RealizED: more than a word

“On behalf of the Class of 2019, I want to express our immense gratitude. Your unconditional love and support have helped shape us into the women we are today. To our sponsors and co-educators, your workplace guidance formed us, as interns and as people. To our teachers, thank you for educating our minds and helping us write our own stories.” - Student Commencement Speaker Alexis Balocating

As the school year drew to a close, a number of our students shared their experiences in corporate presentations to Vice Presidents, Supervisors, colleagues, and ICA Cristo Rey staff. One of the presentations included a teleconference with sponsors in Texas.

Several enterprising students, led by Daniella Arevalo ‘21, recently celebrated the first issue of ICA Cristo Rey’s new student newspaper, entitled The Spartan Press. These students also did some research into the history of student journalism at the school. ICA’s first student newspaper began in 1890. It was called The School Echo; it became The Megaphone in 1929; and it continued to run under that title for several decades.

Described as “a cultural event featuring the newly canonized Monsignor Oscar Romero of El Salvador and a celebration of feminism through art, poetry, music and food,” VII Coloquio Anual Iberoamericano de Literatura, Política, Arte, Civilización y Activismo was a chance for Senior Emily Galeas to step into the collegiate culture through her poetry.

ICA Cristo Rey’s Third Annual 3-on-3 Tournament was a resounding success. The Committee, headed up by Board Member Maureen (Mo) Coleman created an event for the whole family where over $45K was raised. “Perhaps more importantly,” shared Mo, “[it] was a great ‘friendraiser’ and allowed us to spread the word about ICA Cristo Rey’s fantastic program.”

Five ICA Cristo Rey students recently performed in the Broadway musical Urinetown at Archbishop Riordan High School. The musical was directed by our own English Teacher, Greg Callaghan, who shared, “While the title may be off-putting, the material is inoffensive and lampoons, celebrates, and reflects back decades of American social and cultural values and choices.”

Senior Jessica Castaneda will be highlighted in an upcoming KPIX (CBS affiliate) television segment: “‘Being a part of Students Rising Above is why I was selected... They came to my work at Kaiser, which gave me the chance to share the things that have been a part of who I am, including ICA Cristo Rey.”

For years we’ve heard that playing sports helps athletes develop good character. But is this true? We had a chance to talk with our Athletic Director of 19 years, Athletic Director Carolyn Sideco, on the intentionality with which ICA Cristo Rey helps our students create better selves through sports.

Lissette Feliciano ‘08 is a writer, director, actress, and staunch supporter of her Alma Mater (most recently as an Honorary Committee Member of our 9th Annual Business Lunch). Last month she returned to San Francisco and the ICA campus to bring to life a cinematic dream she’s had for years.

ICA Cristo Rey’s 9th Annual Business Lunch, held earlier this week at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco, was the school’s biggest yet, with nearly 650 attendees and close to $500k in funds raised! We proudly recognized Nektar as this year’s Leader in Co-Education, and Janet and Clint Reilly as this year’s Leaders in Mission. We thank the entire community for their partnership in helping our young women Realize their Potential.