Events Archive

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December 2008

Listen to Kelli McKay’s interview of your own Mr. VanHecke with player below.

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A higher quality recording can be found on the KKZZ podcast website.

To visit the KKZZ main website, click here.

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Nation’s Top 50 Catholic High Schools announced for 2008

CHS Honor Roll - 2008

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Nov. 10, 2008) -The National Catholic High School Honor Roll announced its fifth selection of the best 50 Catholic secondary schools in the United States. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education. It is a critical resource for parents and educators that distinguishes those schools that excel in three categories: academic excellence, Catholic Identity, and civic education.

This year’s list includes 10 new honorees as well as eight schools that have earned recognition in each of the Honor Roll’s five years of existence. 2008 honorees range from newcomer schools such as Knoxville Catholic in Tennessee, to repeat honorees such as Bishop Machebeuf Catholic in Denver and Holy Spirit Preparatory in Atlanta. Texas and Michigan led with six schools selected, followed by California, with four schools. Nine different religious orders sponsor honorees, including the Jesuits, Legionaries of Christ, and Norbertines.

To see a list of the top 50 schools, as well as lists of the 10 honorable mention schools in each category, visit www.chshonor.org.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. It is produced in consultation with an advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and scholars. Advisory board member Very Rev. David M. O’Connell, President of Catholic University of America, said the Honor Roll’s evaluation method is indispensable. “Catholic schools must examine themselves on a regular basis using a well-rounded approach that assesses adherence to the Church’s educational calling,” he said. “The Honor Roll strengthens schools by encouraging high standards and vibrant Catholicism.”

In its five years, the Honor Roll has seen more than 50 percent of America’s nearly 1,300 Catholic high schools participate at least once. This year nearly 300 schools completed the three detailed surveys that measure a school’s adherence to the Church’s educational mission. Each school also receives an evaluation to see how it compares to other schools nationwide.

The best schools demonstrate a balanced excellence, which includes an active Catholic culture, sound college preparation and integration of Church teaching in all departments. These schools also display sound moral, catechetical and civic formation that prepares students for vocations in the world as political, religious, scientific, and business leaders.

About The National Catholic High School Honor Roll

The National Catholic High School Honor Roll is a list of the top 50 Catholic high schools in the United States, where schools are examined on the criteria of academic excellence, Catholic identity, and civic education. The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize and encourage excellence in Catholic secondary education, and is a resource for parents, schools, donors, and colleges.

The Honor Roll is an independent project of the Acton Institute, an international research and educational organization. The Honor Roll was produced in consultation with a national advisory board comprised of Catholic college presidents and Catholic scholars. For more on Acton, please go to www.acton.org.

Questions about the Honor Roll may be directed to Anthony Pienta at (616) 454-3080, or email apienta [at] acton [dot] org or info [at] chshonor [dot] org.

PRESIDENT THEODORE “TEDDY” ROOSEVELT GENUINE AUTOGRAPH: What a great item during presidential election week. Obviously, typing this, I have no idea what happened on Tuesday, but we do know for sure that President Roosevelt was quite the man. Would that he were President this week! Well, tonight, you can own a piece of history tonight with this rare Naval Appointment document signed boldly by Theodore Roosevelt as President. Professionally framed and matted with an attractive portrait photograph of Roosevelt from the Library of Congress archives. Certificate of Authenticity (COAs) from Famous Faces Memorabilia.
VALUE: $2,000 - $2,500.

RADIO ADVERTISING PACKAGE - Here is a unique item! Help educate children at St. Augustine Academy while also educating the general public about your great company! Listen to our own Radio Ad promoting this wonderful opportunity for you and St. Augustine Academy. Christmas is coming - get on the radio! This package includes 100 full minute spots on Gold Coast Broadcasting member stations (KVTA, etc.) in Ventura County. We can even arrange to produce a commercial for free if you like!
Value $4000+
Thank you Pablo Ortiz and Gold Coast Broadcasting

SWEET SANTA FE - A whole week in the incomparable beauty of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Spend a week in this lovely three bedroom condominium and enjoy the local unique cuisine. Explore the strmicheets of this old world town, see the Miraculous Staircase, and maybe catch a local art show or one of the world famous opera performances.

VALUE: $2,000

MICHAEL PHELPS AUTOGRAPHED SPORTS ILLUSTRATED COVER - Michael Phelps swam into the history books this summer with records and medals, and a mile wide smile! And what a record it was -will anyone ever break his record? Probably not. Add this piece of history to your collection. Oversized 18″ x 14″ print - featuring Phelps on the cover of Sports Illustrated - boldly signed by the Olympic sensation and record holder. Certificate of Authenticity from Grandstand Sports, Phelps’ exclusive memorabilia
VALUE: $1,000+.

UP, UP AND AWAY! GOODYEAR BLIMP. - Here is a rare opportunity. A ride like this is not available to the general public. We have all enjoyed the aerial scenes from the Super Bowl, the Masters, and the World Series. The Goodyear Blimp, Spirit of America, will fly two lucky guests on a priceless excursion from the California shoreline to famous sites throughout the City of Angels. While your enjoying yourselves up there, our students will be benefiting from your generosity down here.
Value: priceless
Starting bid: $500.00
Thank you Peter and Cherese Marlow.

Speaking of UP, UP, and AWAY!!! APOLLO 11 - Hearken back to a time of adventure, as we ventured into the last frontier. Today, space flight is gearing up as a commercial business. However, the first forays into space will always be remembered as an important historical time. Own a piece of history with this Limited Edition lift-off photograph by renowned LIFE photographer, Ralph Morse, displayed with authentic autographs of the three astronauts who made the historic space journey. Morse spent 15 years bringing the space program alive to LIFE’s readers through his inventive photography. This unique display is believed to me the only one of its kind. Astronaut autographs, particularly Armstrong’s, are highly sought-after. Accompanied by COAs from reputable authenticators.
VALUE: $3,500 to $4,500
Thank you Bob Jones and Famous Faces.

