Welcome to the fifty-third edition of the
Panther Press,
a biweekly electronic newsletter sent to families and friends of
San Joaquin Memorial High School.
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SJM Class of 2022 Highlights:
- 120 Seniors Graduating in 2022
- Baccalaureate Mass Recap
- Senior College Signing Day
- Omowunmi "Wunmi" Omololu is Attending Cornell University
- Fashion Show Video with Baby & Senior Pictures
- 7 Powerful Prayers for the Class of 2022
- 3 #SJMSpeaks Student Profiles
- Senior Yearbook Reveal
- Words of Advice from Dr. Mark Glafke '90
- Video: Dear Class of 2022 Alumni Greetings
- Class of 2022 Senior Video
Past Events & Announcements:
- S Club Holds Annual Sunflower Induction Ceremony
- NHHS Holds Senior Farewell Ceremony
- Bus Stop Dedication & Blessing
- Speech Demonstration Projects
- Support the 2022 Spring Fling Drawing
- Top 10 Tips to Survive Final Exams
- Congratulations to CSF Life Members
- National Honor Society - Class of 2022
- Major Renovations to SJM Campus
- The Red & Blue News Team
- Farewell to all SJM Retiring Teachers
SJM Spring Sports Highlights & Updates:
- SJM Swim & Dive
- Senior Nights
- SJM Track & Field
Student Spotlights:
- Jack Sampson
- Math Club Competition Team
- Alyssa Askins
- Claire Fitzgerald
Upcoming Events:
- SJM Class of 2022 Graduation (May 21)
- Track & Field Valley Championship (May 21)
- Athletics Physical Night (May 25)
More Announcements:
- Senior Events Reminder Info.
- Fresno Catholic Schools System
- SJM Summer School 2022
- Accepting Donations
- Water Polo Summer Camp
- Office of College & School Counseling
- Spread the Word About Memorial & Shadow Visits
- Follow us on Social Media!
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Congratulations Class of 2022! |
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SJM Annual Baccalaureate Mass |
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On Tuesday, May 17, 2022 San Joaquin Memorial High School celebrated the Annual Baccalaureate Mass at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Joseph V. Brennan. It was a very special evening for all of the graduates. Thank you to everyone who made it a wonderful night for the seniors and their families.
To view more photos please click on the following link.
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Senior College Signing Day |
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Omowunmi "Wunmi" Omololu from the Class of 2022 will be Attending Cornell University! |
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Congratulations to Omowunmi "Wunmi" Omololu who has recently accepted her admission to Cornell University, one of the eight Ivy League schools in the nation. Ivy League Universities are generally viewed as some of the most prestigious, and are ranked among the best universities worldwide.
While many students dream of attending one of the colleges in the elite Ivy League for their undergraduate education Wunmi has made this dream a reality for herself through hard work, commitment to excel and tenacity.
While getting accepted to one of the eight Ivy League schools in America has long been notoriously difficult, admission to top colleges overall has become increasingly challenging as more students apply according to a U.S. News article.
In a recent interview with Wunmi she shared with us her excitement and of course many other emotions of such important milestone in her life. You can learn more about Wunmi below and what this Cornell University acceptance letter means to her.
Q1: How do you feel about getting accepted at Cornell University and attending there in the fall?
A1: I feel very excited, blessed, and grateful that I was admitted to Cornell University. As the admissions are getting more and more selective each year, it is said that the acceptance rate was one of the lowest for my year at ~6%. Being a part of this admission statistic is honestly an honor and is something I feel very accomplished of. I also feel that my hard work has definitely paid off and I am very content with my efforts through sports and other extracurriculars in and out of school these past 4 years.
Q2: How does your family feel about this big milestone in your life?
A2: My family feels extremely proud of me about this big milestone in my life. They have told me countless times that they have known how much I have wanted to go to an Ivy League University for as long as they can remember, and thus they are very happy and excited for me. I have received an overwhelming amount of praise from my aunts, uncles, family friends, and more for my acceptance which has also felt so special. My parents specifically are very proud of me and continue to praise me for being a great role model for my two younger siblings. That being said, my entire family has also told me how much they will miss me later this year when I’m in Ithaca, New York!
Q3: What does getting accepted into an Ivy League school mean to you as a woman of color?
A3: As a woman of color, getting accepted to an Ivy League school means a lot to me. This is because it shows to any other person of color that going to an Ivy League school is definitely possible and that as long as we keep persevering, even through the trials and tribulations along the way, we can keep increasing the black and minority presence in these elite institutions. In addition, getting into an Ivy League University as a woman of color means a lot to me on a personal level because it has demonstrated that God has always had a special plan for me, regardless of the challenges along the way. It has truly been humbling to see God direct my path and footsteps in the right direction that has led me to where I am now.
Q4: What do you think contributed to your acceptance to Cornell University? List 2-3 things that were critical in this acceptance.
