The new February 2012 issue of CresCom is now available online in the School Publications Center.

Click here to download the February 2012 CresCom.

Click here to download (PDF) the February 2012 letter from President Fr. Tom Schrader.

Crespi’s Alumni Hall of Fame Highlights a Year of Great Events

Graduation is the most important event for the Crespi community, but throughout the year the school still has something for everyone in the community.Arguably, the best event of the year was the 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies. Watch the interviews of the 2011 Crespi Carmelite Alumni Hall of Fame inductees: http://youtu.be/HZ6deRHdN9k

Sean Howard and Tom Turley

Crespi taught me about team work.

Encino, CA (PRWEB) December 31, 2011

As we say good-bye to 2011, Crespi Carmelite experienced another memorable year of events. Graduation is the most important event for the Crespi community, but throughout the year the school still has something for everyone in the community. The year was highlighted by C.A.P.E.R., the school’s annual gala at the Roosevelt in Hollywood. Two extremely successful events followed in Westlake Village, the annual golf tournament at North Ranch Country Club and a Christmas fashion and luncheon at the Four Seasons.

Arguably, the best event of the year was the 2011 Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies. The event was held on October 29 in the Crespi Alumni Memorial Gymnasium. The crowded gym was filled with many of Crespi’s best student athletes. This was the first year that event was led by a committee comprising of previous Hall of Fame inductees. Their insight and management helped foster a better experience for the 2011 inductees and the guests at the event.

Watch the interviews.

This year, the Crespi Carmelite High School Alumni Association was proud to honor seven inductees in to the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, two of the inductees could not attend. One was Paul Mokesi ’75, an NBA Star and current Head Coach of the Reno Bighorns of the NBA Development League. He was a college basketball player at the University of Kansas and his tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks is the most noted part of his pro career. The second was a soccer inductee, Mike La Femina ’99, class valedictorian and Mission League Defensive player of the year. La Femina graduated from the University of California Los Angeles and started his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of California, San Francisco.

Of those present, there were two football inductees to the hall of fame Dave Scheper ’76 and Sean Howard ’87. Scheper was a member of the 1974 and 1975 football teams at Crespi. As senior, he earned honors as the team’s Most Valuable Player, Del Rey League Lineman of the Year, first team all-CIF and All-State, and was named a Scholar-Athlete by the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. He would continue to play football at the Harvard College for two years winning the Henry Lamar Award for Most Inspirational Player. After college, he graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School and is currently a partner at Scheper, Kim & Harris LLP.

Howard was high school All-American at Crespi Carmelite and UCLA scholarship linebacker. Sean’s football career was cut short by injury. He then attended the University of Oregon School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor. After three years in the legal profession, Howard was hired by the San Francisco Forty-Niners, where under the direction of GMs Bill and Terry Donahue, he began his experience with the NFL. He is currently licensed as an NFLPA contract advisor and is involved with all phases of client representation. Some of his clients have been Brandon Pettigrew, Marshawn Lynch, Shonn Greene, and Mercedes Lewis.

Also honored, were Marc Wong ’82 of Crespi’s 1981 CIF Championship Water Polo team and Casey Snow ’93 from the heralded Baseball program. In 1981, Wong helped lead Crespi to the CIF 2A Water Polo Championship and was named the CIF 2A player of the year. He was named to the All-CIF Southern Section first Team, All-Southern California Water Polo Team and chosen for the High School Coaches All-American Team. Snow was a scholarship catcher at Long Beach State. He was drafted by the Dodgers in 1996 and played five seasons. He is currently, a Fire Captain for the Bakersfield Fire Department.

The final inductee was Joe Willging ’74 the recipient of the Crespi Man Award. He was Student Body Vice President, a Varsity Cheerleader, and played on the, 1973-1974 Varsity baseball team. While each of the inductees represents the ideals of the Crespi Man, Willging throughout the years has been one of the school’s greatest advocates and most active alumnus. Yet in the end, they are all Crespi Men and each inductee serves as a testament to what a student can achieve at Crespi Carmelite and beyond.

Commentary: Crespi's Taiko Drum Students Play Winter Concert [VIDEO]

Three Taiko drum classes performed in front of parents and friends.

[The following commentary originally appeared on the Crespi Carmelite Taiko website, and is reproduced here by permission of the author].

Last Thursday night, December 8, the Celt Taiko students of Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino held their annual Winter Concert of ensemble taiko drumming.

Father Paul provided a prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance after expressing gratitude to God that the Arts Building was now available to provide a stage for music and theater productions of the school.

The three Taiko classes–Beginning, Advanced, and Performance Ensemble–each performed at least two arrangements before an audience of more than 150 parents, friends, and volunteers. Cameron Hygate, an Advanced Class Junior, asked the audience how many had never been to a Taiko performance before. About 25 hands shot into the air. Afterwards, many of these newcomers expressed how stirring and professional the Celt Taiko performance was that evening and they wished other friends had been there to share in the experience. They will have an opportunity to attend the Spring Concert this May.

Blaine O'Brien, class instructor, let all his students display their full talents on a stage expertly lighted and decorated with black and red drapery, strands of lights, golden fans, and paper lanterns. During one number in the first half, the platform was packed with fourteen drums and Beginner students (who had only studied Taiko for only a few months) impressing the crowd with their studied coordination during "Renshi," which is a Japanese verb for "practice." They returned later to perform Joel Mankey's "Shonami" (little wave).

The Advanced Class showed the "Naname" stance with the drums slanted at an angle during their performance of "Oiuchi Daiko" by Kenny Endo. They returned to perform another Endo piece called "Odaiko Kakiai Kihon Kyoku." This number featured two large overhead Odaiko drums flanked by four performers in a rhythmic back and forth alternation between one another. Blaine had been able to borrow one of the huge drums from CSUN's Jinshin Taiko troupe. The students (mostly Sophomores and Juniors) had a chance to display the stamina required to play for eight minutes with the only respite provided by four original solos performed during the piece (see the video, above, filmed by Matthew Somogyi).

