class of 2015 academic leaders, jessica anne tarnowski and ... · rachel marie bennett, daughter of...

Keeping alumni, families and friends connected to Saint Agnes School

The Aggie ArchivesSummer 2015

Class of 2015 Academic Leaders,Jessica Anne Tarnowski and Bridget Anne Hobbs

Keeping you connected | Summer 20152

DISTINGUISHED HONORS Valedictorian Jessica Tarnowski Salutatorian Bridget Hobbs Aggie Award Michelle Gutzmann DEPARTMENT AWARDS Concert Band: Rachel Doran, Vancelee Vang Drama: Bridget Hobbs, Megan RoddyEnglish: Michelle Gutzmann, Michaela SandquistHistory: Elizabeth Garcia-Creighton, Bridget HobbsLatin: Margaret Goossens, Molly Houghton Mathematics: Michelle Gutzmann, Jessica TarnowskiPhysical Education: Stephen Etnier, Seamus RyanScience: Michelle Gutzmann, Bridget HobbsSpanish: Michelle Soto, Jessica Tarnowski Studio Art: Thi Nguyen, Wendy Wu Theology: Michelle Gutzmann, Bridget Hobbs Vocal Music: Joseph Carlson, Megan Roddy SELECTED AWARDS Kopp Family Foundation ScholarshipsBridget Hobbs, Jessica Tarnowski Red Cross ScholarshipMegan Roddy Sister Adrienne Award for Character, Leadership & Service Maria Tibesar Sons & Daughters of the American Revolution Awardfor PatriotismVancelee Vang

Scholarship TotalsThe Class of 2015 earned over $3,200,000.00 in

merit-based scholarship monies.

Department award winners at Academic Convocation

Luther Missoh, Justin Regep, Seamus Ryan & Alex Davis after the Baccalaureate Mass

Molly Houghton & Eliza Knapp

Saint Agnes School Class of 2015

3Keeping you connected | Summer 2015

University of Mary, North DakotaLawrence University, Wisconsin University of MinnesotaCarlson School of ManagementFordham University, New YorkFairfield University, Connecticut College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts

University of Wisconsin, MadisonHoward University, Washington, D.C.Viterbo University, Wisconsin Franciscan University, OhioArizona State UniversityMarquette University, WisconsinUniversity of Dallas, Texas

what’s next for the class of 2015?Aggies have been accepted to these and other schools:

Seniors are all smiles before the ceremony

UST Law Professor Teresa Collett,2015 Commencement Speaker“There will be disappointments and failures in life, but there will always be someone who believes in you – always. Even when it feels as though no one else does. Even when you no longer believe in yourself. And that person is Jesus Christ.”

Saint Agnes School Class of 2015

Valedictorian, Jessica Anne Tarnowski

“Class of 2015, we are blessed. We are blessed to be able to sit here today and walk across this stage with our friends who have supported us through these four crazy years called high school. We are blessed to be able to hold on to them as we face the future. We

are blessed to learn from the best faculty in the world. We are blessed to call Saint Agnes School our alma mater. We are blessed to be rooted in tradition and committed to Christ.”

With gratitude - that is how Jessica Tarnowski addressed her classmates during her Valedictory speech at the 2015 commencement exercises, which took place for the first time in many years in Msgr. Gruden Gymnasium. These remarks were fitting because the commencement speaker Professor Teresa Collett gave three pieces of advice to the graduating seniors: 1) be grateful 2) be not afraid 3) know that God loves you. Jessica has indeed been blessed with many gifts and talents as exemplified by her academic career at Saint Agnes School. The Valedictorian, a member of the National Honor Society, ended her career with a perfect grade point average, well over 4.0 (honors classes are weighted). She began with Honors Algebra II as a freshman and has since taken no less than 12 honors-level courses. Yet Jessica’s successes do not end in the classroom. Over the past four years, she has been involved in volleyball, swimming/diving, softball, wrestling (as manager), spring musical, Concert Chorale, Palm yearbook, Student Council, Service Club, Pro-Life Club, Quiz Bowl, Snow-Days royalty, jazz band, prom committee and Spanish Club.

