The Valley Catholic TVC_March20-E | Page 20

Saint Justin School Annual Benefit , Celebrating George Santich
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Speaking For Those Who Can Not Speak

March 20 , 2018 | The Valley Catholic
By Liz Sullivan
Students from across the Diocese of San Jose gathered for an anniversary no one would want to commemorate , yet would irresponsible to forget .
On March 14 , the one month anniversary since a former student fatally shot 17 students and staff at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland , Fla ., students here and across the nation gathered for the National School Walkout in a statement against gun violence .
At Archbishop Mitty High School , Bishop Patrick J . McGrath joined faculty , staff and more than 1,700 students in the gymnasium to remember those who were lost a month ago . Mitty staff and students held a photo of each of the victims and a statement was read ; each began with the phrase , “ I speak today for those who cannot speak .”
During his reflection the Bishop seemed visibly moved .
Please join Saint Justin School at our Annual Benefit , Honoring George Santich , celebrating 50 Years in Catholic Education . George Santich has been teaching and coaching at Santa Clara Catholic Schools for 50 years . We ’ ve been blessed to have him at Saint Justin School for the last 47 years . Santich is an amazing man who has touched the lives of so many .
Santich earned his Bachelor of Applied Science ( BASc ) in Biology in 1966 from Santa Clara University and started teaching at Patrick Henry Public School . He then taught at Saint Lawrence School for a year before coming to Saint Justin
“ There is absolutely no place I would rather be than to stand here in solidarity with you as you stand in solidarity with young people across our nation , and perhaps around the world ,” said the Bishop , his voice cracking with emotion . “ Today , your voices are being heard as never before . Your calls for sanity reverberate throughout the halls of power . Today , your outrage is shared by others , and you are our teachers . Prayer , of course , is good . Likewise , Education is good . And Solidarity , too , is good . But we need also to act . To demand change . To protect the lives of innocents . My generation , your grandparent and your parents ’ generations have failed . You may be the last chance for real change . You have something to say , and you must .”
Two of the seniors at Mitty who spoke were seniors Clare Nguyen and Nickhil Tekwani .
“ The passion of the students in Parkland afterwards reached all the way to us ( at Mitty ),” said Tekwani . “ The first

Saint Justin School Annual Benefit , Celebrating George Santich

School in 1970 . Over the years , Santich has taught Science and Math to almost 2,000 students . Not to mention the over 6,000 students he has coached football , basketball , track , and softball over the years . Each summer he donates his time to offer a basketball camp to boys and girls including alumni students . Attributed to his excellence in teaching and care for youth , an annual Basketball Tournament is hosted in his name .
However , Santich has been so much more than a teacher or coach . He has continued to mentor his students long after they leave the halls of Saint Justin . He remembers everyone by name , and
On March 14 , middle school students from Saint Catherine of Alexandria School gathered in the school ’ s Rosary Garden to remember those killed in the Parkland , Florida high school shooting on February 14 .
step that they took was very powerful . They are demanding change and we hear that .”
Nguyen said she appreciated the response of Principal Tim Brosnan and the faculty at Mitty .
“ I was really moved by what Mr . Brosnan did right after the shooting ,” she said . “ Right away he wanted to act and that was a big step for us .”
Brosnan has served as Mitty Principal since the early 1990 ’ s and he
often goes to games at the high schools to cheer on his past students . Mrs . Debby Rodriguez , principal at Saint Martin of Tours reflected , “ He was one of my favorite teachers . He is a man of faith , is extremely dedicated to his craft of teaching and coaching the children , and has one of the kindest souls I know .” His hobbies include gardening , taking care of his chickens , rowing , crocheting , and playing basketball .
Santich has definitely been a blessing to our children and our community . Our mission is to preserve and honor the legacy of Mr . George Santich , and help guarantee the longevity of
admitted this was one of his prouder moments .
“ Our students responded as beautifully as you could hope ,” he said . “ They are fully aware of what transpired and now they feel empowered . They hope , as I do , those deaths were not in vain .”
In his brief comments , the Bishop also remember Jennifer Gonzales , a clinical psychologist and 2003 Saint Francis High School graduate , and her unborn child , killed on March 9 at Pathway House in Yountville by an Army veteran , who received treatment there for post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ).
Similarly , across the Diocese at the encouragement of the Bishop , middle and high school students across the Diocese held gatherings in remembrance of the victims .
“ We believe each life is precious in the eyes of the Lord ,” said the Bishop in a letter to school principals after the February 14 event .
our school by funding an endowment in his name . The establishment of the George Santich Endowment ( www . stjustinschool . org / endowment ) for Saint Justin School is our way of thanking him , and honoring him for his dedication to our community , our children , and our parish . All proceeds from the evening will benefit the Endowment . In addition to raising funds , the Saint Justin Annual Benefit provides us an opportunity to gather together and celebrate as a community .
The event will be held on April 21 , at Bellarmine College Preparatory in San Jose .
St . Justin School Annual Benefit & Auction Honoring Mr . George Santich
Celebrating 50 years of teaching !
Tickets on Sale Now ! www . stjustinschool . org / auction
Proceeds benefit the George Santich Endowment for St . Justin School
Saturday , April 21 , 2018 6:00pm at Bellarmine College Preparatory
Students Become Principal for a Day
Two students from Saint Elizabeth Seton School in Palo Alto took over the position of Principal Evelyn Rosa for one day as a result of their spirited , hard work in getting sponsors for the Fun Run to raise money for their school .
Wyatt Nears in Pre-K placed first with the most sponsors , and Julie Real , a fourth grade student , placed second in this important fundraiser . Wyatt and Julie each spent a day with Ms . Rosa , who provided them with a personal , embroidered Principal for a Day shirt , printed business cards , and a name plaque for their desks .
Each child visited every classroom on their special day and announced to the students that they would have extra recess time and a free dress day . This brought great excitement to the Seton students .
Wyatt Nears ( left ) in Pre-K and Julie Real ( right ), fourth grader at Saint Elizabeth Seton School took over the position of Principal Evelyn Rosa for one day for raising the most sponsors for the Fun Run .
Principal for a Day included a special lunch with Ms . Rosa and Vice Principal Ellen Maguire at the Cheesecake Factory . They will remember their time as principal for many years to come ! It was an exciting day for Ms . Rosa too !