Alumni Magazine Spring 2022

MOORE

MOORE Called to be CHRIST

Magazine is published bi-annually A MESSAGE FROM OUR LEADERS
by the Bishop Moore Catholic DR. ERIKA WIKSTROM, PRINCIPAL AND MR. THOMAS DOYLE, PRESIDENT
Advancement Office.
As we approach the end of the 2021-2022 school year, it is an opportunity
THOMAS DOYLE, P’09, ‘13 to reflect upon where we have been and where we are going. Thanks be to
PRESIDENT God, we are moving past operating in a pandemic and many of the restrictions
have been lifted. We can now see the smiles hidden behind those masks. We
DR. ERIKA WIKSTROM learned a great deal during the pandemic and there are some policies and
PRINCIPAL procedures that will now be part of our normal operating practice. We look
forward to continuing the trajectory of growth that has been trending at Bishop
SARAH LUTER Moore Catholic.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS We will welcome 1425 students for the 2022-2023 school year. It is amazing
to see that our enrollment has not waivered over the past two years. When we
GENEVIEVE FABLE, P’17, ‘25 focus on our mission, faith, and academic rigor, we are stronger. Our motto,
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Together We Are Moore, is more than just a catchy saying. We recognize
CREATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR that it takes many people with different gifts to make Bishop Moore Catholic so
successful. One thing in particular that we have witnessed amongst our faculty,
TANYA JARVIS STARRETT ‘01 student body, and Bishop Moore community is a multitude of kindness. This kindness
DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT is infectious. As Catholics, we are called to be Christ to others and follow his
example to bring love and compassion where it’s needed.
ASHLEY BELLE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT The call to kindness was never more evident on our campus than when our girls
basketball team lost their beloved assistant coach, Rich Gerst, at the beginning
MATT HEDRICK , P’21, ‘23 of the school year. The team was devastated. Coach Rich was the one who
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH, TEACHER took care of them. He put their needs above his. He went above and beyond
for these girls. In turn, these girls lived out a legacy that Coach would be proud
MIKO JIMENEZ ‘18 of. They built one another up and pushed each other to be their best on and
DIGITAL SERVICES COORDINATOR off the court. Kindness modeled by Coach Rich and the support the girls and
coaches extended to one another paid off. The girls went all the way to the
MIKE MALATESTA ‘71 state championship this year.
P’ 01, ‘03, ‘05, ‘11
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS It is amazing to see the difference one
person made in the lives of others.
JULIANNA ORTIZ When we respond by taking steps to
DATABASE MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT live out Christlike compassion, people
will be forever changed.
MORGAN TONEY ‘10
DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING “The Lord’s acts of mercy are not
exhausted, his compassion is
JEANY VASQUEZ, P’14 not spent.” Lamentations 3:22
DATABASE MANAGER
Virtus et Scientia
CONTRIBUTORS:
HELEN CHWALISZ
(AND YEARBOOK STAFF)
AMY GELTZ
ROB WENNINGTON

Address correspondence to:
Bishop Moore Catholic
Advancement Office
3901 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804

COVER PHOTO BY
MIKO JIMENEZ ‘18
Miko arrived before dawn to
get a good exposure of the
Moore Center and also
experiment with different lighting
scenarios. His goal was to
capture the illumination of the
building as a beacon of our
mission and shining future.

Livermore summoned to LIFE WITH CHRIST
make CRISTO REY a reality IS ALWAYS BETTER

What is something you are most proud of that you JP Kuhlman has finished his
established or were part of at Bishop Moore Catholic? first year as BMC’s Director
Where have you left your mark? of Mission Effectiveness.

I have seen countless moments when a student has encountered the love of Christ, Looking back on this year he is
some of them recognizing Him for the first time, and there is NOTHING I could most thankful for the opportunities
value more than that. A physical expression of this came with the renovation of that he and the campus ministry staff
our St. Joseph’s Chapel in Mary Martha Hall. Out of necessity for more seating, provided for students, staff, coaches,
and with a hope to enhance the sacred space, alumni from every decade joined and faculty to encounter Christ.
with current families to make this project a reality. Generations of people who
have encountered Christ on our campus came together in service of the There are many takeaways and
generations to come. It was humbling and inspiring to lead that project. lessons that JP is grateful for this year
but one thing he felt called to do
Share how God is calling you to this new opportunity? more is to listen: to listen to students,
How is He guiding your footsteps? be open to change or a different
way of doing things, and most
As we know, the Lord’s plan often doesn’t “make sense” to us, and the Lord importantly, to listen to the holy spirit.
persisted in his invitation. As I learned more about the mission of Cristo Rey, my
heart was stirred to be part of it in some way. When I met with the Director of The Office of Catholic schools has
School Growth for Cristo Rey National, he explained the steps to building a selected the theme for all Central
school in Orlando and, with each goal he outlined, the Lord showed me how he Florida Catholic schools and it is
had given me the tools at BMC to achieve them. I left that meeting knowing God “Solidarity.” In regards to this theme,
was calling me to this mission and it gave me pause. JP says, “I keep thinking about the
heart of Christ - how true solidarity
There are many children in Orlando who will benefit from and unity is found there. So as
Cristo Rey, many of which would not otherwise have a BMC community, finding that
Catholic high school education available to them. God unity and solidarity in His Sacred
is calling them to greatness and has asked me to help Heart and for His heart to be the
give them the tools to achieve it. I thought about those heartbeat of our school.”
who said yes and boldly started BMC in 1954. They
have impacted thousands and thousands of lives in JP is excited about starting his
an eternal way. I am inspired by their courage and second year in this role and has a
say yes to the same Spirit who is asking us to special hope and prayer for our
keep building the kingdom of God in central students. “I want our students to
Florida through Cristo Rey. leave BMC with the knowledge in
their heart that life with Christ is
During my discernment, I spoke with both Mr. always better. The world offers so
Doyle and Dr. Wikstrom and both expressed many ways to live our life, but a life
the same optimism, believing that Cristo Rey lived with Christ in the service of
is necessary, is possible, and it is our others is living “life to the fullest”.
summons to help make it a reality. Christ is the answer to our heart’s
deepest longings.”

