Foundation
Memorial Program
Memorial Program
Memorial gifts, of any amount, may be sent to the CCHS Foundation. These gifts can be designated to already established scholarships or to specific programs. All gifts not designated will support the ongoing Catholic education of our young people. Those enrolled in our Memorial Program are remembered in a special way in our school Masses and prayer services. These are a few of the memorials that have been created and placed around campus. WE very much welcome your input and ideas for even more ways to beautify our campus inside and out.
Kristi Phippen Art Gallery
The Kristi Phippen Art Gallery is in the front entrance to Central Catholic. It is dedicated to the memory of Kristi Phippen, one of the school's brightest students, was killed in an automobile accident by a drunken driver. Kristi was seriously considering a career in the visual arts.
Her parents then decided that the money set aside for Kristi's college fund, as well as donations made in her name, should be used for a permanent school project dedicated to her memory. The gallery now houses a permanent collection of alumni and faculty work, while the main hallway is used to exhibit a different professional artist's work every six weeks.
Info provided by:
Joni Castro-Mendivil, A Memorial for Kristi
Her parents then decided that the money set aside for Kristi's college fund, as well as donations made in her name, should be used for a permanent school project dedicated to her memory. The gallery now houses a permanent collection of alumni and faculty work, while the main hallway is used to exhibit a different professional artist's work every six weeks.
Info provided by:
Joni Castro-Mendivil, A Memorial for Kristi
The Melissa Bengston Bessling Garden
The Melissa Bengston Bessling Garden was created as a memorial to Melissa, who was our principal from 2004 to 2014. Melissa was born in San Jose but grew up here in Modesto. She attended local schools and after receiving her BA in Journalism from CSU Fresno, she taught English and Math locally and obtained her single subject credential in English. Her first assignment at CCHS was as the Cheerleading Coach in the late 80's.
Ms. Bengston was quoted saying "Central Catholic was an integral part of my life. I loved serving the students, families and community of CCHS". Unfortunately she lost her life early. It was decided to memorialize her by developing the garden. At the time, WE were developing the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center along with the field house area being remodeled and felt this would be a good memorial since she loved gardens.
Ms. Bengston was quoted saying "Central Catholic was an integral part of my life. I loved serving the students, families and community of CCHS". Unfortunately she lost her life early. It was decided to memorialize her by developing the garden. At the time, WE were developing the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center along with the field house area being remodeled and felt this would be a good memorial since she loved gardens.
Gerry and Michael Van Nes Statue
Gerry '70 and Michael '71 Van Nes were students at Central Catholic High School in the late 60's and early 70's. Due to a tragic car accident with a train, when Carpenter Road used to cross the train tracks - before the Briggsmore Overpass was built, - they lost their life. Both of them loved Tennis and were active in the school. In memory of both of them the original Tennis Courts - located where the Mark Gallo Health and Fitness Center sits today - were dedicated in their memory by our PTG in 1994.
When WE built the MGHFC, WE put the statue in storage until the center and the new courts were built. In 2016, during the opening of the new facility and courts, Bishop Stephen Blair blessed the new courts in memory of both Gerry and Michael. Donations from the Van Nes family were instrumental in providing for the six courts.
When WE built the MGHFC, WE put the statue in storage until the center and the new courts were built. In 2016, during the opening of the new facility and courts, Bishop Stephen Blair blessed the new courts in memory of both Gerry and Michael. Donations from the Van Nes family were instrumental in providing for the six courts.
The Dr. Dallas Dillon Memorial Shakespeare Garden
The Dr. Dallas E. Dillon Memorial Shakespeare Garden located at Central Catholic High School in Modesto features several roses mentioned in his works and in the winter of 2023 one was planted to honor the Bard himself: the William Shakespeare 2000 Rose.This garden will continue to be developed. There will be new plants added, a water feature, and a mosaic to adorn the sundial stand. WE also plan to add a little library featuring Shakespeare’s works.
Shakespeare gardens can be found throughout the world. They are loving and living tributes to one of the greatest playwrights and poets of all time. The gardens will feature a bust or likeness of Shakespeare and most will have a sundial and water feature. Of course, many of the plants mentioned in his plays and sonnets are found in these gardens, however, they may also include the flora of the Elizabethan Age.
Shakespeare gardens can be found throughout the world. They are loving and living tributes to one of the greatest playwrights and poets of all time. The gardens will feature a bust or likeness of Shakespeare and most will have a sundial and water feature. Of course, many of the plants mentioned in his plays and sonnets are found in these gardens, however, they may also include the flora of the Elizabethan Age.
