Reunion Season is in Full Swing

Members of the Class of 1977 from Saint Joseph's High School and Notre Dame High School were excited to catch up with each other, tour the SJND campus and visit with former principal Tony Aiello and their second grade teacher, Sister Dolores Quigg, at their 35th reunion on September 22.

Watch the video! The Class of 1977's 35th Reunion

The lively morning event included mimosas and muffins and ended with a pizza lunch, hosted by classmate Dan Ferreira, owner of LaVal's restaurant. Another classmate, Bob Lynch, owner of Irish Monkey winery, provided the wine at the lunch.  

"I came here to see my old friends, but I'm so impressed with the school now, the tour was fantastic," said Margie Ratto-Young. Several alumni from the class were inspired to make first-time gifts to the school's Annual Fund.

Meanwhile, the Class of 1982 hosted a reunion on campus on October 5 and was greeted by Greg Fonzeno and Christine Michelli. Organizers Jan Meins, Jeanmarie Stott and Mary Simms brought their SJND students - Brandon Meins '13, Emily Stott '13 and Abby Sims '13 - along to help with the school tour. Athletic Director Chris Pondok welcomed the class in the gym after a volleyball game and gave an update on the athletic program.

Class of 1982

"It was great to see all the changes on campus and hear the school is doing so well," said Chris Dundon.  The class enjoyed a second event on Saturday night at a local restaurant. The Class of 1992 held an off-campus reunion the same day.

Alumni Day at the A's

Thirty SJND alumni and friends cheered on the A's in their race to the playoffs on September 16, and there are plans by the Alumni Council to make the baseball game and tailgate party an annual event.

Kristy Conama '96 and Jen Rodrigues '96

Kerry Plain '70 hosted the pre-game event in the parking lot of her business' warehouse, which is a block from the Coliseum in Oakland. 

"What a wonderful alumni event," said Jen Rodrigues '96. "I just wish they had won and hope that this will become an annual event."

Jason Baskett '12 Picked for Georgetown's Pep Band

Jason Baskett, right, at the Georgetown vs. Princeton football game

He's an accomplished saxophone player, but Jason Baskett '12 took SJND music director Paula Cekola's advice and auditioned for tuba when he tried out for the Georgetown University pep band as a freshman.

"I knew he had the personality to do it," she said. "And I figured there would be dozens of saxophone players but not too many guys who could play tuba."

Today, Jason is a proud member of the Georgetown Pep Band, an organization with a long legacy of playing at Georgetown's football and basketball games.

Jason, who was a member of the SJND Pep Band and was also the Pilot mascot, brings experience and enthusiasm to his new role at Georgetown, where he is interested in studying political science.

Local Media Laud SJND's Smart Classrooms

If you haven't been back to campus recently, it may be hard to imagine the changes that have occurred at SJND, including a completely tech-enabled campus with modern classrooms, an updated gym and a school-wide wireless network that students use daily with their laptops and tablets.

Local reporter and blogger Michele Ellson spent a day at SJND touring the campus and wrote an article lauding the 131-year-old school's efforts. The article was posted on The Alamedan and was also featured as a front-page article on The Alameda Sun.  

We invite alums to read up about their school!

Homecoming Plans are in the Works

At Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, Thanksgiving is more than turkey and stuffing. It's also time to reconnect with fellow alumni at Homecoming and a bunch of events on campus and around Alameda.

Scenes from last year's game

The Alumni Council is busy making plans for the Homecoming celebration, which will be on the Quad following the alumni basketball games on November 23. Last year, more than 300 alumni came out to have a bite to eat, enjoy a beverage and catch up with other alumni.

If you are interested in playing in the alumni basketball games, please contact athletic director Chris Pondok. The JV men will take on the Alumni Legacy team at 4 p.m., followed by the women's team versus the alumni women. At 6 p.m., the showcase game, with young alums playing the varsity men, will kick off.

In addition, the third annual alumni soccer game will take place on Thanksgiving morning at Alameda's Bladium Sports and Fitness Center at Alameda Point. This game has grown in popularity each year, and men and women who are interested in playing should contact Coach Seth Feldman.

SJND Monthly Alumni E-Newsletter