Mrs. Jennifer Davern, Jessica’s Honors Calculus II instructor, said the following of her former student: “I can’t speak highly enough of Jessica. In the two years I’ve known her, she just stands out as a diligent student and an incredible person. She’s talented in math and has an impressive resume, but more importantly, she brings a lot of great energy with her.”

Seniors were asked to respond to the following question before graduation: of all the accomplishments in your life, what are you most proud of? Again, Jessica responded with a theme of gratitude:

“I am most proud to be my mother’s daughter.” Later, she acknowledged her mom at graduation with these words: “I would like to thank every single parent in the room, especially my mom. Your support, which often goes unmentioned and unappreciated, gives me the strength and confidence to push through each day. You are an amazing role model and I will never be able to thank you enough.”

Next year Jessica will attend St. Catherine’s University where she plans to major in nursing.

Salutatorian, Bridget Anne Hobbs

Bridget Hobbs has always been known by her peers and teachers as a valiant and dedicated student. At the annual Senior Banquet that honors each member of the graduating class, Mr. Fred Blonigen spoke the following words about this year’s Salutatorian:

“Bridget is quite simply one of the finest students I have ever taught in my 30 years at Saint Agnes: intelligent, exceptionally mature, disciplined, and most important of all, prayerful and deeply sincere and serious about her Catholic faith. That’s Bridget. Academically, Bridget has been a top student throughout her years at Saint Agnes. I am especially impressed by the kinds of questions she asked and comments she made in Honors Senior Capstone Theology. She is a young lady who thinks deeply about the things that really matter.

In a resume that is long and illustrious (I think, for example, of her outstanding talent as a singer/actress in our school musicals), what most stands out for me is Bridget’s profound love for the unborn. I see her now and in the future as an apostle for life and a leader who will help build a culture of life in this country. Bridget truly reflects what is best about authentic Catholic education. God bless you, Bridget.”

Indeed this is high praise coming from a living legend of the Saint Agnes faculty. Bridget was a member of the National Honor Society, Pro-Life Club president, the lead role of Cinderella in the spring 2015 musical, track/cross country, Concert Chorale, Madrigal Singers, Student Council, Service Club, Quiz Bowl and Snow-Days royalty. Bridget performed an amazing duet during the Concert Chorale’s spring performance entitled Dôme Épais (The Flower Song) from the opera “Lakmé” by Leo



Delibes, which has been popularized in movies and commercials.

Like our Valedictorian, Bridget took many honors courses at Saint Agnes. This ambitious course load, combined with her leadership role in the Saint Agnes Pro-Life Club helped her earn the top Presidential Scholarship to the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND where she plans to double major in accounting and healthcare administration.

Aggie Award Winner, Michelle Marie Gutzmann

New for 2015 is the creation of an award bestowed upon a graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit of Saint Agnes School, the Aggie Award. Selected by the

faculty, this senior is a student who models all that Saint Agnes School hopes for in each of its graduates. This senior embodies the best of our school. He or she is an individual who is well rounded and achieves excellence in all areas: faith, academics, activities, athletics, character, virtue, leadership, friendship and service. As the plaque itself states, “this senior represents best the hopes and goals as expressed in the mission and vision of Saint Agnes School.”

The inaugural “Aggie Award” was given to senior Michelle Gutzmann. Michelle was involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, National Honor Society, Pro-Life Club, was a main character in the spring musical Cinderella, and a madrigal singer, showing excellence on the stage, on the field of play and in the classroom. She excelled in academics, earning a spot on the Principal’s List each semester (GPA of 3.67 or higher), and after school smacked home runs as the captain of the varsity softball team. In fact, Michelle hit a record four homeruns in one game this past spring!

