PARACLETE HIGH SCHOOL

Newsletter for November '06
'69 HONORING RAY MONTI, former 1969 Paraclete teacher/counselor/coach
   Ray Monti  has been honored by placing his name on the new Athletic Field  at William J. "Pete" Knight High School. From this point on it will be known as the "Raymond J. Monti Field". Ray had  his humble beginnings at Paraclete High School where he met and married  Gail Warren, another Paraclete teacher in 1969.  They were blessed with 2 children, Ryan and Allyson.

The Antelope Valley Press quotes many that "refer to Monti as a mentor, a friend and, above all, a good man. It also goes on with "Ray Monti was deputy superintendent for the high school district when he died after a heart attack early one Monday morning in June 2002. Monti had spent 29 years at the high school district, beginning his district career as a teacher in 1973 at Palmdale High School. In 1980, he moved to Desert Winds High School as principal, then again to the principal's chair at Antelope Valley High School in 1986, where he served for three years before shifting once more to take the head position at Quartz Hill High School. Later, Monti accepted the position of assistant superintendent of educational services".  Foster said "He was the glue that held the district together," . "I cannot think of anyone in the education field that was more respected than Ray Monti."

In 1989, Monti received the Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his leadership and numerous contributions to the district." We are honored that Mr. Monti was a part of Paraclete High School as a teacher, mentor and coach.  Thank you for your lifetime of dedication.
'76  Reunion Recap:

The 30 year class of 76 reunion was a great success which was due, in part, to the class of 77 who were included in the celebration. The activities started with the Paraclete football game which was “lights out”! Half time all of the alumni met on the field to welcome the players back which included Joe Slavin jumping on the players to get them pumped up to win. Joe’s idea backfired since out team took a beating 38-7. Afterwards Pat Wible had a nice set up for the alumni at Nicks pizza where we started telling the stories from LONG AGO!

 Saturday morning was the golf tournament at the Cascades which was an enjoyable and sometimes comical display of golf talent. Highlights included Orrine Singer, who never played before, sink a 30 foot put to give their team their only birdie. Carolyn Carlson was the “ringer” for their team trying to carry Mark Bozigian and Joe Kahler. The other team had three girls who never played before, Donna Carroll, Janice Folzman, and Maureen Heffernan but they had their aces, Joe Slavin and Tom Carroll and ended up winning the tournament.

Saturday night the event was held at Debbie Bolton’s house. There was great food, drinks, and entertainment. Fortunately the weather was perfect for the outdoor event. There were many laughs, great stories and a great opportunity to get caught up on the lives of “old” friends. The evening ended with a gathering around the fire pit to reminisce about our teachers, sports, and some “secret stories” that had never been revealed before! Great laughs, good times, good friends, great memories.

Joe Kahler , www.outonmyown.com
'81  Reunion Recap:
  The Class of 1981 held a twenty-five year reunion on October 14, 2006, at Café Fresco restaurant in Lancaster. The group was small but  festive and the conversation between old friends kept everybody entertained. We reminisced about Paraclete and our high school friends as we enjoyed a wonderful dinner from Café Fresco. As the night drew to a close some of us decided to continue the party at Don Cuco’s in Lancaster where there is a karaoke bar. Jeff King wailed a few songs (his talent would put even Brian Setzer to shame) and Ellen McDonald Mendiola belted a Gloria Gaynor favorite. It was a night to remember! We missed many of our classmates but hope they will be able to attend our thirty-year reunion in 2011 – mark your calendars!


Photo from left rear:
George Vellios, Cynthia Addington, Ellen McDonald Mendiola, Mary Vignoni Oelrich, Anthony Miller, Steve Black
Photo from left front:
Paul Teran, Chris Ennis Jones, Wendy Poole Laurie, Jerry Hier, Jeff King
 

'96
  Congratulations  goes out to John Dagata, who is at UC Santa Barbara as the Coach of Throwers / High Jump / Multi's.  Here is what John has to say!

 I have always enjoyed keeping up with my commitment to Paraclete High School. I am very proud to be a part of my high school. I can't believe its been ten years. Wow!! Time flies when you're having fun.

For the past six years I have coached Track & Field at UC Santa Barbara! It's been quite a ride seeing my vision take its course! Building a tradition of my own has taken nothing but pure sacrifice and a commitment to hard work over six years. This program is at its best right now, and I think this year will be maybe the best its ever been or ever will be! I have traveled the world working with some of the best coaches and athletes developing a training theory of perfection. Through all of the success and failure I can only tell you when people ask me about the impact I have had here at UCSB, we are the best because we work with the best!

People like Rick & Karen Hernandez, Carl Ladensack , Marty Keever who where my teachers and coaches in high school and still are my teachers today. I have learned so much here at UC Santa Barbara and it all started back at Paraclete!! Greatness only comes to those who are worthy!

