Keeping in Touch

Chieftains stay connected. If you are an alum, we would love to hear your news. Whether sharing a personal or family update, a professional accomplishment, or just saying hello, submit your brief item and a photo for publication here and for the Palma Today magazine.

Alumni Unity Shines: Celebrating Palma's Victory Together!

We are grateful when alumni attend and support their alma mater. Ben Laycock '14 and varsity football coach, Jeff Carnazzo '85 after the Palma victory against Menlo on Saturday, November 23, 2024.



University of Maryland’s Basketball Teams Advance to Sweet 16

Both the University of Maryland’s men's and women's basketball teams are headed to the Sweet 16. A key figure in their success is Kyle Tarp, a 2001 graduate and the university’s Director of Basketball Performance. In this role, Kyle oversees all aspects of training and nutrition for the men’s basketball team. Currently, in his 15th season at Maryland, Kyle’s expertise plays a vital role in helping the team reach this exciting milestone.

Click here for more.

Homecoming: Tommy Padilla Inspires with Military Commitment

Tommy Padilla, '19, returned to Palma for a visit. He explored the campus alongside Director of Admissions Raul Rico '03. Tommy serves as a First Lieutenant in the Army, working as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal Officer at Fort Riley, Kansas.

From Student to Service

Ricardo “Ricky” Castro ‘13

Following college, Ricky served our military for four years

and returned home to pursue a masters degree from Arizona State

University which he received in 2023. He has recently completed his

training to join the Monterey County Sheriff's Department and is

excited to "serve the great people of Monterey County."

From Mentorship to Mastery: Drew Dalman's Inspiring Journey

New Bears center Drew Dalman '17 has ascended to the peak of his sport, thanks to a blend of talent, stature, dedication, and various other intangible qualities. However, this is not a path he has walked alone. The 26-year-old expresses deep gratitude to the mentors who have supported him throughout his journey, with the list starting with his father.

2025 Palma School Hall of Fame

Once a Chieftain, Always a Chieftain! This past weekend, we welcomed six remarkable individuals and one extraordinary couple into the Palma School Hall of Fame: a respected coach, exceptional athletes, and a legendary couple. This year's inductees included Bill Salmina ’58, Paul MacDonald ’70, Rob Smets ’77, John Sup ’77, Dirk Giannini ’91, EJ Rowland ’01, Sam ’55 and Shirley Lavorato.

Palma Honors EJ Rowland: A Legacy of Excellence Celebrated

On February 13, 2025, Palma celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of EJ Rowland '01. During halftime, EJ was officially inducted into the Palma School Hall of Fame, accompanied by his high school coaches Ron Critchfield, Chad '92, and Matt '92 Amaral, along with President Chris Dalman '88 and former teammate Lou Amaral '02.

Changing of the Guard

This year's head lacrosse coach is Luke Brigantino '20, who has reassembled former coaches Vince Brigantino '82, Jeff Rianda '83, and Greg Beach to support him. Joining the coaching staff for the first time is Sam Koster '18.

Class of 1988 Unites to Honor Brian Atwell's Legacy

On January 18, 2025, members of the class of 1988 celebrated the life of their classmate, Brian Atwell. Left to Right -CC Salmina, Alan DeVilliers, Phil Giammanco, Mrs. Atwell, Scott McCologan, Mandy (Rodriguez) Lebow, Mike Maestri, Lon de Asis, Lon Lanini, Greg Beardsley, Kevin Christiansen, Markus Lewtschuk, Jason Smith, and Matt Riddell.

Class of 1975

Members of the class of 1975 assembled for their annual get-together.

Class of 1961

In September, several members of the class of 1961 came together for a joyful reunion over lunch, celebrating their enduring connections and shared memories.

Left to right:  Marietta Tosto Federico, Gini Wilson Luttrell, Barbara Borchert Pybas, Kathy Garlinger Paolino, Maureen Bruce Lawrence, Mary Alice Doner Rothstein, Nancy Reif Johnson, Kathy Sheehy Ferrasci, Patsy Shellooe Fanoe,  Karen Fanoe Archer, and Joan Botelho Scattini.

Class of 1994

Marking 30 years since graduation, the Class of 1994 comes together once again.



Palma Cheerleader Reunion

This school year, we welcomed young women back to campus, so we invited former Palma cheerleaders back to Palma and thanked them for being a part of Palma’s history. These women represented four decades of support for Palma in both field and court activities.

From Court to Coach: Driscoll and Rowland Reunite at St. Mary's

Palma Head Basketball coach, Brian Driscoll, visited his alma mater, Saint Mary's, and hung out with fellow alum, new assistant basketball coach EJ Rowland '01.

EJ enjoyed a 20-year professional career, playing on four different continents: North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia.

Homecoming 2024

Alumni spanning the decades returned for Homecoming 2024, with the class of 1974 commemorating their golden anniversary. Alumni were accompanied by their daughters, future Palma alumni, on the homecoming court.

Congratulations to Maya Giannini '25, daughter of Dirk Giannini '91, on the crowning as this year's homecoming queen and to the class of 1974.

