COMMUNI-K

LEARNING, FAITH & LEADERSHIP

APRIL 2016

A Kennedy Catholic Lancer Publication

www.kennedyhs.org140S 140th Street, Burien WA 98168Kennedy Catholic High School

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Life with Purpose

“God is not accountable to us, but we are to Him. I know what may lie in wait for us....and yet I find life beautiful and meaningful.”

Etty Hillesum who wrote these words in Amsterdam in 1942, was a young 28 year old Jewish woman and gifted writer who kept a diary during the German occupation of Holland. The diary portrays an inner transformation of an independent woman preoccupied with worldly pleasures and sensuality, into a person of great spiritual depth and wisdom. The diaries chronicle Etty’s inner growth and have become an authentic classic of twentieth century spirituality.

In 1942, she voluntarily went to the German internment camp for Jews at Westerbork in Holland to serve those who were under arrest and detained. However on September 8, 1943, she and her entire family were transported to Auschwitz, where she died two months later in the gas chambers (Harris, 2015).

Etty Hillesum became an acquaintance the week after Easter, as part of a homily given by Fr. Tim Clark, pastor of Our Lady of the Lake. We had a mutual friend in Kirk Hilsabeck, a father of two Kennedy [Catholic] graduates, who just lost his 8 year battle with cancer. As Kirk’s doctor would say after mysteriously living past the diagnosis of 18 months,” You are the healthiest dying man I have ever seen!”

Father Tim’s take on Kirk’s last years were about living each day with purpose. Kirk knew the end game better than most. Similar to Etty, death was inevitable; so now what? For Kirk, it was putting his house in order, figuratively and literally, not allowing the sun to set on how God was to use him. Likewise, Etty’s diaries allow us to see how in the midst of the horrors and atrocities, she could rise above the hate and evil to reveal a tremendous inner strength.

What a lesson for us all to learn! Each day is a day given to us by God, to influence according to God’s divine will. What plagues us all can be attributed to the future, the anxieties, the fears and the desolation that ultimately freezes us. For Etty, Kirk, and for each of us, let us put into practice Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Look into who God has put into your life and commit to living each moment with purpose and in the midst of what crowds out that feeling of peace, pray for the inner strength to live fully in Christ today, finding every moment “beautiful and meaningful,” regardless.

Harris, Paul. “Etty Hillesum: Meditator and Peace Activist,” 1914-1943. The World Community For Christian Meditation. 2015.

Mike Prato - President

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PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGEWe have begun our last quarter of the 2015-2016 school year. This is a very emotional time for our Seniors who are preparing for their next stage in life. These last weeks we get to spend with them often go by much too quickly. As they finish their last semester in high school and gear up to the rest of their life journey, we also begin to prepare for the next class to enter in to Kennedy Catholic.

Last month the incoming Class of 2020 came in to register for their first classes in high school. As the students and their parents came into the building, the feelings of pride, nerves and excitement were all present. It was a joy to meet, talk with and assist our new students and their families. Many of our conversations began with questions. What classes do I get to take? What activities are there to do after school? What will my schedule be like? My daughter was no different- she had all the same questions! But she, and the rest of the soon-to-be Freshmen, are ready to start their next stage too!

High school life is a cycle- the students come into the building as Freshmen ready to experience all high school has to offer. We spend four years preparing them and watching them grow into faith-filled adults. Then, as Seniors, they leave us and are launched into the world.

These are exciting days for us. We have a busy calendar ahead of us. In all the busy days, we need to remember that we too are part of the cycle and we need to take time to enjoy the journey.

