The Ram Page

March 22, 2024

Bi-Weekly Newsletter for Garces Families, Students, Alumni & Friends

Important Dates

March 25-29

Easter Break

April 1

No School

April 1-4

Kairos Retreat

April 8

In session (previous day off)

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Message from the Development Office

Steven Antongiovanni, Lou Ann Durrett & Jenny Asaro

We want to thank everyone who made the 2024 Garces Gala, "The Magic of Garces" such a special night on our campus. The Gala Committee worked tirelessly to make the night one to remember for all our guests. It was full of magical moments - like ringing the bell and a glass of champagne appearing or reading the prayer written by Garces student Marie Zaninovich, all together, with one voice. There are so many people to thank - the committee volunteers and their families, the event volunteers, the event sponsors, the Tobias Family and JoRonCo Rentals for the beautiful transformation of MLH, Lisa Borda and her team at Bord a'Petite Catering, Sunview Vineyards, Gabe Garzaro at The Social Vibe, the live auction item donors, the silent auction item donors, Mike Miller at Cocktail Concierge, Mark Napier & Tracy Lince at Knight's Site Services, LitLetter Co., Hilary Cauzza and Matt Reynolds of Reynolds Photography for the photos and video. Thank you to our ASB students and Mrs. Thompson for all their help at the event's beginning and to Mrs. Rossi and the FFA Floral Design Class for the beautiful centerpieces. Thank you to Mr. Geissel and Mrs. Cook for their help with our auction items. And a big thank you to our homeroom teachers and students who participated in the Student Procurement Contest. And we want to especially thank our fabulous auctioneer, Mr. Paul Pavletich. He generously donated his time and talents and made our live auction a huge success! Thanks to his efforts we raised $146,650 during the live auction alone! A heartfelt thank you to our angel donors who made the night so magical by adding special touches everywhere! We are so grateful for the support of so many who love our school and our students.


Now for the news everyone is waiting for – how did Gala do?

Thank you so much to all our volunteers, generous donors, bidders, ticket buyers and sponsors. Thanks to all of them, we will net close to $275,000!

Click on the buttons below to watch the Gala highlight video and to see all the photos taken that evening. It was such a fun night!

2024 Garces Gala Highlight Video
2024 Garces Gala Photos

FUN GALA OPPORTUNTY

Paint Party with Mr. Mark Brown

At the Garces Gala we sold spots for people to come to Garces and spend an evening with everyone's favorite retired art teacher - Mr. Mark Brown! We have 25 spots available on a first-come-first-served basis. With Mark in charge, you know it will be a fun night! Please email Jenny Asaro to sign up.

News From The Admissions Office

If you need help completing the application or have questions, please call Tonya Abbott at 661-327-2578 ext. 118 or email her at tabbott@garces.org

Applying is just a click away. Use the links below to begin the application process for admission and to apply for tuition assistance.

Incoming Freshman Application
High School Transfer Application
Tuition Assistance Application

Student News

Senior Panoramic Photo

Senior Class of 2024 took their panoramic photo earlier this month in the gym. If you would like to purchase a copy, click here. Any questions, please reach out to photographer Matt Reynolds at photombr@gmail.com.

Latina Leaders

On February 17, junior Sophie Castellanos and sophomore Gabi Hernandez, members of the Latina Leaders of Kern County, were able to go on a field trip of a lifetime. Nestled in the majestic Tehachapi Mountains, these two immersed themselves in an enriching experience of history at the breathtaking César E. Chávez National Monument. They went on a guided tour through the museum, guided by Andres Chávez, grandson of renowned labor activist César Chávez. Walking through various exhibits, many selfies and stops at the gift shop were taken. From then, they went to the outdoor memorial rose garden, where both César Chávez, and his wife Helen Chávez, were laid to rest. In a moment of true inspiration, Andres Chávez delivered a powerful speech, highlighting on the remarkable achievements of his grandparent's and how we too can use our gifts to contribute to the greater good.


