Judge Memorial

We've loved all the heartfelt alumni tributes for legendary Judge teachers Dianna Pugh and Wayne Hentschel, who recently retired after 40 years of captaining their classrooms, imparting indelible wisdom to legions of grateful students. Check the comments on our May 21 retirement post for more, but here are a few, along with a sneak peek of our upcoming Connections Magazine features on Dianna and Wayne.

"Sending my love Ms. Pugh. I always remember what you told me, 'believe in yourself' — that meant a lot to me!"

"Congrats on your retirement Mr. Hentschel. I never got away from biology after you! Did aerospace physiology for the Air Force and now a doctor (dermatologist) in New Zealand. Thank you for everything!"

"Congrats Mr. Hentschel! You turned me from a Liberal Arts girl to a Science girl. I still have all my beautiful notebooks from your class."

"Congratulations! Loved each of you so much! Thank you for all of these years of inspiring young minds and for all the smiles and kindness."

"2 from the Mount Rushmore right there. No debate."

Legacy in the Halls: Celebrating Dianna Pugh's 40-year Career

After more than four decades of shaping lives, Judge Memorial says a bittersweet farewell to a true institution: Ms. Dianna Pugh. From her early days teaching Religious Education at St. Ambrose and St. Vincent’s to her long-standing home at Judge, Dianna’s career has come full circle—notably teaching Will Trentman, the son of her own former student and current Judge faculty member, Bill Trentman ‘93.

Dianna is perhaps best known for making the complex world of democracy feel personal and urgent. Over the years, she has guided students through:

● Diverse Subjects: Teaching Religion, Social Studies, and Street Law.
● Extracurricular Leadership: Moderating Mock Trial and Student Government.
● Civic Engagement: Transforming teenagers into thoughtful, informed voters and leaders.

Beyond the classroom, Dianna served as a cornerstone for the faculty. Known for her "huge toolbox" of teaching strategies, she was the first to welcome new teachers with patience and encouragement. Whether brainstorming a lesson or helping a colleague survive their first year, her wisdom has become a permanent part of the school's pedagogical fabric.

Of course, no tribute to Ms. Pugh would be complete without mentioning the "lovable chaos" that endeared her to so many. While she could explain the intricacies of government systems, she famously met her match in technology and navigation. From frequent account lockouts to getting endearingly lost on 20-minute drives, Dianna met every mishap with a laugh at her own expense.

Her quirky sense of humor—perhaps rooted in her early childhood in Germany—was matched only by her fierce loyalty. Whether driving hours to rescue a stranded friend at Bear Lake or helping a colleague manage a litter of puppies, Dianna was always the one to show up when it mattered most.

As she begins this new chapter, the halls of Judge will feel a little quieter without her. To a mentor, colleague, and irreplaceable friend: Auf Wiedersehen, Dianna—until we meet again.

A Legacy Under the Microscope: Honoring Wayne Hentschel’s 40 Years at Judge

After four remarkable decades of dedication, Judge Memorial Catholic High School bids a fond farewell to a pillar of the science department: Mr. Wayne Hentschel. Known for his "tough but rewarding" curriculum, Mr. Hentschel didn't just teach biology; he cultivated a generation of scientists, medical professionals, and lifelong learners.

For many alumni, Mr. Hentschel’s Honors and Enriched Biology classes were the spark that ignited their professional journeys. His classroom was a place where "perseverance" was learned through challenging exams and a genuine love for how the human body works. The impact of his teaching is evident in the achievements of his former students:

● Alexandra Vitale, MD '14: Credits Mr. Hentschel as a formative influence on her path to becoming a Plastic Surgery resident.
● Pam (Japlit) Hildebrand, MD '15: Was inspired to major in Biological Sciences after experiencing his passion for the material as a sophomore.
● Erica Maggelet '18: Recall his unique ability to bring biology to life, making science feel "real, exciting, and memorable".

In a testament to his longevity and consistency, Mr. Hentschel’s career has come full circle for many Judge families. Pam Hildebrand notes that 33 years after she sat in his class, her own son is now a student in his Honors Biology course, where Mr. Hentschel still displays the "same excitement and passion" seen decades ago.