A4: I would say my family, and my education and teachers from San Joaquin Memorial most contributed to my acceptance into Cornell University. My family has always been so supportive of me and have given me a strong foundational base to achieve my dreams. My mother specifically, has been my biggest advocate and inspiration to me as a full time Physician in Visalia. She has always been there for me and I definitely would not have been able to do it without her. In addition, my education from San Joaquin Memorial has definitely contributed to my acceptance to Cornell University. This is because it has given me the tools and knowledge to succeed academically, and has ultimately helped me to finish my senior year as one of the class valedictorians. My teachers at San Joaquin Memorial, namely Mr. Borges, Mr. Williams, and Mrs. Robins, have definitely prepared me for future classes in college and have taught me some essential life lessons that will stay with me in the future. I definitely feel that Memorial has prepared me well to attend and succeed at Cornell University. The teachers have helped me immensely through academia, and my counselor Mrs. Cameron has phenomenally helped me through my college planning process. I definitely feel that I am prepared to thrive at Cornell due to the rigor and strong foundational base that Memorial has given to me.
Q5: As a young girl did you always know you wanted to attend an Ivy League school?
A5: As a young girl, I definitely have always wanted to go to an Ivy League University. Anyone who personally knows me, can tell you that it has always been my ambition and goal to enter one of these elite institutions from a young age. I would say I knew I wanted to attend an Ivy League University from the age of 12 or even younger, or possibly when I entered middle school in 6th grade. Having this long awaited dream has served as a constant reminder and motivator to pursue this dream and not stop until the end goal is achieved. I actually don’t remember a time when I didn’t think about going to an Ivy League University, as I have wanted it for so long and I am so happy that it has finally come true!
Q6: What would you tell a junior at Memorial who is afraid of applying to an Ivy League school?
A6: For any juniors who are afraid of applying to an Ivy League University, I would say that they should not let the fear stop them, and to apply to as many as they can and are able to! Especially with the admissions criteria and rates changing each year, you just never know which ones will take you and which ones won’t. That being said, I believe applying to and ultimately being accepted to an Ivy League University is a once in a lifetime opportunity and thus, fear should not hinder this significant opportunity to do so. I would also tell them that although the process of applying to an Ivy League University can be a long and tiring process, you should always give it your best effort at all times. In my opinion, anything you do, should be done well and with your best effort because there isn’t a point to doing a task halfway or a rushed job to not put your best foot forward. That way, when the application process is over, regardless of the outcome, you can say “I tried my best”, which is ultimately what matters.
Q7: When we hear from you as an Alumni 5 or even 10 years from today where in life will you be?
A7: As I want to major in Economics and pursue a career in finance, when you hear from me in 5 years as an Alumni, I hope to have a full time job at one of the Bulge Bracket Banks as a full time investment banker, graduated in the past year with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Cornell University. In 10 years, I hope to have been promoted from a junior investment banker to one of the senior roles, possibly a Vice President or Managing Director in the investment banking division at one of the Bulge Bracket Banks.
Wunmi your SJM family is extremely proud of your accomplishments and celebrates this important milestone of attending an elite institution in the fall where you'll be furthering your higher education. Good luck in all your future endeavors and we look forward to seeing the successful professional you'll become one day.
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3
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Class of 2022 Fashion Show Video with Baby Pictures & Senior Pictures |
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To view all 7 Powerful Prayers please visit SJM's Instagram page or click on the photo.
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#SJMSpeaks: Student Profile on Analiese Figueroa Class of 2022! |
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#SJMSpeaks: Student Profile on Kyle Shimamoto Class of 2022! |
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#SJMSpeaks: Student Profile on Izabella Vasquez Class of 2022! |
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On Monday, May 16, 2022 the Class of 2022 had their Yearbook Reveal gathering in the quad during lunch.
They were the first ones to have their hands on the 2021-2022 Yearbook --- no other class had received their Yearbook yet! The Senior class choose Chick-Fil-A for lunch and had the opportunity to sign each others Yearbooks! It was fun yet bittersweet to see them enjoy one of their last lunches on campus.
Seniors enjoy every second of this week because it will all fly by! Continue smiling and making the best out of your last days as a Memorial Senior. You'll soon be a SJM Alumni!
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There are extra Yearbooks available. Please bring $100 to Ms. Hathaway in Room 51 to purchase your 2021-2022 Yearbook. The theme of this year's Yearbook is "We're Better Together"! |
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Dr. Mark Glafke SJM Class of 1990 Gives the Class of '22 Valuable Advice |
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The SJM Communications team recently established communication with Dr. Mark Glafke '90 when we learned that he gave the second reading on Good Friday (April 15, 2022) at the Vatican with Pope Francis.
Dr. Glafke is a licensed psychologist and Health Service Provider in Psychology (HSPP) for the state of Indiana. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1994. He holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Purdue University Class of 2010.
He has previously worked as a psychologist in the counseling center at Purdue University, for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, and at a Community Mental Health center before opening his own private practice in Lafayette, IN in 2013.
His work led him to a position as a consultant and adjunct faculty for Mundelein Seminary in Illinois (while maintaining his private practice and residence in Indiana) before accepting his current position at the seminary in Rome.
Dr. Glafke offered the following advice to the SJM Class of 2022:
What advice would you give our Senior Class of 2022 graduating in exactly 1 month?
