JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Alumni Newsletter | May/June 2023
|
|
Each spring, LSU recognizes 12 outstanding seniors who contribute positively to the life of the campus, surrounding community, and/or society. These 12 individuals are then recognized as the Tiger Twelve. Congratulations to 2019 graduate Catherine Ladner for recently being recognized by the Louisiana State University (LSU) Division of Student Affairs, as a member of the Class of 2023 Tiger Twelve.
Catherine has worked for the University Recreation's Adventure Education Department for the past four years and served as the Program Assistant of the Climbing Area and Challenge Course over the past year. She has had the opportunity to teach people how to climb, earn her Wilderness First Responder credentials, and organize climbing competitions. Additionally, she started volunteering for USA Climbing during last summer's World Games.
Catherine is the recipient of the S&B Constructors and Engineers Scholarship, for students working part-time while in school full-time. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Society of Peer Mentors which is an engineering service organization focusing on STEM outreach to K-12 schools. She will begin working at the largest civil engineering firm in Texas on June 5th. The firm, Pape-Dawson, is located in San Antonio.
Words from Catherine's boss, Zack Young:
"Catherine's peers are drawn to her leadership style which emphasizes caring. She suppors others, praises others, and makes other feel special. She goes above and beyond for our program and the LSU community."
#weareachievers
|
|
MEREDITH MONTGOMERY-PRICE '96 |
|
Meredith Montgomery-Price ('96) recently stepped forward to take charge of the Megan Montgomery Foundation - a non-profit organziation founded in honor of Meredith's sister who was killed by her estranged husband in 2019. Meredith will be the first executive director and will lead the continuing work to prevent others from experiencing the tragedy her family faced.
"I am honored with the board's trust in me,” Montgomery-Price said. “I never dreamed that I would be doing something like this, but God had other plans. We are focused on primary prevention because that is what my sister wanted to do. Working alongside my mom, stepdad and the entire board has been therapeutic for me. We are a great team. I look forward to the years ahead when we will see tangible results of our efforts."
#wearemakingadifference
|
|
A recent article from AL.com listed John Carroll alum Tom Banks ('66) as one of the 11 best draft bargains (with Alabama roots) in NFL draft history. The St. Louis Cardinals selected the Cavalier standout center with the 189th choice in the 1970 NFL Draft. Banks spent his 11 NFL seasons in St. Louis. Knee injuries caused him to miss the entire 1970 season and all but one game in 1974, but he came back from the second injury to make the Pro Bowl annually for the next four years and earn first-team All-Pro recognition in 1976.
For the complete story and to see the entire list click here!
#wearetalent
|
|
|
TYLER PORTER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Members of the John Carroll baseball team along with coach, Ehren Wassermann, volunteered to help out at this year's Tyler Porter Memorial Golf Tournament which was held at Highland Park Golf Course on April . The tournament enjoyed another successful year and a portion of the proceeds will help fund a scholarship in Tyler's name to a baseball player in the Class of 2023! We are so grateful for the support of the Tyler Porter Memorial Golf Tournament and all who participated!
#weareblessed
|
|
THE TYLER PORTER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT:
On Tuesday, May 16, senior baseball player William Gignilliat was presented the 2023 Tyler Porter Memorial Scholarship. On hand to make the presentation was Tyler's dad, Eddie Porter.
William will be playing baseball at Covenant College. He is the son of Mark and Naomi Gignilliat.
|
|
If you were taught by Mrs. Smaha, if your children were taught by her, if you AND your children were taught by her, if you taught with her, or if she just touched your life in some way - we know she would be honored and love to hear from you!
