2010 - 11
Class Leaders
Student Body Officers – Jeff Scott, president; Vice President: Emily Burchett; Secretary: Gabbie Matinkhah.
Senior Core – President Robert Garlinghouse, Annie Loader, Mary Neville, Joe Sloan, Ofa Vaisima.
Junior Core – President Hannah Brodke, Lizzie Gibbs, Jesus Hernandez, Anthony Fratto Oyler.
Sophomore Core – President Ben Khan, Grace Haley, Maureen Haley, Dexter Holmquist.
Freshman Core – President William Cisneros, Allyson Dugan, Victoria Landa-Steinau, Abbie McGill.
During the Summer
Patrick Smyth, Class of 2005, was named to the “2010 Class of Roads Scholars” by the Road Runners Club of America, which provided financial aid to help American runners follow up their collegiate careers with the training needed to compete internationally.
Natalie Stone, Class of 2005, defended her title at the 104th Women’s Utah State Amateur Championship at Davis Park Golf Course. She was the qualifying medalist in the first day of competition, firing a 67, then won four straight matches against foes. She defeated Southern Utah University golfer Sadie Palmer for the crown. The previous year she won by five strokes (in a different format) at Thanksgiving Point Golf Course.
Chelsey Montrone represented Judge at Girls State.
Visiting Germany as part of a foreign exchange program were Richard Vunder, Jake Brugger, Natalie Warner, Tyler Perry, Jeannie Palmer and Julia Pynes.
Matt Kierkegaard spent two weeks in Peru with YouthLinc, helping to build a schoolhouse and support medical and dental work in a small village, and Mitch Taylor traveled across Europe as a student ambassador for the group People to People. Emerson Pratt and Sosefo Falemaka traveled to Italy. Trips like these were coming to an end, however, as a Salt Lake Diocese policy would not allow students to get onto an airplane for safety reasons, not financial.
A photograph accompanying a Salt Lake Tribune article on an insurance-company program to reduce distracted driving showed Dustin Matinkhah visibly concerned about his sister Gabbie’s one-handed driving while she held a cell phone in her other hand.
An Intermountain Catholic business feature story focused on Marble Slab Creamery, a homemade ice cream store in Riverton, owned and operated by Judge graduates Jeremy Pool, Class of 1997, and his wife, Mary Thorne Pool, Class of ’98.
The Year
National Merit Semi-finalists: Matthew Pell and Brian Willhard
National Merit commended student: Matt Kierkegaard
New teachers: Gary Ayton, chemistry; Susan Monserret, religion; Mark Brenneman, religion.
Under editor-in-chief Emily Andrews, the Bulldog Press changed in its 30th year from a newspaper to a magazine. “It has been encouraged by our staff, who, as journalism students, are eager to push the idiomatic envelope and trying something new,” said Andrews, who oversaw a staff of 19 writers and two dozen photographers and videographers. Assistant editors included Michael I. Greenberg, Erin Dugan, Annie Loader, Anthony Fratto Oyler, Samantha Highsmith, Alex Kresser, Steve Strehl and Maureen Haley. Staff members included Matt Kierkegaard, Sabiha Masud, Jake Brugger, Michael N. Greenberg, Jake Winter, Jackson Elizondo, Chloe Ropner, Brian Willhard, Emerson Pratt, Michael Junkins, Lexy Wright, Michael I. Greenberg and Ian Struhs. Photographers and videographers included Sylvia Austin, Alex Baker, Chris Bell, Abby Bolic, Alex Clark, Ben Cook, Maggie Fey, Robert Garlinghouse, Joshua Goldsmith, Beau Imhoff, Christina Jones, Sarah Longe, Brayden Martinez, Josie Mascher, Tessa Mills, Jake Mintz, Mary Morgan, Jeannie Palmer, Tyler Perry, Tyler Peterson, Daniel Sayre, Joe Sloan and Emily Staley. Chris Sloan and Elaine Peterson were the advisers.
The September issue featured Matt Kierkegaard’s piece about Kathy Abuchaibe and her family becoming U.S. citizens; Maureen Haley’s interview with Dr. David Petron, a Judge parent, about the impacts of athletic injuries; Jake Brugger’s look at a proposal to build a mosque near the World Trade Center in New York City; Sabiha Masud’s examination of the constitution’s protection of all religions; Anthony Fratto Oyler’s discussion of legalizing marijuana; Michael Greenberg’s story about Judge’s new random drug testing policy; and Steve Strehl’s article about the switch from PowerSchool to Skyward.
In the October/November issue, the staff set out to determine what fast-food outlet made the best hamburger in town. Was it Five Guys, In-N-Out, Tony Burger, Hires Big H, Smash Burger or B&D Burger? No firm conclusion was reached. In the December edition, examined issues included cyberbullying by Lexy Wright and Chloe Ropner, California’s defeat of legalized marijuana by Jake Brugger, the pros (Matt Kierkegaard) and cons (Michael N. Greenberg) of Barack Obama’s presidency, and the deadly perils of texting while driving by Alex Kresser. The magazine also named Michael Olive as Judge’s “Number One Ultimate Super Fan” for his support of the school’s sports teams. “Supporting my fellow seniors is truly what drove me to attend all the games. I gotta support my boys … and I wanted to create as many memories as I could in my senior year.”
The March edition featured Anthony Fratto Oyler’s cover story on “Youth in Revolt: How Our Generation is changing the world.” Emily Andrews wrote about the impact of social media on the “Arab Spring” revolution, Sabiha Masud interview social studies teacher Paul Savage in her examination of the prospects for peace in the Middle East, Matt Kierkegaard argued for more bicycle lanes in Salt Lake while Jake Bruggers cautioned that cyclists need to show responsibility on roadways, Michael N. Greenberg encouraged political awareness among teens and Jake Winter maintained the Utah Jazz were better off after trading disgruntled point guard Deron Williams.
Maddie Keyes was crowned Homecoming Queen and Alex Sanders was king. The week’s activities included a crazy hair day, tie-dye and superhero days, a collection for homeless youth, a powder puff football game between the senior and junior girls, and performances by the Drum Line, Cheerleaders, Dance Company and the Spanish Class.
The Cheer Squad featured Chardannae Lujan, Isabella Bean, Lexy Wright, Mari Ally Taylor, Lydia Banks, Haley Harman, Caitlin Edmunds, Kylie Petron, Elizabeth Graham, Aubrey Ham, Christina Katris, Franziska Deininger, Maddie Keyes, Kayla Nielsen, Annie Loader, Jordan Lee, Madison Moll, Ashlie Lara, Lindsey Reemsnyder, Jennifer Chaney and KayLene Stone. Elaine Peterson and Rachel Thomas were advisers.
Jake Winter and Robert Garlinghouse were the leaders of the Sixth Man Club.
Senior Maqael Knight was crowned Miss Teen Utah in late October at the Egyptian Theater in Ogden, despite having been bedridden for three weeks after suffering a head injury in a collision during a soccer game. She promoted an anti-bullying message, noting “as sad as it is, teenage bullying takes place everywhere at all schools to all types of people.” Her mom, Tiffany, observed that her daughter is well-rounded, not just a pretty face. “Maqael also runs track, high jumps, plays volleyball,” she said, “and I didn’t think she could in anything but cleats.”