Michelle’s zeal for her studies was genuine and she daily exemplified a true depth of inquiry and sense of wonder about God’s creation in each of her classes. As an example, her Honors Senior Theology Capstone instructor Mr. Adkins recalls that, “after a difficult class where we considered St. Anselm’s proof of God’s existence – a truly challenging and mind-boggling topic – Michelle stayed after class to further discuss with her teachers. As the conversation finished, she commented, ‘This is so fascinating! I could think and talk about this all day!’”

Michelle represented her Aggie classmates well when she was interviewed by the Catholic Spirit in their annual graduation issue. Below are her answers to three of the questions posed to her:

Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school.When I was a sophomore I had the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage to Rome with some other girls in my school. The trip was the most amazing experience ever, not just as someone who loves to travel, but also spiritually. I felt this indescribable joy, as if God and the saints were nearer there somehow.

What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think?In English class this year, we read Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”, and it completely changed my understanding of friendship. I learned that a true or “complete” friendship is different than a friendship of pleasure. This has helped me identify and understand my friendships with other people so much better.

What are the top three things that you hope to accomplish in your life?The first thing I hope to accomplish in my life is to determine my vocation and live it out; second, to learn to love as God loves; third, to show others God’s love.

Michelle is truly deserving of the inaugural Aggie Award. She will attend the University of Minnesota where she plans to major in Engineering.

Mr. Morehead presents Michelle Gutzmann with this year’s Aggie Award

Rachel Marie Bennett, daughter of Jill and Anthony BennettJoseph John Carlson, son of Jeanne (Ewald) Carlson,’84Nathan Francis Cummings, son of Laura and Dean CummingsAlexander Nicholas Davis, son of Anita and Daniel DavisRachel Anne Doran, daughter of Patrice and Dennis DoranPeter Joseph Eilen, son of Kathleen and Michael EilenStephen Ralph Etnier, son of Michael and Theresa EtnierAnna Marie Galush NHS, daughter of Jodi and Thomas GalushElizabeth Ann Garcia-Creighton * NHS, daughter of Margaret Creighton and Ignacio GarciaGrace Antonia Gauthier NHS, daughter of Mary Lou and Gary GauthierKaitlyn Rose Gellerman NHS, daughter of Patrice (Todd),’88, and Kevin GellermanMargaret Josephine Goossens * NHS, daughter of the late Jennifer (Ewald),’79, and Greg Goossens

Natalie Claire Grant, daughter of Lori and Hendrie GrantMichelle Marie Gutzmann * NHS, daughter of Jane and Mark GutzmannAlexander Michael Hernandez, son of Colleen (Egan),’84, and Michael Hernandez,’83Bridget Anne Hobbs * NHS, daughter of Nicole and Matthew Hobbs,’89Elise Serena Honerman * NHS, daughter of Marie and James HonermanMolly Kathlin Houghton * NHS, daughter of Jean and Thomas HoughtonMalik Gregory Johnson, son of Rachel and Marc Johnson,’90Rebecca Ann Kelly, daughter of Catherine and Scott KellyShannon Marie Kimlinger NHS, daughter of Denise (Scully) and Mark Kimlinger,’78Eliza LaDon Knapp * NHS, daughter of Julianne (Ewald),’83, and Charles KnappMeriel Alejandra LaForce, daughter of Olga and Michael LaforceAnthony John Larson, son of Mary and Mark Larson


Natalie Claire Grant, daughter of Lori and Hendrie GrantMichelle Marie Gutzmann * NHS, daughter of Jane and Mark GutzmannAlexander Michael Hernandez, son of Colleen (Egan),’84, and Michael Hernandez,’83Bridget Anne Hobbs * NHS, daughter of Nicole and Matthew Hobbs,’89Elise Serena Honerman * NHS, daughter of Marie and James HonermanMolly Kathlin Houghton * NHS, daughter of Jean and Thomas HoughtonMalik Gregory Johnson, son of Rachel and Marc Johnson,’90Rebecca Ann Kelly, daughter of Catherine and Scott KellyShannon Marie Kimlinger NHS, daughter of Denise (Scully) and Mark Kimlinger,’78Eliza LaDon Knapp * NHS, daughter of Julianne (Ewald),’83, and Charles KnappMeriel Alejandra LaForce, daughter of Olga and Michael LaforceAnthony John Larson, son of Mary and Mark Larson