Vincent Bello has spent his entire professional career
in Catholic education in New Jersey and now, here,
in Central Florida. Vin, as he prefers to be called, has
served as Director of Athletics, teacher, Assistant Principal,
and baseball coach. Vin, his wife of 25 years Yvette,
and their youngest son Dominic, a junior at BMC, moved
to Florida to be closer to their older sons Nick, a senior
at Assumption University, and Mike, a freshman at Auburn.

PART OF SOMETHING MOORE

As the new Director of Admissions, Vin's first order
of business “is to make sure that families in the
Orlando area and Central Florida know about the
great things happening here at BMC. I want them
to know the value of a Catholic Education and to
understand that here at BMC we develop the whole
child; spiritually, academically, and socially. When
families walk on campus they know that we are a
faith-based community that is rich in tradition. I want
them to be able to visualize themselves as a Hornet.”

Vin has big dreams for Bishop Moore Catholic. “I see
BMC in the near future to be a school that stands on
the shoulders of the ones that came before us. We
remember and build on our rich tradition. I want to
help prepare this community for whatever the future
will hold.”

Vin and his boys are huge baseball enthusiasts. This
legacy began for Vinnie as a young boy when his own
father passed on his love of the game. Each of the
Bello boys has played the game. Vinnie shared that he
had a close friend who lost his fight with cancer. His
friend always said, "run everything out". Vinnie feels this
is true in the sport of baseball, but also is true in life.
“God gives us opportunities and gifts in life. I don't ever
let them slip away so ‘run everything out’ is how I live;
make the most of every day,” Bello said.

Vincent Bello and Associate Tracey Murray are
the dynamic duo in the BMC Admissions Office.

We invite the BMC community to pray for this team
and welcome them to our BMC family.

THE LEGACY GALA 2021

A TRIUMPH WITH A CUBAN FLAIR

After taking a year-long hiatus from hosting an in-person A new addition to last year’s Gala was live
event, the over 700 guests in attendance at our annual entertainment, provided by Carlos Oliva y
Legacy Gala were excited to celebrate Bishop Moore Los Sobrinos Del Juez. Carlos Oliva and the
Catholic and our very special honorees. This year’s event, band provided the “Miami Sound,” enhancing
held once again at the Rosen Shingle Creek, had a special the backdrop for the celebration.
Cuban flair. Honorees Senator Mel Martinez ‘64
and Dr. Señora Maria Boudet both immigrated Dr. Señora Maria Boudet and
from Cuba to the United States in the 1960s and Senator Mel Martinez ‘64
both have dedicated their lives to supporting
Catholic education.

Dr. Señora Maria Boudet was a beloved Spanish
language teacher at BMC for decades. Señora Boudet’s
niece, Ana, referenced the following quote by Maya
Angelou when speaking about her “Tilde”: “Often people
will forget what you say or what you do but they don’t
forget how you made them feel.” Maria Boudet makes
everyone she meets feel special. Maria taught her
students how to bridge cultural differences and appreciate
others for who they are.

Senator Mel Martinez ‘64 has been a champion of
Catholic education–specifically Bishop Moore Catholic.
Mel said in his acceptance speech at the Gala, “in business
or public life, the foundational principles of Christian
Centered Leadership as I have tried to live it has all to
do with faith and family.”

SAVE-THE-DATE for the 2022 Legacy Gala at Rosen Shingle Creek on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
This year’s honorees are Cathy McCaw Engelman ’81 and Pastor of St. Mary Magdalen parish and school,
Rev. Charlie Mitchell. We are excited to announce The Buzzcatz as the evening’s entertainment.

COLLEGE & CAREER SPOTLIGHT SERIES

BMC’s College & Career Center developed a Career Spotlight series this year
where members of the BMC community were invited to share their professional
expertise with our students. The experience proved to be mutually beneficial for our
students and the presenters.

The Career Spotlight “This program is a great resource for students as they navigate the uncertain waters
Series has been a of post-high school life,” shared presenter John Rife, Owner/Founder, East End Market.
key element for any
student planning for We invite you to support Bishop Moore Catholic so that we may continue to pro-
vide resources, such as our Career Spotlight speakers, to help guide the students on
their future. their path leading from Bishop Moore Catholic to college and beyond.

Adam G. ‘23

Support our students today by visiting www.bishopmoore.org/give/

Clue

The Bishop Moore Catholic Theatre Company brought the classic board
game to life in Clue: On Stage! on November 3-6th 2021.

Our wonderful students, with the most challenging set, prop, blocking & costume design obstacles we've ever had,
navigated the game to all come out winners! Colonel Mustard, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock, Professor Plum,
and Miss Scarlet scurried through a madcap, slapstick evening full of murder, mystery,
and laughs as they sought to puzzle out one culprit amongst criminals.