2024-2025 Memorials
ANN VEGAS
Bob & Joanne Cullings
ANTOINETTE WAGNER
Antoinette Wagner
Richard & Drena Wagner
BEVERLY SOUSA
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
BOB GALLO
Amervino Turrentine Brokerage
Daniel & Ruthan Heinrich
Deborah Holle
Deborah Holle & Casey Norton
Delsie Shrimp
Dennis Pelucca
Duane & Jessie Nelson
Edward & Mimi Maring
Falany Fence
Ferreiro & Co
Grant & Karen Zaiger
Greg & Jessica Coleman
Jane Elizabeth Lyons Conover
Janelle Foster
Jerry & Rebecca Ballatore
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Joan M. Hart
Joseph E Gallo & Family
Laura N. Saenz
Louis & Helaine Foppiano
Lyons Investments
Lyons Land Management
Mapes Ranch
Marc & Adrienne Shouse
Marie Mertolotti
Mario & Laura Pulido
Mary I Gallo & Family
Michael & Laura Naumes
Robert & Cheryl Fantazia
Robert & Patti Raspo
Russ Antracoli
Silva Trucking
CAMERON PECK
Mike & Lisa Ribeiro
CASEY ROSSINI
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Joan M. Hart
CHRISTINA ANTONE
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
CHUCK CRIST
Patricia Phillips
DEVON KELLY
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
DOLORES SILVA
Bill & Suzi Lyons
Del Rio Women's Golf Club
Diane Posey
Fred & Cathy Beltran
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Joan M. Chiesa
Joan M. Hart
John & Karen Beltran
Michael & Claire Simi
Randall C. Harrison
Richard & Drena Wagner
Timothy A. Byrd
Wagner Land and Cattle Company
DON BROPHY
Joan M. Hart
DONNA YARNAL
Eric Hardee
HANK & ADA SCHOORL
Annette Romani
Paul & Frances Fogarty
HERMILA JIMENEZ
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
IRENE PRICE
Bob & Joanne Cullings
J.B. PECCHENINO
Jim & Lori Pecchenino
JACK BIANCHI
Joan M. Hart
JAMES P. DOVICHI
Dana Kruger
Eric Aykut Dovichi
JANA THOMAS
Bob & Joanne Cullings
JEAN PAUL BOURBEAU
Susan Dillon
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Bob & Mary Trout
Joseph & Terly Ward
Nick & Karen Wright
JEFF HOGAN
Del Rio Women's Golf Club
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Lori Ann Hogan
Peter & Mary Ann Abate
JOANN HARDEE
Eric Hardee
JOHN & JEAN VARNI
Diane M. Varni-Wirowek
Jean L. Varni
JOSH SANDOVAL
Nick & Karen Wright
KATHERINE J. HOLIHAN
Susan E. Parodi
KATHY DETHERAGE
Cynthia Marie Sawicki
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
KATIE MITCHELL
Leroy & Kelli Rocha
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
KYLER WILSON
Anthony & Karyn Alamo
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Nick & Karen Wright
Robert & Patti Raspo
Robert & Cheryl Fantazia
LARRY DOVICHI
Lisa Braden
Mr. & Mrs. Mitch Gagos
Patricia Gillihan
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
LINDA MILIGI
Guy & Jodi Miligi
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Robert & Patti Raspo
MARGARET MCLOUGHLIN
Joan M. Hart
MARTIN RUDDY
Barbara Ruddy
MARY ANGLIM
Joan M. Hart
MARY CASTELLANI
Susan Dillon
MATTHEW NERLAND
Janice Lucero
MAURA DYKZEUL
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
MERCEDEZ HART
Karl Hart
NANCY ARNELL
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
NATHAN BOGETTI
Jean Lowell
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Mike & Lisa Ribeiro
Robert & Cheryl Fantazia
PAUL FRIEDRICH
Margaret Friedrich
PELLEGRINO SCARPINATI
Eric F. Hardee
PETE ANDERSON
Joan M. Hart
PHILL HARVEY
Dave & Renee Harvey
Michael & Cynthia Harvey
PHYLLIS MORASCI
Leroy & Kelli Rocha
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
RENEE DINIZ
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Nick & Karen Wright
Susan Dillon
ROBERT HAGOPIAN
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
SANDRA SHAEFER
Joan M. Hart
Robert & Patti Raspo
SHARON SHANAHAN
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Nancy Stiff
SHEILA BORRELLI
Guy & Jodi Miligi
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
SHIRLEY HENDERSON
Brian & Shelley Robertson
Evan & Leia Porges
Jed & Jennie Walsh
Matt & Mary Carol Henderson
SUE ATKINS
Leroy & Kelli Rocha
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
SUE FENTON
Anne Porteous
Brian & Ann Kline
David G. Clarot
Duane & Jessie Nelson
Ed Rusca & Gloria Bracco
Edward & Mimi Maring
Elizabeth Ustach
George & Christina Betker
Joan Chiesa
John & Julia Vink
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
Joshua Fenton
Linda G. West
Matt & Mary Carol Henderson
Michael & Christine Zeppa
Milton Davis
Paul & Frances Fogarty
Rita Tigert
Robert & Kathy Kaiser
Robert & Patti Raspo
Robert & Cheryl Fantazia
Thomas & Pamela O’Brien
Tim & Claire Brosnan
SUSAN URSINI
Joan M. Hart
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
TERESA SILVA
Randall C. Harrison
TERESA TOCALINO
Matthew and Elicia Ribeiro
THOMAS NEVILLE
Eric F. Hardee
THOMAS SCHAEFER
Joan M. Hart
Robert & Patti Raspo
TOM SUMMERS
Eric F. Hardee
ZACHARIA SERAFIM ONUTA
Bob & Joanne Cullings
ZAYA MALAK ISMAIL
Jim Pecchenino & Staff
About Central Catholic
Faithful to our Catholic Tradition, our mission is to witness to the Gospel while building an educational community that inspires the spiritual, academic and social development of young adults.
Central Catholic Students Are:
Academically-Prepared
Spiritually-Developed
Socially-Responsible
Globally-Conscious
Central Catholic Students Are:
Academically-Prepared
Spiritually-Developed
Socially-Responsible
Globally-Conscious