Under English teacher Pam Oles, the Judge Writing Center was established to help students with class assignments or preparing college applications. A Bulldog Press article showed Mary Zost and Seamus Appel taking advantage of the center’s resources.
The French Club included Joe Padilla, Noah Hughes, Lexy Wright, Nicole Burnett, Christina Jones, Erica Azad, Addie Diamond, Caitlin French, Patrick Sullivan, Mariah Sprinkle, Grace Best-Devereux, Emily Murnin and Marie Martinez. Gabrielle Thomas was the adviser.
A class on desert ecology, taught by South African native David McMillan, led to the formation of an “African Outreach Club.” Its members, including Jay Jensen, Jack Barnett and Joe Fitzpatrick, raised money to help African charities and planned a trip to Africa the following summer.
In their religion classes, Judge students wrote letters expressing appreciation to veterans as part of a weeklong observance of Veterans Day 2010. The letters were delivered to the Salt Lake VA Hospital by Annie Loader, other student-council members and teacher Mattie Mullick.
Senior Jackson Elizondo published an article in the Intermountain Catholic (it also appeared in the September issue of the Bulldog Press) about the sacrifices made by his great-grandmother, who came to the United States as an illegal immigrant and raised a dozen children, including two sons who died in World War II. “The question I bring up is this: here is a Mexican woman who made the greatest sacrifice any human being could make, of losing her two sons defending the country both she and they loved. Yes, she broke the law, but isn’t there a line between what is morally just and the justice of the law?”
Boy Scouts Nick Steffen and Danny Sayre took beehives donated by Judge parent Frank Whitby and installed them on the roof of the Salt Lake City Library, providing view opportunities for the public and producing 150 pounds of honey. That was sufficient to build 300 Advent candles.
George Angelo’s Sports Medicine program provided training to Rachel Nakagawa, Alex Kresser, Megan Short, Shelby Carpenter, Kelly Jo Hanlon, Andrew Rechsteiner, Katie Lanzl, Rachel North, Alex Ferree, Tyler Walker, Griffin Conroy, Vincent Fuoco, Tommy Giron, Mitch Taylor, Sarina Karwande, Jesus Miramontes, Ryley Carman, Courtney Nelson, Davis Kinney, Kassy Fenn, R.J. Hendrickson and Natasha Robinson.
“Welcome Home” was the theme of the 29th annual Judge Gala and Auction, which honored current and former students. It was held in the dance studio, cafeteria and gym.
Bulldogs of the Month were Annie Loader, October; Joe Sloan, November; Alexandra Menzdorf, December; Vincent Fuoco, January; Cathryn Hunt, February; Amelia Wolfgramm, March; Jeff Scott, April; Emily Burchett, May.
Judge parent Angie Matinkhah received a “Hearts and Hands” award from the Utah Nonprofits Association and the Utah Society of Fund Raisers as part of Utah Philanthropy Day 2010.
Sworn in as 2010-11 officers of Judge’s chapter of the National Honor Society were president Matt Kierkegaard and vice presidents Josie Mascher, Lindsey Reemsnyder, Chloe Ropner and Mary Zost.
Junior Dion Granger-Troy reviewed “Live,” a Bible published specifically for teens, for the Intermountain Catholic. He thought it was best suited to a religion class for freshmen.
Katie Corak, Class of 2009, had a letter-to-the-editor published in The Salt Lake Tribune, opposing an earlier writer’s contention that Brian David Mitchell did not deserve a trial for kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart, contending the defense didn’t dispute the allegation that Mitchell committed the crime. “While Mitchell’s behavior was truly reprehensible, we cannot ignore his constitutional right to a trial,” she wrote.
Sophomores Dexter Holmquist and Emily Murnin were Judge’s ambassadors to the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Program.
“Words” was the theme of the Winter Dance Concert, under the artistic direction of Jeanette Sawaya and Natosha Washington. Nicholas Cendese and Eldon Johnson provided guest choreography, while Lexy Wright and Zoe Wheatley arranged “special company choreography.” Senior dancers were Kassy Fenn, Melissa Foti, Elizabeth Graham, Alex Hallows, Christina Katris, Maddie Keyes, Chardannae Lujan, Vanessa Manzanares, Kirsti Montoya, Chelsey Montrone, Makyla Ordonez, Shaylin Rose, KayLene Stone, Lexy Wright and Shelby Carpenter.
The Music Department’s Christmas Concert, “An Evening in December,” featured a drumline directed by Lonnie Zunguze, and performances by the concert band, chamber orchestra, madrigals, the “Piping Hot” show choir, the jazz band and a duet by violinist Max Brennan and cellist Natalie Warner. The crowd was encouraged to sing “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
The National Council of Teachers of English published two poems and a short story by junior Anne Henkels and a poem by junior Olivia Start.
The Judge Recreational Outdoor Club (JROC) included Evan Baker, Ryan Vitale, Jake Chandler, Erik Bowen, David Griffin, Alec Louie, Noelle Hope, Wesley Cornelison, Sean Ward, Kody Braun, Erica Meister, Tyler Ham, Nick Lutz, Michael Greenberg, Chris Ayers, Jazz Vitale, Sage Roundy, Marshall Wallace, Ryan Lundy, Alex Jensen, Emmi Mancini, Daniel Higgins, Sierra Jensen, Hunter Cornelison, Erin Peifer, Alex Leopardi, Elese Peifer and Kris Lutz.
A scare was sent through the school in early January when a student was hospitalized for “meningitis symptoms.” Principal Rick Bartman notified parents that everything was being done to prevent the illness from spreading. The building was disinfected daily. Hand sanitizers were placed in many rooms. Mass was canceled to avoid large gatherings. Four days after the first letter went out, Bartman informed parents the ill student was being released that day after being diagnosed with aseptic meningitis – and that another student had suffered similar symptoms and the same diagnosis before Christmas. The good news: aseptic meningitis was not contagious. Still, the school urged students to practice good hygiene.
Catholic Community Services informed Principal Rick Bartman that Judge’s contributions to the aid organization’s Gift of the Drummer Program had provided Christmas to more than 1,000 children. Aimee Garcia coordinated the project for Judge.
Katie Rose was president of the Anime Club, whose members included Zoe McDonald, Erik Poppleton, Michael Miller, Chris Oswald, Alexandra Welninski, Alex Leopardi ad Michael Utzinger.
The Film Club featured Skylar Zito, Zoe McDonald, Shiona Smith, Aaron Ershler, Erik Poppleton, Katie Rose, Michael Miller, Rachael Nakagawa and Jan Ottowicz. Kathryn Horton was the adviser.
A Salt Lake Tribune article noted that the art design on Air Force F-16s was created by Judge theology teacher (with an art degree) Kathy Horton. Her son, 2005 graduate Jesse Horton, had graduated from the Air Force Academy and was sent recently to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona to fly F-16s.
Leaders of the Environmental Club were Alexis Humphrey, Halley Bruno, Genevieve Bennett, Emily Murnin, Emme Nelson, Kendra “Koko” Novak, Regan Briesacher, Megan O’Brien, Hayley Dahlhauser, Emily Strand, Shiona Smith, Allyson Dugan, Jessie Thomas, Madeleine Lopez, Victoria Bruno, Danielle Schabowsky, Marshall Wallace and Zoe Deniston.
