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Lauro Platas '18
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Panther of the Week: Lauro Platas '18
Our Panther of the Week is Lauro Platas '18. Lauro is an accomplished student at San Joaquin Memorial and has enjoyed much success in his studies. Beginning with his freshman year, he has received the Holy Cross Scholar Award every year. The Holy Cross Scholar Award is awarded to students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.0 or higher while undertaking the most rigorous course of studies available to them. Lauro has also been placed on the Principal's Honor Roll every year and has received individual academic awards in English, biology, AP psychology and world languages. He achieved a score of 5, the highest score possible on 3 of the 5 AP exams he has taken to date. Those exams were in psychology, composition and Spanish. Including his courses for his senior year, Lauro has taken 14 honors and 9 AP classes. While carrying this workload Lauro has earned a cumulative GPA of 4.17, an admirable achievement! Lauro is also an active member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and the California Scholarship Federation (CSF), with a qualification for lifetime membership.
Lauro has volunteered frequently at the Poverello House, spending time there approximately once a month for the last three years. It was part of the volunteer work he did through the S Club, an SJM service club, which he was a member of for 3 years. While a 6th grade student at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Clovis, Lauro began to volunteer at St. Martha's Pantry, which is affiliated with the OLPH school and parish. This will be his seventh year serving as a volunteer at St. Martha's Pantry.
An engaged student, Lauro is a board member of the Nature Club but his main efforts are as the founder and president of the Application of Practical Ethics in Society (APES) club at SJM. The APES club is a philosophy club with a special emphasis on ethics in contemporary society. Currently the club has 14 members. Lauro has a passionate interest in philosophy, that interest first began to develop in his freshman year. "My freshman year was a culture shock as far as the workload, the shift in pace, the demands of the classes and how those demands sometimes clashed with each other. It was also challenging for me to transition from having one teacher to having several each day" stated Lauro. "One of the positives in my freshman year was that the coursework caused a turn in my thinking, an expansion of my thoughts" this "turn" blossomed into a passionate interest in philosophy for Lauro. He often engages in philosophical thought and reading in his free time. This interest led to his participation in a 5-day philosophy seminar hosted by the Zephyr Institute on the Stanford campus for the last two summers. The seminar is for high school students and promotes rational discourse on contemporary issues. Lauro's other interests include language, composing and playing music (piano) and writing. He's also been a lector at his parish for the past three years.
While his accomplishments at SJM are many, he's hoping the best is yet to come. Lauro is looking forward to writing a 5-part series on the meaning of education. He plans on beginning broadly with education in general, funneling down to the meaning of a Catholic education and its role in helping us achieve our final end. He's hoping to have the series published in the SJM Red and Blue as a guest writer. He was inspired to write this series after reading the founding documents of St. Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, California.
After reading the founding documents of St. Thomas Aquinas College Lauro became interested in learning more about the college. This past summer he attended a 2 week program where he lived on campus and attended philosophy, literature and euclidean geometry classes. His stay there helped him determine that St. Thomas Aquinas is his top choice for college. Lauro is drawn to the top rated liberal arts Catholic college because in lieu of textbooks and lectures students study the great books of Western civilization and instead of lectures they employ Socratic discussions. At the center of all of this is the rich sacramental life offered to students with 4 daily masses, confessions before and after each mass, spiritual direction, and much more. Lauro is excited about attending a college with this approach to education.
Lauro, we agree with you, while your years at SJM have been exemplary, we think your best is yet to come! Your family must be very proud of you and your SJM family is also so proud of you, keep up the amazing work!
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100th Victory For Coach Goston
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Coach Anthony Goston. Photo by Henry Gutierrez.
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San Joaquin Memorial High School would like to recognize our Head Football Coach, Anthony Goston for reaching his 100th victory on Friday, September 22 in a game vs. Sunnyside High School. Coach Goston has been at SJM since 1998 in various roles and after working diligently as a junior varsity football running back coach he became the head varsity coach in 2004. Goston, who also taught AP European History, was the school's Athletic Director for 10 years before transitioning to his current role as Vice Principal of Student Affairs. Coach Goston and his teams have enjoyed some impressive seasons and the entire San Joaquin Memorial community is proud of his accomplishments, passion, hard work, and most importantly his love for San Joaquin Memorial. The entire Faculty, staff, and student-body would like to congratulate Coach Goston on his 100th win and we look forward to many more in the near future!
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The SJM Varsity Football team at the September 22 Sunnyside game. Photo by Henry Gutierrez.
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Class of
2019 "Rings" in the School Year
On Wednesday September 27 the Junior Class had their annual Junior Ring Mass where their class rings were blessed at a
Mass
celebrated in honor of the class. Thank you to St. Helen's parish and Fr. Genaro for being such gracious hosts of this very special occasion.
