Class of 2017

Monsignor Charles Taaffe dedicated his life to helping society’s most vulnerable populations. He ministered and counseled thousands of people during his fifty years of priesthood and contributed his wisdom and expertise to many worthy organizations.  Blanchet Catholic School dedicated its campus chapel, the Chapel of St. Patrick, in honor of Fr. Taaffe. He was the honorary pastor of the school and served on its board of directors. On St. Patrick’s Day in 1975, Monsignor Charles Taaffe opened Father Taaffe Homes to provide young, unwed mothers a home and chance to learn skills to help them succeed as single mothers. Monsignor Taaffe passed away July 5, 2008. His legacy of service and love live on in the Salem community.

Esteemed teacher William Brooks graduated from UCLA with a degree in English. He also earned a Master’s in Library Science from University of Southern California (USC), and the equivalent of another in French from the Sorbonne while on a sabbatical in France. Mr. Brooks taught English, French, German, Spanish, ESL, and Special Education for thirty years in Huntington Beach Union High School District. He originally taught French and Spanish when Blanchet opened its doors in 1995 and also taught English and Social Studies. Mr. Brooks began the A.P. English program at Blanchet, and his students were amazingly successful. Intellectual curiosity, a keen sense of humor, and enjoyment of words and languages are some of the characteristics for which Bill was best known. Mr. Brooks passed away in February of 2016.

Patrick Grainey was born in Salem, Oregon, and attended Blanchet Catholic School starting his seventh grade year in 1998. He played soccer, basketball and track throughout his time at Blanchet, and was a founding member of the debate team during his junior and senior years.  Pat was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Body President during his senior year, and the valedictorian of the class of 2004.  Pat received a Bachelor’s in Political Science, with minors in Medieval Studies and Greek and Roman Civilizations, from the University of Notre Dame while also participating in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps upon graduation. He continued his education with a Master’s of Science in Supply Chain Management from the University of San Diego.  Pat served eight years in the Marine Corps and is currently working as a Supply Chain Operations Manager with Vestas, the world’s leading wind turbine manufacturer, at the company’s North American headquarters in Portland. Pat is engaged to be married in June to fellow Blanchet student Ashley Seeley.

Mr. Richard Kretizberg was born in Missoula, Montana and earned his pilot’s license while still in high school.  He attended the University of Washington and was a smokejumper during the summer months of his collegiate career.  He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aeronautical Engineering in 1956 and earned his Masters of Science in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University in 1957.  Richard was naval officer for four years and served on the submarine USS Cusk.  After serving in the Navy, he went into business with his brothers owning Microflect in Salem, Oregon and started the Courthouse Athletic Clubs with four other local businessmen in the 1970’s.  Richard is married to Joanna Kreitzberg and together they have four children and ten grandchildren.

Born and raised in Seattle, Chuck Lee graduated from the Seattle Public Schools and the University of Washington where he majored in journalism. After graduation he taught in the Edmonds School District and received his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Seattle University. At the age of 25 he became the Principal of an inner city Catholic School and began a 40 year career as the Principal or President of five different Catholic schools. During his 16 years at Blanchet, Chuck led the effort to raise over 17 million dollars to purchase and renovate the facility and provide millions of dollars in financial aid. In 2013, Chuck was hired by Mountain West to help create Career Technical Education Center in Salem. Together, he and his wife Krina have six children and eleven grandchildren. Mr. Lee was elected to the Keizer City Council in 2001, the Salem/Keizer School Board in 2007 and was recently appointed by the Governor to the State Ethics Commission.

Kevin Mannix is an accomplished attorney, former Oregon Legislator, former Chairman of the Oregon Republican Party, and a dedicated community leader. He has been married to his wife, Susanna, for 42 years. They have three children, all Blanchet graduates, and four grandchildren.  Kevin graduated from college at the University of Virginia in 1971 and received his law degree from the University Of Virginia School Of Law in 1974.  In January 1986, Kevin established his own law firm in Salem, Oregon, and continues with his own private practice. He handles business law, as well as legal representation for foundations and nonprofits.  Kevin served five terms (ten years) in the Oregon House of Representatives and a partial term in the Oregon Senate.  He is President of Common Sense for Oregon and the Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance. Kevin has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Salem Catholic Schools Foundation since 1985 and has served as the Foundation President since 1999. Kevin led the 1994-1995 efforts to establish Blanchet Catholic School and has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Blanchet since 1995.