March Students of the Month
Ana Lillie ‘21 and Ricky Brown ‘19 have been named the March Students of the Month. Ana and Ricky were also leads in this year’s winter musical Fiddler on the Roof. Ana played the mother, Golde, and Ricky was the father and lead, Tevye. In addition to the winter musical, Ana is involved with Golf, Voices for Peace and Life, the Music Liturgy Team, and Spanish Club.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from Ana about her experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
Q: Favorite class? Why?
Ana: Advanced Drama because it helps students who want to go into that field grow and learn more about performing arts. It also helps students who don’t wanna go into that field to break out of their shell and grow in confidence.
Q: Favorite teacher/coach? Why?
Ana: Mr. Birrer, because he teaches life through his English class. He uses literature to relate to students’ lives and teaches us about ourselves and other people through perspective.
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
Ana: I didn’t know that all of the teachers are genuinely there for you when you need it to help you succeed rather than just doing it because “it’s their job.” Every teacher is there for you.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
Ana: Fiddler on the Roof because the cast and crew got to help each other with their talent and create new relationships with people who have a common interest.
Q: What are you looking forward to at Prep in future years?
Ana: Finding out why Fred loves me (at the Search Retreat during my Junior year).
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
Ana: I want to go to culinary school and become a chef, open my own restaurant, and eventually become a food critic.
Q: What is something you like most about the Spring?
Ana: It’s perfect weather to play golf and just spend time outside in general since it is not too hot or cold.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
Ana: I was adopted from Guatemala when I was 4 years old!
February Students of the Month
Victoria Stefoglo ‘20 and Ephraim Watkins ‘22 were named the February Students of the Month. These students have great hopes and dreams for their future including Victoria hoping to one day be an aerospace engineer for a place such as NASA or SpaceX. Ephraim has experienced a strong sense of community at Prep both in the classroom and on the field. Both are involved in sports at Prep. Victoria plays volleyball in the fall and is part of the track team in spring. Ephraim plays football in the fall, wrestles in the winter, and throws shot put for track and field in the spring.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from Victoria and Ephraim about their experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
Q: Favorite class? Why?
Victoria: My favorite class is AP US History. It challenges me in ways that no other class has and I enjoy learning about America’s past in depth.
Ephraim: My favorite class is Spanish. I like it because it’s cool to learn about other cultures and be able to speak multiple languages.
Q: Favorite teacher/coach? Why?
Victoria: My favorite teacher is Mrs. League (AP US History teacher) because she is very smart and is willing to help when you ask for it. I like the way she does things when it comes to teaching too. I feel like I’ve learned so much in her class.
Ephraim: It’s a tie between coach McKenna and coach Pearson. They are incredibly different coaches but they both want what’s best for you and try to give you the best support to get the job done.
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
Victoria: I didn’t know that Fair Share Tuition existed at Prep before I transferred. Now I think it’s awesome that Prep has opportunities for everyone to attend school here.
Ephraim: I learned that it’s more of a community than other schools.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
Victoria: So far, my favorite memory would definitely have to be Search Retreat.
Ephraim: It’s a tie between going to regionals for wrestling as a freshman and having an undefeated football season with my teammates.
Q: What are you looking forward to at Prep in future years?
Victoria: I’m excited to continue challenging myself with the great classes Prep has to offer.
Ephraim: I’m looking forward to building more relationships with my classmates.
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
Victoria: In my future I want to be an aerospace engineer. As for where I want to do that, I’m deciding between shooting for NASA and SpaceX (there’s so many great options out there!).
Ephraim: I would like to play professional football or go into sports science/medicine or coaching.
Q: What do you like to do in the winter for fun? OR What are you looking forward to about the spring?
Victoria: During the winter, I love cuddling up on the couch with a good Hallmark movie and tea. But winter has been dragging on for a while now, and I’m looking forward to spring for a good track season.
Ephraim: I like to wrestle and play video games instead of going outside. The cold ain’t for me.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
Victoria: I’m not always as confident as I look on the outside; you know the saying, “Fake it ‘till you make it.” No matter how “put together” anyone looks, that doesn’t mean they don’t ever get stressed or overwhelmed. The same goes for me, so don’t be fooled if I always seem like I have everything figured out.
Ephraim: I used to play the saxophone for fun before middle school.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or fun facts about yourself you would like to share?
Victoria: I love riding horses and used to take lessons every week for about four years, but then high school came around and left me with little time to do that, so now I can’t ride very much.
Ephraim: I’m the fifth of six grandchildren, I was born in Spokane, and I’ve been playing sports since I was four years-old.
