Welcome to the twentieth edition of
Memorial Connections,
a quarterly electronic newsletter sent to alumni and friends of
San Joaquin Memorial High School.
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In this Issue:
#PantherPride
Alumni Spotlights
- Lee Chae '86
- Michelle Montelongo '87
Alumni Events in Support of Memorial
- Donations for the Upcoming SJM 45th Annual Auction
- St. Patrick's Golf Tournament
- Guild Mass Installation
SJM Class Reunions
More Alumni Excellence Stories
Happening Now at SJM...
Successful 2022 Spring Fling Drawing to Support the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial!
Renovations at SJM Campus
What are Students Doing at SJM?
Important Life Milestones
Engagements
Weddings
Newborns
SJM Upcoming Events
Class of '77 Reunion (off campus) - July 23, 2022
Back To School Night - September 1, 2022
Holy Bowling - September 9, 2022
Holy Bowl (at Garces) - September 10, 2022
Guild Welcome Lunch - September 13, 2022
Founder's Day Mass - September 30, 2022
Class of '71 Reunion - October 14, 2022
Homecoming Week - October 17-21, 2022
Homecoming Day - October 21, 2022
Class of '82 Reunion / Tailgate - October 21, 2022
Fall Drama Production - October 27-30, 2022
The 45th Annual Auction - November 5, 2022
Christmas Tea - December 4, 2022
Winter Blood Drive - December 5, 2022
Texas Hold'em - January 28, 2023
(some dates subject to change)
In Memoriam
Stay Connected with Us!
Where do SJM Alumni live today?
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Friendly Reminder: When opening this newsletter in your email please make sure you click on the "View entire message" link at the end of the message! |
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Lee Chae from the Class of '86 is Recognized on 2022 Forbes Fourth Annual Artificial Intelligence 50 List! |
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Photo Above: Lee Chae '87
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Photo Above: Lee Chae (on the left), along with Brightseed cofounders Jim Flatt and Sofia Elizondo
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Throughout the years we've learned from our Memorial Alumni that you can start here at Memorial, form strong roots and then take your life anywhere your heart desires. Every time we hear from our Alumni doing big things in life we feel joy, appreciation and satisfaction.
It was an honor for Memorial faculty and staff to know that one of our own graduates Lee Chae '86 was part of Forbes Annual Artificial Intelligence 50 list. The list recognizes standouts in privately-held North American companies making the most interesting and effective use of artificial intelligence technology. This year’s list launched with new AI-generated design and multiple funding round announcements. Inductees (including Lee Chae's Brightseed company) reflect the booming VC interest as well as the growing variability in AI-focused startups making unique uses of existing technologies, others developing their own and many simply enabling other companies to add AI to their business model.
Lee co-founded Brightseed in 2017, where he currently serves as its Chief Technology Officer. Brightseed is an AI-driven life sciences company located in the San Francisco Bay Area whose goal is to illuminate nature to restore human health. Brightseed’s focus is on the discovery, development, and commercialization of natural bioactive molecules that support cognitive, metabolic, and digestive health, among other challenging health conditions.
The AI-powered company is unlocking the hidden healing potential of plants by finding active compounds that could target specific conditions. For the last five years, the trio has been collecting plants that humans have been using as food and medicine for millennia, grinding them into powder, extracting the active chemicals and running them through their AI platform—which they affectionately call “Forager”—to find the next blockbuster supplement. You can learn more about the incredible work of Brightseed here.
Lee is a computational and molecular biologist who specializes in the integration of modern molecular sciences with artificial intelligence for the discovery and commercialization of novel molecules. Lee has designed advanced discovery methodologies and platforms for biomedicine and drug discovery, synthetic biology, agricultural biotechnologies, and food technologies. He has been the principal scientist of multiple discoveries, including machine-learning-driven discovery of novel nutritional bioactives in plants and computationally guided identification of plant-based proteins for food.
Lee received his Ph.D. in Plant Biology, Computational and Genomic Biology at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was also a founding member of the Quantitative Biosciences Institute. He performed his post-doctoral research at the Carnegie Institution at Stanford University. At Stanford, Lee developed a machine-learning platform to elucidate the space of natural plant molecules, generating more than 100 databases to date that are licensed worldwide to industry and academia for drug discovery, synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and plant breeding and agriculture. Lee was also chief architect of a computation-based platform for discovery of next generation food proteins, which led to the commercialization of the 7th US FDA-approved plant protein for use in food, and the author of the world’s first patent on machine-learning strategies for food ingredient discovery.
We recently interviewed Lee and he shared the following with us:
Q1: What inspired you to go into this career?
A1: The natural world is an amazing place, full of inspiration and innovation and a lot of wisdom. Life has survived on our planet for billions of years, overcoming incredible existential challenges. As a society and a species, we face great challenges ourselves, everything from how we can grow enough food to feed our growing population to how we can best protect and prolong our health. I feel one role I can play as a scientist is to study the natural world and hopefully bring forward lessons and principles that will allow us to overcome some of these challenges.
Q2: What is the most rewarding thing about your job as a biologist?
A2: The most rewarding aspect of my job is the chance to work with really passionate and skilled teammates, from fellow biologists to chemists and engineers and medical professionals. We work long hours and in science, you have to fail many times before you, hopefully, get the experiment right. So it can be tedious and frustrating. But when you are working with a great group of people who truly are working as a team, you can not only accomplish a lot, but have a lot of fun along the way.
Q3: Currently in your role as Chief Technology Officer of Brightseed, what is one thing you are most looking forward to in the next 6 months - 1 year?
Q4: We are developing a portfolio of natural, plant-derived molecules that we are testing in clinical trials for their ability to support better metabolic and liver health, digestive health, healthier weight, and better cognitive functioning. We should start getting results from our first trials within the year, as well as launching more studies. With positive results, we will start bringing these molecules to people with the goal of having a real impact on real lives. That’s what I look forward to the most.
Q4: Where did your interest come from to study plants?
