Warm Greetings SJM Alumni & Friends,

As we embrace the holiday season with our family and friends, I would like to wish you, our cherished SJM alumni, a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. Your generous support and interest in the well-being of San Joaquin Memorial continues to amaze me each day!

We love seeing you at various functions throughout the school year from the Celebration of Philanthropic Leaders, to athletic events far and wide, at alumni meet and greets, and most recently at our sold out Dinner & Auction. Your presence is extremely important and signifies that you care and are on board as we move diligently forward toward many new and exciting advancements at Memorial.

In the six months since my arrival as Head of School, progress is well underway with committees formed to address a number of important initiatives including a comprehensive campus master plan, a board-led strategic plan and an overall strengthening of relationships with our partner schools and the surrounding Fresno community. Our steadfast goal at Memorial is to create the most outstanding high school experience we can for our young people in order to prepare them for success in college and beyond in their chosen career paths.

As Memorial alumni we thank you for supporting us on this school journey, and may God’s blessings shower you and your loved ones during this most holy season!

Yours in Christ,
Michael C. Burke
Head of School
 
SJM Air Force vet finds new purpose through military blog 

She traded in her combat boots for a diaper bag. She went from being an Airman to a Mom. Her name is Amanda Huffman, a ‘2002 graduate of SJM, Air Force veteran, and a military mom who has found new purpose through the creation of a blog and podcast about women of the military. 
 
In her blog Airman To Mom, Amanda interviews women who have served in the military or are currently serving in the military. She also shares certain aspects of her military experience as an Air Force officer, military spouse, veteran, and mom.
Serving up love and dental care in Armenia

In October 2015, our own Michele Sani, Assistant Head of School for Academics, and her husband Dr. Ron Sani, made their first medical mission trip to Armenia. It was the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, which made the experience particularly poignant.

“That year, we served dental patients in several regions of the country, our home base being the capital, Yerevan,” said Mrs. Sani. “Since then, Ron has made the trip every year, and I have served as his assistant twice since then.”

“In America, we have a foster system; in Armenia, there are orphanages,” Mrs. Sani explained. “For the last two years, I have assisted Ron in a clinic adjacent to a Catholic orphanage. It was created by SOAR – Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief. All treatment is free, thanks to donors from all over the world.”
2019 Valley Champs!
Congratulations to all of our Valley Champions!

Football reaches state semifinal!

After beating Tulare Western in the Valley Championship, the Panthers will travel to San Mateo to take on Serra High School, in the Division 1-A semifinal. The game will be on December 7, 2019 at 12 pm.
Class of '09 Reunion
The class of 2009 celebrated their 10th reunion on Saturday, December 2, 2019. They celebrated their reunion at Pardini's in Fresno.
SJM celebrates newborns!
Anessa Patton-Aragon '07 and her husband Dominic Aragon, welcomed Aliya Rose Aragon into their family on Sept 18, 2019. She was born at 6 lbs 12 oz and 19 inches long.
Heather Prandini-Shute '05 and Tommy Shute '00 welcomed Penelope Jeanette into their family on August 29, 2019. She was born at 7 lbs 6oz and 20 inches. She was born on the same day as her great-great grandmother Prandini 100 years later.
Chris Gutilla '03 and Jenna Gutilla welcomed Giada Josephine Gutilla on September 23, 2019. She was born at 6 lbs 13 oz.

SJM's Annual Auction was another success
The 42nd Annual Auction was a sell out this year with over 400 people in attendance. Thank you to the SJM community for your support and a big thank you to our Chairs who make this event possible.

Maria Campos, Mimi '88 Fanucchi and Betty Hermosillo-Turner
Thank you to all of the SJM Auction 2019 Sponsors
Be sure to make your tax-deductible gift to The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial by December 31. Thank you for helping make a Memorial education possible for all of our deserving students.
Alumni Scholarship Fund Created

San Joaquin Memorial alumni have the storied reputation of being generous givers. When asked to show their support for various endeavors, Memorial graduates rise to the occasion. 

With that said, the Advancement Office has created a new SJM Alumni Scholarship Fund that will benefit current students who need financial assistance in order to continue their high school experience at Memorial. 

As an alumnus, you know that your scholarship donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of Memorial students. So, once again, we are asking our alumni to rise to the occasion and donate to the newly created Alumni Scholarship Fund by contacting Kenyeih Williams at kwilliams@sjmhs.org or (559) 475-5841.
Career Day

San Joaquin Memorial High School's Career Day will be taking place on  Friday, February 28, 2020 . If you are interested in sharing your career with our students, please fill out the participation form.
Join Us For the 75th Annual St. Patrick's Day Golf Tournament

For more info please contact Shirley Boujikian at (559) 475-5831 or sboujikian@sjmhs.org
May They Rest in Peace... with God Forever

Sarah McQuay '67 passed away September 29, 2019. She is the sister of Priscilla Farley Sanders '65.

Iva Jean E. Toste passed away October 12, 2019. She is the grandmother of Aneka Toste Anderson '00 and Roni Toste Anderson '02. She is the aunt of Becky Texiera, SJM Registrar. She is the great aunt of Jackie Texiera '02 and Kristy Texiera '04.

Anna Saladino is the mother of Craig Saladino '78. She is the grandmother of Bianca Muro Blanchette '94, Matthew Muro '97, Brittany Muro '00 and Ashley Muro Willis '02. She is the great grandmother of Giovanni Blanchette '22.
Call for Class Notes
Have you recently gotten married, had a baby or experienced a big life moment that you want to share with your fellow Memorial alumni ? Have updates about your reunion? Share them with us! Submit announcements to  advancement@sjmhs.org.
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 pre-game dinners, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected,  please  fill out this form .

San Joaquin Memorial High School | sjmhs.org