FINE ART ON DISPLAY

Our talented artists were able to display their artwork again. Our students shared their gifts and displayed their works
at the Annual Winter Park Arts Festival, the Diocesan Art Show, held virtually, and the spring Art Show held at BMC,
to name a few.

Our art students also had a unique opportunity to work with a different medium by participating in the Water Color
Project competition sponsored by OUC. The project required students to paint a rain barrel and the goal was to
encourage water conservation through art. The competition was held online and the community was able to vote
for their favorite rain barrel. The BMC team won BEST IN CITY OF ORLANDO THEME!

BLACK&GOLD BRIGADE 3 PARADES · 3 STATES · 6 DAYS

The Black & Gold Brigade participated in their annual 3 Parades, 3 States, in 6 Days tour.

The tour takes place annually during Spring Break and the group performs in Florida (St. Augustine),
Georgia (Savannah),and Hilton Head
(South Carolina). The group was not
able to take this annual trip for the past
two years as a result of the pandemic.
A highlight of the trip was when the
group was invited to tour The Cathedral
Basilica of St. John the Baptist where
Bishop Stephen Parkes is appointed.

CHOIR

FOOD This time, they wanted to make sure the project helped people
FOR but also allowed students to do more than bring food. The club
THOUGHT presidents invited a member of Catholic Charities to speak with
their club about the various ways that students could do more.
MORE THAN A FOOD DRIVE Together, they created a plan to have homerooms collect items
for a Thanksgiving meal. Each homeroom created a box for at
Every year, students participate in some kind of least two families. Homerooms worked together to divide up the
collection with Catholic Charities to serve families meal items between students and find unique ways for families to
in our area. This year, the Food for Thought club feel appreciated. The meals also had a personal touch from each
wanted to do something different. In years past, homeroom.
students collected canned, food but they were
not able to connect with the families they helped. Boxes were decorated with Thanksgiving-themed drawings and
encouraging words. Many homerooms also wrote prayers and
letters to the families who would be receiving the meals. On the
day before Thanksgiving break, representatives from each home-
room brought the boxes to the gym where Fr. Anthony blessed
them before they were loaded onto a truck to be shared with
families during the next Catholic Charities food drop. The club
hopes to continue finding new ways to serve and connect with
our community.

S T EM

SERVICE LEARNING

SERVICE Charity and justice are integral aspects of the Catholic tradition and central
elements in the pursuit of our mission as a Catholic school. To that end, Bishop
LEARNING Moore Catholic requires that all students participate in a comprehensive
service-learning program designed to foster solidarity by building relationships
MISSION between our students and the larger community. In this way, our students grow
individually and collectively while meeting the needs of those around them.

BMC held its first Service Learning Fair on January 31st, 2022.
6 partnerships were formed including:

• Catholic Charities of Orlando • JMJ Pregnancy Center

• Orlando Science Center • The Ronald McDonald House Charities

• Bishop Grady Villas • College Park Main Street

During lunches, students were able to visit each of the partners and learn
ways to get more involved with their organization.

AERONAUTICS

GIRLS SOCCER

STATE CHAMPS

For years, the girls soccer team’s motto has been “Make A Statement” and this year, they certainly did.
After a great start, and a tougher mid-season, the girls soccer team dug deep, persevered, supported each
other, and fulfilled their goal of winning the state championship game against American Heritage (Delray) on
February 23, 2022.
State Championship titles require a team effort and this group of girls, who fought from behind twice in the first half,
tied at the half, took the lead and kept the lead, to win the game. (4-2)
Without any seniors this year, this young group of athletes worked together to overcome adversity throughout this
season. They played with great dignity, athleticism, and integrity and were remarkable examples of Bishop Moore
Catholic student-athletes.
- Coach Amy Geltz

I have fought the good fight, I have finished
the course, I have kept the faith; 2 Timothy 4:7

DANCE TEAM

NATIONAL CHAMPS

The BMC Dance Team is the NDA
(National Dance Alliance)
National Championship winner in
the Large Varsity Hip Hop division.
This diverse team of girls and boys
ranges in age from 15-18 years old.
The team’s motto, “In His Name,”
and the cross on the back of their
uniforms exemplify that God is the
center of all that they do. Throughout
the season, the team showed deter-
mination through injury and adversity.
To participate in this competition, the
team had to submit videos and par-
ticipate in a number of competitions
throughout the year to qualify. Only
22 teams were chosen to participate
in this division. BMC has not won
a National Championship in dance
since 2013.

AS BMC’S SPIRIT SHIRT THE 1

IRON Each year, BMC Athletics will create The 1 to promote school
spirit and unity among the Bishop Moore Catholic community.
SHARPENS
The 2020-2021 school year was the induction of The 1.
IRON The inspiration for the front design was to reflect a superhero
SO
logo, as our community was heroic in taking on all the
ONE challenges brought on by the pandemic. The back scripture

PERSON reading was Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron,
SHARPENS so one person sharpens another.”
ANOTHER
Each year, The 1 will have a new logo and scripture
PROVERBS 27:17 reading to kick off the new school year. Collecting
The 1 through the years will be a great way to
reflect on your memories at BMC. Don’t forget to

pick up the very first The 1 in the Spirit Store and begin
your collection. Here’s a sneak peek of The 1 for the
2022-2023 school year. Bishop Moore Catholic -

THE ONE AND ONLY CATHOLIC HIGH
SCHOOL IN ORLANDO.

