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Admiral Sam Perez
Class of 1976

Most Memorable Teacher

Were does one start when you have such a banquet of superstars from which to choose?  Brother Ignatius was my introduction to Cathedral.  I will never forget his, “Down in Nicaragua” missionary stories.  Who would have known that thirty-some-odd years later I’d get a chance to work with Nicaraguans combating Narco-traffickers.  How could any of us forget Mr. Kelleher and Mrs. Ulrickson, two of the most dedicated teachers on the planet.  I still consider Coach Monteros as one of the most brilliant minds I’ve ever encountered.  He is the most dynamic strategists I’ve ever met.  I consider Coach Lowenberg as one of the best leaders I’ve seen.  I try to emulate many of his techniques but I can never achieve the results he did.  I admire and respect all of these teachers immensely but my favorite has to be Brother Amedy Long.  Like so many before me and so many after, BAL had an impact upon my life that is beyond measure or description.  Jimmy Loweree wrote a fabulous description of BAL several years ago.  It perfectly describes the man and why we love him so dearly.  I framed Jimmy’s piece and immediately hang it up as soon as we set up a home.

 Favorite Memory

I have many wonderful Cathedral memories: victories, friends, and wonderful experiences, but that wasn’t the assignment.  You asked for my most memorable.  Unfortunately, it isn’t a happy one nor is it one I’m proud of, but it is an important memory that serves me well whenever I am called upon to make difficult disciplinary decisions or get asked to serve on a selection board.  The incident goes something like this: I was a senior getting ready for a test in Dr. Robert Barajas’ class.  One of my classmates and I had an exchange of words that eventually ended in a fight.  I was clearly the aggressor and in the wrong.  Brother Sharkey, the Principal at the time, had to take action and intended to hold me accountable.  I realized the potential consequences of my actions and was standing by for the worst. Fortunately for me, Coach Stokes interceded on my behalf and convinced Brother Sharkey not to expel me.  Years later I learned of the magnitude of Coach Stokes’ intercession.  He stood up for me and changed my life.  I would have never been accepted into the Naval Academy if I had been expelled.  Every time I hold disciplinary proceedings—some range from minor offenses with minor punishments to serious charges resulting in incarceration and or discharge from the Navy—I remember Coach Stokes’ intercession and Brother Sharkey’s willingness to give me a second chance.  I learned that great leaders frequently have to go beyond black and white; they have to recognize and contend with shades of grey.  I’ve learned that more often than not, recognizing shades of grey can have the most profound impact.  My most memorable memory reminds me of my responsibility to look beyond the binary and seek opportunities to forgive and that second chances can make all the difference in the world.  I am indebted beyond description to both of these great men for the second chance they gave me and for the tremendous leadership lesson that will remain with me forever.