations, and now leave us for retirement and rest. As the school year ended we celebrated their time with us and raised them up to God in a spirit of thanksgiving for all they have done for the many young Braves who have been graced by their pres-ence. Each has earned a rightful spot in the foundation of our school’s history, especially notable as we journey towards 2016 when we will celebrate our 50th Jubilee. As much as we regret saying goodbye, the example of their commitment also gives us hope as we begin new chapters at Justin-Siena. For just as each one of them came to us a new Justin-Siena teacher years ago, so too, do we welcome a new generation of Lasallian educators at our beloved school who feel equally called to touch the hearts and minds of students. We have been blessed by these giants we celebrate, and now, we move forward a better school because of them and with an eye towards the future, as we find new ways to honor their legacies in how we fulfill our ministry of education.

Live Jesus in our hearts, forever!

Board of TrusteesMr. James Heim Chair

Br. Kevin Slate, FSCVice Chair

Sr. Emmanuel Cardinale, OP

Mr. Thomas Durante ’93

Mr. Dennis Pedisich

Mrs. Mel Denise Preimesberger

Br. Stanislaus Sobczyk, FSC, Ed.D.

Dr. Paul Sweigert

Mrs. Suzanne Truchard

Mr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO

Mr. John Van Hofwegen Secretary & Finanacial Officer

Ms. Caroline Gerlomes ’79Recording Secretary

AdministrationMr. Robert T. Jordan President and CEO

Mr. Noel Laird Hesser Principal

Ms. Heidi Harrison Vice Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

Sr. Susan Allbritton, OP Vice Principal for Administrative Services

Mr. Robert Bailey Vice Principal for Strategic Initiatives

Publishing CreditsEditor-in-Chief/Designer: Eileen Mize, Director of Communications

Managing Editor:David Holquin, Chief Advancement Officer

Photography: Thom McDermott; Eileen Mize; Kathy Kellebrew; Chris Swain

Contributors: Haley Cremen ’14; Michael Fisher; Caroline Bettencourt Gerlomes ’79; Carolina Gonzalez; David Holquin; Michele Farver; Robert T. Jordan; Dick Tres; Tiffany Wing

Places to go. People to see!

justin-siena Avanti 4

feature

A Legacy of LearningA look back on the pioneering spirit of Mrs. Sally DiGiacomo who retires after 30 years of service.


Sometimes, one seemingly small decision can change the lives of many in ways we, or they, could never have imagined. That’s a powerful notion, nearly as powerful as the impact of distinguished

and veteran educator, Mrs. Sally DiGiacomo. An exemplary role model to students and colleagues alike, particularly to young women, Mrs. DiGiacomo touched the hearts and opened the minds of countless young people during her thirty years at Justin-Siena. Because of her commit-ment to the Lasallian cornerstones of educational excellence and foster-ing an inclusive community, hers is a living legacy for future generations of Braves.

Colleague and friend of Mrs. DiGiacomo and veteran Instructor of Religious Studies, Ms. Georgine Clarke, is grateful to Sr. Patricia Boss (former Justin-Siena Principal) for enrolling in an adult educa-tion computer class in the early 80s—taught by none other than Sally DiGiacomo. Sr. Patricia knew talent when she saw it and offered Mrs. DiGiacomo a job at Justin-Siena. When Sally, whose passion for math and teaching runs deep, learned from Sister that nearby Justin-Siena was acquiring computers and a programming curriculum, it can be said that it was divine intervention.

Ms. Clarke reflects, “Sally may have ended up at Justin-Siena anyway, for I truly believe she was called from up-state New York to be here, but when Sally tells the story, she always attributes it to Sr. Patty Boss. Ultimately though, I thank God for the gift Sally has been to Justin-Siena and to me.” Mrs. DiGiacomo joined the Justin-Siena community in 1984—the dawn of the digital age. “When I was hired, I moved into room 502, which was the computer lab and my classroom, and I taught math and computer science there for more than twenty-five years. She also noted, “Room 502 was also the first to have white boards on campus.” Housing the Engineering Department Room the 500 wing continues today as a source of innovation.

Chris Fidler ’02, Engineering Department Chair, has enjoyed returning to his alma mater and becoming a colleague of his former teacher. “When I was back on campus for my first Justin-Siena job interview, Sally’s first words to me were (with a big smile) “so, do you do your homework now?” I was always a pretty good student, and I loved math, but when I got lazy, Mrs. DiGiacomo always expected more of me, and held all of her students to a higher standard. I went on to major in math and have had many teachers over my seventeen years as a student. Sally DiGiacomo is and always will be one of the very best.”

Early on, Mrs. DiGiacomo realized that part of her vocation, and she truly felt being at Justin-Siena was a vocation, was also that she was called to be a role model for young women pursuing math and sci-ence and for female colleagues in leadership and fellowship roles. Mrs. DiGiacomo’s pioneering ways, a hallmark of a Lasallian educator that earned her Distinguished Lasallian Educator of the Year Award in 1999 and 2009, have paved the way for implementation of new technology, inspired many alums to pursue fulfilling careers, instilled the importance of fostering an inclusive community, and empowered people to stand up for what is right. She has especially been a champion for women in

the areas of the historically male-dominated math and science and is thrilled with the presence of a younger generation of female educators in these disciplines. She will retire with the comfort of knowing that role models for young women in this regard will continue to be prevalent on campus.

Ms. Clarke shares, “I can’t tell you how many students have returned to tell Sally how well they were prepared for college mathematics not to mention those who owe their careers to her. No one who saw her lip-sync and dance at Homecoming rallies will ever forget the joy she brought, especially to the seniors. She is one of the most respected and beloved teachers Justin-Siena has ever known!”

Guidance Counselor and former student of Mrs. DiGiacomo, Jill Woolley Sinclair ’99, shares, “In my nineteen years of education, I can honestly say that Mrs. DiGiacomo was one of the best teachers I had. Although I was afraid of getting “the look,” Mrs. DiGiacomo has always been one of the kindest and most compassionate teachers here at Justin-Siena. She truly cares for her students and it shows, which is why she remains one of the most respected teachers on campus. Mrs. DiGiacomo was always willing to go above and beyond to help her stu-dents. Rather than making the student feel bad about not understanding a concept, she empowered her students to feel that they could learn the material, and she would make sure of it. My favorite memories of Mrs. DiGiacomo are how she always color coordinated the marker she used on the white board to her outfits and of course watching her perform at all of the Homecoming rallies.”

Mrs. DiGiacomo embraced educational technology before it was an industry buzzword, serving in many leadership roles as the school ad-vanced through curriculum enhancements in math and science, and was

Sr. Susan Allbritton, OP; Ms. Georgine Clarke, Mrs. Sally DiGiacomo; Ms. Daphne Birkmyer; Sr. Patricia Boss, OP, at the Founders Liturgy on May 12, a special Mass where all our retirees were honored before the student body.

“Legacy” continued page 9


cover story

for photos from founders liturgy and retirement ceremony

look for our photo stream on flickr.com: braveslife

Parting ThoughtsRepresenting a collective 191 years of service

Sister Susan Allbritton, OP

VicePrincipalforAdministrativeServices

Since 1986, AKA: Admissions Director; Registrar; Instructor of History, Science, and Religion; Maintenance Supervisor; Sopho-more Class Moderator; Master Schedule Builder; Kairos XIII, Freshman & Sophomore Retreat Leader; Sonitrol Supervisor; Supervisor of School KeysTreasured memory: Celebrat-ing with those of us who are retiring at the most recent Founders Liturgy.What I learned: Be open to whatever may happen.Post Justin-Siena plans: I start my new job as Second Councilor with the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael on June 12, and then go on an Alaskan Cruise.Advice to colleagues: Have patience and be flexible and know that God loves you.Felt most BRAVE: Being part of the fans cheering on our girls basketball team at the Northern California playoff game.Favorite quote: “Cry out as if you have a million voices, for it is silence that kills the world.” -St.CatherineofSiena

Last will: I will my Master Schedule Building Board to Alma Gallegos, who will continue the success that I have had with it.

Since 1985, AKA: Science Department Chair; Freshman, Sophomore, and Senior Class Co-moderator; Multicultural Club Moderator, Ecology Club Co-moderator, Friday Night Live Co-moderator, Mock Trial Co-moderatorTreasured memory: My most treasured memory is accompany-ing Thom McDermott, Jim Day ’72, and a group of students on an immersion trip to Tijuana and Chula Vista. I enjoyed watching my students grow in understanding and compassion. What I learned: To listen.Post Justin-Siena plans: Teach summer school, then travel and read English mysteries. In general, I plan to walk my dogs, garden, tutor, and write a book about dogs and people with a friend.Advice to colleagues: Enjoy the spirit and questions students bring into the classroom.Felt most BRAVE: I feel Brave fairly often; little moments with my fellow teachers, laughing in the fac-ulty room, supporting each other; I feel honored to work with such talented teachers and helpful staff.Favorite quote: “The Earth is your mother. Treat her kindly.”Justin-Siena Connections: Corey Granata ‘11, sonEli Granata ‘12, son

Since 1984, AKA: Math De-partment Chair (25 yrs), J-Stars Moderator, Kairos Leader, Junior Class Moderator, Faculty Rep on AD Team (10 yrs), Faculty Social Director Treasured memory: Faculty lip-synching skits we did for years at the Homecoming rally, the kids always loved it and we had a lot of fun doing them.What I learned: Don’t give up. If you get to a dead end, just go back and start over again.Post Justin-Siena plans: Play golf in the summer and then I’m going on a trip to visit the Eastern Canadian provinces later this year.Advice to colleagues: Cultivate “the eye.”Felt most BRAVE: Every day when I come to work. This is a great place, and I always loved coming to work.Favorite quote: Trust in God. He will show you the way.Last will: I will Room 502 to the Mathematics Department.Justin-Siena Connections: Patricia DiGiacomo ‘92, daughter

Since 1987, AKA: Dean of Students (21 yrs); Football Coach (all 3 levels); Baseball Coach (all 3 levels); Instructor of Mathemat-ics, P.E., and Study Hall); Kairos Leader; Substitute TeacherTreasured memory: Receiving the Br. Lawrence award this year.What I learned: Be compas-sionate but consistent.Post Justin-Siena plans: Cruise to Alaska in July; then go-ing to the Joe DiMaggio Summer Baseball League; and heading to Arizona next February for Spring Training for the first time.Advice to colleagues: Listen carefully, digest compassionately, and be consistent.Felt most BRAVE: Playing Of-ficer Krupkie in WestSideStory in 1996; having the opportunity to work with students was extraor-dinary.Favorite quote: You need to learn how to lose before you can learn how to win.Last will: I will my scheduling ability, organizational skills, and sense of consistency to Adolfo Guevara.

Daphne BirkmyerInstructorofScience

Sally DiGiacomoInstructorofMathematics

Steve MeyerAssistantAthleticDirector/

CoordinatorofCampusFacilities


Since 1980, AKA: Instruc-tor of Latin, College Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Mathemat-ics; English Department Chair; Moderator of various classes, yearbook, lit-mag, and Chess Club; Baseball and Golf Coach; 3 theatre productions; acted in three J-S plays; student travel leader to Italy, Greece, and the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon Treasured memory: Receiving the teacher of the year award in 2000-2001.What I learned: Engage stu-dents by making the students the subject matter. This makes them experts willing to express them-selves. This method is greatly enhanced when the teacher shows authentic interest in what they have to say.Post Justin-Siena plans: Spending time with the family, reading, exercising, watching baseball, travelling, and subbing at Justin-Siena.Advice to colleagues: Refuse to carry any baggage, enjoy your interactions with students so much that you are driven to hurry back to school each morning.Felt most BRAVE: No one time, but I felt proud of us as an institution when we redefined our “braveness” by aligning ourselves with the local Wappo Tribe.Favorite quote: “The child is the father of the man.”–Wordsworth

Last will: I will to my students the joys of a lifetime of reading.

