CCHS Blue & White Magazine Fall 2021

CCHS Blue & White Magazine Fall 2021

BLUEWHITE MAGAZINE FALL 2021

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT GEORGE HERNANDEZ PG 12-14

WELCOME CCHS NEW PRINCIPAL PG 15

THE LEGACY CONTINUES. . .

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FALL 2021

IN REMEMBRANCE *

Central Catholic High School mourns the loss of its alumni and family. On this page, we pay homage to fellow Buttons who have recently passed away. Please note, this information is updated by our Central Catholic records. If you wish to submit information on an alumnus who has passed away, please email our Stewardship Manager, Elisa Vitagliano at [email protected]. “… We thank you, Lord, for allowing us to share in the life, joys, and sufferings of our dear friends. May their life and death deepen our bonds of faith, hope, and charity. May our prayers help bring them and all of our deceased family members ‘into the light of your face.’ We ask you, Lord, to bring comfort and courage to their family and friends. May your Mother, Mary, pray for all of us ‘now and at the hour of our death.’” — Rev. Don Cowie, S.M.

Otto Richter 1959 Laurence Raba 1959 Brian Burke 1959 Robert Cotter 1960 David Smith 1960 Joe Van De Walle 1960 Walter Oertling 1960 Robert Cotter 1960 Charles Snell 1960 Gary Weaver 1960 Paul Kariger 1961 Michael Garner 1961 Homer Storbeck 1961 Febronio Guzman 1961 Herbert Gruen 1962 John Doherty 1962 Benny Skidmore 1962 Adolph Aleman 1963 James Range 1964 Jack Fernandi 1964 James Range 1964

Vincent Marcotta 1953 Edward Olvera 1953 William Macrae 1953 Alvin Pawlik 1953 Edwin Keneson 1954 Sam Garza 1954 Patrick Reyes 1954 Frank White 1954 Harry Candler 1955 Guillermo Herrera 1955 Ronald Hingst 1955 James Marbach 1955 Mike O’Dowd 1955 Manuel Lizcano 1956 Glen Tolle 1957 Kenneth Dugosh 1957 Harold Fuchs 1957 Gerald Retzloff 1957 William Suberg 1957

Alex Camacho 1967 John Hierholzer 1968 Greg DeHarde 1970 John Garcia 1970 Rudy Vela 1971 Daniel Puckett 1972 Daniel Rivera 1972 Joseph Peters 1973 Jerry Ramirez 1974 Michael Hotard 1975 John Aguillard 1976 Timothy O’Connor 1976 Bobby Sauer 1976 Larry Woo 1977 David Flores 1980 David Pearson 1983 Michael Barron 1988 Miguel Calderon 1993 Dwayne Patin 1995 Carlos Rodriguez 1996 Michael Rendon 2002

Pat Legan 1938 Robert Mecke 1940 Ramon Galindo 1941 Herbert Holzmann 1941 Daniel Cerna 1942 Delmiro Elizondo 1943 Louis Mosel 1945 James Zimmermann 1945 Leonard Krzywosinkski 1946 Arthur Garza 1947

Alphonse Grassi 1947 Marshall Robalin 1947 Julian Vargas 1949 Bernard Lee 1950 Carroll Barron 1952 James Kanning 1952 Frank Vega 1952 Frank Lecocke 1952 John White 1952 James Mueller 1952 Stanley Gorrell 1953

John Navarte 1958 Vicente Cano 1959

* As of June 2021

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

efforts amounted to over 1,000 hours of community service during the time of COVID. Our teachers continued to teach our young men in the Marianist tradition on Zoom, moving to split days, and finally back to 100% in classroom instruction. Our athletes performed on the field and excelled as District Champs, deep runs in post-season play, and Academic All- District awards.

Dear Central Catholic family: Over the past 18+ months we

have witnessed the world change in a myriad of ways: In the way we interact with each other. In the way we travel and look at new surroundings. In how we view medicine and sanitizing protocols. For Central Catholic, there has been an enormous amount of adaptation & change: Empty school

For over 160 years, the Spirit of Mary has been moving in the San Antonio area through the young men of Central Catholic. As we look to the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, more change is coming, yet we welcome it with open arms. We say a heartfelt goodbye to Principal Stephen Walswick, who took a job of a lifetime to lead his alma mater in California, and Fr. Sean Downing, S.M. who has taken a new position in St. Louis at Chaminade and Vianney High Schools as their Chaplain. We wish them both well. We say an enthusiastic hello to our new principal, Dr. Lee Hernandez, and his son, Marcos, who is entering the Central Catholic Class of 2025. We also welcome back Fr. Pat McDaid, S.M. as our Chaplain and leader of Campus Ministry. As a devoted alumnus from the Class of 1996, I’m honored to help lead our community and continue building upon the principles and traditions that make Central Catholic who we are. God Bless You and God Bless Our Central High! With A Loyal Heart,