Joseph Eugene Lindgren, son of Suzanne and Del LindgrenAngela Jane Meitrodt * NHS, daughter of Kathleen (King),’86, and Daniel MeitrodtLuther Messan Missoh, son of Kossiwa Atchon and Assilenou MissohRichard Jerome Mooney, son of Margaret and Michael MooneyThi Thi Uyen Nguyen *, daughter of Tai Phan and Tan Nguyen Victoria Alexandra Nobles, daughter of Giancarla Hofmann and William NoblesCatherine Valjean Puffer, daughter of Suzette Boehm-Puffer and Timothy PufferBrian Alexis Ramirez, son of Norma Corral and Carlos RamirezJustin Michael Regep, son of Shelly and Donald RegepMegan Louise Roddy, daughter of Patricia and Timothy RoddySeamus Patrick Ryan, son of Michaela and Patrick RyanJaylynn Alexia Sandifer, daughter of Damara (Jefferson),’93, Sandifer and Jason Sandifer,’92

Michaela Rose Sandquist * NHS, daughter of Nicole (Nelson) Sandquist and Nicholas Sandquist,’89Mikayla Lucille Schraut * NHS, daughter of Sherry and Brad SchrautMary Angela Sorteberg, daughter of Anne (Medina),’81, and Mark SortebergMichelle Alejandra Soto, daughter of Becky Rios and Walter SotoJessica Anne Tarnowski * NHS, daughter of Melissa Tarnowski and David TarnowskiMaria Therese Tibesar, daughter of Amy (Grau),’93, and Robert Tibesar,’92Yee Vang, daughter of Soua Moua and Yia VangVancelee K. Vang, son of the late Vanessa and Billy VajSeamus Patrick Waters, son of the late Libby and the late Nate WatersJingwen Wu, daughter of Yongqing Zhang and Bin Lu

* Top Quarter of ClassNHS National Honor Society



FRoM THE SUPERiNTENDENT

Passing the Baton of LeadershipOn behalf of the entire Saint Agnes School community, I would like to thank Mr. James Morehead for his outstanding leadership and hard work as principal these past eight years. He has done an excellent job each and every year, and he has been invaluable during the building of the new Student Activities Center. He should be especially lauded for his work during his first years at Saint Agnes. He showed courage and faith by stepping into difficult circumstances where there was no certainty of success. He proved to be a great team player while guiding the school through a time of growth in academic excellence, growth in school spirit and growth in student enrollment. In short, Mr. Morehead is a tremendous example of doing the best that you can, with what you have, in the situation you find yourself in, all the while depending on God’s grace. This is all God asks of each of us. As Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta has said, “God does not require that we be successful, only that we be faithful.” Mr. Morehead was first and foremost concerned with being faithful; God also saw fit to bless him and Saint Agnes with great success, but only after there had been a beautiful witness

to faithfulness. Please keep him in your prayers as he sets off for new challenges and new adventures as principal of St. Peter’s in Forest Lake. The baton of leadership has now been passed to Dr. Kevin Ferdinandt. Dr. Ferdinandt has been a part of the leadership team at Providence Academy for the past 15 years. As one of the founding administrators, he has served in every major aspect of the educational program: Lower, Middle and Upper Schools. He most recently served as the Assistant Headmaster, with a particular emphasis in operations, curriculum and teacher development. As an undergraduate from the University of St. Thomas, Ferdinandt went on to receive a Master’s degree in Theology from St. John’s University in 1996. He returned to St. Thomas to receive his principal’s license and his Education Specialist degree in 2002. He later completed a doctoral degree in Leadership, Policy and Administration from St. Thomas in

2009. Besides his administrative experience, he has teaching experience at several schools, including both K-12 and post-secondary. Dr. Ferdinandt is a respected leader in Catholic education and a man of faith who will bring a wealth of experience and passion to Saint Agnes. We are very pleased that Dr. Ferdinandt will be furthering the mission of Catholic education here at Saint Agnes.

