CARDINAL_SPRING2015_WEB

The Cardinal
THE MAGAZINE OF JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL

class of 2015
graduation special

In this issue Photo courtesy of the Texas Catholic

senior spotlight
2015 legacy gala recap
alumni news

spring 2015

Advancement 2015 legacy gala-deep in the heart of texas

JPIIHS celebrated its 10th anniversary in style with a spectacular
Gala and Auction at Southfork Ranch on March 28. The event,
“Deep in the Heart of Texas - Legacy Gala” was a resounding
success, and raised more than $400,000. All proceeds benefit
the JPIIHS Tuition Assistance Fund. WFAA’s Ron Corning emceed
the festivities, and guests enjoyed the music of The Charlie Daniels Band and Prophets
and Outlaws, a wonderful dinner and late night snacks from area food trucks. The evening
featured a live auction with covetable trips, tickets, graduation packages and a signed guitar
from Charlie Daniels. Before dinner, guests mingled in the foyer to play midway games, ride
a mechanical bull and compete in armadillo races. The event brought together the Chairs of
several past JPIIHS auctions, including Gina Banister, Mary Beth Berry, Karen Bianchin, Dana
DeAngelis, Eve Donovan, Laurie Goacher, Kathleen Tarantino and Mary Templeton. Mary and
Rich Templeton were also named Honorary Chairs and Presenting Sponsors.

WeVision will make a difference in the world by walking in the footsteps of Saint John Paul II. Kevin Leonard ‘09, John Templeton ‘09, President Thomas W. Poore and Dr. Ann Poore The Gala set a record for attendence with
Josh Tates ‘10, Jordan Green ‘09 with Charlie Daniels more than 600 guests!

Matt Boggs, Julie Boggs ‘10, Cindy Boggs, Rich Templeton, Stephanie Gala Steering Committee: (Top left) Dana DeAngelis,
Templeton and Rich Schiele Kathleen Tarantino, Mary Beth Berry, Gina Banister, Laurie Goacher

(Bottom left) Karen Bianchin, Mary Templeton, Eve Donovan

volunteer luncheon

The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano sponsored a very special luncheon for over 100

deserving JPIIHS volunteers at Gleneagles Country Club to celebrate Volunteer

Appreciation Week on April 16th. Following a lunch filled with fun and fellowship,

Dr. Bruce Gordon, a Plano cardiologist, spoke on the benefits of preventive cardiac

care. JPIIHS President Thomas W. Poore thanked everyone for their dedication to

the school. He then presented a giant check in the amount of $354,048 to the

volunteers as symbol of the amount of money they have saved the school by giving Elizabeth Bickford, Rhonda Gray,

of their time and talent. The event culminated with a drawing for some great prizes Jane Walsh and Kelly Schurr enjoy
including a Tory Burch purse, won by Theresa Properoso. catching up at the Volunteer Luncheon.

01 spring 2015 the cardinal magazine

wallof champions and Advancement

Mr. Thomas W. Poore, Stephanie Templeton, Mary Templeton, wallof honor
Rich Templeton and John Templeton ‘09
The JPIIHS Wall of Champions and Wall of Honor
were unveiled on January 7th. The newly designed and
installed displays were made possible through a
generous gift by John and Suzanne Culin and their children,
Michael ‘11 and Stephen ‘15. The display, located outside the
Athenaeum features the names of our first Wall of
Honor inductees, Mary and Richard Templeton and Caryl
Gatzlaff. The Wall of Champions displays the names of
students and athletes who have achieved State Recognition in
Academic Decathlon, Golf, Women’s Basketball, Tennis,
Track and Field, Orchestra and Band. Stop by and see this
fabulous addition to our campus today!

Michael Culin ‘11, John Culin, Stephen Culin ‘15 and Suzanne Culin pose
with Michael’s TAPPS state championship golf jersey.

mayfest and car raffle

The weather was perfect and the campus was The Freshman Fish Camp counselors welcomed Class of 2016 girls pose for pictures
bustling at Mayfest! A big thanks to Jeanne the Class of 2019 to Mayfest. during the Powder Puff game.
Larson, Mayfest chair, and the committee
who helped put on such a successful event.
Congratulations to the Class of 2015, who
won the Powder Puff game, and Michelle
DeLaurier, who won the BMW i3!

The Class of 2015 celebrates its Powder Puff victory The Parent Patio was a great place to meet new JPIIHS is excited to welcome so many
over the Class of 2016. families and enjoy the perfect weather. Class of 2019 faces on campus!

www.johnpauliihs.org 02

ToMission develop leaders who are critical thinkers and effective communicators, committed to service and rooted in faith. Philanthropy cardinals without borders

Kendall Wermine ‘15 saw a need on campus and decided to create her own charity. She will
attend Abilene Christian University in the fall and wants to continue on to medical school.