A. Life: Deepen your relationship with God or if you are struggling with it, be willing to investigate it openly and seek guidance and support from priests and religious to have questions answered. Developing confidence in Our Lord’s specific love and delight in you will be the bedrock for the remainder of your decisions and choices throughout your life and help you grow and thrive in life despite its challenges and disappointments.
i. Be brutally honest with yourself about your strengths and weakness.
ii. Think of the well-being of others before yourself and you will never be
without.
iii. Ditch social media and interact directly with friends and family.
iv. Be willing to speak with your loved ones about difficulties in your
relationships. It is difficult but a path to healing and strong relationships.
B. Academics and Career:
i. If you go on to college, don’t stress about the major you choose. Select
something that holds great interest to you and apply yourself as best you
can. Showing yourself and potential future employers or graduate
schools that you are bright, motivated, hard-working and mature.
ii. If you don’t pursue studies in college, pursue a trade or vocational pursuit
so that you can earn a living wage and live without debt.
iii. Focus on developing authentic, honest, and loving relationships
with friends, family, and others. It will be the most important thing in
your life next to your Catholic faith.
iv. Begin investing money each month even if it is only a small
amount. It will add up over time and over twenty years you will thank me
for it.
Dr. Glafke currently lives on the campus of the Pontifical North American College, which is actually located within the Vatican City State, and therefore only a short walk to St. Peter’s Basilica. He returns to Fresno at least once a year to visit friends and family.
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Dear Class of 2022 - Alumni Greetings! |
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SJM Alumni send their advice for the future to the Class of 2022! Thank you Spencer Douangphouxay '22 for producing the video! |
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Class of 2022 Senior Video! |
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Past Events & Announcements |
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S Club Holds Annual Sunflower Induction Ceremony for the 2022-2023 Board Members |
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S Club is our longstanding school service club and it is led by a highly motivated, compassionate, classy bunch of students on our S Club Board. These board members are in charge of monthly and annual service projects to promote our mission of service to our community.
Our annual induction mass includes a traditional sunflower ceremony to formally pass the baton to the next group. Miss Frye is very proud of these generous and involved scholars!
2022-2023 Board Members:
1. President: Jacob Zarate
2. Vice President: Lea Verni
3. Treasurer: Roxie Richburg
4. Corresponding Secretary: Ava Jahromi
5. Publicity: Talyn McCaslin
6. Historian: Jasleen Sidhu
7. Recording Secretary: Lexie Kendall
8. Upper Rep: Nicole Lanfranco
9. Lower Rep: Lucy Bennett
10. Community Outreach Member: Sophia Reyna
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NHHS Holds Senior Ceremony |
List of the honorees:
Salem Bassi
Ashley Belleza
Gentry Conner
Jazmine Cortez
Danielle Diener
Spencer Douangphouxay
Anna Fagundes
Mia Fisher
Claire Fitzgerald
Jacob Levy
Megan McCraw
Nathalie Medrano
Matthew Mon Pere
Brooke Neville
Wunmi Omololu
Sasha Richburg
Adrian Ucelo
Izabella Vasquez
Samantha Villalvazo
Tera Wathen
William Wilkins
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The National History Honors Society held its first full Senior Ceremony since the spring of 2019 on Sunday, May 15th.
Twenty-one seniors were honored for their active participation in NHHS.
According to the national organization, National History Club, each chapter may award a red graduation cord if the student has been an active member for at least two years, have enrolled in at least two AP/Honors courses in the humanities, attended at least one field trip per year, maintained a 3.25 unweighted GPA, and achieved a 70% rating in points earned for the course
of each member’s tenure in the club.
Incoming club president, Charlotte Burks, emceed the event that was highlighted by keynote speaker, Mr. Anthony Goston, principal of SJM. Mr.
Goston taught world history and US History before transitioning into administration; he is the teacher who first introduced the highly successful AP European History program to SJM. Mr Goston encouraged students to always ask why and to challenge the status quo.
The National History Club also designates one student from each of its chapter to receive a Student of the Year award as suggested by the chapter moderator. In the past, Elliott Nerenberg, Margaret Smith, and Catherine Gleason earned this award; this year the award went to co-President Mia
Fisher. Jazmine Cortez was also honored for the highest club rating in her three years of membership.
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NHHS Student of the Year, Mia Fisher with Principal Anthony Goston (left) and club moderator Ed Borges (right) |
Bus Stop Dedication and Blessing! |
In February of 2021 some students decided to raise money for their school. Led by then Junior Ashley Belleza '22, she and 7 of her classmates raised money to purchase a new bench for the student bus stop area near Floradora Ave. Since that time their bench donation has grown into a revitalization of the entire bus stop area. Over the next few months, a second bench will be added to this area along with a shade structure to cover the benches for a nicer and more welcoming waiting area.
Thank you to all of the students in the class of 2022 who committed to getting this project started; Ashley Belleza, Sarah Marmolejo, Spencer Douangphouxay, Miyah Carrillo, Megan McCraw, Izabella Vasquez, Teda Pel, and Birdie Rouse. You have left a wonderful gift for future Panthers!