Since 1996Treasured memory: Driving the bus to a championship game when the team wins.What I learned: Treat the kids as adults and answer them truth-fully.Post Justin-Siena plans: I plan on visiting my son in Denver by train.Advice to colleagues: Do not wreck the bus.Felt most BRAVE: Watch-ing my grandkids play sports at Justin-Siena.Favorite quote: Trust in God. He will show you the way.Last will: I will my bus to Tim Garcia.Justin-Siena Connections: Shea Giaquinto ‘06, grandsonNina Giaquinto ‘15, granddaughter

Since 2001, AKA: Cheerleading Moderator; Spirit Club Moderator; Senior Class Co-Moderator Treasured memory: I have two treasured memories. The first is being “team-mom” for the championship football team for my son, Dwight, in 2004; and second is being the cheerleading modera-tor for the four years my daughter, Haili, attended Justin-Siena.What I learned: Live one day at a time and appreciate every day you have on this earth because you never know which day may be your last.Post Justin-Siena plans: I plan on enjoying myself and relax-ing for awhile and then traveling along with my husband, Dwight, on his business trips, if he will let me.Advice to colleagues: I would like my colleagues to enjoy life and share their zest for life with each other and their students.Felt most BRAVE: When I am myself, and I share that with oth-ers around me.Favorite quote: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” -Dr.Seuss

Last will: I will my gift of laugh-ter to all the people of Justin-Siena. I hope they use it well.Justin-Siena Connections: Dwight Wells ‘05, sonHaili Wells ‘07, daughter

Since 2002, AKA: Sports An-nouncer; Junior Class Moderator; attended two Kairos Retreats Treasured memory: Every time a struggling student “gets” it.What I learned: Sr. Susan always listens.Post Justin-Siena plans: Play with my grandkids.Advice to colleagues: Expect the best of students, and you’ll almost always get it.Felt most BRAVE: When I was on Kairos 2 and when I took 28 students on a physics field trip during a student holiday.Favorite quote: “Memorizing isn’t learning; ya’ gotta’ GROK it!”Last will: I will my book of lame jokes to Jeff Chappell.

Richard TresInstructorofEnglish

Michael WebbBusDriver

Patti WellsInstructorofMathematics

Bob YeendInstructorofScience

MORE ONLINE: On Monday, May 12, during a special recognition cer-emony that followed the Founders Liturgy, each re-

tiree was introduced by a colleague of their choosing, some still currently at Justin-Sie-na, and some who returned for this special day. Their gracious and heartfelt words of introductions can be found online:www.justin-siena.org/2014RetireesEnjoy!


mission matters

The mission of Justin-Siena’s endowment is to support the people, programs, and activities in perpetuity. Over the years, growth of the endowment through investment return and charitable giving has en-abled Justin-Siena to provide scholarships, build faculty excellence, launch new programs and support a wide range of essential projects.

This year we welcome three new members to the Foundation Board.

THOMAS COUGHLAN (right) is a former Lasallian Educator Fellow and Justin-Siena teacher, coach, and development officer. Tom remains devoted to support the future of Lasallian education in the North Bay. Working at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management in Napa, Tom abides by the motto seen on campus, “enter to learn, leave to serve”. Tom is also on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma Valley Health & Recreation Association, as well as on the Board of Trustees of the Napa Valley Museum. An alumnus of De Le Salle High School, Tom was recently inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments as a professional water polo player. Tom holds a BA from UC Santa Barbara and an MA from Saint Mary’s College. Tom resides in Sonoma with his wife, Jenna, a professional photographer, and sons Jackson, Quinn, and Ronan.

PATRICK GLEESON ’85 (left) operates a business operations and management consultant group based in Napa. Patrick works primarily with venture startups in green tech and impact investing. Previously, Patrick was CEO of Meyer Family Enterprises (MFE) for ten years. Patrick managed numerous partner interests for MFE, MFE’s investment portfolios, the philanthropic efforts of the Meyer Family Fund, and served as a business advisor to the family’s winery – Meyer Family Cellars. Before MFE, Patrick worked for ten years as Executive Director of the American Vineyard Foundation (AVF). He also worked for six years at Silver Oak Cellars where he held po-sitions as Northwest Sales Manager and Marketing Manager. Patrick remains active in the community and serves on a number of boards, including Napa Valley Community Foundation, Sureharvest, and St. John the Baptist Catholic School Council. Patrick holds a Marketing Degree from California State University, Sacramento, and lives with his wife Pamela and their sons Cole and Liam in Napa.

MANBIN MONTEVERDI (center) started and runs a single family office (SFO) for Mr. Cliff Lede, a Canadian with business in-terests in the US and Canada. Prior to this position and since joining Cliff Lede in 2005, she was VP of Strategic Investments and devel-oped processes for Cliff Lede Vineyards (CLV) as it transitioned from a start-up to a growing entity. Prior to CLV, she worked for IBM managing two original equipment manufacturers (OEM) of desktop and laptop computers in Japan and Taiwan, for Mobil Oil as an inter-nal process consultant at their headquarters in Virginia and in Tokyo, and lastly, with PG&E as an engineer and project manager. Since moving to Napa in 2002, she has gone through the Leadership Napa Valley Program, was president of Friends of Sunrise Montessori, and is currently serving on the board of the Napa Valley Community Foundation. She holds a BS in Civil Engineering from UC Davis and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. She lives in Napa with her husband, George Monteverdi ’86, and two daughters, ages 13 and 10 years.

A Foundation of LeadershipThe Justin-Siena High School Foundation was established in 1979 to encourage individuals and corporations to gift money and property to Justin-Siena for its operation and development. Over the years, many tireless champions and volunteers have served on the Foundation Board and today its focus remains the same. Mon-ies and property gifted to Justin-Siena are pooled into our endowed assets which are invested wisely. Each year, a portion of the fund is distributed to support the school’s needs, and any earnings in excess of this distribution are used to build the fund’s market value.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the Justin-Siena Foundation, donating to the Foundation, or naming Justin-Siena in your will, please contact Chief Advance-ment Officer David Holquin at 707.255.0950 ext. 641 or [email protected].

The Board of Trustees at Justin-Siena governs on behalf of the school’s sponsor, the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the District of San Francisco New Orleans. The Brothers entrust to the Board the responsibility for ensuring its Catholic, Lasallian, and college preparatory character is dynamic and effective. Board members do not represent any constituency within the overall school community; they act in concert for the benefit of the school as a whole. Trust-ees provide the highest level of institutional leadership intended to advance the mission of Justin-Siena. In contrast to standard public or private school boards whose function is largely concerned with the operational management of schools, Justin-Siena’s Board of Trust-ees—and all District Lasallian school boards—govern through written policy, following the Carver Model of Policy Governance, and assure organizational excellence through continual monitoring of the chief executive officer’s (CEO) performance against positive benchmarks of the mission policies and prohibitions of executive limitations policies. The Board develops broad directives through which the President and CEO works to achieve, and holds the President accountable through monthly monitoring. Policies are developed and monitored and re-spond to three questions:

1 Whom does the school serve?2. What results are expected for those served?3. At what cost?

MS. SUZANNE TRUCHARD joined the Board in January 2014. Ms. Truchard is an attorney who has developed her expertise specializing in corporate law, wine/vineyard law, and the related land use, zoning, business, and local government issues that arise in complex land transactions. She served as in-house counsel for an in-ternational fine wine portfolio where she managed land acquisitions and assisted in a range of transactions. She also practiced with an international law firm focusing on real estate, land

use, and corporate matters. She received her bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and is an admission interviewer for both Harvard and Northwestern. Ms. Truchard is a graduate of Leadership Napa Valley and assists underrepresented students through the Aspira and Latino Leadership Association. A Cuban who loves to salsa and cook, she and her husband Anthony welcomed their first child in October.

influential in the adoption of many of the technology bench-marks and learning outcomes still used today. However, when asked to reflect on her contributions to Justin-Siena during her tenure, the modest Mrs. DiGiacomo is quick to speak of community and its value. She reflects, “The com-munity of Justin-Siena has been extremely important to me, and supportive of me in whatever I have endeavored to do. We are a family here at Justin-Siena. That is true and always has been. I have always felt that. The sense of community is the one thing that has never changed and has been a main reason why I’m still here. I’ve loved it here.”

Several teachers are retiring this year along with Mrs. DiGiacomo, and their collective years of service to Justin-Siena nears a staggering 200. With those vacancies come opportunities to welcome new educators to the Home of the Braves.

Showing concern for others, Mrs. DiGiacomo reminds us of the importance of welcoming new people into our community. “I believe that new members need to be part of everything that we do as a school. For example, as Math Chair, I always encouraged people in the Math Department to socialize in the faculty room during their breaks, not only for the social aspect, but also to encourage a collaborative approach to working with the young people entrusted to our care. That type of support from the community is important for people.”

At the end of the day, her hopes are simple. “I just hope that teachers continue to love to teach, because that comes out. If you love what you’re doing, it comes out in your teaching, in your classroom, in everything. One time in my calculus class we were talking about math classes—some-thing to do with geometry—and I said, ‘Oh, I just love geometry. Didn’t you love it?’ And one of the student said, ‘Mrs. DiGiacomo, you just love math.’ And I thought, ‘Well yeah, you’re right. I do!’”

It is the passion and commitment of Mrs. DiGiacomo and the others who leave us, that inspire the future and upon whose shoulders we stand in pursuit of our mission to prepare students to serve and to lead in an ever-changing world.

“Legacy” continued from page 5

Top: Mrs. Sally DiGiacomo with students turned colleagues Brandon LaRocco ’98, Chris Fidler ’02, and Jill Woolley Sinclair ’99.


A Board’s Eye View


mission matters

Exposure to the engineering profession began in the 2012-2013 academic year at Justin-Siena with launching Introduction to Engineering and Design, a first-year engineering course. Stu-dents learn the basics of what it means to be an engineer, and are exposed to the kinds of projects that various types of engi-neers would work on. The Project Lead the Way (PLTW) pro-gram is foremost in the United States, providing students with world-class STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education, applied to the classroom through real-world, hands-on projects and activities that help them understand how the in-formation and skills they are learning can be applied to real life. Students are encouraged to find solutions to problems, work in teams, and are ultimately better prepared for the 21st century STEM workforce.

To help shepherd Justin-Siena through this important cur-ricular innovation, an Engineering Advisory Committee was es-tablished to provide leadership and support for the development of exceptional STEM learning experiences for students. This Advisory group meets monthly and is comprised of Justin-Siena alumni, current and alumni parents, and community members. They advise the school on current happenings in the engineering community, assist with securing opportunities for our engineer-ing students to have real world experiences, and promote our school’s program. They are a tremendous asset and Justin-Siena students are direct beneficiaries of their services.

Pictured above l–r: Bill Bennett, Phil

Miller, Bill Wrenn, Rich Stockand,

Ryan Gregory, Craig Musgrave, Tom

McNicholas

Delivering a Relevant Curriculum

Mr. Jeff Baptista ’84

OperationsManager

Ledcor Construction, Inc.