“I got the idea for Cardinals Without Borders when I read
a story about Olympic soccer player Doc Lawson and a
charity he had started. I knew I wanted to find a way
to combine my love of soccer with my desire to help
others. The first part of my plan was getting in contact
with Doc. I shared my plan to start a charity at my school to help more children
be able to learn and enjoy the sport I love. My soccer coach agreed to sponsor the
initiative. My goal for the initial service project was to collect 500 jerseys. What
surprised me was that my charity became more than just a school project, and within
my school and soccer communities we collected more than 1,000 jerseys, enough
to clothe a whole village in Liberia! Cardinals Without Borders was also able to
help children in Child Protective Services by collecting supplies and making Easter
baskets for children (photo above right). The charity also started another service
project to help New Eyes, an organization based out of New Jersey that collects and
distributes glasses to people both internationally and locally who can’t afford them.
Since it was the beginning of a new school year I set my goal to collect 50 pairs of
glasses and by the end of the project I had collected 241 pairs! (photo lower right)
I have always wanted to be a doctor and change the lives of those I heal. Now, I am
ready to continue on my journey of changing the world, one community at a time.”

class of 2015 honor cord recipients

Congratulations to our Class of 2015 Honor Cord recipients! These students completed at least 200 hours
of Christian Service and also worked on a larger individual service project.

Kate Allred Leah Donovan Mary Holguin Kelly Scott

Martin Anthraper Sophie Druffner Rebecca Luna Helena Shakesby

Fernanda Barrientos Taylor Duke Jenna Lusk Allie Stewart

Claire Bishop Sarah Eaton Monica Middleton Janelle Taylor

Isabella Boddicker Kristin Eiland Megan Moncrief Noah Thomson

Sydnie Bodnar Maggie FitzGerald Lane Odom Lixamar Colon-Vicenti

Melina Christensen Madison Fitzsimmons Katherine Pancerz Kendall Wermine

Kimberly Christy Claire Forrest Alex Patterson Leslie Wilson

Jordan Clark Michaela Fruci Sarah Peabody Leah Young

Lauren Deems Amica Ghebremariam Jacob Robb

Maricela Dickie Madison Haubner Courtney Schumacher

jpiihs senior receives service scholarship

Alicia Stewart ‘15 was the recipient of the 2015 Violet Richardson Award from
the Soroptimist Club of Dallas. The Soroptimist Club is an international
organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives
of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. The Violet
Richardson Award is given to girls in high school who have made a difference in
their communities through service. Alicia started an annual dance for children with
disabilities and their families in the community. “I am looking forward to seeing how
we can further the dance in the future,” said Alicia. “It is such a deserving community
and nothing makes me happier than seeing widespread acceptance for those who are
often under-appreciated for their beautiful differences.”

03 spring 2015 the cardinal magazine

Seniors earn scouting awards

Philanthropy

Leslie Wilson ‘15 Drake Allred ‘15 Maggie FitzGerald ‘15

Leslie earned her Girl Drake completed his Eagle Maggie earned her Girl Scout
Scout Gold Award by Scout rank by organizing a Gold Award over the holidays
organizing 200 disaster service project that benefited by hosting a Christmas Eve
relief buckets. She filled the Dallas White Rose lunch for kids and teenagers with
the buckets with supplies Women’s Center. The project cancer. She wanted to make their
and also created a pamphlet included a donation drive which hospital experience a little more
and led presentations to help collected over $1,000 worth bearable by giving them a
educate the community about of supplies and a construction holiday meal and Christmas
natural disaster awareness and project to rebuild the supply presents.
preparedness. room.

NAHS gives back

The JPIIHS chapter of the National Art Honor Society has been busy
this year with numerous service projects. Sponsored by Rita Briley, the
29 members decorated a Christmas tree for Scottish Rite Hospital
(top left), created crosses for the Good Shepard Scholarship Auction
(lower left), made Valentines for JPIIHS faculty (lower center), and
cheered on athletes at the Special Olympics (lower right). NAHS also
created centerpieces and favors for Evergreen Assisted Living, and helped
make portraits of children from orphanages in India for The Memory
Project. The group decorates the halls of JPIIHS for Christmas, creates the
front display cases and organizes the Alumni Art Show.