Email
Handwritten
If you are more like Mrs.Smaha (old school) and would rather put pen to paper please send cards or letters to:
3136 Midland Drive
Birmingham Al, 35223
All notes will be collected and compiled in one book to be given to Mrs. Smaha.
|
|
Mrs. Smaha and her teacher look-a-likes during Dress Like A Teacher Day for Catholic Schools Week 2023! |
Mrs. Smaha's Career in the Diocese of Birmingham:
St. Rose Academy (1989 - 1994)
John Carroll Catholic High School (1994 - 2006)
Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (2008 - 2023)
#wearegrateful
|
|
 |
CLASS OF 1963 70-YEAR REUNION
Those in attendance included: Paul Albano, Steve Marino, Joe Grainger, Bob McArdle, Antoinette Carnaggio Klein, David Gustin, Janet Pitts Jones, John Melof, Barbara Mawhinney Addison, Diane Duquette, Julie Molay Greene, Joe Lanzi, Betty Bischoff Gray and John Gray and Tony Moore
|
|
|
|
CLASS OF 1953 60-YEAR REUNION
Those in attendance included: Al Caterinicchia, Steve Dichiara, Pat Lynch, Jimmy Levio, Marilyn DeRussey Swift, Louise Graffo Jones, JL Shaia, Bill Keeling, Art Mawhinney
#wearetradition
|
|
|
|
Reverend Robert J. Sullivan Alumni Recognition Award Presentation
Congratulations to the 2023 recipients of the Reverend Robert J. Sullivan Alumni Recognition Award at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church! They were recognized in May at the final school Mass of the school year.
#wearehonored
|
|
Pictured: (left to rightz) Adelaide Matte '12, Amy Peterson '01, Donna Alvey Smaha '70, Matt Savela '08, Joe Cannova '82, SFX Principal Frances Finney
Other alumni honored: Dr Emily Sherrill Riser '76 - unable to attend and Jeff Bajalieh '93 (deceased)
|
|
CLASS NOTES
Renn Williams '99, Birmingham Business Journal's Who's Who in Financial Planning and Wealth Management.
Ross Carpri '72, Recipient of the KellerWilliams Realty 2022 Changing Lives Award (Bronze Award) for selling $60-$199,999K or 15-26 units.
Sylvia Austin-Hollins '00, completed Ph.D (Counselor in Education and Supervision) at the University of Alabama.
Abigail Blair '00, completed Ph.D (Clinical Social Work) at the University of Alabama.
Marena Molay Messina '10, achieved her Ph.D. in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration from Kennesaw State University and will start as Assistant Professor of Accounting at UAB in the fall.
EB Cottingham '06, recently became a Deacon at his parish, Harvest Community Church.
Bob Barrett, the husband of Babs and parent of Jennifer '95, Karen '98, and MaryAnn '03 was elected into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as a Distinguished American Sportsman.
Jack Sacco '74, was chosen to be the featured speaker at his upcoming Notre Dame class reunion.
Grant Haines '88, Office Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Birmingham Business Journal - Who's Who in Accounting in 2023.
Brett Sheedy '90, Strategic Tax & Accounting
Birmingham Business Journal - Who's Who in Accounting in 2023.
Kendall Baecher-Waldsmith '15, graduated from UAB Medical School and is doing her OBGYN residency at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Dallas, TX.
Austin Baecher '12, graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry (thanks to the inspiration of Mrs. Lyla Marinelli) and is now employed with Exceptional Dental in New Orleans, LA. Austin and his wife Anna Katherine just celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
OBITUARIES
The list below includes those in our community who passed away in the months of April and May.
Annette Thornton Anderson '53
Wife of Jack '50 ‡, Sister of Tommy Thornton '49 ‡ and Pat Thornton '52
Robert Bailey, Sr
Father of Robert Bailey, Jr '90
Terry Bailey '90
Son of long-time teacher/counselor Mary Bailey, Brother of Katherine '01
Ronda Bell '85
Rick Di Piazza '71
Brother of Anthony '67 (Pam '67), Sam '68, and Rosemary D Jones '73
Robert Ferry '63
Brother of Julia F Zassoda '68
Rickey Gibb '60
Father of Tully G Lightsey '83. Brother of Jerry ‡
Joe Louis Grant
Father of Kelly Allen '03 and Stepfather of Toni Allen Payne '85 (Raymond '85)
Marieta Sunga Guevara
Mother of Cesar '80, Maria '84 and Amor G Owens '86, Grandmother of Merissa Braden Laite '98, Andrea Braden Joyner '99, Perry G '03 and Ceci Braden Vaughn '04; Great Grandmother of Sophia Laite '26
Carolyn Frances Jefferson
Mother of Mark '78, Michael '81, and Patrick '82 (Julie '90)
Joseph Anthony Marino
Father of Josephine M Pilleteri '70 (Charles '69 ‡), Michele M Boyington '74, Anita Marino '79 and Michael '81; Grandfather of Lee Pilleteri '04 and Marina Bodie Munger '14
Lyn McLeroy Mizerany
Mother of Brandon ‘01
Rick Roth
Husband of Joanne Ragusa Roth '63
Kingman Cody Shelburne, Jr.