COMPETITIVE CHEER

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS BASKETBALL

MASON M. WRESTLING

We are so very blessed to have witnessed so much success throughout the course of the winter months;
however, most importantly, these Hornets represented our athletic department and school with such poise
and class. As the page turns to the spring, Hornet Nation eagerly awaits the next wave of athletic excellence.

BISHOP MOORE CATHOLIC

ATHLETIC

Now in its 30th year, the BMC Athletic Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes and
coaches who brought a measure of positive attention to their school and
individual Hornet boosters for their enduring loyalty.

The coach, booster, and athletes will be formally inducted at a ceremony on August 20, 2022
in the Moore Center on campus. The last induction was in 2018 due to the pandemic.

Kyle Colton ’99 Baseball and Football Larry Betsinger ’88-’95 Girls Soccer Coach
Greg Dini ’01 Baseball
Max Sapp ’06 Baseball Jack Gralton ’76
Jennifer George ‘09 Basketball Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Track
Lindsey Carter Daniel ’01 Volleyball Nick Mergo ‘77 Baseball and Football
Samantha Carter Krieg ’03 Volleyball John Cooper '78 Football and Wrestling
Bob Turner ‘96-‘02 Booster

1986 HORNETS WIN CROSS COUNTRY STATE CHAMPIONSHIP!

It was November 1986; the Bishop Moore Catholic High School cross-country team was preparing to run in the
Class 3A FHSAA State championship meet at the Deland airport. On that day, the Hornets ran with a heavy heart.
Their coach, Bob DeSormier lost his son, Pat, earlier in the season to cancer. During the season, the Hornets won the
Deland Invitational, The University of Florida Invitational, and the Catholic Schools state meet. It was then that Coach
Bob DeSormier told the team that the FHSAA state championship would be theirs. That is exactly what they did. All 7
Hornet runners (Michael Corso ’88, Chuck Evans ’88, Eddie Raguso ’88, Enrique Gonzalez ’87, Saul Laird ’88.

Mike Sansoucy ’88, and freshman Mike Pudlo)
finished in the top 45. They were led by region
champion, Saul Laird. The Hornets won the 3A state
championship over Rockledge by a score of 101-133.

Mike Corso ’88 has special memories of this season
and his teammates and what prepared them for this

successful season. “We started running before
school and on Fridays we would have
breakfast together. We all got along very
well.” In addition, Mike said that the team dedicated

the season to the coach’s son, Pat. The 7 person
team had an additional member that season.

Ryan F. BASEBALL Ella B. VOLLEYBALL Kathryn D. SWIMMING
Rollins College Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Saint Michael’s College

Taylor M. XC/TRACK Jacob R. BASEBALL Emma S. VOLLEYBALL Sofia G. LACROSSE 30 ATHLETES SIGNED LETTERS
Auburn University Rollins College University of Mississippi Notre Dame College

Addyson M. VOLLEYBALL Aidan G. LACROSSE Grace H. LACROSSE
Lees-McRae College Hanover College Winthrop University

Olivia V. SOFTBALL Thomas P. SOCCER David C. BASEBALL Sophia G. VOLLEYBALL
Florence Darlington Tech Ave Maria University Univ. of Southern Maine Stetson University

Dylan K. FOOTBALL D’Angelo R. FOOTBALL Jackson R. BASEBALL Maya G. SOFTBALL OF INTENT TO PLAY AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Middle Tennessee State Alderson Broaddus Univ. Lake Sumter State College Ave Maria University

Ryan M. FOOTBALL Philo B. FOOTBALL Ryan M. BASEBALL Sarah R. SOFTBALL
University of West Florida St. Vincent College Rollins College Montreat College

Emily L. ROWING Bryan R. FOOTBALL Josh H. BASEBALL Colin S. TENNIS
University of Central FL Warner University Wingate University Belmont Abbey College

Tiffany L. BASKETBALL Tony S. FOOTBALL Greg B. BASEBALL Meredith O. SWIM
Ave Maria University West Liberty University Lake Sumter State College University of Iowa

40 40BISHOP MOORE CATHOLIC

UNDER

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Spencer Bashinski ‘04 Jennifer George ’09
Chief of Special Operations Director of Sports Performance
Orlando Fire Department Bishop Moore Catholic

Rev. Dominic Buckley ’03 Nick Giovanetti ’07
Priest Firefighter
Diocese of Orlando Orlando Fire Department

Sarah Burbank MD ’11 Troy Hall ‘10
Internal Medicine CAD Applications Engineer
PGY-3 Sealed Air

Andrew Butera ‘02 Danielle Hodge ‘03
MLB Catcher Founder
Alma Ocean
Andrew Byrnes DDS ‘05
Dentist/Owner Matthew Hunt ‘10
Park Smiles Dentistry Chief Foreign Affairs Officer
Reliant Supply Group
Alexandra Iannone Clark ’10
Director of Marketing and Bobby Isola ‘07
Business Development Senior Managing Director
Circle K Corporate JLL Orlando

Sarah Bruno Currier ‘03 Caroline Forman Johnson ’11
Principal Client Experience Specialist
Notre Dame des Victories Ease Applications

Kristen Dreyer DMD ‘09 Sister Grace Kupiszewski ‘12
Pediatric Dentist First Year Novice
Mercederian Sisters
Handlin Duley ’09
Vice President Austin Lyon ‘03
L3 Capital Digital Content Manager
Spectrum News
Aubrey Dunn ‘11
First Grade Teacher Mike Malatesta, Jr. ’01
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School Biologics Account Manager
Miach Orthopaedics, Inc.

