News & Noteworthy

This past Friday, our school community gathered for the annual High School Sports Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the exceptional achievements of our student-athletes and coaches. The event served as a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a year marked by dedication, perseverance, and outstanding success across our athletic programs.  Among the evening’s highlights was the recognition of two CIF Championship titles. Our football team secured a remarkable back-to-back championship, while our girls' volleyball team achieved a historic milestone by earning the program’s first CIF Championship. We were privileged to welcome former NFL kicker John Carney as our guest speaker. His address provided valuable insight and encouragement, emphasizing his three F's- Faith, Failure, Fun. The banquet also included the presentation of several distinguished individual honors. Coach Vince Asaro was named Coach of the Year in recognition of his exemplary leadership and contributions to our athletic program. In addition, the following prestigious awards were presented: St. Catherine of Siena Scholar-Athlete Award: Adley Fontaine Thomas Aquinas Scholar-Athlete Award: Gabriel Larrabure Ironman and Ironwoman Awards: Blaise McMahon & Lauren Elsner St. Sebastian Awards: Roberto Domingo & Selah Salminao Crusader of the Year, the highest honor bestowed upon our student-athletes: Asher Larkin & Malia Sampson The evening was a fitting tribute to the hard work, sportsmanship, and excellence demonstrated by our athletes and coaches throughout the year. We are proud of all that they have accomplished and look forward to continued success in the future.

Seven Honors Senior Thesis students at Saint Joseph Academy (SJA) presented their research projects to the school community from May 12 through May 15, showcasing months of independent academic work across a range of disciplines. The presentations included topics in theology, technology, and social issues. Gabriel Larrabure and Giovanni Bullara both focused on questions related to Catholic liturgy and faith practice. Larrabure examined Catholic teaching on the proper disposition for receiving the Eucharist, while Bullara presented an argument for Church renewal through a return to what he described as a more traditionally masculine liturgy. Several students explored concerns surrounding modern technology. Isaac Hernandez addressed the risks of smartphone addiction, while Rachelle Hill examined the potential harms associated with artificial intelligence. Adley Fontaine, whose thesis centered on the loneliness epidemic in the United States, also identified social media as a contributing factor. Other presentations approached broader cultural and scientific themes. Paolo Puccio argued for the importance of cultural unity in addressing social fragmentation. Closing the series, Dat Nguyen presented research exploring a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease involving compounds derived from snake venom. Faculty panelists praised both the depth of research and the quality of student presentations. Mr. Kramp, who taught Senior Thesis for the first time this year, noted the program’s impact and expressed interest in expanding it in future years. “I see nothing but good things coming from this kind of intellectual undertaking,” Kramp said. “Young people are capable of so much more than people think, and our presenters will look back on this, rightly, as a real accomplishment.”  He added that he hopes more students will devote time to thesis development in the years ahead, calling the presentations “the first of many more to come.”

Dat Nguyen, a senior at SJA, received his First Holy Communion on May 23 after a personal journey marked by a deep desire to grow closer to Christ. What began as a simple conversation last year became months of preparation, sacrifice, and quiet perseverance as Dat committed himself to receiving the sacraments. The journey was not an easy one. As an international student from Vietnam without a local parish community, Dat faced additional obstacles throughout the process. Yet when he was asked whether he wanted to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, his answer was immediate: yes. That “yes” was met by many others within the SJA community. Frater Dominic spent the year teaching and guiding Dat through sacramental preparation. Theology teacher Chris O’Donnell carefully researched and compiled an appropriate list of catechetical texts, while Barbara de La Torre approved and purchased the materials needed for instruction. Fr. George prepared Dat for his first confession, and second-grade teacher, Zarina Berens, coordinated the logistics necessary to include him fully in the sacramental process.

Dear Parents, As summer is about to begin, let's be intentional about prioritizing reading with our children. A recent New York Times article highlights a generation-long decline in U.S. test scores, noting that a decline in reading is especially concerning because it directly impacts performance across all subjects. Strong reading skills support success in history, science, math, and beyond by building vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. Without regular practice, many students experience the “summer slide,” losing one to two months of academic progress, particularly in reading. Fortunately, consistent summer reading helps children maintain their hard-earned skills, sparks imagination, and develops a lifelong love of learning. Quick Tips for Summer Reading: Give children some agency: They are much more likely to read books they pick themselves Aim for 20–30 minutes daily: Consistency matters more than marathon sessions Create a routine: Consider a "books-before-screens" rule to build a healthy daily habit Recommended Reading Lists To help you get started, here are several excellent curated lists of engaging, age-appropriate books: Dr. Senior’s Booklist Great Hearts Reading Lists The Heights Booklist Even a modest reading habit this summer will make a massive difference when we welcome students back in the fall. Wishing you a relaxing and enriching summer filled with great books and happy reading!