TOP STORIES:Maggie Gallagher

2016 KATCH Auction RSVP

IN THIS EDITION:President’s MessagePrincipal’s MessageMother & Daughter BrunchIn The NewsNational History DayRotary Students of the MonthWorld’s Finest ChocolatesActing GloballyRed, White & Blue Egg Hunt Recap2016 Hall of Fame RecapHonk! RecapNW Catholic Winning SpiritMarty Yellam ‘76 Lancer for LifeNOLA Service TripA World Of ThanksService FairReunion NewsElementary Band NewsLancers Against Cancer50th Anniversarygive BIG

Nancy Bradish - Principal

Mothers & Daughters - Living with peace in an anxious world Special thanks to our Parent Club for hosting the annual Mother & Daughter Brunch on Saturday, March 19 in the Kennedy Catholic chapel and cafeteria. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and aunts had Mass together in the chapel with a beautiful brunch following. After brunch, Sue-Ann Hohimer spoke on the theme: Breathe...living with peace in an anxious world.

This was followed by a fashion show featuring Kennedy Catholic students modeling clothing from retailers including Aerie, Aeropostale, Francesca’s and PacSun.A wonderful time was had by all!

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IN THE NEWS:Ariell Garnett of Kennedy Catholic is Athlete of the Year

Mitch Penner has been named to the Greater Northwest Athletic Conference for men’s basketball

Kennedy Catholic breezes past West Seattle Titans in Lacrosse

Kennedy Catholic bats blast Issaquah’s youthful pitching

Kennedy Catholic alumni Nikki Miller ‘15 sinks the long putt at Northern Idaho College

Kennedy Catholic powered by Maggie Gallagher

National History Day Competition Congratulations to our three teams of freshman who placed at the regional National History Day competition and who will be continuing on to the state National History Day competition on April 23, 2016.

2nd place (website: Kinder-transport) - Zoe N. and Naomi S. 3rd place (documentary: Encounter and Exploration of Mars) - Josh Z., JJ K., Ryan M., Isaiah M. and Michael L. 3rd place (Exhibit: Charles Darwin) - Anna H., Rosario T., Julia W. and Falisha H.

Maggie Gallagher probably shouldn’t be playing softball today, let alone count herself among Washington’s top prep players this season. She has her adoptive parents — and an incredible drive to succeed against all odds — to thank for the student-athlete she’s become.

The Burien (Wash.) Kennedy Catholic senior shortstop was left in a box on the street in China as a newborn, and she weighed just 14 pounds, battling a bout with bronchitis, when Ed and Mary Gallagher adopted her in 2000, according to the Seattle Times.

“My (birth) parents gave me up for a reason,” Maggie told the Seattle Times. “I’ve always felt loved and wanted, so I never thought about that much.”

As detailed by the Times’ Solange Reyner in a wonderful feature on the University of Washington commit, neighbors gave Gallagher a bat as a toddler — a seemingly strange gift for a 2-year-old that paved the way for one heck of a softball career. Read the full article >>

Maggie Gallagher: Driven to Succeed

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Worlds Finest ChocolatesWatch for our special edition 50th Anniversary World’s Finest Chocolate Bars. Back for one special year only--- don’t miss out! We’ll be handing these out at anniversary events and gatherings throughout the year. We know these bring back Lancer memories for many of you!

pictured 1974 chocolate sale

Rotary Students of the MonthEach month the Burien White Center Rotary recognizes students who:

• Continuously provide service to the local community and/or in the community outside the school

• Maintain a positive attitude toward others and toward learning

• Act respectful to peers and teachers

• Work to improve and/or maintain good grades

• Practice good citizenship

• Actively participate in classroom discussions and activities

Congratulations to Jan R. ‘16 and Emily R. ‘16, the March Rotary Students of the Month. Jan and Emily were honored at the March Rotary luncheon. Charlie Beall, Department Chair for the Mother Teresa program, as well as Jan and Emily’s parents attended the celebration.

