The Ram Page

September 20, 2024

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

Important Dates

September 24th

Mass Day

September 30th

Mass Day

Kairos Retreat

October 7th

Homecoming Week

October 8th

Fall Awards

October 10th

Homecoming Rally

Holy Smoke BBQ

October 11th

Inservice - NO SCHOOL

Homecoming

October 12th

Homecoming Dance

October 16th

All School Testing

October 18th

Foodapalooza

October 22nd

Mass Day

Message from the Principal

Garces Families and Friends,

I am excited to share all the exciting news from the beginning of the 2024 school year!

We had a great start to the year with our Freshman retreat based on the theme John 10, Christ the Good Shepherd, and His Sheep. We are looking forward to our first Kairos retreat of the school year happening on September 30th-October 3rd followed by our Sophomore retreat on October 28th-30th. The Holy Spirit is present and working in all our hearts here at Garces and we are looking forward to the impact that these upcoming retreats will have for our students.

We are also looking forward to homecoming on October 11th and we hope to see our students, families, alumni and families of future Rams at the game to support our football team and students performing at halftime. It is going to be a fun-filled event!

Our teachers have been collaboratively working on reviewing curriculum and sharing strategies and ideas to continue growing and improving the academic experience for all students.

We look forward to what is in store for us throughout the year!

God Bless and Go Rams!

Noel Leon

Principal

Parent News

Pray for our Kairos Retreatants

On September 30th, 51 of our juniors and seniors will go on their Kairos retreat, along with five faculty members and our Garces Chaplin, Fr. David Lopez.

We ask our Garces community to keep these students as they take another step on their faith journey.

Parent Service Involvement Program

By now all families should have received information about the Parent Service Involvement Program. Utilizing the MobileServe app, you can log all of your hours and find opportunities to help the school. Not all volunteer opportunities are going to be listed on the app. Those listed are areas the school has identified as immediate needs. From time to time, we will be adding other events and activities where volunteers will be needed. Keep in mind things you do or donate for a specific program or team can be counted as volunteer hours. For example, helping set up for a team dinner, building sets for a play, providing snacks for students working on Homecoming skits. Purchasing supplies for a student club or program. Helping as a parent club member, or committee member on one of our planning committees. Monetary donations are calculated at $20 per hour.

Parents receiving tuition assistance use the code: 0DB72E GMHS: FA

Parents not receiving assistance use the code: 662629 GMHS: PSI

In the event you need help setting up your account, download the step by step instructions here.

Still need help? Contact tabbott@garces.org or jasaro@garces.org

Student News

Activity Corner

Homecoming 2024: Soaring Over the World

We’re excited to announce this year’s Homecoming theme: Soaring Over the World: Countries! The festivities will include a fun-filled spirit dress-up week, a thrilling Homecoming football game featuring our Homecoming court and a halftime skit performance, and an unforgettable dance.

Spirit Dress-Up Week

Get ready to show your school spirit with our themed dress-up days:

● Monday: Gold Medal Monday

Gear up for victory! Show off your inner Olympian by dressing as your favorite athlete or representing a sport from the Olympic Games. Whether it’s track, gymnastics, or swimming, let’s go for the gold!

● Tuesday: Tourist Trap Tuesday

Grab your fanny packs, maps, and sunglasses! Embrace your inner tacky tourist and explore the campus like you’re on vacation. Don’t forget your camera—every moment is worth capturing!

● Wednesday: Wild vs. Wilderness

Will you blend in or stand out? Choose between camo gear or your wildest animal prints for a fun clash of the animal kingdom versus the great outdoors. Which side will you be on?

● Thursday: HOCO Spirit Thursday

It’s time to rep your Homecoming pride! Throw on your HOCO shirt (available for purchase the week of HOCO) and get ready to show some spirit as we head into the big game weekend.

● Friday: No School – Inservice Day

Enjoy the day off, Rams! Rest up and get ready for the Homecoming game and dance.

Homecoming Dance

Join us for A Night in Paris on Saturday, October 12th from 7:00 - 9:30 PM in MLH. This event will be presale tickets only, available for $30. Don’t miss out on a magical evening celebrating with friends!

Class Skit Themes

As part of the Homecoming excitement, each class will present a halftime skit performance with a country theme:

● Freshmen: Greece

● Sophomores: France

● Juniors: England

● Seniors: Brazil

Parent Hours Opportunity

Parents, if you’re able to donate supplies for Homecoming backdrops or other materials needed for the event, you can earn parent hours!. For more information, please reach out to Mrs. Thompson cthompson@garces.org.

Let’s make this year’s Homecoming one to remember! Go Rams!