The Intermountain Catholic’s annual special section promoting Catholic schools cited the following statistics: 16 schools along the Wasatch Front, with 5,468 students, saving Utah’s public school system $38.3 million annually; 30% of the student body is from a minority group, 25% are non-Catholics, 38% are low income (15% eligible for federal school-lunch programs); 98% graduate from high school and 97% go to college; the 425 to 450 who graduate from three high schools (Judge, Juan Diego and St. Joseph’s) earned about $22 million in scholarship offers.
Experiencing winter at the Teton Science School were Chris Turner, Trent Clifford, Jacob Allen, John Kearns, Christina Jones, Patrick Hickman, Rachel Benvegnu, Josh Goldsmith, Alyssa Corbett, Charlie Murphy, Marshall Wallace and Shiona Smith.
Students in the Chinese 1 language class taught by Jonathan Hsu celebrated the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat – by going to a local Chinese restaurant to learn more about the country’s food, traditions and culture. In the annual competition of the American Association of Teachers of French, freshman Minh Nguyen placed in the 80th percentile nationally. Finishing above the 50th percentile were Nicole Gist, Alexandra Graham, Ashton Lee, Laisa Leroy, Zoe McDonald, Hannah Brodke, Katherine Grace Johnson and Emily Murnin.
At the English Quest competition at Weber State University, seniors Nafisa Masud and Mary Zost and freshman Isabel Bartholomew were multiple award winners. Masud was singled out in persuasive writing and editing, Zost in editing and poetry slam, and Bartholomew in poetry writing and personal narrative. First-place honorees were Emily Andrews, Michael I. Greenberg, and Alexandra Menzdorf. Finishing second were Elizabeth Barrows, Dan Goodman and Amy Ware. Third places honors went to Sierra Brimhall, Jackson Elizondo, Gabrielle Ghabash and Emily Murnin. The Utah Council of Teachers of English named Dan Goodman and Emily Zost as 2011 Quest Scholars.
Senior Natasha Robinson received a Daniels Scholarship from cable pioneer and former Utah Stars owner Bill Daniels for showing strength of character, leadership and giving back to the community.
Sophomore Katherine “Grace” Johnson received a scholarship from the EnergySolutions Foundation.
STATE CHAMPION – For the third year in a row, the Bulldog Press was named High School Newspaper of the Year by the Utah Press Association. Editors Emily Andrews and Matt Kierkegaard received $500 scholarships from The Salt Lake Tribune to study journalism at the University of Utah. “I have really talented students and with the support of Judge administration, they are allowed to do really great things,” said moderator Chris Sloan.
Chris Sloan’s photography class included Tyler Perry, Alex Baker, Josie Mascher, Robert Garlinghouse, Sylvia Austin, Jake Mintz, Brayden Martinez, Chris Bell, Beau Imhoff, Ben Cook and Joe Sloan.
“Lifting Liberia” was the theme of a benefit dinner sponsored by the Interact Club to help promote education in the impoverished west African nation. Emily Andrews and teacher Corethia Qualls spearheaded the effort. Officers of the Rotary International chapter included Chris Turner, Sarina Karwande, Lexy Wright, Emily Strand and Marissa Fuller.
To help raise funds for soccer clinics in South Africa, the Africa Outreach Club sponsored the showing of “Streetball,” a documentary about a South African team that played in the 2008 Homeless World Cup soccer tournament. Students in Tom Bettin’s ceramics class, including Griffin Conroy and Marissa Fuller, made bowls for Clay Arts Utah’s annual “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for Catholic Community Services.
Judge fielded two Mock Trial teams, led by captains Seamus Appel, Connor Liston, Emily Strand, Elizabeth Barrows and Mary Nielsen. The rest of the legal team included Zoe Borg, Jason Motley, Jan Ottowicz, Parker Beckett, Emiliano Mendez, Zoe McDonald, Isabel Romano, Patrick Sullivan, Genevieve Bennett, Shiona Smith, Nathan Rose and Halley Bruno.
English teacher Linda Simpson was selected by the National Endowment for the Humanities to attend a workshop in Massachusetts on Emily Dickinson.
The Debate Team featured Joshua Oelsner, Andrew Rechsteiner, Grace Best-Devereux, Michael N. Greenberg, Monserret Martinez, Chris Turner, Charles Howard, Tyler Ham, Milad Bazzazi, Mark Musci, Kevin Ortiz and Hayden Richardson. Michael Lovett was the adviser.
In the Poetry Out Loud contest, Michael Junkins advanced to the state finals from Judge’s in-house competition. He finished sixth at state. Other top readers were Chardannae Lujan, Dan Goodman, Linda Frank, Dion Granger-Troy, Aidan Rees, Jackson Elizondo and Connor McCoy. Pamela Oles was the judge.
“Catharsis,” Judge’s literary magazine, received national recognition with a “superior” ranking from the National Council of Teachers of English. Individual “Best of Show” awards went to Addie Diamond, for the cover; Luke Watson, best art; Joe Fitzpatrick, best photography; Dan Goodman, best poetry; and Isabel Bartholomew, best prose. Lindsey Reemsnyder was editor of Catharsis, assisted by Emily Andrews, Erin Cole, Kate Berry, Alexandra Menzdorf, Daniel Goodman and Shepard Scott. The staff featured Margo Haas, Nicole Burnett, Nick Brown, Linda Frank, Chloe Ropner, Sierra Brimhall, Andrew Rechsteiner, Jay Jensen, Steve Strehl, Mary Zost, Heather Fisher, Maggy Fey, Sarah Anne Nakamura, Mary Morgan, Amy Ware, Kate Berry and Gabby Gurrister. Linda Simpson was the adviser.
Freshman Isabel Bartholomew had a poem, “What are the Words Doing Now?,” published in Aerie International, an international literary and art journal. Art work by senior Luke Watson, called “A Delicate Balance,” also was featured in the journal.
Peace and Justice Alliance members included Ronika Ibrahim, Emily Strand, Jesus Hernandez, Sheila Pollack, Clarissa Avila, Karla Padilla, Angelica Salazar, Concy Michael, Pascal Bhatti, Chris Valcarce, Genevieve Bennett, Shiona Smith, Stephany Cortez, Tessa Mills, Shaylin Rose, Ofa Vaisima, Halley Bruno, Geena Arata, Chardannae Lujan and Gabbie Garcia. Michael Lovett advised.
Sophomore Emily Murnin earned a superior ranking for her piano solo and an excellent rating for a guitar solo to lead Judge students at the State Music Competition. Senior Max Brennan received a superior rating in violin solo while junior Emily Burden excelled on her flute solo. Excellent ratings also were accorded Alexandra Goins and Emme Nelson in the vocal category. Ramona Mayer was musical director. Performing in the jazz or concert bands, orchestra or chorale were Alec Louie, Patrick Gibbs, Kevin Ortiz, Sam McLane, Connor McCoy, Sierra Brimhall, Thomas Odoardi, Genevieve Croyle, Tori Allen, Anne Henkels, Alec Walker, Alexandra Goins, Alexa Watson, Tim Allen, Hannah Samowitz, Connor Baker, Michael Miller, Andrew Maguire, Ian Blanchette, Emme Nelson, Grace Johnson, Danny Sayre, Kelsey Cavanaugh, Forrest Pitt, Alex Jensen, Grant Pierce, Elizabeth Nicponski, Megan Blanchette, Sarah Gibbs, Elizabeth Reynolds, Samantha Mulder, Natalie Warner, Sierra Jensen and Nikki Potts.