Many lessons were learned. Starting from humble beginnings, farm workers championed for their rights and all the way to the present day. It's evident everyone deserves equality and fair treatment. It is only through the individual that change can be made for the better! Latina Leaders of Garces is preparing for some fun spring events including the Quinciñera Fashion Show on April 26. 

Human Trafficking Guest Speaker


Garces Memorial English students were able to hear the life story of guest speaker and human trafficking survivor, Odessa Perkins, last week in MLH.

Ms.Perkins is an author, advocate, business owner and counselor along with her time as a public speaker. She has also authored three books, including "Affirmation For Kids." Garces is thankful for her time to speak with our students.

Donations Needed


Convenant Coffee and Garces Memorial are teaming up for a housewarming gift collection to support previously fostered youth as they move into their first home as independants.

From April 2-15, they are in need of baskets, towels, candles, glassware, kitchen utensils, blankets and home decor itmes. Please bring items to Room 7. Garces Memorial students can donate times or help with arranging baskets.

Students who bring $25 worth of items will also receive a free dress pass for Wednesday, April 24. Please see Mrs. Zasoski for more information.

Prom


Here we go again … Our "Mamma Mia!" themed prom is set for April 20 from 6:30-10 p.m. (doors close at 7 p.m. and open at 9:30 p.m.) at the Kern County Museum Neon Courtyards. Tickets are pre-sold the week of for $85 per ticket and dinner is included. Outside guests are permitted upon completion of the attached guest permission form and approval by Mr. Olson. If you are interested in winning two free tickets, simply email Mrs. Thompson or DM the Garces Instagram your prom-posal by April 18 by 3:30 p.m. for consideration.

Future Medical Prof. Club


The Future Medical Professionals Club would like to extend our gratitude to Jenysa Patterson for speaking to our club. Jenysa is a former Ram and was happy to donate some of her extra time to share her knowledge of speech pathology with our current Rams. Our students were very enthusiastic, engaged and enlightened during her presentation, all of which reflected who Jenysa is in her field. Thank you for visiting us, Jenysa! We appreciate your time and energy.

Re-Enrollment Information


Re-enrollment packets have been emailed to all returning families for the 2024-25 school year. If you did not receive one or have any questions or concerns, please contact Sherry Burns at 327-2578 Ext. 109 or email sburns@garces.org. If you have questions about tuition, please contact Laura Lee at 327-2578 Ext. 124 or email llee@garces.org.

Prayer Breakfast

On Wednesday, a number of Garces Memorial students, teachers and staff attended the 6th annual Kern County Catholic Prayer Breakfast.

The keynote speaker was Steve "Jerusalem Jones" Ray.

Mr. Ray is the producer of the Catholic DVD series, "The Footprints Of God: The Story of Salvation From Abraham To Augustine" featured on EWTN and Netflix.

Company G! Presents


Company G had auditions for the Garces spring musical, “The Little Mermaid.”


Congratulations to all who auditioned. This cast is phenomenal!



Save the dates for the show on May 2-4 in the quad at 8 p.m.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR STUDENTS ON RETREAT APRIL 1ST THROUGH APRIL 4TH


We ask our Garces community to pray for the 38 seniors and juniors going on Kairos retreat April 1st through April 4th.


Student Leaders

Kelsey Abraham

Analeese Alvarado

Isaiah Chrisco

Aaron Cruz

Melanie Haught

Joshua Pacheco

Nathaniel Wallace


Student Leaders in Training

Sophia Camou

Sienna Surgener


Retreatants

Mishael Baninge

Jillian Borba

Dmarkus Bravo

Kevin Cabingan

Jesse Canedo

Indi Chambers

Blakeleigh Chapman

Star Garcia

Malia Giumarra

Aden Gutierrez

Colby Hughes

Carolyn (CJ) James

Olivia Landis

Joonho Lee

Analeina Lugo

Rosemary Luna

Jose Luque

Laurel Magar

RJ Marquez

Rosita Menta

Megan Miller

Erin Nail

Victor Orellana

Delaney Pollock

Jose Rodriguez

Caleb Sosa

Jillian Stark

Genesis Vasquez

Abram Villanueva .