Husband of Catherine Bredar Shelburne '61
Mary Ellen Colafrancesco
Mother of Rick '70, Terry '72, Steve '73, John and Joy
Grandmother of Logan '96, Casey, Kyle (Michele '98), Landon '00 (Michelle '01), and Lacie Bilodeau (Brent '02)
Ken Gerelds '52
Father of Rick ‡ and Donna '88 ‡
Frances Jane Lovoy
Sister of Lee '67, John '69 and Mark '72
Frances Ceravolo Pilleteri
Mother of Grace P Rutland '65, and Charles '69
Lee Ernest Porterfield
Father of Jeffrey, Jerald '80 and Jerome '84
Julian Quintero '60
Brother of Barbara Q Harrington '62, Marian Q Camp '65, Peter '67‡, Roseanne Q Wallace '69, Raymond '71 and Charles '74
Mary Grace Scotch Ritchey '56
John Carroll theology teacher from 1982 - 1988
Sister of Patty S Bingham '62 and Antoinette S Reif '66
Bernard Sciro '64
Husband of Mary Ann LaRussa Sciro ‡; Brother of Leonard '65 ‡
Jack Vincent DiGiorgio
Brother of John '64
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
|
|
SHARE
YOUR UPDATES WITH
US!
Just married?
New Address?
New job?
Keep us updated!
Visit the Alumni Page
at www.jcchs.org
or email
Mr. Mike Bouton mbouton@jcchs.org to update your alumni information or share your news for inclusion in Class Notes!
|
60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations to Joseph Flemming ('59) and Kathryn Roepke ('61) - they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on
March 23, 2023!
|
|
Congratulations to Jacob McMahon for being selected to receive the Bishop’s Trophy for 2023! This prestigious award goes to a student who finishes top 5 in their class and has been a well-rounded leader in service, sports, clubs, and activities.
Jacob is the son of Bill and Anne McMahon. He graduated from Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (K-8th) and will attend Auburn University in the fall.
|
For a complete list of scholarship and award recipients from Senior Class Awards Night 2023 click the link below! |
|
Class of 2023 by the numbers:
139 Graduates
$11.29 million offered in gift aid
11,264 hours of service to our community
3 graduates attending the University of Notre Dame (5 acceptances)
1 graduate attending Princeton University
1 graduate attending Washington and Lee (Presidential Scholarship recipient)
1 U.S. Presidential Scholar
2 National Merit Scholars
10 collegiate student-athletes
Other notable acceptances - Harvard, Florida State, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Baylor, UT-Austin, and Vanderbilt.
#weareachievers
|
|
CONFIRMATION MASS
At John Carroll's school-wide Mass on Thursday, April 27th, senior Gabe Wilbur was welcomed into full Communion in the Catholic Church. Additionally, he and 4 other students received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Vicar General and Director of the JCCHS Educational Foundation, Father Bob Sullivan. Please join us in congratulating Gabe as the Church's newest Catholic and in congratulating Marquis Andrews, Kaydence Hay, Eliza Jehu, and Cecilia Jehu on their Confirmation!
Thanks to school chaplain Father Jonathan Howell, Sister Rita Marie, and Sister Mary Patrick for walking these students through their sacrament preparation this semester. Finally, a special shout out to JCCHS Campus Minister Abby King for preparing a beautiful celebration Mass and reception.