A4: It came from growing up in Fresno and the Central Valley. I spent a lot of time backpacking in Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon and really enjoyed being out in nature. Over time, traveling back and forth to college and back to Fresno to see my folks on holidays, you could see the change in land use over time and you could see the impact of the growing human population in the Central Valley. I became concerned with how plants would respond to these changes and how that would impact our ability to grow the food we need, as well as how that would change the natural world that I loved. As I studied plants on the molecular and organismal level, I realized just how tied we are to plants. They feed us, give us medicines, and have supplied us with the basic, core materials we need for survival, from cotton for clothing to wood to build shelters and use as fuel for fires. So I decided to study this interface between plants and humans as my career.
Q5: Why was it so important for you to attend and graduate from Memorial?
A5: What I appreciated the most about Memorial was the community, from fellow students to the teachers and administration to the brothers and sisters. My parents immigrated to the United States, first on the East Coast and then to Fresno. We didn’t have a community. At Memorial, I found a whole host of people that in hindsight, I realize really looked out for me and supported my development as a student, an athlete, and a person. I worked in the brothers residence for several years to help with tuition and that made it possible for me to attend Memorial. I remember a lot of post-dinner discussions on life, morality, and so many other topics. In many ways, Memorial was where I discovered and developed a personal foundation that has carried me to this day.
To date Lee continues to stay in close communication with his Memorial classmates and he holds many fond memories of his time here on campus. He feels fortunate to have made lifelong friends at SJM.
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Photo: Leaves of Grass: Brightseed is using its AI platform to catalog and map up to 10 million bioactive compounds found in plants in hopes of creating a pipeline of food ingredients, supplements and medicines. COURTESY BRIGHTSEED
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Photo Above: Lee Chae, Senior Photo (1986 SJM Yearbook) |
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Michelle Montelongo from SJM Class of '87 Becomes Brown University first American Sign Language Interpreter! |
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Photo Above: Michelle Montelongo '87 at Brown University |
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Michelle Montelongo '87 is the first American Sign Language Interpreter at an Ivy League Institution, Brown University.
For over 20 years, Michelle, RID/NAD IV, has worked as a certified sign language interpreter specializing in mental health, congressional, platform, and post-secondary education with an emphasis on STEM.
From 2000-2014 she served as Interpreter/Cultural Consultant for Kern County Mental Health System of Care. During her tenure with Kern County she trained clinical and psychiatric staff in the dynamics of working with interpreters and DHH population.
Her Congressional experience ranges from being a contracted Congressional Interpreter for the U.S. Senate's Special Services Department under the Bush Administration, touring with California's Governor's Commission, to serving as Lead Interpreter for Deaf-Blind Young Adults in Action (DBYAA) where she interpreted on Capitol Hill, the White House for President Obama, and Helen Keller World Conference in Uganda.
It was with DBYAA that she trained mental health professionals in Uganda on developing mental health intakes for DHH consumers. Some of her post-secondary contracted interpreting includes the California State University System, the University of California, and Yale University. She's collaborated with faculty and has presented nationally and internationally. She has mentored interpreters for 10 years and since 2013 she has served as a Supervision Leader/Mentor for the PSIP Program at Western Oregon University.
Michelle believes that the events and choices she's made led her to her current position at Brown. For her in some ways it's a connection of the dots or a product of what happens when you employ trusting the process and faith.
Inspiration behind being an American Sign Language Interpreter
At a very young age she witnessed her extended paternal side of the family debate politics; they are split politically and go toe to toe on various political issues. In tandem with this there was a depth of love and respect. This early experience caused her to value neutrality and made her curious about politics. From age five on she never missed watching a State of the Union Address, a political convention, or a nationally important senate hearings. She didn't realize it at the time but she was developing an appreciation and skill for understanding political language and culture.
Part of her reasons for attending SJM was tradition; her maternal aunts and uncles attended as well as her mother and sister. Her primary education was at St. Helen's under the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The natural transition was SJM. It was also her parents' decision. Since her peers were attending, she didn't question it. This turned out to be the best gift her parents ever gave her. The consequences of attending SJM have been profound and enduring, both personally and professionally for Michelle. If she had not attended St. Helen's and SJM, Michelle would not have the many friendships that she treasures to this day.
SJM Experience
Br. LaSalle shaped her views on faith, life, and sense of duty. While Mr. DuPertuis advised her to major in English for college, Mr. Garabedian advised her to major in History. Mr. G won. She entered college not knowing what she wanted to do professionally. Michelle was interested in Africa and Southwest Asia (i.e. the Gulf States) so that became her emphasis of study. Her interest in becoming an interpreter grew from taking American Sign Language (ASL) classes and volunteering at a Deaf agency while in college. She took courses, attended seminars, and as time progressed became nationally certified.
Her work at the U.S. White House
Michelle was offered the position of Congressional Interpreter while she was living in Kern County interpreting in the mental health field. She loved her work and had a great relationship with Kern County. They worked out a deal; she could take a leave and contract with the U.S. Senate as well. On Michelle's first day a staffer had her walk the same route that each president takes for the State of the Union address. Her time interpreting in DC was an amazing experience and shaped her skills and outlook on interpreting. It was this experience that led Michelle to interpreting for the California Governor's Commission two years later.
Five years after setting foot on Capitol Hill, she was contracted by Deaf/Blind Young Adults in Action (DBYAA), a policy project educating self-advocacy and lobbying on Capitol Hill, the first of its kind. It caught the attention of newly elected President Obama who requested a meeting in the Oval Office. After interpreting the meeting, Michelle was informed she was the first ASL interpreter in over 50 years to interpret in the Oval Office! (photo below ended up being the photo of the week on the White House website). Having interpreted on Capitol Hill under the Bush Administration and then in the White House with President Obama within the span of five years was surreal for her.
