Chaminade Celebrates Volunteers at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Reception. 

Chaminade as a community has emerged from the pandemic stronger and closer. This year, we were thrilled to gather in person to celebrate volunteerism, connectedness to our mission, and the love for our students.

Volunteers are an essential part of Chaminade’s operations and are instrumental to the success of many of our programs and events. Our volunteers do it all, from large and exciting events like EagleFest to the smaller, less glamorous envelope-stuffing parties. They truly demonstrate the Marianist tradition of family spirit through their selfless giving of time and talent. 

On May 11, Chaminade recognized nine extraordinary volunteers who have their last child graduating from high school. Their commitment to Chaminade over the previous four to seven years has had an astounding effect on our school. Congratulations to our 2022 Spotlight on Service honorees:

• Fernando and Nicole Cabaccang P’22
• Dave Dumas P’19, ’22
• Charisse Enrique P’20, ’22
• Adam and Karen Friedman P ’20, ’22
• Guillermo Herrera P’20 , ’22
• Traci Zvonicek P’18,’20, ’22
• Heidi Oney P’20, ’22

In addition to honoring our fantastic parent volunteers, Chaminade also paid tribute to two Board members who are terming off the board at the end of the month. Chaminade expressed its sincere gratitude to Mary Campbell P’13,15,18, and Jeannette Crawshaw P’15, ’22, ’22. For the last six years, they have volunteered their time and invaluable expertise to help ensure that our school upholds our Catholic, Marianist mission.

Consider joining the ranks of our volunteers; you will find that it is one of the best experiences. And along the way, you will forge new and long-lasting friendships. Join us on August 23 and 25 for our volunteer mixers to find your perfect volunteer opportunity and join the ranks of this fantastic group.

Chaminade Honors 11 Families with The Family of Mary Award

For the past 27 years, during the Baccalaureate Mass, Chaminade has upheld the tradition of presenting a special award to Chaminade families who have made a long-standing commitment by sending three or more children to Chaminade throughout their tenure.

As a Marianist school, Chaminade strives to create a community that is truly a family, consisting of students, faculty, staff, and parents working together in the spirit of cooperation, respect, and honesty. There is no greater trust on the part of parents than to place their children in the hands of our school community.

 

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On May 31, we proudly recognized 11 families with The Family of Mary Award, marking their exceptional involvement with the Chaminade family. Congratulations to The Family of Mary Award recipients:

  • Kim and Michael Akerson
    Alexa ’08, Nicollette ’10, and Isabella ’19
  • Beth Albrecht and James Albrecht
    Emily ’14, Hannah ’16, and Rachel ’19
  • Salve and Lukman Alli
    Nicole ’07, Kimberly ’14, Diana ’15, and Oluwakemi ’19
  • Heather and Brian Angel
    Alexandra ’15, Ben ’17, and William ’19
  • Maral and Eli Chorbajian
    Abraham ’16, Arthur ’18, Maral ’19, and Sophia ’19
  • Yvette and Gavin Leaver
    Jesse ’12, Aidan ’19, and Emily ’19
  • Yolanda and Hector Romo
    Danielle ’08, Christopher ’09, and Isabella ’19
  • Julie and Andrew Rowlands
    Taylor ’14, Emma ’16, and Lauren ’19
  • Anne Marie Svolos and James Svolos
    Christina ’12, Julianna ’15, and Amanda ’19
  • Mona and James Thomas
    Isaiah ’16, Joshua ’17, and Imani ’19
  • Mary and Richard Yerzyk
    Nicholas ’09, Katherine ’11, Cameron ’15, and Meghan ’19

 

 

Jordan Axani Comes to Chaminade April 8

Jordan Axani has a long track record of bold acts that move and inspire people. His unique background and immense vulnerability have made Jordan a sought-after speaker on mental wellness and leadership. To learn more about Jordan, visit jordanaxani.com.

The Chaminade Wellness Program welcomes Jordan Axani, mental wellness and leadership expert, Monday, April 8, to speak to parents, students and teachers about the biggest problems facing our mental wellness.

During his visit, Jordan will give the following presentations:

  • Middle School: What’s Your Big Truth?
    Jordan shares stories and lessons of his struggles with letting his family and friends in on some of his mental health challenges and ways to cope by being open and honest.
  • High School: What’s Your Big Lie? 
    Jordan focuses on the mental health struggles that affect high school students today and offers coping skills such as acceptance, peer support, and awareness of local mental health resources.
  • Parent Presentation
    5:30 p.m. Reception  |  6:00 -7:00 p.m. Presentation

    Tutor Family Center for the Performing Arts, West Hills campus
    Jordan talks about the state of mental health in teenagers and discusses how parents can better communicate with their children on this important topic. All parents with a student(s) in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend. Click here to RSVP for the parent presentation.

This event is made possible by funds raised from the 2018 Chaminade Gala Benefit and Auction providing Chaminade the tools to expand our vision to develop resilient young men and women who can advocate for themselves and successfully balance school life.

Chaminade’s Commitment to Student Wellness

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AP Psych students during Mental Health Awareness Week helped classmates alleviate stress with smoothies and dancing. (photo by: High School Counseling)

Today’s students feel immense amounts of pressure and stress. Since 2013, teens have reported stress levels which exceed those of adults.

  • 61% of teens say stress and anxiety have a large impact on their lives.
  • 42% of teens say they are not doing enough to manage their stress.
  • 22% of teens actively seek support to reduce, manage, and eliminate stress.

Chaminade College Preparatory wants to help alleviate the stress, and during Chaminade Gala in March, Heather Eaton and Juliana Gallant, heads of the middle school and high school counseling departments, announced the creation of a Wellness Program.

It is a priority of the school to help students achieve school/life balance, manage stress, and prepare students for success, and is directly addressed in Chaminade’s new strategic plan. The idea of making emotional health and overall well-being a priority is not a new concept for Chaminade. This is an expansion of the school’s vision to develop resilient young women and young men who are adaptable self-advocates who successfully balance school and life.

To make this important initiative a reality, Chaminade parents, alumni faculty, staff, and friends were asked to invest in the newly created Wellness Program during the fund-a-need portion of the gala. Together they raised more than $111,000 to jump-start the program. Additional gifts are needed, and will help sustain and grow the Wellness Program, and give Chaminade the tools it needs to fulfill its promise to its students. Contributions can be given online; and any questions can be answered by the Advancement Office at (818) 360-0615.

As May 31 Approaches

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There’s just one week left to support the 2017-2018 Chaminade Fund campaign, and help us reach 100% participation among parents, alumni, and faculty and staff by May 31, 2018. To help us finish the year on a powerful note, please give your gift today. The easiest, quickest way is to give online, or you can call (818) 360-0615 to make your gift over the phone.

The Chaminade Fund is our highest fundraising priority, and allows us to fulfill our promise as a Catholic Marianist school to a Chaminade education affordable to a socioecnomically diverse community. Gifts to Chaminade’s Greatest Needs provide the most flexible funding, and allow Chaminade to respond to learning opportunities as they arise. Gifts may also be designated to support programs that are the most meaningful to you, such as the Wellness Program, financial aid, the arts, athletics, or other student programs.