Each fall, Chaminade’s West Hills campus transforms into a hub of opportunity as representatives from colleges and universities across the country gather for the annual College Fair. The event highlights Chaminade’s commitment to helping students explore their options and look toward the future with purpose.
At Chaminade, college counseling is about more than applications and acceptances. We help students discover not just what they want to study, but who they’re called to become. With one of the largest teams of counselors in the area, we’re able to provide support in a way that ensures every student receives the individualized guidance they need to succeed. Each student is paired with the same counselor all four years of high school, building a relationship that helps us understand their goals, both academically and personally, and guide them toward their own definition of success.
“Our counseling program is centered around helping each student find the place where they will feel challenged, supported, and inspired.” Said Scott Borchart, Director of Counseling at the high school, “We encourage them to look beyond the schools they’ve grown up hearing about and focus instead on where they can truly grow and forge a future that excites them.”
By starting early, we spark curiosity in underclassmen and give them the tools to ask thoughtful questions, identify what matters most, and focus on schools that align with their values and goals. One way we do this is by exposing students to a diverse mix of colleges and universities, both in-state and out-of-state. Throughout the school year, we invite guest speakers and college representatives to campus, opening doors to possibilities students may never have considered otherwise. These experiences not only broaden student perspectives but also strengthen our counselors’ partnerships with admissions officers, providing valuable insights we share with families. We also host dedicated events for parents, ensuring they are active participants in the process and reinforcing the strong school–home partnership that is central to a Chaminade education. Together, these opportunities help students stay on track, whether that means selecting the right courses, exploring AP options, or uncovering passions that may shape their path after graduation.
The journey through high school is one of growth and discovery, and our counselors are there every step of the way. Rooted in our Marianist values and tradition, our work goes beyond preparing students for college. At Chaminade, we walk beside them as they discover who they are and the future they want to create.
The start of a new school year is always a time for fresh beginnings, and our volunteer mixers welcome parents into the heart of Chaminade’s mission to serve and support our students. While the first week of school is especially exciting for students, as they come together to form new bonds and reunite with familiar faces, parents are also invited to partake in that same community spirit. Gatherings like these are often the birthplace of lifelong friendships and offer a new meaning for what it means to be a Chaminade parent.
Our parent volunteers don’t have more time than anyone else. They simply have bigger hearts, and their enthusiasm shows how dedicated they are to contributing to their child’s experience. When we ask parents to find ways they might like to get involved within their already busy schedules, they often discover opportunities that reflect their own interests and passions. Volunteering comes in many forms, whether it’s lending a hand at sporting events, supporting student programs, or sharing professional skills behind the scenes.
As parents explored the wide variety of volunteer positions, they also had the chance to meet our remarkable Les Dames. Pam Hoyt P ’15, ‘20, Debra Bergman P’20, and Juliane Chilopoulos P’15, ’19, ‘21 are shining examples of parent volunteers whose impact continues even beyond their own children’s time at Chaminade. We are incredibly grateful for not only their ongoing commitment but also the legacy of service they continue to model for new parents.
Chaminade’s success is built on the energy of our students, the guidance of our faculty, and the generosity of our volunteers. President Robert Webb underscored that service isn’t just a checkbox for students, but an opportunity to practice giving back in ways that will shape how they continue to serve their communities beyond graduation. Through volunteering, parents are invited to take on that example as well, showing their unwavering support for the success of our programs and students.
Chaminade’s success is built on the energy of our students, the guidance of our faculty, and the generosity of our volunteers. President Robert Webb underscored that service isn’t just a checkbox for students, but an opportunity to practice giving back in ways that will shape how they continue to serve their communities beyond graduation. Through volunteering, parents are invited to take on that example as well, showing their unwavering support for the success of our programs and students.
If you were unable to attend the mixers and want to learn more about how you can join our extraordinary parent community, please fill out the Online Volunteer Form.
Chaminade’s high school fencing team continues its legacy of excellence, capturing the overall team title at the California State High School Fencing Championships. This win adds to the program’s impressive track record, bringing home the 7th men’s team state championship, and the 8th overall combined men’s and women’s title in the past 12 years.
