Alumni News & Notes

Class of 2011

Sara Davis ’11 graduated from Santa Clara University with an MBA.

 

Class of 2017

Parker Beyersdoerfer ’17 graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University with a Bachelor of Arts in English and media and screen studies. Her essay, Waves of Memory: Water, History, and Resistance in Patricio Guzmán's The Pearl Button, was recently published in Apollon Journal.

 

Class of 2018

Miguel Bayon Jacobson ’18 graduated magna cum laude from Loyola Marymount University’s School of Film and Television Production with a Bachelor of Arts in film and television production, with a self-designed emphasis in cinematography. He made the Dean's List in all eight semesters, received the Achievement Award, Xavier Award, and Early Action Award scholarships, and was a four-year recipient of the Scott Cook and Signe Ostby Scholarship Program for Children of Intuit Employees.

Miguel was a four-year member of LMU's elite a cappella group, Notetorious, a three-year member of the Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity, and completed LMU's International Documentary Program in Film Production in Bonn, Germany. He completed several internships across the film production industry in the greater Los Angeles area and is now settling into post-university life, pursuing film, video, commercial, and other industry jobs locally and nationwide.

You can catch up with some of Miguel's most recent film, video, photography, and DJ'ing work at www.miguelbayonjacobson.com. Four films Miguel worked on as director of photography during his senior year were submitted for consideration and competition at various film festivals, both nationally and internationally.

 

Miranda Beard ’18 graduated from Seattle University with a Bachelor of Science in environmental science and a minor in biology. She plans to work as a kindergarten teaching assistant at Spruce Street School in Seattle while applying to graduate programs in environmental science in the United States and Canada.

Miranda received Seattle University’s Excellence in Service Award for her work with its campus chapter of Camp Kesem—a free summer camp for children whose parents are battling cancer. The award honors a student club leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to service and solidarity within the community. Her roles at Camp Kesem have included camp counselor, unit leader, development coordinator, volunteer coordinator, and, most recently, director and administrator of the camp.

 

Oliver Butcher ’18 graduated from Louisiana State University’s Honors College with a Bachelor of Science in economics with honors and summa cum laude. He served as a news editor for the school newspaper, The Reveille, for two years and completed a summer research project that included interviews with populations affected by rising sea levels in Louisiana. Oliver is back in the Bay Area, traveling and exploring volunteer opportunities before applying to law schools in 2027.

 

Jocelyn Davis ’18 graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education and a minor in TESOL K-12 (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Jocelyn will be teaching in Utah and is currently interviewing for teaching positions.

 

Tyler Matsumoto ’18 graduated cum laude from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in economics. He will pursue a master’s in economics at NYU in the fall.
 

Madison Morter ’18 graduated from Seattle University with honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and a minor in women, gender, and sexuality studies. She attended ACDS from pre-K through 8th grade, then attended Notre Dame San Jose. At Seattle U, Madison participated in an 8-week research project examining how different substance use messages shape attitudes toward drugs. She then attended PsyCon to present the results alongside fellow researcher Hannah Blackman.

Over the past four years, Madison also participated in student organized protests in support of Palestine. She spent much of her senior year with Students Working Against Authoritarianism Together (SWAAT), a student-led club that builds community and helps students mobilize during times of political crisis. Moving forward, she intends to pursue her PhD and continue engaging in psychological research. She also hopes to continue her social justice work in the Seattle community, including summer volunteering at the local soup kitchen and women’s shelter.
 

Dessa Needham ’18 graduated from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with a Bachelor of Science in movement science and a minor in education, coaching, and leadership. She was in the University Honors program for three years. Dessa has committed to Northeastern University in Boston to complete her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.
 

Madeline Red ’18 earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Gonzaga University. She will begin her career as a family support specialist with Behavioral Health in Spokane, Washington.
 

Kaia Verhoeven ’18 earned a BS in animal science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy after a gap year in SLO.

 

Class of 2022

Payton Ahlgren ’22 will be attending BYU in the fall, majoring in political science. Payton was a dedicated student-athlete who played volleyball and was an active member of her school community. She graduated from seminary and leaves high school with many accomplishments and memories to celebrate.
 

Leo Billante ’22 will be attending Columbia University in the fall, where he intends to study political science and economics. He is honored to have received one of the university’s highest merit scholarship awards and is grateful for the many teachers, coaches, mentors, friends, and family members who supported him along the way.

As captain of the Speech and Debate team, he was a state finalist in Original Oratory, won the Cal Invitational in Impromptu Speaking, and received the James Harville Perpetual Speech Award at the year-end banquet, the highest honor on the team. Also of note, Coach Wardner was able to attend the speech banquet. At graduation, Leo received the English Department Award. Leo was selected by his peers to be part of the “Blue Standard,” representing the ten Bellarmine graduates that best reflect the Bellarmine core values.

 

Michael Blastos ’22 will attend the University of Richmond this fall. During his time at Bellarmine, Michael earned the Gold Congressional Award Medal.

