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December 2011

 
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In This Issue
Young Alumni Reunion
Alumni Families
Carnival
Agnes M. Johnston Remembered
Justice Kennedy Visits Grade 5
Academic Achievements
Classmate Updates
Former Faculty Updates
Remember When?
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Dear ,

 

As the Holidays approach, I want to extend many warm wishes to all of you and yours.  I invite all of you to come and enjoy our longstanding tradition of the Christmas Pageant, Friday, December 16 at 7:00 pm.  As the season's hustle and bustle begins, come and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with all of us.
 
Wishing you many blessings during this Holiday Season and in the New Year,

 

Silvia Larrauri 

Head of School 

Young Alumni Reunion

Each fall we host a reunion of our young alumni. We were happy to have many in attendance this year.  They processed in during our Eucharist and Chaplain Vanessa called on them to speak about good memories from their years at St. Stephen's.
Front Row: Cassidy Lewis, Natalie Veater, Chloe van der Vlugt, Gabriella Ouellette, Willow D'Alemberte-Powell; Middle Row: Aidan Godoy, Mateo Lorente, Florence Hawkins, Alex Houser, Lindsey Scholer, Gabby Eriksen, Caroline Pesch, Hunter Goggins, Antonio Mora, Santi Murra, Pablo Benavides, Maria Olloqui, Sarah Seguin; Back Row: Kelsey Scholer, Hanna Domit, Ale Cuadrado, Leo Rocchiccioli, Marcus Kyle, Charlie Copeland 

Alumni Families 

St. Stephen's alumni continue to bring their children to school here.  We celebrate our alumni families for this school year. 

 

Daniela Ribadeneira Balarezo ('86) and her son Martin   

Courtney Gardner Berry ('84) and her son Gardner

John Devaney ('82) and his children Corinne, Camille, and John

Luis Echarte ('82) and his daughter Elise  

Kirsten Oman Erdmann ('86) and her son Ace

Alicia Gerrits Hawkins ('84) and her son Morgan

Aleco Haralambides ('85) and his daughter Eleni

Peter Gardner ('79) and his sons Jared, Christian and Patrick

Bj�rn Jensen ('90) and his son Bj�rn 

Lars Jensen ('87) and his sons Lars Peter and Jasper

Cynthia Scurtis Rodriguez ('85) and her daughters Natasha and Ella

Jim Sadler ('75) and his sons Rylan and Bryce

Taki Scurtis ('76) and his sons Jonathan and Kristian

Dave Villano ('73) and his daughter Ellie  

 

Carnival Brings Back Alumni
As always, alumni were spotted at the annual Carnival. They had fun on the rides and catching up with old friends.

Hanna Domit ('09) and Victoria Quintero ('09) on the big water slide.

Kia Kesser ('09) and Jenna Martinez ('09) battle it out in the hamster wheels.

Agnes Johnston Remembered at Grandparents Day 

During our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Chapel, the school recognized Agnes Johnston for her 20 years of service as principal from 1962-1982. Agnes's family (daughter Vicki Herman, granddaughter Angie Herman ('84) and great grandchildren Tiffany ('07), Mackenzie and A.J.) joined us in honor of the installation of signage on the classroom building named for her.  Melinda Harper gave a beautiful tribute to Agnes as did her great granddaughter Tiffany.  Chaplain Vanessa also acknowledged how important grandparents are in our lives.  Following the chapel service we all enjoyed a brunch in the Oak Grove.       

 

Justice Kennedy Visits Grade 5 

The students in Grade 5 had a most special treat last week when Charlotte (SK) and Mcleod (Gr.5) Kennedy's grandparents, the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy and Mrs. Mary Kennedy, visited and attended the Grandparents' and Special Friends' Chapel Service.  Before the service, Justice Kennedy spent time with the 5th Graders discussing the privileges of living in a democracy where our freedom and rights are protected. They learned the important roles that George Washington played in forming our nation, and the foundation established by our founding fathers. We are grateful that Justice Kennedy shared his time with the students, and made their study of American History come alive.  

 

Academic Achievements  

Advanced Placement Honors 

Each year the CollegeBoard recognizes students who have achieved various levels in AP testing.   

 

AP National ScholarsYates Brown and William Hector

Students who earn 4s or 5s on at least eight AP exams and average at least 4.0 on all exams taken. 

 

AP Scholars with Distinction: Jamie Halula, James Sawyer and Erin Wolfe  

Students who earn 3s or higher on at least five AP exams and average 3.5 or higher.

 

AP Scholars with HonorRodolfo Beeck and Raphael Correa 

Students who earn 3s or higher on at least four different AP exams and average 3.25 or higher.

 

AP Scholars: Mariana Pavia and Annette Sullivan

Students who earn a score of 3 or higher on three different exams.   

 

National Merit Scholarship Program

The National Merit Scholarship Program recognizes students for outstanding PSAT scores.  