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Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Petacchi (School Board Chair) with Bishop Ochoa. Photo by Jebian Photography.
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Bishop Ochoa, Superintendent Mona Faulkner and the San Joaquin Memorial Administration honored and recognized annual giving and leadership donors at the annual Bishop's Dinner event, held September 20. Every part of the Memorial community has benefited from the support and generosity of these esteemed supporters. Philanthropy continues to play a vital role in the continuing growth of SJM.
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Dinner under Block M. Photo by Jebian Photography.
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Over 450 Students Visit San Joaquin Memorial!
Middle School Visit Day
 SJM welcomed over 450 students, parents, and faculty from George McCann, Mary Immaculate Queen, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Our Lady of Victory, St. Anthony's, St. Helen's, St. Joachim's, St. LaSalle, and St. Rose
on Thursday
. It was an amazing day visiting with Future Panthers! The Student Ambassadors, ASB and many other students helped manage and support this event. Our students showed their Memorial Pride and made a lasting impact on our guests. A big thank you to the SJM Parent Guild for hosting and serving lunch for our visiting families.
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Homecoming Taco Fest Tailgate!
The Office of
Advancement invites
the Memorial Community
to attend the
homecoming tailgate!
San Joaquin Memorial Panthers vs.
The Edison Tigers
Friday October 13, 2017
6:00pm
Holy Cross Hall Courtyard
$15 per person
includes 2 beers
No host bar on wine and margaritas
RSVP by October 10, 2017 to
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40th Annual Many Dreams...One Mission
Dinner and Auction
The 40th Annual, Many
Dreams...One Mission Dinner, Live and Silent Auction will be held
November 4, 2017, here
at San Joaquin Memorial.
We would love donations of vacation homes, sky miles, tickets to professional sporting events, plays or concerts for our Live Auction. The Silent Auction Team is looking forward to another successful year and has a great selection of 'Tables' this year: Outdoor Living/Garden, Holiday, Farm to Table, Children/Teen, Dessert, Sports, Religion, His & Hers, Wine and Grandmothers! We would love your help!
CLICK HERE to see the list of Table Chairs. To donate to the silent auction, please contact one of our chairs by October 20. If you'd like to donate a gift of $50 or more to the Grandmother's Table contact Virginia Dalena at (559) 567-6152 or Dottie DeMera at (559) 435-3422.
For more information contact Shirley Boujikian at (559) 475-5831 or email
sboujikian@sjmhs.org
. Thank you for your continued support of Memorial students by supporting the 40th Annual Auction, Many Dreams...One Mission. See you there!!!
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Parent Service Hour Opportunities
Eucharistic Adoration Volunteers
We are looking for Adorers to take a shift in our Adoration chapel each Thursday for our weekly Adoration. Volunteers take a 1 hour shift (often shared with 1-2 others so you can rotate) to sit in the chapel before the Blessed Sacrament in prayer for our students, faculty/staff and our school as a whole. Currently Adoration is offered 8:30am-12:30pm each Thursday school is in session but we'd like to expand the hours if possible. Volunteers can count their time towards the parent hour commitment, family members can volunteer on behalf of a parent/family. For more information contact Clarissa Myers at
(559) 268-9251.
SJM Retreats and Service Day
Parents, service hour opportunities are available at our retreats and on "Celebrate Abilities" service day.
Celebrate Abilities service day, October 18, 9:30am-3:00pm at SJM. Volunteers needed to help manage miscellaneous behind the scenes duties throughout the day.
Retreat Night Watch Crew for the Junior, Sophomore and Freshman overnight retreats. Four hours available at each retreat; bed, meal and coffee are provided.
Diocesan Congress,
V Encuentro & Youth Days
The Office of Formation & Evangelization/ Diocese of Fresno is seeking Parent Service Volunteers in need of service hours to work at the
2017 Diocese of Fresno Congress on Saturday, October 14
and/or
V Encuentro on Sunday, October 15
. Click here to register online for volunteer service hours for either day or for both days. Both events are being held at the Visalia Convention Center.
For more information about SJM Parent Volunteers for Congress and V Encuentro, contact Sr. Joanne Bauer, CSC, Family Life Coordinator, at
joanneb@dioceseoffresno.org
or at (559) 488-7474 ext. 106.
Youth Day
will be held at
St. Francis Youth Center in Bakersfield on Saturday, October 28
and at
Reedley High School in Reedley on Sunday, October 29.
For more information about SJM Parent Volunteers for Youth Day, contact Katrina Flores, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, at
kflores@dioceseoffresno.org
or at (559) 488-7474 ext. 105. An online link for volunteers will be available soon.
