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Greetings!
We welcomed back many alumni at our end of the year celebrations. We always treasure those moments when you help us celebrate our traditions. It was great seeing many of you! A new school year has begun and we hope that you will visit us soon.
We hope you enjoy this issue of our Alumni E-News recognizing the many honors St. Stephen's alumni continue to receive and giving updates on many of your friends. Please continue to keep us updated with your news.
With warmest regards,
Silvia Larrauri
Head of School
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Legacy Awards and Alumni Pinning
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On June 7, St. Stephen's held our annual Alumni Pinning Ceremony to welcome our newest alumni - the Class of 2013. Students in Grade 5 received pins from special alumni guests, including siblings, family and friends. Many thanks to all of our alumni who joined us:
Front Row: Martin Balarezo ('12), Quinn Harrelson ('12), Henry Urquidi ('12),
Sara Fernandez ('12), Daniella French ('12), Brianna Kerr ('12), Carlota Sosa ('11),
Florence Hawkins ('11), Chloe van der Vlugt ('11), Lucas Cabrera-Ram�n ('10),
Sophie Bullard ('10), Giuliana Alcivar-Venegas ('06), Roger Khouri (''03)
Back Row: John Devaney ('82), Hunter Goggins ('11), James Burks ('12),
Jason Houser ('12), Nikolas Gies ('10), Austin Dominguez ('10), Emma Nissim ('10),
Conor Wolfe ('10), Manny Lacayo ('03).
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Dedication Wall Celebration Cocktail
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Last May, the school community and stakeholders of St. Stephen's Think. Love. Grow. Campaign attended a cocktail party reception to celebrate the many accomplishments of the 2012-2013 school year. A notable milestone for the year was 100% participation from our Board of Trustees, parents, faculty and staff in our Annual Giving Campaign. The Annual Giving Campaign netted over $328,868 to support professional development, financial aid and leading edge curricular initiatives for our students.
The party also recognized donors from the 2007 Think. Love. Grow. Capital Campaign. Guests enjoyed an intimate atmosphere next to the Main Highway Pavilion's newly installed dedication wall. This state of the art facility stands proudly as a beacon of our joint efforts. It is a home away from home for pre-school children, a learning center for students, as well as office space for school staff. Since its completion, the Board of Trustees and Development Committee are shifting their efforts to building the General and Financial Aid Endowments. The General Endowment will provide leading edge training and competitive compensation for our teachers. The Financial Aid Endowment will support students who could not otherwise afford to attend our school.
If you would like to discuss supporting our Endowment efforts, please contact Development, Director Kit Ferrer Wills ([email protected] or 305-537-1299). Thank you for your support of St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School.
Former Board Members and parents Dave Villano '73 (Wesley '09, Ellie '12) and Olga Beeck (Alberto '01, Mat�as '05, Leticia '07, Alvaro '08) with Silvia Larrauri. |
Faculty Recognized for Length of Service
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At our Awards Ceremony, several of our faculty members, your former teachers, were recognized for their service to St. Stephen's. We had five faculty and staff who received bracelets to commemorate their 10th year of service: Susie Oldham, Martha Serra-Mohr, Sally Tappert, Maritza Urdaneta and Inge Wassmann.
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Baccalaureate Mass
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Each spring St. Stephen's Church recognizes the current Day School graduates at Baccalaureate Mass. In addition, alumni who recently graduated from high schools and/or colleges are invited to return. We had a huge turnout this year. Pictured below are many of those who attended along with their families.
Front Row: Bowman and Melanie Brown, Melinda Harper, Rodolfo ('06) Beeck,
Josie Beeck, Manuela Beeck ('03), Larry Vogel ('07), Isabella Morcos ('07), Diana Vogel, Silvia Larrauri, Hope Clavijo ('07), Beth Hutson.