After interpreting she went for a walk to regroup and reflect. A quick digression- since she had arrived on Capitol Hill, she made several attempts to see one of her favorite paintings in the National Gallery: Mortlake Terrace by J.M.W. Turner. Unfortunately, the part of the gallery in which the painting was housed was always under construction when she visited. But not that day, Michelle soon found herself in the National Gallery standing in front of Turner's masterpiece, drinking in its beauty and reveling in the week she had just experienced.
Hellen Keller International Conference in Uganda
Following the work with DBYAA, Michelle was asked to interpret for the Helen Keller International Conference in Uganda. She never imagined her childhood fascination with politics and her college interest in Africa would ever influence the work she'd do or the places she'd travel.
Michelle never sought to be the first interpreter in the Oval Office, or the fist staffed interpreter of the Ivy Leagues - she sought to work hard and be the best version of herself. Michelle shared that sometimes she falls short but she never stops trying. Michelle is proud of her accomplishments and admits there is a sense of pride that the first of all of these happens to be a Latina from SJM and the Central Valley.
The Bigger Picture
Michelle loves interpreting. While it is always gratifying, it is also always humbling. She's given the linguistic and cultural trust of two parties - hearing and deaf. Interpreting requires a heightened sense of responsibility and duty and is thus not a task she ever takes cavalierly. Done well, she helps people enjoy the rights of a just society to which they are entitled. Done poorly, she contributes to their exclusion.
Michelle hopes to continue researching and developing training for interpreters on mentoring and STEM. Additionally, Michelle is collaborating on bringing more awareness of the interpreting profession and the need for qualified interpreters.
Today Michelle continues to stay in close communication with her SJM classmates and is proud of the long-lasting friendships she's made. (photo below)
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From left to right: Regina (Arnold) Leathers, Shannon (Flemming) Farley, Michelle Montelongo, Karen (Fagan) Gallagher, Demetria (Vincent) Walker and Richelle (Caglis) Jarrell. They are all from the Class of '87 |
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Photo Above: Michelle Montelongo in the White House |
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Photo Above: Michelle Montelongo, Senior Photo (1987 SJM Yearbook) |
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Alumni Events in Support of Memorial |
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Upcoming 45th Annual Dinner and Silent / Live Auction |
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Calling all SJM Alumni! Would you like to donate to our Live / Silent Auctions?
We are looking for items for our live auction like trips, gift cards, and vacations for which you would get a tax-deductible donation. The 45th Annual Auction will take place on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Memorial!
We are looking for items for our silent auction tables which include:
His & Hers Table
Teen-College Table
Alumni Table
Holiday Table
Religion Table
Sports Table
Home-Grandparents Table
Desserts Table
Wines-Spirits Table
For more information on how to donate or to arrange a pick up, please call Shirley Boujikian at (559) 475-5831 sboujikian@sjmhs.org
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Memorial's 76th Annual St. Patrick's Golf Tournament took place on March 14th |
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Photo Credit: Salvador Velazquez Jr. |
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The 76th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament was a complete success. We want to thank all the sponsors that gave graciously and supported our sold-out tournament of 156 golfers.
It was a perfect day along with a 50-foot putt that was finally made with a payout of $15,000. It was also nice to see SJM Alumni return to their roots and enjoy a fun filled day on the course.
This year we honored Justin McKeighan '91 as our Golden Shamrock. Justin has been a part of this tournament for 20 years and a past chairman. We are so grateful to have Justin on our committee as a dedicated SJM supporter.
We are honored to have had your support as a sponsor and or player for the St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament. Your generous contribution provides resources and opportunities essential to the success of the student experience at San Joaquin Memorial High School. This year the remaining funds will go towards the remodeled gymnasium locker rooms, a new score board for the girls’ Softball field and two student athlete scholarships.
Private support continues to play an integral role in the ability to serve the students and the greater community at San Joaquin Memorial. As a result of the loyal support from our outstanding community of alumni and friends like you, our tournament was able raise net proceeds of $57, 331.00 to support the school’s highest priority needs.
Once again, thank you for your generosity. We look forward to seeing you at the 77th St. Patrick’s Day Golf Tournament on March 13, 2023.
Co-Chair: Steve Orlando `87
Co-Chair: Justin McKeighan `91
Bob Coyle `79
Chris Gutilla Jr. `03
Jarrod Martinez`89
Tom Ryan `65
Robert C. Supino `76
Ron Wathen `86
Taylor Whelan `04
Garrett Patricio
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Guild Mass Officer Installation 2022-2023 |
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On Tuesday, May 10, 2022 the Annual San Joaquin Memorial Parent Guild Officer Installation Mass & Luncheon took place at Holy Cross Hall & Block M! It was such a beautiful event filled with joy, excitement and even some tears as we said goodbye to the outgoing officers!
The morning began with service at Holy Cross Hall Chapel on campus, followed by the installation of the Guild Officers for 2022-2023 school year!
Immediately after there was a luncheon with all attendees. Dorothy Christensen '83 (outgoing President) was recognized and celebrated by Michele Sani, SJM Dean of Academics for her unwavering support all these years to SJM. We all feel blessed for all her years of dedication to Memorial. THANK YOU for your commitment and love for Memorial. We know this is not a goodbye and rather a "see you soon"!
The Parent Guild at San Joaquin Memorial is an organization of parents, teachers and others interested in the development of our students. Their purpose is to foster a greater appreciation of a Catholic college preparatory education through programs and events at Memorial, encourage the high moral standards of Catholic family life and unify the spiritual and educational dynamics at home and school.
The Guild is involved in a number of school-wide events including the Christmas Tea and Senior Fashion Show. The money raised through membership and events goes toward various projects and activities at Memorial.
We are grateful for all volunteers, administration, teachers and staff who helped during the Guild Mass Officer Installation.
