Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Lucia, Gerald Higgins earn Knight of the Gael honors

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 19, 2003 | 8:24 a.m.

Highly popular among supporters and alumni, the Knight of the Gael to benefit Bishop Gorman High School celebrated its 21st anniversary with a record-setting crowd last Wednesday.

An occasion to honor Lucia and Dr. Gerald Higgins, this evening included the couple's induction into the prestigious Royal Order of the Gael, an award bestowed on those who have shown exemplary support for our community's only Catholic high school.

The Higgins' 10 children, each Gorman graduates, attended the gala along with many of their 26 grandchildren who represent past, present and future students of the college-preparatory school. Taking part in the program to honor the Higgins was Most Reverend Joseph Peppe, Bishop of Las Vegas with school principal Connie Gerber, joined by Michael Higgins, Mary Beth Higgins and Dr. Gary Marrone.

Hosted by the Fertitta family and the Station Casinos Inc., the congenial gathering was held at Palace Station in previous years but moved this year to the spacious ballroom at the Texas Station conference center.

Opening with a lavish hosted reception, the 900 attending guests included Maureen and Tio Defederico, Dale and Susan Edwards, Larry and Sharon Schmitt with their family, Father Richard Rinn, Michael Gaughan, Marilyn Moran with Pattie Crockett, Mikey and Jim Bilbray, Denise and Tim Cashman, Sheriff Bill Young and Rhonda Evans with her mom Mary Cashman.

Scattered through the spacious reception areas were framed photo montages of the Higgins' family with a goodly showing of their children enjoying their years at Gorman. Admiring the displays were past Knight of the Gael honorees Jackie Gaughan Sr., J.A. Tiberti and Dr. Donald Romeo, joined by the Rev. John "Jack" McVeigh, Kevin Buckley with his dad, Dr. Robert Buckley and sisters Monica and Leslie and Dr. Jerry and Judy Sylvain.

Dinner, excellently prepared for the attending school supporters, was enjoyed by Izzy Marion, Debbie and Mike Miller, Kelsey and Susan Dingle, Mary Ann and Lyle Rivera, John and Rene O'Reilly, Barbara and Dr. Charlie Ruggeroli, Katie and Dr. Gary Marrone and a host of fellow community leaders.

Funds generated by the annual dinner will benefit Bishop Gorman's extensive scholarship program which brings great diversity to the 1,200-student campus.

Tony awarded

Recent festivities celebrated by staff, students and the community of Alamo Elementary School surpassed the norm in recognizing the life and achievements of namesake Tony Alamo. A 40-year resident of Nevada, Alamo is an advocate for education, freedom, hard work and integrity who has truly lived the American dream.

An immigrant from Cuba in 1962, he began his career as a custodian in a local casino and today is one of the top-ranking gaming executives in Nevada. As school principal Jerri Mausbach explained in her opening comments, "He is the inspiration for the school's motto -- Dream! Believe! Achieve!"

The school opened in August 2002 the southwest area of Las Vegas and serves a diverse student population representing children from more than 25 countries and speaking some 18 languages.

Among the many participating in the program was Joe Garcia, executive director of the Cuban American National Foundation in Miami, along with as Gerardo Capo, also of Miami, who presented Alamo with the key to the city of Miami and a proclamation from the Mayor declaring Tony Alamo Day on March 6.

Delighted to part of the program as well were Alamo's children, Dr. Tony Alamo, a Las Vegas physician; and Nancy Alamo, administrative assistant in the Clark County School District.

Joining them were CCSD trustees Susan Brager-Wellman and Larry Mason and CCSD Superintendent Carlos Garcia. Lending a certain splendor to the school celebration was the hosted reception provided by the Monte Carlo. Each of the school's four classroom pods are themed Ocean, Rain Forest, Desert and Savannah, and were adorned with ice sculptures and dining selections to match.

Carolyn Welch, catering manager and Bob Gaudioso, director of food and beverage, both of the Monte Carlo, were the clever masterminds who made this magical evening a reality for the Alamo family, the faculty and students.

Also Assisting was Shelly Burger and her fine orchestra from Sierra Vista High School, Susan Ray, Bruce Ririe and Christina Roth, all of MGM MIRAGE and a host of other friends and family.

What a trip

Lamar Marchese, general manager of KNPR Nevada Public Radio, is known for his creative side and a strongly developed ability to keep a secret. He recently made all the arrangements for a mystery getaway vacation with wife Pat Marchese.

Given only the bare bones of details about weather and wardrobe, Pat was told to be "ready" for departure one recent evening. Whisked away for their first trip to Asia, the couple flew directly to Hong Kong for a whirlwind visit.

Enjoying the view from Victoria Peak, exploring Kowloon, taking the marvelous ferry and venturing into the famed Stanley Market and Aberdeen, the couple were entranced with the city and its people.

Part two of their journey found them enjoying the tropical beauty of Bangkok with its enticing foods, marvelous shopping and exquisite scenery. Showing their appreciation for sporting events they attended an exhibition of Thai kickboxing and later sought out fine silks to bring home.

Back at the helm of KNPR, Lamar is again looking ahead to their next mystery trip, while Pat takes on the continuing challenges of director for Clark County's Parks and Leisure Services Division.