Members of the Glee Club included Mary Neville, Erica Meister, Ofa Vaisima, Katie Rose McMahon, Camille Overmoe, Alissa Shear, Daniel Goodman, Patrick Murnin, Jan Ottowicz and Alec Losee.
The Rotary Club of Salt Lake City awarded scholarships to Emily Burchett, Shane Jimenez and Jeff Scott.
Some of Tom Bettin’s top art and ceramics students included Sarah Anne Nakamura, Luke Watson, Sylvia Austin, Jazz Vitale, Christina Jones, Matt Kestle, Ginny Hicks, Marissa Fuller, Ellen Sliwinski, Yesenia Villegas, Griffin Conroy, Caitlin Edmunds and Gabrielle Ghabash.
Two nuns from the Carmelite Monastery in Holladay – Rev. Mother Maureen and Sr. Therese – spoke to Judge students about their daily lives and religious vocations. Judge has maintained a close relationship with the Carmelites for years. Football players and coaches regularly volunteered to help the nuns at their annual fair. This past fall, the nuns said, “the Carmelite Fair could not happen if Judge football did not provide the support needed.”
Departing teachers: Mike McGinley (math), Kathy Abuchaibe (Spanish), Ramira Alamilla (counselor), Erik Bowen (math), Mark Brenneman (religion), Jill Cummings (Spanish) and David McMillan (science).
“What If” was the theme of the Spring Dance Concert, directed by Jeanette Sawaya, Alison Meyer, Elaine Peterson and Natosha Washington, with technical administrator Darin Hathaway and stage managers Jesse Betebenner and Joe Fitzpatrick. Nineteen dances were performed. Seniors in Dance Company included Elizabeth Graham, Maddie Keyes, Kirsti Montoya, Shaylin Rose, Melissa Foti, Kassy Fenn, Lexy Wright, Christina Katris, Chardannae Lujan, Vanessa Manzanares, Shelby Carpenter, Makyla Ordonez, Alex Hallows, Chelsey Montrone and KayLene Stone. Marisa Bush and Zoe Wheatley were the junior officers.
Plays
“The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” directed by Darin Hathaway, music by Ramona Mayer, choreography by Jeanette Sawaya, costume design by senior Alexandra Menzdorf, lighting by Audrey Reynoso. Starring Kevin McKennon, Connor McCoy, Amelia Wright, Grace Brletic, Kat Ioannides, Daniel Goodman, Mary Neville, Andrew McGuire, Ashlyn Lozano, Emily Burchett, Sean Ward, Emme Nelson, Campbell Wyasket, Jan Ottowicz, Camille Overmoe, Maureen Haley, Emma Nelson, Kyra McComas, Davis Pope, Zoe Wheatley, Maddie Criscione, Jessie Thomas and Nick Graham. Music was provided by Sierra Brimhall, Max Brennan, Emily Murnin and teacher Linda Simpson.
“The Crucible,” directed by Darin Hathaway, with assistants Lexie Stuivenvolt Allen (2010) and Megan McDonald (2004), starring Dan Goodman, Ashlyn Lozano, Amelia Wright, Grace Brletic, Michael Junkins, Nick Graham, Tyler Peterson, Camille Overmoe, Andrew Maguire, Connor McCoy, Seth Rockenbach, Alexandra Goins, Gracie Fojtik and Sean McCoy.
Drama Alumni – Maria Elena Ramirez, Class of 1990, was starring on Broadway. She landed the role of Rachel, a Florida woman who married former President Andrew Jackson, in the play “Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson.” She previously had small roles on the TV series “The Sopranos” and “Law and Order” after graduating in 1995 from the University of Utah’s Actor Training Program and in 1998 from New York University’s masters of fine arts program. “I just keep looking ahead, happy that I get to cross Broadway off my ‘bucket list.’ If you come to New York City from another place and you don’t know what you want, this place can really swallow you up,” she told Salt Lake Tribune reporter Ben Fulton, also a Judge graduate; Christopher Voss, Class of 2008, earned the lead role in Chapman University’s production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
Making up the Stage Crew were Jesse Betebenner, Tim Grisley, Daniel Garcia and Matthew Lewis.
Sports
After two years of reconstruction, the football field was rededicated Aug. 13 at Red and Gold Day. The event included scrimmages involving teams that use the field – football, girls and boys lacrosse, boys and girls soccer – and the girls volleyball team. The field’s first real game took place Aug. 20 against Tooele. “Getting the field back is mostly about what it means to the students,” Principal Rick Bartmann told the Intermountain Catholic. “Not only have we not had our own field, but we also have had to travel all over Salt Lake County to practice and play games. It really means so much to the kids to be back in their school and on their home field. It means a lot to Judge in that the community can gather on our own campus to celebrate the achievements of our kids and of each other.” Student body president Jeff Scott spoke on behalf of students, Robert Garlinghouse offered the opening prayer and Rosie and Mary Neville sang the national anthem. Judge won the game 17-14, carried to victory by touchdown receptions by Daniel Shiramizu and Alexander Sanders. In late October, Salt Lake Tribune writer Tom Wharton said Judge’s football field was the second most scenic in the state, behind only Monument Valley. “The steep sloped stands offer the best view of the Salt Lake Valley of any prep stadium. Add to that the new sport turf and the setting can’t get much better.”
The Salt Lake Tribune’s prep football preview included a feature on lineman Ben Cook as possibly Utah’s top player. “He starts out the game as a good player and ends it as a great player,” said Coach James Cordova. “He plays hard on each and every snap. He has a wide wingspan, he’s really strong, he has great quickness in his feet and he’s very athletic for an offensive lineman. That’s why he’s the best player in the state.” Senior Jackson Susanka was named “Bulldog of the Month” for August after remaining committed to the football team despite a season-ending injury during two-a-day practices. At the Homecoming game against Ben Lomond, Judge celebrated the 1970 state championship football team, the first of three titles for Coach Gil Cordova. The Bulldogs beat Payson 10-6 that year. Earlier in that season, senior Ross Caputo kicked a 60-yard field goal against Hillcrest. Against Ben Lomond, Daniel Shiramizu and Christian Weidle combined for four first-half touchdowns and Jack Barnett added a fifth in a 39-7 triumph. The Bulldogs finished the regular season with a 4-5 record and were paired again 9-1 Cedar City in the opening round of the 3-A tournament. A fourth-quarter comeback lifted James Cordova’s team to a 24-21 win. The Bulldogs followed up with a 35-34 thriller over Wasatch, but the run came to a bitter end in the state semifinals, when Judge fell 13-7 to Juan Diego in overtime. Both papers named Cook and Shiramizu to their first teams All-State and junior Matt Crispo to the second team. Miles Elliss and Christian Weidle were All-Region. Shiramizu was the team’s MVP. Most inspirational player honors were shared by Alex Sanders and Jake Winter. Cook went on to play at Montana Tech. Seniors were Alexander Sanders, Patrick Griffin, Colin Lawless, Jake Winter, Daniel Shiramizu, Patrick Gibbs, Will Huntsman, James McDonough, Daniel Garcia, Jeff Scott, Kelton Quinn, Robert Garlinghouse, Michael Junkins, Shane Jimenez, Tommy Giron, Jesus Miramontes, Thomas Van Ekelenburg, Forrest Pitt, Jake Mintz, Ben Cook and Spencer Conley. The Bulldogs also received significant contributions from underclassmen Christian Weidle, Miles Ellis, Jack Barnett and Matt Crispo.