Congratulations and welcome to all 2022-2023 new Parent Guild Officers:
President:
Katy Mahoney
Vice-President:
Christine Holt
Treasurer:
Leah Orlando
Recording Secretary:
Summer Bradford
(evening meetings assisted
by Angie Milam or Karen Jimison)
Membership:
Stephanie Reyna & Francine Rodriquez
Spiritual:
Angie Milam & Karen Jimison
Hospitality:
Kristy Riley & Ashley Patricio
Christmas Tea/Fundraiser Chair:
Angie Milam
Historian:
Laura Thompson
Freshman Class Representative:
Shelly Castro & Danielle Parnigian
Sophomore Class Representative:
Natalie Douty & Leslie Chaltraw
Junior Class Representative:
Jessica Marshall & Moe Richburg
Senior Class Representative:
Jill Grootendorst & Brittaney Sarale
Volunteer Prayer:
"Everlasting God, strengthen
and sustain all those who
volunteer in our school;
that with patience and
understanding they may love
and care for our children;
and grant that together they
may follow Jesus Christ,
offering to you their gifts and
talents; through him who lives
and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God,
for ever and ever.
Amen."
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SJM Continues to Welcome Alumni
for Reunions on Campus
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Click on the photo above to view more. |
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We are in full swing welcoming Alumni back on campus with our SJM Class Reunions! This summer and fall we will have class reunions one after another. We kicked off this year with a three class reunions (2000, 2001 & 2002). All three classes decided to do their 20ish Reunion together this year and it was a total success! It felt so great to have over 150 guests reunited back on campus on our Courtyard from these three classes.
The pictures are from the 20ish Reunion that took place on April 30, 2022! If you click on the photos it will redirect you to additional photos from that reunion. Guests stayed almost an hour later than planned because they were having so much fun catching up, dancing and taking selfies.
That was an unforgettable night for all three classes and we are looking forward to hosting all of our other class reunions on campus this year!
Thank you to the planning committee and everyone involved for making this event possible.
Contact Shirley Boujikian at sboujikian@sjmhs.org or at (559) 475-5831 to schedule your upcoming Memorial Class Reunion.
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Click on the photo above to view more photos. |
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Class of 1966 Mini Reunion was a Suceess! |
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Save The Dates on other
Upcoming Reunions!
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Additional Alumni Excellence Stories |
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Connie Conway is Headed to the U.S. Congress! |
Congratulations to SJM Graduate Connie Conway '68 for winning the race for Devin Nunes' open seat in Congress. Voters in California’s 22nd Congressional District picked Connie Conway on June 7, 2022 to serve the remainder of former Rep. Devin Nunes’ term. Conway, a former member of the California State Assembly. She beat Democrat Lourin Hubbard for what amounts to a six-month term. |
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Nick Sampson '11 is Carving a Successful Musical Career! |
Congratulations to drummer Nick Sampson SJM Class of '11 for recently visiting 25+ cities while on the Tell me About Tomorrow Tour with artists Killboy and Jasiah.
After graduating from SJM in 2011 he got his B.S. Degree in Marketing from Fresno State in 2015 and then moved to Los Angeles to chase his dream in the music industry.
After a year or so of making connections he got a call to play drums in the house band on America’s Got Talent for the live shows. He's been a part of AGT every year since. He's also worked on The Masked Singer and as of most recent American Song Contest. He's worked with names such as Lizzo, Justin Bieber, Betty Who, Superfruit, Vincint, Mario Jose, Disney and The Ellen Show. He just got back from Jaden Hossler’s national tour playing drums for both openers Killboy as well as Jasiah each night.
He is currently in his own artist project called Senses which is a trio pop rock band. They have a batch of songs out now and are working on their debut EP which will be out later this year! You can listen to their music on Spotify and Apple Music.
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Barbara File '67 Published her Memoir Free Fall |
Barbara File is a graduate from the Class of 1967 from SJM. She released a her book in 2020 titled, Free Fall. While at SJM her name was Barbara Reyna.
Six years after marrying her second husband, Mark was diagnosed with
Early Onset Dementia. Alzheimer’s Disease took him six years later.
Felicity Jean is Barbara's pseudonym and she tells her love story before and after Alzheimer’s sharing
the adventures of two people in love before diagnosis, the struggles they experienced during, and the gifts she has received from Mark after his death. Barbara endeavors to bring awareness and hope to the partners, spouses, loved ones and friends affected by this disease. During all this time, it was her faith that got her through it all.
Barbara is a seasoned business professional, and currently a
successful real estate broker in California. Licensed as a California
Certified General Appraiser. She received her Creative Writing
Certificate at California State University, Fresno, and was selected
to participate in their 2018 Summer Arts Non-fiction & Publishing
program and serves on the Fresno Community board of Summer
Arts California State University Foundation.
Profits of her book are going to Alzheimer’s research. To learn more about her book please visit her site. The book can be purchased on Amazon.
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Photo Above: Barbara File '67, Author of Free Fall
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Ethan Quinn '22 is the Champion of the San Diego International Tennis Federation 15K |
Ethan Quinn, recent class of 2022 graduate, won his first professional tennis tournament on Monday, June 20, 2022 in San Diego.
He came back from a set down to beat a player who is No. 2 in the NCAA this year: 4-6, 7-6, 7-6. Ethan will start his freshman season at Georgia next year. In addition, Ethan has played in 5 pro tournaments and got to semis and finals in 2 of the 5. He already took 16 units at UG and had a 3.8 GPA. He was poised to make a run in the last 3 Jr. Slams which started with the French Open where he made it through Qualies.
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Photo Above: Ethan Quinn '22 |
Photo Above: Photo obtained from Ethan's Instagram |
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Dante is the Founder and CEO of Zitti, a fintech company on a mission to power and empower the foodservice industry. Prior to that, Dante spent nearly 7 years at Snapchat, leading commercial expansion and growth for their advertising business. Prior to his time at Snapchat, Dante was an Associate at BlackRock within their Financial Institutions Group, overseeing over $40 billion in global Assets Under Management. Dante received his B.S. from Stanford University. You can learn more about him here.
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Photo Credit: The Business Journal |
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UPDATE: 2022 Spring Fling Drawing to Support the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial was a Success! |
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The San Joaquin Memorial community came together like every year to support The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial! Many of our Alumni and supporters showed us that we are stronger together. We loved seeing how much you all support Memorial.