Larry Marks ‘03 & Miguel Senior ’02 Justin Reyes ‘05
Co-Founders and Co-Owners Director of the Office of
SUBU CrossFit Family Evangelization
Diocese of Victoria, TX
Benjamin McMahan, Esq. ‘08
Attorney Mary Ryan ’13
Wicker Smith Nurse and Law Student

Tony Mehlich ‘03 Sam Ryder ‘08
Dean of Students and Baseball Coach Professional Golfer
Bishop Moore Catholic
Steven Spalding ’03
Alejandro J. Mendez, Esq. ‘08 Managing Partner,
Shrader & Mendez Attorneys at Law Crossing Gaps LLC

Matt Morgan, Esq. ‘03 Tanya Jarvis Starrett ’01
Attorney Director of Advancement and
Morgan & Morgan Head Girls Volleyball Coach
Bishop Moore Catholic
Kara Dooley Olsen ‘03
HEARTest Yard Fund Matt Tanner ‘00
Founder Executive Director
United Against Poverty
Matt Orosz ‘02
President Alexandra Cartaya Todd ‘01
Landsea Homes Vice President of Operations
CVS Health
Alberto Piedra Jr. ’10
Community Kitchen Marketing Manager Danny Trosset ‘03
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central FL Seminole County Sports Tourism and
Sports 4 The Kids
Leslie Claracay Pineda MD ‘03
Neonatologist Michael Voss ‘01
AdventHealth Hospitality Solutions
Travel Media Group
Matt Pineda JD ‘02
Pineda Law, PLLC Jessica McMann Williams DDS ‘07
Owner/Dentist
Winter Park Smiles

EILEEN CORDOBA TONGSON ‘92

NAMES NOT NUMBERS

Two years ago, students at St. Margaret “I learned from Helen the lengths a human
Mary Catholic School interviewed several being can suffer due to another person’s
Holocaust survivors and created a documentary ignorance and hatred. Helen also helped
film that thousands have viewed around me to realize my own ignorance and to
the world. Since then, Preston F. and begin making a change to it,” reflected
Culen M., now sophomores at BMC, Culen during his address to the crowd.
have continued these relationships
and their work to educate others on Culen and Preston are now helping others
the lessons learned through this to make a change as part of the Take
horrific historical event. Action Institute where students, activists,
and community members draw on experts,
Learning about the Holocaust through history, and past struggles for progress
the eyes of a victim was much different to advance change. Although students
than reading about it in a textbook. “The can bring a variety of concerns to the
sadness, distress, and terror you see in table, Preston continues to keep Holocaust
their eyes as they relive their past fills you awareness at the forefront of his efforts.
with compassion,” said Preston. “When I
heard from Harry how he had to hide in a When asked where we can apply the
stack of tires for two days so he wouldn’t lessons learned in the Holocaust today,
get shot…no food, no water, nothing to Preston pointed to the deeply divisive
help him…it made me appreciate the environment he sees on social media.
life that I live and how privileged I am to “We have dehumanized the people who
live in a free country, be able to go to a feel differently than us instead of valuing
Catholic school, and live without worrying the other person even when we disagree.
what my next meal will be.” This is where we can make a change
right now, by talking about our beliefs
and differences and finding the common
ground on which to love one another.”

“Don’t only talk to people who think like you.”

- Preston Flittner

At the White Rose Tribute event in April
of 2021, Preston and Culen were asked
to introduce Helen Greenspun and Harry
Lowenstein, two of the survivors they
interviewed.

Bishop Noonan, Cullen M., Helen
Greenspun, Katie Walsh, and
Preston F. at the White Rose Tribute
event in April 2021.

JOHN BEDELL ‘21

John Bedell ‘21 and Edgewater High School alum, committees later this year.
Fred, knew of each other, but really became friends The boys are optimistic,
in an unlikely way. In spring 2020, John posted on yet cautious. “It is likely
social media an invitation to anyone who wanted to that it won’t pass on the
engage in conversation about the challenges taking place first try,” says Bedell,
in our nation. Fred responded to John’s invitation and the “but we will continue to
two struck up a friendship. They realized they were united work on it until it does.”
on many moral dilemmas.
John is currently a freshman at UVA and Fred is a soph-
They both were emboldened to make a difference in the omore at Harvard. The duo has a full slate but they will
world and put their heads together to determine what they not put this legislation on the back burner. Fred, whose
could do. They landed on a voter registration initiative mother immigrated from Ghana, originally wanted to be
that would encourage their peers to register to vote. As a police officer so he could “put bad guys away.” As he
a junior in high school, John Bedell piloted this idea with got older, his views changed and his scope widened. He
members of Rho Kappa and the student led team visited wants to be in politics to make the world a better place.
every classroom and, with the assistance of the faculty,
taught students the process of registering to vote. Fred John’s love for politics came from his parents. He grew
led a similar initiative on Edgewater’s campus. The two up watching his parents read the newspaper and actively
friends were pleased with the response, but not satisfied participate in support of their favorite candidates. At
that this was enough. They worked with other students on the dinner table in the Bedell household, no topic was
other campuses who mirrored the initiative at TFA, Winter off-limits.
Park, and Trinity Prep. This is what they thought this initiative
would look like; going from school to school. But then We are “growing up in a weird time –
the 2020 election came and went and so did the fervor my generation. As we look forward
around voter registration. to our future,
our generation is
The pair were not deterred. They reached out to elected going to have to
officials for support but did not receive a response. That deal with some
is when the idea of making tough things.”
this legislation took hold. John is grateful
Just like making it for the arena to
mandatory that schools discuss things
teach students about drug openly.
safety, they wanted to
create legislation that would
incorporate voter registration
into the state’s curriculum.
They tried many different
avenues and nothing
clicked until they
were put in touch
with Senator Anna
Eskamani. Senator
Eskamani loved the
idea and decided to
champion the bill.
They continued to work
hard on the language
of the bill. The bill will
be reviewed by three

