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The Ram Page
February 9, 2024
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Bi-Weekly Newsletter for Garces Families, Students, Alumni & Friends | |
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Feb. 13
Fat Tuesday
Feb. 14
Ash Wednesday Mass
Feb. 19
President's Day (No School)
Feb. 20-23
FFA Week
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Follow us on our social media sites to stay up to date on the latest updates from Garces Memorial | |
Letter From Campus Ministry | |
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Garces Memorial High School embraced the spirit of national Catholic Schools Week 2024 with a week-long series of events celebrating family, community and gratitude. The festivities commenced with a heartwarming "Grandparents Day," where the school welcomed grandparents to join their grandchildren for Holy Mass, followed by lunch on campus. Commemorative photos captured the joy of our students and their loved ones, echoing the school's commitment to nurturing familial connections.
Throughout the week, Garces honored the other pillars of the community, starting with "Teacher Appreciation Day." Students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to educators through affirmations and gestures of appreciation, recognizing their dedication and impact.
"Parents Day" provided an opportunity for parents to engage with their children on campus, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie within the school community.
"Community Day" celebrated local priests and religious brothers and sisters, acknowledging their contributions and offering affirmations and sweets as tokens of appreciation.
"Student Appreciation Day" treated students to a lively concert by a student-led band, along with pizza served by staff and fun activities like arrow tag and backyard games, underscoring the school's commitment to student well-being and enjoyment.
The week culminated in "Parish Life Day," where students volunteered and showcased their Garces attire while attending Sunday Mass with their families, reinforcing the school's integration of faith into daily life.
Catholic Schools Week 2024 at Garces exemplified the values of faith, community and gratitude, uniting students, families, educators and the broader community in celebration and appreciation.
Thank you all who participated in this wonderful celebration!
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,
PJ Pierce
Campus Minister
Garces Memorial High School
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News From The Admissions Office | |
Contact Tonya Abbott, Director of Admissions if you have questions or need assistance completing the FACTS Grant & Aid application. | |
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If you plan to submit an application for tuition assistance for the 2024-25 school year, you must complete the application by February 16, 2024. Below is the link to apply through the FACTS Grant & Aid portal. If you already have an account set up in the Garces FACTS Grant & Aid, you will not be required to create a new account. Log into your existing account and complete the application for the 2924-25 school year. You must however, complete the Request for Tuition Assistance Form (Step 1 of the "How to Apply for Tuition Assistance" section on the Garces website Admissions/Tuition/Fees).
If you are a family of a current student and applying for aid for the first time, OR a family of an incoming freshman applicant, please create an account in FACTS Grant & Aid, then complete the application. (Steps 1 thru 3)
Bakersfield Catholic Education Foundation Scholarships
All families completing the FACTS Grant & Aid application are strongly encouraged to also apply for scholarships offered through the Bakersfield Catholic Education Foundation. Please note: If your student is already a recipient of one of the scholarships offered through the Bakersfield Catholic Education Foundation, you DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY for that scholarship, however, in order to be eligible to renew the award, you must complete the FACTS Grant & Aid application for the 2024-25 school year.
Click here to go to the BCEF website for more information.
Questions regarding the Bakersfield Catholic Education Foundation, can be directed to the foundation's Executive Director Lou Ann Durrett.
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Space is limited for the 13th, so contact Tonya Abbott by Monday, February 12th to reserve your student's spot for Tuesday.
If February 13th doesn't work, we have additional Shadow Days scheduled for Tuesday, February 20th and Thursday, March 7th.
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Additional Shadow Days Added for Incoming Freshman and Transfer Students
We've added a few more Shadow Days in case your student missed out on visiting our campus for the day with a current Garces student as their host. They will spend time with their host in classes, during break and at lunch. Let them see what life will be like as a Garces Ram. Eighth graders are matched with a current freshman, and transfer students matched with a student in their current grade level. Next Tuesday would be a great day to visit. We will hold our annual Fat Tuesday Food Truck Extravaganza.
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ASB 'All In'
Garces leadership is ‘All In’! on Wednesday, they embraced the Renaissance leadership event along with other local high schools, gaining insights into transforming campus culture and being inspired by notable speakers Dr. Phil Campbell and Gian Paul Gonzalez.