www.johnpauliihs.org 04

staff profiles

commitment

Kristy Rodgers Kenneth Williams Holly hammonds

Journalism Teacher, Yearbook Strength and Conditioning Head Coordinator of Media Services
Director Coach; Assistant Coach: Football,
Hometown: McKinney
Hometown: Bowie, Texas Basketball, Baseball, Family: Two daughters: Haley, 18 and
Nickname: Kris Track and Field Meg, 16
Family: Proud aunt of two nephews. Years at JPIIHS: One
“Aunt” to my best friend’s daughter. Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana College/University: University of Ar-
Years at JPIIHS: One Nickname: KJ, Da Zoo kansas, BA, Communications; Texas
College/University: University of Family: My wife, Ericka, and I are Woman’s University, MS, Library
North Texas expecting a baby! Science
Hobbies: Reading, travel, occasional Years at JPIIHS: Three Hobbies: Reading, technology,
DIY home improvement College/University: Texas A&M and exercise
First job: My first paying job in high Sam Houston State First job: Goldwaters department
school was at the local newspaper Hobbies: Working out, eating, video store in Albuquerque, NM
Dream job: Working as a travel writer games when I can Dream job: Self employed, selling a
Favorite JPIIHS tradition: I’m still First job: JPIIHS Assistant Strength technology device that changes lives.
learning about all the traditions! Or a pop singer.
Last book you read: All the Light We and Conditioning coach Favorite JPIIHS tradition: Open Mic
Cannot See, currently reading Wild Dream job: Head strength coach for Friday, of course!
Favorite movie: Sense and Sensibility the Dallas Cowboys Best advice you ever received: Focus
Best advice you ever received: Be Favorite JPIIHS tradition: Praying on your strengths, you don’t have to
yourself before the fourth quarter in football be great at everything
Favorite food: Chocolate Favorite movie: Friday Night Lights Last book you read: The Poisonwood
I wish I knew how to: Speak another and Any Given Sunday Bible
language Best advice you ever received: Don’t Something not many people know
Best thing about working at a eat seafood from a gas station about you: I skydived while living in
Catholic school: The sense of Favorite food: Buffalo wings Hawaii
Something not many people know I wish I knew how to: Draw or paint
community about you: I took dance, and I’m a Best thing about working at a
black belt in Tang Soo Do and Catholic school: I love being able to
studied mixed martial arts before speak with colleagues and students
becoming a full-time coach.
I wish I knew how to: Fly a plane so about God.
I could fly myself to the best wings
places in the world!
Best thing about working at a
Catholic school: The community of

staff and students

05 spring 2015 the cardinal magazine

Stellar students

CourtneySchumacher, Classof2015 commitment

Chances are that you’ve seen Courtney Schumacher on campus. She’s the Senior Class
Treasurer, as well as a member of Prayer Warriors, Speech and Debate, Mu Alpha Theta and
National Honor Society. She’s also played basketball all four years, and was a member of
the 2013 team that won the school’s first state championship in a team sport. Oh, and she’s
Co-President of the Spanish Honor Society.
Somehow, Courtney also makes time to volunteer with her youth group at St. Elizabeth Ann
Seton, and is a coordinator for the Plano Relay for Life. Last summer, she traveled to Nicaragua
as a part of the Diocesan mission trip. She truly wants to live her faith through her actions, and
being a Cardinal has helped her do that. “I went to Plano public schools before coming to JPIIHS,
and I decided to come here because I wanted a smaller, more personal and Catholic setting,
and I knew that JPII could give me the academics, activities, and family that I needed,” she said.
“After saying the school prayer every day for the past four years, I know that I will take away the

desire to be someone who always seeks to serve, and seeks
to achieve everything while remaining grounded in my faith. I
love being able to walk into school and say hello to teachers,
administrators, and students from different classes. There’s a real sense of community.”
Courtney’s peers and teachers see her as a stand-out student. She’s received the Bishop Grahmann
award, which is awarded to Cardinals who have a good attitude, exhibit service to others, strive to
deepen their faith, exhibit good citizenship and show leadership. Coach Jamie Dewitt, who went on
the mission trip with Courtney, saw these qualities firsthand. “Courtney is truly a special person who
strives to help others and is always a positive influence,” he said. “I am thankful to have seen her
mentor many kids while on our trip to Nicaragua.”
Courtney won the HUNT Leadership Scholarship to SMU, which provides full tuition and fees. She
will study engineering, and hopes to use her knowledge and background for good. “I would love to
use my degree to help underdeveloped countries,” she said. JPIIHS is proud to have someone like
Courtney representing our school by making a difference in the world.

www.johnpauliihs.org Matthew Bushland, Classof2015

When the Bushlands moved from Minnesota to Texas, they were looking for a Catholic
high school for Matthew. JPIIHS turned out to be the lucky school that landed him,
and Matthew’s accomplishments and involvement on campus have helped him feel right
at home. He’s an officer in the National Honor Society, a member of the Recruitment
Leadership Council, and plays football and baseball. Being on the field has been his
favorite part of JPIIHS life. “Being able to play a sport with a group of guys that is like
family to me and having Coach Gaffney has been a blessing the past couple of years,”
he said. Matthew has achieved many incredible things at JPIIHS, among them
being named a Presidential Scholar, a Commended National Merit Scholar, and an AP
Scholar with Distinction. He has also won the Bishop Grahmann Award, and was named
Homecoming King this year. “Matt Bushland is like baseball, hot dogs, and
apple pie,” said Mr. Vern Dewees, one of Matthew’s favorite teachers. “He is an
All American boy, the 2015 version of Jack Armstrong from pre-WWII America.”
Matthew hopes to major in mathmatics or economics at the University of Notre Dame,
which he will attend in the fall, and work in the business world with a
Fortune 500 company. He’ll take a piece of JPIIHS with him wherever he goes.
“The lessons I have learned through teachers like Mr. Dewees and Mrs. Gatzlaff
have taught me not only academics, but also many life skills,” he said. “Through
athletics I have learned that hard work will always benefit you in the long run.
Dedication and perseverance is the best way to achieve a goal.” JPIIHS is blessed
that Matthew and his family chose to spend his high school years as a Cardinal!