Palma Legacy

Congratulations to filmmaker Devin Thomas '11! Article also references his late grandfather John "Butch" Massa '58.

Click here to read the full article.

Class of 1964 Reunion

Reconnecting after six decades, the class of 1964 relived timeless memories at their reunion on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Class of 1980 Reunion

On Saturday, August 28th, the class of 1980 gathered once again, sharing stories and reuniting with their former classmates.

EJ Rowland '01 Returns to Lead St. Mary's Basketball

Congratulations to EJ Rowland '01 on his next chapter as the assistant men's basketball coach at his college alma mater, St. Mary's.

Click here for the full article.

Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame

Congratulations to David Fales '09 and Orlando "O.J." Johnson '07, two exceptional athletes who will be honored with induction into the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame on August 24, 2024.

Palma Boys

Pictured:  Robert Ecklund '80, Greg Chilton '80, Dan Ryan '80, Dan Fiorio '80, and Will Chilton '14.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024

Click on the button to view the senior slideshow.

Alumnus Devin Thomas Celebrates Film Debut at Lighthouse Cinema!

Devin Thomas, a proud Palma School alumnus from the class of 2011, has recently achieved a significant milestone in his filmmaking career. After graduating from the Los Angeles Film School in 2015, he self-financed, wrote, directed, produced, and photographed his debut feature film, "Peninsula Nights." Premiering locally at Lighthouse Cinema on June 8th, the film is in consideration for over 30 film festivals nationally and internationally. Devin's journey exemplifies Palma's dedication to fostering excellence, creativity, and passion in its students. Peninsula Nights will be on major streaming platforms later this year in 2024. 

Peninsula Nights Official Movie Trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOSXX8FiV44

USD Biochemistry Student Shares Groundbreaking Surgical Research in Texas

The University of San Diego's Biochemistry Department chose Shane Olszanowski '21 to present his medical research on surgery at a San Antonio conference. Shane is studying medicine with a specific focus on surgery.

2024 Coach Paul MacDonald Alumni Softball Game

On Saturday, April 6, 2024, baseball alumni gathered for the 2nd Annual Coach Paul MacDonald Alumni Softball Game. Generations of alumni spanning from the 1970s to the 2000s were present, including Coach Mac's former teammates, members from his first and last team, and those from the 2009 CCS Championship, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year. Everyone had a great time, and they are planning to come back again next year, so be sure to stay tuned for the next date. Go Chieftains!

Markus Lewschuk '87, Eric Esquer '87, Jim Bass '88, Danny Carnazzo '17, Gregory Salazar '12, Jacob Naval '09, Michael Valentin '11, Chris Dalman '88, Pat McDonough '86, Joey Flores '85, Coach Mac '70, Marty Lawrence '84, Shawn Wilson '85, Todd Guzik '80, Ed Pearce '70, Shawn Cassidy '70, Rick Gutierrez '71, Dan Carnazzo '87, Flo Flores '79, Scott McCulligan '87, Phil Giammanco '87, John Pezzini '78, and Coach Tim Vanoli '78. Not pictured: Coach Brian Neff '96.

Click here to view the photo gallery.

Future Leaders Shine: Jack Busch's Team Excels in National Competition

Jack Busch '20 was part of a four-person student team that took second place at the National Grocers Association student case study competition at the National Grocers Association Show in Las Vegas. The team strategized on maintaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market with insights into fresh categories, digital integration and future differentiation.

Congratulations!

Jared Cook '16 with other recipients in Sacramento was honored with the Star of Life Award. This award “honors the accomplishments of EMS personnel across the state who provide exemplary lifesaving care to adult and pediatric patients.”

Lifelong Friends

Trish (Cling) Pearce and Alice (Richardson) Wilson, both members of the class of 1964 were part of a historic group of graduates. They were the last co-ed class to graduate from the school before it became an all-boys Catholic school. Trish, as the Head Cheerleader, and Alice, an ASB representative, were both highly involved and influential members of their class. They were known for their school spirit and leadership, and their impact on the school was felt long after they graduated.

Trish and Alice are thrilled that their granddaughters will have the opportunity to place in their hearts. They know that their granddaughters will be able to experience the same sense of community and tradition that they did. They are also eager for their granddaughters to be a part of the Palma family, a tight-knit group of alumni who continue to support and stay connected to the school even after graduation.

Palma grad excelling at Santa Clara

It took one season opening series for Palma grad JonJon Berring '20 to set a single-season career high for home runs for the Santa Clara University baseball team.

Ten games into the spring, Berring has hit more homers (five) than in his first three seasons combined for the Broncos.

The left-handed lead-off hitter is sizzlingat the plate, leading the team in eight different categories - putting his name up as a potential MLB draft pick this summer.

In addition to his team-high five homers, Berring leads the roncos in runs batted in (18), runs scored (17), hits (17), extra-base hits (9), walks (9) and on-base percentage (.491).

The senior has improved his batting average in each of his four seasons at Santa Clara, hitting .315 last year, nearly 100 points higher than his sophomore season.