Saint Joseph Academy Families, As we prepare for the Saint Joseph Academy Gala this Saturday, I spent some time this week polishing my dress shoes. Months of daily wear during this busy school year had left them scuffed and dull. After some elbow grease with a tin of polish and a rag, the leather was restored to a deep shine. It reminded me that with two-thirds of the school year behind us, we have all walked a long and sometimes dusty road together. Between the rigor of schoolwork, the pace of spring sports, and the everyday demands of family life, it is natural to feel a bit worn down, perhaps even a bit "scuffed" by the routine of life. In his Easter message , Pope Leo XIV speaks to this very feeling. He acknowledges the inner burdens that weigh us down: our disappointments, our fatigue, and the daily "sufferings and the daily grind of life" that can make us feel trapped in a tunnel. Yet, he offers a beautiful promise of renewal: “In the risen Christ, a new creation is possible every day.” The Pope reminds us that the Resurrection isn't just a past event; it is a "vital power" that allows us to spread our wings and take flight even when we feel tired. As we gather for the Gala, let’s view it as more than just an event on the calendar. Let it be a moment of "polish" for our community, a chance to shake off the dust of the winter months, celebrate our children, and renew our spirits. Just as a bit of care can make old shoes shine like new, may this Easter season allow us to support one another with renewed patience and bring the light of the Resurrection back into our homes and classrooms. I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday. May we shine brightly together and finish the school year strong, as families renewed in the risen Christ.

Following our Gold Team’s trip to the National Academic Junior High Decathlon, we are bursting with pride to share the final results! Our students competed against the top schools in the country and once again proved that Saint Joseph Academy is a center for academic excellence. Highlights from Nationals: National Super Quiz Champions: For the fifth year in a row, SJA took home 1st Place in the Super Quiz! This incredible streak highlights the power of our students’ teamwork and collective knowledge. Overall Performance: Out of the best teams in the nation, SJA earned 3rd Place Overall. This marks our fourth consecutive year on the national podium. Individual Excellence: A special congratulations to Elsie Peschke, who earned 2nd Place in the Nation for her individual performance in Science! We are so proud of every student who participated this year. Their dedication, from zoo field trips to early morning study sessions, has truly paid off. Thank you to the coaches, parents, and teachers for your unwavering support. Congratulations, AcaDeca!

We are thrilled to announce that Nick Madden has been appointed as the newest member of the Saint Joseph Academy Board of Directors! This appointment fulfills our ongoing promise to the SJA community to ensure strong parent representation within our leadership. Nick and his wife, Kaci, are active members of our school family along with their daughter Isley who is currently in 1st grade. Nick brings an exceptional background in strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and faith-based mission work to the Board.  Catholic Mission: He is the CEO of SENT Ventures, a national network based in San Diego that supports Catholic entrepreneurs through mentorship and community. Proven Growth: As the founder and CEO of Red Door Experiences, Nick scaled the business from a single location to 20 units nationwide, leading a team of over 400 employees. Academic & Athletic Excellence: A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in Economics, Nick also served as a two-year captain of the Harvard Varsity Volleyball team. Deacon Frank Mercardante, Board President commented: "We are incredibly blessed to have Nick join our leadership team. His proven track record of scaling mission-driven organizations and his experience as a CEO bring a high level of strategic vision to our Board. Beyond his professional accolades, Nick is a devoted father who deeply understands the heart of our school, making him an ideal leader to help us fulfill our promise of growth and excellence for every SJA family." Nick Madden shared: "As an SJA parent, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact this community has on our children, including my daughter Isley. I am honored to step into this role and apply my experience in building and leading organizations to help Saint Joseph Academy thrive. My goal is to ensure that the Academy continues to be a place where faith and excellence meet, providing a strong foundation for the next generation of Catholic leaders."

We are thrilled to celebrate an incredible group of long-serving team members who have dedicated five or more years to our school community. Their unwavering commitment, passion, and exceptional contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success, spirit, and excellence that define Saint Joseph Academy today. We proudly recognize: Our 5–9 year service group Our 10–14 year service group Our 15+ year service group These valued educators and staff have poured their hearts into nurturing our students, fostering growth, and upholding our mission every single day. Their experience, wisdom, and daily efforts make our school a truly special place. During our March Assembly in the courtyard, these milestone employees were publicly recognized and celebrated by the entire school community—students, faculty, and staff alike joined in heartfelt applause and appreciation for their years of service. As a small token of our deep gratitude and appreciation, they also received a special bonus based on their years of service. Thank you for allowing us to share this joyful moment with you. We are deeply thankful for this remarkable team and the profound respect they have earned from all of us.

We are thrilled to announce a historic performance by our Junior High Academic Decathlon teams ("AcaDeca" ) at this past weekend's Regional Competition. For the fourth consecutive year , SJA is advancing to the National Competition! With 30 students from grades 5–8 participating, our teams demonstrated incredible dedication and school spirit. The Results Our two teams swept the top spots, continuing a 10-year streak of winning the Super Quiz: Gold Team: 1st Place Overall, 1st Place Super Quiz, and 1st Place Logic. Blue Team: 2nd Place Overall and 2nd Place Super Quiz. Individual Gold Medalists: Celine Banzon (Current Events) Terri Bekhit (Religion) Matias Ponce (Social Studies) Anya Larrabure (English) Elsie Peschke (Science) Additional Honors: Evie Malfavon: 2nd Place (Current Events - Blue Team) Maite Larrabure: 3rd Place (Literature - Gold Team) Julianne Chandra: 3rd Place (Fine Art - Gold Team) More Than Just a Competition The goal of AcaDeca is to make learning fun and inspiring. This year’s highlights included a field trip to the zoo to study mammals and a special blessing from Father Michael of St. Elizabeth Seton. "The most rewarding part is seeing our students grow in confidence and leadership. They learn to work as a team while excelling individually." — Sylvia and Zarina Berens What’s Next? As our Gold Team prepares for the National stage—where SJA has placed 2nd for the last three years—we thank our former high school decathletes, all the parent volunteers, and the entire community for their support. Go Crusaders!