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April 2, 2019 | The Valley Catholic
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Field Trip to Levi’s Stadium
By Joshua Dempsey
Eighth Grade Teacher
On March 14, the second, fourth,
and eighth grade students of Saint John
the Baptist School in Milpitas had the
opportunity to attend the San Francisco
49ers Science, Technology, Engineer-
ing, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM)
field trip at Levi’s® Stadium.
The day began with pictures on the
field, a brief lesson on the engineering
and design that went into the building
of Levi Stadium, and finally a tour of
the locker rooms used by music icons
such as Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and
Coldplay. Students were then able to
engage in some hands-on engineer-
ing of their own during a lesson held
in one of the high-tech classrooms at
Levi’s Stadium.
Second and fourth grade students
were shown how the Engineering
Design Process can be directly related
to football and the world, and they
were challenged to create a miniature
stadium of their own. Eighth graders
explored the Engineering Design Pro-
cess by attempting to create facemasks
that would safe for players and effective
for a given position.
Saint John’s students also had the
opportunity to show off their ath-
letic and intellectual skills on the field,
where they participated in activities
that combined athleticism, teamwork
and mental math skills. Students fin-
ished the day with a tour of the 49ers
museum, where they learned about
some of the most important people,
places, and events in 49ers history.
The day was an excellent exploration
of ways in which students can apply
their talents in STEM education with
their interests in athletics.
Flower Arranging for Our Community
Serving our parish and working with the
beauty of nature is absolute magic!
It actually takes a village into plan-
ning a weekend Mass.
Students of Saint John Vianney
Catholic School have offer their time
and talent, one week a month, assist-
ing the Saint John Vianney Parish
Arts & Environment Committee in
creating the floral design for the décor
of the church, following the liturgical
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COME EXPERIENCE OUR CLASSROOM
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calendar. The students learn how to
mindfully plan out the floral arrange-
ments: two large arrangements, one on
either side of the crucifix on the main
altar; two medium arrangements to
adorn the blessed mother and Saint
Joseph; and the ambo, where the Gos-
pel is read.
While feeding the soul, the art of
floral arranging helps students find
stillness and mindfulness, eases away
the day’s tension, and brings them
back to nature. As students explore
the wonder of creating with nature,
it elevates their mood. The result is
confidence and satisfaction in their
beautiful creations and the ability to
share it with others.
Bellarmine Hosts 43 rd Golden Bell Auction in
Support of Tuition Assistance
Bellarmine College Preparatory held
its 43rd Golden Bell Auction on March 9.
More than 650 guests attended the 1940s
era-themed event, “Swing. Sip. Sway.”
The on-campus gala began with an
optional Mass held in the Leontyne Cha-
pel, celebrated by Fr. Mario Prietto, S.J.,
superior of the Bellarmine Jesuit com-
munity. The reception, featuring hors d’
oeuvres provided by A Catered Affair,
cocktails, and silent auction items, was
followed by the program and fine din-
ing entrees prepared by the Bellarmine
culinary staff, led by executive chef
Jeremy Soulia. The Invocation before
the dinner was delivered by Fr. Richard
Cobb, S.J., who this year celebrates his
70 th year as a Jesuit.
Guests also enjoyed the sounds of
musical entertainment throughout the
evening, performed by the Speakeasies
Swing Band. Professional auctioneer
Mark Alman, who is also the parent of a
Bellarmine alumnus, led the live auction
that featured many unique items, in-
cluding a concert and “meet and greet”
with country music superstar Luke
Bryan, a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Sport S 4x4 from the Normandin dealer-
ship, tickets to the Broadway production
of Hamilton including a personal back-
Enjoying Bellarmine’s 43rd Golden Bell Auc-
tion are (from left): Troy and Kara Jones,
parents of Bellarmine alumni; Fr. Mario
Prietto, S.J., Superior of the Bellarmine
Jesuit Community; and Fr. Peter Pabst,
S.J., Bellarmine Trustee and Chancellor of
Cristo Rey San Jose Jesuit High School.
(photo by Al Bacosa).
stage tour by Bellarmine alumnus and
Hamilton performer Ryan Vasquez, and
a variety of dining and entertainment
experiences. Proceeds from the annual
Golden Bell Auction benefit Bellarmine
College Prep’s Direct Financial Aid
Fund. With nearly 25 percent of Bellar-
mine’s 1,650 students receiving tuition
assistance, the school’s financial aid
budget next academic year is projected
to exceed $5.1 million.
The Golden Bell Auction, held each
spring, and the Bellarmine Mothers’
Guild Fashion Show for Financial Aid,
held each fall, are the school’s annual
signature fundraising events.