Mr. William Bennett

ProjectEngineer

Sustainable Napa County

Mrs. Claudia DeBlauw

Alumni Parent ’09, ’13

Engineer

Oracle

Mr. Michael DeBlauw

Alumni Parent ’09, ’13

Director,ProductManagement

Cisco Systems

Mr. Ryan Gregory

VicePresident

Riechers Spence & Assoc.

Mr. George Mackey

Retired

Genentech, Inc.

Mr. Tom McNicholas

Retired

Chevron

Mr. Phillip M. Miller

DeputyDirectorofPublicWorks

County of Napa

Mr. Michael Morisoli

Engineer

Miller Pacific Engineering Group

Mr. Craig Musgrave

ChiefInformationandTechnologyOfficer

The Doctors Company

Mr. Richard Stockand

Current Parent ’14, ’17

Manager,GasDistributionEngineering&Design

PG & E

Mr. William Wrenn

Alumni Parent ’13

PrincipalEngineer

Intel

ENGINEERING ADVISORY COMMITTEE


Boarding ProgramThe former Siena Convent on the north side of campus is being reno-

vated to house a new boarding program to house both international and domestic students. For more than fifteen years Justin-Siena has offered an international program through which students reside with host families. This year the school has enrolled twenty-seven international students from around the world including Germany, Japan, Poland, Brazil, Korea, China, Italy, and Spain. In addition to expanding the international student pro-gram to include an on-campus boarding option, the school is also opening the program to current families as well as other domestic families looking for a west coast boarding school.

To date, eighteen students have enrolled from places as far a way as China and as near as the Bay Area.

Fitness Center RennovationThe generosity of all who gave to this year’s Fund A Need at the Crab

Feed and Great Party, in addition to a generous grant from the Darrin Family, is having an immediate impact on all students—the Fitness Cen-ter in Dodd Stadium. It’s one thing to renovate an aged facility, but since we teach our students to think big—so did we. We are re-envisioning the existing space in a way that leverages its location and makes it available to all students.

With modern cardio and weight equipment, safe ventilation and light-ing, this new space also features a roll up door (seen under construction below) to allow for natural light as well as options for outdoor fitness classes as our temperate climate permits.

Renovations began in June and will be completed in time for summer training. Make sure to take a peek next time you are on campus.

New Curriculum InitiativesThe 2014-15 academic year marks the third year of partnering with

Project Lead the Way [PLTW] that has brought a new engineering program to Justin-Siena. In the fall of 2014, the school will imple-ment Civil Engineering and Architecture. The impetus for this course was based on consultation with the school’s Engineering Advisory Committee. This challenging and practical specialty course will hone general engineering skills students have learned in the first two foun-dation courses, Introduction to Engineering Design and Principles of Engineering—the design process, research and analysis, teamwork, communication methods, global and human impacts, engineering standards, and technical documentation—as well as their under-standing of the concepts of mechanisms, energy, statics, materials, and kinematics. In this third year course, students will design and develop a property and model experiences faced by civil engineers and architects.

Another exciting curricular development is in the World Language Department. Over the next several years, Justin-Siena will implement a four-year Mandarin language program. Starting with Mandarin I in 2014-2015, students with no formal background in Mandarin will be introduced to the Pinyin (Chinese phonetic symbols) system, simpli-fied characters, basic grammatical structures and functional daily use of the language. The course covers approximately 300 basic Chinese characters and associated phrases. Similar to Spanish and French, Mandarin I will emphasize all four essential language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. The exploration of Chinese culture will also have an important place in daily lessons.

Coming to Campus This Fall

FITNESS CENTER

www.justin-siena.org/boarding

MEET NEW FACULTY ONLINE: Justin-Siena is blessed to have attracted such talent across all departments, and we are excited for the new collaborations and opportunities that lie ahead. Read more about some of the newest members of the Braves family. www.justin-siena.org/newfaculty1415

Thank You!

The 2014 Great Party was a

success because of you!

Save the Date for 2015!

JUSTIN-SIENASaturday, January 24, 2015

5:30 pm Registration | 7 pm Dinner | 9 pm DancingClark Gym | Justin-Siena | 4026 Maher Street

The 2014 Crab Feed netted a huge success selling out two weeks early with a record 652 guests. More than 100 student and 35 parent volunteers served nearly 2,000 pounds of crab and 140 pounds of shrimp to a hungry crowd. Watch the Justin-Siena website for 2015 registration information so you don’t miss the boat!

Swanky Affair

It was martini madness as dolled-up guests were transported to the retro era of the early 1960s, a mid-century, modern time where simplicity and sophistication met in the Clark Supper Club. The generous support was overwhelming for this Swanky Affair. Thank you to all our donors, volun-teers, and event attendees. An official list of support will be published in the autumn annual report edition of Avanti. Next year, we’ll see you in China.


JOURNEY TO CHINA

Journey with JUSTIN-SIENA to China and unravel the beauty and richness of centuries-old traditions where ancient my-thology and spirituality are infused throughout traditional dance, art, music, and literature. It is said that the Chinese tradition of a Lantern Festival is celebrated in the wake of the Lunar New Year and marked with festivities that honor and cultivate relationships between people, families, and nature, and the returning of the light each year. Lantern Festival is a time of family togetherness and celebration of good fortune and luck in the new year. The JUSTIN-SIENA family eagerly anticipates this spectacular journey of the senses at the Great Party 2015. We are a family with much to celebrate and brave traditions of our own that light the way to a bright future.

www.justin-siena.org/greatparty

for more photos from the crab feed and the great party, look for our photo stream on flickr.com: braveslife


mission matters

Braves Among UsWhen asked what makes our community special, the most common answer is the people. Justin-Siena is blessed with countless individuals who are doing incredible things. Here are just a couple who are making their marks on this community and beyond.

Few people could ever begin to shoot a 71 at any golf course, but Kathleen Scavo ’15 scores that regularly. At the age of 16, she is a nationally ranked golf player and recently advanced to the United States Women’s Open Championship to be played in Pinehurst, North Carolina this June! She will be competing with the likes of Michelle Wie, Anna Nordqvist and Paula Creamer, to name a few, at the 69th U.S. Women’s Open. Kathleen is one of the youngest people to do so and we couldn’t be more proud of her. Her recent qualifying scores, 78 and 71, took place in Half Moon Bay in May.

“For Kathleen to pull out a qualifying spot in the U.S. Women’s Open is an amazing accomplishment and a testament to her hard work,” said Justin-Siena golf coach Ray Graziani. “I’m so proud to see her accomplish some of her goals. Her desire is to play against these women in the future. She’s only a high school student, but she wishes to be a LPGA Tour player. She’s going to get her chance to see what it’s going to take on the largest stage on the LPGA Tour, the U.S. Open.

Scavo is a two-time defending champion of the California Junior Girls State Championship, finished in a tie for 19th at the 2013 CIF Girls State Championship at Quail Lodge and Golf Club in Carmel, and was the Marin County Athletic League Player of the Year as well as a Rolex Junior All-American Player by the AJGA.

When asked about making it to the U.S. Open, Scavo mentioned that when she was a young girl competing in the U.S. Kids World Championships, she competed at Pinehurst and hoped that one day she would be back. “I played at Pinehurst for five straight years starting as an eight year old. To think I played this course, and now

will compete with some of the best golf players in the world, I am stunned. It was my dream to be back here and I can’t believe I will play in the U.S. Women’s Open. It has been a lifelong goal of mine, and achieving it at 16 is all the more sweet.”

Scavo says, “The golf course is where I feel alive. It is a place that centers me; a place that humbles and rewards. It is a place that af-fords opportunity and growth, and where life lessons can be realized. The golf course is host to the greatest game invented – golf.” She goes on further to say, “I believe in golf. I have been playing golf on courses throughout the United States for 11 years and I continue to learn valuable and lifelong lessons the longer I play. Golf is a game of integrity, respect, leadership, problem solving, sportsmanship, and so much more. Without golf part of me would be empty. My passion for the game of golf is unwavering. I am so thankful God has given me this talent and I never forget to show Him my appreciation every day.”

Scavo has also been a Family Drug Athlete of the Week, the MCAL player of the League for three straight years, and helped our own girls golf team win MCAL championships and section runner-ups. Here accolades are indicative of her hard work and persever-ance, which she credits for her success.

Be sure to root on one of our own Braves this summer as she competes on a world stage. She has a positive attitude and wishes to play her best. You will be impressed by her poise, her confidence, and her swing!

KATHLEEN SCAVO ’15

Speratus Winery exists for a single purpose:

to fund the Brother David Brennan, FSC, Tuition Assistance Program that ensures financial accessibility to all students desiring a JUSTIN-SIENA education regardless of their ability to pay. Speratus is derived from the Latin word sperare, which means to hope.


Enjoy fine wine and benefit the students of Justin-Siena

with each purchase of Speratus wine.

Luis Espino ’14 has the tenacity and grit few people his age, or even triple his age, can ever dream to possess. Luis came to Justin-Siena as a sophomore transfer student from Napa High and has been an incredible asset to the school community and beyond.

Luis made a mark by taking Engineering as part of a demanding course load. He competed as part of the soccer and track and field teams and was a Lasallian Student Leader. Like many things in Luis’ life, being on the track team was a first for him, but because of his fortitude and natural talent, he received the Coach’s Award. Off the field he was a finalist in Napa’s first TEDx speech competition, a Boys State finalist, and received a scholarship to attend the California College of the Arts summer program last summer. His academic credentials include out-standing achievement awards in English and Italian as well as receiving highest honors for his strong GPA.

A recent addition to his growing list of accomplishments is being named a QuestBridge Scholar. QuestBridge is a non-profit organization that connects underserved students with educational and scholarship opportunities from thirty-five of the top-ranked colleges and universi-ties in the country, of which applicants choose their top eight. Luis was nominated for this program through the Justin-Siena College Counsel-ing Department, who worked with him initially to get him involved.

According to its purpose, “QuestBridge provides a single, internet-based meeting point which links exceptional students with colleges, scholarship providers, enrichment programs, employers, and organiza-tions seeking students who have excelled despite obstacles. By facilitat-ing these exchanges, QuestBridge aims to increase the percentage of talented first generation students attending the nation’s best universities and the ranks of national leadership itself.”

When talking about QuestBridge, Luis says, “There are countless other benefits to QuestBridge, beginning with the College Prep Scholar-ship. This program opened my eyes to the possibilities that actually do exist for me to attend a top-tier college. Attending the College Admis-sions Conference gave me a deeper insight into the possibilities that exist for low-income students. I gained more drive, knowledge, and inspira-tion with regard to my life goals in one day than I ever had up to that point.”

When describing his opportunity to be a QuestBridge scholar, Luis describes the day when he and his family were able to hear from the Director of QuestBridge. He said, “I ended the day with one of the most impactful talks of my life. Listening to the important college and life advice of Dr. McCullough in itself was an invaluable gift. That single day led me to seriously consider my life up to that point. It was a serious reminder to set high expectations and not to settle with enough, both for myself, and for the world I am indebted to.

“I never envisioned myself at the local college. I could not accept the idea that all the effort up to this point would lead me to the same place most other students would go. At the same time, I knew I could not afford higher education at a top-tier university without significant financial aid.

“It was not until I realized that the QuestBridge’s partner colleges offered full scholarships to select students in need, that I realized I not only had a chance at one of these prestigious institutions, they had been actively looking to recruit students like me. This allowed me to open my mind to private college options, past the in-state limits I had previously set for myself.”

Luis is a first-generation college student who is looking forward to “late night conversations with future friends” and discovering his passions at Pomona College. We salute Luis and wish him well in his future endeavors. When he reflects on how Justin-Siena changed his life he reminds us that, “Without Justin-Siena I wouldn’t be where I am, and I have received an education I could have only dreamed of. As my dreams come true, I hope to be able to give back so others’ dreams can be fulfilled too.”