Saint Agnes, pray for us.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. Mark MoriartySuperintendent

Father presents service pin to Mr. Morehead at graduation


We wish to express our profound gratitude to the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady, Mother of the Church. Coming to us in the fall of 2005, the Sisters have helped form our young people not only through their classroom teaching, but through their public witness to the consecrated life. Their school presence, attendance at activities, involvement with the parish and evening walks around the block were a constant reminder to all that consecrated religious are alive and well.

Sr. Helena, Mr. Morehead, Sr. Mary Kathleen and Mother Marie-Andre at the Red & White Benefit

Selfie with the senior girls

Sr. Helena talks baseball strategy with Coach Streitz

Though we are saddened by their departure, we trust in God’s providential love for our parish and school; we ask God to gift us again with the beautiful witness of religious sisters

on a fulltime basis at Saint Agnes. Your prayers and support are absolutely essential as we search for an order of faithful, joyful and habited sisters for Saint Agnes.

Sr. Mary Grace takes the shot

We are pleased that the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus from New Ulm, MN will be utilizing our convent space periodically over the next year, as well as visiting parish and school functions. Sr. Mary Kathleen

organizes Greek Day

Teachers Ms. Kohlmann and Sr. Mary Kathleen at the Alphabet Fair

Sr. Helena leads the girls in games

Mother Marie-Andre donates blood with the Service Club


Seniors Malik Johnson and Elizabeth Garcia-Creighton were among the top five female and top five male student-athletes in Saint Paul earning scholarships from the David M. Winfield Foundation.

Malik Johnson was also named All State, All East Metro, Top Tackler in the Tri-Metro, All-Conference and Team Defensive MVP in football. With these accomplishments, he has earned a scholarship to play Division II football at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, MN

Michelle Gutzmann and Katie Gellerman, also graduating seniors, represented Saint Agnes in the Minnesota Fastpitch Softball All-Star Series played on June 7 in Mankato.

Michelle Gutzmann tied a state record by belting four homeruns out of the park at Brooklyn Center on May 4.

Senior Anna Galush received the Sanneh Foundation Leadership Award, an annual scholarship award presented to two high school seniors (male and female) in recognition of soccer excellence, academic achievement and outstanding community service.

ATHLETiCS

BaseballAll ConferenceErick Klein (11Matt Twaroski (11)

Honorable MentionSeamus Ryan (12)Justin Regep (12)

SoftballAll ConferenceMaria Tibesar (12)Katie Gellerman (12)Michelle Gutzmann (12)

Honorable MentionMichaela Sandquist (11)Naomi Hoke (9)

Track & FieldAll ConferenceJustin Bennett (10)Elizabeth Garcia-Creighton (12)Adaya Sandifer (9)

Honorable MentionMalik Johnson (12)Seamus Waters (12)Stephen Grau-Kubista (11)Liam Skulley (11)Grace Grau-Kubista (9)K’Lynn Lewis (9)Emily Schaeffer (10)Ellen Steffes (8)

All Conference & Honorable Mention


Class of 1965A 50-year reunion is set for September12 at Jimmy’s Event Center in Vadnais Heights. We hope to see all of you there! Contact: Mari (Loipersbeck) [email protected] or651-429-8264

Class of 1970A 45-year reunion get-together isplanned for September 12 at Mancini’son West 7th Street. Reunion will run from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM. Invitationshave been mailed. Contact: Carol Martin [email protected]