Please also pray for the faculty and staff who will be attending Kairos and helping guide these students during the retreat.


Blaine Geissel

Susana Salazar

Jaima Cook

Father David Lopez

Tonya Abbott

Beautiful look out point at the Serra Retreat Center in Malibu. We are hoping to have the dates and locations for next year's Kairos retreats in the near future!

The Garces Memorial Spring Concert

The Garces Memorial band held their Spring Concert last night. Led by director Mr. Ortega, the students put on a fantastic show.

This Week in Garces Athletics

Members of the Garces Memorial baseball team gather at the mound in a recent home game.

Baseball

The Rams went on the road Thursday night and handed Bakersfield Christian just their second loss of the season in 4-0 win. Nathan Willard threw a complete-game shutout as Gavin Willams and Luke Watts both drove in two runs over the Eagles. The Rams are in the Tulare tournament over the break and will return to league play on April 2 at home vs Centennial.


Boys Golf

Grant Periera shot a 4-over-75 and Carson Sorci shot a 79 to lead the Rams in the first River League meet of the season on Wednesday at RiverLakes Golf Course.


Softball

At the Redwood Tournament last weekend in Visalia, the Rams went 2-2 before returning to league play against Frontier on Tuesday at home in a tough loss. The Rams then went on the road in a 2-1 loss in eight inning at BCHS. Garces will host San Joaquin Memorial on Saturday leading into the break at 1 p.m.


Swim and Dive

It's a busy time at the Salvucci Aquatic Center for the Garces Memorial swim and dive team. The Rams hosted the annual Garces Swim Meet last Saturday, with Nick Garcia taking home top boys freshman swimmer. And then the Rams hosted Frontier on Thursday in league action.


Boys Tennis

The Rams will have just two weeks left in the regular season returning from Easter Break. Garces went 2-2 at the Lynch Cup last weekend at BHS, defeating Mira Monte and Templeton.


Track and Field

The first River League meet of the season at Liberty on Wednesday was postponed after a power failure after just three events on the track. The meet will continue on April 2.


Stay current with Garces Athletics on social media @GarcesAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

2024 Spring Wing-Ding


Join us for a year-end event that started last year in honor of our 75th anniversary - a Spring Wing-Ding! The Hail Mary Club has again partnered with Garces Memorial to throw a party in our quad. Last year we had more than 800 people join us for the night; we expect to have even more come this year! We hope to see lots of Garces alumni and families. We want to celebrate our outgoing senior families and welcome our incoming freshmen families.

Alumni Reunion Opportunity

If you are interested in reserving some tables for a mini-class reunion, please let us know! Last spring, the Class of 1993 held their reunion at the Wing-Ding and they had a blast being on campus. You can contact Lou Ann Durrett or Jenny Asaro for more information.


There are sponsorships available. As a sponsor, you will have a reserved table and wait-staff to get you drinks and dinner. To purchase tickets, or become a sponsor, click on the button below

Spring Wing-Ding Tickets & Sponsorships

Garces Alumni Board

2024 Hall of Honor Nominations


The Garces Alumni Board is accepting nominations for the 2024 Hall of Honor. Please complete your nomination form and email it to Lou Ann Durrett at ldurrett@garces.org. Every year, the Alumni Board honors wonderful individuals and legacy families who have made a difference at Garces or in their communities. For a complete list of the Hall of Honor inductees to date, please click on the button below.

Garces Hall of Honor inductees
2024 Hall of Honor Nomination Form

Alumni Scholarship Application Deadline is April 1


If you know of an 8th grader who is a child of a Garces alumnus and they are planning on attending Garces in the fall as an incoming freshman, please encourage them to apply for the Garces Alumni Scholarship. The scholarship was established to help children and grandchildren of Garces alumni with the expense of a Garces education. It's a simple application that requires a short essay along with a letter of recommendation. The deadline is Monday, April 1. Applications can be emailed to ldurrett@garces.org.