06

graduation special sectionCLASS O

07

OF 2015 graduation special section
By the
Numbers

590 Number of college
acceptances

$15.6 Million in
scholarships

27,070 Christian
Service
hours

90 Honor Graduates
(maintained at least a
3.6 G.P.A.)

8 National Merit
award winners

Class of 2015
Awards

Valedictorian

Sophie Druffner

salutatorian

Jeremy Frank

john paul ii award

Rebecca Luna
Jeremy Frank

cwa scholarship

Kelly Scott

08

graduation special section Valedictorian

Sophia Alina Druffner is the daughter of Shana and David Druffner and a member
of All Saints Catholic Community in Dallas. She is a member of Mu Alpha Theta,
the Pro Life Club, the Orchestra, and the Robotics and Academic Decathlon teams.
Sophie was named TPSMEA All-State Orchestra all four years, and won first place in the
Dallas Regional Science Fair. She also served as a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of
JPIIHS, she is a member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, teaches violin and
founded the I Love Math tutoring club at All Saints. She spent eight weeks with the UT
Southwestern Summer STARs program working in a cardiology lab and 10 weeks in the
UT Dallas Nanoexplorers Program working in a nanotechnology lab. Sophie was named
a National Merit Scholar and was awarded the Texas A&M Brown Scholars Foundation
Scholarship, the UT Dallas Eugene McDermott Scholarship, among others. She will attend
Vanderbilt University to study Mathematics and Musical Arts the recipient of the Cornelius
Vanderbilt Scholarship, which covers full tuition and a study abroad program.

Salutatorian

Jeremy Ross Frank, son of Corinne and Allan Frank, is a member of
Congregation Anshai Torah in Plano. He was a four-year member of the varsity
baseball team, an Ambassador, and a member of the National Honor Society, the National
Spanish Honor Society, Academic Honor Council and Mu Alpha Theta. He also
competed in the TAPPS State Science Competition. Jeremy was named an AP Scholar with
Distinction and won a silver medal in the National Spanish Exam. He was the Life Skills
Chairman in the Young Man’s Service League and volunteered with
Special Olympics, Beep Kickball, This Side Up! Family Center. He also tutored at
Jackson Elementary School. Jeremy was awarded the Presidential Scholarship from Purdue
University, the Founders Scholarship and Achievement Award from Houston Baptist
University, the Academic Honors Scholarship from UT Dallas, and the President’s
Scholarship and Gables Scholarship from the University of Miami. He will major in
Biomedical Engineering in the Honors Engineering Program at the University of Texas.


CLASS OF 2015

Matthew James Abernathy Assumption College Kayla Danielle Bise Union University
Drake Christopher Allred The University of Texas, San Antonio Claire Elizabeth Bishop University of Arkansas
Kate Elizabeth Allred Miami University, Oxford Jacob Cole Bobbitt University of Arkansas
Bobby Amasha University of Oklahoma Mallory Patricia Bobzien Texas A&M University
Thomas Michael Angeloni Southwestern University Isabella Maria Boddicker University of Arkansas
Martin Alex Anthraper Texas A&M University Sydnie Mehney Bodnar Texas A&M University
Anitza Arellano Bentley University Kelly William Boiko Collin College
Grace Louise Backus Texas Christian University Gunner Scott Bradley Texas Tech University
Amanda Kay Bacon The University of Texas, Dallas Myles Brewington University of Arkansas
Brendan Baker Cheshire Academy Brett William Browder Texas A&M University
Catherine L. Baker Texas Tech University Danan Anthony Brown Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Martin Matthew Baltz Oklahoma State University Jonah Robert Brusniak Stephen F. Austin State University
William Joseph Barenberg Kansas State University Matthew Thomas Bushland University of Notre Dame
Fernanda Barrientos The University of Texas, San Antonio Samantha Karen Carr University of Florida
Steven Barsam Louisiana State University Thomas James Cassa The University of Texas, Dallas
Jonathan Jay Bates University of Arkansas Elizabeth Natally Texas Tech University
Samuel Raymond Bates Texas A&M University Chavarria
Hayden Norman Maxwell The University of Texas, Tyler Melina Danielle Christensen University of Oklahoma
Becker Kimberly Self Christy Oklahoma State University
Catherine Caroline Beckman Texas A&M University Jordan Elizabeth Clark University of Arkansas
09 Andrew David Bickford University of Arkansas Kelsey Nicole Clark Purdue University