#weareblessed
|
|
STOUTAMIRE NAMED U.S. PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARLAR |
John Carroll Catholic High School is proud to announce that Stanley Stoutamire, Jr., has been named a U.S. Presidential Scholar! The program administered by the U.S. Department of Education recognizes 161 high school seniors (2 from each state and up to 20 at-large awards) for their accomplishments in academics, the arts, and career and technical education fields. This year's class of scholars is the 59th in the history of the program.
"Both John Carroll and Prince of Peace are so proud of Stanley, joining with his family and friends to congratulate him on this momentous achievement. Stanley is an exemplar of the benefits of Catholic educational priorities of forming the whole person, mind, body, and spirit. We are so excited to see what he does next." - Father Jon Chalmers (President, JCCHS and Pastor, Prince of Peace Catholic Church)
Stanley is the son of Stanley and Clarissa Stoutamire of Calera, AL. He is a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and attended Prince of Peace Catholic School (K-8th). He will be attending Princeton University in the fall.
#weareachievers
|
|
|
|
A group of 50+ JCCHS students, faculty, and staff spent 4 days in New York City in April, as a part of a Fine Arts Department immersion trip! They enjoyed a trip to The Metropolitan Opera to see Tosca, took in the Broadway show HadesTown at the Walter Kerr Theatre, visited museums, the 911 Memorial, attended Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and much, much more!
#weareadventurers
|
|
|
Prom King, Isaac Ford and Prom Queen, Hope Lacy.
|
|
John Carroll held the 2023 Prom on April 28th at The Grand Bohemian Hotel in Mountain Brook. Chosen as Prom King and Queen were Isaac Ford and Hope Lacy. Isaac is the son of Kristie Heard Ford ('97) and Matt Ford and attended Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Elementary and Middle School. Hope is the daughter of Steve and Lora Lacy and attended Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary and Middle School.
#wearetradition
|
|
|
|
Check out this feature from The Homewood Star on JCCHS sophomore Veronica Walker! Veronica is the daughter of Jennifer and Chris Walker and the granddaughter of Frances Lusco Walker ('52).
#wearecompetitors
|
|
|
BOYS SOCCER 5A STATE CHAMPIONS! |
On Saturday, May 13th, the John Carroll boys soccer team defeated Gulf Shores High School (8-1) at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, AL, to claim the school’s 11th State Soccer Championship!
Senior Gabe Restrepo was named MVP!
#wearechampions
|
|
John Carroll midfielder Gabe Restrepo. Gabe will be playing soccer at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) next fall!
|
Head boys soccer coach Matt Kirkpatrick was named the All-State (Private School) Coach of the Year! Coach Kirkpatrick (left) is pictured with Assistant Coach David Kearney.
|
|
BOYS & GIRLS SOCCER: POST SEASON ACCOLADES |
Congratulations to the John Carroll soccer program for the following players for their post-season accolades:
BOYS:
- Gabe Restrepo - 1st Team All-Metro, 1st Team 5A All-State, and 2nd Team All-State (all classifications)
- Charles Farr - 2nd Team All-Metro, 1st Team 5A All-State, 1st Team All-State (all classifications)
- Sebastion Guerrero - Honorable Mention All-Metro, 2nd Team 5A All-State
- Jacob McMahon - Honorable Mention All-Metro
- Sam Rickman - Honorable Mention All-Metro, 2nd Team 5A All-State
- Alberto Gonzalez - Honorable Mention All-Metro
GIRLS:
- Belle Buckner - 1st Team All-Metro, 5A All-State
- Mia Mugavero - 1st Team All-Metro, 5A All-State
- Anna Grace Fuller - 1st Team All-Metro, 5A All-State
- Emma Kirkpatrick - 2nd Team All-Metro, 5A All-State
#weareachievers
|
|
|
5A STATE RUNNER-UP: BOYS TRACK & FIELD |
Congratulations to the John Carroll boys track and field team for finishing runner-up at the 2023 State Track and Field Championships!
