Santa Margarita Bids Farewell to Teacher and Staff Retirees

Santa Margarita Catholic High School is celebrating the careers of extraordinary members of our school community as they step into retirement. Their influence will continue to echo throughout classrooms, concerts, tech systems and hearts for years to come. We thank Chris Winn, Chase LeBlanc, Mary Manese, John Jaska and Jose Rivas for their years of service and wish them well in their next chapter.

Chris Winn

After 11 years of inspiring students through music, choir director Chris Winn is retiring. Drawn to SM by a former colleague, he was captivated by the energy of a student cabaret performance. Winn quickly found his place in the heart of campus.

“I’ll miss the divine spark in our students’ eyes,” Winn said. “They exude humor, spirituality, soul, intelligence, talent and hope. I’ll miss the wholehearted investment of our faculty and staff in every corner of this campus.”

Known for his signature choir-class fist bumps and joyful enthusiasm across campus and beyond, Winn fondly recalls the numerous Masses, concerts, festivals and rehearsals. His post-retirement plans include time with family, museum visits, concerts, books, movies, travel, fine dining and continuing his love for church music.

Chase LeBlanc

After six impactful years leading SM’s IT department, Chase LeBlanc is unplugging from school servers and heading to Texas for a new chapter of life filled with travel, possible entrepreneurship and maybe even starting a family.

LeBlanc, who played a vital role in helping SM stay at the forefront of educational technology, reflects proudly on moments like qualifying for the 2019 World Championship in robotics. It’s the students who inspired him to stay at SM.

“The kids are the reason I worked the number of hours I did over the years,” he said. “Working at a school is hard. But the payoff is being part of a place where time and people matter more than dollar signs. It is worth it.”

He’ll says he will miss the daily camaraderie and “shenanigans” with the IT team. LeBlanc is looking forward to trading keyboards for cowboy boots and enjoying life in Waco, Texas.

Mary Manese

After more than 30 years of service, most recently as Director of the Academic Support Program (ASP), Mary Manese is retiring, leaving behind a legacy that has transformed the lives of students.

Manese joined SM hoping for a more fulfilling workplace following a high-stress corporate role. Little did she know she’d go on to help shape a program recognized across the Diocese for its unmatched success.

“More than anything, I’m proud of how we’ve gained the trust and support of teachers and administrators,” she said. “The families and team members I’ve worked alongside have given me memories I’ll cherish forever.”

Even with all the triumphs, the continued challenges of advocating for students with learning differences, from misconceptions among peers to societal stigma. But the real rewards, she says, come when former students return with gratitude, and a better understanding of the support they once resisted.

“I’ve learned to be a better parent, a more passionate educator and a more compassionate person,” Manese said. “This team, in our little enclave, made me want to come to work every day.”

Her plans include spending time with grandchildren and traveling, but she admits leaving SM is bittersweet.

John Jaska

For the past 11 years, John Jaska has been a steady presence on campus behind the wheel of a school bus, working in the campus store and in campus operations.

The time the trailer hit a bump in the road and came unhitched on the way to the varsity football game is Jaska’s funniest SM memory.

“I’ll miss connecting with students, parents, faculty and staff every day,” he said.

As he retires, he’s looking forward to traveling, reviving his golf game and spending more time with family in Kansas City.

“Over the past 11 years, I have met and worked with some wonderful people who have helped make SMCHS a great high school," said Jaska.

Jose Rivas

For the past 10 years, Jose Rivas has served as one of SM’s trusted bus drivers. Though his days of waking up to 4:45 a.m. alarms have ended, the connections he made will remain.

“I’ll miss the friendly SM environment and the students I met every year,” Rivas said.

Rivas is one of 10 siblings and was raised in a family that instilled the values of hard work and perseverance. His dream is to build a home in Mexico, and his retirement brings him one step closer.

“With my parents’ support, I have overcome all odds in life and continue to succeed with our Lord’s blessings,” Rivas said.