Competing in six events across the three weapon disciplines—épée, foil, and saber—our Eagles earned top honors, with the boys’ team finishing 1st overall and the women’s team placing 3rd.
Junior Kristjan Dinsay led the team, earning his second consecutive individual state title in men’s foil. Additional top finishes included:
Alex Charette ’27 – 5th place, Men’s Foil
Mathew Charette ’25 – 7th place, Men’s Foil
Jordan Dashevsky ’25 – 5th place, Women’s Foil (U19)
Siena Danko ’25 – 8th place, Women’s Foil (U19)
Kristjan Dinsay ’26– 8th place, Men’s Saber (U19)
Sophia Tegtmeyer ’25 – 8th place, Women’s Saber
During the season, the fencing team received a generous donation from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation, which provided a timely boost to the program. The support allowed the team to upgrade essential equipment and enhance their training experience with:
7 full equipment setups
New scoring machines and an electronic practice target
New blades
Underarm protectors
Body cords, reels, and floor cords
Additional gear, including new uniforms, masks, and bags, is set to arrive next season. These upgrades had a big impact—giving athletes what they needed to train hard, stay focused, and perform their best all season.
Chaminade College Preparatory is thrilled to celebrate two of our talented students, Chase Teglas and Anorah Permenter, who have been named semifinalists in The Music Center’s 37th Annual Spotlight program.
Chase earned his spot in the Classical Voice category, recognized for his incredible vocal ability and dedication to his craft. Anorah advanced in the Acting category, impressing judges with her ability to bring characters to life.
This year’s competition was incredibly competitive, with more than 1,600 students from 269 schools, 174 cities, and eight counties across Southern California auditioning for Spotlight. With only 113 students advancing to the semifinals, Chase and Anorah’s recognition is a testament to their talent and hard work.
As semifinalists, they will have the opportunity to participate in mastery classes with industry professionals and receive expert feedback and coaching to further develop their skills before the next round of auditions.
Chaminade’s dedicated teachers play a key role in nurturing students’ talents and passions. Our students are empowered to explore their passions through a supportive and enriching environment. “We are incredibly proud of Chase and Anorah for this outstanding accomplishment,” said High School Principal Luis Guerra. “Their dedication is a true reflection of the Marianist education we embrace at Chaminade—one that nurtures talent, perseverance, and the development of the whole person. We encourage our students to pursue their passions, and we look forward to seeing Chase and Anorah continue to grow through this incredible opportunity.”
Finalists will be announced later this year, and Grand Prize Finalists will take the stage at The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Finale on June 6, 2025, at the Ahmanson Theatre.
On Tuesday, January 28, both the middle school and high school campuses came together as one community to celebrate Chaminade’s 35th annual Founders Day, a special occasion dedicated to recognizing individuals whose dedication and service have significantly contributed to the school’s growth and success.
Founders Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of staff, volunteers, and generous supporters who uphold Chaminade’s mission. This tradition fosters gratitude and community, reflecting the school’s Marianist values.
Pictured left to right: Paul Sauter, Tracy Norton on behalf of Joseph Norton III ’88 †, Michael Evans, Derreatha Juares, and Robert S. Webb. Mike Gambel is not pictured.
This year’s celebration, led by Fr. Mike Chiuri, S.M., honored Michael Evans, Mike Gamble, Derreatha Juarez, Joseph Norton III ’88 † (honored posthumously, with his wife, Tracy Norton, accepting the award on his behalf), Paul Sauter, and Robert S. Webb for 25 years of dedicated service to Chaminade:
Founders Day serves as a time of reflection and appreciation for those who have shaped Chaminade’s enduring legacy. By continuing this tradition, the school reaffirms its commitment to faith, service, and leadership, ensuring the spirit of its founders lives on for generations to come.
Founder Day Honorees
Michael Evans was born and raised in Southern California. Until he was six years old, his family lived in a house on Lassen Street, a short distance from the Chaminade middle school campus. Mike attended Royal High School in Simi Valley then California State University Northridge before earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Azusa Pacific University. In 2018, he earned a California Master Catechist Certificate to further his ability to teach religious studies.