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January Students of the Month
Junior MaryKate McHenry and freshman Bryson Henry have been named the January Students of the Month.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from one of the students, MaryKate, about her experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
MaryKate, a junior class ASB representative, participates in WDFY, G.L.A.D.D., and Women’s Leadership club, of which she is the co-founder. She is also a tutor in the Academic Success Center, is on the Gonzaga Prep Girls Lacrosse team, and volunteers frequently for school events such as Open House, Freshman Orientation, and Campus Ministry retreats.
Q: Favorite class? Why?
MaryKate: I like different classes for different reasons, so it is hard to pick a favorite. I have really enjoyed Honors Spanish III with Sra. Traynor. I absolutely love Spanish and I have her first period, so it helps to start my day off on a good note. I also really enjoyed Anatomy and Physiology, taught by Mr Hawley. I learned so much about things that I am really interested in and it was so fascinating to me!
Q: Favorite teacher/coach? Why?
MaryKate: All of my teachers are so different, so I can't compare them. The environment in every class is unique and exciting. I got really lucky this year with teachers who are passionate about what they teach, and it makes class fun and upbeat. I sincerely feel really lucky to have such awesome teachers that I know care about their students.
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
MaryKate: I didn't know that school could be something I look forward to everyday. Before Prep, I didn't have a passion for learning or school, like I do now. I was surprised by how welcoming and inclusive Prep is. I came from public school and knew only a few people here, but the sense of community immediately made me feel welcome and appreciated.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
MaryKate: Wellness week during freshman year. It was a long lunch day and it was so bright and sunny outside. There were many fun activities and everyone was in such a good mood. Many people (including me) were dancing to Shakira with the Spanish teachers. I am so happy we have made it an annual event! Another amazing memory was going “food-driving” this year with almost all of my first period class and Sra. Traynor. We all had dinner and hung out together afterwards. It was so cool to all come together and see the positive impact that we helped make on many people's lives!
Q: What are you looking forward to at Prep in future years?
MaryKate: I am really looking forward to the Magis Retreat senior year! I was on the first Search of the school year and it was awesome, so I am really looking forward to going on another retreat senior year.
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
MaryKate: I want to go into the medical field and become a doctor! I also want to minor in Spanish and study abroad for a semester in college.
Q: What do you like to do in the winter for fun?
MaryKate: I spend time up at the mountains and ski!
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
MaryKate: I have a brother who is a senior at Central Valley and a little brother who is in fifth grade.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents or fun facts about yourself you would like to share?
MaryKate: I am greek and stay with my family in Greece every few years. I am traveling there this summer and I am so excited to see them!
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November Students of the Month
Juniors Andrew Booth and Mia Puzzo were named the November Students of the Month. These two students share an interest in the arts and love for their teachers at Gonzaga Prep. Booth, who is said to have a “mean curve ball in ping-pong,” is involved with Improv club and values the willingness of his teachers who have worked to help him be successful in school. Puzzo is involved with National Honors Society, Women’s Leadership club, [Varsity] Girls Tennis, and Yearbook. She is looking forward to making new memories with her tennis teammates come spring.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from Booth and Puzzo about their experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
Q: Favorite class? Why?
Booth: Church and the Arts. It’s a really interesting class. We have learned many different types of architecture and types of music, as well as and how it changes throughout history and why it changed.
Puzzo: Art classes have always been my favorite type of class because I enjoy drawing and painting. I also have a great appreciation for learning about different kinds of art styles.
Q: Favorite teacher/coach? Why?
Booth: I can’t really say that I have a “favorite” teacher. I honestly like every teacher I have.
Puzzo: Mrs. McLeod is my favorite teacher because she is always really positive and welcoming. You can tell that she really cares about her students!
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
Booth: How much the teachers are really willing to help you. The teachers here will really help if you are willing to ask for it.
Puzzo: Before I was a student at Gonzaga Prep I had just moved to Spokane and I didn’t know anyone. I had no idea that I would make so many great friends through tennis and different classes!
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
Booth: Maybe a teacher, or a pharmaceutical technician. Either way, I would like to do a job that helps other people.
Puzzo: I have always loved art and designing things. I would love to have a career that allows me to be creative and use my artistic abilities.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
Booth: My favorite memory at Prep would probably just be hanging out with my friends at the rocks outside of the Chapel of the Three Companions.
Puzzo: Some of my favorite memories at Prep have been through playing tennis with my teammates last season!
Q: What have you been thankful for during the month of November?