This exciting annual giving campaign took place from April 29, 2022 - June 3, 2022! The $5,000 cash prize drawing took place on June 3, 2022 and the winner was Natalie Diaz.
The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial is the school’s annual giving campaign. It is the vehicle by which alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends provide financial support to help keep Memorial strong.
All gifts to the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial have an enormous impact on Memorial’s ability to enhance its standards of excellence in teaching, scholarships, student development and facilities. Your annual gifts fuel the success of this school and touch every aspect of our students’ experience.
Specifically, your gift to The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial allowed us to do the following:
- Provide tuition assistance and scholarships to deserving students – making an education at San Joaquin Memorial possible for more young men and women.
- Contribute to the cutting-edge technology, lab equipment and other state-of-the-art learning tools used in the classroom.
- Instill in students a deep awareness of God’s presence in their lives through a dynamic Campus Ministry program.
- Give students an extraordinary and enriching experience that they will treasure for a lifetime.
We exceeded our goal by raising over $45,000 for Memorial.
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Thank you and Farewell to all SJM Teachers Retiring this Year! |
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Best Wishes on your Retirement Ms. Hathaway! |
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We had SJM teachers who retired this past school year after many years of commitment and compassion toward our students. It was difficult to say happy retirement because we'll miss them on campus, but we do wish them the best in this new and exciting chapter in their lives.
Ms. Hathaway is SJM's Visual & Performing Arts Instructor and Yearbook Advisor. After 8 memorable years with SJM she'll be retiring.
Our teachers have been part of our students' lives for many years and without them students would be lost! They guide on their way to success and help students write their futures as brightly as possible.
A teacher helps students enjoy life with a proper education. They provide students instructions in literacy and other aspects of education like arts, civics, life skills, even community roles. A teacher's role doesn't end in the classroom and saying goodbye to them after several years of educating hundreds of our students will be hard.
We recently interviewed Ms. Hathaway and you can learn more about her below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
There are too many fond memories to write here, but some highlights are:
•Years of art-making with my students, bringing their wild and wonderful ideas to life in clay and other materials.
•Art 3 is always a memory maker as we do body casting and crazy concept art. I have had to recruit Mr. Padilla to help body cast some male students!
•Community art shows championing student work have been a highlight, and the SJM family support shown in the attendance of these shows will always be remembered.
•I have many fond memories of faculty/staff retreats where honesty, bonding, and spiritual growth was so mutual and meaningful.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
I will miss the sincere friendships I have with my colleagues. We have walked through so much together. These people are a treasure, and I will miss them terribly. I will miss my amazing, kind, intelligent, authentic students. We have had such a wonderful experience together!
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
I smile when I see my students come into the art room and begin working before the bell, accessing all of the materials freely, taking care of the studio... acting like they own the place, because they do! They know this room is theirs, here to house all they need to make good art.
I smile when we have our spontaneous daily interactions in the classroom. These kids are clever, kind, funny, interesting, and we have so many great conversations.
And actually, I am always so happy to see each of them when they walk through my door.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
Only God really knows, but I think I have a little sneak peak into the plan. I plan to teach ceramics out of my garden in the spring and fall, and then be in San Luis Obispo (where I am from) when it is hot here in the summer, and when it is gray in the winter.
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
1. Do not be afraid to be yourself. Your unique personality is just what is needed here. Your teachers value you, and will support you.
2. Do not be lazy. Your parents and teachers care and will require hard work from you. You will grow to know you can do things you didn't know you could, and you will grow in confidence to accomplish what God is calling you to.
3. Talk to God. Pour your heart out to Him. He loves and forgives. Follow Him! ... and that will mean forgiving yourself and others continually.
Ms. Hathaway, the SJM community is grateful to have had the pleasure of working with you. Current students and SJM Alumni wish you the very best in your retirement and please know that Memorial will always be your home when you'd like to come back and visit us! Happy retirement Ms. Hathaway. We will miss you!
"A great teacher plants the seeds of greatness in the minds of future generations." -Debasish Mridha
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Happy Retirement Mr. Danks-Ferguson! |
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Mr. Danks-Ferguson will be retiring after teaching for 32 years at San Joaquin Memorial High School. We are very grateful for all his years of service, teaching and commitment to his students.
Not seeing Mr. Danks-Ferguson teaching anymore will be something that we will all miss tremendously. He's taught over one third of our SJM Alumni.
A strong education, a series of opportunities, coaching cross country and the ability to guide students in their most important years of their lives all add up to 32 years of service for our retiring Religious Studies teacher.
We recently interviewed Mr. Danks-Ferguson and you can learn more about him below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
a) I have a lot of fond memories of SJM. I've really enjoyed working with the cross country team for 31 of the 32 years. It's great to be able to be with students in different ways beyond the classroom. The sport of cross country has been a favorite of mine since I ran in high school in the early 1970's.
b) Working on the Kairos retreats since they began in 2010 has been another one of my best memories. It brings the students and adults together in a very special way that can't be matched in the classroom. I believe it's been the best change we've had at Memorial during my 32 years of service. I plan on coming back to help with Kairos in the future.
c) I really enjoy meeting former students when they come back to visit as adults. I've taught a lot of the children of my former students and that's really enjoyable. The best part is becoming colleagues with them when they return to work at Memorial because it was a significant part of their lives when they were students and they now want to share that same significance with other students.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
I will miss the immediacy of my relationships with literally hundreds of people over the years. I know I will run into a lot of people because I will still be associated with the school during retirement but it won't be the same as coming to see so many of them everyday on campus.