The girls soccer team finished third in region and dropped a tough 2-1 decision to Cedar City in the opening round of the 3-A playoffs. Danielle Gaztambide was first team All-State for both The Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News, while junior Adrienne Burr was first team with The Tribune and second team with the News. Hannah Brodke and Sarah Peterson were second team. Alex Hallows and Natalie Warner received honorable mention consideration. Coach Wayne Voorhes also counted heavily on seniors Ellen Sliwinski, Rachel North, Rima McComas, Gabbie Matinkhah, Josie Mascher, Maqael Knight and Marissa Fuller, and underclasswomen Allyson Dugan, Nina Allen and Alex VanDongen. Team MVP honors went to Adrienne Burr. Addie Beplate was the most inspirational player.
Leading the girls volleyball team to a berth in the 3-A state tournament were freshman Taylor Gustafson, who made The Tribune’s second team All-State, and hitters Ryley Carman and Damara Walker. The Bulldogs did not win either of their matches at state but displayed considerable heart in both defeats. In the opening round as its region’s third-place team, Judge fell to Desert Hills 25-18, 19-25, 17-25, 19-25. The Bulldogs then lost an even tougher five-set match to Emery (25-16, 25-12, 23-25, 22-25, 13-15). Other key players were Sarah Palmer, Sydney Schafer, Regan Briesacher, Shea Zanolli, Sarah Villareal, Alex Clark, Ginny Hicks and Hannah Lam. Carman was the team MVP, while Walker was the most inspirational player. Jeana Critchfield was in her first year as coach.
The boys golf team had the lead after the first day of the 3-A tournament at Sunbrook Golf Course in St. George, but Park City came out hot on the second day and pulled away from the field. The Miners finished with a 585-stroke team total, well ahead of Desert Hills (605) and Judge (609). Senior Davis Kinney was the low scorer for coaches Mike and Patty Brimley, his two-day total of 149 placing sixth at state. Junior Charlie Murphy was 10th with a 151. Other key players for the Bulldogs were senior Brady Hansgen and juniors Chris Turner, Hunter Cornelison and Justin Brimley. Rounding out the squad were seniors Joe Deyo, Michael Greenberg and Chris Valcarce and underclassmen John Kearns, Ryan Dean, Wilson Lamb, Josh Goldsmith, Jacob Stuivenvolt Allen and Ian McMillan. Kinney and Murphy were named All-State by the UHSAA. Team MVP honors went to Kinney, with Michael N. Greenberg the most inspirational player. Heading into state, there was competition between Hansgen and Brimley for the sixth and final spot. Hansgen withdrew, saying it was important for Brimley, a junior, to get post-season experience for his senior year.
The girls cross country team won the region championship and finished fourth at the 3-A state meet at Sugarhouse Park, led by team MVP Jacqueline Rodriguez. She was the top Bulldog runner, finishing 18th. The state squad included Kailie Quinn (26th), Payton Schiff (27th), Morgan Daily (34th), Sarah Gibbs (37th), Amy Ware (41st) and Kendra “Koko” Novak (49th). Their combined points totaled 142. Park City won with 37. Mary Morgan was the most inspirational runner on a squad that also included Elizabeth Barrows, Linda Frank, Laisa Leroy, Stephany Cortez, Alex Graham, Maggie Fey, Natalia Southam, Madalyn Ordonez, Parisa Nkoy and Hannah Ziebarth. Dave McMillan and Marquis DuPre were the coaches.
The boys cross country team finished eighth in 3-A, compiling 218 points. Bear River won with 50. Matt Kestle was the most valuable runner and Matthew Pell the most inspirational. The state squad was led by junior Connor Liston, who finished 27th. He was followed by Kestle (40th), Jack Dailey (43rd), Matt Pell (60th), Alex Baker (61st), Justis Sisneros (66th) and Max Brennan (82nd). Also running for Coach Dan Quinn were Jackson Elizondo, Paco Juarez, Chris Rogers, Jonathan Rainwater, Stephen Hemmersmeier, Jordan PhillipsKane Dodson, Sam Scott, Alex Baker and Patrick Boner.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP, CHAMPIONS – The loss of Lydia Jones, whose family moved back to Saudi Arabia after her stellar junior year, did not deter the girls swimming team from collecting its eighth state championship in nine years – and third in a row. Freshman Amelia Wolfgramm took over Jones’s leadership role for Coach Matt Finnigan’s team, coming within a half second of the school’s backstroke record which had endured for 17 years. Desert Hills was the favorite heading into the 3-A swim meet, but the Bulldogs prevailed, collecting 323.5 points to 311 for Park City and 298 for Desert Hills. Wolfgramm won three state titles to lead the Bulldogs to the state championship – once again. Wolfgramm swam to victories in the 100 freestyle (53.34 seconds) and 100 backstroke (56.11), setting a new state record in the latter. She also anchored the champion 400 freestyle relay team with Katie McMahon, Marisa Bush and Cassandra Cokl. Judge was only the third fastest team heading into this event, which would decide the outcome of the meet. The Bulldog quarter cut an astonishing nine second off their seed time to capture the relay in 3:46.41. Park City and Desert Hills dropped by the wayside, finishing third and fourth. Bush played a key role in the relative upset, finishing third in the 100 freestyle and fifth in the 50 to contribute important points. Sarina Karwanda and Cassandra Cokl added to the total with fifth-place finishes, Karwanda in the 200 individual medley, Cokl in the 500 freestyle. Both the medley and 200 freestyle relay teams placed third. Wolfgramm was 3-A’s most valuable swimmer and was designated an All-American. The team’s most inspirational swimmers were Cassandra Cokl and Katie McMahon. Other members of the title-winning team were Heather Fisher, Mary Morgan, Angie Ashok, Jackie Morgan, Emily Murnin, Alyssa Corbett, Anne Henkels, Lizzie Gibbs, Marisa Bush, Alana Appel, Maddie Criscione, Addie Diamond, Erica Azad, Sisi Ganellen, Emma Hoffmann, Becky Jackson, Kelsi Konschot, Chloe Brashear, Emily Burden, Olivia Puhl, Genevieve Croyle, Rachel Henkels, Pavitra Fletcher, Katie Rose, Emma Kitterer and Alicia Murphy.
One reward for Judge’s record championship run: State Rep. Jackie Biskupski invited the team to the State Capitol, where the House of Representatives approved a resolution honoring the team. “In recognition of winning the 2011 Utah High School Athletic Association 3A State Championship, the eighth state championship in nine years. We applaud Judge Memorial Catholic High School’s outstanding achievements and commitment to the lives of Utah’s youth.” Rep. Biskupski also introduced a bill to celebrate “Utah Mitochondrial Awareness Week.” Judge swimmers had raised more than $1,000 for research into mitochondrial diseases, one of which afflicted Coach Matt Finnigan’s daughter, Lily. “What a great experience for all of us,” observed senior captain Sarina Karwande. “To receive the citation, and a standing ovation, and to be recognized for our hard work was gratifying. Having Lily there with us made it really special.” The 400 freestyle relay team had dedicated its winning race to Lily.