Each half was bookended by the extraordinary flair of the Celt Taiko Performance Ensemble–six performers who are enjoying their third or fourth year of playing Taiko at Crespi. These young men now display the level of confidence that raises the bar for future performances at Crespi. "Raion" was performed with particular mastery as four of the troupe played two taiko at once with amazing originality of composition and movement artistry.

With four returning next year, the heights to which they can aspire has been raised significantly. Their motivation will be fueled by the upcoming team trip to Stanford in the Spring where they will perform with collegiate and professional masters of this genre of music. The Performance Ensemble performed a beautiful and rousing first rendition of "Omiyage" punctuated by cheers from those on the stage and on the floor alike.

Blaine O'Brien thanked the many volunteers who had organized the theater, decorated the stage, sold raffle tickets, contributed prizes and food items, and sold Taiko memorabilia. Over $2,500 was raised to help fund the Spring trip. The day after he praised the students' dedication:

"The amount of work that went into what little time we had has payed off in a more important way as well," O'Briend said. "I personally feel like the kids had a very good run last night.  It was both inspiring to them, and incredibly educational.  As a leader and teacher, I saw my students execute my instructions to a tee, even down to correct ways to recover from a mistake on stage. They are learning to be performers at a core level, and the support you show tells them that it matters.

"In the spring we'll have far more time to take that same talent and make a bigger gathering of it.  Now that we have our first show together in the bag, I can better approach coordinating jobs next time and focus even more on teaching, ensuring that we have the entertainment to build such a great show upon."

–Scott Miller

Volume XVI, Issue I of The Celt student published newspaper is now available online in the School Publications Center.

Click here to download The Celt, Volume XVI, Issue I.

World Day of Prayer - December 5, 2011
Thirst and Starvation in Somalia

The current drought and political situation in the African country of Somalia has caused a massive migration of people. A crisis of hunger is showing no signs of improving.

This World Day of Prayer is one of twice annual days of prayer and reflection that are sponsored by the Carmelite NGO.

Please feel free to download the booklet or write to our New Orleans office for copies.

Crespi Carmelite High School Students Bring Holiday Joy

The Christmas at Crespi program benefits families from Our Lady of Grace Parish in Encino and Guardian Angel Parish in Pacoima.

The buses are ordered, the cookies are baking and Santa’s sleigh is fueled and ready to fly to Encino this on Saturday, December 3, 2011. The students and faculty at Crespi Carmelite High School will spread holiday cheer this year to more than sixty families in need from noon to till two o’clock on Saturday at the Eleventh Annual Christmas at Crespi.

"Crespi makes a difference to all these little children that came by to pick up toys," said Deacon Chavez of Guardian Angel Parish. "They look forward to coming every year and enjoying Christmas with all of Crespi."

Students at the high school have adopted San Fernando Valley families as part of the school's winter toy and gift drive. There will be music, games, refreshments, and a special visit from Santa Claus, who will distribute the donated toys and gifts to visiting families. Crespi students and faculty invite the community to attend this event from noon to 2 p.m. in the Commons, located in the Crespi Fine Arts Building, at 5031 Alonzo Ave.

"This event defines what Christmas is all about, giving and helping others," said Student Activities Director Dona Long.

The Christmas at Crespi program benefits families from Our Lady of Grace Parish in Encino and Guardian Angel Parish in Pacoima. Any additional gifts are donated to the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Fire Department toy drives.

Crespi Drama Keeps the Stakes High

November 29, 2011 By admin

For Immediate Release       

Crespi Carmelite High School
5031 Alonzo Ave.
Encino, CA 91316

Contact: Paul V. Rawate
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Phone: 818-654-1328
Cell: 818-462-1708

With the close of the Crespi Carmelite Players’ production of “Moon Over Buffalo,” Crespi Drama proves once again that it is becoming one of the Valley’s most eminent drama programs.

“‘Moon Over Buffalo’ is a very fast-paced show, challenging the actors to keep the stakes high for their characters without overacting,” said Peter Jeensalute, Crespi’s new drama teacher and director for this year’s fall production. The Players did not disappoint. Both casts displayed an incredible amount of energy, propelling the fast-moving comedy forward and avoiding the tedious and mechanical recitations to which so many high school productions fall prey.

Not only did the cast keep the energy high, but they controlled and directed it with expert timing, melding frantic dialogue with madcap physical stunts in order to turn the play into the hilarious whirlwind of confused characters that the play was meant to be.

The only significant dilemma the play faced was the set. Due to time constraints, the construction of the set was only one level. Originally, “Moon Over Buffalo” was performed on a raised stage in order to emphasize the play-within-a-play aspect of the piece. Because the performances were so well done, only Act III’s balcony scene required a little imagination by the audience. The audience had to suspend their disbelief as George fell about foot and a half into an “orchestra pit.” 

Nonetheless, the Crespi Carmelite Players’ superior acting not only raised the stakes for their characters, but also raised the stakes for high school drama in the Valley.

Remembering Conor Lynch

Lorie Veiner-Clause

Posted on October 16, 2011 at 9:43pm  Print

 

Oct. 19, 2011 marks the first anniversary of the tragic accident that killed Notre Dame’s Cross Country Runner, Conor Lynch. He was a junior at Notre Dame High School where he will always be remembered as an amazing student, son, brother, athlete and friend.

The anniversary became a very special day honoring Conor and his memory. Conor’s parents, Jeri Dye-Lynch, Mark Lynch and two brothers, Riley and Parker organized the first annual 5K run/walk fundraiser at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Park on Sunday. Thousands of people came out early in the morning to support the Lynch family.

As the runners and walkers were proudly wearing their yellow t-shirts, the mood was very spirited, yet somber. As there were tears, there were many cheers. Afterall, running was a great passion of Conor’s.

Ryan Emery, Head Coach of the cross country running team at Crespi Carmelite High School was the first runner to cross the finish line in just over 15 minutes.

I had the opportunity to meet Conor’s parents, Jeri and Mark as well as his Aunt Donelle. Aunt Donelle was proudly holding up a colorful butterfly as she truly embraced Conor’s spirit. I never had the opportunity to personally meet Conor but he was a very loved young man. He is truly missed by so many people.

