Mary Star of the Sea High School

UNVEIL THE FUTURE

See the model of the new campus unveiled for the first time at The Night of a Thousand Stars!

MOVE IN BEGINS AT THE FACULTY HOUSING

See pictures from the newly completed faculty housing at the new campus!

THE CARDINAL GIVES SUPPORT

The Cardinal has kept his eye on our project and lent a helping hand in many ways!

ATHLETES' CHALLENGE

Nickolas Ciketic launches a new building fund campaign and challenges all Star athletes to "remember your jersey number!"

W.M. KECK FOUNDATION PROVIDES GRANT

In their December 2000 meeting, the Board of Directors of the W.M. Keck Foundation agreed to award $500,000 to Mary Star of the Sea High School for the construction of the new high school campus.

The 500-plus crowd in attendance at Mary Star of the Sea High School's twelfth annual Night of a Thousand Stars, Saturday, February 17, had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the scale model of the new high school campus. With great pride, Monsignor Patrick Gallagher, Pastor, with the assistance of Father Norbert Wood, school Rector at the time, ceremoniously lifted the model's covering cloth as guests applauded the design of the future campus.

"The new campus overlooks the Los Angeles Harbor and has views that encompass the Pacific Ocean, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and parts of San Pedro," said Msgr. Gallagher. "The tower in the center of campus will be visible day and night to the countless people who pass along Western Ave. and along parts of Gaffey and the Vincent Thomas Bridge. It will be a constant reminder to the community of their commitment to Catholic education and the role it plays in preparing our youth to be the strong citizens and leaders of tomorrow."

"It is hard to imagine the buildings when you are standing in the middle of 27 acres of land," said Fr. Wood. "The model allows you to easily understand the relationship of the buildings with the surrounding plazas and fields and how the elements fit on the natural topography of the site."

The campus is designed to be "pedestrian friendly." Student parking is at one end of the campus and faculty/visitor parking is at the other. The center of campus is vehicle free and includes groves, plazas and open spaces to unite the buildings while enhancing the environmental and aesthetic feel. The architecture is a contemporary interpretation of the Mission style and exteriors are warmly colored and lightly textured.

As visitors to the campus cross the main plaza, their first impression is of the administration building that also serves as the reception center. The exterior of the building communicates both quality and simplicity. Covered walkways provide energy efficiency and protection for those coming and going. This building includes offices and meeting spaces for the faculty, staff, and volunteers. On the second floor is the expanded library and computer technology center.

Across the main plaza beyond the campus tower begins the academic complex. The first structure to be completed is the two-story classroom building. Designed in a "U" shape, it creats a natural courtyard as it center. The building includes classrooms, the science laboratories, and four rooms assigned for temporary use - two locker rooms, a kitchen, and a chapel. All four will return to classrooms as Phase II is completed.

Phase I also includes a temporary gymnasium, three practice fields, (baseball, softball, and football/ soccer/ track), and housing for the religious faculty.

The remodel of Navy buildings for faculty housing is nearing completion. The facility will accommodate up to sixteen permanent residents with three additional guestrooms.

"We've begun to move in a few things," said Father Norbert Wood., Rector at the time. "The library shelves are filled with our books now and most of the individual rooms have furniture. What still remains are the large community spaces. The kitchen, dining room, chapel, and parlor need the details."

The Norbertine priests are planning a private Mass of dedication on the Feast of St. Joseph, March 19th, 2001, to give honor to the patron saint of the new campus project. A public celebration will be announced when date and time are established.

Monsignor Gallagher points out the administration building and the site of the future gymnasium.

Monsignor asks Al DiRocco, Chairman of the Steering Committe for the new school, to make a few comments.

Father Norbert and Al DiRocco give Monsignor a break and answer questions

Two Cheerleaders from the class of 2003 discuss the prospect of their senior year at the new campus.

The administration building has both offices and meeting rooms. Also, the computer room and library are on the second floor.

The south facing view of the classroom building shows the harmony of architecture with the administration building.

Father Norbert Wood lends a helping hand to get another box moved in.

A statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus marks the beginning of the exterior walkway. In the distance is the front door.

Two separate buildings are connected by a covered walkway.

The community building has the dinning room on the left and the chapel on the right.

The chapel makes good use of exterior and interior lighting.

The dining room looks directly into the garden.

The hallway doubles as a library. Staircases lead to upper residence areas.

These are the words of Cardinal Roger Mahony from his letter to Monsignor Gallagher and Mary Star Parishioners written at the beginning of the new high school project.

