Judy Kline Retires After 47 Years at BMHS
It has been 67 years since Bishop Montgomery opened its doors and, in that time, no other person has worked at the school longer than Judy Kline. After 47 years as a teacher and mentor, she announced her retirement. During her time at BMHS, she taught thousands of students, worked with hundreds of colleagues, and witnessed historic advances in technology and in the way students learn. In addition to serving at Bishop for almost five decades, Judy and her husband, David, sent their three daughters to BMHS (Jennifer '91, Amanda '94 and Katie '96) and created a legacy at the school that will last a lifetime.
During her tenure at Bishop, Judy taught a variety of classes and witnessed unprecedented growth in education and in the resources available to teachers and students. When she began at Bishop, she taught classes such as Beginning Foods, Home Economics and Personal Typing. Few could have predicted that by the time she retired, students and teachers would be experimenting with artificial intelligence in the classroom. In addition to the above classes, Judy spent the better part of the last 25 years teaching Computers and English. "Mrs. Kline’s unwavering love, support, and dedication to the BMHS community for the last 47 years will be forever cherished and appreciated. We love you, Judy," says BMHS Vice Principal Yvette Vigon-Morffi '87.
"Judy has always been an incredible friend, mentor, and personal cheerleader," says longtime colleague Laura Fabbri. "She consistently offers words of wisdom and kindness. Judy has supported and contributed to every community service initiative Concordia has undertaken. Her generous spirit is truly inspiring. One aspect I’ve always admired—and tried to emulate—is how beautifully decorated and cheerful her classroom always was. Judy was always a great sport, whether it was participating in faculty talent shows or dressing up for Halloween. Her students undoubtedly appreciated her cheerful spirit as much as we did.I know this is a well-deserved retirement, and she will certainly enjoy spending more time with her beautiful family. I’ll miss her tremendously, but I’m so happy for her."
BMHS Also Bids Farewell to Five Other Faculty & Staff Members
Amy Meehan '89 (2nd from right) taught a variety of subjects in her 25+ years at BMHS, from English to Theology. After graduating from BMHS and college, she returned to campus as a teacher, coach and mentor to students and colleagues. She heads back to school full-time to pursue a career in the medical profession.
John Sansalone (middle) was a fixture in the science department for 22 years and also was the inspiration behind the establishment of the Robo-Knights, BMHS' robotics team. He is moving to Napa for a year before heading back to his native Australia.
Melissa Rhoades-Rudder '01 (2nd from left) leaves to pursue a career as a freelance copywriter, but her impact on her students and the school will never be forgotten. In her 18 years at BMHS, she taught AP English courses, moderated our drama lab and improv students and served as the very first moderator of the Black Student Union.
Eric Hankey (left) served as Bishop's Music Director for 12 years and helped bring back the TBK brand to BMHS. In addition to his impact on the music program, he also taught a variety of classes, including new courses like music production and AP Seminar. He will be the new music director at Torrance High School.
Vincent Nguyen (right) taught at Bishop for two years in the Theology Department and was well-liked and well-respected by his students and peers. He entered the novitiate of the Jesuits in August.
Tiffanie Tolsma (above) spent the last two years at BMHS serving as the Director of Marketing & Outreach. In her time at BMHS, Tolsma was instrumental in widening the school’s reach within our partner school community and she helped implement programs and events aimed at increasing enrollment. She is moving to Idaho to care for her mother.
After several years as both a teacher and staff member, Aurora Lara-Parr ’13 (above) is leaving BMHS. In addition to teaching Spanish, she served as a media center coordinator.
BMHS Welcomes New Faculty & Staff for 2024-25
When the 2024-25 school year opens, there will be several fresh faces on campus, both in the classroom and in other capacities.
Norman Stokes and Michael Moritz will join the English Department; Marco Elias-Juarez and Eddie Torre will teach in the Theology Department; and Mariangela Pollaro will join the Science Department. Additionally, Dane Madrigal will take over as the new Music Director and head of Thunder By Knight (TBK).
We will have more about our new hires in the weeks to come.