 

National Merit Commended Students: Rodolfo Beeck, Jamie Halula,  

James Sawyer and Erin Wolfe

Students whose PSAT scores are in the top 3% nationwide. 

 

National Hispanic Scholars: Rodolfo Beeck and Rafael Correa  

Hispanic students whose PSAT score is in the top 3% nationwide.   

 

 Congratulations to all of them! 

Classmate Updates

Wondering what your classmates have been up to lately?  Here are some updates on old friends.  Be sure to send your updates to Liz Scholer ([email protected]) for our next newsletter in Spring.

 

Ana and Carolina Casariego ('08) 

Ana and Caro are currently in 10th grade at Palmer Trinity. This summer, they were a part of an exchange program to Salamanca, Spain. They continue to play club lacrosse, their favorite sport. This year they ran Cross Country at Palmer Trinity for the first time ever and the team placed second in the district race. Carolina placed sixth individually in the district! During the winter, they will be playing varsity soccer for the school.

   

Amanda Clavijo ('10)

Amanda is currently a 7th grader at Palmer Trinity and will hopefully be in a musical soon called Once Upon a Mattress. She also is a cheerleader for the school, along with fellow SSEDS alumna Carolina Mantilla. She shared, "the only thing that is new is that I have had two surgeries in less than three months. First I got eight teeth surgically removed and then I got my adenoids and tonsils removed."  We hope you're feeling well, Amanda! 

  

The Colonna Family

Nikki ('08) is currently a 10th grader at Ransom Everglades.  She has been playing on the high school varsity volleyball team since 8th grade and starting as setter for two years. Each year her team made it to the Regional finals. This year they lost to the 2010 reigning state champs, Cardinal Gibbons. She is on the RE varsity track team.  She's been on a national club volleyball team for three years.    

 

Michael ('10) is currently in 7th grade at Ransom Everglades. He is a starting "stopper" (defender) on the RE Middle School team which includes fellow SSEDS alumni Gaby Paniagua, Juan Rizo-Patr�n and Cole Deuel (all '10). He is captain of his club soccer team. He plays many positions on the RE football team, and an avid volleyball player for the RE Upper School JV boys team.  

   

 

Sophia Faiella ('05)

Sophia is currently a freshman at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.  She had a part in the fall production "Passion Play" and is considering double majoring in theatre and human development.

  

Jamie Halula ('03)  

Jamie is currently a senior at Ransom Everglades. She was recently accepted to Harvard University and committed to play softball there. Last summer, she traveled around the country with her softball team, the Miami Stingrays 18 Gold, and played at the ASA 18 Gold Nationals in San Diego.  Jamie also plays the flute and piccolo for the Ransom Everglades Symphonic Band.

 

Florence Hawkins ('10)

Florence is currently in 6th grade at Ransom Everglades. This fall, she ran on the Cross Country team with fellow SSEDS alumnae Gabriella Ouellette and Maria Olloqui.

 

 

 

The Kardonski Family

Sophia ('08) is currently in her second year at Design Architecture Senior High (DASH) and is the Vice President of her class. This summer she participated in a collaborative art exhibition through Locus Projects. Sophia was one of thirteen local high school students selected from an open call by a committee of local art professionals. Andrew ('10) is currently an 8th grader at Gulliver where he plays lacrosse. He also plays on the Team Florida Lacrosse Team and is traveling around the US playing lacrosse. 

 

Marcus Kyle ('10)

Marcus is currently an 8th grader at Palmer Trinity. In the fall, Marcus played for the middle school varsity football team where he earned several distinctions: leading overall receiver, leading rusher in yards per carry, leading kick returning in yards per carry, and second highest scorer with four touchdowns.  This season, he is playing on the middle school varsity basketball team. Also, he was one of five PTS music students that were invited to participate in the Florida Music Educators Conference in Tampa in January, 2012. He will play with the Middle School Honor Band. Congratulations!

  

Inigo Martinez

Inigo is currently in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades where he plays lacrosse and is on the sailing team.  In addition, he plays soccer on the Key Biscayne Traveler's U16 Team.

 

Charles Edward Monroe, II  

Charles's mom Claudia shared, "Charles began attending St. Stephen's in Junior Kindergarten at age 4 or 5 and stayed through 6th grade graduation.  He now lives outside Denver, CO and is a sergeant with the Douglas County Police. He's married and has one son." 

  

Antonio Mora ('11)

Antonio is currently in 6th grade at Ransom Everglades.  Earlier in the fall, Antonio, along with partner Evan Bynoe, won the Florida State Doubles 12 and under championship.  Also, in early November, he won a National Level 3 Doubles Championship in Rome, Georgia.  

 

  

The Naclerio Family

Albert ('90) is working in technology with Barclay's Capital in NYC and planning a move to live in Westchester with wife Ann. Christine ('95) just married Eric Koleda, a Colgate classmate, is back from her honeymoon to St. Lucia and works as an editor for HBO. Catherine ('99) has been accepted to a Doctor of Psychology program at Stanford and lives at home with her two dogs.