Over time the Cardinal has kept his eye on our project and lent a helping hand in many ways. For example, he has personally written dozens of letters to various foundations offering his endorsement of the new high school project and encouraged financial support for the capital campaign. In addition, he has met with the pastors of parishes that provide students to Mary Star High School to discuss how they might make the financial needs for the project known in their parishes through pulpit presentations and mailings.

Just recently in a meeting at the Archdiocese concerning the Mary Star of the Sea High School project, the Cardinal enthusiastically gave his blessing to the campus design concept and encouraged those involved in the project to proceed.

"The support and backing of Cardinal Mahony has added to our confidence and focus," states Msgr. Gallagher. "His encouragement validates our efforts to ensure the opportunity for a Catholic high school education for Harbor/Peninsula youth for generations to come."

Cost Review and Financing

Foundations and Donors Set an Example of Sharing

For many years, Art was a prominent figure in San Pedro and the Peninsula. He taught Honors English at both Fermin Lasuen and Marymount High Schools. In addition, he conducted the choirs at Mary Star and Holy Trinity Parishes.

He shared his musical talent by directing many musical performances at Lasuen and Marymount including Camelot, Brigade, Sound of Music, Die Fledermaus, and West Side Story. Some of his students went on to careers in drama and music.

Art did all of this while being employed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). He eventually left California for Florida where he continued to direct choirs and compose music.

Gifts may be sent to the Mary Star of the Sea Building Fund in his honor. His beloved wife Rosemary Kursa Strapp will be notified of all gifts.

I noticed that my class of '95 has not contributed a single penny to the new school building fund. Those of us who graduated from college in a timely manor are just getting established. Others are also just launching careers.

Although our class had many challenges, we were good friends and there was a loyalty among us that will last a lifetime. An experience we can be proud of is that we lead Mary Star to the Semifinals in Football. Now that life had begun to unfold, the true meaning of that victory is beginning to cement in our minds and hearts.

Two years ago I was in a serious car accident. My girlfriend had been driving on a graveled Washington road. Her car went out of control and rolled down a ravine. I went into defense mode that was so drilled into me on those dusty football fields. Although Tricia's neck was broken, I managed to save her life. The months of recovery left much time to concentrate on the meaning and purpose of our lives. I had some serious conversations with God. One thought always kept surfacing. "Thank you, God, for my football experiences with Coach Dino and Coach Mike who prepared me for this moment." Thank God for people like Coach Sandy Simich and Silvia Munos who always believed in me and never let me give up. One never knows where life's most important lessons come from in one's high school days.

Now, to the reason I am writing. I would like to make a proposal for the building fund. I know there are many athletes who graduated through the years whose lives were formed on the field and courts. There is a fellowship among us that bonds us. We all have our stories of what we really learned as a Mary Star athlete.

My suggestion is to start an athletes' challenge. I suggest we ask all athletes to remember their jersey number and contribute that amount to the building fund. Hopefully they can add many zeros to their initial number. For example, if they were "11" they could contribute $11, $110, or $11,000! I will be the first to offer my contribution. My number was 77 and I will donate $770. I am also contributing $110 for my sister Mia, number 11, and $120 for my mom, number 12.

I will be happy to chair this campaign. Please contact the Capital Campaign Office to Volunteer with me to get this program going! 310-833-3861.

In their December 2000 meeting, the Board of Directors of the W.M. Keck Foundation agreed to award $500,000 to Mary Star of the Sea High School for the construction of the new high school campus. Their decision was the conclusion of a two phase application process that included a review of the current high school operations and finances, needs and benefits of the new campus, progress on implementation, and demonstrated success in the Capital Campaign.

"The W.M. Keck Foundation is very professional in their work," said Rita Swartz, Capital Campaign Director at the time. "We are most grateful for their generosity and vote of confidence in our project and abilities."

To acknowledge this gift, the science laboratory area of the classroom building will be named The W.M. Keck Science Center. This recognition is most fitting based on the premium that Mr. William Keck placed on imagination and innovation in science. The hallmark of the W.M. Keck Foundation has been support for promising scientific discoveries and new technology. By associating the benefactor of great scientific work whigh hands-on education, Mary Star will have the opportunity to provide its students a very tangible example of where scientific questioning and research can lead.

Every student will have opportunity to benefit from the W.M. Keck Science Center since all students are required to take 2.5 years science to graduate. Those students planning to attend a UC school or other select college take 4 years of science.

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