LUIS ESPINO ’14

MORE ONLINE: Read “Teeing Up the Greatest Game Invented” writen by Kathleen Scavo ’15 for Mrs. Fisher’s Christian Living class in May 2014.www.justin-siena.org/Scavo


mission matters

ACADEMY OF ART UNIVERSITY

AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF ROME

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

ART CENTER COLLEGE OF DESIGN

AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

BATES COLLEGE

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

BELOIT COLLEGE

BENEDICTINE COLLEGE

BERKLEE COLLEGE OF MUSIC

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY

BOSTON COLLEGE

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY

BRUNEL UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITIES:CHANNEL ISLANDSCHICODOMINGUEZ HILLSFRESNOFULLERTONHUMBOLDT LONG BEACHMONTEREY BAYNORTHRIDGEPOMONASACRAMENTOSAN DIEGO SAN FRANCISCOSAN JOSE SAN LUIS OBISPOSAN MARCOSSONOMA STANISLAUS

CANYONVIEW EQUESTRIAN COLLEGE

CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY

CARROLL COLLEGE

CASS BUSINESS SCHOOL, CITY UNIVERSITY, LONDON

CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY

COLORADO COLLEGE

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IRVINE

CORNELL UNIVERSITY

CORNISH COLLEGE OF THE ARTS

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

CYPRESS COLLEGE

DENISON UNIVERSITY

DIABLO VALLEY COLLEGE

MORE ONLINE: More on top scholars, college matriculation, and access to photos from all the Graduation events for the

Class of 2014 can be found online:www.justin-siena.org/ClassOf2014

Acceptances:

Meet the Class of 2014• 158 graduates• 100% attending college/university• 252 colleges received applications from Justin-Siena students• 185 colleges issued acceptances to Justin- Siena students (listed to the right)• 88 different colleges/universities will welcome Braves this fall• $1.3 million in scholarships offered to the Class of 2014• Class Valedictorian: Siena Guerrazzi (UC Berkeley)• Class Salutatorian: Amelia Hardy (Stanford)

Breakdown of College Matriculation

• 81% to a 4-year college• 18% to a 2-year college• 58% attending California colleges/universities• 42% attending out-of-state colleges/universities• 14 University of California• 18 California State University• 28 California Community College• 30 California Private Colleges• 26 Catholic Colleges• 5 Top Liberal Arts Colleges• 39 Top National Universities

POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

POMONA COLLEGE

PRATT INSTITUTE

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

REED COLLEGE

RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY AT NEW BRUNSWICK

SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

SAN FRANCISCO ART INSTITUTE

SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE

SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY

SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN OREGON UNIVERSITY

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY

SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PARIS

THE COLLEGE OF WOOSTER

THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN

TULANE UNIVERSITY

UNION COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK

UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

UNIVERSITIES OF CALIFORNIA:BERKELEYDAVISIRVINELOS ANGELESMERCEDRIVERSIDESAN DIEGOSANTA BARBARASANTA CRUZ

DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

DREXEL UNIVERSITY

ECKERD COLLEGE

ELON UNIVERSITY

EMBRY-RIDDLE AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY

EMMANUEL COLLEGE

FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING, LOS ANGELES

FOOTHILL COLLEGE

FRANCISCAN UNIVERSITY OF STEUBENVILLE

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

HARVARD COLLEGE

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY

JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY

KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

KNOX COLLEGE

LEWIS & CLARK COLLEGE

LINFIELD COLLEGE

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY NEW ORLEANS

MACALESTER COLLEGE

MANHATTAN COLLEGE

MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE

MARYMOUNT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY

MCPHS - MASSACHUSETTS COLLEGE OF PHARMACY & HEALTH SCIENCES

MIAMI UNIVERSITY, OXFORD

MILLS COLLEGE

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY, BOZEMAN

MOUNT SAN JACINTO COLLEGE,

MENIFEE VALLEY CAMPUS

NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR UNIVERSITY

OCCIDENTAL COLLEGE

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

PACIFIC NORTHWEST COLLEGE OF ART

PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

PITZER COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO COLORADO SPRINGS

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII AT MANOA

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

UNIVERSITY OF LA VERNE

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

UNIVERSITY OF PORTLAND

UNIVERSITY OF PUGET SOUND

UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND

UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO

UNIVERSITY OF SAN FRANCISCO

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC

UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

UTICA COLLEGE

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY

WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY

WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY

WESTMONT COLLEGE

WHITMAN COLLEGE

WHITTIER COLLEGE

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY

WILLAMETTE UNIVERSITY

YALE UNIVERSITY

Oh, the places Braves go!

Acceptances:

17justin-siena Avanti


braves bites

ENGLISH SCHOLAR CHOSEN AS NAPA COUNTY REP IN NATIONAL POETRY COMPETITION

Delia Bisconer ’15 was the first place choice out of stiff competition against lo-cal area high school finalists to represent Napa County at the state finals in March for the Poetry Out Loud: National Recita-tion Contest. Delia and Amelia Arnold ’15, were chosen to represent Justin-Siena at the Napa Valley country level competi-tion of Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest in February. Delia and Amelia chose poems from a selection of poetry composed by classic and contemporary poets, reflect-ing historical voices of men and women whose poetry continues to enlighten and emotionally move audiences—“Echo,” by Christina Rossetti, and “The Animals in That Country,” by Margaret Atwood. Amelia

Arnold offered outstanding recitations of a Shakespeare Sonnet and a poem from Robert Frost. Anais Gonzalez ’17 and Glen Wil-liams ’16 also competed in a very closely contested on-campus competition, organized by Mrs. Laura Kelley-Weakley.

Poetry Out Loud: National Recita-tion Contest, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, is a program which fosters public speaking skills, builds self-confidence, and an opportunity to share the passion and beauty of the spoken word through poetry.

CALVIN SANDERS ’14 JOINED TEDx NAPA VALLEY SPEAKER LINE-UP

“Going Against the Grain; Embracing the Unconventional.” The 2014 theme is designed to spark conversation and insight debate about when and why we should

ignore the status quo.Congratulations to Justin-Siena senior

Calvin Sanders ’14 who beat out almost eighty students from three area high schools at a speech competition in February to earn the opportunity to speak at TEDx NapaVal-ley in March. Calvin Sanders is a student of public speaking and jumped at the chance to participate. “The opportunity was presented

to the entire speech class, and I felt inspired that this was something I very much wanted to do. I followed up with my instructor, Mr. Robert Jordan (Justin-Siena President and CEO) who has been working with me outside of class and coaching me.”

When presented with the topic for this year’s talks, Calvin struggled a bit with the

BRAVESBites Celebrating the every day ways our

Braves inspire faith, scholarship, and bravery throughout our community.


brainstorming. “It was hard to think of something unique and different that reso-nated with me. I recall flipping my pen up in the air as I thought, and then it struck me.” Calvin’s talk centered on the devolution of the pen in light of the school’s recently adopted 1:1 iPad program. “My main point focuses on how society is choosing to use technology as a learning aid that replaces a traditional learning tool such as a pen. I choose to keep using my pen.”

Calvin was thrilled with the opportunity to share the stage and learn from the talented speakers at TEDx Napa Valley.

MOCK TRIAL ADVANCED TO STATE FINALS

The Justin-Siena Mock Trial team had a great season. They represented Napa County in the California State competition in San Jose, March 21 -23. Locally, the Braves defeated teams from Napa High, Vintage,

and New Tech to earn the county represen-tative designation. In the state competition, the Braves competed in four trials—pre-senting the prosecution three times and the defense once. Their first competition, on Friday, March 21, was against San Ma-teo County winner, Menlo School, who ultimately went on to win the state competi-tion and represented all of California at the next level in May. Our Braves did very well against Menlo and should be proud. Twenty students from Justin-Siena along with their moderators, Ms. Daphne Birkmyer and Mrs. Patty Sugar, as well as three of the team’s four attorney coaches–Mr. Charles “Chuck” Dell’Ario, Mr. Bill Hardy, and Mr. David Dell attended the state finals. Mrs. Jodi Dell was unable to attend. Mock Trial provides great experience for public speak-ing and learning about constitutional law. Congratulations to this hard-working team who represented the Braves well.

JUSTIN-SIENA LENDS VOICE TO NATIONAL CONVERSATION

Earlier this year the Justin-Siena Office of Communications was approached by a public radio producer in the East Bay who works on a syndicated show called Making Contact. He had heard about the unveiling of our mascot a couple years ago and our partnership with the local tribe and thought our story was a great one that added a fresh point of view and voice in a much-heated debate over Na-tive American mascots.

Justin-Siena joined the conversation to share our positive experience of working with the local tribe with whom we remain in close contact as well as to talk about the ongoing educational component so critical to the success of our mascot, Pawa. The Justin-Siena community was well represented by President Robert Jordan, Principal Noel Hesser, current students involved with the mascot, and alumni. Our portion of the story was recorded at the last home football last fall. The producer shared that this has been a widely popular program since its release into syndication.

The broadcast lead in: “They may not have made it to the Superbowl-but the “Washington Football team” has gotten a lot of attention this season- not so much for their performance on the field, but rather their refusal to change the name of their

Front row: Bianca Villao ’17; Allie Downer ’15; Siena Guerrazzi ’14; Lia Mondavi ’14; Kaitlin Miller ’15; Sarah Rosco ’14. Middle row: Neha Sidhu ’17; Jordan Villatuya ’17; Yulisa Fernandez ’15; Nick Lenz ’17; Joey Devine ’17; Attorney Coach Chuck Dell’Ario. Back row: Moderator Patty Sugar; Moderator Daphne Birkmyer; Ian Lederer ’14; Jack Dolinar ’15; Connor deLeuze ’15; TJ Schrette ’15; Calvin Sanders ’14; Aidan Kingsford ’17; Ben Weslow ’17; Djiego Cura-Igama ’17; Attorney Coach Bill Hardy. Not Pictured: Justin Tooker ’15; Attorney Coach David Dell; Attorney Coach Jodi Dell

Sam Hoff ’14, Paul Brown ’14, and Dawson Del Dotto ’17 being interviewed for a public radio program called “Making Contact” about how our mascot and our part-nership with the Wappo Tribe.


braves bites

team. From FedEx Field to High School football teams, pressure is increasing on teams to stop using American Indian names and mascots. The battle is playing out in sta-diums, courtrooms, and in the media. And some of America’s best known sports brands may be forced to change.”

Braves voices on-air included President Robert Jordan, Jenny Gass ’93, Dawson Del Dotto ’16, Paul Brown ’14, Sam Hoff ’14, Lupe Padilla-Aguayo ’12, along with Native American activists, elected officials, fans of major league franchises, and our local partner, Scott Gabaldon, the Tribal Chair of the Mishewal-Wappo Tribe.

ONE SCHOOL, ONE BOOK – 2014 SUMMER READING

The 2014 One School, One Book summer read is a non-fiction account of Deogra-tias, a young medical student from war-torn Burundi who migrates to the U.S. and eventually returns to his home country to found a health

clinic. Deogratias was mentored by Dr. Paul Farmer, the subject of Kidder’s earlier book, Mountains Beyond Mountains. Strength in What Remains is compelling for its explora-tion of faith issues, global perspectives, and strong social justice themes.