Back Row: Alberto Beeck, Sr., Mat�as Beeck ('05), Juan Pablo Montoya,
Alberto Beeck, Jr. ('01), Anna Sofia Montoya-Olsson ('09), Bowman Brown ('07),
Martin Montoya-Olsson ('07), Annelie Olsson, Will Houston ('07), Jenifer Briley,
Brett Houston, Olga Beeck, Fiona Morcos, Leticia Beeck ('07), Andrew Clavijo ('07), and Jacques Morcos.
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St. Stephen's Family
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One of the best parts of the St. Stephen's family is the lasting bond that forms. Whether it's alumni who return with their children as parents, reunions where old friends meet up, or former families who stop by to visit, the St. Stephen's family is strong.
Diego Salinas and Sebastian Baquero, both graduates from 1998, became best friends in 4th grade. They both went on to Ransom Everglades and Brown University. Now, Seb is doing his residency in Anesthesiology at Jackson Memorial Hospital and Diego is doing a Pediatric residency at Miami Children's Hospital.
Members of the Class of 2010 gathered at their 8th grade graduation from Ransom Everglades. Front row: Cole Abbott, Juan RIzo-Patr�n, Cole Deuel, Shawn Harvey.
Back row: Nikolas Gies, Michael Colonna, Sebastian Brunet, Juliana Ramirez, Maria Uribe, Christina Morcos, Daniella Jaguan, Nicole Avazian and Tatiana Pereira.
Diogo, Miguel, Tiago and Alexandra Moreira-Rato returned for a visit in August.
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Class of 2007 and 2013 Off to New Schools
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The St. Stephen's Class of 2007 is headed to college. We got information on many of them and you can find them at the following schools this Fall:
Daniela Asturias
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Boston College
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Leticia Beeck
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Georgetown University
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Bowman Brown
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Carleton College
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Julio Chamorro
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Sewanee, The University of the South
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Alexandra Cina
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Florida State University
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Andrew Clavijo
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Tallahassee Community College
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Hope Clavijo
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Florida State University
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Steven Coward
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Pratt Institute
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Max Dimitrijević
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Stanford University
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Sam Easton
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Dickinson College
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Maurice Ferre
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Colby College
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Carolina Fidalgo
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American University of Paris
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Esteban Garc�a
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University of Maryland College Park
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Sophia Gr�ner-Hegge
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University of St. Andrews, Scotland
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Amanda Hernandez
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University of Wisconsin
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Emily Hernandez
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New York University
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Will Houston
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Dickinson College
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Casey Hyde
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Colorado State University
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Melissa Ivler
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Florida State University
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Zachary Kesser
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Miami Dade College
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Eric Koffler
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Loyola University Chicago
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Stefan Laos
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Swarthmore University
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Tiffany Leiva
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University of Alabama
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Martin Montoya-Olsson
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University of Chicago
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Isabella Morcos
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Bucknell University
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Tiago Moreira Rato
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Boston University
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Meagan Nardo
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University of Florida
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Alykhan Nurani
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Yale University
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Alexis Ortiz
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Southern Methodist University
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Regina Peralta
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Stanstead College
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Laurent Polenghi
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New York Institute of Technology
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Ridge Porter
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Louisiana State University
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Austin Robbie
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North Carolina State University
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Carlos Ruga
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St. Thomas University
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David San Agustin
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New York University
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Pedro Scarpetta
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Babson College
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Spencer Swies
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United States Military Academy
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Rodrigo Uhart
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University of Miami
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Melvin Vargas
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Miami Dade College
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Lawrence Vogel
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Florida International University
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Jessie Wilson
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Minnesota State Community College
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The Class of 2013 is off to middle school. They'll be attending the following schools this Fall:
Belen Jesuit
Alex Calder�n
Alex Dominguez
Marco Espaillat
Carrollton School
Camile Cabrera-Ram�n
Isabella Lea�o
Gulliver Schools
Olivia Connor
Miami Country Day
Jerome Baker
Ja'Cari Mullins
Riviera Middle School
Marcos Burnett
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Palmer Trinity School
Valentina Bustamante
Asha Crichton
Patricio Domit
Soleil Martinez
Andr�s Monta�a
Liam Nissim
Dylan O'Rand
Giacomo Pizzolato
Carlota Sosa
Relocated from Miami
Santi Cort�s
Sabrina Gies
Taylor Goggins
Tiliyah Pierre-Michel
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Ransom Everglades
Lucas Allraum
Trent Bianchi
Natalia Botero
Austin Charlton
Corinne Devaney
Will Drody
Morgan Hawkins
Estella Korybut
Kathryn Langston
Vivienne Lull
Marlon Ly
Whitney Riemer
Anthony Wolfe
Alison Zanarini
Westminster Christian
Isabella Fern�ndez
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Alumni Athletes Named to All-Dade Teams
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St. Stephen's alumni continue to shine in the athletic arena. Several of our alumni have been named to various Miami Herald All-Dade Teams, including four on 1st Teams.