STATE CHAMPION – For the boys swimming team, Seamus Appel won the state 3-A title in the 200 freestyle (1:49.63) and came in second in the 500 to almost personally carry Judge to sixth in state. Appel’s time in the 200 finals was nearly five seconds faster than his seed time. Wasatch won the meet with 347 points compared to 162 for the Bulldogs. Coach Matt Finnigan’s team also received solid contributions from Jason Motley and Dillon and Parker Beckett. Team MVP honors went to Appel, who went on to become a captain of the 2016 Division 3 swimming and diving national championship team at Dennison University in Ohio. Dillon Becket was the most inspirational swimmer. Rounding out the squad were seniors Jackson Elizondo, Weston Firmage, Mitch Taylor, Chris Valcarce and Tyler Walker plus underclassmen Robby Hanlon, Sam Lu, Josh Goldsmith, Kyle Barnett and Patrick Sullivan.
For the first time in 45 years, Judge had a new boys basketball coach walking the sidelines. Dan Del Porto replaced retired Jim Yerkovich after 24 years as his assistant. “My greatest challenge [is] to try to keep the wonderful things that Coach Yerkovich built up for 44 years, but also the program needs my stamp on it for sure and needs to have a little different identity,” Del Porto told The Salt Lake Tribune. He inherited a team with nine seniors, led by point guard Daniel Shiramizu, front court big men Ben Cook and Colin Lawless, and guards Michael Olive, George Sewell and Kelton Quinn. Also providing help were underclassmen Alex Mancini, Jacob Gondrezick, Christian Weidle, Elliott McGill, Christian Stark and Pat Neville. One accomplishment during the season: Judge defenders limited high-scoring East High School star Parker Van Dyke, later a University of Utah player, to six points. The team finished 14-11 and made it to the 3-A semifinals, including a double overtime victory (57-52) over Hurricane in the opening round. A convincing 53-35 victory over North Sanpete followed. But the Bulldogs lost 55-42 to eventual state champion Wasatch in the semis. Judge then dropped a 54-43 decision to Desert Hills to settle for fourth place. Shiramizu was first team All-State for both The Tribune and Deseret News. Cook was second team in The Tribune, where he was also “Player of the Week” on March 1 after averaging 10.3 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in the state tournament. He was also honorable mention in the Deseret News and an Academic All-State nominee. Lawless, Mancini and Gondrezick were honorable mention. Team MVP honors went to Colin Lawless. George Sewell and Michael Olive shared the most inspirational player award.
Freshman Kailie Quinn emerged as the star of the girls basketball team, which finished 12-9 and entered the 3-A state tournament as its region’s fourth-place team. The Bulldogs dropped their opening-round game 47-32 to Canyon View. Quinn averaged more than 11 points per game after coach Matt Mapstone moved her into the starting lineup. “She’s really stepped it up. She brings most of the energy to the team. We really rely on her,” said Ellen Sliwinski, one of six seniors along with Mary Neville, Natasha Robinson, Damara Walker, Kelly Jo Hanlon and Yesenia Villegas. Quinn was first team All-State, while junior Sydney Richards and Donna Sansone were second team. Kyra McComas and Robinson were honorable mention. Rounding out the squad were Caitlin Gruis, Sarah Anne Nakamura, Sarah Palmer, Miya Titmus and Paige Fery. Robinson was an Academic All-State nominee. Quinn was MVP. The most inspirational players were Hanlon and Neville.
Ian McMillan was a member of the Axis Freeride Ski Team, specializing in halfpipe and slopestyle events, and competed in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and California.
Coach Todd Brown’s hockey team had plenty of firepower, led by captain Steve Strehl, league scoring leader junior Andrew Bergquist, assist man Sam Taylor, scrapper Wilson Lamb, defender Shepard Scott and goalie Davis Pope. The team finished 15-3-1, aided by Nick Brown, Ethan Gosselin, Charlie Howard, Brian Kestle, Richard Strehl, James Jensen and Jack Keller. Bergquist, Taylor and Pope represented Judge in the Utah High School Hockey All-Star game. Bergquist scored one of his team’s goals as the North beat the South 5-2. Steve Strehl was team MVP. Its most inspirational player was Scott. The head coach was Todd Brown. His brother, Mike, was an assistant.
Since Judge didn’t have a wrestling team, senior Brendan French competed for East High School.
STATE CHAMPION – Senior Chloe Ropner, the team MVP, won the No. 3 singles title to lift the girls tennis team to third place in the 3-A state tournament. Ropner defeated Park City’s Alex Oriente for the crown, leading Judge to 16 points. Desert Hills won with 22, Park City came in second with 20. At No. 2 singles, sophomore Emily Murnin made it to the finals before losing to a Park City player. Judge finished third with 16 points, behind Desert Hills (22) and Park City (20). Freshman Kaitlyn Iwasaki played No. 1 singles for Coach Lani Wilcox, while Judge’s doubles teams were junior Ali Clayton and senior Hannah Brashear at No. 1 and Alyssa Corbett and Ally Iwasaki at No. 2. Iwasaki was the team’s most inspirational player. Rounding out the squad were Emily Murnin, Lea Ljubicic, Claudia Start, Hayley Dahlhauser, Olivia Loveland, Carolyn Taylor, Sarah Anne Nakamura, Megan Short and Caitlin Lemmon.
STATE CHAMPION – With a leap of 17 feet, 11.5 inches, senior Damara Walker won the long jump title at the 3-A girls track meet. Her leap was seven inches farther than her nearest competitor. She also finished second in the 100-meter hurdles (.05 seconds behind the winner) to lead Judge to a tie for ninth place with Carbon High. Both teams scored 23.333 points. Cedar won with 116. Walker was team MVP. Mary Morgan was the most inspirational teammate. Also competing for Coach Marquis DuPre were Ally Iwasaki, Gabriela Garcia, Nyandeng Daw, Angie Ashok, Amy Ware, Ofa Vaisima, Ronika Ibrahim, Becky Muiga, Maddie Criscione, Morgan Daily, Rachel Henkels, Hannah Ziebarth, Stephany Cortez, Natalia Southam, Sadie Hansen, Paige Brimley, Ellis Juhlin, Sarah Peterson, Grace Johnson, Julia Wheatley, Concy Michael, Sadie Sewell, Sarah Palmer, Sarah Gibbs, Alex Vitale, Jessie Thomas and Taylor de Jonge.
Christian Weidle sprinted to third place in the 100-meter dash at the 3-A boys track meet, accounting for all nine Bulldog points. Hurricane won with 89.5. Leading the boys were MVP Kelton Quinn and his most inspirational teammate, Kyle Knutsen. Also competing for Coach Marquis DuPre were Matthew Pell, Jacob Luchs, Kevin Ortiz, Matthew Lewis, Justis Sisneros, Joe Cremer, Jonathan Rainwater, Sean McMinimee, Thomas Van Ekelenburg, Jake Bero-Van Wagoner, Connor Baker, Kane Dodson, Alastair McMillan, Sam Scott, Luis Gomez, Chris Alegre, Carter Hendrickson, Evan Baker, Kendrick Nafus and Michael Lien.