School Photos - Retake Day Ordering

For students who took pictures on Retake Day this week scan the QR code to order prints. Or use the Picture ID code: EVTQJG2VJ on mylifetouch.com

Admissions

Little Cheer Night

Thursday, October 24th

Garces welcomes all elementary-age students to come and cheer at our home game on Thursday, October 24th. The cost is $60 and includes a t-shirt, pom-poms, and a cheer bow. You can pay online on our website or bring in your paperwork and pay at the front desk.

All paperwork is due on Friday, October 9th. Spots are limited. Please click on the links below or visit our website for more information: garces.org

Volleyball Mentors

Thank you Coach Jackie and the Garces volleyball players for traveling to St. Francis Parish School to share your skills with the St. Francis volleyball team. What a great way to show future Rams what it will be like to play for Garces some day! Our Garces student athletes would love to share their talents with other future Rams. If your school is interested, contact Garces Athletic Director Joan Finch at jfinch@garces.org

Advancement Department

Lou Ann Durrett, Director of Advancement, 661-327-2578 ext. 129

Jenny Asaro, Advancment Associate, 661-327-2578 ext. 160

The Monsignor Leddy Golf Classic

Raised $115,000!!!!

Thank you to everyone who helped to make this year's Monsignor Leddy Golf Classic one of the most successful tournaments in the school's history. We raised over $115,000 thanks to everyone who supported the tournament - from the committee members, the sponsors, the players, and especially the Hail Mary Club.

The Hail Mary Club's Reverse draw raised $56,000 alone! Congratulations to the winners who decided to split the pot - Damon Culbertson and Tony Martinez. A big shout out to Damon Culbertson of Mercedes-Benz, Jon Zaninovich of Jasmine Vineyards, Kelli Davis of State Farm, and AJ Antongiovanni of Mission Bank for the tee box giveaways for the players.

Thank you golf Committee Members for all you did to make this year's tournament one of the best! 2024 Golf Committee Members: Committee Chairman John Trichell ‘95; Committee Members Jamie Carlson, Hassan Halevy, John Hatten, Steve Haupt ‘77, J.P. Helper ‘98, Tom Ming ‘88, Daniel Root ‘08, Jenny Asaro, & Lou Ann Durrett

2024 Garces Man of the Year

John Hatten

Congratulations to John Hatten who was presented the 2024 Man of the Year at the Monsignor Leddy Golf Dinner! John was recognized for all he has done and continues to do, for the students at Garces. John is a big supporter of Catholic education. He is a founding member of the Hail Mary Club, brought the scholar-athlete backpack program to the school, and served on the golf committee for several years. He came back to help us out this year and was instrumental in the success of this year's tournament. We are so grateful for him. He is a wonderful ambassador for our school.

Congratulations to our Tournament Winners!

2024 Monsignor Leddy Golf Champions

The Lynn Company

Bruce Lynn, Stephen Hale, Grayson Ollivier, & Rufie Fessler

2024 Monsignor Leddy Golf Longest Drive

Grayson Ollivier

2024 Monsignor Leddy Golf Closest to the Pin

Thank You Bennet & Carson

Two golfers from the Garces Boys Golf Team were out on the course during the tournament - seniors Bennet Michaud and Carson Sorci. Golfers could pay $20 for one of the boys to hit their tee shot. All the funds raised will go to the Garces Boys Golf Fundraising Account to help cover the costs for the team's golf shirts this school year. Thank you to all the players who supported the boys. They raised $660 for their team this year!

Holy Smoke Fall BBQ

Our BBQ Sponsorships and tickets are available. The sponsorship come with VIP tickets. Our VIPS will have runners to go and get them drinks and their dinners - no waiting in line! Sponsorships start at $500. All funds raised support the school we all love so much. Individual tickets are available and include Open Bar, NY Steak Dinner, and Live Music. For more information, click on the links below.

Fall BBQ Sponsor Information

Fall BBQ Sponsorship Response Form

2024 Holy Smoke Fall BBQ Committee: Bill Potter ‘97, Co-Chair, Joe Etcheverry ‘94, Co-Chair, Molly Antongiovanni ‘12, Lexi Clerou ‘06, Jeff Etcheverry ‘02, Santos Gutierrez, Dan Hoekstra, Jared Lane ‘96, Tom McCarthy, Philip McDermott ‘04, Jenny Asaro, & Lou Ann Durrett.

2024 Holy Smoke BBQ Pit Crew: Dominic Antongiovanni ‘02, Jon Barnes ‘84, Jake Cauzza ‘05, Alex Chicca, Adam Cook ‘02, Jeff Etcheverry ‘94, Mike Etcheverry ‘77, Jared Lane ‘96, & Gino Valpredo ‘88.

Thank You to Our Latest Sponsors!

This Week in Garces Athletics

Sports Broadcasting

Garces Athletics is excited to share some exciting news coming for our sports programs. Starting with our Homecoming football game against Stockdale High School on October 11, All home football games will be live streamed to youtube. With the action coming straight to your home or office, why not add the fun enthusiasm of students commentating the game. A rotation of students is established for each football game to keep you updated with play-by-play commentary.