| Ana Casariego ('08), 1st Team Lacrosse Palmer Trinity |
| Carolina Casariego ('08), 1st Team Lacrosse Palmer Trinity |
| Nikki Colonna ('08), 1st Team Volleyball Ransom Everglades |
| Sofia Rivas ('09), 1st Team Water Polo Ransom Everglades |
Others:
Tere Bernace ('08) 2nd team Volleball, Ransom Everglades
Gaby Correa ('10) 3rd team Cross Country and Honorable Mention Track and Field, Ransom Everglades
Jake Deuel ('08) 2nd Team Soccer, Ransom Everglades
Max Dimitrijević ('07) 3rd Team Waterpolo, Ransom Everglades
John Michael Holtmann ('10) Honorable Mention Tennis, Ransom Everglades
Martin Montoya-Olsson ('07) 2nd Team Waterpolo, Ransom Everglades
Antonio Mora ('11) Honorable Mention Tennis, Ransom Everglades
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Alumni Receive Academic Honors in Middle & High School
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Gulliver Schools
Julio Baigorri ('12) 1st & 2nd Quarter Dean's List
Jack Copeland ('12) Physical Education award
Caroline Pesch ('11) Community Service Award
Victor Rego ('12) 2nd Quarter Principal's List and 3rd & 4th Quarter Dean's List
Macky Pesch ('08) Varsity Lacrosse District Champs
Billy Lowe ('08) Varsity Track runner and member of the National Honor Society
Palmer Trinity School
High Honor Roll
Middle School requirements: A 3.5 GPA with no grade lower than a "B-"
Martin Balarezo, Willow D'Alemberte-Powell, Gabby Eriksen, Mathew Scullin, Natalie Veater
Upper School requirements: A 3.5 GPA, 3 academic courses at an advanced level (Honors or AP) with no grade below "B-"
Ana Casariego, Carolina Casariego, Kelsey Scholer
Middle School Awards
Antonella Cueva ('12): Grade 6 Citizenship Award
Mathew Scullin ('11): Grade 7 Citizenship Award, French 2 Award, Math 7 Award
Natalie Veater ('11) Grade 7 Rising Star Award, Theater Arts Award
Karen San Agustin ('11) Dance Award, English 7 Award
Matthew Lewis ('10) Grade 8 Rising Star Award
Upper School Awards
Ana Casariego ('08): Chemistry Honors, AP Psychology, US History Honors, Religion & the Body, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award, University of Pennsylvania Book Award
Carolina Casariego ('08): Mount Holyoke College Book Award
Hanna Domit ('09): Costume & Make-Up Design
Pedro Domit: Algebra II, Acting
Jenna Martinez ('09): Physics
Leonardo Rocchiccioli ('08): Religion & the Body
Paula San Agustin ('08): Islam & 9/11 Award
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Classmate Updates
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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 September.
