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Sitting down with Dr. Michael Shifflett, Class of 1971, afforded me a glimpse into the early days of Justin High School, then an all boys’ school. As a member of the second graduating class of the newly established Catholic school, founded in 1966, Michael experienced Justin in its formative years. In those years, the school was shaped by pioneering students, dedicated educators, and an evolving community who were building something entirely new. His family’s connection runs deep. His sister, Kathryn Shifflett (Hoff) was in the very first class of the girls’ school, Siena High, graduating in 1970, making the Shiffletts one of the school’s earliest legacy families. Our conversation was filled with history, heart, and the unmistakable pride of someone who helped lay the foundation for the Justin-Siena community we know today. The two schools merged in 1972.
Asked how the decision was made for him to attend Justin High School, Michael responded that it was a “no brainer.” He was attending St. Apollinaris, and Justin High was the new small Catholic school in town. His older brother was three years ahead, so for him, the only local option was Napa High, with more than 3,000 students enrolled.The new Justin High filled a niche beyond public schools by seeking students from disadvantaged situations, which even 55 years ago, reflected the message of our founding father, St. John Baptist de La Salle, by embracing the core principle of inclusivity.
For Michael, fitting in at Justin High was easy. Coming from St. A’s, he had a long established group of friends. For years, St. As had been basketball rivals with the St. John’s Catholic kids. He recalls that finding themselves now on the same team “worked out well.” An added bonus was that the new school also brought the neighboring communities of St. Helena, Calistoga, and Sonoma together. Sports were “a big deal,” and he made lifelong friends through his participation, especially in the football program, which his father, along with many other fathers, were instrumental in starting his sophomore year.
Br. Conrad was his #1 favorite teacher. Michael praised him saying, “He was amazing. He truly appreciated kids who showed interest.” He used quotes to teach and had an intense knowledge of literature and poetry that he shared in a unique way with his students. Michael recalled writing a poem about baseball that Br. Conrad had him read aloud in front of the class. His other standout teachers were Robert Morrish, who shared a similar literary knowledge, though with a very different delivery, and James Groble, who “encouraged his students to think and question.”
Michael emphatically responded “Yes!” when asked if Justin High School had prepared him for college. “I was accepted at UC Berkeley, which was my first and only choice, and then into medical school at UCLA. I was fortunate that I had the opportunity to take some classes at Napa Valley College while still in high school. My senior year math teacher made sure I was well prepared for college math.”
Referring to the La Sallian value, “Enter to Learn & Leave to Serve,” Michael makes the connection of not being aware at the time where his medical training would lead him. He was guided by the notion of going into medicine to help people. Surgical fields appealed to his mind and skill set. Ultimately, with having family roots here, coming back to Napa was an easy decision, affording him opportunities to serve his home community.
In 1987, Michael became the team doctor at Justin-Siena. He attended all of the football games, and had a special draw to girls basketball, as nieces Lindsay and Molly Hoff , classes of '95 and '97, played on those teams. Providing school physicals, scoliosis screenings, and working with disabled kids through California Children's Services (CCS) were part of his contribution to the Napa community for over 30 years.
Now retired from medicine, he and his wife, Susan (Lanziti) class of ‘72, agree the grandkids now come first. They try to be part of every phase of their young lives. Recognizing how quickly they grow up, Michael sees it clearly. “When you’re a grandparent, you are either in their lives or you aren’t,” and with the new technology, it is a greater challenge. “When we are with our grandkids, we minimize the screens. It’s about being together as a family.”
For fun, Michael and Susan are on the Napa Valley Vine Trail either riding their bikes in St. Helena or Yountville, or walking the valley’s beautiful trails, including the idyllic Yount Mill Road. Exercise is a big part of their lives. When going to see their daughter, Augusta ‘04, in New York, they walk everywhere. When visiting their sons, Michael and Jonathan, and their families in Southern California, they opt to be on foot as well. Indian Wells and Palm Desert are pedestrian friendly places they also enjoy visiting.
For being inducted into the Justin-Siena Hall of Honor in 2004, Michael reacts, “I was humbled. I was just trying to do the best I could at my work. I feel privileged to be in that group.”
Offering advice for today's Justin-Siena students, he reflects on his own experience, suggesting they be involved in many areas besides academics, which these days seems to evoke a great deal of worry and stress. “Don’t miss out on other opportunities besides sports - I often regret not being part of the theatre activities. Bob Morrish was just starting the program and I enjoyed singing (even learned many of the lines in “My Fair Lady”), but I was always tied up with sports practices.” Noting the concerns students today have about getting into schools, he wonders if expectations might be unrealistic. “Students have lots of options besides top tier schools, and are fortunate to have college counselors here to help them explore those.”
Learning Dr. Michael Shifflett's personal Justin High School story gave me an appreciation for the longevity of our mission and the values that continue to define Justin-Siena. He, along with his sister and younger siblings, led the way for the Shifflett family to become an inspiring legacy for our school.
Here’s to being #ALLHEART, and in the spirit of “Sempre Avanti,” I hope to cross paths with Michael again soon - maybe somewhere along the Vine Trail.
Jennifer Rasler ‘86
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