Reilly Jonathan Clark Stanford University Madison Kimberly Moucka Texas A&M University
Grace Julia Cohen Texas A&M University Austin Daniel Nguyen University of Tulsa
Lixamar Colon-Vicenti The University of Texas, Austin Chung Manh Nguyen University of Washington
Taleah Marie Cruttenden University of Arkansas Lauren Elizabeth Nguyen University of Arkansas
Stephen Rolf Culin The University of Texas, Austin Sabrina Nguyen The University of Texas, Austin
Lauren Nicole Deems University of Arkansas Thomas Ward Oborny The University of Texas, Austin
Maricela Teresa Pajo Dickie Texas A&M University Lane Odom Stephen F. Austin State University
Mackenzie Catherine Dillon Texas Tech University Alexa Rose Ouellette Collin College
Casey Elizabeth Doane Texas A&M University Katharine Avery Pancerz Texas Christian University
Leah Christine Donovan Texas A&M University Alexander Frueh Patterson Baylor University graduation special section
Andrew Michael Doyle Oklahoma State University Sarah Cassidy Peabody Texas A&M University
Katie Lucille Doyle Texas Tech University Merek Vance Pierce Valparaiso University
Sophie A. Druffner Vanderbilt University Nicholas David Piscitelli Baylor University
Taylor Anne Duke Texas A&M University Abigail Elisha Pohl Oklahoma State University
Sarah Nadine Eaton Seattle University William Raymond Pope University of Arkansas
Kristin May Eiland Texas A&M University Leigha M Portz University of North Texas
Sebastian Stephen Esparza F. Austin State University Alicia Caroline Potter University of Utah
Grant Stratton Falvo University of Arkansas Dominique Marie Pryor Southwestern University
Margaret Grace FitzGerald University of Notre Dame Maria Elaina Raab Texas Woman's University
Madison Fitzsimmons Stetson University Alexis Renea Rambo University of Oklahoma
Claire Elise Forrest University of Arkansas Evan Michael Ravitz Arizona State University
Jeremy R. Frank The University of Texas, Austin Matthew Joseph Rebello Columbia University
Jessica Marie Frick The University of Texas, Dallas Kaitlyn Anne Redeman Creighton University
Michaela Maureen Fruci University of North Texas Rebecca Ann Restani University of Mississippi
Katheryn Elizabeth Hanes Spring Hill College Kelsey Nicole Reutinger Midwestern State University
Gammon Madison Russo Rigby The University of Texas, Austin
Megan Allysa Garrett Texas Christian University Sophia Angelica Rivas University of Nebraska at Lincoln
Amica Ghebremariam Texas A&M University Jacob Edwin Robb The University of Texas, Tyler
Tess Caroline Gilboux University of Mississippi Ariana Martine Robinson The University of Texas, Tyler
Kelsey Alyse Graham Texas Christian University Maddox William Robinson The University of Texas, Dallas
James Carson Grane University of Oklahoma Matthew Aven Rogers The University of Texas, Dallas
Jackson Brewster Gray Bates College Dey Rojas The University of Texas, Dallas
Lauren Alexandra Hair University of Arkansas Mathew Gregory Ronk Austin Community College
Madison Taylor Haubner Texas Christian University Courtney Michelle Southern Methodist University
Zachary Robert Hayward Stephen F. Austin State University Schumacher
Isaac A Herriges The University of Texas, Dallas Kelly Elizabeth Scott Texas A&M University
Katherine Elizabeth Hogan Texas Christian University Paige Elizabeth Sellars Randolph-Macon College
Eric R. Hohman Texas Tech University Helena Nalini Shakesby Texas A&M University
Mary Christina Holguin The University of Texas, Austin Madison Catherine Shearer University of Oklahoma
Regan Hope Huhn Butler University Claire N Sheppard Midwestern State University
Taylor Marie Huhndorff University of Mississippi Tyler Jeffrey Sherman University of Colorado at Boulder
Ryan Davidson Jeffrey Texas Tech University Connor Delaney Shoevlin University of Arkansas
Michael J. Kenny The University of Texas, Dallas Austin Thomasson Silvera Southern Methodist University
Jennifer Morgan Kiser Bradley University Brittany Renee Smith University of Nevada, Reno
Sarah Gillian Kite Drury University Alicia Marie Stewart Duquesne University
Christina Nicole LaManna St. Edward's University Shelby Erin Summers Texas Tech University
Juliette C. Leglise United States Naval Academy Margaret Ann Tarantino University of Kansas
David Charles Lindsey Oklahoma State University Janelle Taylor The University of Texas, Austin
Ming-Han Lu The University of Texas, Dallas Noah Thomson Texas Christian University
Rebecca Jo Luna Creighton University Jason Edward Tolsch Saint Louis University
Jenna Marie Lusk Texas A&M University Khang Tran University of North Texas
Agnes Teresa Ashley Oklahoma Wesleyan University Matthew Ray Vaughan University of Arkansas
Magoha Paul Anthony Venincasa Texas Tech University
Daniel David McKnight The University of Texas, Austin Helene Rose Weideman Texas A&M University
Grant Edward McSwain University of Mississippi Kendall St. Clair Wermine Abilene Christian University
Mercedes Maria Mendiola Collin College Megan June Messner Bridget Alma Williams The University of Texas, Austin
Texas A&M University Leslie Anne Wilson Texas A&M University
Monica Renee Middleton St. Edward's University Mark Andrew Wimsatt Texas Christian University
Michael Paul Migis The University of Texas, Austin Elise M. Young The University of Texas, Austin
Caroline Merritt Milliorn Texas Tech University Leah Elizabeth Young The University of Texas, Arlington
Megan Gracyn Moncrief The University of Texas, San Antonio Frank Zhang The University of Texas, Austin
Natalia Montemayor Southern Methodist University
Patrick Read Morgan Louisiana Tech University
10