 

Ian Cairns ’22 will attend Drexel University to major in product design. During high school, he started a company that 3D prints specialty equipment for ranches and played on his school's volleyball team.

 

Will de Waal ’22 will attend UC Davis in the fall.

 

Oliver Franks ’22 will attend Santa Clara University, where he plans to study mechanical engineering. Oliver has been an active member of Boys Team Charity Almaden Valley, and he values the friendships and connections he has built along the way, including many lasting friendships from his ACDS community. In his free time, Oliver enjoys gaming and spending time with friends. His natural curiosity and passion for problem-solving will serve him well as he pursues a future in engineering.

 

Liam Govig ’22 will attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, Arizona, where he will pursue a degree in aeronautical science with the goal of becoming a commercial airline pilot. He has been awarded several scholarships, including the Alumni Endorsement Grant, Presidential Scholarship, and Travel Grant.

Liam graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School with a 4.25 academic GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society and is a California Scholarship Federation Life member/Seal bearer. He was also recognized as an AP Scholar for earning scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams.

Liam earned his private pilot license in August 2025 and serves as a supervisor in charge of swim instruction at Rancho Santa Teresa Swim & Racquet Club.

 

Ryan Heath ’22 will be attending Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. He was a part of Boys Team Charity and supported the varsity basketball team.

 

Naomi Horowitz ’22 will attend San Diego State University this fall pursuing a BA in theater performance.

 

Lily Hughes ’22 graduated with honors from Mitty and will be attending the Cox School of Business at SMU on a Dean’s scholarship.

 

Molly Kaplan ’22 will be attending Syracuse University, double majoring in journalism and political science. Molly graduated with honors from Notre Dame San Jose. Molly enjoyed chairing the school chapter of The League of Young Women Voters and served as an Editor-in-Chief for the school newspaper. In May, Molly received the school's Publications Journalism Medal during ND's Senior Recognition Night.

Molly played volleyball and participated on the swim team. In her senior year she was named Captain of the Varsity volleyball team and wrapped up her year playing beach volleyball for Notre Dame, where she was awarded Second Team All-League in CCS WBAL

In addition to closing the chapter of high school, she also completed her six-year commitment to the National Charity League. There, her senior class project involved members building baby mobiles for patients at Children's Health of Northern California Pediatric Hospital.

 

Ellie Krawez ’22 will be attending Linfield University majoring in nursing and minoring in neuroscience. She will also be dancing as a Wildcat. She was a member of the Presentation Dance Team, serving as a Dance Team Officer/Captain and a Student Council/Class Level Officer. She was recognized with the Performing Arts Scholar Award and the Dance Excellence Award for her contributions and achievements in the performing arts.

 

Hayden Lake ’22 will be attending Santa Barbara City College this fall, where he plans to continue competing in basketball and track and field while pursuing his academic goals. He hopes to transfer to UCSB after two years.

At Santa Teresa High School, Hayden was a key member of the varsity basketball team, earning First Team All-League honors in the Blossom Valley Athletic League's Mt. Hamilton Division for the 2025–2026 season. He helped lead the Saints on an exciting CCS playoff run and was recognized as the team's MVP.

In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Hayden competed in the CCS Track and Field finals. This season he recorded personal bests in both the long jump (21' 10.5") and high jump (5' 10").

 

Jae Larrabee-Weigand ’22 will attend UC Santa Cruz to major in biology.

 

Kyle Lasher ’22 will be attending Montana State University, where he plans to major in kinesiology with the goal of pursuing a career in sports medicine. He is honored to have received one of the university’s highest merit scholarship awards and is grateful for the many teachers, coaches, mentors, friends, and family members who supported him along the way.

During his four years at Bellarmine, Kyle embraced new opportunities and followed his interests wherever they led. He discovered a love of gardening and the satisfaction and peace that come from working with his hands. He lettered in track and field, competing in the long jump and triple jump, and was honored to receive an award in physical education.

Kyle sought to live out Bellarmine’s ideal of being a man for and with others through service and leadership. He volunteered as a Big Brother, helped lead freshman and sophomore retreats, and spent two spring breaks in Tijuana building homes alongside community members using only hand tools. On his second immersion trip, he returned as a team leader.

 

Niamh Marshall ’22 will be attending Baylor for nursing. She’ll be wrapping up 10 years of cabana summer swim with the Oaktree Sharks.

 

Nate Murray ’22 will be studying abroad in Prague, then attending Boston University to study art and architecture history. Nate graduated with honors from Archbishop Mitty High School. In addition to a successful AP art show, Nate was awarded Mitty’s Visual Arts Department Medallion Award and won a Downtown Door from the San Jose Downtown Foundation, a program that displays artwork by local high school students on service doors throughout downtown. If you’re near 550 S.1st Street, be sure to check out the winning piece. Nate continues to figure skate competitively and will be skating at the Broadmoor Open in Colorado Springs in late June, as well as skating with the BU collegiate team.