This fundraiser is incredibly important as Conor’s life was cut short.  Driver’s need to stop when there is a stop sign and stop light. They should not be texting on the phone or reaching for objects that could cause distractions.

This fundraiser will support new and existing programs which raise awareness to the importance of runners, cyclists, pedestrians, young drivers and motor safety.

If you would like to support this organization, please send donations to:

Conor Lynch Foundation 15244 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Or visit the website: http://inhonorofconor.org

Crespi’s First Nutrition Mile Raises Awareness for a Healthier Encino

The “Crespi Nutrition Mile” was inspired by the personal story of Crespi senior Nick Privitelli who organized the event to share his all-too-common experience.

(Left) Nick Privitelli addresses the community

“It was a scorching hot day, at least 95 degrees, in the fall of sophomore year when I didn’t properly hydrate before my cross-country practice. It was a painful mistake that put my body through unnecessary strain...,” Privitelli said.

Encino, CA (PRWEB) October 05, 2011

On August 21, 2011, Crespi Carmelite High School hosted the first “Crespi Nutrition Mile.” Several distinguished nutrition experts, local health food stores, and organizations participated as the community came together to raise awareness for healthier, safer, and better nutrition.

The “Crespi Nutrition Mile” was inspired by the personal story of Crespi senior Nick Privitelli who organized the event to share his all-too-common experience:

“It was a scorching hot day, at least 95 degrees, in the fall of sophomore year when I didn’t properly hydrate before my cross-country practice. It was a painful mistake that put my body through unnecessary strain. Like so many athletes my age, I had neglected my body. I was never serious about a healthy diet and proper hydration,” Privitelli said.

Privitelli learned an important lesson and began to view a healthy diet and proper hydration more seriously. “Sadly, I know my story isn’t unique. Athletes face (and for that matter students) similar situations. As a first-of-its kind event, the 'Crespi Nutrition Mile' served as a needed platform for raising awareness in the community and amongst my peers. I want to inspire people to go the extra mile in their workouts and to maybe pick up a water bottle instead of a soda for lunch,” said Privitelli.

Event sponsors included Fleet of Feet, Whole Foods of Tarzana, PIP Printing of Sun Valley, Jamba Juice, Trader Joe’s, and the Crespi Carmelite Cross Country Team.

The emcee was the New York Times best-selling author Joe Gardner. The event also hosted a special keynote address by Julieanna Hever, author of The Idiots Guide to a Plant Based Diet.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CrespiHS#p/a/u/0/24wJ0yjQSTg.

Crespi Carmelite High School Receives Best of Encino Award

U.S. Commerce Association honors Crespi in Private Senior High School category.

Crespi Carmelite High School has been selected for the 2011 Best of Encino Award in the Private Senior High School category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2011 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City-based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium-size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

–U.S. Commerce Association

Class of 2011 Commencement Speech by Easton Konn.

Suspect Sought in Hit-and-Run That Injured Teen

'I can't believe they didn't stop. ... It's not like they hit a trash can, they hit a person," says victim's mother.

• By Doug Kriegel
• Email the author
• September 7, 2011

Seventeen-year-old Eben Camper was crossing Ventura Boulevard near Lemona Avenue on Monday night, heading to Starbucks, when suddenly a sport utility vehicle smashed into him while he was in the crosswalk.

The SUV was doing about 40 miles per hour when it hit Camper, knocking him violently to the ground, witnesses later told police. The driver reportedly slowed down, then sped off, without stopping to help the injured teen.

"The vehicle slowed down to about 5 miles per hour, then took off at a high rate of speed," according to Lead Detective Bill Bustos of the Los Angeles Police Department's Valley Traffic Division.

"The hit-and-run-driver failed to stop and identify himself, and did not render aid," Bustos said.

Fortunately, an LAPD patrol car was in the vicinity. The officers called an ambulance and Camper was rushed to the emergency room at UCLA Medical Center.

"My head hit the fender and it smacked me back into the street; my leg was bent over and my body was twisted when I hit the pavement," said Camper, lying in bed and his home in Encino, with a brace on his leg and bandages on various parts of his body.

"He's lucky to be alive," said Camper's mother, Tabitha Leeper. "I can't believe they didn't stop and care about the person they hit. It's not like they hit a trash can, they hit a person!"

Camper, who graduated in June from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, was due to start college at Cal State Northridge this fall. "We're hoping this will not prevent him from starting his college career," Leeper said.

Witnesses told police the suspect's car may have been a white Dodge Caravan, of unknown year. The driver who sped off was described as a white male with blond or gray hair, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 170 to 200 pounds, according to the police report.

"The right side of the vehicle should be damaged," Bustos said. "The witness told the 911 operator that the partial license plate number is 6RQ."

Valley Traffic Division detectives are looking for people who may have witnessed the incident, which occurred at about 9:05 p.m.

Detectives can be reached at 818-644-8036 or 818-644-8020. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS 800-222-8477.

Related Topics: Valley Traffic and hit and run accident

World Youth Day in Madrid, 2011
Just over 500 young people from Carmelite communities around the world were among the enormous crowd who attended the World Youth Day in Madrid. The special Carmelite Day on the 17th August was a wonderful occasion with about twenty countries represented. The day, which was organized by members of the General Curia and the Spanish Provinces, saw the presence of the Prior General, Fr. Fernando Millan Romeral, O.Carm. He invited all our participants to read a special letter he had written for the occasion (see the Order’s website: www.ocarm.org/madrid2011). This Carmelite day consisted of moments of prayer, the presentation of the different groups, discussion groups, workshops on different t hemes, exhibitions on the work of young people in Iberia (JUCAR), Karit (NGO), vocations, a prayer trail and a place of adoration. The icon of Our Lady of Hope (from the Rome Pilgrimage of Hope in 2010) was enthroned in a special place throughout the day. The next morning it was brought to the Carmelite Monastery at Maravillas in Madrid for a Mass for the Carmelite groups attending the WYD. This was indeed a Carmelite event, presided over by the Prior General and ending with a personal vocation witness by a young enclosed Carmelite sister of the Maravillas monastery, Sr. Brunilda de la Santisima Trinidad. The icon of Our Lady of Hope will now travel throughout the Iberian peninsula in the coming year as a follow-up to the great success of the Madrid event. All are now looking forward to the WYD in Rio de Janeiro in 2013.

www.ocarm.org

A "Diplomatic Summer" in the Carmelite Curia
On the 6th of July, the Assistant Ambassador and person in charge of the Political Office of the German Embassy to the Holy See, Dr. Bernhard Schlagheck, invited the Vice-Prior General, Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm., to a working lunch in order to hear about the presence of the Carmelite Order in the world and about the central administration of the Order in Rome.