Summer 2014 is our third year of the One School, One Book program. Our previ-ous books were Unbroken by Laura Hil-lenbrand in 2012 and Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury in 2013. Having one book that the whole community reads together over the summer promotes literacy and community-wide discussion of issues, questions, and

themes important to our families, school, and society.

All parents, alumni, and coaches are in-vited to read the book as well. The opportu-nity to awaken our imaginations and enlarge our humanity is fulfilled when ALL of us together encourage students to read for plea-sure and to engage in thoughtful discussion. In the beginning of the school year there will be opportunities for parents and other adults in the community to engage in conversation.

JUSTIN-SIENA EARNS NATA SAFE SCHOOL AWARD

Justin-Siena was the recipient of the Na-tional Athletic Trainers’ Association [NATA] Safe Sports School award for its athletics and sports medicine programs. The award champions safety and recognizes secondary schools that provide safe environments for

student athletes. The award reinforces the importance of providing the best level of care, injury prevention and treatment.

“Justin-Siena is honored to receive the 1st Team recognition from NATA, and we remain committed to keeping our student-athletes safe during their practices and competitions. Our goal is to lead our athlet-ics program to the highest safety standards for our student-athletes,” said Head Athletic Trainer Sarah Merkel.

Physical activity is very important for our youth, according to NATA president Jim Thornton, MS, ATC, CES. “There has been an increase in competitive sports, which are, unfortunately, not without risk. Brain in-jury/concussion, cardiac arrest, heat illness, exertional sickling, cervical spine fractures, and other injuries and illnesses are potential-ly life-threatening.” Proper planning with proper equipment and personnel is vital to the safety of student athletes today, he notes.

For more information about NATA please visit: www.athletictrainers.org.

MORE ONLINE: Listen to the broadcast and learn more. Links can be found online atwww.justin-siena.org/makingcontact

MORE ONLINE: More information and links to reading resources can be found online at www.justin-siena.org/OneSchoolOneBook

Braves Athletic Trainer Sarah Merkel with (standing) Jacob Gardiner ‘15, wrestling; Teah Celestin ‘16, volleyball; Gary Hercules-Alvarado ‘14, baseball; Haley Cremen ‘14, basketball & softball; Ryley Donohoe ‘14, basketball/lacrosse; Diano Pachote ‘14, football/baseball; Scott Wippern ‘16, soccer; Alexander Aquino ‘14, basketball; (seated) Sophie Miyasaki ‘14, soccer; Danika Darrin ‘14, water polo/lacrosse


JUSTIN-SIENA FILM STUDIES STUDENTS TAKE FIRST IN COMEDY

The Napa Valley Family Film Festival, spon-sored by the Napa Valley Film Festival and Cameo Theater in St. Helena, hosted a film competition in May. Mr. James Bailey’s stu-dents in Film Studies submitted short films in a variety of categories, including comedy, drama, and documentary. One Justin-Siena production team took 1st prize in the comedy category – Amanda Burtness ’15, Nicole Parkin ’15, Emma Curry ’14, and Theresa Bell ’14; acting in the video is Delia Biscon-er ’15. Their short film will become part of the Napa Valley Film Festival this fall.

ADVANCED THEATRE STUDENTS EXCEL IN RIGOROUS EXAM

Justin-Siena has been designated as a regional testing center for the London Acad-emy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). Advanced Theatre students met with an ex-aminer from London on April 8, to perform multiple monologues from contemporary playwrights, Shakespeare, and other classical works. They also discussed their knowledge of the text, their acting choices, and the act-ing method of Stanislavski.

The results are in, and instructor Mr. James Bailey is thrilled to report that Justin-Siena students earned a 100% pass rate in both the silver and gold medal categories.

LAMDA’S performance examinations use drama to develop self-confidence, physi-cal presence and a strong speaking voice. LAMDA has been fueling the performing arts for over 150 years.

CAMPUS AUTHOR—VETERAN DRAWS ON EXPERIENCE TO WRITE COLD WAR SPY SERIES(Reprinted with permission from the Napa

ValleyRegister; May 21, 2014)

In 1981, Instructor of Social Studies, Jona-than Dyer, was living in Berkeley when he and a friend, on somewhat of a whim, decided to enlist in the U.S. Army.

After taking tests at the recruiting station he was told he qualified to study a language at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey. One of his goals was to return to Berlin, a city he’d visited with his father during his senior year in high school, and the Army was offering a $3,000 bonus for those who chose to learn Russian. So he signed up to learn Russian.

After basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, he reported to the Defense Lan-guage Institute in Monterey. He spent the next 18 months learning Russian, 12 months in what was called the basic course, and then six months in the intermediate course that qualified him for working in Berlin.

After Monterey, he spent three months at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, at a cryptologic school. From there it was on to Fort Meade, Maryland, for three months of training at the National Security Agency. After nearly two years of training he was assigned to Field Station Berlin, where he worked as an intercept operator and a transcriber.

His team’s intercept site was on top of Teufelsberg in the Grunewald in what was, at the time, West Berlin. Teufelsberg, the high-est spot in Berlin, is a man-made mountain constructed out of the rubble from World War II. In general, Dyer said, their job was to keep tabs on the Soviet Union’s military activities in the Group of Soviet Forces Ger-many.

While he was in Berlin he invented the character Nick Temple, who would become the protaganist in a series of spy novels. He still has a number of short paragraphs that he wrote while working on Teufelsberg. He also married a Russian linguist, Kerry Kaye Dyer, and they’ve been married ever since. Dyer finished college while in Berlin, graduating from the University of Maryland’s European Division with a B.A. in government, a minor in Russian and a Soviet Studies certificate.

He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1986 and began law school at UC Davis School of Law. After graduating, he moved to Napa to practice law with Dicken-son, Peatman & Fogarty. In 1999 Dyer began teaching history at Justin-Siena High School. He now teaches government and criminal law to seniors.

Dyer has published two Nick Temple Files to date. He’s completed a third, “Silent Vector,” and his publisher is currently decid-ing when to release it. Dyer started a fourth manuscript, “The Flemish Coil,” which he hopes to have completed by the end of this year.

WATCH ONLINE: View this short film atwww.justin-siena.org/studentfilms


braves in the arts

Just imagine “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” meets the Super Bowl! ComedySportz is not comedy about sports; it’s comedy played as a sport! Two teams of our student improvisers compete for laughs and points in this hilari-ous comedy competition. It’s complete with a referee, uniforms, artificial turf, pennants, an organist and even the National Anthem! Because everything is improvised, no two matches are alike. Make sure to check the calendar for the 2015 shows, inlcuding a spe-cial Alumni Match.

for photos from anything goes and other productions

look for our photo stream on flickr.com: braveslife

SUCH TALENT ON THE HIGH SEAS

This year’s spring musical, Anything Goes, was a show stopper in the true sense of the word. Justin-Siena Theatre dazzled with a cast of characters complete with socialites, missionaries, and silly gangsters. The show featured amazing tap numbers, campy jokes, and unforgettable Cole Porter songs like “You’re the Top,” “I Get a Kick Out Of You,” and of course, “Anything Goes!”


Justin-Siena Dance presented SPELLBOUND, a dance-tastical menagerie of peasants, princesses, and pirouettes. Audiences of all ages delighted in our spring spectacle of fairytale inspired dances at the Napa Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater in Yountville. Taking direction from The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, choreographer Lisa Clark-Schmeling ’84 re-imagined these time-honored tales and explores how they could be told through pure movement. Childhood favorites such as, Cinderella, Snow White, The Ugly Duckling, Little Red Riding Hood, to name a few—came to life with a cast of fifty performers. Going against the “Disney” grain of fairy tales, Clark- Schmeling used a variety of tunes, new and old, to tell these tales, including songs from a diverse array of recording artists from many genres and eras like Queen, Nat King Cole, Lorde, Iggy Azalea, Pharrell Williams, Eurythmics, Florence and the Machine, and Herb Alpert.

The Visual Art Show this spring in the Gasser Center Gallery showcased 100s of pieces of student art beautifully curated and displayed for all to enjoy. There was a special Opening Reception where student artists were on hand to discuss their work, and then the show remained on display for the month of May. Kudos to all our talented students.

BANG, BANG YOU’RE DEADThis spring, the North Gym was transformed into a theater-in-the-round for this one-act play by William Mastrosimone. In light of the recurring incidents around the country, Justin-Siena Theatre produced a show to raise awareness in our community and promote healthy conversation on mental health, gun safety, bullying, and school safety.

always forward


TEAL BULLICK ’14 has run cross country for four years, and competed in track and field for three. She has received multiple Most Valuable Player Awards, is a two-time state champion-ship qualifier, and was named to the all-league first team for the MCAL championships. But if you think that is enough for her, you probably haven’t met her. Teal has signed to run for Carroll College in Montana and wants to set personal and school records while she is there. Her high level of training and her dedication to daily workouts will certainly help put her on top.

She signed a national letter-of-intent to compete for Carroll College, a private, Catholic college in Montana’s capital city. Carroll is a member of the Frontier Conference. The women’s cross country team was fifth nationally in 2012. Last year’s team received an at-large berth to the 32-team field and finished 11th at the NAIA Cross Country National Championships in Lawrence, KS, in November.

“I was hoping to run in college as well,” said Bullick. “The fact that they’re also offering me a scholarship, I’m just really grateful for that.”

Bullick carries a 4.3 GPA and plans to major in biology, with a pre-med emphasis. She has visited Carroll twice already, and says, “It offers everything that I’m looking for.”

Bullick, a captain on the cross country team, holds the Justin-Siena record for the city of Napa’s Alston Park course, with a time of 19 minutes, 16 seconds. She also holds the Justin-Siena school record for track in the 1,600 meters at 5:11.

When asked what advice she would give to

future runners, she says, “I would have to say dedication is the most advantageous quality in any sport, but especially in distance running. Setting goals, staying positive, supporting my teammates and drinking a lot of water have been the most beneficial strategies for my success.” She is also very fond of her Justin-Siena experience and says she will miss the community. And, if there is one thing she could change about her sport it would be to not have to race before noon.

We wish her ever good blessing and our community is anxious to hear about her breaking school and personal records.

HALEY CREMEN ’14 is an all-around accomplished student, athlete, and person who has been playing basketball for about as long as she can remember. She is the two-time Napa County Player of the Year, honorable mention of the North Bay on the San Francisco Chronicle’s All-Metro team and was a Family Drug Center Player of the Year. She was also the Braves’ Player of the Year.

“It just shows how all my hard work has paid off and how I have developed,” said Cremen. “Coming in as a freshman on a varsity program is a little intimidating. Throughout the years I’ve developed in every area, but there is still room for improvement — there always is.”

Chico State is getting one of our best. The Wildcats won the California Collegiate Athletic Association title and went 23-6 last year, reaching the NCAA Championship Tournament for the ninth time in the past 11 years. They have made 11 NCAA Championship Tournament appearances overall dating back to the 1986-87 season and have

also won 12 conference titles. “They have a great program. I really liked the coach and the girls that I met when I went and visited. It just felt like a good fit,” said Cremen.

As a sophomore, Cremen was named first-team All-MCAL in addition to Napa County Player of the Year. She led the Braves in scoring (14.2) and rebounding (7.2). She was second in the MCAL in scoring and fifth in rebounding. She had one of her best games of the year in a 49-31 season-ending loss to No. 1 seed St. Mary’s-Albany in the CIF North Coast Section Division IV playoffs, producing a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the second round of the playoffs. As a freshman, Cremen was named as the Newcomer of the Year on the All-County team. She led the Braves in field-goal percentage (48.0), was fourth on the team in scoring (5.7) and tied for third in rebounding (3.9).