A REAL JEWEL! MIKIMOTO PEARL NECKLACE! - This year, our featured jewelry item is a rare find. This stunning string of pearls will light up your social life! Since Kokichi Mikimoto succeeded in creating the world’s first cultured pearl, MIKIMOTO has been dedicated to presenting only the finest quality cultured pearls - since 1893! The MIKIMOTO sorting process and proprietary grading system assures that every customer acquires only the most superb gems and pearl jewelry. Only the top 5% of ALL the pearls in the world are deemed worthy to carry the MIKIMOTO name - and WE HAVE ONE, for YOU. This necklace is matinee length-22″, pearl size 6.5 x 6 mm, grade A. Comes with a new appraisal from Mikimoto, Beverly Hills in October 2008.
Appraised value: $2200.00
Thank you Karen Kelly

IDA HEAVEN FOR FOUR! The glories of the Rockies - The glories of the Rockies - We will send you to this unspoiled resort in southeastern Idaho, this side of the Grand Tetons, for a week of play. Ski? Fish? Hike? Rest? You choose. The only thing you cannot choose is to have fun. This tremendous opportunity provides you with six nights at a private, brand-new condominium and four round trip tickets to Idaho Falls or Jackson Hole (depending on weather) and, though very flexible with dates, is blacked out between December 27th and April 17th.
VALUE: $4400.
Thank you to Mark and Jane Tilema.

HELEN KELLER TREASURE! Here is a unique item from one of the great figures of our time, for all times! What spirit, determination and character is found in this noble soul. What a beautiful example of how every person is so important, even though others may write them off. What a beautiful example of the resiliency of the human mind and the human spirit. You will want this piece of inspiration for yourself and your loved ones to be before you daily. Letter with important humanitarian content from 1940 signed by Helen Keller. Professionally framed and matted with a nice vintage photograph of one of the most revered figures of the 20th century. COA from Mueller Autographs.
VALUE: $1000-$1500
Thank you Bob Jones and Famous Faces Fotos.

“GalCation 2″! - Last year, this was a wildly popular item, so we were able to offer it again, thanks to the generosity of the Scamperle family. Imagine a fun-filled weekend with three of your other lady friends! Enjoy 2 nights at a beautiful resort home located in Rancho La Quinta Country Club. Home offers 3 bedrooms in main house and one more in detached casita. Sleeps 8. Private pool and spa overlook the golf course. BBQ or cook in gourmet kitchen or visit many fine dining options in nearby La Quinta. This fabulous girls escape will fill your tranquility tank so you will be excited to get back to that loving hubby, darling kids, and those chores you are missing so much.
VALUE: $800 - $1,200.
Thank you to Ivy Springs and the Scamperle Family.

VIVA LE FRANCE!

Our annual Signature Trip is a treat to enjoy Paris in all her glory, as well as make a pilgrimage to Lourdes, since this is the 150th Anniversary of the Lourdes Miracle. This package includes roundtrip airfare to France and a train trip for two to Southern France where you can pilgrimage to the shrine at Lourdes. (You can also arrange to fly into Paris and out of Lourdes) Details to be arranged with Mr. Van Hecke, but could include flying into Paris and out of Southern France.
VALUE: $3,000- $5,000.
Thanks to the Dallal and Van Hecke Families.
(This item’s scheduling is subject to availability, but can be arranged year round. Arrangements need to be made through Mr. Van Hecke at the school to ensure proper ticketing on Delta Airlines [using Delta Award Travel] and lodging arrangements.)

“Paris, City of Lights” Gala Dinner/Auction
Sat., Nov 8, Embassy Suites
Starts:  6:30 P.M. - silent auction opens/cocktails
For ticket info or to donate items or money:
Call the school office, (805) 672-0411

calendar-2008-09

Good morning everyone.  My name is Juan Orozco and I, up until 3 years ago, lived in Ventura County.  I lived in Wagon Wheel park when Saint Augustine Academy rented the building off of Bucaroo Ave.  I lived near Saticoy until I married Ciriana H. years ago.  I heard many stories and adventures of her time at Saint Augustine Academy.  From the tales Ciri told me, I was able to put together a mental picture of a school that dedicated its time and resources to quality education and mentoring.  We enjoy giving back to the school that helped shape who she is today, but we wanted to give something different.  We give you the new Saint Augustine Academy website.

As the site goes live, you will see minor changes as the site gets acclimated to its new home.  Please bear with us while we finalize the sites’ functions.  Our hope is that the school, staff, faculty, and students will find the new site useful and entertaining.  If there are any suggestions or questions, please submit them here.

To get started, just click on any link above to view the site’s many pages and sections.  Enjoy.

Graduation Ceremony

Read Francesca K.’s Speech. (PDF)

Listen to Francesca K.’s speech: (MP3)

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Listen to Louisas speech: (MP3)

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Read  the Graduation Homily by Fr. Paul Donlon (PDF)

View the Graduation photos.  Courtesy of Leo Rabb.

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May 2008

Saint Augustine Academy proudly announces our school’s inclusion in the Catholic High School Honor Roll.

For more information about the Catholic High School Honor Roll, click the logo or go to: http://www.chshonor.org

Go to the ACTON INSTITUTE (or go to http://www.acton.org/) for the study of religion and liberty.