hallways, learning from home via ZOOM classes, socially distant sporting events, virtual school masses, drive-by celebrations, new faces in the classroom and in the administration, and many other new ways of living. Through the many changes we experienced, however, the Central Catholic community pulled together to adapt, carry on and persevere. While other communities seemed paralyzed with fear, the Central Catholic family relied on its faith in God and in Mary, Our Mother, to keep focused on educating our young men as best as we could. Our community came together to be a leader in how to educate safely and with purpose. Although we adapted to new methods of learning and interacting to keep our community safe, our core foundation of who we are and what we do remained steadfast. The classes of 2020 and 2021 had in-person graduations. We had three military academy appointments; received a #2 national ranking for our JROTC Chaminade Guard and the Senior Army Instructor, Captain (Retired) Dwayne Rhodes, received the 2021 Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year Award. Our Guardian Angels continued to perform service events to help local groups with diaper drives, toy drives, blood drives. In all, their

Jason Longoria ‘96 Interim President & Director of Advancement

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FALL 2021

BLUEWHITE S C H O O L N E W S

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

ADAPTING TO CHANGE, KEEPING THE TRADITION The Admissions Office had to innovate diverse ways to persuade students to join the Brotherhood. Among all the turmoil created by Covid-19, we saw one of smallest incoming freshman classes in the past decade. The Admissions Office had to buckle down and influence students and families to apply to Central Catholic in a time of change. Central Catholic overcame Covid-19 because of our community - from students to faculty, the maintenance crew to our alumni - we hunkered down and worked together. Director of Enrollment, Bethany Herman, and Admissions Outreach Coordinator, Mauricio Ortega ’16, have worked diligently to enhance marketing strategies and provide valued customer service. They hosted numerous virtual events such as an open house, video tours, info sessions and online Zoom tours. Herman and Ortega had a record number of on campus, in-person tours because Shadow Days were not an option this year. Their quick response and ability to adapt to change, while highlighting our Central Catholic tradition and capitalizing on the many 2020-2021 school year accomplishments, has resulted in an incoming Class of 2025 of more than 125 students! We are also on track to yield above average with regard to transfer students. Our diversity is still strong, with enrollment from 82 zip codes in San Antonio and surrounding areas, and we will welcome international students from Brazil, Spain, and Mexico! If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” — African proverb

Prospective students take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in the Historic Alumni Gym.

The Admissions Office hosts a Halloween Movie Night to help drive enrollment and outreach efforts.

The Open House offers student and faculty representatives from various organizations and clubs.

Thank you for advancing the Mission and Tradition of Central Catholic.

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

S C H O O L N E W S

BLUE SUIT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM Our Blue Suit Ambassadors Program highlights the

the front line and face of the student body. They support our Admissions Office to recruit future Buttons and they represent the school at other events that bring our community together on campus. These young men are positive student leaders and role models who inspire others to be dedicated and humble servants.

efforts we put forth in turning our boys into men of good moral character. This program requires extraordinary academic standards and not only provides leadership development to our young men, but also the skills to prepare them for their futures. Selected participants are

FAREWELL FATHER SEAN

Thank you Fr. Sean Downing, S.M. for serving Central Catholic as our Chaplain. Your caring and compassionate demeanor and spiritual guidance to students, faculty, and staff will be missed. Best wishes in your new role as Chaplain at Chaminade and Vianney High Schools in St. Louis. We hope to see you back in San Antonio again soon. With Loyal Hearts.

PHOTO CREDITS TIM CASSLER

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BLUEWHITE S C H O O L N E W S

OUTSTANDING FACULTY

CENTRAL CATHOLIC SR. ARMY INSTRUCTOR HONORED 3X AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

purpose leading the school’s Department of Military Science as the JROTC Senior Army Instructor at Central, overseeing a program that includes students from CCHS as well as girls from Providence and Incarnate Word High Schools. His goal, he says, is on developing young men and women of character regardless of any future military aspirations. He focuses on growing men and women of God, and teaching and modeling real world traits such as leadership, fairness, honesty, empathy, and responsibility. His passion for teaching and his connection with his students over the past several years have not gone unnoticed by his both his students and fellow teachers. This year, CPT Rhodes received the greatest of accomplishments and compliments as an educator – being nominated by his peers and awarded Teacher

As U.S. Army CPT Dwayne Rhodes neared retirement in 2017, he began exploring what to do with the skills he had developed over his years in the military. Over the course of his career, he became a dedicated program and managerial executive with more than 20 years’ experience in Leadership/Management with a BS in Health Care Management. His position required that he have a strong acumen for coaching, teaching, and mentoring his team members. That skill set proved to be a guiding force. One of his own mentors believed he would be an exceptional coach, teacher and mentor for young men and women, and suggested he explore a new career in education. That pivotal conversation led CPT Rhodes to a teaching career at Central Catholic High School four years ago. He says he has found a new, meaningful

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

S C H O O L N E W S

I never imagined that I would be viewed by my peers in such a way. I go to work and do the best I can to make the young men (and women) see the benefit in being a faith-driven value-based individual in life.” women) see the benefit in being a faith-driven value- based individual in life. So, I get up every day with a tremendous passion to get in the building to lay down foundations and extraordinary principles that made me who am. Our job is to make better citizens out of these young men and women. That’s our job.” “CPT Rhodes receiving this award is a testament to his leadership and his dedication to our boys, our school, the San Antonio community, and, of course, our country,” said Ali Goljahmofrad, Dean of Students at Central Catholic.