She also played softball for Justin-Siena. Last year, she was named to the All-County team after hitting .406 as the Braves’ shortstop. She was a co-captain and the Braves’ defensive Player of the Year.

When asked what advice she would give to incoming students she said “work hard every day and make getting better every day your goal. Do not take anything for granted and embrace the time you have in high school.” She will miss the teammates and coaches, and the loving commu-nity, and the sense of family that defines Justin-Siena. But we know that winning the Northern California Championships, and being runner up in the State Championships will be a member that

Teal BullickCarrollCollege

Track

Haley CremenChicoState

Basketball

Nathan KrillWesleyanUniversity

Basketball

Carter LatnoSouthernOregonUniversity

Football

braves report

College-Bound Athletes

Scholarships

The Family That Plays Together

Family. This word describes the varsity girls basketball team perfectly. Over the course of the season, our team grew extremely close, and we would do anything for each other. The season actually began in the summer with camp and summer league. We understood our potential for the upcoming season, and we worked hard every day to get better. This work ethic carried on through fall conditioning and into tryouts. Our goal was to win MCALs, and our motto became “Go Big or Go Home.” Of course we had some challenges along the way, but by the time we made it to playoffs our team chemistry and level of play was at an all-time high. We were ready for whatever came our way.

Winning MCALs was definitely one of the most rewarding and exciting mo-ments for the team. All of the hours we put in at practice paid off, and it was evident in the way we celebrated after the game, proudly holding the banner. However, we knew we were not finished yet. We still had NCS and Nor Cals. Our team went into both tournaments as underdogs. We were the 6th seed in NCS and defeated McKinleyville in the first round. The next team we faced was the number 3 seed, Piedmont High School. This was a game we absolutely had to win. With a must-win attitude, we certainly demonstrated our determination, as it was one of the best games our team played all year. The reason why we were so successful was we played for one another. We fought as sisters, side by side. None of us wanted the season to be over. As a result, the underdogs came out on top, winning 66-56.

After losing to St. Mary’s in the semifinals for NCS, we refocused and set our motivation towards winning Nor Cals. By defeating Colfax and West Campus in the first two rounds, we advanced to play the top seed in our bracket, Scotts Valley. The spirit of this game summed up our whole season. Early in the game we struggled and were down by as much as 14 points. But just like our team always did, we battled back and never gave up. We remained composed, and that second half was ours. We were unstoppable and showed everyone the team that we truly are. Justin-Siena 88, Scotts Valley 68. Our motto was “Go Big or Go Home,” and we were not going home. The Nor Cal Championship proved to be ours as well. We defeated Arcata 47-21. After losing to Arcata earlier in the season, the championship game showed how much we had improved and how hard the team had worked.

Needless to say, playing in the State Finals at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento was one of the most incredible experiences. I know that the team and I will never forget how it felt to play on that floor, in front of all our fans, and on television. It was an unforgettable experience and one that very few people get to have. Although the game did not go our way, it was still a huge accomplishment to make it that far.

It had always been my dream to play in a State Championship, and it finally came true in my senior year. I could not ask for a better team or better season. It has been an honor to play with my teammates, to play for Coach Boles and the rest of the coaching staff, and to be a Justin-Siena Brave. We made history by becoming the first team in Justin-Siena’s history to win the MCAL regular season and tournament titles and by being the second team ever to play in the State Final game. I will never forget this season and all the support we received from our school and community. And I will forever and always consider this team and this school to be family.

By Haley Cremen ’14

last a lifetime. There is a family picture of NATHAN KRILL ’14 taken when he was

two years old with him holding a tiny basketball and dunking it into the kiddy basketball hoop. Nathan Krill, a 6-foot-7 senior power forward is passionate about the game of basketball. He has spent time training and playing for Justin-Siena, two AAU teams, and travels up and down the Bay Area to be at the top of his game. Krill, of St. Helena, signed a national letter-of-intent to play for Wesleyan University, a private NCAA-Division III school in Middletown, CT, that plays in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. There are 11 schools in the NESCAC.

“I’ve worked so hard the last four years,” said Krill, a captain for the Braves. “The chance to play at such a high level for hopefully another four years is pretty exciting.

“It’s cool to represent Napa Valley all the way across the U.S. I think all the hard work is paying off and getting some recognition is nice. Overall, it’s a really good and satisfying feeling.” Krill averaged 16.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

He was named MVP and All-Tournament at the Winter Wolf Classic, held at American Canyon High School, and scored 50 points and had 45 rebounds during the Davis Tournament. The NorCalPreps.com scouting report recognized Krill as among the top 10 at the power forward position in January. Nathan also carries a 4.0 GPA and he received an Academic Achievement award for chemis-try his junior year.

When asked about his success, he humbly says, “You have to not allow your-self to be intimidated; you have to keep pushing hard and remain confident. It is the same as with any sport or academics for that matter; the success you achieve is a reflection of the amount of work and practice and effort that you devote. Also I would tell aspiring high school players that it is up to them to seek out the guidance of trainers and coaches for skill work. It is important that you get the help you need to make your game stronger and don’t expect it to find you.”

We are proud to to congratulate Nathan on this accomplishment and wish him well as he continues to play the game he loves.

To know CARTER LATNO ’14 is to know a gentle giant with a passion and willingness to put in the hard work and energy to be a part of a winning team. He is a three sport athlete and is not daunted by the next step. Latno knows high school football versus the college game is a big change, so he is not wasting any time.

Latno signed a national letter-of-intent with Southern Oregon University and, despite being on Justin-Siena’s basketball team, was also preparing for football. “It’s really just an awesome experience for me to be able to move on to the next level, where I understand it’s a whole different game. I’m super excited to take that step. Only so many players get the opportunity to do that.” South-ern Oregon is an NAIA school and is located in Ashland, OR. Honored as a two-way All-Marin County Athletic League player, Latno will receive an athletic scholarship to play for the Raiders as an offensive tackle.

“I am very proud of Carter,” Justin-Siena head coach football Rich Cotruvo said. “Carter has worked very hard and wanted to see if he could continue his career. He had an outstanding season this year. Now he’s being rewarded for it. I’m always proud of kids who set goals and achieve them.” He brings maturity, skill and leadership abilities to the game, said Cotruvo. “He’s just such a great kid —determined and calm, a very humble person.”

Latno had a very good senior season of football, serving as a team captain, as the Braves (6-5 overall) tied for third place in the MCAL and lost in the first round of the CIF North Coast Section Division IV playoffs to Del Norte-Crescent City, 14-6.

He was named second-team small schools defense on the CalHiSports.com All-State team, a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year on the All-Napa County team and was named as Justin-Siena’s defensive MVP. 25justin-siena Avanti


braves report

WRESTLINGHead Coach – Roger Bubel

• Jacob Gardner (Jr.) finished in 4th place at the North Coast Section Tournament at 113 pounds.

• Jack England (Jr.) all qualified for the North Coast Section Championships.

• MCAL Awards/Titles

• Jacob Gardner (Jr.) made 1st Team All-Marin County Athletic League, 115 pound class.

• Jack England (Jr.) made 3rd Team All-Marin County Athletic League, 134 pound class.

• Jacob Gardner (Jr.) was named the Outstanding Wrestler of the year.

BOYS BASKETBALL Head Coach – Ray Particelli ’79

• The Varsity Team finished the year with a 9-17 overall record, 3-11 in MCAL play.

• All-County Awards:

• Alex Aquino (Sr.) was named the Player of the Year.

• Carter Latno (Sr.) was named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

• Sasha French (Jr.) was named a finalist for Newcomer of the Year.


• Alex Aquino (Sr.) made 2nd Team All-Marin County Athletic League.

• The JV Team finished the season with a 17-6 overall record, 11-3 in MCAL play. The JV team won the MCAL JV Basketball title.

• The Freshman Team finished the season with a 14-7 overall record, 8-5 in MCAL play.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Head Coach – Mike Boles

• The Braves finished the year with a 29-7 overall record, 13-1 in MCAL play.

• Won the MCAL Regular Season and Playoff Championships.

• Advanced to the CIF State Title Game, losing to Sierra Canyon of Chatsworth.

• Won the CIF Northern California Championship, defeating Arcata High School 47-26.

• Advanced to the Semifinals of the NCS Playoffs, eventually losing to St. Mary’s of Berkeley.

• All County Awards

• Coach Mike Boles was named the Coach of the Year.

• Haley Cremen (Sr.) was named the Player of the Year.

• Sadie Irvine (Sr.) was named Offensive Player of the Year.

• Haley Weaver (Jr.) was named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year.

• Alisyn Slinsen (Jr.) was named a finalist for Newcomer of the Year.


• Haley Cremen (Sr.) & Sadie Irvine (Sr.) made 1st Team All-MCAL.

• Morgan Malloy (Jr.) made 2nd Team All-MCAL.

• The JV Team finished the season with a 21-5 overall record, 11-2 in MCAL play.

• The Freshman Team finished the season with a 4-17 overall record, 0-8 in MCAL play.

winter review


spring review

BOYS LACROSSE Head Coach – Kendal Shomura

• The Varsity team finished the year with a 5-14 overall record, 3-7 in MCAL play.

• The Braves are led by defenseman Connor Deleuze (Jr.), Cuentin Bates (Sr.), Tyler Heathcoat (Jr.) and Nick Christian (Jr.), along with goalie Van Scott (So.).

• Midfielders Anthony Fassari (Jr.), Owen Richter (Jr.) and Nik Best (Jr.) fill the stat sheet, along with attackers Drake Norup (Jr.) and Connor Fleury (So.).

• The JV team finished with a 11-4 overall record, 7-1 in MCAL play. The JV team won the MCAL JV Boys Lacrosse title.

BOYS GOLF Head Coach – Ray Graziani

• The Varsity team finished the year with a 15-3 overall record, 15-3 in MCAL play.

• The team is headed to the Division II Championships in McKinleyville.

• The Braves lost four seniors in their six-man rotation from last year’s squad, which finished in a tie with Redwood for first in the regular season and third at the MCAL tournament.

• Senior Nic Geesey, junior Adam Koehler, and sophomores Joe Bosetti and Aiden Andrade are the returning players looking to keep Justin in the thick of the MCAL playoff chase.

• The JV Team finished the year with a 5-5 overall record

GIRLS LACROSSE Head Coach – Aline Magee

• The varsity team finished the year with a 11-8 overall record, 6-4 in MCAL play.

• The varsity team advanced to both the NCS & MCAL Quarter Finals, losing to University (SF) in both games.

• Nika Darrin (Sr.), Gigi Gutterson (Jr.), Claudia Torkelson (Jr.) and Kendyl Fleury (Sr.) were top scor-ers for the Braves.

• Sam Pfaff (Jr.) was a key contributor with assists and Allie Downer (Jr.) was a stalwart in goal.

• The JV team finished with a 7-2 overall record.

GIRLS SOCCER Head Coach – Paul Mead

• The Varsity team finished the year with a 5-11-3 overall record, 4-8-2 in MCAL play.

• The Braves made the MCAL playoffs for the first time ever last season and goalie Marisa Bergin (Sr.) will be the key to efforts to duplicate that success.

• The Braves’ other area of strength lies in the midfield, with Monica Furne (Sr.), Darcy Forsythe (Sr.) and Marcela Hernandez (Jr.). Junior Danielle Maillard and freshman Jules Rossini will key the at-tack.

• Sophie Miyasaki (Sr.) will anchor the back line with returning starter Mikayla Balmaceda (So.).