On the 11th of July Fr. John Keating, O.Carm., Councilor General for Europe was invited by the Ambassador of Austria to the Holy See, Dr. Alfons M. Kloss and his wife, together with the Rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, the Directory of the Centre for Laity (Foyer Unitas) and a member of the Anglican community in Rome to a meeting in the Austrian Embassy.

Finally, on the 10th of August, the new Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, Doña María Jesús F. López-Palop paid a visit to the Carmelite Curia. After a long conversation in private with the Prior General Fr. Fernando Millán Romeral, O.Carm., the Ambassador was welcomed by the other members of the Curia with whom she shared her first impressions of Rome and her projects for the cultural activities of the Embassy. The Prior of the community, Fr. Christian Körner, O.Carm., told her about the historical origin of the complex around the Curia (the Titulus and the Domus Ecclesiae in the time of the Roman Empire, the medieval basilica of S. Martino ai Monti and the new buildings, etc.) The whole visit took place in a very relaxed and cordial atmosphere and the Ambassador promised that it would not be her last visit to the Curia.

www.ocarm.org

Crespi High to Host Health and Nutrition Fair

Distinguished nutrition experts, local health food stores, and organizations to participate in first community “Crespi Nutrition Mile” Sunday to promote healthy diet and proper hydration.

• By Paul Rawate
• Email the author
• August 18, 2011

Crespi Carmelite High School announced Thursday that it will host the first-ever “Crespi Nutrition Mile” Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Several distinguished nutrition experts, local health food stores, and organizations will participate as the community comes together to raise awareness for healthier, safer, better nutrition.

Crespi students and faculty are inviting the community to walk or run one mile with them as part of the event.

The “Crespi Nutrition Mile” was inspired by the personal story of Crespi senior Nick Privitelli, who is organizing the event to share his all-too-common experience:

“It was a scorching hot day, at least 95 degrees, in the fall of sophomore year when I didn’t properly hydrate before my cross-country practice. It was a painful mistake that put my body through unnecessary strain. Like so many athletes my age, I had neglected my body – I was never serious about a healthy diet and proper hydration.” 

Privitelli learned an important lesson and began to take a healthy diet and proper hydration more seriously.

“Sadly, I know my story isn’t unique," he said. "Athletes, and for that matter students, all over face similar situations. As a first-of-its kind event, the 'Crespi Nutrition Mile' will serve as a much-needed platform for raising awareness in the community and amongst my peers.” 

Event sponsors will have informational booths in the courtyard, including Fleet Feet Sports, Whole Foods, PIP Printing, Jamba Juice, Trader Joe’s and the Crespi Carmelite Cross Country Team.

The emcee will be New York Times best-selling author Joe Gardner. The event will also host a special keynote address in The Commons area by Julieanna Hever, author of The Idiots Guide to a Plant Based Diet, and a guest appearance by fitness model John Carter (Class of 2007). 

“I want to inspire people to go the extra mile in their workouts and to maybe pick up a water bottle instead of a soda for lunch,” said Privitelli.  

All that’s left is memories, few landmarks

Posted: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 12:15 am | (0) Comments

An abandoned water tank is seen Monday on Graciosa Road south of Orcutt.//Daniel Dreifuss/Staff

Nothing remains of the town of La Graciosa but memories and a few landmarks on the map along Highway 1 south of Orcutt — Graciosa Road, Graciosa Canyon, Graciosa Ridge.

Even longtime nearby residents have trouble identifying the exact spot where La Graciosa, often considered the region’s first settlement, once stood.

The name can be traced to the earliest explorers.

According to the book, “This Is Our Valley,” Fray Juan Crespi, diarist for the Portola expedition that first trekked through Santa Barbara County in 1769, wrote the spot was called La Graciosa because a soldier had seen “a pretty lagoon. It is in a hollow, surrounded by hills, not very high. The water comes from a spring at whose source there is good watercress, tender and savory.”

A few years later, a diarist for the colonizing de Anza expedition, camping at the same spot, also mentioned Laguna Graciosa, noting, “It is small and (has) very fine water.”

While dates conflict, a stage station, barn and store were reportedly at La Graciosa as early as 1867. The town, described as midway between Los Alamos and Guadalupe, quickly grew. A townsite was surveyed with lots offered for sale.

An Irish immigrant named Don Patricio O’Neil opened a saloon. There was a post office (mail was picked up at Suey Crossing by postmaster William Haslam), the region’s first school, a church, a justice court and its own voting precinct.

A resident later rhapsodized, “La Graciosa was a beautiful place. The lakes were always teeming with waterfowl, including swans, and there were still deer there.” The valley was covered with sage and chamise, he added.

The town’s history lasted just 10 years. H. M. Newhall acquired the property on which La Graciosa stood, and after a legal battle, he won rights to the land and evicted the residents. Eventually, the last house was burned to the ground.

Guadalupe Telegraph wrote in 1877, “We sympathize with our unlucky neighbors, but such is life among Spanish grants.”

Sic transit gloria, La Graciosa.

Roadside Attractions is a weekly chronicle of sights along the Central Coast’s main commuter routes. This feature first ran Sept. 15, 2009. Sally Cappon can be reached at sjcappon@aol.com.

Copyright 2011 Lompoc Record. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Posted in Local on Tuesday, August 2, 2011 12:15 am

Summer school sapped by LAUSD budget cuts

By Rebecca Kheel, Staff Writer

Posted: 06/26/2011 08:36:10 PM PDT

Los Angeles Unified's decision to slash summer school offerings because of budget cuts has sent parents and students scrambling for alternatives to fulfill graduation requirements or eke out an academic edge.

This is the third consecutive year the district has pared back its summer offerings.