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
I have loved working with young people. I believe it's time for me to leave and I will not have daily close contact with so many positive and enthusiastic teenagers. It's helped to keep me young, to be gifted with the presence of so much youthful energy most of the days of my life.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
a) I intend to do a fair amount of volunteer work with service organizations like Poverello House. It was through a program like one of the many that they have at the "Pov" that my father who was an alcoholic and who for a short time was homeless, was able to get sober and put his life back together. I feel like I owe organizations like that a debt of gratitude. During the last 13 years of his life I met a very different man than the one I grew up with since I was very young. I have a lot to learn and some relationships to form with people who can teach me about God's love for the poor.
b) I want to drive around the country with loved ones and see America close up.
c) I want to be surprised by the wonders that God can bring into my life everyday if I slow down enough to give grace the chance to really work on me.
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
For advice, maybe I'll just say to students what I'm thinking about making my theme for my retirement: "The best is yet to come!"
Thank you Mr. Danks-Ferguson for teaching religion --- a very important subject at our institution for 32 years. You always showed so much passion for cross country as well. You will be greatly missed, but are always welcome to return back on campus. Our current students and SJM Alumni wish you the very best in this new and exciting chapter.
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Enjoy your Retirement Ms. Zanutto! |
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Ms. Zanutto has always had a very special place in her heart for her students. And for even the smallest milestones her students reached, she found the rewards immeasurable.
Ms. Zanuto has taught art at Memorial for 23 years and the confidence boosting she's given her students has been overwhelmingly inspiring. To this day that positive experience in her classroom is something that Alumni continue talking about even after years of graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School.
We recently interviewed Ms. Zanutto and you can learn more about her below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
So many varied and fond memories. It is hard to put into just a couple sentences. Any and all of my fond memories are always about students or a particular Art class. I’ll list a few specifics:
Having my own children at SJM Fromm 1999- 2005 and giving them the best education in Fresno.
The opportunity to see student talent thrive and grow. Some students never knew that they had artistic ability until they took Art at SJM. And of course, those few that are uniquely gifted; I had the ultimate gift of watching their abilities bloom while masterpieces were created. And I learned a few things as well.
Taking students to Europe on numerous occasions allowed me to get to enjoy students and parents on a level that isn’t possible during normal school hours. So many invaluable memories and bonding happened on those trips abroad.
The best part of this job was getting to know so many young people and their families. These kids are loved and it it shows! It was an honor and a joy to teach them the best subject every day. Individual personalities made a lasting mark that I will cherish.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
What will I miss the most? The laughter, the stupid jokes, the banter, the student ART, the routine, seeing God in these kids and their smiles! I’m so glad we finally got to see those again! And opening up a huge box of Art supplies! That never grows old.
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
What made me smile? Many things, but I loved it when I could see that they understood a concept. Or how happy creating could make them and when they persevered on a difficult project and succeeded.
Also watching them play sports gave me great joy. Seeing them do what they loved and excelled at and the smile of victory.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
So many things I need to do. I don’t have one big plan…..yet! First thing I want to do is finish writing the memoir I started about my late husband.
I will travel back east to visit my sister and her family. I will also go and visit friends that have moved out of California. I am hoping to cycle more; at least a couple times a week, and once travel becomes less restrictive, I want to do a bike tour in Europe with friends that I’ve cycled with the last decade.
And REST! Read books forever. Not care about what time it is, or find that week ends are never long enough!
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
My advice to future Panthers... TAKE ART!! And to remember at SJM... we are in the Holy Presence of God, all the time.
Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Zanutto! SJM Alumni and current students are wishing you the best of health, happiness, and success on your new journey in life. We will miss not seeing you on campus because you have been an important role model for many teenagers that had the pleasure of having you as a teacher.
If you put in as much effort enjoying your retirement as you have working with Memorial, it is sure to be a success!
"Being a teacher is an essential connection between what is and what can be."
-Teresa Thayer Snyder
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Renovations at SJM Campus |
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Visitor Off-Street Parking & Welcome Area on Fresno St. |
Construction is well underway this summer for what will be the new Visitor Off-Street Parking and Welcome Area on Fresno St. There will be a handful of secure parking spaces off of Fresno St. and a newly conceived front entrance that will flow beautifully into the campus Quad. This is exciting! |
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Cafeteria will be the New Campus Commons |
The cafeteria - the only air-conditioned space on campus able to handle large events is being transformed over the summer to be the new Campus Commons where everyone can gather. |
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HVAC System at the Main Gym |
The initial work of installing an efficient HVAC system to the SJM Main Competition Gym began during the school year and work will continue to take place throughout the summer. Everyone is thrilled about this project on campus. Stay tuned for more updates... |
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What are Students Doing at SJM? |
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SJM Speaks: Student Profile Series! |
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We are happy to present to you the 17 #SJMSpeaks Student Profiles of 2022! These interviews were a lot of fun to produce because it allowed our students to be real, authentic and speak up on what a Memorial education has meant for every single one of them.
If we could sum up these interviews they all mentioned how Memorial is a family, all truly love their teachers, leave SJM fully prepared for what the future holds and are grateful for their families' support.
Thank you to all 17 recent SJM Alumni for allowing us to get to know you more and we hope you've enjoyed watching these interviews as much as we have.
You can view all 17 interviews on this link.
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Learn more about Jack Sampson '22 in his #SJMSpeaks: Student profile video and what a San Joaquin Memorial education meant to him. He attended SJM for all four years and loved his experience. He will be attending Boston College in the Fall 2022 |
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Learn more about Izabella Vasquez '22 and what a San Joaquin Memorial education meant to her. She attended Memorial for all four years and she would commute from Tulare, CA. She will be attending University of Notre Dame in the Fall 2022. |
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You can learn more about Jacob Levy '22 and what a San Joaquin Memorial education meant to him. He began studying at Memorial since his Freshman year. He will be attending UCSD in the Fall 2022. |
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You can learn more about Rachel Gizaw '22 and what a San Joaquin Memorial education has meant to her. She was a transfer student into Memorial and since day one she always felt welcome on campus. She will be attending Penn State in the Fall 2022. |
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Class of 2022 Welcome to SJM's 11,403 Alumni Network! |
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On May 21, 2022 San Joaquin Memorial High School celebrated its 77th graduation with the Class of 2022. There were 120 seniors that graduated this year. The graduation took place at the historic and iconic Warnors Theatre in downtown Fresno. It was a morning filled with joy, excitement, celebration and of course some tears as parents saw their children walk the stage and receive their SJM High School diploma.