REUNION HIGHLIGHTS AT

THE MOORE CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE

CLASS OF 1971 REUNION
On October 2, 2021, the class of ‘71 celebrated
their 50th class reunion in the Moore Center for
Excellence. Over sixty class members, spouses,
and teachers joined in an evening of fun. The
class recognized Msgr. John Bluett for his four
years spent with the class teaching and working
in athletics.

CLASS OF 2001 REUNION
On October 9, 2021, the class of ‘01 celebrated
their 20th class reunion in the Moore Center.
Over eighty classmates attended this event that
included a DJ and lots of dancing, and a silent
auction that generated $3500 for tuition
assistance for BMC.

Christmas CLASS OF 2011 REUNION
On October 23, 2021, the class of ‘11
Christmas celebrated their 10 year reunion in the Moore
Center.
Christmas
Christmas CLASS OF 1976 REUNION
On November 6, 2021, the class of ’76
Connect with us! celebrated their 45th reunion in the Moore
Center. Approximately 60 members of the
class attended.

TURNING 60 BIRTHDAY PARTY

Christmas The class of ‘79 celebrated turning 60 on
November 20, 2021.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
We held our Annual Alumni Christmas Party on
December 26th in the Moore Center.
Mark your calendar for next year!

Christmas Current reunions planned for the fall are Classes
of 2002, 1972, 1977, and 1992.

IS YOUR CLASS DUE FOR THEIR REUNION?

Contact Mike Malatesta ’71 in the alumni
office at [email protected]
to talk about getting your event on the
calendar.

ALUMNI UPDATES

AUGUSTUS (ROBBIE) ROBERTSON ALBERT CIULLO 1972 DONNA MILLER SPINICELLI 1973
1964 Has been married 41 years and is a Lives in lovely Deleon Springs, FL and has
Retired from an illustrious college and retired Optical Engineer from Lockheed 2 grandchildren, Vander and Scarlett.
high school coaching career in Georgia. Martin. He has two sons, Dan and Sam,
As a football coach, he was Coach of that are both married and presently serving ELIZABETH SAMMON DOUGHERTY
the Year while at Walton High, Offensive in the United States Navy. He has two 1986
Coordinator of the Year 3 times, and grandsons Currently lead
has been a and enjoys broadcaster of
clinic speaker playing golf, Food and Travel
on numerous volunteering Nation.
occasions. weekly at
He received an OCPS JAMIE BARATI
the Coaching elementary 1989
Milestone school Senior VP of Jones
Award for teaching Lang LaSalle
track from the STEM Brokerage. James
Georgia Ath- activities, visited BMC to
letic Coaches anddesigning share the winners
Association and building animated Halloween and of the Jason
for 41 years of service. He was an Christmas displays. Beaird Memorial
associate pole vault coach in the 1996 Scholarship.
Olympics in Atlanta and has been a DAVID J. KRAMER 1972
speaker at Track and Field clinics in Following graduation, David attended THOMAS P.
Georgia. He is a member of the Wheeler FTU (UCF) on an AFROTC scholarship DENNIG 1993
High School Athletic Hall of Fame as a graduating in 1976 and was comissioned Financial
coach. He continues to do football a 2Lt in the USAF. During his career, Planning Advisor
consulting in Florida and Georgia. he was selected for Undergrauate Pilot with AIG
Training and received his pilot's wings. Retirement
PAUL A. TAYLOR 1966 He completed numerous assignments Services, LLC
Retired Southwest Airlines pilot. Paul culminating in an assignment as the Vice
currently flies two homebuilt aircrafts. Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling ERIKA MEDINA 1997
He lives on a residential airport in Wing, McConnell AFB KS from July Currently the Social Services Director at a
northern Arizona. 2002 - August 2005. He was deployed local Skilled Nursing Facility in Orlando.
to the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility
RICHARD MAMELE 1967 and had the honor to command the JOANN HARKINS MOKRIS 1999
An attorney (divorce and criminal largest air refueling wing during Her oldest is a freshman at BMC now,
defense) for 46 years and still practicing Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Packy M., class of 2025!
as a mediator. He enjoys his children Freedom. Retired from the Air Force in
and twin granddaughters and traveling to January 2006. DANIELLE HODGE 2003
the mountains. Founder of Alma Ocean, a company that
David married wife, Linda Gillespie, and makes pool inflatables marketed for a
DAVID COSTELLO 1969 they have four children, Peter, Cynthia, Black American audience.
Semi-retired Donald, and Daniel and two grandsons,
consulting Jonathon and ERIK ROLFSON 2005
in the finan- Nichols. They After graduating from Bishop Moore, Erik
cial services now reside in attended Florida State University where
industry and Mount Dora he graduated Cum Laude in 2009 with
playing more and spend a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality
golf! their time Administration. He worked in the
playing golf,
tennis, and
fishing.