In 2009 and 2010, summer classes were cancelled for elementary and middle school students and high school offerings were limited to make-up classes.

This year, ninth-graders are excluded from summer enrollment, while seniors who failed to graduate must enroll in adult school. That limits summer school to sophomores who received an F and juniors who received a D or F in a class they need to graduate.

"We're in a very unfortunate financial situation, so we have to limit our offerings," said Javier Sandoval, intervention administrator at Beyond the Bell Branch, LAUSD's extended learning and enrichment program. "Space is so limited, we don't have enough room for everyone in the district."

In fact, with only $3 million available for summer school, compared with $54 million just five years ago, the district can accommodate only 20,000 students. Of those, about 6,000 will be taking their classes online.

"Online classes have the same cost (associated with them) as classes in a brick-and-mortar school. It just adds a new dimension," said Themy Sparangis, chief technology director for LAUSD.

For ninth-graders and junior high school students who need academic help over the summer, Sandoval said, teachers are recommending independent activities such as frequenting the library or following the academic links that will be posted on the Beyond the Bell website (btb.lausd.net).

LAUSD will also continue to offer enrichment programs at about 150 elementary and middle schools.

Because of LAUSD's limited options, private, parochial and charter schools say they are seeing a dramatic influx of students into their summer programs.

"We've gotten tons of calls from referrals by school counselors familiar with our program," said Bill Toomey, deputy superintendent for Options for Youth, a group of charter schools with campuses in the San Fernando Valley. "We're one of the few shows left in town."

Options for Youth expects 8,000 to 10,000 more students at its Los Angeles sites this summer, compared with last year, Toomey said. The program even added night and Saturday classes to meet the demand.

Most of the students enrolled in Options for Youth are 10th- and 11th-graders who need to make up failed credits, though the program is open to anyone ages 12 to 19, Toomey said.

High school students looking to get ahead rather than make up classes still have the option of concurrently enrolling in community college. Though the Los Angeles Community College District cancelled summer school because of budget cuts, others remain open.

"Community college tends to be the first pick for high school students since they get high school and college credit, so it helps them get ahead," said Maral Hyler, associate director for instructional services at Santa Monica College.

But community colleges across the state are facing their own budget crises and may not have enough room in their classrooms to accommodate the demand from high school students.

"I think all of us parents and educators appreciate the financial situation schools are in now," said John McElwain, vice president of communications at College of the Canyons in Valencia. "We know we're not serving all the people who want to be here."

Registration at community colleges works on a priority system, with high school students registering last. With only 300 sections open for the summer across the two campuses of College of the Canyons, most classes were closed by the time high school students were allowed to register, McElwain said.

For those who can afford it, private schools across the city offer summer classes similar to those LAUSD used to offer that are geared at both remediation and advancement.

Catholic schools in the Los Angeles Archdiocese experienced a 10 percent to 12 percent increase in summer enrollment this year, spokeswoman Carolina Guevara said.

Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino, for instance, received more inquires about summer classes than it ever has, said admissions director Anita Rezzo. While Crespi has only four LAUSD students enrolled in its first summer session, Rezzo expects more during the session that begins July 7.

Crespi's summer school is mostly aimed at retaking failed classes, but some classes, like chemistry, are aimed at preparing students for Advanced Placement-level classes, a service LAUSD can no longer offer its students, Rezzo said.

But the price tag for private summer school is too steep for some. Crespi students who normally turn to LAUSD for summer school to save money now have to turn to night school or online classes, Rezzo said.

Kimberley Matthes, the principal of Pinecrest Schools Van Nuys, said her school has not seen much interest or enrollment from LAUSD students because of the tuition costs.

"The socioeconomics of the area we're in doesn't support paying $200 for two weeks," Matthes said. "I imagine if we were free, we would see more interest."

Crespi High: Spring Sports Roundup

During the spring the Celts sought to continue their pursuit of excellence. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights.

By David Sobieraj | Email the author | June 14, 2011

VOLLEYBALL

The Celts’ volleyball team (27-9, 9-3) continued its winning tradition, making the playoffs for the ninth time in 10 years. The continued success was even more impressive considering the team lost six seniors including two D-1 athletes in Brandon Lebrock and Daniel Stork. The team started the season 12-6 and really clicked in its final 18 games with a 15-3 record behind the leadership of seniors Quinn Costello and Ryan Vanvakaris.

Crespi ascended as high as No. 20 in the nation (by high school sports magazine ESPN RISE) in Week 2 after beating two teams ranked in the top 25 in the nation (No. 7 Newport Harbor and No. 21 Poway). In the Celts’ 2-1 upset victory over Newport Harbor, Vanvakaris had eight kills and three blocks, Costello had six kills and four digs and John Rumer had 19 assists.

Another impressive win came in a nail-biting five-set victory against Harvard-Westlake. The Celts rose to the occasion and lit up the stat sheets with Costello spiking 25 kills, Brandon Enbody making 20 digs and Rumer setting up 63 assists to seemingly anyone in the Crespi brown and white.

The Celts defeated Ventura 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs. Danny Burns had 20 kills, Costello added 18, Enbody made 12 digs, David Eaton-Kittrell had six blocks and Rumer had 59 assists.

The season ended to the eventual CIF-SS champion Mater Dei in the quarterfinals, 3-0; however the future looks bright with juniors Burns and Rumer and sophomores Eaton-Kittrell, Enbody and Ashton King.

BASEBALL

The Celts’ baseball team (11-16, 3-9) surged out to an early 4-0 start, outscoring opponents 30-12. The next eight games tested the Celts as they struggled to win only one game. The Celts regained momentum during the next nine games with a 5-4 mark, but again faltered to end the season 1-5.

Senior Scott Heineman led the team with a school record of 29 steals, 26 runs scored, 24 hits, 19 RBIs, four homers and a ridiculous .494 on base percentage. Heineman’s not only talented at the dish, but also on the mound, where he struck out 22 hitters in just 27 innings. He received a D-1 scholarship to the University of Oregon.

Senior Jack Colick, who finished with 12 RBIs, will play college ball at Cal State East Bay. Senior Madison Dang will join him there next fall.