This year's valedictorians, salutatorians and awards recipients included:
Valedictorians:
Mia Jo Fisher, Matthew Mon Pere, Omowunmi Temitope Omololu, Jack Douglas Sampson, Kyle Kenji Shimamoto, Izabella Vazquez & William Thomas Wilkins
Salutatorians:
Spencer Christian Douangphouxay, Claire Elisabeth Fitzgerald, Kelly Sora Lee, Jacob Mark Levy & Tong Yi
6 Seniors Awarded at the 77th SJM Graduation:
Christian Character Awards: Jazmine Cortez & Jack Sampson
Student Leadership Awards: Sasha Richburg & Jack Sampson
The Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan Bishop's Award: Alyssa Askins & Spencer Douangphouxay
6 Seniors Awarded at Senior Send-off Assembly:
Henry "Mr. G" Gutierrez Panther Pride Award: Frederic Faul
Henry and Ramona Gutierrez Award: Jack Sampson
Christian Service - Sr. Jean and Br. Philip
Sr. Jean: Nathalie Medrano
Br. Philip: Irvin Arroyo
Male & Female Athlete of the Year Award
Male: Mike Bell
Female: Lauren Lopez
6 Seniors Awarded at the 77th SJM Graduation:
Christian Character Awards: Jazmine Cortez & Jack Sampson
Student Leadership Awards: Sasha Richburg & Jack Sampson
The Most Reverend Joseph V. Brennan Bishop's Award: Alyssa Askins & Spencer Douangphouxay
Graduates welcome to SJM's Alumni network and we are proud of all of you for the positive impact you've left at Memorial. Now go out into the world and make an even greater influence with those you meet!
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Bus Stop Dedication & Blessing! |
In February of 2021 some students decided to raise money for their school. Led by then Junior Ashley Belleza '22, she and 7 of her classmates raised money to purchase a new bench for the student bus stop area near Floradora Ave. Since that time their bench donation has grown into a revitalization of the entire bus stop area. Over the next few months, a second bench will be added to this area along with a shade structure to cover the benches for a nicer and more welcoming waiting area.
Thank you to all of the students in the class of 2022 who committed to getting this project started; Ashley Belleza, Sarah Marmolejo, Spencer Douangphouxay, Miyah Carrillo, Megan McCraw, Izabella Vasquez, Teda Pel, and Birdie Rouse. You have left a wonderful gift for future Panthers!
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Consul General of Italy Visits & Meets with San Joaquin Memorial High School Students |
On Friday, April 29, 2022 SJM faculty, staff and students were delighted and honored to welcome Sergio Strozzi, Consul General of Italy who visited from San Francisco, CA, Edward D. Fanucchi '86, Honorary Consul of Italy and Anna Zeppieri, Head of Education Office from the Consulate General of Italy in San Francisco.
Michele Sani, SJM Dean of Academics, Miriam Brillante, SJM Italian Instructor and Italian World Languages students welcomed Mr. Strozzi and his guests. Students engaged in an informal Q&A session, where they were able to learn about Mr. Strozzi and what it means to be a Consul General of Italy.
During the Consul's visit to San Joaquin Memorial High School our Italian students were thrilled that they could give him a detailed tour of the school and be able to talk to him one-on-one while speaking Italian. Mr, Strozzi visited different classrooms and greeted additional Memorial students that morning.
Mr. Strozzi expressed his happiness to see such a good number of students of Italian descent at Memorial. He believes that learning about the history and culture of a country is as important as learning its language.
San Joaquin Memorial High School is very grateful for the opportunity to meet the Consul General of Italy and ask questions about his incredible life. Students have been inspired by his visit and hope to meet him again in the near future.
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Congratulations Math Club Team for Earning First Place! |
Congratulations to the Math Club Competition Team of Migel Teodoro, Blake Mendez, Jordan Mazmanian, Daniella Golik, Nicole Lanfranco, Charlotte Burks, Giovanni Provenzano, and Yasin Araim for earning first place in the small high school division on April 30, 2022 at Math Field Day at Fresno State. A special Congratulations to Migel and Blake for earning 3rd place in the partner competition. |
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Congratulations Madisen & Curtis! |
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Curtis McKeighan '14 and Madisen Baldwin '14 began dating in 2015 and have been a couple ever since. Curtis proposed to Madi on 9-02-21 in a special place they love to hike in Cayucos. They work and live in Sacramento and their sweet dog, Dolly, has been living her best life with them since. They rescued Dolly in 2020. The McKeighan and Baldwin families are very excited for their upcoming wedding in April 2023! |
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Congratulations Caroline & Grant! |
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Grant Lilles '16 and Caroline Howard '16 began dating in 2016 and have been a couple ever since. Grant proposed to Caroline on November 5th, 2021 in a special place they love to visit in Central Park New York, NY. They work and live in Fresno, Ca. Grant and Caroline are building their careers in their respective industries in real estate and fashion/marketing. The Lilles and Howard families are very excited for their upcoming wedding on May 6th, 2023! |
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Congratulations Brittney & Taylor! |
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Taylor Whelan '04 and Brittney Keast met at a country concert in 2016, began dating shortly thereafter and the rest is history! Taylor proposed to Brittney on New Year’s Day ‘22 in beautiful Napa Valley. Taylor is a financial planner and Brittney works as an ER nurse in Fresno. When not at work, Taylor and Brittney are full time dog parents to their golden retriever Fulton. The Whelan and Keast families are very excited for their upcoming wedding on 6/17/2023! |
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Congratulations Taylor & George! |
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Photos by John and Joseph Photography |
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Photos by John and Joseph Photography |
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Photos by John and Joseph Photography |
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Taylor (Holland) Helmuth ‘15 and George Helmuth were married on April 29, 2022 at Calamigos Guest Ranch in Malibu, California. The two of them met and began dating during their college days at Fresno State. As a proud panther she hopes to one day carry on the SJM legacy by sending their children to Memorial. |
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Congratulations Laura & Kirk! |
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Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography
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Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography
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Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography
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Laura (Weaver) Teixeira '11 and Kirk Teixeira '10 were married on June 11, 2022. Their ceremony was at the Carmel Mission Basilica in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. They were able to celebrate their wedding with all of their family and friends. Laura and Kirk crossed paths after graduating college and the rest is history. Laura is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and will graduate in April of 2023. Kirk is continuing his family legacy and farming in the Central Valley. Congratulations to the happy couple! |
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Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography
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Photos by Nikki Ryan Photography
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Congratulations Kristina & Cole! |
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Photos by Kelli Avila Photography
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Kristina Dunklin (‘08) and Cole Rojewski were married on April 23, 2022 in Fresno. Kristina and Cole, who grew up in Clovis, met in Washington, D.C. while working on Capitol Hill. The couple was married at Our Lady of Perpetual Help followed by a reception at the home of Kristina’s grandparents, Ned and Vivian Dalena - the same location where Kristina’s parents, Marianne (Dalena) Dunklin and Jerome Dunklin, both SJM class of ‘76, had their wedding reception. Congratulations to the newlyweds! |
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Photos by Kelli Avila Photography
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Charlotte Jade Boujikian was born on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 5:36 a.m. She is the daughter of Adam Boujikian '12 and Hannah (Tillman) Boujikian. She is a precious and healthy baby girl. At birth she weighted 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 1/2 in. long. They live in Winters, California where they run their own business Boujikian Family Apiary. CONGRATULATIONS and welcome to the Panther family Charlotte Jade! |
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Ryann Gomez was born on Monday, December 27, 2021. She is the daughter of Allyson (Bourdet) Gomez '07 and Jason Gomez. She was born weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and 19.5 in. long. Allyson is a nurse in labor and delivery at Clovis Community Hospital and that's where Ryann was born with the help of her co-workers. Welcome to the to the Panther family gorgeous baby Ryann. |
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May They Rest in Peace... with God Forever!
Guido Ventresca was born to Luisa Lo Stracco and Gentile Ventresca on December 19, 1929, in Italy; and passed away peacefully at his home in Fresno on June 29, 2022, with his children Lisa '83 (John) and grandchildren John '10, Emily '15 and Gia '24 near him. He was 92 years old. Read more about his life at this link.
Amedio Thomas Ferdinandi, Sr. '48, age 92 passed away on June 23, 2022 in Fresno, California. Amedio Thomas "Tom" Ferdinandi, Sr. peacefully passed away at his home with his wife Anna Laura "Jane" (Ochinero) Ferdinandi '48 by his side. Tom is survived by his wife and children Laura '68, Tom Jr. '81, John '82 and David '85 and grandchildren. Read more about his life at this link.
William Rodney "Rod" McClelland passed away on June 14, 2022 in Fresno, California. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Jean McClelland '57, his sons Rodney Jr. McClelland '85 (Christine) and Michael Jeff McClelland '87 (Katie) and his grandchildren Tyler, Zachary, Tori, Krista, and Nicholas. Read more about his life at this link.
Brandy Ann Chaney '93 passed away on June 5, 2022 at 48 years old. Brandy was born on April 13, 1974 in Fresno, CA to Patricia Levato. She was the oldest of three siblings. She is survived by her husband Kenneth (Buck) Harbuck, mother Patricia Levato, brother Joseph Levato (wife Shannon Smith) and sister Liberty Levato (fiancé Rick Barandas). Read more about her life at this link.
Dorothy "Dodie" Mon Pere passed away on Friday, June 3, 2022 at the age of 86 surrounded by her beloved children and a goodbye from her grandchildren just two days before her 87th birthday. She was born on June 5, 1935. Dodie was born in Culver City, California in 1935. She is survived by her children Michael Mon Pere '87 and Patrick Mon Pere '90. Dodie was also the proud grandmother of her surviving grandchildren: Patrick Mon Pere '21, Matthew Mon Pere '22 and Abigail Mon Pere '25. Read more about her life at this link.
Orlando Habibe M.D. passed away peacefully on May 25, 2022. He was born on November 20, 1929 on the Caribbean Sea in the city of Santa Marta, Colombia. He is survived by his sons Michael Habibe '83 and Alex Habibe '86. Read more about his life at this link.
Angela "Angie" Marie DiLiddo '54, age 85, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2022, with the love of her life and husband of 65 years by her side Nick DiLiddo. Angie was born in Fresno, California on August 7, 1936. She is survived by her husband and daughter Nicolyn and son Frank. Read more about her life at this link.
Christopher Archuleta '82 passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2022 in Charleston, SC. He was born on September 24, 1964 in Dallas, TX. He is predeceased by his father, Joe, and brother, Terry. He is survived by his wife, Cecelia, his mother Irene, sister Camille Fisher, brothers Cameron and Craig, nieces Erin, Mia and Brooklyn and nephews Eric and Cory. Read more about his life at this link.
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Stay Connected with SJM Alumni! |
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11,403 SJM Alumni Worldwide! |
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What other countries are we missing on this map? Where else does a SJM Alumni live today? Please share with us at ggutierrez@sjmhs.org...
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Share your Happy Moments
with your Alma Mater!
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Although you may have already graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School but you're still a part of our big SJM Alumni family. Let us know about your happy life moments: engagement, wedding, had a baby, home purchase, city/state relocation, professional accomplishment, wedding anniversary or experienced a big life milestone that you want your fellow Memorial Alumni to know about. We will be happy to feature your moments in Memorial Connections!
How? It's simple! Just email Mr. Gustavo Gutierrez, Communications Specialist at ggutierrez@sjmhs.org with your announcement and the year you graduated.
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Have questions about your class reunion? Share them with us!
Alumni Panthers please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event pre-game dinners, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected, please fill out this form.
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