of the Year three-times over, as Central Catholic Teacher of the Year, Archdiocesan Educator of the Year, and The Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year Award, representing not just Central Catholic and the city of San Antonio, but the entire state. One fellow staff member who nominated CPT Rhodes stated in their nomination, “His personal mantra at Central Catholic High School is ‘to coach, teach, and mentor young adults of character and integrity who are compassionate and will become inspiring leaders and visionaries for our organization and ultimately our world.’ CPT Rhodes has gone above and beyond in developing young men with character as he himself is an exceptional role model. Each year, CCHS has had at least one student receive an appointment to one of the U.S Service Academies and I attribute this greatly in part to the teaching and relationship that CPT Rhodes has established with these young men. He is fair, honest, empathetic, and hardworking.” CPT Rhodes says he is humbled and honored to be recognized by his peers. “I never imagined that I would be viewed by my peers in such a way,” he said. “I go to work and do the best I can to make the young men (and

CCHS congratulates CPT Rhodes on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued leadership in the years to come.

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FALL 2021

BLUEWHITE S C H O O L N E W S

PEP STORIES

By Esteban Serrano It had been 24 months since a visit from San Antonio’s Auxilary or Archbishop had been made. Auxiliary Bishop Michael Boulette was present in the fall of 2019 to bless the then new Convocation Center, a few months before the pandemic took its toll on our school, and masses all over the city, country, and world. Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller was in the Kahlig- Cowie Convocation Center as the main celebrant for mass. The purpose of the mass was to celebrate the transition of representation in Student Council. A “very grateful” Archbishop was happy to celebrate mass with the Central Community. During his homily, Archbishop Gustavo mentioned that it was a “joy and a light,” to be back on the campus of Central. He expressed his definition of the ‘light,’ and what he meant by that. He explained, “The light is brought from what you see with experience and what you receive.” It had been difficult to express the message he had in his homily, especially as COVID-19 continues to linger. With the pandemic now showing signs of relief, he explained that he has been exposed to crowds, even during the severe moments of the pandemic. Archbishop Gustavo closed out the mass by giving the newly-elected student council members a blessing. “Those guys are stepping up … and it is a sign that we are really training people in leadership.” Archbishop Gustavo’s message was directed to the congregation of San Antonio as the pandemic starts to slow and life starts to get back to normal, “I pray, that you will do all that you can, to be better, when the pandemic is over. The school needs you, the Church needs you, the world needs you. Be better.” ARCHBISHOP VISITS CENTRAL FOR STUDENT LEADERS MASS

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller celebrates mass at Central Catholic during the Student Council Installation Mass on April 27 in the Kahlig-Cowie Convocation Center.

Students listen to the reading during mass on April 27.

Parker Stepan ‘21 receives Holy Communion from Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller.

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

S C H O O L N E W S

The Central Catholic JROTC program conducted its annual Change of Command Ceremony on April 27 at Bob Benson, ’66 Stadium.

JROTC CADET CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

By Esteban Serrano The Central Catholic JROTC program conducted its annual Change of Command Ceremony at Bob Benson ’66 Field on April 27. After the rendering of honors, the national anthem and the invocation, the companies, battalions and staff undergo a process of recognizing the outgoing and the incoming officers. This process culminates in the transfer of the saber held by the Brigade Commander. This year’s BDE CMD, Francisco Garcia ‘21, transferred the saber to incoming BDE CMD Luke Guajardo ‘22. An additional honor recognized at the ceremony was 2LT Emmanuelle Mefrige, who received a ‘coin’ from guest speaker and review leader Mr. Joseph D. Bray, Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army. Also honored were the OCS candidates, who received their new rankings, and the graduating Senior class.

Second Lieutenant Emmanuelle Mefrige, received a ‘coin’ from guest speaker and review leader Mr. Joseph D. Bray, Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army.

JROTC Cadets participate in the Change of Command Ceremony on April 27 at Bob Benson ’66 Stadium.

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FALL 2021

BLUEWHITE S C H O O L N E W S

Noah Adams ‘21 was diagnosed with Ewing-Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer last summer. His senior year can be described as a roller coaster ride, given his diagnosis and the pandemic. Despite the circumstances, he came out strong and overcame this battle. The Pep covered Adams for a year as part of a continuing series, following the experience of the sensational senior. In the closing article, the Pep highlights the year he’s had, and what he was looking forward to the night of graduation - something he didn’t WINNING BATTLE

PEP STORIES

CENTRAL MOM CELEBRATES MEMORY OF SENIOR

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY Brad and Marlene Cullum, parents of Noah “Seby” Sebastian Cullum received a special tribute to their late son as well as an honorary diploma. “Seby” tragically passed as a result of an ATV accident. A scholarship fund was created in his honor.