Class of 1980The Class of 1980 is planning a 35-yearreunion on October 24, at O’Gara’s Bar and Grill in St. Paul. A party room is reserved beginning at 7:30 PM. Food and beverage is on your own and

no RSVP is necessary. Please come. You have nothing to lose and only the rekindling of friendships to gain! Contact: Karen Bovee [email protected]

Class of 1985Attend the 30-year reunion on October 17 at Gabe’s in St. Paul. Watch forinvites and join the SAH85 Facebook page. Contact: Sandy (Anderson) Goodfellow, 763-843-9861 or Raphael Dufresne-Harden, [email protected]

Class of 1990Plans are underway for a 25-year reunion, and ideas include a restaurant/party room for the main event, as well as mini- Aggie gatherings throughout the next half year: meet up at State Fair, outdoor concerts, city festivals, etc. Join the St. Agnes High School Class of 1990 Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @90Aggies to learn more.

Contact:Tracy (Jungk)Schorn [email protected] or952-426-5263 Angie (Johnson) Zgodava [email protected] or 612-300-7073

Class of 1995A 20-year reunion is planned for July 18at the Machine Shed Restaurant in Lake Elmo. Details are in progress. Join the St. Agnes Class of 1995 group on Facebookto stay up to date on the Class of ’95!Contact: Molly (Lang) Olson, 651-246-1498 Kelly (Pavlak) DiPietro, 651-341-3987

Class of 2005Joanna (Stelzner) Moosbrugger and Theresa Poechmann are in the beginning stages of planning a 10-year reunion for December 2015. Reach out to them if you wish to be involved. Contact: Theresa [email protected] or 651-726-4990

REUNioNS

Spring 2015 CorrectionsOur apologies to the Pilon family. Though identified correctly in the photo, Madeline was mistakenly left out in the subsequent list of names. It was noted that Mark and Sue Pilon have seven children, when in fact there are eight!

Apologies also go to the Flood family. The photo of their children in the new car won at the raffle listed their daughter Ava’s name incorrectly. It should have read: 4th generation Aggies Caleb, Ava, Cegan and Macain will get years of enjoyment from their new car.Mea Culpa!

Last CaLL! 2015 aGGIE OPENMonday, July 20 at Como Golf Course

Register at www.SaintAgnesSchool.org or contact Tournament Director Mike Streitz. 651-925-8705 • [email protected]

Proceeds benefit the Saint Agnes Athletic Department.

$100 per player • $85 for seniors (age 62 & older) • $85 for young alumni (’05 -’15)Registration includes 18 holes of golf, motorized golf cart, dinner, and prizes.

$40 dinner only rate: includes buffet dinner & evening activities

Sponsorship opportunities available ranging from goody bag donations

to $100 hole sponsors to $5,000 platinum sponsors.

Don’t delay, tournament is filling fast!

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDTwin Cities, MN

Permit #490

Saint Agnes School530 Lafond AvenueSt. Paul, MN 55103

Change Service Requested

Save the Date!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Plan to participate in this year’s Homecoming activities. You are always welcome home!Questions? Contact the Alumni Office at 651-925-8880 or [email protected].

Thursday, Sept. 24Alumni Memorial Mass & BrunchChurch of Saint Agnes9:30 AM Mass & Complimentary Brunch

Friday, Sept. 25Tailgate BBQ & Football GameSeafoam Stadium, Concordia College6:00 PM Tailgate under the Tent7:30 PM Kick-Off, Aggies vs. Humboldt Hawks

Saturday, Sept. 26The Big Red Run 5KSaint Agnes School Campus9:00 AM RaceFamily-Friendly Games,Entertainment & Snacks

Saturday, Sept. 26Hall of Fame Induction Mancini’s Char House, St. Paul12:00 PM Event

2015 InducteesDaniel O’Connor, ‘62, Baseball, Football, Hockey (deceased)Sara Tibesar-Carlston, ‘95, Basketball, VolleyballJudd Berthiaume, ‘98, Baseball, HockeyDavid Berthiaume, ‘03, Baseball, Football, Hockey, Soccer

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