Dear Carpe Diem Family and Friends,

It is with a profound sense of sadness that I inform you of the death of Roger Sciarretta, founding principal of Carpe Diem Collegiate High School. Within three weeks of being diagnosed with Mantel Cell Lymphoma, Roger’s health quickly declined, requiring life support. After reviewing his circumstances, doctors concluded that his body was in severe crisis, unable to recover. Roger departed in peace at 5:08 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2012.

It is a very difficult time for us all, as Roger was known and beloved by everyone. Roger was instrumental in the lives of numerous students and staff members, and will leave his mark on us all. Both his influence and leadership have led Carpe Diem to be nationally known and celebrated as a highly effective, high performing, innovative school.

Please do not hesitate to contact Carpe Diem should you need additional information, or should your student require details about grief counseling services.

One of the ways we have chosen to commemorate Roger’s life is with this year’s Pennies for Patients fundraising drive. I ask you to join me in personalizing this campaign to find a cure for lymphoma by striving to meet our combined school goal of $18,000 (DVA $12,000; CDCHS $6,000). There are two ways to donate to Pennies for Patients:

1. Visit any Wells Fargo branch and make a deposit to the account listed below:

Account Title: Carpe Diem Collegiate High School - Pennies for Patients

2. Write a check payable to Carpe Diem, with “Pennies for Patients” in the memo section, and send it to:

Carpe Diem Collegiate High School
3777 W. 22nd Lane
Yuma, AZ 85364

Together, with the memories of all of those we have loved and lost, we can – and will – beat this disease.

Sincerely and with a deep sense of sorrow,

Rick Ogston