By Esteban Serrano, Lead Editor For the Class of 2021, the word triumph sums up this accomplishment for the graduates. However, one mother of a former student sat in the crowd, and wasn’t able to see her son walk the stage. Marlene Cullum is the mother of Noah Sebastian “Seby” Cullum. Seby passed away two years ago in July of 2019 as a result of a tragic accident involving an all-terrain vehicle. In an exclusive interview, Cullum shares feelings about being at her son’s class’s graduation, and some general emotions she felt attending the event. Seby was honored at the ceremony with a decorated seat, where his picture, along with gown and cords were present. For Cullum to

experience her late son being honored, she says, “It means the world that everyone remembered him, and Central did such a great job of honoring him.” She also mentioned how she was happy that Seby was present with his friends that night. Cullum says that she has persevered through the loss, and she and her family are doing fine. She said that there is not one day that goes by when she doesn’t ask why. However, her biggest advice to those dealing with loss is that it’s important to stay grounded in faith. “You have to trust God and sometimes, we don’t like those answers and sometimes we don’t like the path that he’s put us on, but there’s a reason and we’ll know it someday.”

lose hope about. To follow Adams’

journey, please visit Central senior recalls victory over cancer – The Pep ( the-pep.org )

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

BEHIND THE SCENES

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAUREN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY For more CCHS Graduation 2021 photos, please visit https://bit.ly/3lpD66I

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FALL 2021

GEORGE HERNANDEZ

George Hernandez ‘70 believes that innovation and change stems from leaving a place better than how you found it. It’s safe to say that University Health has come a long way since Hernandez took the helm in 2005. He had a vision for what University Health could be and has been able to make it the best system possible. “You can’t create your vision without working on every aspect of the system.”

with Brother McMurtrey after school and teach religion classes on the East Side. He and Brother Martens became close because of their interest in photography. “For a new guy, I was pretty involved,” Hernandez recalled.

Hernandez is a native of San Antonio. He earned a B.A. in political science from St. Mary's University and his law degree from George Washington University School of Law in Washington, D.C. He, his two younger brothers and two sons are all Central Catholic Alum. He came to Central as a junior during the 1968-69 academic year. He began high school at St. John’s Seminary, but transferred to Central in 1968 when the school closed. Half of the students went to LaSalle and the other half ended up at Central. He was involved in the Photography Club and also took to two of the Brothers from Central, English teacher Brother Martin McMurtrey, S.M. and his music/art teacher Brother Richard Martens, S.M. Hernandez used to volunteer

George Hernandez was involved in the photography club. He is pictured in third row from bottom at the far right.

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

Hernandez helped revise the mission of University Health System. Under his guidance, UHS mission became “to improve the good health of the community through high quality compassionate patient care, innovation, education and discovery.”

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If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

Today, University Hospital is the most preferred hospital in San Antonio, with the strongest reputation for providing high quality care (according to NRC Market Insights, a national consumer research organization). Among his numerous professional and service affiliations, he serves as: • a member of the Code Red Task Force on Access to Health Care in Texas; • chair of the board of the Teaching Hospitals of Texas; • vice chair for the Center for Health Care Services, the mental health authority for Bexar County; • chair of Texas Hospital Association and Daughters of Charity (now Ascension DePaul Services). He was awarded the Reynaldo G. Garza Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 by the State Bar of Texas, Hispanic Issues Section, for his commitment to addressing concerns affecting the Hispanic community and for advancing diversity and access to justice in the practice of law. Hernandez credits his parents with inspiring his spirit to serve others.

He remembered a poster on the bulletin board in the quad that read “If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.” That quote resonated with him, and he has used that principle as part of his personal and career growth. Another quote that has helped guide him is Abraham Lincoln’s “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” “Both of those quotes have been north stars in helping me find my direction,” he said. Hernandez described Central as a place where he, his brothers and sons succeeded because of the great academic support and structure provided. He said Central does its best to prepare students for the future. As a longtime student in Marianist education, Hernandez said the characteristic of a Marianist education that resonated most with him is educate for adaptation and change. “I’m a change agent. We’re constantly evolving and our knowledge of the planet, the country, our city changes all the time. Change is normal,” he said. Hernandez said he thought about becoming a priest or a teacher but ultimately decided on a career in law. Prior to joining University Health System in 1990, Hernandez served as Chief of the Civil Section in the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and started his career as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of San Antonio. At University Health, he was the first in-house attorney and became more involved in healthcare law. He said that is what helped him bridge medical issues with county issues. In 2018, Hernandez updated the organization’s mission, vision and values. The mission of University Health System is to improve the good health of the community through high quality compassionate patient care, innovation, education and discovery. Its vision is “We are leading the way to be one of the nation’s most trusted health institutions.”

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

WELCOMES OUR NEW PRINCIPAL

LEE HERNANDEZ Dr.

