Welcome to the twenty-first edition of 
Panther Press, 
a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to families and friends of 
San Joaquin Memorial High School
The new school year begins today, August 5. Even as the world continues to change around us, our staff and students are working hard to help our community. Here are a few stories of Memorial's excellence and effort as well as an update on infrastructure improvements at SJM.
Campus Updates
This summer, San Joaquin Memorial has been busy making important building improvements and safety renovations. When our students can return to campus, they will return to an extremely safe environment.

These improvements have included:
  • Installing four bottle filling stations so that our students will have adequate access to drinking water, thus eliminating drinking from the same fountain. 
  • Upgrading the bathrooms (pictured right) in the science building by installing automatic flushers, sinks and hand dryers to create a touchless environment and improve the overall sanitary conditions for our students. 
  • Increasing the amount of outdoor seating spaces (pictured above) for our students between the cafeteria area and the main locker room. This additional seating will help to disperse our student body during lunches and after school to allow for proper social distancing.
  • Planning and preparing for the implementation of safety protocols including the installation of hand sanitizer stations and sanitation systems. 

“In order to provide the students an environment suited for today's school, several much needed improvements have been made,” said John Hodges, Facilities Supervisor. “All these upgrades have been done with the students’ safety in mind during this time.”

Thank you to our SJM community for supporting the summer infrastructure upgrades by contributing to our summer appeal. Over $133,000 was raised for the San Joaquin Memorial Relief Fund. We would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Pat's Golf Committee for their additional pledge of $20,000 toward our bathroom renovation and water bottle filling stations.
SJM Sophomore Francesca Raypon Dances Toward Success

San Joaquin Memorial High School Sophomore Francesca Raypon’s father, Russell Raypon, says that Francesca was born dancing. 

“Her dream has always been to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a ballerina, making it a career and profession. She has been working since she was 2 years old, first out of love and passion, then out of drive and commitment to her art, to give herself this opportunity.”

Francesca was recently accepted as a scholar into the prestigious Pre-Professional Program at the Cary Ballet Conservatory in Cary, North Carolina. Many students who have attended CBC have gone on to careers as ballet dancers in some of the most prestigious ballet companies across the globe. At CBC, Francesca will be able to continue to receive a quality academic education in a small setting, as well as train 4-5 hours a day. Best of luck Francesca! 
SJM Senior Nathaniel Rivera Helps Healthcare Workers


Nathaniel Rivera knew he wanted to help. The SJM senior was looking for something to do with his time during the state’s COVID-19 lockdown but in his words “I didn’t just want another hobby.” Nathaniel decided to make a difference. Nathaniel took up 3D printing as a hobby and began printing face shields, which many frontline workers are lacking.

“I kept seeing news stories and articles about COVID being a long-lasting pandemic, causing changes for up to a year from now,” said Nathaniel. “I had the realization that this is the world we live in now, and it is up to my generation to make it better. If making face shields for frontline workers is my small contribution to help fight COVID, then why not?”

Nathaniel is working with Veteran’s Affairs Hospital and Valley Children's Hospital to provide face shields. His first ten have been produced and will be donated soon. His ultimate goal is to print 100 face shields and he plans on soliciting funds to purchase the necessary materials soon. 
Ask Congress to Include Aid for Nonpublic School Families in the Stimulus Package
The devastating economic effects of the COVID-19 virus have reached every sector of American society including Catholic schools, and their centuries-long tradition of serving families from all walks of life. Help us advocate for the importance of Catholic Schools. Find out more by clicking here.
SJM End-of-Year Service Project Benefits Marjorie Mason Center

San Joaquin Memorial High School hosted an end-of-year service project for the 2019-20 school year. Students gathered items and assembled summer activity bags for the children sheltered at the Marjaree Mason Center, a charitable organization focused on domestic violence. Over 225 activity bags were collected for children ages 5-18 and each activity bag included a personal note of encouragement written by San Joaquin Memorial students for the children receiving the bag. 

The initiative was led by Clarissa Myers, Director of Campus Ministry. Student leadership groups made videos to encourage donations and helped spread the word.
SJM Students Lead Effort to Make Young Cancer Patient's Dream Come True

SJM students Emily Schuh and Kyle Kashian are working hard to make one special girl's dream come true. Nine-year old Emily is battling Leukemia and her dream is to visit Japan. Schuh and Kashian are fundraising for Emily's Make a Wish dream.

You can follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/emandkyfundraiser/

Graduation Recording Now Available

You can now watch our 2020 graduate ceremony online! Watch it on our YouTube by clicking here.
SJM Welcomes New Communications Specialist

SJM welcomed a new Communications Specialist, Jamie Applegate. Jamie comes to SJM from West Hills Community College District, where she worked as the district's marketing assistant. Jamie will coordinate the Panther Press and Memorial Connections newsletter and work to refine the communications department. Chandler Marquez '14, who preceded Applegate in the role, is the new Coordinator of Media and Communications for the Diocese of Stockton.
Alumni Contact Update

Panther Alums, even though your time here at Memorial has passed, this is still your home! Please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event tailgates, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected please fill out this form.

Boosters Club

Boosters members take pride in raising money for our student-athletes through fun-filled, casual fundraisers - Holy Bowling in the fall and Crab Feed in February - concession sales and memberships. For volunteer opportunities and information, email [email protected].
San Joaquin Memorial High School | sjmhs.org