Chris Cavanaugh
Since leaving South Florida, Chris went on to USC for college. He earned a degree in Industrial Systems Engineering and was on two Olympic Swim Teams for the USA. He won a Gold Medal in the 1984 games and many other awards during his swimming career. He worked in the tech field for a while, then medical sales and leadership roles since. He is married with two girls, 3 and 13, and lives in San Jose, CA. He shared some memories of his time at St. Stephen's:
"My mother, Wanda Cavanaugh became a teacher at St. Stephen's in the 70's. I started school there as a 3rd grader. My first teacher was Ms. Devers, then Ms. Betts, Ms. Dobson, and Ms. Reynolds. My best friend was Ken Potter, his mom Betsy worked in the front office. My dad began teaching and coaching swimming and water polo at Ransom as well, so we matriculated there for middle and high school. We eventually moved to California, where I started 10th Grade at Lynbrook High in San Jose.
"Father Hingston and Father Potter were the priests at the church. Ms. Stokes was teaching 2nd grade, and became one of my mom's best friends. Miki, her daughter, is my mom's god-daughter, and a classmate, as was Natalie Reynolds and Bonny Dobson. Four students of teachers, and Ken Potter's mom in administration, and Kristie Hingston's dad as a priest. We were well representative of the school. Not to mention some had siblings there too.
"I still think of my time at St. Stephen's. It was a great time in the Grove, even with all the issues in the country, perhaps even because of it. If I wasn't in school, I was waiting for mom to finish up with her class cleaning or preparations, reading "A Wrinkle in Time" for the first time, attending Boy Scout meetings in the cafeteria and playing in the quad, standing outside raising the flag and singing the anthem, or over at the church as an altar boy (thurifer), or playing four square with my friends. St. Stephen's provided a great foundation for the future, and I'm sure is still doing so all these years later, which these alumni newsletters clearly show."
The Colonna Family
Michael ('10) is currently in 9th grade at Ransom Everglades. At the end of last year, he was selected for two prestigious awards: Faculty Award (an annual award given to an 8th grade whose attitude and demeanor "make your day") and the Independent Schools of South Florida Star Student. Michael continues to excel on the volleyball court and the soccer field. He made the USAVball Florida High Performance Team and his club volleyball team placed 2nd overall in the AAU Nationals.
Nikki ('08) is currently a senior at Ransom Everglades. In addition to her All-Dade selection last year, this year she is the Senior Captain of the varsity volleyball team. Her club team made it to the Top 12 in the Gold level at the AAU Nationals and came in 3rd at the Junior National Championships.
Samantha Fenimore ('01)
Samantha got engaged to Blake Gable on June 22 and they are planning a wedding for May 2014. Sam also received her Master's in Mental Health Rehabilitation Counseling from Louisiana State University in May.
Sara Fernandez ('12)
Sara completed her 6th grade year at Westminster Christian School where she earned High Honor Roll each quarter. She play on the High School Girls' Varsity Tennis team and received the Most Valuable Player Award at the Spring Sports Banquet.
Jackson Harper ('86)
Jackson and his wife Monica Tejeria welcomed their second son Luke William Harper on Tuesday, August 20. Luke weighed in at 8 lbs 2 oz and joins brother Lee who will be 3 in December. Luke is grandbaby #4 for Melinda Harper, Grade 1 Teacher, and her husband Bruce.
Shante' Haymore ('92)
Shante' is excited to announce her recent engagement to Derek Kearney. The couple
plan to get married in March 2014 at Matheson Hammock Park. They met at Tobacco Road Ba
r & Restaurant
during a networking event and within nine months he proposed at Wynwood Kitchen restaurant (the place of their first date) among family and friends (and a lot of random strangers). Derek works as a Sr. Financial Analyst at Univita Healthcare and Shante' is the Marketing Coordinator at Unity on the Bay, a spiritual center, as well as a certified yoga teacher. She also is proud to announce her graduation from Northwestern University with a Master of Arts in Sports Administration in June 2013.
