The Valley Catholic September 10, 2019 | Page 23

tvc.dsj.org | September 10, 2019 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS 23 Bellarmine Honors Four Hall of Fame Inductees Four distinguished Bellarmine Col- lege Preparatory alumni were inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame at an on-campus event that included the ceremony, reception, and dinner held on August 24. The 2019 Hall of Fame inductees are: Kevin Frandsen, Class of 2000 (Athlet- ics); Bill Del Biaggio, Jr., Class of 1958 (Business); Jim Harville, Class of 1963 (Humanities & Fine Arts); and Major General D. Scott McKean, Class of 1986 (Public Service). Frandsen, who was introduced by former Bellarmine baseball coach Gary Cunningham, played professional baseball for multiple Major League teams before his current career in sports broadcasting. He is a founding member of the 19 For Life Founda- tion, established in memory of his late brother DJ Frandsen, to fund services for children dealing with childhood illness and provide financial support to students at Bellarmine and other local schools. “When you think of all the people who helped you get to where you are, that’s what the Hall of Fame is,” remarked Frandsen in a video before accepting his award on stage. “It’s a big thank you to everyone, and I’m more than honored.” Del Biaggio, Jr., introduced by his grandson William “Boots” Del Biag- gio, IV, served the San José community through his business and philanthropic ventures as founding chairman of Heri- tage Bank and his volunteer service to numerous nonprofit organizations in Santa Clara County. He is also a 1986 inductee into the Bellarmine Athletic Hall of Fame. “I’m really grateful for my experiences here at Bellarmine,” said Bill. “It was a well-rounded edu- cation for a young man, and it set me up for the successes I had, and I owe a debt of gratitude to Bellarmine.” A popular English teacher for 45 years at Bellarmine, Harville, intro- duced by former colleague Bill Cham- bers, was also a legendary Speech and Debate coach for 32 years. Jim’s work with the program contributed to the development of 10 individual national champions, 44 individual state cham- pions, 13 California state sweepstakes awards, plus a national team cham- pionship in 1994. In his acceptance remarks, Harville poignantly recalled a yearbook inscription written by a Jesuit priest that read: “God has given you much. Thank him for it.” A decorated senior officer in the United States Army, Major General McKean, introduced by his brother Steve McKean, is a two-star General currently stationed in South Korea. During his nearly 30 years in the military, he has negotiated amicable resolutions of conflict, built positive relations between nations across the globe, and supported local and federal government relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Andrew in 1992. McKean referenced the concept of duty, honor, and country. “As Douglas MacArthur stated, ‘Those three hallowed words will reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.’ The mission of West Point, to devel- op leaders of character for a lifetime of service to our nation, just really further amplified what Bellarmine instilled in all of us.” Saint Elizabeth Seton School Sends A Special Thank You Faculty, staff and students were sad to learn on June 30 the Palo Alto Chapter of the Lions Club elected to close their doors. The Palo Alto Club was chartered in 1927 and raised over $1 million for local charities. At Saint Elizabeth Seton School, over a period of 23 years, the school was blessed to receive close to $30,000. The Lions motto, “we serve”, was clearly lived out by the members of this local chapter. For decades, they worked with veterans to raise awareness about blindness through a popular White Saint Elizabeth Seton School Kindergarten Students with LIONS Awards presented over the years. Cane Day Event. (Approximately 50 blind people walked with their canes down University Avenue in Palo Alto.). Their main fundraiser, the popular car show Concours d’ Elegance will be re- membered by many in our community. The Lions Club also has a keen inter- est in Youth Outreach, so they connect- ed with Saint Elizabeth’s several years ago. Sponsoring sports equipment was a particular area of interest for them, to encourage healthy development. “We will miss the ongoing financial support from the Lions, but more so their generous volunteer efforts over the years. Their gift of service will not be forgotten,” said Evelyn Rosa, Principal. “We thank the Lions for being tre- mendous role models for our students and for all of us. Dedicated to serving the needs in our local community,” said Ellen Maguire, Vice Principal. A few members will be joining other regional Lions Clubs chapters, and for that we wish them continued success. LIONS – Liberty, Intelligence, Our Nations Safety … You certainly made an impact in the lives of our students and their families here at Seton School. Faith Begins the School Year at Saint Lucy School “Faith plants the seed; we make it grow!” is the theme for the 2019-2020 year at Saint Lucy School. Focusing on the enrichments of faith in our lives, Saint Lucy School energetically began the new school year with a suite of student, parent and family activities. Incoming kindergarten students and their families were welcomed to the traditional Dessert Night a few days before school began. Students got an early peek into their new classroom, played outside with future classmates, and parents enjoyed making connec- tions with new and old friends. Pre-K families enjoyed a similar orientation to their new school, while sixth grade parents attended a junior high orien- tation night to learn about this very important start to the Saint Lucy School Junior High program. The first days of school brought its usual excitement, and FUN. The Student Council leadership provided the student body with a “lightning” welcome at the first morning assembly/ spirit rally. Teachers were challenged to compete in a giant Jenga game- the class whose teacher toppled the tower had to sing Baby Shark at the next morning assembly! Parents hosted a welcome coffee in the parking lot after waving goodbye to their little ones and were glad to catch up after summer vacation. Father Mark blessed each classroom and learning space and the parent leadership groups hosted the traditional Parent-Teacher Kickoff Dinner. This is a wonderful event for parents to start the year, enjoy a tri- tip dinner, purchase new Saint Lucy Spirit Wear and uniforms, sign up for numerous volunteer opportunities, and reconnect after the summer break with the school community. In addition to all the events of the new school year, in the background are all of the committee meetings and plan- ning for Saint Lucy’s 33 rd Annual Fun Fest Carnival, which will take place October 4-6. Principal Sue Grover added “We were so eager to kickoff the new school year! The Saint Lucy School community is so strong because of the partnership between teachers, parents, students and staff as we work to enjoy each other and support the growth of each child.”