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Speech Demonstration Projects |
Recently, the Speech students completed a demonstration project, in which they taught their class how to complete a specific task. Some students demonstrated their flair of cooking, baking, making slime, paper flowers, and much more. They became the teacher for the day, and they all learned from one another. This was a wonderful unit on how to successfully instruct an audience with a demonstration. Students enjoyed teaching one another and have become more proficient in their public speaking and writing skills. Mrs. Holden and Ms. Rendon are very proud of their students. |
2022 Spring Fling Drawing to Support the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial! |
The San Joaquin Memorial community has come together like we do every year to support The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial!
This exciting annual giving campaign will take place from now until May 31, 2022! The $5,000 cash prize drawing will take place on June 1, 2022.
The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial is the school’s annual giving campaign. It is the vehicle by which alumni, parents, parents of alumni, grandparents and friends provide financial support to help keep Memorial strong.
All gifts to the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial have an enormous impact on Memorial’s ability to enhance its standards of excellence in teaching, scholarships, student development and facilities. Your annual gifts fuel the success of this school and touch every aspect of our students’ experience.
Specifically, your gift to The Fund for San Joaquin Memorial will:
Provide tuition assistance and scholarships to deserving students – making an education at San Joaquin Memorial possible for more young men and women.
Contribute to the cutting-edge technology, lab equipment and other state-of-the-art learning tools used in the classroom.
Instill in students a deep awareness of God’s presence in their lives through a dynamic Campus Ministry program.
Give students an extraordinary and enriching experience that they will treasure for a lifetime.
With a gift of any size you are helping Memorial stay faithful to its mission and continue building tomorrow’s leaders.
In order to support from this newsletter you can do so by one of 2 ways:
1) Scan the QR code below and it will take you directly to the page to support Memorial
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Scan the QR code above to Support the Fund for San Joaquin Memorial! |
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Join us to keep Memorial strong! Can we count with your support to reach $100,000? |
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Good Luck to all Students on
their Final Exams!
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Click on the photo above to view all Study Tips. |
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Congratulations to the 43 CSF Life Members! |
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Congratulations to our 2022 CSF Life Members who joined together in the Academic Center on Friday, May 13th to pick up their CSF Regalia and a Chick-Fil-A lunch to go. The 43 CSF members earned Life Member status by being active CSF Members for 4 semesters with 1 being from their senior year. On graduation day, the CSF Life members will be able to wear their gold cords, gold tassels, and lamp pins. |
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Life Members:
1. Alyssa Askins
2. Ashley Belleza
3. Giovanni Blanchette
4. Zoey Cardosa
5. Hogan Castro
6. Ziyi Chen
7. Slater Christensen
8. Gentry Conner
9. Jazmine Cortez
10. Ashley Cullins
11. Emily Cullins
12. Danielle Diener
13. Spencer Douangphouxay
14. Anna Fagundes
15. Analiese Figueroa
16. Mia Fisher
17. Claire Fitzgerald
18. Andrew Hall
19. Hee Won Jang
20. Chiara Kelstrom
21. Kelly Lee
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22. Jacob Levy
23. Lauren Lopez
24. Sarah Marmolejo
25. Nathalie Medrano
26. Matthew Mon Pere
27. Connor Nassar
28. Brooke Neville
29. Omowunmi Omololu
30. Teda Pel
31. Hallie Pham
32. Sasha Richburg
33. Matthew Roque
34. Annalisa Rouse
35. Jack Sampson
36. Kyle Shimamoto
37. Nicole Smittcamp
38. Morgan Stevens
39. Adrian Ucelo
40. Izabella Vasquez
41. Tera Wathen
42. William Wilkins
43. Tong Yi
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National Honor Society – Class of 2022 |
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On Thursday, May 12, at the SJM National Honor Society Senior Banquet, we
celebrated the achievements and upcoming graduation of the Class of 2022 NHS
members. Newly inducted 2022-2023 officers introduced each senior, sharing
highlights of their college plan, memories at Memorial, and advice to younger
classmates. Dinner was catered by SJM Chef Garo Tateosian and served by the NHS
Banquet Committee: President Charlotte Burks, Vice President Jacob Zarate,
Treasurer Joseph Cantelmi, Secretary Juliet Hallier, Service Coordinator Vince Smith and Lara Omololu.
NHS Class of 2022
Alyssa Askins, Historian
Ashley Belleza, Service Coordinator
Jazmine Cortez
Ashley Cullins
Spencer Douangphouxay, President
Anna Fagundes
Analiese Figueroa
Mia Fisher
Claire Fitzgerald
Rachel Gizaw
Kelly Lee
Jacob Levy, Treasurer
Nathalie Medrano
Matthew Mon Pere*
Brooke Neville
Omowunmi Omololu
Hallie Pham, Vice President
Sasha Richburg, Secretary
Jack Sampson
Kyle Shimamoto
Nicole Smittcamp*
Adrian Ucelo
Izabella Vasquez
Tera Wathen
William Wilkins*
Julian Years
Tong Yi*
*not pictured
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Major Renovations to SJM Campus |
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New Furniture at the Mary Alice Diener Academic Center
In efforts to continue facilitating the different learning styles of all of our student body we continue to convert the media center into a learning hub where all students can access resources for them to be successful. We had new furniture arrive a month ago.