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Latina Leaders
January has been an eventful month for the Latina Leaders, hosting many personal events to commemorate Latino culture! On January 11 they celebrated the Latino tradition of cutting the rosca as an intimate club event. This tradition, if you are unfamiliar with it, is when a cake is cut which contains inside it many tiny baby Jesus figures. The person's slice containing one of these baby Jesus’, is obligated to make tamales for everyone! As well on January 22, Mrs. Marisol White, a Sociology and Culture professor at Bakersfield College, came to Garces to talk to the Latina Leaders about the importance of preserving Culture through various means and what it means to be a Latina, discussing many different aspects of culture and society's impact on it. Latina Leaders continue to have a busy schedule in the month of February. Club moderator is Mrs. Edwards at sedwards@garces.org
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Black Student Union
BSU has a busy month of events to celebrate Black History Month, which was created by the federal government to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States.
BSU began the celebration by hosting a 360-degree camera on campus during lunch for students. In addition, BSU members attended the 5th annual Kern High School District BSU conference at West High School where they attended seminars and gathered with other BSU members from other schools. Ten students represented Garces and all were recognized for the academic achievements for earning a 3.0 or higher. President, Jayla Ward, and BSU member, Paige Ozoral, earned highest recognition with a 4.3 GPA. It was a great way to kick off Black History Month and celebrate culture.
Throughout the month Black Student Union will be holding several events and activities to celebrate here at Garces. Check out the Garces ASB Instagram for the latest updates and stay tuned for more announcements. Club moderator is Mrs. Edwards at sedwards@garces.org
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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 2,3 & 4 in the quad 8 p.m.
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Time to Register for our Spring Kairos Retreat
Open to all seniors and juniors, with priority going to seniors. Four amazing, life changing days at the beautiful Serra Retreat Center in Malibu. Transportation, food and lodging included.
Retreat fee: $350
Financial assistance is available for students needing help with covering the retreat fee.
Please complete the registration form and return to Tonya Abbott by March 1.
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Vote Garces "Best Private School" | |
Vote Garces "Best Of"
Garces Memorial is once again up for "Best Private School" in the annual Readers' Choice Poll by The Bakersfield Californian. Garces Memorial has won the award four consecutive years, let's make it FIVE!
Click here to vote for Garces Memorial. The voting runs through Feb. 13 and you have the ability to vote daily. Please help us to keep this streak alive.
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Congratulations to all of the Fall 2023 CSF honorees! | |
This Week in Garces Athletics | |
The entire Garces Memorial girls soccer team poses on Senior Night on Monday. | |
Boys Basketball
The Rams ended the regular season on Wednesday with a 52-44 win over Stockdale. The win puts the team back to .500 at 14-14 overall and finished second in River League play. The Central Section playoffs brackets will be released this weekend with the first round on Tuesday.
Girls Basketball
The Rams battled in the season finale on Wednesday in a 54-39 loss at Stockdale. The Rams did not secure enough wins to advance to the post season, but look towards a big 2024-25 season with the entire roster returning.
Boys soccer
On Senior Night on Wednesday, senior Rhamses Alapisco scored a goal for the Rams in the first two minutes but fell to Stockdale 2-1. The Rams advance to the Division III playoffs as the No. 14 seed and will play at No. 3 Delano-Chavez at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Girls Soccer
After finishing second in the River League with a 16-2-1 overall record and 5-1-1 in league play, the Rams earned the No. 2 seed in the Division I playoffs. The Rams will have a first round bye and will host the quarterfinals on Feb. 15.
Wrestling
The postseason begins today for the boys and girls wrestling programs with boys looking to send at least a half-dozen wrestlers to Masters next week as the compete today and tomorrow in the D-III tournament at Hoover High in Fresno. The girls are in the D-I tournament at Visalia-Golden West, looking to send all five wrestlers to Masters.
Stay current with Garces Athletics on social media @GarcesAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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Varsity boys basketball head of program Brian Dignan with seniors Luke Taylor (24), Chris Sanchez (10) and Jack Gonzales (32) on Senior Night on Wednesday. | |
The entire boys soccer team takes a picture with our five seniors in the rain on Wednesday for Senior Night. | |
2024 Athletic Signing Ceremony | |
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On Thursday at lunch in the gym, we recognized six Garces Memorial senior student-athletes that have signed National Letters of Intent to play their sport in college.
Congratulations to (from left) Johnny Mendiburu (Loyola Marymount men's water polo), Ian Harrison (University of San Diego football), Lola Rebuck (Bushnell University women's soccer), Indi Chambers (Bushnell University women's soccer), Andrew Witt (Montana State-Billings baseball) and Cooper Carter (York University baseball).
Check out more photos on the Garces Athletics Facebook or Instagram accounts.
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45th Annual Garces Gala
"The Magic of Garces"
Saturday, March 9
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Gala Tickets Are Selling Fast!