• The JV team finished the year with a 1-10-1 overall record, 1-8 in MCAL play.


spring reviewBASEBALL Head Coach – Allen Rossi

• The varsity team finished 23-7 and 12-6 in MCAL play.

• The varsity team advanced beat St. Mary’s Berkeley 7-2 capturing the NCS Divi-sion IV Title. The Braves defeated Lick-Wilmerding (6-0), Piedmont (5-0), and Fortuna (6-2) in their playoff run to the Championships.

• The Braves swept Novato on all three levels of Baseball this season – Varsity won 2-1, JV won 5-2, Frosh won 6-4.

• The Braves hit an impressive .357 as a team last spring and multiple league coaches feel Justin-Siena will have the MCAL’s best offense this year.

• The team returns four of its five top RBI-getters from 2013: Sophomore Cam-eron Michaels, juniors Clay Dunkle (a two-year starter) and Gary Hercules and senior outfielder Diano Pachote (a three-year starter) all hit over .340 in 2013 and knocked in at least 15 runs. Shortstop Mickey Nunes, who sat out half of last season after transferring from St. Patrick-St. Vincent, will provide added firepower.

• The JV team finished the year with a 6-10 overall record, 3-9 in MCAL play.

• The Frosh team finished with a 11-13 overall record, 8-6 in MCAL play.

SOFTBALL Head Coach – Micah Putnam ’05

• The varsity team finished the year with a 8-15 overall record, 5-11 in MCAL play.

• The varsity team advanced to the NCS Championship Tournament, losing to Clear Lake in the 1st round.

• With a solid pitching tandem of returning starter Nicole Bell, a junior, and fresh-man Megan Steiger, the Braves figure to be much improved after a four-win season in 2013.

• Justin-Siena’s infield is anchored by senior shortstop Haley Cremen, who will attend Chico State on a basketball scholarship in the fall. Cremen was a first-team all-league softball selection last season and hit .395.

• The Braves are strong up the middle with returning junior second baseman Shan-non Esser (.378) and power-hitting center fielder Madeline Crull (Jr.) returning.

SWIMMING Head Coach – Cindy Barker

• 40 students came out for the team this year. The most in school history.

• Key returners for the Braves are seniors Dylan Youngborg and Theresa Bell.

• The features a lot of new swimmers. Coach Barker has “high hopes” for the team, and for returners Youngborg and Bell.

• The team has added a fair number of freshmen and sophomores, and Barker expects to see improved times throughout the season.

braves report


BOYS TENNIS Head Coach – Jim Reilly

• The varsity team finished the year with a 9-8 overall record; 7-7 in MCAL play.

• Advanced to the MCAL Championship Semi-Finals losing to Tamalpais High School.

• The Braves gained some new talent — and a more international flair — in the offseason. That’s already translated into some early success with a non-league win over Cardinal Newman.

• Mark Marin (Jr.), an import from Germany, takes over the top singles slot for the Braves, with returning junior John Lokey at No. 2 singles. The Braves bring back seniors Matthew Wong of Hong Kong, Sam Hoff, and Captain Jacob Guardui.

TRACK AND FIELD Head Coach – Chris Fidler ’02

• 91 students came out for the team this year. The most in school history.

• The boys varsity team finished with a 4-5 overall record, the girls varsity team finished with a 5-4 overall record.

• Two athletes won their events at the NCS Redwood Empire Championships – J.T. Gibson (Jr.) in the 400 meters and Isabella deBruin (So.) in the Pole Vault. Isabella not only won the event, but she bested the school record held by her team mate Natalie Avellar (Sr.). Isabella cleared 11’3”, the former record was 10’6”.

• In total, Justin-Siena sent 8 athletes to the NCS Meet of Champions. Isabella deBruin (So.) – pole vault; Natalie Avellar (Sr.) – pole vault; J.T. Gibson (Jr.) – 400 meters; Finn Willard (Sr.) 110 high hurdles; Isabel Jennings (Jr.) – long jump; Tim Balder (Jr.) – high jump; Dena Price (So.) – high jump; and Khiely Jackson (So.) – 800 meters.

• J.T. Gibson (Jr.) racked up a time of 49.17 seconds in the 400 meters, which was the ninth-best time in MCAL history.

• Khiely Jackson (So.) broke a 34 year old school record in the 800m. She ran a blazing 2:22.64, crushing the old record by almost 3 full seconds.

• The JV team finished with a 6-3 overall record.

way to go braves!

alumni news

justin-siena Avanti

We love hearing from you and know that your classmates do too —so keep the information coming! You may submit updates and information in the enclosed envelope or email the Associate Director of Advancement and Alumni Rela-tions Carolina Gonzalez at [email protected]. Be sure to include a photograph too!*

1982

Jonathan Farrell (above) is well-known on Digital Journal for his thorough reporting on a variety of issues affecting the city of San Francisco. He joined Digital Journal as a journalist in 2009 and since then has written more than 300 articles, almost exclusively including interviews or first-hand ac-counts. In a recent interview, Jonathan talked about his first experience in journalism being at Justin-Siena high school. The school hired an alum to take over the journalism program in his junior year and according to Jonathan, Mr. Richard Ault ’72 “was perhaps one of the best teachers for journalism any high school could ask for.”

1987

Tim Malloy (above, left) played on Steve Meyer’s (above, right) first baseball team at Justin-Siena and freshman Kel-lan Clark ’17 (above, middle) played on his last. Steve Meyer retired at the end of this year after 27 years of coaching the Braves and 34 years on staff.

1991

Rob Lucchetti (right) is mar-ried to Aimee Lucchetti. They live in Sonoma with their two daughters Sophie (11) and Mia (8). Rob currently works in sales for a packaging company which is based in Sacramento. As a hobby he makes Extra Virgin Olive Oil from his family farm and coaches AAU basket-ball with Dennis Savage ’91.

1999

Dr. Chad T. Wildman (top, right) visited Mrs. Sally DiGia-como’s class in May 2014. He gave a presentation to the stu-dents on the various degrees in Mathematics and what you can do with them career wise. He received his PhD in Math from UC San Diego in 2013, and is currently a Masters of Financial Engineering candidate at Uni-versity of California Berkeley, Haas School of Business.

2002

Brian Dodd (above) was recently hired by Community Resources for Children under their newly created develop-ment department. As a father of a 2 year old, Brian finds his new job particularly rewarding and looks forward to put-ting his skills to use for a good cause. Community Resources for Children believes that the foundation for a child’s future is laid in the first 5 years of life. They offer tools, training and support for parents and child care providers because children who have rich early learning

* Information received after May 1 , 2014, will appear in the Autumn 2014 issue of Avanti.

Braves WorldCatch up with other alums!

30

justin-siena Avanti

experiences are more likely to possess the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary for suc-cess in school and life.

2004

Laura Buntrock (above)graduated with highest honors in the Biological Sciences at UC Irvine in 2008. In June 2013 she received her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from UC Davis and started employment with a very busy practice in Pasadena, CA. She is engaged to Jack Vanbezooyen, a fellow UC Irvine graduate who is currently pursuing his medical degree at USC Keck School of Medicine. They currently live in Pasadena, CA.

Angelina Mondavi (above) re-ceived the 2013 Young Alumni Medallion from Villanova University’s College of Liberal

Arts and Sciences. She gradu-ated from Villanova in 2004 with a major in chemistry and a minor in business. Taken from the university’s website:“Angelina Mondavi is at the forefront of a new generation of winemakers in Napa Valley, California. She began her career at the age of 10 assisting the lab manager at Charles Krug Winery. After graduating from Villanova, she branched out to work at the Hess Collection Winery and coordinated labo-ratory and bottling operations during harvest. Her vision for her future rested on learn-ing winemaking techniques in Australia. After harvest at Hess, she assumed a harvest position at the Yalumba Wine Company, in Barossa Valley, Australia, where she expanded her laboratory knowledge and developed experience in cellar operations. She chose to further her education, and, in 2006, graduated with her Master’s in Oenology from the University of Adelaide’s Waite Campus lo-cated in South Australia. Before returning to the Napa Valley,

she was the wine manager at Enzo’s Restaurant where she produced the wine list and conducted wine staff training.

A final stint in Australia was as a cellar hand at the famed Cape Mentelle Winery. In 2007 Angelina joined Pine Ridge Vineyards as their assistant winemaker, remaining there until 2010. Since then, she has embarked on new adven-tures; the first being assistant winemaker under the tutelage of Jayson Woodbridge for One True Vine, LLC, where she is responsible for Hundred Acre, Cherry Pie, and Layer Cake. The second is a joint venture between Angelina and her cousin, Robert Mondavi Jr., called Fourth Leaf. Lastly, she is the winemaker and co-pro-prietor for Dark Matter Wines, a joint-venture with her three sisters. Dark Matter Wines re-cently released its first vintage, a 2006 Howell Mountain Zin-fandel. The fourth-generation winemaker is determined to achieve what no Mondavi has yet: a 100-point wine.

2005

Andi Walker (above) an-nounced her engagement to Sergio Ochoa earlier this year. Andi graduated from Pepper-

dine University with a degree in broadcast journalism in 2009 and works in non-scripted development at NBC Universal and is a producer for “E! Live from the Red Carpet.” Sergio went to Vintage High School (’03) and graduated from Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-arc) in 2011 with a bachelor’s of architec-ture. He is currently an archi-tectural designer at renowned international firm Arquitecton-ica. Andi and Sergio live in Los Angeles and will return to Napa in the spring of 2015 for their wedding at Auberge du Soleil.

Cassie Depew (above) is engaged to Scott Maguire. Cassie received her Bachelor of Science in Business Adminis-tration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (‘09) and is currently working as the Executive As-sistant to the President & CEO at Blach Construction Company in Santa Clara. Her fiancé, Scott, received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (’08) as well as his MBA from Santa Clara University (’13). He is em-ployed as a Field Sales Engineer at O’Donnell Associates North in San Jose. A July 2014 wed-

31


ding is planned at the Mission in downtown San Luis Obispo, CA.

2008

Joseph Roldan (above) attend-ed UC Santa Cruz and graduat-ed in June of 2012 with a degree in Psychology and Philosophy. That summer he spent a few amazing months at a camp in Saratoga as a counselor. After the summer camp, Joseph lived over a year and a half in San Francisco doing a variety of jobs. He recently moved back to Napa Valley and works for RAB Motors, a Mercedes-Benz dealership, in San Rafael.

Lindsay Biggar (above) gradu-ated with a BFA in graphic design from University of the Pacific in 2012. She spent the following year and a half intern-ing and freelancing with no-table design firms in San Fran-

cisco and the East Bay, focusing her work in packaging, brand identity and brand strategy. In January 2014, she accepted a position at Farm Collective Napa Valley as a graphic design lead and moved back to the Napa Valley. Brands that fall under her company’s umbrella are Regusci Estate Winery, James Cole Winery, T-Vine Cellars, Farm Collective and the all new Tank Garage Win-ery. Since all but one of those brands are established, Lindsay has had the opportunity as lead to spearhead all of the brand-ing, direction of packaging (as some labels had been designed before she arrived) and mer-chandising for Tank Garage Winery. Down the line, she hopes to continue her work in wine package design, whether that be in Napa or elsewhere, because she loves the fact that over 80% of wine consumers choose a bottle for its label.

Eric Sweigert (above) gradu-ated from UC Davis in 2012 with a degree in English. He plans on teaching full-time and is currently a substitute teacher at Justin-Siena.