Notable:
Aden Malpass - 1st place 300M Hurdles (40.22)
* broke school record of 41.71 previously held by Otha Mitchell '00
James Edmonds - 1st place Pole Vault (14'6")
* broke his own school record
KJ Beck - 1st place 400M
Boys 4X400M (KJ Beck, Jaylin Shepherd, Sebastian Guerrero, and Aden Malpass) - 1st place
Arthur Langley - 2nd place 3200M
Aiden Lange - 3rd place Pole Vault
For the complete story and all boys and girls results click here!
#weareachievers
|
|
SOFTBALL: 5A-AREA 8 CHAMPS
The John Carroll softball team won another 5A-Area 8 softball championship!
|
|
BOYS & GIRLS GOLF: SUB-STATE QUALIFIERS
The John Carroll boys and girls golf teams qualified for Sub-State Competition and senior Preston Dowling qualified for State competition as an individual!
|
|
BOYS & GIRLS TENNIS: STATE QUALIFIERS
The Cavalier boys and girls tennis teams made a return trip to State and continued to place well overall!
|
|
John Carroll kicker/punter Heath Jehu recently signed his letter of commitment to play football for the University of Kentucky!
Heath is the son of Sean and Tara Jehu of Birmingham. He ia a graduate of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Middle School (Cedar Park, TX) and attended Bishop Moore Catholic High School (Orlando, FL) before coming to John Carroll.
#weareachievers
|
|
Cavalier senior soccer player Gabe Restrepo will be continuing his career at the University of Alabama in Huntsville next fall!
Gabe is pictured with his parents Gabriel and Sandra Restrepo. He attended Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School (K-8th).
Gabe was recently named the MVP of the 5A State Championship game!
|
|
John Carroll Catholic High School senior baseball players William Gignilliat and Gabe Wilbur recently signed to play collegiate baseball!
William is the son of Mark and Naomi Gignilliat and an 8th grade graduate of Advent Episcopal School. He will be attending Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA.
Gabe is the son of David and Lizabeth Wilbur and a graduate of Oak Mountain Middle School. He will be attending Millsaps College in Jackson, MS.
|
|
REUNIONS
Class of 1964 - June 8th at 11:30am, luncheon at Red Lobster (Vestavia Hills)
Class of 1968 - July 15th at 4pm
Mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church followed by reception in Deasy Hall
Class of 1993 - Join the Class of 1993 Facebook page for details (John Carroll C/O 1993)
Class of 2003 - Saturday, June 3rd (JCCHS Commons). Join the Class of 2003 Facebook page (John Carroll Catholic High School Class of 2003) for updates. Contact Kari Koenig Cook at karikcook@gmail.com.
Class of 1973 - Saturday, August 12th at IZ The Place. Invitations are being mailed. Contact Mike Bouton at mbouton@jcchs.org.
Class of 2013 - Saturday, August 19th at 7pm (Cahaba Brewing Company)
Need help planning your reunion?
myevent is a great resource to use in planning your class reunion! Visit their website and learn more about creating a FREE class reunion website and get loads of helpful information to assist you in planning a successful event!
|
|
John Carroll is currently hiring for faculty, staff, and custodial positions. Click on the link below for details! |
|
|
EXPERIENCE THE VALUE (TOUR/SHADOW/APPLY)
John Carroll's enrollment has increased more than 10% over the past two years and continues to be the most diverse high school student population in the Birmingham Metro.
Applications for new students are currently open for the 2022-2023 school year! Visit www.jcchs.org and Experience the Value!
LEARN | LEAD | SERVE
|
|
JCCHS is proud to introduce Cavalier Career Connections - a partnership with VIDAL Access, a 501(c)(3) college access organization that is in its second year of providing free, in-schoool college consulting services to Cavalier students.
John Carroll and VIDAL Access are working to improve the systematic nature of college and career programming at John Carroll and we encourage all Cavalier alumni to get involved in helping our students! To date almost 100 of you have signed up to be involved - thank you! If you haven't done so, please click on the link below to complete the survey!
|
|
JOHN CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Office of Alumni Relations
Mike Bouton, Alumni Director
300 Lakeshore Parkway
Birmingham, AL 35209
205-940-2400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