Thank you for your service, Principal Walswick This past school year marked the end of Principal Stephen Walswick’s tenure at CCHS. Though he will be dearly missed, Principal Walswick left a strong mark on Central that we will always be grateful for. The growth that we saw in Principal Walswick, along with his kindness and humility will follow him back to his Alma Mater of Servite High School in Anaheim, California. We can’t thank you enough for your service over these past three years, and especially for your leadership through the uncertainty of the pandemic and the winter freeze. “We thank you for remembering us in that hour of salvation and for giving us Mary as our Mother.“ Again, thank you, Principal Walswick, and best of luck to you and your family!

Central Catholic is pleased to welcome Dr. Lee Hernandez as our new principal. Dr. Hernandez comes to Central from South San High School, where he was executive principal for six years. His career in education spans 20 years, eight of those being an administrator. In his previous role as Executive Principal, he led a campus of more than 2,300 students and more than 200 faculty and staff. Within this role, his focus was human development for his students, faculty and staff, alike.

For Dr. Hernandez, it's not simply about academics. His entire career has been driven by the desire to grow and develop individuals and add value to any organization he is part of and to the lives of others. He strives to enhance his students' experiences by building within them a sense of pride and empowerment. Many of his close friends who attended Central uniquely display our teachings and what it means to be a part of a brotherhood. He is a longtime admirer of the impressive mark our school has left on young men as they graduate and the even greater mark that our graduates have made in the community. Dr. Hernandez, we look forward to your leadership and the positive impact you will have on those around you!

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FALL 2021

WELCOME NEW CHAIR & BOARD MEMBERS

the CEO of Goodwill Industries of San Antonio and former Assistant City Manager. Dr. Uhlig and Brother Piepryzca are the Marianist appointees, replacingSr. GretchenTrautmanandBrotherMike O’Grady. Uhlig is Associate Provost for Academic Administration and Mission Integration at St. Mary’s University. She was previously, Executive Director of Marianist Educational Associates. Brother Piepryzca is a chemistry instructor at St. Mary’s University and former science teacher at Central Catholic. We thank you for your commitment and service to Central, for driving the mission and your efforts to improving our school.

Priscilla Gonzaba is our new Board Chair. Her ties to Central run deep, she is a mother to two Central Alum and has been a longtime supporter of our institution. She is also the first female to serve as Board Chair! We look forward to her leadership. Joining the Board of Directors is Dr.William Buhrman, Carlos Contreras, III ‘77, Dr. Jessica Uhlig and Brother Tim Piepryzca, S.M. Dr. Buhrman and Contreras are replacing the spots vacated by Dr. Aaron Tyler and Clarence Kahlig ‘65. Buhrman is the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at St. Mary’s University. Contreras is

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

YOUR GIFT MATTERS MAKE A BIG IMPACT WITH A FUTURE GIFT

All donors made known to Central Catholic become members of the Nova Bella Pillars Club. This group of donors is named for the motto “Nova Bella” which has been taken from Blessed Fr. Joseph Chaminade’s work following his return from exile to France as a result of the French Revolution. The original motto, “Nova bella eligit Dominus” translates to “The Lord has chosen new wars” and is a scriptural reference to the need for adaptation and change in the modern world. Deferred gifts help ensure that Central Catholic High School will have adequate funds well into the future to respond to changing times and needs.

When you include Central Catholic High School in your estate plan, your generosity provides a well-rounded education rooted in the Marianist philosophy. Thank you for ensuring that Central Catholic can develop our students into young men of character well into the future. The estate plans you make now ensure that Central Catholic’s mission and traditions are transferred from one generation to another. Planned giving allows your loyalty and generosity to continue beyond your lifetime. A planned gift includes but is not limited to bequests, charitable annuities and remainder trusts, life insurance policies, and securities.

Please contact the Advancement Office at (210) 225-6794 ext. 246 for more information on how to notify the school of your estate intentions

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CLASS OF 2021

G R A D U A T E S & G R A D U A T I O N P L A N S

Michael Alfredo De La Portilla...................................Texas Tech University Jacob Matthew DeTovar............................................... Baylor University l Emmanuel Diaz................................................... Escoffier Culinary School Suhas C Dodda. ..........................................University of Texas Dallas l l Michael V Dominguez........................................ Texas A&M Corpus Christi Ian James Doran............................................... Texas A&M University l l Travis Rivers Dunson..................................................... Denison University John Baylor Dury................................................... Texas A&M University l Thomas Allen Erwin. ................................ United States Naval Academy l Benjamin Alec Escobedo. .............................. Texas A&M Corpus Christi l Andrew James Espinoza....................................... Texas Tech University l Maxwell Mead Feldmann................................University of Notre Dame l Tregn O’Neal Fields...................................University of Texas San Antonio Chase Patrick Fletcher.......................................... Texas A&M University l Aidan James Fredericks....................... Texas A&M University San Antonio Nicolas Taylor Frey.............................................Louisiana State University Jacob Alexandre Fuentes. ........................Our Lady of the Lake University Bruce Edward Funke.................................................. Creighton University Christopher Alexander Galvan..................................Texas Tech University Francisco Mateo Garcia.................................St. Mary’s University l l l Samuel Michael Lee Garcia............... Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Roland Anthony Garcia. ............................................Texas Tech University Jacob Rene Garza Jr.. ................................................ San Antonio College Matthew Martin Guana. ..............................................St. Mary’s University