2010

Gregory Munlawin (above) is a student at Arizona State University; he was a produc-tion/design intern for the movie CarDogs. He worked on prop design for the set as well as helped with the overall produc-tion of the film. Greg worked with actors George Lopez and Academy Award nominated actress Nia Vardalos (pictured). His professor, Adam Collins, who helped direct the project, was able to bring in a staff of able bodied ASU students for the project. The film is sched-uled for release Fall of 2014.

Jonathan Hoff (right) studied at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington and competed in Track and Field all 4 years. He had a great performance at his Northwest Conference Track Meet in Tacoma, WA on April 25 & 26, 2014. He placed 1st in the Long Jump with a distance of 22 ft. 5.75 in. and he placed first in the 110m Hurdles with

a time of 14.90. He beat his 110m Hurdles time on May 13 at a meet in Spokane, WA with a time of 14.60 which currently places him tied for 8th in the Nation for 110 Hurdles times for men’s NCAA Division III. This time will very likely earn him a chance to compete in the NCAA Division III Nationals in Delaware, OH May 22 - 24. (The top 20 times in the Na-tion qualify to compete in the 2014 NCAA Track and Field Championships for Division III Nationals.) Jonathan will be graduating from Whitworth University with a B.S. degree in Engineering Physics summa cum laude in May 2014. Jona-

alumni news


than is enrolled in the graduate school of Engineering at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for the fall of 2014 to pursue a graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

2011

Sarah Prittie is a Business Ma-jor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a concentration in Infor-mation Systems. She is a mem-ber of the professional business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, and is a Student Ambassador for the Orfaela College of Business. She spent the fall semester in Turin, Italy studying International Business and will spend this summer interning with Ernst & Young in the Financial Services Office in San Francisco.

Nick Kinda (right) was at Justin-Siena’s college fair in early May representing Saint Mary’s as a college student am-bassador. The fair was held on campus with over 170 colleges participating.

2012

Christian Say (above), a student at Princeton, is taking a one year leave of absence to in-dependently pursue some topics in metaphysics and epistemolo-gy. The Witherspoon Institute, an independent research center based in Princeton, offered him a part-time paid internship for the year as well as the mentor-ship of the scholars associated with the institute. In addition to independent work, Christian is also in several reading groups—unofficial classes led by grad students or professors—to study phenomenology, Aquinas, and Christian Scriptures. This sum-

mer, he will continue his work for The Witherspoon Institute and will also attend seminars on social justice, Aquinas, Natural Law, and politics. Christian will return to school spring semester 2015.

Alec Garcia (above) is a student at William Jessup Uni-versity, a Christian university in Rockland, CA. In college he joined a Christian band and spent last summer touring at churches across the US, some with thousands in the audi-ence. They were featured in TAAC Attack magazine on how they have incorporated faith in secular based music. The band is currently record-ing two EPs and will go on tour again this year and next year. In May 2014 Alec also went on tour with the school’s orchestra and choir, playing at major churches from Chico

to Portland. Alec visited our campus in early January and got the opportunity to share how he found Christ through music. His gift of talking to people and expressing himself is one that from which our community and especially our students greatly benefited.

2013

Camille Sacristan (above) is a current student at Oberlin Col-lege in northeast Ohio. While at Justin-Siena, she played every position but goalkeeper over the course of her four-year varsity soccer career and earned All-Napa County honors each year. She earned an All-Marin County Athletic League honors when she made the Second Team in her senior year. This fall she starred for Oberlin College’s NCAA Division III women’s team.


Michael Caldwell (above) is a student at Pomona College and is already making headlines as a freshman on the Pomona-Pitzer Baseball team, where he is an outfielder. In February this year he hit a grand slam in a 6-5 win in the nightcap as the Pomona-Pitzer Baseball team salvaged a split with Whitworth Univer-sity. Michael was a three-year varsity starter for the Braves and also played travel ball for Napa’s Joe DiMaggio League.

Rick Ley (above) was offered and internship at Explore Microsoft for this summer. Explore Microsoft is a 12-week summer internship program that offers the opportunity to experience working at Micro-soft. This program is designed to expose students to the field of software development and encourage students to pursue degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or

related technical disciplines through hands-on training and group project experience. Rick will be assigned a specific prod-uct team to gain exposure to the software development lifecycle and Microsoft’s three core technical positions: Program Manager, Software Design Engineer, and Software Design Engineer in Test. There will also be opportunities to attend discussions about different Mi-crosoft technologies and to pick the brains of other employees working around campus.

In Memoriam

Theresa Ann Towey ’75 (above) passed away in San Francisco on May 4, 2014, after a short illness. Theresa grew up in Napa and attended Napa Valley College after Justin-Siena and graduated from Sacramento State University. After gradua-tion, she moved to Oakland and later settled in San Francisco, where she lived for 32 years. During that time, she obtained her MBA from the University of San Francisco and she worked in budgeting and marketing for Levi-Strauss, Williams-Sonoma, and retired from Gap in 2011.

In Sympathy

Hope Barragan Barthel (above) passed away on Jan. 12, 2014. She was the mother of 4 alums; Richard Barragan ‘70, Catherine Schimmer ’71, Brenda Barragan-Miller ’74 and Christina McCarty ’90. She was born in Napa and lived in St. Helena and Alaska before settling down in Napa to raise her family. She was employed as a secretary/bookkeeper for 50-plus years and was a member of many organizations, one of her favorites being St. John’s No. 26 YLI. One of her much-loved events was the Enchilada Take-out Dinner, where she was the original “Enchilada Queen.” Hope fought a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer.

George Wesolek (top) father of Brienne Wesolek Fabela ’98, Stephanie Wesolek ’00 and Noelle Christine Andres ’03 (husband Stephen Andres ’02) passed away on April 28 of can-cer at his home in Sonoma. He was 70. George was the Director of the Office of Public Policy and Social Concerns for the Archdiocese of San Francisco since 1985, a position he held

at the time of his death. George had been suffering from cancer for a while, and in the last two weeks, unfortunately, it rapidly grew much worse. He was a man whose life was marked by a passion for social justice includ-ing protection of the unborn, Catholic principles of marriage, refuge for undocumented immi-grants and healing the violence in our streets.

Dr. Eleanor Hynote mother of Caroline Hynote ’11, Julia Hynote ’15, and Olivia Hyn-ote ’15, passed away December 17, 2013. Eleanor was born in Brookline, Massachusetts on June 21, 1957. She graduated from Brookline High School, Vassar College and UC Irvine School of Medicine, and opened her internal medicine and clinical nutrition practice in Napa in 1989. She devoted her professional life to the practice of medicine from which she received great gratification.

Joseph Alzugaray (opposite, top), former Board of Trustees (2002-2005) and beloved pas-tor emeritus of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church, died peacefully at his home on January 31, 2014. Msgr. Joe will be remembered for his dedicated ministry to his vocation to the priesthood for

alumni news


more than 46 years. He knew his parishioners, by name, by family, by need, and ministered to them all. He was at ease with every age group, supporting the elderly, families, high school youth, school and religious education programs and young adults.

Jerome Michael Kelly, father of Leanne Iund (JSHS staff member), also lovingly known as “Mickey” and “Papa,” died April 27, 2014. He was born in Los Angeles on November 11, 1932. He graduated from El Cerrito High School in 1951. Jerome was a veteran of the Korean War, a member of the BMW Airheads club, and retired from Caltrans after 20 years. He enjoyed traveling, camping, riding his motorcycle, the theater, and his morning trek to Peet’s Coffee. He had a quick wit, a dry sense of humor, and he loved rooting for Bay Area sports teams. He shared these passions with his family. (Pictured with his wife, Joan Kelly.)

ALUMNI eNEWSLETTERHopefully you already receive the BravesBulletin once a month during the school year, but we have added an Alumni newsletter called the Brave&Bold to our communications to keep you up to date with alumni-specific news and events. If you have not received this in your inbox, please contact Carolina Gonzalez at [email protected]. We look forward to connecting with you.

2nd Annual

Save the Date!

Shotgun Start w Food & Beverages w Raffle Prizes

benefiting the Alumni Generations Fund

mondaynov. 3, 2014

napa valley country club

ALUMNUS/A OF THE YEAR AWARD is presented to honor

an exceptional alumna/us whose achievements in his/her

vocational field have brought distinction to themselves,

honor to Justin-Siena, and real benefit to their communities.

EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE AWARD is presented to an

alumnus/a who has rendered outstanding voluntary service

to Justin-Siena, the Alumni Association, the De La Salle

Christian Brothers, or the greater community.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD is presented to

an alumnus/a with accomplishments of significant impor-

tance at an early stage of his/her vocation (1-10 years out

of high school) related to their chosen field or to the greater

community.

Save the DateFriday, October 3, 2014

ABOUT THE ALUMNI HALL OF HONORThis event is held every other year to recognize outstanding alumni who have achieved distinction and emerged as lead-ers whose lives reflect Faith, Scholarship, and Service – the core attributes of a true Lasallian leader. To help us honor gradu-ates who make Justin-Siena proud, please submit a nomination form for an Alumni Award. Nominations are accepted from students, staff, community members, and alumni.

MORE ONLINE: Read about the current members of the Hall of Honor and learn more about the awards and nomination process. www.justin-siena.org/hallofhonor

Hall of Honor

Did you know you can provide Jus-

tin-Siena with a much larger gift

than you had previously considered, re-

sulting in a partnership with great mean-

ing to you and strong future benefit to

Justin-Siena. For example, you can make

a gift that costs nothing during your life-

time. You can give stock and realize larger

tax savings. You can donate your house,

continue to live there, and get a tax ad-

vantage all at the same time.

LegacyCircle

justin-siena foundation board of directors

D. J. Smith, ChairEd Farver, ViceChair

Tom CoughlanPatrick Gleeson ’85Manbin Monteverdi

Robert T. Jordan, ex-officio

Your planned gift could allow you to obtain some or all of the follow-ing benefits:

• Fulfill your philanthropic goals• Reap income-tax savings through charitable deductions

for the value of your gifts• Avoid capital gain taxes on contributions of long-term

capital gain property• Eliminate federal estate tax on the value of the interest

in the property eventually passing to charity• Reduce costs and time in estate planning.

One of the simplest ways to benefit Justin-Siena is to name the school in your will with a general bequest. Planned gifts can build a financial safety net for the school by building an en-dowment that gives lasting and ongoing support. Please con-tact the Chief Advancement Officer at 707.255.0950 ext. 641 or [email protected] to find out more information or if you have already included Justin-Siena in your estate.

Your Legacy Gift Makes a Lifetime of Impact

www.justin-siena.org /Classof2014

Your Legacy Gift Makes a Lifetime of Impact

www.justin-siena.org /Classof2014

Congratulations to the CLASS of 2014

The Class of 2014 by the numbers:• 158 graduates; Justin-Siena’s 45th Commencement• 185 universities/colleges issued acceptance(s) to Braves• 100% attending college (81% to 4 yr./18% to 2 yr./1% other)• $1.3 Million awarded in scholarships

NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDNAPA, CA

PERMIT # 42

JUSTIN-SIENA is a Catholic high school in the Lasallian tradition offering a college preparatory program that serves approximately 650 young men and women in grades 9–12. Founded in 1966 by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the school is located on forty acres in the City of Napa. Justin-Siena serves a diverse student body from Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties.

Happy RetirementIn May we honored our retirees at the Founders Liturgy and at a luncheon that followed. We wish them all the best in this new chapter of their lives and thank them for their collective, impressive 190+ years of service to Justin-Siena. Read more about our retirees on page 6 and go online to read more and view photos from the Founders Liturgy and Retirement Luncheon at www.justin-siena.org/2014Retirees.

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

avanti - spring/summer 2014

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salle christian brothers

deserving students