hospitality industry for 10+ years. During MICHAEL SCOTT, CFA 2011 WEDDINGS
his time in hospitality, Iike many others Director of Retirement Planning at
across the country, he was furloughed CandorPath Financial. Paige Strickland ‘09
due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Zak Tamoney ‘08
Now, he works alongside his brother at CAROLINE LINDSEY GARDNER
Finexio. He is also a proud father to son, STEWART 2012 11·20·21
Henrik, who will be turning 4 years old Graduated from LSU with a BA in
on August 3rd and plans on sending him Mechanical Engineering and married Nicole Baco ‘10
to Bishop Moore in the class of 2036. Austin Stewart who is also a Mechanical Mario Cuello ‘08
Engineer from Kodiak, AK.
GYOVANNA CASANOVA 2010 12·04·21
Lives in Winters Springs, is a nurse, NATALIE DILORETO BURGER 2012
and became a mother to a baby boy Works for Marriott International as a Katie Gosche ‘12
in 2021. Group Sales Manager and lives in Jonathan Anderson
Orlando with her husband.
CHRISTOPHER SMYTH 2010 10·29·21
Postdoctoral MAX GALLAGHER 2018
researcher Became an Stephanie Gustafson
at Sandia EMT 2019 (Sem. Ken Gustafson ‘01
National State), Firefighter
Laboratories. 2020 (Valencia 11·13·21
Fire Rescue
Institute), currently Jenni Piriz ‘10
working at Station Matt Garcia
13 in Forest City
while going to 11·27·21
paramedic school
at Seminole State. Melissa Agostos
Cyril Buranosky ‘11
CYRIL BURANOSKY 2011 ANGELINA RUBIO 2020
Cyril graduated from UCF with a 11·10·21
Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Sophomore at Ave Maria University.
Studies with a track in Behavioral and
Social Sciences and a track in Playing Womens Soccer.
Communication with a minor in History.
Cyril is now a Permanent Substitute BRIANNA BRASKO 2021
Teacher at Morning Star Catholic School. While
attending
DANIELLE CUCCARO 2012 USMA,
Director, Project Management for the West Point,
2022 Special Olympics USA Games . she was
honored with
KIZER JOYCE 2017 the NIAAA
US Marine graduated from basic training Scholar
Aug 13,2021 as a private 1st class and Athlete of the
then graduated from MOS school at Fort Year (Female).
Leonard in Dec. 16, 2021. He will serve
as a reserve until he completes his CHARLIE ROLENC 2021
Bachelor’s Degree Charlie
at UCF set to placed third
graduate in state for
2022. shotput at
BMC and is
currently
playing
football at
USMA,
West Point.

IANluMmEnMi inOMREIAMMORIAM

Jacqueline Marie Bruley John (Jack) Diamond ‘71
Wolters ‘56 Brother of Claire Diamond-Sano ‘74,
Mother of Patrick Wolters ‘77,
Chris Wolters ‘78, Mary Wolters Ann Diamond Tate ‘76,
Colton ‘82, Jeff Wolters ‘84 Laura Diamond ‘77

Lawrence Brennan ‘64 Michael Szafran ‘73
Brother of Thomas Brennan ‘66† Brother of Clifford Szafran ‘70

Karol Winters White ‘64 Francine Murphy Ciska ‘74
Sister of Mary Rummel ‘71,
Robert Winters ‘62 Mary Lou Jakubisin Fess ‘77
Wife of Richard (Rick) Fess ‘77
Mark Chernega ‘68
Brother of Jeffrey Chernega ‘66, Parent of Nathan James Fess ‘10
Hollis Chernega Howard ‘66 Sister of Stephen Jakubisin ‘76,
Timothy Jakubisin ‘75,
Michael Jakubisin ‘72,
Thomas Jakubisin ‘79
Sister-in-law of
Elizabeth Fess Lieble ‘79
Aunt to Joshua Jakubisin ‘09,
Jessica Jakubisin ‘11,
Riley Joseph Jakubisin ‘13,
Brittany Marie Jakubisin ‘04

in memory of Friends of Bishop Moore Catholic

Judith Brockmyer Jo D. Hinton Judge Bernard C. Muszynski
Grandmother of Colleen Evers ‘12, Mother of Teri Yanovitch ‘74, William Father of Kenneth Muszynski ‘71,
Chase Evers ‘14, Garrett Evers ‘18 Hinton ‘77, Laurence Hinton ‘83, Karen Muszynski ‘73, Alexander
Grandmother of Melissa Yanovitch ‘05 Muszynski III ‘76, James Muszynski ‘81
Betty Cheney
Mother of Cindy Cheney ‘72, Dorothea Ann Smithers Joan Ochs
Cheney ‘75, Ray Cheney, Jr. ‘76, Grandmother of Angela Baldwin ‘11 Mother of Margaret Studdard ‘69,
Andrea Cheney ‘78, David Cheney ‘80, Robert O. Steven ‘71, Susan Weeks ‘72†
Robert Cheney ‘84, Dan Cheney ‘85, Robert F. Thomson
Christy Hernandez Cheney ‘87, Father-in-law of Wendy Yonfa Thomson ‘89 Amanda Reyes
Grandparent of Daniel Cheney ‘13, Grandfather of Alexandra ‘24 Grandmother of William Ross Drexler III, ‘05
Jack Cheney ‘15, Steven Cheney ‘18
Paula Magee James Russ
Richard Foster Wife to James Magee ‘66, Mother of Father of Tanya Russ Spang ‘72 , Robin Russ ‘73,
Father of Mary Foster ‘07 Molly Magee ‘95, Jay Magee ‘93 Sarah Russ ‘74, Claudia Russ Anderson ‘76,
Sister-in-law of Elaine Phyllis Magee Janine Russ ‘77, Monica Russ Biow ‘80,
Carol Showalter Fouraker McCarter ‘58 Matt Russ ‘81, Kateri Russ Snow ‘82