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Brand New Pergola Outside Campus Commons (Cafeteria)
While the students were on Easter Break Memorial had a large pergola installed adjacent to the existing one. This will allow for more students to gather during lunch under a shaded area. With Spring here students want to be outdoors more doing collaborative work with their peers.
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The initial work of Installing Air Conditioning inside the SJM Main Gym has begun! Stay tuned for more updates... |
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The Red & Blue News Team Continue to Cover all of the End-of-the-Year Activities |
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The Red & Blue News team have been working away to create some fun and informative content throughout the last several weeks of the 2021-2022 school year. They are currently creating content to highlight the SJM Class of 2022. And we also recommend you visit their Instagram page and website for new content.
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Thank you and Farewell to all SJM Teachers Retiring this Year! |
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Best Wishes on Retirement Ms. Hathaway! |
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We have SJM Teachers retiring this year after many years of commitment and compassion toward our students. It's difficult to say happy retirement because we'll miss them on campus, but we do wish them the best in this new and exciting chapter in their lives.
Ms. Hathaway is SJM's Visual & Performing Arts Instructor and Yearbook Advisor. After 8 memorable years with SJM she'll be retiring.
Our teachers have been part of our students' lives for many years and without them students would be lost! They guide on their way to success and help students write their futures as brightly as possible.
A teacher helps students enjoy life with a proper education. They provide students instructions in literacy and other aspects of education like arts, civics, life skills, even community roles. A teacher's role doesn't end in the classroom and saying goodbye to them after several years of educating hundreds of our students will be hard.
We recently interviewed Ms. Hathaway and you can learn more about her below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
There are too many fond memories to write here, but some highlights are:
•Years of art-making with my students, bringing their wild and wonderful ideas to life in clay and other materials.
•Art 3 is always a memory maker as we do body casting and crazy concept art. I have had to recruit Mr. Padilla to help body cast some male students!
•Community art shows championing student work have been a highlight, and the SJM family support shown in the attendance of these shows will always be remembered.
•I have many fond memories of faculty/staff retreats where honesty, bonding, and spiritual growth was so mutual and meaningful.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
I will miss the sincere friendships I have with my colleagues. We have walked through so much together. These people are a treasure, and I will miss them terribly. I will miss my amazing, kind, intelligent, authentic students. We have had such a wonderful experience together!
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
I smile when I see my students come into the art room and begin working before the bell, accessing all of the materials freely, taking care of the studio... acting like they own the place, because they do! They know this room is theirs, here to house all they need to make good art.
I smile when we have our spontaneous daily interactions in the classroom. These kids are clever, kind, funny, interesting, and we have so many great conversations.
And actually, I am always so happy to see each of them when they walk through my door.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
Only God really knows, but I think I have a little sneak peak into the plan. I plan to teach ceramics out of my garden in the spring and fall, and then be in San Luis Obispo (where I am from) when it is hot here in the summer, and when it is gray in the winter.
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
1. Do not be afraid to be yourself. Your unique personality is just what is needed here. Your teachers value you, and will support you.
2. Do not be lazy. Your parents and teachers care and will require hard work from you. You will grow to know you can do things you didn't know you could, and you will grow in confidence to accomplish what God is calling you to.
3. Talk to God. Pour your heart out to Him. He loves and forgives. Follow Him! ... and that will mean forgiving yourself and others continually.
Ms. Hathaway, the SJM community is grateful to have had the pleasure of working with you. Current students and SJM Alumni wish you the very best in your retirement and please know that Memorial will always be your home when you'd like to come back and visit us! Happy retirement Ms. Hathaway. We will miss you!
"A great teacher plants the seeds of greatness in the minds of future generations." -Debasish Mridha
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Happy Retirement Mr. Danks-Ferguson! |
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Mr. Danks-Ferguson will be retiring after teaching for 32 years at San Joaquin Memorial High School. We are very grateful for all his years of service, teaching and commitment to his students.
Not seeing Mr. Danks-Ferguson teaching anymore will be something that we will all miss tremendously. He's taught over one third of our SJM Alumni.
A strong education, a series of opportunities, coaching cross country and the ability to guide students in their most important years of their lives all add up to 32 years of service for our retiring Religious Studies teacher.
We recently interviewed Mr. Danks-Ferguson and you can learn more about him below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
a) I have a lot of fond memories of SJM. I've really enjoyed working with the cross country team for 31 of the 32 years. It's great to be able to be with students in different ways beyond the classroom. The sport of cross country has been a favorite of mine since I ran in high school in the early 1970's.
b) Working on the Kairos retreats since they began in 2010 has been another one of my best memories. It brings the students and adults together in a very special way that can't be matched in the classroom. I believe it's been the best change we've had at Memorial during my 32 years of service. I plan on coming back to help with Kairos in the future.
c) I really enjoy meeting former students when they come back to visit as adults. I've taught a lot of the children of my former students and that's really enjoyable. The best part is becoming colleagues with them when they return to work at Memorial because it was a significant part of their lives when they were students and they now want to share that same significance with other students.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
I will miss the immediacy of my relationships with literally hundreds of people over the years. I know I will run into a lot of people because I will still be associated with the school during retirement but it won't be the same as coming to see so many of them everyday on campus.