Noah Renzy Adams..............................................University of Pittsburg l Jason Edward Albor............................. Texas A&M University Galveston l Joshua David Alcaraz................................................. San Antonio College Ian William Almaguer................................................Texas A&M University Derek Jonovan Alvarez..................... Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Gael Enrique Anaya...................................University of Texas San Antonio Nicholas Jordan Arredondo.............................................Rice University l Emmanuel Bazan......................................................Texas A&M University Dominic Gerard Belmares.........................................Texas Tech University Nathaniel Andre Bermea. .................................. University of New Mexico Thomas Maxwell Bohannon.................................. Texas Tech University l Andrew John Briseño................................................Baylor University l l Edward John Briseño................................................Baylor University l l Hayden M Brown. .....................................University of Texas San Antonio Angel J Carmenaty................................University of Texas San Antonio l Matthew Alexander Castillo....................................St. Mary’s University l Issiah Ismael Castillo........................................................Palo Alto College Nicholas Alexander Castro....................University of Texas San Antonio l Joshua A. Catzoela. ............................... University of Incarnate Word l l Luke Joseph Cecconi..................................................St. Mary’s University Christian V Cerda......................................University of Texas San Antonio Roman Michael Contreras.........................University of Texas San Antonio Brenden S. Cook....................................................................Blinn College Kobe Noel Cristan.....................................University of Texas San Antonio

l National Honor Society

l National Hispanic Recognition Program

l National Spanish Honor Society

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CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

Zachary Daniel Gavlick. ........................................ Texas A&M University l Neil Thomas Wesley Getty. .......................University of Texas San Antonio Damion Christopher Gonzales...............................Murray State University Andres Alejandro Gonzalez.........................................St. Mary’s University Diego Anthony Guajardo....................................University of Texas l l l Michael Anthony Halcomb Jr.. ....................................St. Mary’s University Leon Sharbel Harb..................................................St. Mary’s University l Rene Andres Hernandez...........................University of Texas San Antonio Alejandro Patricio Hopkins. ...................................... University of Texas l Jacob M. Hoppas................................................... Seton Hall University l Jonathen Peter Imad.............................University of Texas San Antonio l Evan Doran Immenschuh........................University of Texas CAP Program Logan Christopher Jaros....................................... Texas Tech University l Bryan A. Jimenez. .................................................Cumberland University Zachary Brian Faz Johnson....................................................Blinn College Ruben Julian Laguna. ...............................University of Texas San Antonio Adan Thomas Levine...................................................... Eastern University Blaise Anton Lewis....................................................Texas A&M University Aaron Seung-Bin Lee Loeffler....................University of Incarnate Word l Diego Antonio Lopez. ............................................University of Texas l l Esai Armando Luna........................... Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Jett Ryan Malone.......................................................................Undecided Nathan James Martin..................................Texas Christian University l l Ethan-John Matthew Martinez.......... Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Rai Ulysses Mart nez................................................ Texas State University Robert Maxwell McGinn..............................Colorado State University l l Logan Christopher Medina. ..................University of Texas San Antonio l Gabriel Mejia III................................. Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Carlos Salim Melo...................................................... University of Tulsa l Diego Vincenzo Mendez................................... Texas Tech University l l Christopher Abelardo Morales........................... St. Mary’s University l l Matthew Hideo Morita....................University of California Los Angeles l James Thomas Nanthikattu. .................University of Texas San Antonio l Ethan William Nieto...................................University of Texas San Antonio Jose Isaiah Nino.....................................................................Blinn College Aidan Michael O’Connell.................................. Southwestern University l Mark Anthony Ochoa Jr..................... University of Texas San Antonio l l Kanum Jay Parker........................................................ Baylor University l Samuel Jacob Peña. ......................................... University of Houston l l Trinidad Jesse Perez IV.............................Our Lady of the Lake University Jeremy Gunner Perez. ...........................................Mount Marty University