 

Leo Rocchiccioli ('08)

Leo is currently in 9th grade at Palmer Trinity.  In October, he participated in the University of Miami Honors Choir.  Joining 150 other top high-school singers from Miami-Dade and Broward counties for a day of rehearsals and workshops, the afternoon concluded with their performance in a mass choir concert in UM's Gusman Hall.

 

Santos Family

Lucas ('00) graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and General Management in May 2010. He is living in NYC and is currently the Assistant Manager for Customer Marketing for Redken and Pureology, two brands within the L'Oreal USA family. Ironically, Lucas got in touch with us after seeing that St. Stephen's submitted a video for the Global Green school makeover contest. Lucas said, "My jaw literally dropped when I saw that my elementary school had submitted a video to the company I currently work for!"   

Paula ('01) recently graduated from Pitzer College. She was a featured artist in Citibank's Premier Art Exhibition.  She currently lives in Maui and volunteers for Express Yourself Foundation developing art programs at local schools. In addition, she is writing a book. 

   

Scholer Family

Kelsey ('10) is currently in 8th grade at Palmer Trinity.  She plays basketball on the middle school varsity team and was recently named team captain.  Two of her teammates are fellow SSEDS alumnae - Cassidy Lewis ('11) and Isa Rocchiccioli ('10).  Lindsey ('11) is currently in 6th grade at Palmer Trinity and is on the middle school JV basketball team.

   

Nerissa Sturrup ('02)  

Nerissa is currently a senior at Mount Holyoke College majoring in African-American Studies and minoring in Gender Studies. After graduation, she will teach special education for two years in Atlanta as a Teach For America corps member.

 

 

Annette Sullivan ('03)  

Annette is currently a senior at Ransom Everglades. She recently committed to play tennis for Emory University in the fall of 2012.   

 

Niki Urquidi ('10)

Niki is currently an 8th grader at Carrollton.  This fall, she swam with the varsity team, which made it to regionals. She is currently playing on the varsity basketball team. 

 

Former Faculty Updates

We've been in touch with Former Faculty and asked them to share their news too. Read updates on some of your teachers to see what they've been doing since leaving St. Stephen's.

Sra. Susi Laos (Spanish from 1993-2003) 

After ten wonderful years working at St. Stephen's, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where I worked for two years at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School. Upon returning to South Florida in 2005, I started working at American Heritage School in Plantation where I teach Spanish in the elementary school.  My son Stefan, who is now 16, attended St. Stephen's from PK3 to 2nd grade.  I have been married for 22 years and also have an 11 year old daughter, Sydney. We live in Pembroke Pines and love to visit Coconut Grove from time to time!

 

Mrs. Ana Perez (PreK and SrK teacher from 1999-2006)  

Mrs. Perez is currently teaching Kindergarten at Conchita Espinosa Academy. She is still married and has two children, Julian and Tatiana. She misses St. Stephen's, but loves her job and especially working so close to home. She has found a new passion for couponing and loves to help others save by having coupon workshops, posting in her savings blog and recently came out in the news helping others to save.  Her son Julian Perez (Pre-K 2005-2006) is currently in 4th grade at Conchita Espinosa Academy and has been acting for the school's actors in training. His roles have included Jasper in 101 Dalmatians, Cat in the Hat in Seussical, and he sang a solo in Summer's Actors workshop School House Rock. He just performed this past month in James and the Giant Peach where he was the Old Green Grasshopper. He has great memories of St. Stephen's and hopes to visit soon.

 

Mr. Jason Richards (Drama Teacher from 2002-2004) 

Mr. Richards moved to New York City in January of this year and married Lynn Kenny on April 2nd. They met in grad school at Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA in 2004 (the year I left St. Stephen's) where he completed a Master's of Arts in Communication (with an emphasis on Cinema/TV Directing) and Lynn completed a Master's of Fine Arts in acting. Their wedding was in Virginia Beach, and additional receptions were held in her hometown of Menomonee Falls, WI and his hometown of Keystone Heights, FL.  Lynn is a member of two theatre companies, and this August directed an original off-off broadway sci-fi comedy, Gabriel, which garnered favorable reviews. Mr. Richards has been working as a freelance camera operator and video editor for Trinity Broadcasting and SRI International.

 

Remember When?

Have any old pictures you'd like to share?  Send them to us and we may feature them in future Alumni e-News.  Send photos to Liz Scholer ([email protected]).
In 2006, the students in Grade 6 performed "Dear Edwina." Pictured here are: Carly Wyler,
Giuliana Alcivar-Venegas, Alejandra Barrios Gomez, Madison Uva, Mariana Pavia,
Paola Barrios Gomez, Maria Martin, Carlos Losciale and Lauren Rangel.

We Want to Hear From You!

 
contact

Send your update and photos to Liz Scholer at

[email protected] 

 

Or, if you have heard from a St. Stephen's classmate, let us know.  We are updating our alumni records and want to find all of our former students. Please forward this newsletter to any of your St. Stephen's friends.