Category Archives: Spirit and Community

Chaminade Honors 11 Families with The Family of Mary Award

Posted on by

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.

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

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

 

 

Chaminade’s First Spanish Honor Society Inducts 18 Students

Posted on by

In March, Chaminade inducted 18 students into the school’s first Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH) also known as the Hispanic Honor Society. SHH is a nationally recognized honor society for high school students enrolled in Spanish and Portuguese. Sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese, SHH currently has more than 2,900 active chapters worldwide. To be eligible, students must be actively enrolled in a second-year honor level Spanish class or higher. Students also have the opportunity to apply for college scholarships and travel awards.

“I am thrilled to have established Chapter Misión Marianista Española for the Hispanic Honor Society at Chaminade College Preparatory,” says Yesenia Macias, program moderator. “We are in our initial stages, but pleased to have initiated 18 students. As part of the expectations, students will participate in community service projects working with the Spanish speaking community. The overall mission is to raise awareness of the Spanish language and culture throughout both Chaminade and the greater community.”

To learn more about Chaminade’s Hispanic Honor Society contact Yesenia Macias at ymacias@chaminade.org

 

Jordan Axani Comes to Chaminade April 8

Posted on by

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.

Catholic Schools Week Comes to an End; Three Employees are Honored

Posted on by
Middle school students making blankets at SHINE Faith Sharing Lunch. Photo by Instagram @campusminnadems

Another successful Catholic Schools/Marianist Heritage Week has concluded at Chaminade College Preparatory. Students on both campuses enjoyed fun-filled, mission-driven activities. Middle schoolers enjoyed Dr. Seuss-themed special dress days and celebrated the week with an NJHS Bake Sale, Mix It Up Lunch, Faith Sharing, house picnic, and energetic Faith Rally.

High school students on a service trip with Habitat for Humanity. Photo by Instagram @nadeactivities

High school students commemorated the week with Random Acts of Kindness Lunch, an Instagram contest, the annual Fr. Chaminade Contest, a service trip with Habitat for Humanity, and an exciting Formation in Faith Rally.

Marianist Educators honored three fellow employees with the Blessed William Joseph Chaminade Award: Kelly Benning and Paul Sauter from West Hills, and Oscar Perez from Chatsworth. Each recipient was nominated by his or her peers for demonstrating one or more of the Characteristics of Marianist Education: integral, quality education; family spirit; adaptation and change; formation in faith; and service, justice, and peace.

Pictured left to right: Luis Guerra, Kelly Benning, Paul Sauter, and Bro. Adam Becerra, fsp. Photo by Pam Liceralde

Kelly Benning is the librarian at the West Hills campus. She makes the library an innovative learning space for discernment, reflection, and academic research. Under her leadership, the library is a gathering place where students are challenged to consider how they can contribute to society with their gifts and talents. 

Paul Sauter, biology teacher and science department chair on the West Hills campus, demonstrates compassion, humor, and love in all he does. Paul serves through the Kairos retreat every year and has coached in the past. He is always willing to give of himself to serve his students.

Pictured left to right: Nikki Russ, Oscar Perez, and Fr. Josephraj Rymond, S.M. Photo by Tommy Smeltzer

Oscar Perez is on the facilities staff at the Chatsworth campus. With a positive attitude, Oscar imparts warmth, understanding, and generosity in all he does, from setting up for Masses and rallies, to finding solutions to complicated campus problems. His work is precise, accurate, and done with a smile. Dedicated to helping students, faculty, and staff, Oscar has a hand in everything on the Chatsworth campus.

Four Alumni to be Inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame

Posted on by

On Saturday, February 2, 2019, President Rob Webb and Chaminade College Preparatory will honor four alumni at the third annual Alumni Hall of Fame.

Mary McDonough ’79 Mary is an actor, activist, and author. She is most well -known for her role as Erin Walton on The Waltons. She has written three books, one memoir, and two novels. She is an advocate for women’s body issues and plastic surgery education and safety regulations. Mary also offers life coaching and workshops to provide tools for body image management to those in the entertainment industry.

Brittany Solis ’13 Brittany was a multi-sport athlete at Chaminade, playing varsity volleyball, soccer and softball. She continued her softball career at the University of Central Florida where she played all four years, starting every game and helping her team to win the American Athletic Conference Championships two times. Brittany is passionate about community service and hopes to work for the Dodgers. 

NetflixScott Stuber ’87 Scott is a film producer and currently heads Netflix’s original film department. He has produced over 30 films and 7 television series throughout his career. Scott was the vice chairman of worldwide production for Universal Pictures, producing films like Couples Retreat, The Fast and Furious Series and Role Models. Netflix expects to roll out 55 original films per year under Scott’s guidance and has already seen great success with Bird Box and Roma. 

Mathew Troupe ’11 Mathew was an all-around player on the varsity baseball team at Chaminade and later emerged as a talented pitcher. He played baseball for the University of Arizona where he pitched the final innings of the 2012 National Championship clinching the win against South Carolina as a freshman. He continued his career at CSUN as a player/coach. In 2017, Mathew was hired as the pitching coach at Emory University and he is currently the Director of Baseball Operations at the University of San Diego. 

Tickets are available online for this event at www.chaminade.org/Alumni_HOF.