student life

Matthew Abernathy ‘15, Lauren Deems ‘15,
Cate Beckman ‘15 and Sam Bates ‘15

Ariana Robinson ‘15 and Hayden prom 2015 Mallory Bobzien ‘15, Natalie Royer ‘16,
Becker ‘15 were crowned Olivia Coletto ‘17 and Kelly Boiko ‘15
Queen and King. It was a night to remember! JPIIHS juniors and
seniors enjoyed an evening of dinner and dancing, enjoy the chocolate fountain.
organized by the Class of 2015 officers. Seniors
Ariana Robinson and Hayden Becker were crowned
Prom Queen and King to cap off an amazing evening!

Sydnie Bodnar ‘15 and Noah Thomson ‘15, Zachary Haryward ‘15, and Jack Provost ‘16 and Erica
Leah Donovan ‘15 Bobby Amasha ‘15 Mellon ‘16

senior honored for art spring 2015 the cardinal magazine

Sarah Kite ‘15, who will be attending Drury University on a
volleyball scholarship, won the People’s Choice Award in
Congressman Pete Sessions’ Congressional Art Competition for
her photo “Just a Mild Texas Day” (right). Her artwork will hang in
Congressman Sessions’ office for one year. Sarah’s work also won
the Goss-Michael ‘Retail as Art’ High School Art Competition with
the Michael Ainsworth Judge’s Award for a $500.00 scholarship.
Her work was juried into the art show among 200 entries and she won
one of seven awards given at the Goss-Michael Foundation Gallery.
Her winning work will be published in the Patron Art Magazine.
Lexi Rambo ‘15 and Abby Merz ‘16 were also finalists in
Congressman Sam Johnson’s Congressional Art Competition.

11

Acdec takes second at state Student life

The JPIIHS Academic Decathlon team continued its string
of top finishes with a second place overall finish at the
state competition. The team earned a total of $15,650 in
scholarship money. Individually, team members won
36 medals. The team, coached by Melissa Downs and
Keith Gannett, was composed of Reilly Clark '15, Max
Dabagia '16, Parker Bell '16, Maggie FitzGerald '15,
Alex Patterson '15, Kaitlyn Redeman '15, Kelsey
Reutinger '15 and Gunner Bradley '15. Individually, Reilly
Clark placed first, Max Dabagia placed second, Maggie
FitzGerald placed third, Parker Bell placed
fourth and Kaitlyn Redeman placed fifth.
Congratulations to the AcDec team for
another successful season!

Cardinal belles at nationals 1st Lieutenant Lixamar Colon-Vicenti, Captain Taylor Huhndorff,
2nd Lieutenant Casey Huhndorff show off the Cardinal Belles’ trophies!
The Cardinal Belles traveled to Galveston in March for a
national competition and made JPIIHS proud with their
numerous awards. The Belles won first place for Team Jazz, first
place for Team Lyrical, first place for Team Pom, and second
place for Team Novelty. The Cardinal Belle Officers won first
place for Officer Jazz, first place for Officer Open, first place
for Officer Contemporary, and second place for Officer Lyrical.
Not only did the Belles walk away with six
first place national titles, but the officers were
awarded Overall Officer Grand National Champions!
In addition to team and officer routines, the Belles
competed solos and duets. Taylor ‘15 and Casey Huhndorff ‘16
were awarded with first runner up in the duet category.
Olivia Coletto ‘17 was a solo finalist in the 10th grade
solo category; Lauren Bouvier ‘16, Alexandra Ecker ‘16
and Casey Huhndorff ‘16 were solo finalists in the 11th
grade category; and Taylor Huhndorff ‘15 was a solo
finalist in the 12th grade category. Casey Huhndorff ‘16 was the
National Solo Winner in the 11th grade solo category.
In the national kick competition, Natalie Clark ‘17
and Casey Huhndorff ‘16 were named Kickmaster
finalists, and Casey Huhndorff ‘16 placed first and was awarded
National Kickmaster.