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Acting Globally - Kennedy Catholic International ProgramTeri Crosswhite and Nancy Montstream traveled to China last month representing Kennedy Catholic and our International Program. With a history dating back to 1987, international student graduates hail from 6 of the 7 continents. Currently, most of our 100 international students are from China. More than 50 of our students are fully integrated into honors, AP and college courses. Teri and Nancy were guests of UESS, an education agency with headquarters in Beijing. The purpose of this travel was to gain a better understanding of our international students, continue to celebrate our current students by visiting their families in their home cities, and to cultivate meaningful, long lasting relationships with schools around the world. It was a whirlwind tour of 12 days and 6 major cities in the southern part of China. They visited private and public schools in Guangzhou, Foshan, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai. Schools in China are very large with a student population of 3,000+. Most students start their day at 7 am and finish studies at 10 pm. Teri and Nancy met with two current families, one alumni family, and interviewed several current applicants and interviewed about 40 potential students in grades 6 through 11. In addition, they set up email pen-pals (Chinese/American) through Chris, an English teacher with the Affiliated Junior High School of South China Normal University.

One highlight of the trip included visiting the Wenzhou International School, built in 2014, and touring their three new museums; calligraphy, insects and shells. This school has over 3,200 students.

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Congratulations to our 2016 Hall of Fame inductees

Chris Zocco ’87 DeeDee R. Miller ’91 Coach Bob Bourgette 1997 Men’s Soccer Team

On March 12, we honored our newest inductees into our prestigious Athletic Hall of Fame. Each inductee shared his/her favorite memories of athletic contests, rivalries, coaches and more. Special guest Steve Raible, the voice of the Seattle Seahawks, served as our celebrity emcee and entertained the crowd with many stories from his long career as a professional athlete and broadcaster. Thank you to all who joined us for this very memorable event.

Red-White-Blue Easter Egg HuntThank you to all the Little Lancers and their families who joined us on March 16 for our 2nd Annual Red, White & Blue Egg Hunt on the Kennedy Catholic Athletic Field. The sun was shining, the Easter Bunny arrived and a great time was had by all. We hope to see you again next year!

Chris Zocco ‘87

1997 Men’s Soccer Team DeeDee R. Miller ‘91

Bob Bourgette

Steve Raible

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On March 17-20, Kennedy Catholic thespians presented HONK! at Highline Performing Arts Center. A playful musical adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's The Ugly Duckling, the play proved both challenging and rewarding for the Kennedy performers. Ten weeks of singing, dancing and acting rehearsals, followed by an 11th week of intense dress and technical rehearsals all payed off on opening night, and ticket sales grew with each performance! All involved reflected positively during a post-production wrap-up party in the Little Theatre. Way to go, Kennedy Catholic Drama!

Kennedy Catholic’s delightful adaption of HONK!

Northwest Catholic Winning Spirit Congratulations to Molly B. ‘16 and Will S. ‘16 who were selected for Northwest Catholic’s Winning Spirit Award. Each month Northwest Catholic selects (2) students, one boy and one girl, to honor for their achievements and contributions in the classroom, extracurricular activities and in their church and communities. At the end of the school year, two Students of the Year are selected to receive a $1,000 Northwest Scholarship. Molly and Will were nominated by a committee of their teachers and counselors.

Visit Northwest Catholic to read Will and Molly’s story.

Alumni Profile: Marty Yellam ‘76 Marty Yellam ’76 and his entire family are truly Lancers for Life. In 2015, Marty retired from his long career with a local plumbing and pipe-fitting union. Now, he’s a proud (full-time) husband, dad, grandpa and Kennedy Catholic volunteer. Marty’s wife of 34 years, Liz Santini-Yellam graduated from Kennedy Catholic in 1978. Their children (also Lancers) are Mike ’05 and Jamie ’09 and their daughter-in-law Leticia ’04.

When Marty is not playing with his beautiful granddaughters, Sophia (4), Penelope (22 months) and Catalina (3 months), he is likely on the golf course or riding his race horses. Somehow, he says, he is busier now that he’s retired than when working! Marty’s most recent project is heading up the planning committee for his upcoming 40th reunion. His passion for all things red, white, and blue and his tireless energy, will result in a memorable reunion weekend not to be missed (Aug 26-27). When asked what he loves most about being a Lancer, he doesn’t hesitate a moment to reply that the lasting friendships that began over forty years ago are his greatest blessing from his high school days.