Beyond the lab tables and biology projects, Mr. Hentschel is remembered for his unwavering investment in his students' lives. Whether he was volunteering at volleyball matches, attending graduation parties, or simply ensuring students lived up to their full potential, he made the school feel "warmer". As one alumnus perfectly summarized, Mr. Hentschel provided the "rare and extraordinary gift" of making every student feel capable and supported.

Congratulations, Mr. Hentschel, on a well-deserved retirement and an incredible 40-year legacy at Judge Memorial.

Don't forget your Summer Reading, Bulldogs!

Dr. Esson spent a week in Cleveland as part of a faculty panel who graded AP Human Geography exams. They would grade for seven straight days from 8-5 and sometimes a bit more for overtime. Photos are from the Cleveland Museum of Art and Cuyahoga National Park.

Fourth Quarter Honor Roll numbers are in and 78% of our students made the list! That's up 1 percentage point from Third Quarter. In addition, 388 students achieved a 3.5 High Honors or above. Way to finish strong, Bulldogs!

Spread the news: Judge Memorial has a new job opening in the Counseling Office. We are seeking a licensed high school counselor for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Experience is preferred but not required.

This position involves working with a dynamic team, teachers, students and parents in practicing the mission and charisms of our school. They will oversee the academic, career, and social-emotional growth of students while actively fostering a school environment that reflects the values of Judge Memorial. Ideal candidates integrate the Catholic intellectual tradition into counseling practices to help students navigate moral, ethical and personal challenges.

Please share across your communities and socials. All interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Vice Principal Louise Hendrickson at [email protected]

Judge Memorial is hiring a new Tennis Coach!

We’re looking for an enthusiastic leader to help guide and grow our tennis program while mentoring student-athletes on and off the court. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:
📧 [email protected]

Please help us spread the word!

In bittersweet news, we must say farewell to Dr. Kristin Kladis, our transformative and beloved Director of Counseling & Student Services, who has accepted the position of Lower School Principal at The Madeleine Choir School. Dr. Kladis came to Judge in 2017 to run our tiered student support classroom known as the Learning Resource Center.

Halfway through her tenure she transitioned to lead our Counseling Office and Student Services, where she pioneered successful, culture-changing programs, including Bulldog Living, Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS) and PAWS, where students get recognized and rewarded weekly for positive behavior related to Pride, Accountability, Wise Choices and Safety. All three were done in conjunction with Matt Douglas, Judge's former Dean of Students, who became Madeleine's Upper School Principal one year ago. The PBIS & PAWS strongly reflect the passion and research Kristin employed for her PhD dissertation in Special Education at the University of Utah.

Besides the professional pedigree, there's something more — an effervescence, earnest empathy and rare ability to speak her mind under pressure, while always standing on principle that sets Kristin apart. Thank you for your dedicated years in service to our students, whose lives you've helped shape for adulthood. Go crush it, Kristin, just like you did here. And The Madeleine Choir School congrats — you just hit a home run.

Judge Memorial is seeking a licensed high school counselor for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Experience is preferred but not required. This position involves working with a dynamic team, teachers, students and parents in practicing the mission and charisms of our school. They will oversee the academic, career, and social-emotional growth of students while actively fostering a school environment that reflects the values of Judge Memorial. Ideal candidates integrate the Catholic intellectual tradition into counseling practices to help students navigate moral, ethical and personal challenges. Please spread the word and share in your networks. All interested applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to Vice Principal Louise Hendrickson at [email protected]

We are so thrilled to announce Sam Hoopes will be the new Judge Memorial Boys Basketball Head Coach! With a name built for the job, Hoopes is an experienced basketball coach with a passion for helping students navigate challenges and achieve their athletic goals. Always affable, he has strong communication skills, the ability to mentor and motivate, and a dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Sam, seen here holding the ball with legendary former Judge star Jimmy Soto, outgoing Athletic Director James Cordova, and new AD Alex Miles, is also a beloved Judge Memorial School Counselor. He played college basketball at Snow College and Southern Utah University and was a Utah State and Snow recruiter. He was a varsity basketball coach at Cedar Ridge Academy and Union High School, where he was named the 3A Coach of the Year in 2017. Sam was also the JV basketball coach for six seasons at Duchesne High and lead assistant at Judge last year.

We are so excited to have him at the helm of this storied program. Parents and players, please note there will be a “Meet the New Coach” meeting this Tuesday, May 26 at 6pm in the Judge auditorium followed by an open gym in The Yerk.