swim team makes history The JPIIHS Swim Team had a record-breaking season under first-
year coach Jeff Girard. The boys team placed fifth overall, while the

girls placed eleventh. Caleb Crowe ‘16 became the second JPIIHS

swimming State Champion by winning the 100 meter backstroke. He

also placed second in the 200 meter freestyle. Caleb also led the 200

and 400 freestyle relay to third place finishes, along with Sam Fanatico

‘18, Andrew Doyle ‘15, and Jack Provost ‘16. Fanatico also placed ninth

in the 100 meter freestyle. Andrew Doyle ‘15 finished fifth in the 100

Butterfly. Seniors Sabrina Nguyen, Taleah Cruttenden, Regan Huhn, and

Juliette Leglise placed eighth in the 200 Freestyle relay, setting a school

record. Sabrina and Regan were joined by Sarah Eaton ‘15 and Katherine

Coolman ‘17 and placed tenth in the 200 Medley Relay.

www.johnpauliihs.org 12

Alumni news and notes

Please send any alumni news items to Director of Alumni David Gaffney at [email protected]

alumni Class of 2007 Anna Holguin graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in
Kyle Mitchell is the first JPIIHS alum to Business Management.
graduate from medical school! He graduated
this May from the University of Texas Health Braden Johnson graduated Cum Laude from The University of
Science Center at Houston Medical School Oklahoma with a degree in Sports Management and will be working for
with Honors. Congratulations, Kyle! Top of The World Hats.

Class of 2009 Richard Joubert graduated from St. Louis University with a B.A. in
Blake Moorehead married Katherine Larijani on Theological Studies. He was awarded the Spirit of the Billiken Award
March 13, 2015 (right). The ceremony was at the for outstanding leadership, service, and scholarship. He was also
Orion Ballroom in Dallas. nominated for the SLU Student Leader Hall of Fame. Richard will be
teaching at Rockhurst High School in Kansas City, MO as a member of
Class of 2010 the Jesuit Alum Service Corps for one year.
Jessica Clark graduated from Trinity Christian
University with a B.A. in English. Claire Knobbe graduated from The University of Arkansas with a B.S.
in Human Development and Family Sciences. Claire will be teaching at
a child development school in Fayetteville.

Lauren Dozier graduated from The University of Haley Moninger graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Zoology
Texas at Tyler with a B.S. in Health Studies. from Auburn University. She will study to become a Doctor of Physical
Therapy at Texas Tech University Health Science Center.
Kelly Mathison graduated from Southern Methodist University with her
Master’s of Science in Accounting. Gen Schiele graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.S in
Business.
Samantha Navarro graduated from Kansas City Art Institute with a BFA
in both Animation and Art History. Courtney Scott made the Dean’s List for the fall of 2014 and will be
interning at KPMG.
Blair Niermeyer graduated from The University of Arkansas with a B.S.
in Business. Blair will be working for Pepsico in Denver, Colorado. David Tarantino graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.A.
in Education.
Michael Petri graduated from The University of Oklahoma with an M.S.
in Mechanical Engineering. Matthew Thompson graduated from The University of Arkansas with a
B.S. in Business.
Amanda Stromp volunteered for Destination Imagination at JPIIHS
in March. She received her B.A. in Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Olivia Turner graduated from Southern Methodist University with a
Operations from Texas A&M and is currently working on her M.A. in B.A. in Political Science. Olivia will be working as the Outreach
Teaching at Texas Woman’s University. Serving Coordinator at Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Lauren Vaughn graduated from The University of North Texas with a Sarah Yee graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M University with a
B.S. in Business. B.S. in Kinesiology and will attend Texas Tech School of Law this fall.

Class of 2011 Class of 2012

Nikki Cupit graduated from The University of Mississippi with a B.S. in Alysia Brown graduated from The University of Texas with a B.A. in
Exercise Science. Economics and will begin working on her M.B.A. in the fall.

Elizabeth Dubret graduated from Southern Methodist University with Katy Bimmerle is involved in an organization called Camp Kesem at
an M.S. in Electrical Engineering, B.S. in Electrical Engineering, and Texas A&M that supports children through a parent’s cancer.
B.S. in Mathematics. She spoke at the SMU Commencement on behalf
of the senior class and at the Lyle School of Engineering Class of 2013
Graduation Ceremony. She was the recipient of The Finley W. Tate Micaela Messner will travel to Mission of Hope, in Haiti, to work
Award in Electrical Engineering and was named Outstanding Senior one-on-one with some of the 400,000 children living there that do not
Woman. She was one of 10 students given the prestigious M award, have parents.
and will join Deloitte Consulting as a Technology Consultant.

Christopher Hall graduated from Kansas State University with a B.S. in John Scott made the Dean’s List and Athletic Director’s List at the
Agriculture Economics. United State Air Force Academy.