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
I have loved working with young people. I believe it's time for me to leave and I will not have daily close contact with so many positive and enthusiastic teenagers. It's helped to keep me young, to be gifted with the presence of so much youthful energy most of the days of my life.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
a) I intend to do a fair amount of volunteer work with service organizations like Poverello House. It was through a program like one of the many that they have at the "Pov" that my father who was an alcoholic and who for a short time was homeless, was able to get sober and put his life back together. I feel like I owe organizations like that a debt of gratitude. During the last 13 years of his life I met a very different man than the one I grew up with since I was very young. I have a lot to learn and some relationships to form with people who can teach me about God's love for the poor.
b) I want to drive around the country with loved ones and see America close up.
c) I want to be surprised by the wonders that God can bring into my life everyday if I slow down enough to give grace the chance to really work on me.
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
For advice, maybe I'll just say to students what I'm thinking about making my theme for my retirement: "The best is yet to come!"
Thank you Mr. Danks-Ferguson for teaching religion --- a very important subject at our institution for 32 years. You always showed so much passion for cross country as well. You will be greatly missed, but are always welcome to return back on campus. Our current students and SJM Alumni wish you the very best in this new and exciting chapter.
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Enjoy your Retirement Ms. Zanutto! |
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Ms. Zanutto has always had a very special place in her heart for her students. And for even the smallest milestones her students reached, she found the rewards immeasurable.
Ms. Zanuto has taught art at Memorial for 23 years and the confidence boosting she's given her students has been overwhelmingly inspiring. To this day that positive experience in her classroom is something that Alumni continue talking about even after years of graduating from San Joaquin Memorial High School.
We recently interviewed Ms. Zanutto and you can learn more about her below:
1) What are your most fond memories here at Memorial?
So many varied and fond memories. It is hard to put into just a couple sentences. Any and all of my fond memories are always about students or a particular Art class. I’ll list a few specifics:
Having my own children at SJM Fromm 1999- 2005 and giving them the best education in Fresno.
The opportunity to see student talent thrive and grow. Some students never knew that they had artistic ability until they took Art at SJM. And of course, those few that are uniquely gifted; I had the ultimate gift of watching their abilities bloom while masterpieces were created. And I learned a few things as well.
Taking students to Europe on numerous occasions allowed me to get to enjoy students and parents on a level that isn’t possible during normal school hours. So many invaluable memories and bonding happened on those trips abroad.
The best part of this job was getting to know so many young people and their families. These kids are loved and it it shows! It was an honor and a joy to teach them the best subject every day. Individual personalities made a lasting mark that I will cherish.
2) What will you miss the most about SJM?
What will I miss the most? The laughter, the stupid jokes, the banter, the student ART, the routine, seeing God in these kids and their smiles! I’m so glad we finally got to see those again! And opening up a huge box of Art supplies! That never grows old.
3) What's one or two things that always made you smile when you looked at your students?
What made me smile? Many things, but I loved it when I could see that they understood a concept. Or how happy creating could make them and when they persevered on a difficult project and succeeded.
Also watching them play sports gave me great joy. Seeing them do what they loved and excelled at and the smile of victory.
4) What are your plans for retirement?
So many things I need to do. I don’t have one big plan…..yet! First thing I want to do is finish writing the memoir I started about my late husband.
I will travel back east to visit my sister and her family. I will also go and visit friends that have moved out of California. I am hoping to cycle more; at least a couple times a week, and once travel becomes less restrictive, I want to do a bike tour in Europe with friends that I’ve cycled with the last decade.
And REST! Read books forever. Not care about what time it is, or find that week ends are never long enough!
5) Advice to high school students coming to Memorial in the years to come?
My advice to future Panthers... TAKE ART!! And to remember at SJM... we are in the Holy Presence of God, all the time.
Congratulations on your retirement Ms. Zanutto! SJM Alumni and current students are wishing you the best of health, happiness, and success on your new journey in life. We will miss not seeing you on campus because you have been an important role model for many teenagers that had the pleasure of having you as a teacher.
If you put in as much effort enjoying your retirement as you have working with Memorial, it is sure to be a success!
"Being a teacher is an essential connection between what is and what can be." -Teresa Thayer Snyder
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SJM Spring Sports Highlights & Updates |
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Pics: Aubry is on the left, Jaida is on the right and Coach Jocelyn Jones is in the middle. |
Congratulationss to Aubrey & Jaida on your most recent accomplishments!
This year was our inaugural year for the sport/event of 1-meter Springboard Diving. For this being our first year, the girls did absolutley AMAZING!