Marcos Robert Perez..............................................Mount Marty University Noah David Pocrnich......................................... Texas A&M University l l Andrew Steven Ponce........................................ St. Mary’s University l l Diego Antonio Ramos. ...................... University of Texas San Antonio l l Robert Edward Redman II.......................................St. Mary’s University l Julian Thomas Reta........................................... Texas A&M University l l George Nathan Reyes Jr......................................St. Edwards University l Henri Louis Riou.................................................... Texas Tech University l Adam Armando Rodriguez........................University of Texas San Antonio Devon Xavier Rodriguez. ............................... Colorado School of Mines l Sevastian Carlo Rodriguez............................ Air Force Academy Prep l l Justin Lee Rodriguez.......................................... St. Mary’s University l l Enrique Rodriguez. .................................................... San Antonio College Aaron Jacob Rodriguez...............................................Schreiner University Matthew Pierce Ruble.............................................St. Mary’s University l Benicio Silverio Ruiz........................................... Texas Lutheran University Brenden N. Sada.......................................................... United States Army Fernando Salazar-Garcia. .....................University of Texas San Antonio l Manuel Sanchez............................ Texas A&M University Corpus Christi l Julian Rene Sanchez..............................................................Undecided l Robert A. Sanchez..........................................University of Incarnate Word Fredrick Alexander Sanchez................................. Texas A&M University l Gabriel J Santellan....................................University of Texas San Antonio Daniel A. Scaramozi.......................... Texas A&M University Corpus Christi Jeffrey Scott Schlittler II.................................University of Incarnate Word Michael Rodolfo Smith..............................University of Texas San Antonio Samuel Stone Soto................................University of Texas San Antonio l Parker Lee Stepan.................................... Texas A&M University Kingsville Matthew Thomas Torres. ......................Concordia University Wisconsin l John Andrew Tristan.................................University of Texas San Antonio Fernando Daniel Valdez..................................University of Texas Dallas l Jacob Christian Van Delden......... Texas A&M University Kingsville Joshua Duncan Vega................................................................... Aurora University Peter Jaden Velasquez. ..............................................St. Mary’s University Eneas N. Velazquez. .................................................Texas Tech University Joshua Ruben Vidal...................................... Arizona State University l l Javier Adrian M. Virgen..........................................University of Texas l l Nicholas Robert Emmett Whelan. ............................. University of Texas l Benjamin Michael Zacho.Texas A&M University l II (National Merit Finalist) Charles C. Zelaya........................................................St. Mary’s University Patrick Michael Zertuche. ................. University of Texas San Antonio l l

l National Honor Society

l National Hispanic Recognition Program

l National Spanish Honor Society

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BLUEWHITE A L U M N I U P D A T E

A WORD FROM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT, CHARLIE GOMEZ ‘84

you. Please visit our Alumni website or reach out to me directly, by email, to become more involved. Alumni are the backbone of Central Catholic and directly involved in ensuring that current Buttons receive the complete Central Catholic experience. Below is a list of events that are sponsored by the Alumni Association: Alumni Association Golf Tournament, Alumni Round-Up/Remembrance, the Central Catholic Gala, Alumni Softball Tournament, Sporting Clays Classic, Senior Luncheon, and the Senior Sendoff & Yearbook Distribution. We hope to see many Alumni at all upcoming events.

I am Charlie Gomez, class of ‘84, and the current President of the Alumni Association. I have been involved with Central Catholic since 1980 as a student, athlete, coach, uncle, and parent. My brothers (Steve and Dean) graduated in ‘88 and ‘91, respectively, and my son (Charlie III) graduated in ‘19. I also had a nephew (Alex) graduate in ‘19 and another nephew (Steven)

who is currently a Senior. Our Alumni Association is committed to further Alumni outreach, so please let us know how we can help support

OUR MISSION

The mission of the Central Catholic Alumni Association is to preserve a close relationship between the school. With an alumni base of more than 10,000 strong, the Alumni Association offers a variety of opportunities to support the school. In the last five years, the Alumni Association has donated more than $375,000 back to support CCHS scholarships, school programs, and facility improvements (including the Kahlig-Cowie Convocation Center). The CCHS Alumni Association’s Officers and At-Large Board Members as of July 1, 2020, will serve two-year terms. The current President is Charlie Gomez ‘84. His term as President will expire in 2022. Charlie is a long- time volunteer and former coach for Central Catholic.

Currently, Charlie serves as Vice President, Specialty Markets, for Ricos Products Co.—a Central Catholic family-owned business. In addition to Charlie as President, the CCHS Alumni Association board elected the following officers:

• President – Charlie Gomez ‘84 • Vice President – Frank Medina ‘85 • Treasurer – Robbie Carmichael ‘98 • Sergeant at Arms – Dylan Farmer ‘05 • Secretary – Freddie Cervera ‘82

The Alumni Association is also pleased to announce its new members Matt Delgado ’91, Aaron Elizondo ’10, and Jim Mullen ’71.

For more information on the Central Catholic High School Alumni Association and how you can be involved, visit www.cchs-satx.org/alumni.

20 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

CCHS CLASS AMBASSADORS SERVE AN ESSENTIAL ROLE Membership as a Class Ambassador is a privilege and unique opportunity to work on behalf of Central Catholic High School. Members have the satisfaction of giving back to Central, rekindling old friendships, and cultivating professional networking opportunities. Class Ambassadors should demonstrate leadership among their peers and commit their time and volunteer on behalf of the school. Class ambassadors should also have a passion for advancing the mission of Central Catholic and openly discussing potential classmates that have the ability and capacity to consider a gift to Central.