13 spring 2015 the cardinal magazine

upcoming dates alumni at gala

Alumni tailgate/ JPIIHS ryder cup golf It was great to see so many Cardinals at our 2015 Legacy Alumni
Gala and Auction! Make sure to save the date for next
homecoming game tournament
year’s event, April 2, 2016! Thank you to:
October 2 October 26
5:00/7:30pm 8:00am Mary Catherine Banister ‘10, Tom Bianchin ‘09, Julie Boggs ‘10,
John Paul II High School Gleneagles Country Club Katie Boggs ‘09, Christopher Burch ‘09, Ashley Clark ‘09,

under the lights Alumni memorial mass Bill Clarkson ‘09, Vivianna Del Castillo ‘09, Katie Donovan ‘10,
Michelle Dubret ‘09, Elizabeth Dubret ‘11, Nolan Granzin ‘09,
October 3 November 2 Jordan Green ‘09, Anna Holguin ‘10, Rita Holguin ‘11, Mike Jones
7:30pm 10:00am ‘08, Katie Jones ‘10, Kyle Jutras ‘09, Kevin Leonard ‘09, Katie Mayer
JPIIHS ESC John Paul II High School ‘10, Ari Mendiola ‘09, Stephen Muhlenpoh ‘08,Andrea Murtaugh
‘10, Katie O’Neil ‘10, Kara Ostermann ‘10, Natasha Pajda ‘08, Jacob
Make sure you are following us on Pajda ‘10, Daniel Parfitt ‘09, Chad Petersen ‘09, Nicholas J. Roehll
social media! ‘09, Nick Schiele ‘08, Brennan Schlueter ‘09, Courtney Scott ‘11,
Blake Serpa ‘09, Milan Sljivich ‘09, Angela Spevak ‘09, Hannah

Sweeney ‘09, Joshua Tates ‘10, John Templeton ‘09,
Jim Templeton ‘10, Alexander Victor ‘09

www.facebook.com/jpiihsalumni
www.instagram.com/jpiihsalumni

Twitter: @jpiihsalumni

Alumni making a difference

Tara Lemens ‘13 saw an opportunity to get involved with children at the Dell Children’s Medical Center
in Austin through Texas THON; now she’s the Director of Residence Hall Recruitment and
hoping to help raise more than $200,000 for the cause.

Tara Lemens is truly living out the JPIIHS vision; to make a dif- This culminated in the "Day Of", a 12-hour stand in which all

ference in the world by walking in the footsteps of St. John Paul members of THON danced, played dodgeball, and stood for 12

II. As a rising senior at the University of Texas, Tara joined hours straight. During the Day Of, Tara assisted with merchan-

Texas THON, the largest student-run philanthropy in Texas, dise sales and running the "Relaxation Station," a place where

which raises money for Dell Children’s Medical Center. It also participants could pay to sit at a rate of a dollar a minute. By

serves as a teaching hospital for medical schools around Texas. the end of the day, her station had raised $459 overall, and

“I wanted to join a service organization that helped children in Texas THON overall had raised $102,273.89.

the community,” she said. Tara’s involvement is truly making a difference, and the

After interviewing with a few committees, she joined the Fund- cause is one that is dear to her heart; she is pursuing a

raising Committee. For the past few years, the group has been Bachelor of Science in Human Biology with a specialization in

fundraising in order to allow Dell Children's Medical Center to Pathogenesis and Immunity. She’s been accepted to UT

buy a Magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine for the center, Southwestern Medical School and will be entering the Class of

which will assist in non-invasive brain surgery in children. It 2020 through the UT SHAPE program.

would be the only machine of this kind in Texas and one of only “I stayed in Texas THON due to the amazing people I met in

six in the country. this organization and the fantastic community Texas THON has

The year before Tara joined, Texas THON earned $52,382.86; created, leading me to apply for a director position,” she said.

the goal for 2015 was double that. In order to reach that goal, “I have recently been named the Director of Residence Hall

all members of THON assisted in fundraising efforts such as Recruitment for 2016, and have subsequently set my personal

collecting money at football and basketball games, pancake goal for $1,500.” With Tara’s drive and ability, she’ll surely

nights, merchandise sales, and prof- If you’d like to donate to Tara’s cause, go to achieve it!
it shares. http://events.dancemarathon.com/

and search for “Tara Lemens”

www.johnpauliihs.org 14

900 Coit Road Plano, TX 75075

Cardinals on

CAMERA

Kate Hogan ‘15 gets ready to cheer on the Cardinal Kelly Scott ‘15 and Elise
baseball team against Prestonwood Christian. Young ‘15 show off their
college pride.
Ellie Engro ‘16 performs at Open Mic Friday in
the Athenaeum.

Jake Keith ‘16, Riley Carr ‘16, Colin Brignola ‘17, President Thomas W. Poore shakes hands with Zach Hayward ‘15 signs a letter
Parker Wiltz ‘17 and Nick Barretto ‘17 after their win Nathan Keith ‘18 at Academic Awards. of intent to play golf at
at the State Championship with the Allen Americans Stephen F. Austin University.
U16 hockey team. The team ended the season third The Cardinal baseball team celebrates after its
in the country after winning a bronze at Nationals. win over Liberty Christian to clinch the TAPPS Josue Colmenero ‘18
District Title. competes at the Cardinal
Check out our social media sites Relays in April.

for daily happenings at JPIIHS!

facebook.com/jpiihs
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