Aubrey McGowan (11th Grade) took 2nd place overall in CIF section championships and Jaida Sambueso (10th) took 6th overall!
Coach Jocelyn has done an incredible job for her first year and we are very much looking forward to next year. We are very proud of you girls!
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The SJM Swim team wrapped up last weekend with dive.
Congratulations to valley finalist, the valley team and the entire swim and dive program for an excellent season.
They had cold, hard morning practices and swam just under four hundred thousand yards this swim season.
Divers did a great job traveling back and forth to practice at Edison High School and also had the highest ranks in leagues and valleys throughout the whole program!
We are proud of all Panthers who gave their best during the entire season.
We look forward to reaching new milestones together next season.
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SJM Baseball Senior Night |
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To see more photos on the Baseball Senior Night please click on the photo above. |
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The SJM community wants to recognize our 9 Senior Players for their hard work and commitment to baseball during their time at Memorial! We are proud of all your accomplishments here and cannot wait to hear what you accomplish as an Alumni of SJM in the near future.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S :
Jack Sampson
Giovanni Blanchette
Michael Bell
Hogan Castro
Brock Harrington
Bryce Padilla
Michael Monreal
Charlie Monterrosa
Colby Evans
We are excited to see where they'll all attend in the fall! We wish all of you the best in your future endeavors!
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SJM Boy's Golf Senior Night |
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The SJM community also wants to recognize our 4 Senior Golf Players for their hard work and commitment to golf during their time at SJM! We are proud of all your accomplishments here and cannot wait to hear what you accomplish as an Alumni of SJM in the near future.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S:
Kyle Kashian
Matt Roque
Slater Christensen
Luke Thomason
Good luck Panthers!
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SJM Softball Senior Night |
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We recognize our 6 Senior Players for their hard work and commitment to softball during their time at Memorial! We are proud of all your accomplishments here and cannot wait to hear what you accomplish as an Alumni of SJM in the near future.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S :
Alex Alarcón
Gabbi Pool
Jaylen Galaviz
Alyssa Askins
Megan McGraw
Jade Huerta
Let's go Lady Panthers! Good luck!
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Congratulations to our SJM Track & Field team for making it to Divisional Championships last Wednesday, May 11, 2022. They had a very good track meet that day. It was also very inspiring and moving to see them come together at the end of the meet and give thanks to GOD. Thank you for being such role models Panthers! Congrats on an amazing season! They will be at CIF Central on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 5 pm!
And also a big shout out to Brandon Ramirez '23. He ran 10.72 (wind legal) in the 100m to break the school record previously set by the Great Jalen McMillan back in 2019!
The Memorial Track & Field is producing some fast times!!!
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Picture above: Brandon Ramirez (Twitter Page) |
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Congratulations to Jack Sampson '22 for his CIF Central Section Scholar Athlete Award! |
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Jack Sampson was one of the recipients of the CIF Central Section Scholar Athlete Awards! A dinner was held 2 weeks ago to recognize Jack Sampson and the other recipients within our section. Congratulations Panther!
This year’s scholarship class was comprised of students who excelled in the classroom, on the playing field and with their community service. Each league selected their top male and female student athlete and each received a $500 scholarship.
The Male Honoree for the County Metro Athletic Conference was Sampson. He has played three years of varsity soccer and four years of varsity baseball. In soccer, he earned all-league honorable mention as a freshman, all league second-team recognition as a sophomore and was named team captain as a senior. In baseball, Jack was on Memorial’s 2021 County Metro Athletic Conference championship team.
He recovered from back surgery during his junior year, kept up with his AP classes and maintained a 4.35 GPA.
He is one of Memorial’s valedictorians. Sampson has received a number of scholastic commendations in honors classes, is a member of the National Honors Society and campus ministry team.
The community organizations Jack has volunteered with include the Boys and Girls Club, Catholic Charities, Valley Children’s Home, St. Anthony’s Knights of Columbus and local nursing homes as well as Memorial High fundraisers. He plans to major in Human-Centered Engineering at Boston College.
We are proud of your accomplishments and wish you good luck in your future endeavors!
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Congratulations Math Club Competition Team for Earning First Place! |
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Congratulations to the Math Club Competition Team of Migel Teodoro, Blake Mendez, Jordan Mazmanian, Daniella Golik, Nicole Lanfranco, Charlotte Burks, Giovanni Provenzano, and Yasin Araim for earning first place in the small high school division on April 30, 2022 at Math Field Day at Fresno State. A special congratulations to Migel and Blake for earning 3rd place in the partner competition. |
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Alyssa Askins '22 is Honored with a Senior Girl Athlete Scholarship Award! |
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Congratulations to Alyssa Askins SJM Class of '22 on her Senior Girl Athlete Scholarship Award. In partnership with the Junior League of Fresno, KSEE24 presented the annual Senior Girl Athlete Scholarship Awards on May 11, 2022, where 23 exceptional young women were honored. They excel in academics, athletics, community service and leadership.
The organization aims to help build better communities, and the Senior Girl Athlete Scholarship Awards are just a small part of it. The first Junior League chapter was founded in 1901 and the organization has grown into one of the oldest and largest women’s volunteer organizations in the world. The local chapter here in Fresno has been serving the Central Valley since 1948.