Juniors Nick Morton, Daniel Avalos and Andre Angel-Bello, sophomore Andy Frakes and freshman Jacob Villela will lead the team next year.

Villela impressed in his rookie campaign, ranking second in team hits (21) and runs scored (15). Avalos contributed 14 RBIs, while Angel-Bello added 10. Morton boasted a microscopic 2.00 ERA in 56 innings pitched and Frakes also provided clutch pitching with a 2.86 ERA and three saves.

TRACK

The Celts’ track team finished third in the Mission League with wins against Harvard-Westlake, Chaminade, Alemany and St. Francis. Senior Shane MacMiller, junior Jude Olear and freshman Amir Patterson were key performers.

MacMiller won the 1,600-meter (4:19.59) and finished third in the 800 (1:55.82) at the league finals. He also won the 800 in 1:56:03 and 3,200 with 9:37:53 at the Russell Cup. He placed ninth in the 800 (2:03.20) and seventh in the 1,600 (4:28.80) at the CIF Championships.

Patterson, who won the Junior Olympics in shot put last year, set a personal record of 55-6, placing first at the Tri County Small School Invitational. He also won the Russell Cup with a distance of 50-11, finished fifth in the league finals (50-5) and eighth at the CIF championships (50-6). At the league finals, he earned another personal record in the discus (132-9.50), finishing fifth.

Olear won the triple jump at the Tri County Small School Invitational with a distance of 41-06.75, came in second with 42-09.50 at the Russell Cup and earned a personal record distance of 43-05.75 at the Mission League finals, finishing second.

Other top finishes at the league finals included M. Anjani Shanks’ second place in the long jump (20-10.50), Marcus Cummings’ fourth place in the 400 (51.78) and Michael Milligan’s fourth place in the high jump (5-11.00).

SWIMMING

The Aqua Celts were led by junior Armen Darbinyan. Other key athletes included seniors Michael Tsay and Brennan Simpkins, juniors Nick Haney and Patrick Harrigan and freshman Blair Simpkins, all of whom qualified for the CIF Championships, where the team finished 13th out of 70 Division 1 schools.

Darbinyan won both the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke, where he set a new varsity record (52.23) at the Mission League finals. At the CIF Championships, he finished fifth in the 100 backstroke (51.56) and sixth in the 200 freestyle (1:41.06).

The 200 medley relay featuring Darbinyan, Tsay, Harrigan and Brennan Simpkins placed seventh (1:37.50), while the 400 freestyle relay consisting of Darbinyan, Tsay, Haney and Blair Simpkins placed 14th (3:14.81) at the CIF Championships.

LACROSSE

The Celts challenged themselves with a tough schedule and finished third in Mission League play (4-4). The team qualified for the playoffs, where they lost 14-8 to Redondo Union in the Division 2 quarterfinals. Colin Kiat, Dom Abat, Kyle Milack, Duke Bautista and Chris Loman were the senior captains.

Michael Tsay Named Crespi's Valedictorian

A top student, athlete and musician, this multi-talented scholar is ready for the next stage of his life at UCLA.

By Paul Rawate | Email the author | 5:30am

(Photo) Michael Tsay graduated from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino as the valedictorian of his class on Saturday, May 22, 2011. Credit Paul Rawate

Michael Tsay, who just graduated from Crespi Carmelite High School in Encino as the valedictorian of his class, learned an important lesson while in school: keeping his life in balance.

The young scholar—he completed his career at Crespi with a 4.625 GPA—was also an outstanding member of his swim team and has played piano for many years.

At first, all that juggling was tough, Tsay acknowledged.

“I had to decide how to balance my social, athletic and academic lives," he said. "During my time at Crespi, I learned to adapt a better attitude towards working.” 

How did he do it?

“Rather than complain about how tedious a certain task would be, I try to start working on something as soon as possible, which leaves time for other activities,” he said.

Apparently, Tsay's time-management practices paid off, because he is headed to UCLA in the fall.

He credits his schools with giving him a good foundation for achievement. Before attending Crespi, Tsay graduated from St. Jane Frances de Chantal in North Hollywood, a Carmelite school for grades K-8.

“Attending two Carmelite schools gave me a strong moral foundation to carry on to college and my future," said Tsay. "More specifically, attending St. Jane Frances de Chantal gave me a good feel of what a Christian community is all about, and Crespi taught me the importance of being part of a brotherhood and being a well-rounded man.”

Tsay became active in the school community. He was the president of the Kiwanis Educated Youth (KEY) Club. He completed the Environmental Studies and Outdoor Leadership (ESOL) Sequence, earning honors with distinction. He was also a member of the National Honor Society and was a California Scholastic Federation Gold Seal Bearer.

While at Crespi, Tsay was a recipient of two merit scholarships from the school.  He was a four-year recipient of Crespi’s most prestigious scholarship, the Elijah Leadership Scholarship, and was awarded the Bill Hedlund Memorial Scholarship during his junior year. UCLA awarded Tsay with the UCLA Scholarship Recognition Award.

He was a swimmer all four years at Crespi and was selected as the MVP of the team his freshman and sophomore years. He won the Four-Year Academic Department Award for Science and the Overall Scholar Athlete Award.

Tsay, the son of Ming and Yi Tsay, also has been a pianist since he was young.   

Tsay is excited about entering UCLA. As he moves on with his education, he said he hopes to “mature even more in all aspects, make many lasting friendships and learn a great deal more, both in and out of the classroom.”

Brad Fuller: No More Horror For Platinum Dunes, Friday the 13th Best Film

7:57 AM  jasonsfury  10 comments

We are a tad late to the game with this information, however, some of this has been known for months now, but other tidbits we are going to mention may be fresh blood for other fans. Towards the end of November 2010, Platinum Dunes Co-Producer Brad Fuller visited Edward Nyahay's Applied Media Arts class at Crespi Carmelite High School in California and talked about the Entertainment Industry.

It is truly amazing how very candid and forthcoming Brad is pertaining to the formula his company uses to produce films, the things that went wrong with all of their films and the people they had trouble with during the film making process. Of note in the video posted below, Brad mentions that Platinum Dunes has closed the chapter on their involvement in horror films, Friday the 13th was their best film, and PD had problems with Friday the 13th 2009 director Marcus Nispel.