Booth: I’m thankful for my amazing family, my awesome friends, and the great teachers that have helped me along the way.
Puzzo: I’m so thankful for a valuable education and for my friends and family who constantly support me.
Q: What is a fun fact about yourself you would like to share?
Booth: I used to have a mean curve ball in ping-pong.
Puzzo: I love to travel to new places!
October Students of the Month
Senior Abby Hays and Sophomore Colin Kelly were named the October Students of the Month.
These students have been inspired by their teachers and various Gonzaga Prep activities, which make them excited for school each day. Hays spends is a Student Ambassador, Basketball Manager, and participates in Campus Ministry activities. Kelly is a lover of sports who enjoys watching and cheering on the Gonzaga Prep teams, as well as his favorite football team the Green Bay Packers.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from Hays and Kelly about their experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
Q: What is your favorite class? Why?
Hays: Advanced PE with Mrs. John because I love exercise and we play fun games!
Kelly: My favorite class is Chemistry because of the labs and demonstrations.
Q: Who is your favorite teacher/coach? Why?
Hays: Mrs. Plaster -- Every time I go into her classroom she makes me smile and I know I'm going to learn something new that day!
Kelly: My favorite teacher or coach would be Mr. McKenna because we have a back and forth banter about the Packers and we get along.
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
Hays: One of the best experiences has been the Food Drive and I didn't know much about it before I was a student. The amount of food we collect and delivering it to families has been an impactful experience.
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
Hays: I think I want to work in physical therapy. I really enjoy helping people and I'm fascinated how the body works and moves.
Kelly: I think in the future I would like to do something sports related.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
Hays: Search!
Kelly: My favorite memory if probably the basketball state championship.
Q: Favorite Halloween memory? Halloween candy?
Hays: When I was little, we went to a Halloween party in St. John with my friend, Lily. It was really fun because all the families who had recently adopted kids were there. It was great to get to know the other kids who had been adopted. Candy: Snickers or Almond Joy.
Kelly: My favorite Halloween candy is probably Twix.
Q: What are you thankful for this month?
Hays: My family!
Kelly: I am thankful for the surgeons that performed my surgery and all of the doctors that followed after.
Q: What is something people might not know about you?
Hays: I come off shy, but once I get to know people I talk a lot! Also, I was adopted on August 13, 2001 when I was 4 months old! I was born in Cambodia.
Kelly: Something people might know about me is that I have cerebral palsy.
September Students of the Month
Sophomores Addy DeCaro and Owen Manfred have been named the September Students of the Month. Both students share a love for the community at Gonzaga Prep and an enthusiasm for being involved. DeCaro spends her time participating in Spanish Club, Sophomore Ambassadors, Women’s Leadership, and Women’s Basketball. Manfred participates in Sophomore Ambassadors, Sophomore Class Council, and throws Javelin in Track and Field.
What follows is a series of questions and answers from DeCaro and Manfred about their experiences at Gonzaga Prep:
Q: What do you like most about Gonzaga Prep?
DeCaro: I love the community the most at Prep.
Manfred: I love that Gonzaga Prep is a great big community. All students, no matter which class, can always come together at cons and other events. I don’t have any experience at a public high school, but I can only imagine that the community is nowhere near as strong.
Q: Favorite class? Why?
DeCaro: My favorite class right now is AP World History because I am learning so much and I’m being pushed to improve my time management skills.
Manfred: My favorite class has got to be Spanish. Señora McGann always brings so much energy into all activities that we do and it is always exciting.
Q: Favorite teacher/coach? Why?
DeCaro: It would be hard to chose because each teacher offers so many different qualities.
Manfred: My favorite teacher would probably be Mr. McIntyre. He teaches my World History class and always knows how to present the content in ways we students can relate to it. Every class period is full of fun stories and interesting facts.
Q: What do you know now about Gonzaga Prep that you didn't know before you were a student here?
DeCaro: Spirit Week is a BIG deal at Prep. I did not know that before.
Manfred: I didn’t know a lot about different courses that were offered before freshman year. I was so excited to see such a variety of options.
Q: What do you think you would like to do in the future?
DeCaro: I would like to be an environmental engineer and travel the world.
Manfred: In the future, I want to go to Physical Therapy school. One day I may even own my own practice.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Prep?
DeCaro: My favorite memory is spending a tremendous amount of time planning spirit week and then winning the best video while I was on class council.
Manfred: So far, my favorite memory at prep is spirit week freshman year. I got to dress up as Oscar the Grouch and get hyped at each different con. Spirit week was definitely the best part of my year.