Mike first came to Chaminade in 1992 to coach the boys’ junior varsity soccer team. This led him to pursue a teaching career and introduced him to lifelong friend and fellow soccer coach, retired West Hills math teacher Bernie Chin. Mike joined the middle school faculty in 1999 and has taught 8th grade religion ever since. He also co-moderates the WEB program and Taylor Swift Club and runs the Soccer Chat Club. In 2019, the middle school faculty honored Mike with the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award.
Mike is in his 28th year of coaching soccer and 4th year of coaching both the boys’ and girls’ varsity teams. As a varsity coach at Chaminade, Mike has won six CIF championships: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013, and 2020. He has also been named CIF Coach of the Year six times.
Mike met his wife Debbie through the family of Amanda Wilkerson ’03, and they married in 2003. Mike and Debbie have three children: Rylie ’22, Matthew ’24, and Camille ’26. Outside of work, Mike enjoys watching his son play soccer for LAFC and spending time with his family and fourgolden retrievers.
Mike credits Chaminade’s family spirit and his supportive colleagues for making it a joy to serve this school community, in which his children have been raised. He reflects that while the saying “find something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life” isn’t entirely true, every day at Chaminade has been rewarding.
Mike Gamble started working at Chaminade in 1999 and was to be named a Founder at last year’s ceremony. Health issues prevented him from accepting the honor, which he later received in May 2024.
Mike was born in Santa Monica and grew up in Westwood. The youngest of five siblings, he attended St. Paul the Apostle School in Westwood and St. Monica’s High School in Santa Monica. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in English literature at Loyola Marymount University.
A dedicated and beloved high school English teacher, Mike loved working with young people, introducing them to the enduring relevance of Shakespeare and helping them find their own voices as thinkers, writers, and citizens of the world. Mike always wanted his students to feel seen and heard as the unique people they are. His classroom was a place of great laughter, guided by Mike’s own inimitable wit.
Mike served as an assistant director in Chaminade’s Link program for many years, committed to the effort to make every new student feel at home at Chaminade. Mike was also the advisor of the yearbook program for several years, guiding a staff of students in the creation of the Aerie. Throughout his 25 years in the English department, Mike has been a cherished and supportive colleague. His encyclopedic knowledge of British literature and history never failed to amaze and inspire, and his humor was legendary.
Outside of work, Mike is a music enthusiast who collects British classic rock albums and rare memorabilia. He is also a student of local Los Angeles history with a vast knowledge of the city’s ever-changing landscape, legendary landmarks, and bygone places.
Derreatha Juarez was born in Manhattan, NY, and moved to Southern California as a child when her father’s job at CBS brought the family to Northridge. She attended Louisville High School in Woodland Hills and then earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English, College Counseling, and Catholic School Administration.
Derreatha taught at Our Lady of Lourdes in Northridge and at California State University Northridge, Moorpark College, Pierce College, and Glendale College. Interested in teaching at the high school level, Derreatha came to Chaminade in 2000. During her time here, Derreatha has taught English and chaired the department. She also served as a counselor and as the director of counseling. Last fall, Derreatha was named vice principal of faculty and instruction.
Outside of work, Derreatha enjoys spending time with her family. She has two children, both Chaminade alumni: Derron ’06 and Julea ’08. Derron and his wife Julianne have two young daughters, Andrea (3) and Kendall (1.5). Julea and Patrick are expecting a daughter this May.
As an English teacher and counselor, and now as an administrator, Derreatha enjoys creating learning environments where students can thrive. She values Chaminade’s Catholic identity and Marianist Characteristics, which influence her work and inspire her to continue serving the school community. Most especially, Derreatha appreciates the positive impact Chaminade has had on her own children.
Joseph Norton III ’88 † first arrived at Chaminade in 1985 from New Jersey by way of Oklahoma for the second semester of his freshman year. The following year, he joined the football team, and for three years, he played fullback and linebacker. Like his younger brothers, Brian ’92, Kevin ’94, and John ’98, he wore #49.