We are proud of all your accomplishments Alyssa and your SJM family wishes you continued success as a soon to be Memorial Alumna.
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Claire Fitzgerald '22 is Recognized as a B'nai B'rith Nominee! |
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On Monday May 16, 2022 Claire Fitzgerald was recognized as a Student Athlete of the Year 2022. She shared with us the following: "Being nominated for the B’nai B'rith award was such an honor. I am so grateful for my parents always helping and encouraging me to grow academically and athletically. I could never repay them for the amount of sacrifices they’ve made for me to be able to play years worth of club and school sports. I would also like to thank all my coaches who contributed to me becoming the volleyball and lacrosse player I am today. They always pushed me to be a better player and teammate and taught me to be confident enough to pursue any accomplishment. My teachers played an equally, if not more, important role through their flexibility and understanding whenever I had to miss class for a game or tournament. I could not have done it without them. It was an amazing experience and an even more amazing group of students from the valley. Each athlete deserved the award and I know they will all continue to do great things."
Congratulations Claire and best of luck in all your future endeavors!
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This year's Senior Graduation Ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Warnors Theatre in Downtown Fresno. The ceremony begins at 10:00 am.
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Many great performances at the Divisional Track and Field Championships last Wednesday.
Our girls 4x100 relay (Katerina Rodriguez, Aggie Torres, Arden Spencer, Mia Faul) ran their fastest time of the year. Aggie Torres and Mia Faul each earned medals in the individual sprints.
Our boys 4x100 relay team (Ryan Wristen, Donovan Harris, Brenden Sorrick, Brandon Ramirez) took 2nd and qualified for the Central Section Championships.
They were led by Junior Brandon Ramirez who also qualified in his individual 100m & 200m dashes. In doing so he broke the 100m dash school record set by Jalen Mcmillan back in 2019.
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Please come join us and show your support this Saturday May 21st, at Buchanan High School.
Track Events begin at 5:00 pm
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Athletics Physical Night on May 25 |
Sport Physicals for 2022-2023 will be held on May 25 at 6:00p.m. with Dr. Dunklin at SPOC (1630 E. Herndon Ave., Fresno, 93720, suite 204).
The cost is $25, cash only. Please have the Pre-Participation Screening Form completed and brought with you.
Physicals must be on file with the athletic office before any student-athlete can participate on a Memorial athletic team. If you have any questions, contact Athletic Trainer David Pardini at [email protected].
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Click on the photo above to pre purchase your valet parking pass. |
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Fresno Catholic Schools System |
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Please visit Fresno Catholic to learn more about the Fresno Catholic School system. On Thursday May 12, 2022 Bishop Joseph V. Brennan announced the creation of a school system comprising St. Helen's, St. Anthony's and San Joaquin Memorial. He also announced the formation of a Junior High on the San Joaquin Memorial campus.
This site is a place to get all of your questions answered. Once you submit a question on the "Leave a Question" tab it will be answered in a timely manner. New questions and answers are continually being uploaded to the same site.
Take a look and leave any questions you might have about this new venture for the Diocese of Fresno.
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Important Information about SJM Summer School 2022! |
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Attention all San Joaquin Memorial High School Parents/Guardians below you will find the 2022 Summer School Registration packet (click on the photo to view packet). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 559-268-9251. |
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We are Accepting SJM Clothing Donations |
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Senior parents, as you are preparing to send your student to college, remember SJM. We gladly take used uniforms for those students in need. Please drop them off at the front desk. This also includes current parents whose students have outgrown their uniforms. Thank you for supporting others! |
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Panthers!
Do you want to stay cool in the Summer heat? Want to become part of a growing, rewarding program? Come out and train with us in our Panther Water Polo program this Summer!
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Office of College & School Counseling |
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Counselors' Calendly Links to Schedule Individual Appointments:
9th & 10th grade: A-G
11th & 12th grade: A-F
9th & 10th grade: H-R
11th & 12th grade: G-N
9th & 10th grade: S-Z
11th & 12th grade: O-Z
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Friendly Reminder for Friends and Family of San Joaquin Memorial High School |
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The SJM 2022-2023 Application for NEW incoming freshmen and fall transfers is open on the SJM website. Help us spread the word by passing this information on to prospective parents and students! For assistance in the application process or to schedule a tour of the SJM Campus, contact Bianca Blanchette, Director of Admissions at (559) 268-9251 EXT 139 or [email protected]
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Want access to the latest pictures of student activities, sports and more? Or the latest updates? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or check out our website!
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Connect With Us
The best way to stay connected to Memorial is to watch your email for our Panther Press newsletter for parents and students. Keep up with the latest important news and learn more about the school! Change your email? Let us know so you can continue getting updates.
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Alumni Contact Update
Panther Alums, even though your time here at Memorial has passed, this is still your home! Please stay connected with us so that you can be part of our exciting engagement opportunities such as our sporting event tailgates, alumni mixers and so much more! To stay connected please fill out this form.
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