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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 a part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our homecoming tailgate, alumni cocktail mixers, The Panther Big Give, Career Day, and so much more! Don't miss out! To stay connected
please fill out this form
.
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Saint of the Day: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael
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Angles appear frequently in scripture but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are mentioned by name. On this date the Church remembers the three archangels.
Each of the archangels performs
a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides. In each of their missions they bear the message of God's faithfulness and love for his
people and proclaim the glory of his saving power.
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A Message From Tom Spencer, Principal
This week's edition of TWAM is filled with articles about the wonderful culture of San Joaquin Memorial High School. I've had the pleasure of being present for the game last Saturday when Coach Goston achieved his milestone win, for the Ring Ceremony with many members of the Junior Class, and of course, for the Middle School Visit Day with our partner schools attending. I thank God for the blessings this community brings to the entire central valley!
A reminder that we will continue to accept donations for the relief of victims of natural disasters, which will be transferred directly to those dioceses that are in most need. Please encourage one another to follow the example of our students who often lead the way in the community with service to those in need.
Blessings,
Tom Spencer
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Monday, October 2:
White Day.
Tuesday, October 3: Red Day. Girls Golf vs. Madera at San Joaquin Country Club, 2:00pm-5:00pm. Girls Tennis at Madera, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Boys Water Polo vs. Bullard at SJM, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Girls Volleyball vs. Madera at SJM, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Girls Water Polo vs. Bullard at SJM, 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Wednesday, October 4:
Blue Day. Prayer at the Fountain, 7:15am. Senior Parent Night at SJM Media Center, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
Thursday, October 5:
Red Mass Day. Girls Golf, CMAC Tournament #4 at Sherwood Forest Golf Club, 2:00pm-5:00pm. Girls Tennis vs. Madera South at Fresno City College, 3:00pm-5:00pm. Boys Water Polo at Edison, 5:30pm-7:30pm. Girls Volleyball at Madera South, 6:00pm-8:00pm. Girls Water Polo at Edison, 6:30pm-7:30pm.
Friday, October 6: Blue Day. Girls Volleyball at Hoover, 3:00pm-8:00pm. Football at Madera South, 5:00pm-9:30pm.
Saturday, October 7:
Cross Country, Clovis Invitational at Woodward Park, 7:00am-10:00am. Girls Volleyball at Hoover, 9:00am-4:00pm.
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September Issue is Here!
Red and Blue
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Interested in getting involved? The alumni working group is meeting
October 4th
5:30pm-6:30pm
Holy Cross Hall
For more information, contact Kenyeih Williams, Director of Advancement at (559) 475-5841 or
kwilliams@sjmhs.org
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Thank You
to The Big Fresno Fair!
Thank you to the Big Fresno Fair and the Fresno County Office of Education for including SJM each year in their 4.0 & Above Program. There are over 100 Memorial sophomores, juniors and seniors with a 4.0 and above GPA (as of June 2017) who are being rewarded for their hard work and academic achievements with a free complimentary pass into the Fresno Fair on Wednesday, October 4. Students will have an opportunity to enter and win a 2017 Toyota Corolla, scholarships and other great prizes.
THANK YOU to the Big Fresno Fair and FCOE for this great program and recognizing our hard working students!
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SJM 2017 Parent Nights
All Parent Night Meetings will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the SJM Media Center.
Sophomore - October 11
Junior - October 18
Senior - October 4
SJM Counselors and Administrators will discuss:
-High School Graduation Requirements;
-College Admission Requirements;
-All School Testing Day, Oct. 11 (PSAT/Pre-ACT);
-Naviance Family Connection;
-Service Education and X2Vol;
-Retreats;
-Other grade-level specific topics such as college applications, and the SAT/ACT.
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Donation Opportunities for Parents
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$20 purchase of the requested items below equals one hour of service. Parents may note their donation in the Parent Service Hour Binder located in the Main Office. Donations of the following items are requested;
1. Water (cases or pallets from Costco or Sam's Club)
2. Kleenex for our classrooms (150 count or larger)
3. Hand sanitizer (30oz or larger w/pump)
4. Disinfecting wipes (Clorox or Lysol - 75 sheets or larger)
Thank you for your continued contributions!
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Career Day
San Joaquin Memorial High School will be holding it's
Career Day on Friday, March 9, 2018. If you are interested in sharing your career path with students, please contact Shirley Boujikian by January 9 at sboujikian@sjmhs.org.
Presenters will be scheduled between 9:00am-11:00am or 11:00am-1:00pm.
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Gary M. Charleston '58 passed away September 19, 2017.
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