Gala is a month away! It's exciting to see so many people coming out and supporting this year's Gala. We have already sold two-thirds of our tables, and it looks like we will sell out! You can be a sponsor, purchase a table of 10, a table of eight, or individual tickets.
The committee is working overtime to provide a great evening for our guests with some amazing auction items. We are beyond grateful to all our auction item donors! It's an impressive array.
You can purchase your table or tickets online or contact Lou Ann Durrett or Jenny Asaro. Sponsorships are available until February 23rd.
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Sneak Peak - Gala Live Auction Items | |
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VILLA ENSUENO
CABO SAN LUCAS
The highest bidder will enjoy a four night stay at the Townsend family villa, just steps away from the beach. The villa sleeps 10.
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PRIVATE FISHING LODGE
ON THE MADISON RIVER
The highest bidder will enjoy a three night stay and a two day float fishing trip on the Madison River in Montana.
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PARTY FOR 30 AT THE BILLINGS' HOME
The highest bidder and a group of thier friends will be treated to a fabulous taco party and a live band.
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GRADUATION RESERVED SEATING & PARKING
Be the highest bidder and receive reserved seating and parking for the Class of 2024's Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremonies.
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TROPHY TRUCK EXPERIENCE
The highest bidder will experience a day like no other - an exhilarating ride in the desert in Wayne Lugo's Trophy Truck!
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AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE PUPPY
The highest bidder will add a new member to their family! An Australian labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and a Labrador Retriever.
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Thank You to Our Gala Sponsors To Date!
Thank you for underwriting our event. We couldnt do it without your support.
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Houdini Level
Citizen's Business Bank
Copperfield Level
Anthony Vineyards, Inc.
Penn & Teller Level
Mission Bank
Tom & Terri Jamieson
OLPH Parish
Borba Ranch
Ingrid & John-Paul Lake
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Abracadabra Level
Mary Trichell
Cabinetworx
Trinity Safety Company
Jim Burke Ford
Voilà Level
A+ Shredding
B & B Surplus
Mazzei Franconi LLC
Southern Valley Chemical
Kathy Gargan
Hocus Pocus Level
Bakersfield Net
Rick & Cindy Jones
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Student Gala Contest
Ends February 16th
Our students are participating in our Gala Contest. Each homeroom chose a theme for their class and they will be gathering items to create amazing baskets for the Gala Auction! If your family has access to something that would be a fabulous auction item, please consider donating it. Your student will still receive credit even if the item does not match the theme. For instance, if you have access to a personal service, a vacation home, gift cards, or tickets to a professional sporting event - please consider donating them as those are always a hot ticket! If you can send a receipt with items you have purchased - we would greatly appreciate it. Or you can make a cash donation and the homeroom teacher can use it to add to their basket. If we get doubles - it makes it easy for us to make a quick return and replace it with something else for the basket. All donated items can be turned in to your student's homeroom teacher or the front office. The students are competing for a “Ditch Day” – the winning class will get a field trip on Thursday, April 4th, to the McDermont Field House! If you have any questions, please contact Jenny Asaro at 32702578 ext. 160.
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We are blessed beyond measure with our volunteer committee members for this year's Gala. They are an outstanding group who want to make this year's Gala an exceptional event for the Garces community. | |
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Ingrid Lake '97, Co-Chair
Mia Selvidge '87, Co-Chair
Lisa Andrew '84
Suzie Antongiovanni '97
Jennifer Borba
Terri Collins '72
Lindsay Denison '94
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Gina Fanucchi
Lauren Helper '98
Sarah Hoekstra
Deanna Lugo
Julissa Maristany
Cindy Meek
Tami Opie '88
Melissa Ortega
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Teresa Ramos-Alvarez '78
Raji Sanghera '87
Courtney Tobias '92
Annalisa Townsend
Andrea Weishaar
Jenny Asaro
Lou Ann Durrett
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If you are interested in volunteering your time to help in some way with Gala, please let us know. Many hands make light work and we welcome everyone who would like to help out. Please reach out to Jenny Asaro, Development Associate at jasaro@garces.org. | |
Follow Us!
Check out our new Instagram page and give us a follow on Instagram
@garcesFUNraising
Garces Gala, Holy Smoke Fall BBQ and Monsignor Leddy Golf information and highlights will be posted on our new Instagram page.
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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Joaquin Resendez '55
Father of Chris Resendez '79 and Alyce Castaneda '82;
Grandfather to Christopher Castaneda '01, Brandon Resendez '06, Adam Resendez '06, &
Stephanie Valdez '15.
Jim Clark Sr. '63
Father to Jimmy Clark '92; Grandfather to Nikolaos Lelopoulos '12 & James Lelopolos '16
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