Social studies teacher Ron Hill took over as baseball coach after Jeff Myaer opted not to return from a one-year sabbatical from coaching. Hill, Myaer’s assistant when the team went to championship games in 2008 and 2009, also sat out the 2010 season with Myaer before being persuaded to return as head coach. Myaer was his pitching coach, with Brady Hansgen the top pitcher. Qualifying for the 3-A state tournament as their regions’ third-place team, the Bulldogs opened with a 4-3 win over Cedar before dropping a heartbreaking 15-14 decision to Carbon. Judge bounced back with an 8-6 victory over Wasatch but was bounced from the tourney by Delta. The Deseret News named Daniel Shiramizu and Hansgen to its All-State honorable mention team. Michael Olive was team MVP. The most inspirational player was Chase Pribble. Seniors Collin Yoshinaga, Joe Deyo and Shane Jimenez also played key roles, while additional support was provided by underclassmen Jacob Stuivenvolt Allen, Julio Garcia, Noah Hughes, Anthony Randazzo, Jack Barnett, Daniel Garcia, Jeff Gilstrap, Jacob Gondrezick, Trent Clifford, Joe Padilla, Max Stevenson and Alex Mancini.
Led by new coach Paul Lovato, the girls softball team depended heavily upon the play of Madison Moll and Jacqueline Rodriguez but fell short of qualifying for the 3-A state tournament. Moll was team MVP and also honorable mention All-State in the Deseret News. Its most inspirational player was Audrey Stone. The lineup also featured Claudia Start, Veronica Briggs, Kailie Quinn, Sydney Austin, Emmi Mancini and Abbie McGill. Lovato’s assistant was Carl Moll.
Ross Terrill scored 14 goals and Charlie Murphy added six to lead the boys soccer team, which advanced to the 3-A state tournament as the region’s third-place team but lost in the first round, 1-0, to Hurricane. Senior midfielder and captain Patrick Hickman made first team All-State in both The Tribune and Deseret News. Terrill was first team in the News and second team in The Tribune, which also accorded second team honors to Dan Goodman and Patrick Gibbs. Terrill was team MVP. The most inspirational player was Goodman. Other key players for Coach Kelly Terrill were Matt Kestle, goalie Davis Pope, John Kearns, Joshua Oelsner, Nate Luttmer, Christopher Bell, Weston Firmage, Alex Ferree, Conrad Dean and Alex Jensen. Pope earned a “Player of the Week” honor.
Freshman Madalin Rooker shot an 83 to finish second behind Brooke Bliss of Desert Hills in the 3-A girls golf championship at Mountain View Golf Course in West Jordan. Rooker’s performance led the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in 3-A with a score of 211 in the Stableford system. Desert Hills won with 238 and Delta was second, just two points ahead of the Bulldogs. Key players for Coaches Patty and Mike Brimley were captains Sarah Anne Nakamura and Alyssa Corbett and juniors Miya Titmus, Paige Fery, Olivia Start, Lizzie Gibbs, Lexy Wright, Alexis Humphrey, Caroline Avila, Erica Azad, Mary McKinlay, Grace Haley, Nikki Kaschmitter, Christina Jones and Marie Deininger. Rooker was the team MVP. Its most inspirational player was Erica Azad.
The boys lacrosse team finished 16-2, the only losses coming to Brighton, including a 9-8 setback in the state championship game. First team All-State honors were accorded Patrick Griffin, who scored four goals in the championship game, and defenseman Andrew Rechsteiner. Zach Nettles and Matt Crispo made second team. Post-season All Conference Honors were earned by those four plus Brian Allen, Matt Hirning and Jay Jensen. Assistant coach Ed Scott was selected as “Assistant of the Year” by his peers. Rechsteiner was the most valuable player for Head Coach Dave Allen. The most inspirational player was Crispo. Other key players were Eric Larson, Ethan Gosselin, Wilson Lamb, Robert Garlinghouse, Dominic Conti, Zach Knettles, Toby Allison, Michael Junkins, Brian Allen, Jeff Scott and Brian Kestle. Head coach Dave Allen was assisted by Ed Scott, Chuck Gosselin, Scott Clark and Eric Eidens.
Junior Kendra “Koko” Novak, an All-American and the team MVP, was selected to play for the Utah/Idaho High School Girls’ Lacrosse Team. Chad Staro coached the girls team, which finished the regular season with a 7-5 record and won its first game in the state tournament. The Bulldog captains were Chloe Ropner, Sierra Brimhall and Novak. Also playing key roles for the Bulldogs were goalies Hannah Samowitz and Mary Briggs, Kassy Fenn, Payton Schiff, Allegra Imhoff, Clarissa Avila, Hayley Dahlhauser, Mimi Andrews, Liz Lewis, Emily Schnopp, Natally Tabish, Ali Clayton, Ginger Lucero, Courtney Dockendorf, Monica Ostrom, Courtney Nelson, Rachel Benvegnu and Campbell Wyasket. Judge lost Ginger Lopez and most inspirational player Grace Best-Devereux to injuries.
Kyle Barnett finished second in No. 3 singles to lead the boys tennis team to a fourth-place finish in the 3-A meet. Desert Hills dominated with 26 points, to 12 for Park City, 10 for Juan Diego and eight for Judge. Barnett was the team’s MVP while the most inspirational player was Huy Vo. Other team members for Coach Jonathan Tsu were John Barnett, Huy Vo, Brandon Reemsnyder, Luke Ropner, Josh Goldsmith, Quin Vu, Ryan Thaxton, Ian McMillan and Ryan Vitale.
The Ultimate Frisbee team was led by MVP Tyler Perry and most inspirational player Alex Baker. Other players included Kevin McKennon, Christina Katris, Davis Pope, Jackson Elizondo and Dan Goodman.
Crew returned as a sport at Judge, led by sophomore Emerson Pratt.
Sports Alum
Luke Puskedra, Class of 2008, finished third for the University of Oregon in the NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terra Haute, Ind. He had finished fifth as a freshman. He also qualified for the NCAA track meet; Mele Vaisima, Class of 2007, was the Western Athletic Conference Women’s Indoor Field Athlete of the Week, throwing the shot put for Boise St.; Brandon Veltri, Class of 1997, was named Frontier Conference basketball “Coach of the Year” after leading Carroll College in Helena, Mont. to a 22-8 record and a second-place conference finish; Colin Boevers, Class of 2007, wrapped up his track and field career at the University of Kentucky, finishing fourth in discus at the NCAA championships. He was a two-time All-American; Keenyn Walker, Class of 2009, was the 47 th player taken in the Major League Baseball draft. The Chicago White Sox selected Walker, who had played two years at Central Arizona College. He had been drafted 16 th out of high school by the Chicago Cubs and 38th by the Philadelphia Phillies one year later; A Honolulu Star-Advertiser feature called Judge graduate Lewis Walker, Class of 2008, “Mr. Versatility” on defense. He was a third-year sophomore for the Rainbow Warriors and Keenyn Walker’s cousin.
Graduation
173 graduates on May 29 at Abravanel Hall.
Valedictorian: Matthew Pell
Salutatorian: Brian Willhard
Gold honor cords representing cumulative GPAs of 3.5 or better were worn by 73 graduates. Graduates earned $10.5 million in scholarship offers and were set to attend 57 colleges in 21 states. Class members contributed 21,000 hours of community service at Judge.
Christ the King Award winners: Emily Burchett and Jeffrey Scott.