The first item is probably the most confusing as the last few months Brad Fuller has been Tweeting that fans should hang in there and a Friday the 13th sequel will be a reality. We have posted a few stories to that affect and he seems genuinely interested in making the sequel happen. Well, in the video below, he flat out says that Platinum Dunes is done with horror films. This is something that he did mention last year after A Nightmare On Elm Street remake was released, but the fact that Brad has been lobbying on Twitter for a new Friday the 13th sequel is just plain baffling. We are sure our visitors have thoughts on this one.

Also in the video, Brad states that he believes Friday the 13th 2009 was the best movie that Platinum Dunes has produced. No kidding, he really does believe that and it also is his favorite movie to boot. Brad explains that Friday the 13th contained and upheld the very simple formula of kids having sex, kids having fun and then a killer in the woods slaughtering them. He also mentions that amping up the key elements of the formula made for a fun ride that made the film very successful.

Most interesting is that Brad states that is was his favorite movie to work on, but that he had problems with the films director, Marcus Nispel. Interesting that he would just come out and say that to High School Kids?

Overall, there are four videos that were recorded on his visit to the school. We have only embedded the third video where he talks Friday the 13th 2009 as well as the A Nightmare On Elm Street remake. Listening to Brad really is a honest look at how Hollywood operates. Stick to a business plan, follow a formula, don't take chances and stick with what works. That is why they have remade and rebooted so many film franchises. One has to wonder what else they have to reboot?

Things could change and Platinum Dunes may jump back into horror if the right project comes along, however, one thing is for certain, it seems as though Platinum Dunes has no interest at all in creating a Friday the 13th sequel, at least not for some years. Platinum Dunes currently has a Ninja Turtles reboot in progress as well as the action adventure movie Ouija. So, it may be up to Warner Bros. to really step up if we are to see Jason Voorhees on the big screen in the next 5 years!

Carmelite NGO Calls for Day of Prayer on June 5, 2011-- World Environment Day

The Carmelite NGO is inviting people around the globe to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th with a special Day of Prayer. Materials for individuals or groups to celebrate the day can be obtained from the office of the Carmelite NGO or downloaded from their website. Entitled "God Saw That It Was Good" the prepared reflection is based on the 1990s writings of Pope John Paul II's "Peace with God the Creator, Peace with All of Creation."

The Carmelite NGO, a non-governmental organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and affiliated to the Department of Public Information (DPI) of the United Nations, is comprised of the men and women from around the world who are members of the Carmelite Order or its affiliated congregations, institutes and ministries within the Catholic Church.

The offices of the Carmelite NGO are located at:
211 East 43rd Street, Suite 708
New York, NY 10017
USA

The booklet, designed specifically for this day, can be downloaded from the website of the Carmelite NGO at carmelitengo.org

For more information, please contact:
William J. Harry, O. Carm.
Director of Communications
wharry@carmelitengo.org

6 Encino Teachers Among Nominees for Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award

The Encino Chamber of Commerce honors teachers from throughout the area at the 17th Annual Teacher of the Year Awards reception.

By Lauren Rosenblum | Email the author | 5:30am

The Encino Chamber of Commerce hosted the 17th annual Teacher of the Year Awards event Thursday night to recognize local excellence in the teaching profession.

Kendra Hall, a strings and percussion teacher at Mulholland Middle School in Lake Balboa, was named the 2010-2011 Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The music teacher and her fellow 12 nominees, which included six from Encino schools, were honored at a special dinner reception at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills. 

“It’s really very rewarding to know that our business partners feel the same way about education that we do,” said Encino Elementary School Principal Marcia Koff. “And I have to say, it’s nice to see that our wonderful teachers are being honored by our community.”

Principals from 13 area schools were invited to nominate a deserving teacher for this prestigious award. Each nominee received a plaque, a goody cart full of teaching supplies donated by local businesses and two minutes of praise from their principals.

Hall received a cash reward, a DVD player, gift certificates to McDonald's, a one-night stay at the Marriott, Dodgers tickets and accolades from the L.A. City Council, Senator Fran Pavely and Congressman Brad Sherman.

She said it was a bittersweet evening, though. Several of the nominees, including Hall, have received layoff warning notices from LAUSD officials, which means they could lose their jobs at the end of the school year. During the reception, Hall scoffed at the irony of receiving a Certificate of Excellence from the district, in addition to the chamber's Teacher of the Year award.

The 13 nominated teachers were:

Kendra Hall, Mulholland Middle School; Lorena Olguin-Salazar, Berkeley Hall School; Sanford Weber, Birmingham Community Charter High School; Alan Swaney, Crespi Carmelite High School; Ingrid Rosales-Mira, Emelita Elementary; Angela Huff, Encino Elementary School; Curtis Wynkoop, Hesby Oaks School; Cynthia Cuprill, Ivy Academia-De Soto Campus; Ian McGuire, Ivy Academia Charter High School; Jessica Mustard, Lanai Road Elementary School; Cassandra Kim, Nestle Elementary School; Karen Roome, Portola Middle School; and Kristine Rogers, Sherman Oaks Center for Enriched Studies. 

State Sen. Fran Pavley made an appearance, former Los Angeles Dodger Wes Parker was the keynote speaker and members of the Encino Chamber of Commerce also said a few words.

Here's a little more on the Teacher of the Year nominees from Encino schools, with words from their principals:

Alan Swaney joined the faculty at Crespi Carmelite High School in 2005. He teaches ninth grade English and coaches the Academic Decathlon team. Check out his rap music video to see how he aims to bring technology into the classroom.

“Every year—for the last 10 years or so—we’ve been honoring a teacher with what we call the ROSE award. The award is an acronym that stands for Respecting the Old School Educators,” said Crespi Vice Principal for Academics Jonathan Schild. “There are 10 characteristics for an 'old school educator' and our faculty votes among ourselves for who that recipient for the ROSE award is going to be. This year that was Alan Swaney.”

Sanford (Sandy) Weber was nominated to be the Teacher of the Year by  Birmingham Community Charter High School. He teaches ninth grade science.