Berring earned all-league honors at Palma in football and baseball.

Two Palma Grads are in the Salinas Valley Hall of Fame Class of 2024

Former NFL quarterback David Fales '09 and swingman Orlando Johnson '07 will highlight this year's inductions into the Salinas Valley Sports Hall of Fame in August.

Fales was a quarterback for Palma. He later played at Monterey Peninsula College and then moved on to San Jose State. In 2014, he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round, and he also played for the Miami Dolphins. Fales had a six-year career in the NFL.  Fales was inducted into the Palma School Hall of Fame in 2023.

Johnson, the first county player to be drafted in the NBA by the Sacramento Kings in 2012, spent parts of three seasons with five different NBA teams before embarking on a career in Europe.

Class of 1974

Members of the class of 1974 meet once a month for a class meeting.

Pictured: Pete Gnosca, Chris Brigantino, Henry Dill, Jim Linder, Joe Zanger, Matt Zazueta, Terry Tognietti, Joe Given, Dave Johnson. 

2024 Palma School Hall of Fame

Congratulations to the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees! On Saturday, February 10th, we honored our best athletes and coaches.

Joey Dansby '88, Nate Holaday '68, Greg Lane '88, Ron Critchfield, Tony Rossi '66, and the 1992 Basketball team ( Coach Bob Burlison, Coach John Amaral, Coach Mark Crossgrove, Chad Amaral, Matt Amaral, Mike Baclig, Mike Castagnetto, Joey Diaz, Sky Feekes, Casey Kelly, Robert Long, Marc Matock, Todd McRae, Brandon Peterson, David Sargenti, Josh Short, Ken Young, and Steven Zenk).

Click here to view the photo gallery.

D’Arrigo Bros. CEO John D’Arrigo Honored for Agricultural Excellence

Western Growers presented the 2023 Award of Honor to D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California CEO/President and Chairman of the Board John D’Arrigo '76. The Award of Honor is Western Growers’ highest recognition of achievement and is given to individuals who have contributed extensively to the agricultural community.

Alumni Basketball Game

On November 25, 2023, we had a great turnout of alumni, including former players, their families, and friends who cheered for them.

Pictured (L- R):  Coach Kelley Lopez '01, Dennis Torres '09, Logan Guerini '23, Prabhjot Singh '20, Julian Torres '20, Tyler Whitehead '20, Alex Vasquez '20, Wyatt Maker '16, Adrian Suniga '20, Feras Masarweh '20, Josh Keselica '16, Ethan Pavlet '20, Ryan Roggio '22, Eric Roggio '18 (not pictured), and Robert Galli '23.

Hartnell College Honors Dr. Jeffrey Parola with Arts Award

Dr. Jeffrey Parola '97, a composer, organist, conductor, and teacher, received the Distinguished Alumnus in the Arts Award at the 2023 Hartnell College Arts Gala on November 18, 2023. For more information on Jeffrey, click here.

Class of 1960 Annual Lunch

Pictured: Around the table (L-R) Sarah Herbert, Jeanette Avila Schneider, Diane Tara Stein, Marleen Armanini Lagattuta, Jim Storm, Dan Sahagun, Jim Scattini, Barbara DeLuna Lazarotti, Yvette Casamayou Benson, Vivian Brisbine Medina, Jean Ferrasci Steinbruner, Angie Sahagun Vasquez. 

President's Circle Reception 2023

Pictured: Board of Director President, Eric Mueller '01, Admissions Director, Raul Rico '03, Joseph Melo '03.

Inaugural Alumni Flag Football Game

Kicking off the football season by bringing our alumni back for a flag football game. What a great way to end our annual Red & Gold Day. We are always trying to find ways to reconnect with our alumni. Go Chieftains!

Pictured (L-R): Kasey Mena '22, JC Escutia '23, Brian Neff '96, Misha Lomboy '22, Luke Rossi '22, Jeff Carnazzo '85, Salvatore Lagana '22, Luke Alvarez '22, Colton Amaral '22, Nate Jean-Pierre '22, Nick Noroian '02, and Brandon Villlar '12.

Alumni Faculty

Palma alumni make up over fifty percent of the 2023-24 faculty. 

Pictured: Front Row: Brian Neff '96, Nick La Fountain '98, Willie Beesley '86, Rob Viarengo '86, Nick Sterrett '04, Chris Dalman '88, Matt Thorup '06, Jorge Rico '08, Jeff Carnazzo '85. Back Row: Nick Noroian '02, Raul Rico '03, John Gnosca '14, Isaiah Jimenez '08, Tim Martinez '89,  and Phil Giammanco '87.

Coach Norm Costa Memorial Golf Tournament

The Coach Costa Memorial Golf Tournament brought out alumni from a handful of decades. Thank you to all of our alumni who came out and supported the Coach Norm Costa Memorial Scholarship on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the Club at Pasadera. 

Pictured: Team Pacific International Marketing - Alumni include: David Johnson '75, Larry Larronde '75, Vinny Caudill '18, and Chris Dalman '88.

Congratulations

Congratulations to the graduates of the Class of 2023!