We are currently only guaranteeing football live streams, but are planning on creating teams to stream and comment on home soccer and baseball games. We hope that this year is successful, and an audience is met so that we can extend our program to cover more Garces sports.

Follow our channel: youtube.com/@theherdlive

If your student hasn’t signed up to participate, and you know they would like to, have them contact Brandon Antongiovanni, Head of Sports Media, antongiovannib2025@mygarces.org

Team Updates

Football (0-4):

8/23 - Loss, Garces 21 - Paraclete 42

8/30 - Loss, Garces 0 - Paso Robles 7

9/6 - Loss, Moorpark 45 - Garces 7

9/14 - Loss, San Joaquin Memorial 27 - Garces 10

Boys Water Polo (1-8):

8/23 - Win, Golden West 4 - Garces 18

8/23 - Loss, Garces 7 - Santa Barbara 8

8/24 - Loss, Garces 9 - Turlock 14

8/24 - Loss, San Luis Obispo 8 - Garces 7

9/5 - Loss, Clovis North 15 - Garces 7

9/11 - Loss, Sanger 5 - Garces 3

9/13 - Loss, Saint Francis 14 - Garces 8

9/14 - Loss, Garces 1 - Buchanan 14

9/14 - Loss, Arroyo Grande 13 - Garces 11

Girls Water Polo (0-4):

8/30 - Loss, Garces 5 - Clovis North 17

8/30 - Loss, Clovis West 13 - Garces 6

8/31 - Loss, Reedley 12 - Garces 6

8/31 - Loss, Reedley 14 - Garces 12

Girls Tennis (4-5):

8/22 - Loss, Garces 4 - Clovis East 5

8/23 - Win, Garces 5 - Clovis North 4

8/23 - Loss, Garces 1 - Buchanan 8

Win, Garces 3 - Hart 3

Loss, Garces 2 - San Joaquin Memorial 4

Win, Garces 4 - Bishop O’Dowd 2

Loss, Garces 1 - Sanger 5

9/17 - Win, Centennial 0 - Garces 9

9/19 - Loss, Garces 2 - Stockdale 7

Volleyball (14-1-1):

8/19 - Win, Garces 3 - Monache 0

8/23 - Win, McFarland 0 - Garces 2

8/23 - Win, Bakersfield 0 - Garces 2

8/23 - Tie, Shafter 1 - Garces 1

8/23 - Win, Garces 2 - West 0

8/24 - Win, Garces 2 - West 0

8/24 - Win, Garces 2 - Shafter 0

8/24 - Win, Ridgeview 0 - Garces 2

8/27 - Loss, San Joaquin Memorial 3 - Garces 0

8/29 - Win, Garces 3 - North 0

9/6 - Win, Garces 2 - Arvin 0

9/6 - Win, Garces 2 - East Bakersfield 0

9/6 - Win, Garces 2 - Chavez 0

9/7 - Win, Garces 2 - Independence 0

9/7 - Win, Garces 2 - West 0

9/7 - Win, Garces 3 - Tehachapi 1

Upcoming Events

Girls Tennis:

9/17 - 3pm vs Centennial

9/19 - 3pm vs Stockdale

9/24 - 3pm vs Frontier

9/26 - 3pm vs Liberty

9/27-28 - Lewis Cup Varsity Tournament at Frontier

Girls Volleyball:

9/20-21 - Redwood High School Varsity Volleyball Tournament

9/23 - All Levels vs Centennial

F/S at 4pm

JV at 5pm

Var at 6:15pm

9/25 - All Levels vs Stockdale

F/S at 4pm

JV at 5pm

Var at 6:15pm

9/30 - All Levels at Frontier

F/S at 4pm

JV at 5pm

Var at 6pm

Boys Water Polo:

9/30 - vs Centennial

JV at 4pm

Var at 5pm

Girls Water Polo:

9/20-21 - St. Francis Invitational Tournament

9/30 - vs Centennial

JV 3pm

Var 6pm

Girls Golf:

9/17 - Buena Vista Golf Course

9/23 - Rio Bravo Golf Course

9/25 - Kern River Golf Course

Football:

9/27 - at Righetti High School

JV at 5pm

Var at 7:30pm

Athletic Clearence Packets - New Process

Garces is now using SportsNet for our Athletic Clearance Packets. It offers our student-athletes and coaching staff an efficient and secure online tool to make clearance and eligibility management easier. You can find the link below or on our website.

Clearance Packet Link

Alumni News

Class Reunions

In our Prayers

Please keep in your prayers the family of Fernando “Fernie” Sanchez, father of Garces graduates, Lisa '01, Laura '04 and Marc '08.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.