First Honors: Christopher Bell, Ben Cook, Robert Garlinghouse, Cory Georgeopoulos, Matthew Kierkegaard, Josie Mascher, Matthew Pell, Chase Pribble, Dayna Ruiz, Jeff Scott, Brian Willhard, Alexandra “Lexy” Wright and Mary Zost.
Outstanding Dedication in Extra-Curricular Activities: Emily Burchett
Outstanding Achievement in Arts, Academics and Athletics: Amy Ware and Michael Junkins
Outstanding Scholar Athletes: Ben Cook and Chloe Ropner
Bishop Oscar Romero Scholarships: Shelby Carpenter, Nyandeng Daw, Fatima Martinez and Giorgio Roosta
Michael Starks Memorial Scholarships: Jackie Sliwinski and Orlando Avila
Champion of Youth Award: Jack Elizondo
Outstanding Scholar in Activities: Daniel Goodman and Mary Catherine Neville
Outstanding Male Athlete: Daniel Shiramizu
Outstanding Female Athlete: Damara Walker
Moran Award for Football: Ben Cook
Yerkovich Award for Basketball: Ben Cook
Bulldog of the Year: Vincent Fuoco
Demi Candelaria Shining Star Award: Ellen Sliwinski (basketball) and Josie Mascher (soccer)
Demi Candelaria Memorial Scholarship: Sarah Palmer and Sydney Richards (basketball) and Sammie Garcia (soccer).
Presidential Service Awards: Vincent Fuoco, Kelly Jo Hanlon, Jacqueline Rodriguez, Jeff Scott, Sierra Brimhall, Victoria Bruno, Gabriela Garcia, Rima McComas, Alexandra Menzdorf and Brian Willhard.
Book Awards: Matthew Hirning, Max Stevenson, Danielle Gaztambide, Caitlin Gruis, Gabrielle Ghabash and Erin Dugan.
Academic Awards – Music (Instrumental): Natalie Warner and Kevin Ortiz; Music (Vocal): Mary Neville and Camille Overmoe; Drama: Ashlyn Lozano and Emily Burchett; Drama (Technical): Audrey Reynoso and Joe Fitzpatrick; Dance: Alexandra “Lexy” Wright and Maddie Keyes; Film Club: Skylar Zito.
Environmental Club: Shiona Smith and Emily Strand; Debate: Michael Greenberg and Richard Vunder; Junior Classical League: Emily Strand, Elese Peifer and Erin Peifer; Mock Trial: Seamus Appel, Connor Liston, Jason Motley and Emily Strand; Student Council: Jeff Scott and Emily Burchett.
Literary Magazine: Lindsey Reemsnyder and Emily Andrews; Yearbook: Cassandra Cokl and Alex Clark; Bulldog Press: Emily Andrews and Matthew Kierkegaard.
Alumni
84-year-old Bill O’Reilly strode across the Judge auditorium stage on Awards Night (May 23) to receive his high school diploma, 67 years after he left Judge as a 17-year-old to join the Navy during World War II. O’Reilly enlisted when he was a senior and was shipped off to Okinawa and post-war Japan. He was discharged in 1946 – the year he should have graduated – came home and got his general education degree and had a lengthy career in the railroad industry. He and his wife, Gloria, put three sons and two grandchildren through Judge, including granddaughter Libby, who sat with Bill on the stage when Principal Rick Bartman outlined O’Reilly’s accomplishments and handed him his diploma. “He’s very humbled by his life and he doesn’t understand what he gave not only to us but to his country,” said O’Reilly’s son, Brian, who helped arrange the ceremony. Observed Bill O’Reilly: “The nuns who taught me are probably rolling over in their graves saying ‘It’s about time he finished school.’”
Monsignor J. Terrence Fitzgerald, Class of 1954, retired at age 74 as vicar general to the 300,000 Catholics living in the Salt Lake Diocese. “Anything I needed fixing, he could do it – and quickly,” said former Bishop William Weigand, the second of four bishops Fitzgerald served. Ordained in 1962 by Bishop Joseph Lennox Federal, Fitzgerald studied social work at Catholic University and then served in a number of posts before taking over Catholic Community Services in 1993. Upon retiring, Fitzgerald told The Salt Lake Tribune’s Peggy Fletcher Stack that “I was with Bishop Federal when he died. I’ve buried religious sisters and friends with AIDS. I’ve seen the closing of the hospitals, the sale of St. Joseph Villa and many traumatic events. But I’m a realist. You shed tears and then move on.” He was replaced as vicar general by Fr. Colin Bircumshaw. A Building Fund was established in Msgr. Fitzgerald’s name, dedicated to paying for necessary upgrades of the Judge building, which opened in 1961. Having decided “a remodeled building will be the most cost-effective way to instruct our students,” the Judge Board of Advisers also launched a study to zero on costs for replacing the structure’s mechanical and plumbing systems and to make immediate upgrades “to our cherished but aging facilities.”
Monsignor Joseph Mayo, Class of 1965 and pastor at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, was named an honorary canon of the Cathedral Church of St. Mark by the Episcopalian Church’s dean, Rev. Rick Lawson, Mayo’s boyhood friend; Clayton Rackham, Class of 2010, received a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix after submitting an essay about the support of his teachers in helping him deal with attention deficit disorder. His selection was promoted by Mary Jane Morris, Utah’s 2009 Teacher of the Year and a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish; Chuck Dover, Class of 1969, earned a “Circle of Honor” award from the national Knights of Columbus for his work adding 700 members to the ranks of Utah’s organization during his third term as state director; the Starks family made a second pilgrimage to the Camino de Santiago in Spain to express their love for son Michael, Class of 2008, who died in a hazing incident later that fall at Utah State University. “They say when you do the Camino, you actually receive an indulgence,” said mom Jane Starks. “You really can’t describe it to anybody because it is so unique to everybody. The only thing you can say is it is life changing, according to who you are and how open you are;” Monsignor Robert Pollock, who taught religion at Judge in the 1950s and became a parish priest, died after suffering a stroke at Christus St. Joseph’s Villa. He was 88; Anne Zimmerman, Class of 1996, was the guest speaker at King’s English Bookstore following the publication of her book, “An Extravagant Hunger,” a biography of the noted food essayist Mary Frances Kennedy Fisher. Her classmate, Tim Sullivan, also published his first book – “No Communication with the Sea: Searching for an Urban Future in the Great Basin;” Keri Holt, Class of 1996, was the “Teacher of the Year” in the English department at Utah State University, where she had taught 18th and 19th Century American Literature for three years; Alumnus Jean Hill joined the Salt Lake Diocese as its government liaison, replacing Dee Rowland, the mother and grandmother of Judge students, who retired after 26 years of serving the Catholic community; Army Maj. Matt Burke, Class of 1991, an orthopedic surgeon and major in the U.S. Army, was killed in South Carolina when he was hit by a vehicle while bicycling with a caravan of riders; Rachel Coffey, Class of 2008, was elected student body president at Linfield College in Oregon; Sharon Gallagher-Fishbaugh, Class of 1975, was elected Utah Education Association president. She was Utah’s “Teacher of the Year” in 2009; Ryan Sargent, Class of 2009, danced in Ballet West’s production of The Nutcracker; Class of 2000 graduate Jesse Portillo was lighting designer for Pioneer Theatre.
