John Tipre (Teacher/Track Coach

It appears to a few of us the circle is completing itself. Have to say it feels fortunate to have enjoyed a rounded experience.

My first serious professional experience and still one of the most relevant. My six years in St. Monica's, fall of 1969 to spring of 1975, still bears fruit. The school had just begun to mix its genders. The year before, the California side had been female, and the Lincoln side male. I had just returned from serving as a Navy journalist aboard the 6th Fleet flagship "Topeka" in the Mediterranean largely at sea with 900 other men. We had given little thought to the current history in the Far East. Vietnam would soon prevail in the back ground for all of us, whether we understood the fact, or not. Oddly, today feels similar. "What don't I/we realize? Still "in the hunt." Modern citizens trying to realize our great country's historical promise.

I loved working for and with Annette Shamey and Michael Bradley. Jack Farrell, whom I'd known in high school and whose parents were friends of my own, directed me to Annette's office. I still recall the day. Annette remains the best "boss" I ever worked for. The best part academically proved to be working with raw 9th and 10th grade students just starting out. My experience with older students like George Centeno and Reinhold Dillon was borne out of coaching Cross Country and Track in the out-of-doors, South Westerly prevailing winds blowing on us, astonishing vitality of young athletes who provided the school with championship teams. Late afternoons wound down the day. In this way the years began a quicker tempo. Too quick!

All-in-all I remember the boys and girls of St. Monica's fondly. They (you) yet warm the heart. They should feel good fortune as in my memory they have never aged.