Pearce Klevan ( '91)
Pearce and his wife, Mary, recently welcomed their daughter, Cara Anne, into the family on May 24. Two year old Se�n Pearce is a very loving and protective big brother. They recently moved into their new home in South Miami. Pearce continues to work as a Financial Advisor and Manager for Merrill Lynch, while Mary teaches Kindergarten at St. Thomas Episcopal Parish School.
Tiffany Leiva ('07)
Tiffany is currently in her second semester at University of Alabama where she is a nursing major. From her summer classes, she earned a 4.0 GPA. She recently received a membership bid from Gamma Phi Beta which she accepted. She's very excited for football games to start soon, exclaiming "Roll Tide!" Annette Sullivan ('06)
Annette completed her freshman year at Emory where she was a member of the Girls Tennis Team. She earned all-America honors after advancing to the semifinals of the NCAA Championships with partner Gabrielle Clark. She also was named to the all-University Athletic Association (UAA) First Team and they ended the 2013 season as the fourth-ranked pairing in Division III and the second-ranked pair in the Atlantic South Region. Annette was also given the Coach's Award at Emory.
Niki Urquidi ('10) Niki completd her 9th grade year at Carrollton School where she was a member of the varsity swim team. She was named MVP. Niki will be attending Gulliver Prep in the fall.
Chauncey Zalkin ('85)
Chauncey is pregnant with twin girls due December/January. She and her husband Peter Crosby, married in October 2010, share a company named Show Love. They create social content (namely highly spreadable 3-5 minute documentary shorts) for lovable companies - sustainable, ethical, innovative, soulful businesses or organizations. They've lived in New York City since September 2011, after three years in Barcelona and two years in Paris. They're currently filming for the Public Theater's Public Works program, but are mostly excited to meet their two little girls!
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Formerly Faculty Updates
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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 September.
Christine Key Benitez
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, 1996-2003
Even though it has been nine years since she taught at St. Stephen's, Christine's connection to her St. Stephen's family remains strong. She visits from time to time and enjoys witnessing the wonderful changes through each passing year. She claims "I live vicariously through my mother Lourdes' (Pre-K Assistant) experiences. Listening to the memorable stories about her students reminds me of all the wonderful times I still cherish with my previous students. It is easy to stay connected to St. Stephen's simply because it has always felt like family to me." Since leaving St. Stephen's, she and husband Mark have enlarged their family. She is a proud wife, full time mom and the teacher to their five loving children - Mark John (11), Grace (9), Matthew (6), Michael (4) and Lourdes (2). They keep busy with a home school support group by taking an active part in co-ops, field trips and community activities. A favorite family pastime is camping. With books and a travel trailer in tow, they enjoy camping life while exploring Florida's beautiful state parks.
Drew Bunting
Chaplain, 2003-2006
It's another boy for the Chaplain Drew and his wife April. Edward "Eddie" Boaz Bunting, born on April 23, 2013, weighed in at 8 lbs 4 oz and was 20 inches. He joins brother Elijah who is now 2 1/2 years old.
Lauren Billingslea Dowlen Director of Development, 2007-2010Lauren also gave birth to her second boy, William "Will" Arthur Dowlen, on April 18 at 4:19 am. Will entered the world at 8 lbs 6 oz and 20 in long. He's pictured below with big brother Dale who is now almost 3 years old.
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Remember When?
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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]). Class of 2007 with Mrs. Harper on their graduation day Front Row: Natalia Cabrera, Megan Nardo, Leticia Beeck, Carolina Fidalgo, Louise Svensson, Daniela Asturias, Hope Clavijo, TIffany Leiva, Alexis Ortiz Back Row: Eric Koffler, Daniel Isaia, Pedro Scarpetta, Melvin Vargas, Zach Kesser, Larry Vogel, Andrew Clavijo, Austin Rae, Steven Coward
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We Want to Hear From You!
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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.
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