“He’s an excellent teacher, probably the best teacher at Birmingham Community Charter High School. He has an extraordinary rapport with all of the students in his classrooms,” said Birmingham Principal Marsha Coates. “He is the ultimate teacher leader. Sandy has dramatically changed the tenor of the science department through his visionary leadership and collaborative style.”

Ingrid Rosales-Mira has been teaching at Emelita Elementary School for the past six years in first, second and fourth grades. She sits on the school’s special events committee, PTA board and has served as the UTLA Chapter chair for the past two years.  

“She has been an invaluable resource and support system for me as a new principal. She has continually been supportive and collaborative. As such, she has had an important role in communicating policies and concerns between teachers and myself,” said Emelita Principal Betsy Mayorga. “She has done so much in her short six years to improve instruction not only for her students, but for students in other classes as well. Ingrid is a wonderful asset to Emelita. She is a hard-working and dedicated teacher.”

Angela Huff is a second-grade teacher at Encino Elementary School. She has taught there for nearly 10 years.

“I think one of the highest compliments I can pay to any teacher is that this is the teacher that I would want for my child in the classroom. As a principal you think, where would you put your own child if she was still small enough to be in elementary school?” said Encino Principal Marcia Koff. “This would truly be the second-grade classroom where I would say children are challenged and encouraged. Angela has a way of taking a lesson that everyone else is using, but stretching it and making it really something exceptional for the children.”

Jessica Mustard teaches the Transition Kindergarten program at Lanai Road Elementary School. Using California state standards, she created her own curriculum to benefit children who need time to develop socially, emotionally, physically and/or intellectually before entering kindergarten the following year.

“Mrs. Mustard took on that challenge full steam ahead," said Lanai Principal Mary Melvin. "She said, ‘That’s exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. I want to developmentally reach the students that aren’t quite ready, but we know that they can be.’ Our teachers help vote for our Teacher of the Year nominee and Mrs. Mustard was a unanimous choice.”

Curtis Wynkoop was nominated to be the Teacher of the Year by Hesby Oaks School. He teaches fifth grade.

“We’re forced to do scripted programs, we’re forced to get high test scores, we’re asked to do a lot as teachers and principals,” said Hesby Oaks Principal David Hirsch. “What makes him great is when you walk in the room, there’s magic. And magic is never written in the curriculum. And creativity is not always written in the curriculum. It’s what a teacher brings to that curriculum."

Dream Trip to France Becomes a Reality

Crespi French teacher Esteban Vasquez finished out the school year by taking his students to France. That's right, France. Click here to read about it.

The Gurian Institute: New Resources for Boys and Men

The Boys Initiative and the therapist Jed Diamond have developed powerful resources for boys and men and their families.

Click here to learn about those resources from the latest Gurian Institute Newsletter available courtesy of Fr. Paul.

Mount Carmel alumni celebrate Carmelite education, charism

By Paula Doyle

High school was something special for the 60 men who showed up for a St. Paddy's Day get-together hosted by the Mount Carmel Alumni Association at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Priory in Encino March 17.

Though their school located at 70th and Hoover streets in south Los Angeles closed in 1976, the alumni remember it fondly and continue to support Carmelite education at the last Carmelite school in the archdiocese: Crespi Carmelite High School for boys in Encino.

"They have such a passion for Carmelite education that they wanted to continue to support it in Los Angeles," said Carmelite Father Tom Schrader, president of Crespi High School. "The alumni from Mount Carmel have come to support the boys here at Crespi and also the priory and the priests, especially the retired priests."

He noted the presence of two Mount Carmel alumni priests attending the St. Paddy's party: Carmelite Fathers John Coleman, MC '69 and Gus Carter, MC '42. Father Carter, besides being a teacher and principal at Mount Carmel, became the first principal of Crespi when it opened in 1959.

"I don't think I'd be doing what I'm doing now if it wasn't for the education I got at Mount Carmel and the direction Father Carter pointed me in," said David Fields, executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles and graduate of Mount Carmel's class of 1969.

A parishioner at St. Elizabeth in Altadena who was a longtime St. Vincent de Paul volunteer during his 25-year career at Xerox, Fields recently became head of the non-profit's L.A. Council. Attending a Mount Carmel Alumni Association event for the first time, he said he's learned a lot from his counterpart running the Phoenix Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society who is a graduate of Crespi.

"There's a brotherhood, a fraternity that exists for [Carmelite graduates] beyond what they experienced in high school," added Father Schrader, citing three parts to the Carmelite charism: prayer, community and social justice. "It's great to see alumni wanting to continue to support the Carmelite charism and traditions."

The alumni support Crespi events, such as last season's football game against Loyola, where "we had a combined honoring of Mount Carmel and Crespi athletes and football players," said Paul Rawate, director of marketing and public relations at Crespi.

"We're starting to see a lot more alumni be interested in the students from parishes where they came from, especially now that Crespi [is drawing] a little bit more from the West L.A. side," added Rawate. Alumni have also established a Mount Carmel Hall of Fame annual event at Crespi where members have come back to talk about their life and how they became successful.

"We tried to identify people who achieved success in their chosen fields, whether it was athletics, law or community service," said Paul Martin, MC '57, who is on Crespi's board of directors. "We're very appreciative of what we learned at Mount Carmel High School."

Martin, along with several alumni, donated toward the cost of re-roofing the priory and refurbishing the chapel damaged in last year's rainstorms. Donated funds also went toward the renovation of the priory kitchen following a leak from a second floor washing machine.

"The Mount Carmel Alumni Foundation has also done a lot of terrific work for inner city grammar schools around MC's location," added Martin. "Many of us have been very interested in the continuation of Carmelite education.

"I got a wonderful education from the Carmelite Fathers," said Ed Fuess, MC '58, who attended the St. Paddy's event with his brother, John MC '60, and 94-year-old father, Ed.

"I had a fine education and made lasting friendships. I had no problems getting through school," said Oscar Pallares, MC '49, who was one of four classmates who went on to receive degrees in pharmacy from USC.

"There's a lot of things I attribute to that education," said Jack Sanguinet, MC '57. "They were building men at that school. We came out pretty solid."