Ofelia Emma Galindo Michael Raymond Mainelli Frank A. Rzeszut
Mother of Beatriz Martinez Moore ‘72, Father of Michael Mainelli ‘77, Micaela Father of Eric Rzeszut ‘91,
Adriana Martinez ‘75, Diana Martinez ‘81† Mainelli ‘82, Mavourneen Mainelli ‘79, Patrick Rzeszut ‘96, Kevin Rzeszut ‘00
Kelly Mainelli ‘85, Katherine Mainelli ‘78
Chip Harmon Donald Strube, Sr.
Husband to Rebecca Morgan Harmon ‘66 Tom Mayo Father of Don Strube ‘77,
Stepfather of William Ross Drexler III, ‘05 Richard Strube ‘80, Susan Strube ‘81
Frank Hellmann
Husband to Anne Hellmann ‘77

in memory of COACH RICH GERST JR.

In the fall of 2021, Coach Rich Gerst Jr. died of a sudden and fatal heart attack. Coach Rich was the beloved assistant
coach for Bishop Moore Catholic’s girls basketball team. Coach Rich and his father Richard Gerst Sr. ran the FBVA
(Florida Basketball and Volleyball Association) that taught not
only the game to young girls but also the value of friendship,
teamwork, respect, and love. Greg Novak, father of a former
player, and his family are forever indebted to Coach Rich. “He
helped many get college scholarships, and ensured the team was
always well cared for and were prepared to do their best,” said
Novak. This recognition of taking care of his players was echoed
by current BMC girls basketball player Alex M. who said,

“We are taking care of each other just
like Coach Rich taught us by the
example of how he took care of us.”

In honor of Coach Rich, to celebrate his life and legacy as a Coach Rich Gerst, Coach Ricky Claitt, and Carl Manard
great man, the Gerst family established a college scholarship
for a current senior on the BMC girls basketball team.

The Coach Rich A. Gerst Scholarship will be distributed
this year during Awards Day and his legacy for the game
he loved will live on.

BIRTHS

Michael Gagnon ‘03 Courtney ‘03 and Hailey (Lore) ‘12 and Amy Sweet Fleming ‘06
welcomed his second son. Larry Marks ‘03 Austin Giovanetti ‘05 and her husband Ryan
welcomed twin girls. welcomed their first child.
welcomed their third son.

Bryan Seaman ‘05 Ian MacGeorge ‘07 Lauren ‘08 and Mandy Auker
welcomed a son. welcomed a son. Billy Giovanetti ‘08 Dzengeleski ‘09
welcomed their first child. welcomed a daughter.

Maddie MacGeorge Sarah Higgins Ronek ‘10 Victoria (Coto) ‘11 and Bridgette Larranaga
Rodriguez ‘09 welcomed second daughter. Michael Cherry ‘11 Berkowitz ‘12
welcomed a son.
welcomed their first child. welcomed a son.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

LECTURE SERIES

The Civic Engagement Lecture Series was created The next speaker in the series was Senator Mel Martinez,
to provide students at Bishop Moore Catholic with former Orange County Mayor, former US Senator, former
opportunities to interact with our local community Secretary of HUD, and BMC Alumni Class of 1964.
leaders. The plan is to invite local judges, lawyers, Senator Martinez shared his story of being a Cuban
public officials, and any other civic leaders to speak to refugee and making it into the leadership structure of the
our students and give them an inside look at their specific highest levels of American government.
area of civil service. This lecture series fits perfectly with
the expectations of the Florida State Standards for Social We closed the series this year with Fred Lauten, former
Studies education, as they call for students to be able to Orange-Osceola County Chief Judge and BMC Alumni
demonstrate an understanding of the origins and purposes Class of 1971, on April 21, 2022. He shared with
of government, law, and the American political system students the relationship between the judiciary and the
as well as evaluate the roles, rights, and responsibilities legislative branches.
of United States citizens and determine methods of active
participation in society, government, and the political Senator Mel Martinez ‘64
system.

So far this school year, guest speakers have included
Mayra Uribe, Orange County Commissioner and parent
of Senior Faith S., who shared with the students the
purpose and role of the Orange County Commission.
We also hosted former Orange-Osceola County Circuit
Judge Julie O’Kane. She is the parent of two BMC
alumni, Kevin ‘17 and Brennan ‘20. Judge O’Kane
explained the difference between state and federal
courts and the impact they have on citizens.

Julie O’Kane, P’17, ‘20

Fred Lauten ‘71
Mayra Uribe, P’22

BISHOP MOORE CATHOLIC

3901 Edgewater Drive | Orlando, FL 32804
407.293.7561 | www.bishopmoore.org

Connect with us!