 

Talia Musicer ’22 will attend San Diego State University in the fall. Talia was actively involved in a number of activities at Notre Dame, including cheer, drama, and press corps. She was part of leadership as a cheerleader and a member of the International Thespian Society and the Publication Honor Society.

 

Kara Namimatsu ’22 will attend University of Southern California in the Marshall School of Business program. A recipient of the Town & Gown Scholarship, Kara has distinguished herself as both an exceptional student and athlete. She was a four-time Principal’s Honor Roll recipient and earned the George Montgomery Scholar Award, Saint Anthony Scholar Award, Scholar Athlete Award, and Presidential Achievement Award three times. She earned Department Recognition Awards in Geometry, Spanish, and Math three times as well.

A dedicated volleyball player, Kara competed at the highest levels of indoor and beach volleyball. She earned First Team All-League and Second Team All-League honors in varsity indoor volleyball, was named Varsity Beach Volleyball First Team All-League and MVP and has competed with MBsand Volleyball Club and the USAV Beach National Development Team U20. She holds a CBVA AAA rating and has been recognized on the AVCA Phenom Watch List, Volleyball Magazine’s Top 50 Underclassmen, the JVA Beach Volleyball Watchlist, and was named to the 2025 JVA Best in Beach.

Kara’s team accomplishments include being part of the 2025 CIF State Championship and 2025 BVCA National Championship teams. In addition to competing, she has shared her passion for the sport by coaching at Dodd Volleyball School.

A graduate of Bishop Montgomery High School/Redondo Union High School, Kara leaves an impressive legacy of academic excellence, leadership, and athletic achievement.

 

Hannah Peters ’22 will be attending Cal State Fullerton's selective Musical Theater BFA program in the fall. She graduated from Presentation High School, summa cum laude. 

As a club officer for Presentation’s International Thespian Society, Hannah helped organize and produce student-run productions. She performed leading roles in all four Presentation High School musicals and has been a member of the Starting Arts Dream Team (SADT) for the past four years. In her final SADT production, The Drowsy Chaperone, Hannah stars as Janet Van De Graaff.

As a graduating senior, Hannah received the Excellence in Theatre Arts Award and was honored with the Performing Arts Scholar Award, recognizing her dedication, talent, and contributions to the arts.

 

Joshua Rothenberg ’22 will attend Texas Christian University in the fall. He is majoring in movement science and plans to play on their club lacrosse team. At Bellarmine, he was a yell leader this year. His primary extracurricular focus was playing lacrosse. He was a three-year varsity player and earned an all-league Honorable Mention in WCAL this year.
 

Emilia Salistra ’22 will attend Denison University in the fall, majoring in chemistry on a pre-med track with a minor in art. She also signed to compete on the varsity fencing team (NCAA Division III).

 

Kai Scharlin ’22 will attend Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama - Acting in the fall. Kai is a member of the National Honor Society and California Scholarship Federation and has received the AMHS Gary Braia Service Award, AMHS Academic Excellence Award, and AMHS Performing Arts Award. Kai has been actively involved in the AMHS Jazz Choir, Kind of Blue, the AMHS Royals Dance Ensemble, and served as an AMHS Student Government Representative.

 

Aadhya Seshadri ’22 will be attending Claremont McKenna College, majoring in integrated sciences and government. Aadhya was recognized as a maxima cum laude graduate and received the Social Studies Prize. She is a member of the National Honor Society and holds California Scholarship Federation Lifetime Membership. She demonstrated leadership through her involvement in Environmental Club and participated in athletics as a member of Freshman Girls Volleyball as well as MVVC Club Volleyball, competing on the 14s, 15s, 16s, and 17s teams.

 

Claire Stoelker ’22 will be heading to Indiana to attend Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, where she will be studying marketing and playing club water polo for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish!

Claire is graduating from Saint Francis High School, where she played varsity water polo and achieved Academic All American, was active in many clubs, and earned an Honors Fellowship for Community Involvement following volunteering in Ghana.
 

Taryn Tuvell ’22 will be attending Boise State University this fall.

 

Mia White ’22 will attend Colorado University Boulder in the fall. While attending Presentation High School, she played four years of varsity golf.

 

Laurel Willis ’22 will be attending Chapman University in the fall where she received the Provost Scholarship and will be studying marketing in the honors program. Laurel graduated from Archbishop Mitty High School, where she was a member of the yearbook staff throughout her sophomore, junior, and senior years, serving as a photographer, writer, and media manager. Active in Campus Ministry throughout high school, she earned two achievement awards, the St. Francis of Assisi Award, and served as a Life Corps member during her senior year. Laurel traveled the California coast as part of her ECJ Immersion trip, contributed to the school newspaper, and edited The Muse literary magazine. She also served as the Girl Scout Media Squad Video Lead, creating content for Instagram, and was inducted into the National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, and American Sign Language Honor Society.

 

Caden Zenker-Buffi ’22 will attend De Anza College in the fall and hopes to study marine biology.