The following article was posted on the UCSB website;

Dagata has already made a major impact on the Gaucho throwing program, after completing his sixth year as throws,  high jump and multi's coach.  John has turned around his squad and their facilities and thrust them onto the national stage.  In 2004 his athletes qualified for the NCAA Championships and NCAA Regionals in the Discus, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, and High Jump, broke school records as well as breaking a Big West Conference record. His detail oriented approach with highly individualized technical analysis of his athletes has created a strong program at UCSB.  All the women's school records in the throwing events were eclipsed during the 2004 season and a Big West Conference Record was set by Amy Haapanen in the hammer.  Dagata had six athletes qualify for the '04 NCAA West Regional Championship in nine total events.  Dagata also had one athlete qualify for the NCAA Championship in three events in 2004. Dagata at UCSB:

 * 45 UCSB Top 10 Marks in 6 events          * 3   NCAA National Qualifiers
 * 34 Regional Qualifying Marks                   * 3 Conference Titles
 * 4   School Records                                       * Women's Track  & Field 2006 Big West Champions

Personal Record:

Event

Metric

Feet

Hammer

65.39

214'06"

Discus

53.24

174'08"

Javelin

39.81

130'07"

Shot

14.32

47'00"

Weight Throw

18.67

61'03"

Dagata has achieved the 2004 Olympic Trials "B" Standard in the hammer throw.  He ranked 35th in the US in the hammer throw in 2003. John joined the Gaucho program during the summer of 2001. Prior to accepting a position at UCSB, Dagata had an inspiring career at CS Northridge. Dagata joined both the football program and the track and field program as a walk-on. As a 5th year senior, Dagata had improved enough to earn all-conference honors in the Big Sky Conference and win the Cal-Nevada championships in the hammer throw.

Congratulations John, we love to showcase our alumni and brag about their awesome achievements!

 
Greetings from Caryl Hier

This is a message to you from that lady who used to live at the school and truly cared for the students and their welfare.  We had respect  for one another. 

 

I find the saying "A Catholic education is an advantage for life", very important.  I was lucky enough to have a Catholic education during my last three years of grade school attending Sacred Heart.  At that time there was no Paraclete High School so I attended Antelope Valley High School.  And since I could not attend Paraclete in my teenage years I was lucky enough to work there as an adult.   Those years between 1977 and 1999 are very memorable to me.  It was my life's work with many rewards, mainly the association with the students and their parents.

 

It amazes me how the time has flown since I was a teenager.   I have four grown children (Lori Hier Young, Ron Hier, Jerry Hier and Anne Hier Moriya) who all attended Paraclete High School also Sacred Heart School.  I have nine grandchildren  two of which have graduated from Paraclete, Ryan Beebe and Kristie Hier.  One of my grandchildren is at Paraclete as a freshman this year, Kellie Hier.

 

This year I was fortunate to be able to attend three Paraclete functions: the Extreme Cuisine, the groundbreaking for the new building, and the dinner for the golf tournament.  It was so good to see so many familiar faces.  But, most of all it was nice to see that Paraclete is still flourishing.  I try to visit the school as often as I can.  It gives me great pride to know that I was once a part of that great school.  And, probably I still am.  Memories do not just go away. 

 

 REUNION ADVICE

I recently attended my 50th high school reunion in Lancaster.   It was a tremendous success.  We were all amazed that we had almost a third of our classmates in attendance.  That says a lot of who we were in high school.  We were a very united bunch of people and still are.  One of my favorite things in life is to keep in touch with all my friends.  I find this very rewarding and interesting.  I'm telling you this because it is important to keep in touch with your roots. 

 "To have a successful reunion it must start soon after you graduate from high school.  For some reason I chose to be the contact person for our class.  Once a year our classmates would get a letter from us.  That way you do not lose anyone and you gain valuable information.  We send notes of all kinds - congrats, sympathy, illness, etc.  We always wanted our classmates to know that we care.  So, with that in mind it is no wonder we had 1/3 of our classmates attend this past reunion after 50 years, that is pretty good.

 
The Antelope Valley Inn is not a classy upscale hotel.  It is rather comfortable.  The staff treated us so special.  No one had any complaints.  The service was wonderful and the prices were very good.  No sense in spending needless money.  Everyone has a future and must prepare for it.  I have to say that our classmates were prepared for their future and our future is now.
 
We had a pool-side party on Friday evening.  And, the big reunion dinner on Saturday evening.  The AV Inn gave us a package of $57.50 per person for both days.  This price included the tax and gratuity.  Don't think there are many places where you can get a better deal.  The room rates were $69 per night and included a full buffet breakfast. 
 
Anyway, a good time was had by all."

So, in closing, I want you to know that I think of Paraclete High School often especially of you, the graduates.  I'm retired now from all that work.  I do a lot of traveling and live in both Carpinteria, CA and Owasso, OK.

 

If you ever want to contact me please call the alumni office for information.  I would like to hear from you.

 

Sincerely, Caryl Godde Hier
Spirit Wear!

You may have notice that we are selling Paraclete logo items, such as beanies, sweatshirts, and stadium blankets.  You can find the link on the Alumni Home Page, the top right hand corner. There are lots of quality items that you can order for yourself or as gifts, Christmas is right around the corner. Promote the "Spirit Lives" in your community. Proceeds will benefit the Booster Club.  Thank you for your continued support.

alumni@paracletehs.org