After graduating from Chaminade in 1988, Joe earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science at the University of San Diego, where he played football through his junior year. He eventually earned a Master of Arts in Catholic School Administration at Loyola Marymount University.
In 1993, Joe returned to Chaminade as an assistant football coach and as a substitute teacher at the middle school. He then taught for one year at St. Bernardine, where his mother Kathy also taught, before joining the middle school faculty in 1995. After four years, Joe left to teach at Frost Middle School in Granada Hills before returning to Chaminade in 2010, where he served until his death in January 2024.
During his time at Chaminade, Joe coached, taught science and history, and was an assistant dean and assistant director of athletics. Known as the “Voice of Chaminade,” Joe served as the public address announcer during football games alongside his father, also named Joe.
Joe and his wife Tracy sent their daughters Gillian ’17 and Brianna ’20 to Chaminade. In 2016, the middle school faculty honored Joe with the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award. In 2022, the Chaminade announcer booth was named in honor of the Norton Family, and in 2024, Joe was posthumously inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame.
Paul Sauter was born in Panorama City and graduated from Bishop Alemany High School. He then earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology at California State University Northridge. After playing football for one season in Vienna, Austria, Paul returned to CSUN to obtain a master’s degree.
While Paul was working at Notre Dame High School, Chaminade president Rob Webb, then the high school athletic director, hired him to teach biology and coach football.
Paul currently teaches AP environmental science and AP research. He was chair of the science department and has taught various science courses, including AP biology and chemistry. Paul also coached football for 15 years, contributing to the team’s state championship, two CIF semifinals, and three league championships. He has moderated the BBQ Club, Bowling Club, International Culture Club, Environmental Eagles, and his personal favorite, the Dungeons & Dragons Club. In 2019, the high school faculty honored Paul with the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award.
Paul enjoys working alongside his wife Maureen, a world history teacher at Chaminade. They have one son, Luke ’25. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his cat Ori, who he found at Chaminade. He likes biking, gardening, camping, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and listening to jazz. Paul also has a fondness for raising chickens, growing food, and taking naps in hammocks.
Chaminade is special to Paul because it is the community in which his son has grown up. He loves teaching and has enjoyed sharing his sense of wonder for the world with Chaminade students for the past 25 years.
Robert S. Webb was born and raised in Southern California. He graduated from Los Angeles Lutheran High School and then earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and marketing at California State University Northridge. He also has a master’s degree in education administration from Azusa Pacific University.
Rob began his career as a teacher and basketball coach at Bishop Alemany High School. He came to Chaminade in 1998 to serve as the high school athletic director. He also coached, taught, and served as chair of the health and physical education department. Rob left Chaminade in 2002 to work at The Webb Schools in Claremont, CA. He returned in 2004 to serve as the director of development and then vice president for institutional advancement. In 2014, Rob was appointed the fifth president of Chaminade College Preparatory. During Rob’s time at Chaminade, the school has raised over $36 million and added more than 125,000 square feet of learning, performing arts, and athletics space.
As vice president for institutional advancement, Rob shaped the office into a comprehensive operation responsible for fundraising, external communications, marketing, and enrollment management. He has helped lead three successful capital campaigns and created Chaminade’s international student program. Rob was also instrumental in the development of the Chaminade Center for Excellence.
As president, Rob has more than doubled Chaminade’s endowment and added real estate to the school’s portfolio. Under his leadership, in 2018, Chaminade negotiated the purchase of a 5-acre commercial property across from the high school campus. This allowed for the creation of an ambitious master plan to serve future students. Rob also champions the accessibility of a Chaminade education by working with the school’s Board of Directors and advancement and finance teams to annually award over $6.3 million in financial aid and merit scholarships.
Rob and his wife Sarah, a school psychologist, have two sons who graduated from Chaminade: Luke ’18 and Jater ’20. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, hiking, gardening, reading, and watching basketball.
Rob credits his long tenure at Chaminade to his belief in the school’s Catholic Marianist mission. He is inspired by his colleagues, Chaminade’s Marianist Educators, who dedicate their professional lives to forming our students into faith-filled young adults. Rob is especially grateful for the positive impact this school community has had on his sons.