• Attending an Alumni Association Meeting each year to continue to support the mission of Central Catholic High School and the Alumni Association. We are constantly updating our Alumni Class Ambassador contact list and need your help! We understand that some Ambassadors’ ability to volunteer may have changed over the years, so if you are currently serving as a Class Ambassador, or know someone that we should contact, please let us know and we will update our list. If you would like to be a Class Ambassador and serve your class, please contact Marshall Weinkam ‘10, Advancement Associate, via email [email protected]

Some of the actions of a successful class ambassador include: • Acting as a liaison between your classmates and CCHS to keep them informed of the current happenings. • Communicating with classmates through phone calls, texts, emails, social media, etc. • Creating a class Facebook group to have a forum for everybody to connect and rekindle easily. • Collecting current and accurate contact information on your fellow classmates. This information is vital to maintain a connection with fellow alumni and CCHS. • Serving on the reunion committee to help plan class reunions every five years.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Alumni Association Golf Tournament Sunday, October 17, 2021 Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club

Alumni Association Golf Tournament online:

https://cchs-satx.org/alumnigolf

Central Catholic Gala January 29, 2022 Mays Family Center at the Witte Museum

Event Chairpersons: Melissa & Thomas Aguillon ’92 Victoria & Jorge Herrera ‘96

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BLUEWHITE A T H L E T I C S N E W S

CENTRAL WILL SHINE TONIGHT

Since March of 2020, the Central Catholic High School Athletics Department navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic with a sense of confidence that our program would persevere. Reflecting upon our protocols, schedule changes, policies and day-to-day changes, there was no doubt in my mind that we achieved great success for 2020- 2021 school year. We competed in post-season play in nine of our 12 sports, ranging from bi-district, area, regional, semi-final, and national title status. Our athletes recorded numerous all-district, all-state, academic all-state awards, Express News all-area and Top Ten Area recognition across the majority of our athletic programs. Our coaching staff has also received recognition as coach of the week, coach of the year, coach all-star games and have presented to other groups and coaches. With this said, we had 336 out of 519 students participate in our athletic program in 2021. Seventy-two percent of our athletes participated in one sport while 28% participated on multiple athletic teams. More notably, we ended the year with five football players, two soccer players, two baseball players and one basketball player continue their athletic journey at the collegiate level. God Bless our Central High! Eddie Ybarra ‘83 • Athletic Director

22 CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL - BLUE & WHITE MAGAZINE

CCHS ATHLETICS BY THE NUMBERS

COMMITMENTS Thomas Ervin West Point Military Academy-Football Matthew Torres Concordia University in Wisconsin-Football Marcos Perez Mount Mary University-Football Gunner Perez Mount Mary University-Football Josh Vega Aurora University-Football Matt Gauna St. Mary’s University-Baseball CLASS OF 2021 UNCOMMITTED Aidan O’Connell Wisconsin Lutheran-Football CLASS OF 2022 PROSPECTS OFFERS Ben Rios-Football West Point Military Academy, Dartmouth, Columbia, Liberty, Colorado State, UTSA and Yale Sylas Gomez West Point Military Academy-Football FOOTBALL 4-1 Overall 3-1 District 0-1 Playoffs All-District 1st Team 6 Players All-District 2nd Team 5 Players All-State 1st Team

BASKETBALL HIGHLIGHT Highlight Senior Julian Sanchez became a member of the Elite 1,000 point club

SOCCER 10-3-1 Overall 6-0

District Playoffs 2-1 Area Champion Regional Champion State Semi-Final (Lost in OT)

First Team All-State 4 Second Team All-State 1

First-Team All-District 5 Players Second-Team All-District 5 Players CHEERLEADING Have not competed as they normally do because of COVID-19 NCA Cheer Camp 12 All-Americans were selected 2020-2021 NCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Three times in the Last Five Year

BASEBALL 15-2 Overall

San Antonio Independent School District Tournament Champion South San Tournament - 4-0 in Pool Play

All-State 2nd Team 3 Players Academic All-State 4 Players

LACROSSE 1-2 Overall

CROSS COUNTRY 3rd Place at State

Season just began. However, they have one of the largest rosters in some time- 30 players. The future looks bright

2nd Place Medalist at State 9th Place Medalist at State All-State Honors 1 Academic All-State 1

TRACK 1st Place

GOLF 4th Place - Canyon Springs Invitational 2nd Place - Pleasanton Golf Tournament 4th Place - NEISD Spring Invitational

SWIMMING TAPPS Regional Meet 1-Gold Medal 7-Silver Medals 6-Bronze Medals

San Antonio Christian’s Invitational 1st Plac e- St. Mary’s Hall Invitational 1st Place - South San Relays Be on the lookout for Distance Runners Nathan Morales and Nathaniel Trevino, Hurdler Gary Mejia and Shot Put & Discus Thrower DeAndre Marshall. TENNIS 2nd Place Dominion Country Club Tournament Doubles Team 1st Place East Central Invitational Singles-

BOWLING Matches (All in the Spring) CC vs Alamo Heights CC vs Antonian CC vs St. Mary’s Hall CC vs St.Gerard CC vs St. Anthony

Academic All-State 6

BASKETBALL 19-8 Overall 3-3 District 2-0 Playoffs 2-1 Bi- District Champions Area Champions

CC vs Antonian CC vs St. Gerard CC vs St. Mary Hall CC vs St. Anthony

2nd Team All-State 2

1st Team All-District 1 2nd Team All-District 3 Honorable Mention 2

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THE LEGACY CONTINUES