Thank you Marty, and the entire Yellam family, for your dedication, passion and commitment to Kennedy Catholic High School.

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2016 New Orleans Service Trip In 2005, our nation experienced one of the worst hurricanes to date, Katrina. She ravaged the Louisiana coast and decimated the area known at the 9th Ward in New Orleans. Led by Clare Ettensohn, a team of Kennedy Catholic students and faculty, gave up their spring break in exchange to work with Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild the forlorn area.

“In our Habitat homes we have completed many tasks, but still have much more to finish for our new home owners. One house we are working on will go to a mother and four kids and the other will go to a mother with one child. Knowing who the houses are going to and reading their stories makes it so much easier to complete all the heavy duty tasks we are given.” - McKenna, Ryan, Peyton, Isabella, & Jaclyn

“We woke up at 6am and traveled out to the same group of houses. We cut the paper that goes under the living room flooring, painted doors and the deck, and began to put flooring in the living room. We also finished putting in all the windows!” - Robert, Jacky, Sydney, Delaney, & Jamie

Reunion NewsWe look forward to celebrating reunions for the classes of 1976, 1986, 1996, and 2006 in 2016. We have great committees already hard at work for the Classes of 1976, 1986, & 1996 but we are still seeking volunteers for 2006. If you are interested in helping with any of these reunions, or for more information, please contact Amy Hall. Class of 1976: August 26-27Class of 1986: August 5-7Class of 1996: TBD

A World of Thanks Thank you to our student music ministers under the direction of Mr. Aires Patulot for leading our music at four masses this year.

Service Fair, May 19 Do you work with an organization, agency, or school who would benefit from student voluntarism? Would you like to set up a table for the Sophomore Service Fair on Thursday, May 19 from 8:30am to 9:30am to advertise and talk with students?

Please contact Clare Ettensohn with a job description, hours available or any questions.

We would love to know ways our students can work directly with those in need and serve a purpose in our community.

Elementary Band NewsSpring is here and that means concerts are near!

St. Anthony School begins this busy season with a performance the evening of April 21. Truly an exciting time for all the bands at the nine Catholic elementary schools. Fifth graders have their debut and the band festival is set for May 18 at the Kennedy Catholic High School Gym at 7pm.

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Lancers Against Cancer Raises $6,500

Kennedy Catholic High School Celebrates 50 Years

Please join us for our 50th Anniversary festivities – starting with the KATCH Auction Gala on Saturday, April 23.

For more information about our events or event planning, contact Sarah Dahleen (206) 957-9718

Kennedy Catholic hosted it’s first ever Lancers Against Cancer fundraiser on April 8 and 9. This fundraiser was designed to raise money and awareness for cancer research while offering the community an opportunity to come together for a common cause.

The event consisted of a night of walking laps around the track in solidarity with those who have been affected by cancer. As the night progressed, everyone convened to walk laps in the school, play games and enjoy a community dinner that celebrated the lives of those who have passed away as a result of this terrible disease.

Thank you to all of the students and community members who supported our cause. Together, we raised $6,500.00. If you would like to donate to this cause, please visit the American Cancer Society, Lancers Against Cancer website.

give BIG 2016We are excited to announce that Kennedy Catholic will again be participating in the biggest community giving day of the year! You can take part in this exciting one-day event on Tuesday, May 3.

Watch for more details in the coming days.

GiveBIG is a unique, one-day, online charitable giving event encouraging residents of King County to give to a local nonprofit of their choosing through Seattle Foundation’s online Giving Center. Contributions are partially matched by a “stretch pool” provided by Seattle Foundation and GiveBIG sponsors.

give BIG 2016

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Please plan to raise your paddle high! Let’s invest in and prepare for Kennedy Catholic’s next 50 years. RSVP to ensure that you are registered to attend the Auction Gala on April 23.

Thank you for your generous support!For more information visit our auction website or contact: KATCH@kennedyhs.org

The 2016 KATCH Auction kicks off a year-long celebration of Kennedy Catholic’s 50th Anniversary.

RSVP Today