CLASS OF 2019
PORTRAIT OF A NAZARETH ACADEMY
Graduate
Create Your Legacy
THE LEGACY CONTINUES Each year at the Closing School Mass and at Graduation, we take a moment to honor alumni who have chosen to continue their Nazareth legacy by sending their children to our beloved school. At Mass, both alum-parent and Class of 2019 graduate were invited to step forward, pass along the light from the alumni candle to their sons and daughters and receive a blessing.
CLASS OF 2019 BY THE NUMBERS
215 graduates
Emily Rausch named the
46th recipient of the Sister Oliver Donlin Award
$25 million
earned in merit scholarships and awards
20
105
ESCC Scholar Athletes held an average GPA of 4.63
We are delighted to recognize the following legacy families from the Class of 2019, including three 3rd generation Nazareth graduates:
• Rachel Adams, daughter of
• Stefanie Podok,
• Danielle Ardizzone, daughter
• Emily Rausch, daughter of
Jim Adams ’87, granddaughter of Ann Moudry Adams ’54 of Mary Jo Ardizzone ’77
• Hannah Fernandez, daughter of Amy Welko Fernandez ’88
• Jack Gray, son of
Katie Mahoney Gray ’92
• David Hertogs, son of
Jennifer George Hertogs ’88, grandson of Elise Shirmer ’59
• Alexis Horodecki,
daughter of Karyn Porod ’89
• Nicholas Ilkanic, son of
Rebecca Rossa Ilkanic ’90
• Scott Korinek, son of
Deborah Storcel Korinek ’86
• Jack Krug, son of Rob Krug ’91 • Megan Merchant, daughter of Becca Boston Merchant ’91
granddaughter of Eileen Kedzior Podok ’53 Janet Houda Rausch ’91, granddaughter of Arlene Mlsek Houda ’57
• Caitlyn Sarin, daughter of Deb Dowjotas Sarin ’95
• Troy Siranovic, son of
Diane Svatos Siranovic ’81
• Andrea Skokna, daughter of Julie Pech Skokna ’78
• Nicole Trznadel, daughter of Debbie Cihlar Trznadel ’86
• Patrick Uphues, son of Alena Murguia ’89
• Amanda Ward,
granddaughter of Mary Ann Kelly ’60
colleges of choice across
28 states and abroad
34
2
Evans Scholarships for Citlalli Cazales and Anahi Marquez, who will both attend Northwestern University
Eucharistic Ministers
1 National Merit Finalist 1 National Merit Letter of Commendation 45 Illinois State Scholars 2 graduates
Giancarlo Salazar and Neah Swierk, enlisted in the United States Air Force
15
neighborhood partners where the Class of 2019 served our dear neighbor during Circle the City
27 Student-Athletes committed to playing NCAA sports including 9 Division 1 programs in 4 different sports
ON MAY 19, 2019, NAZARETH ACADEMY held a Graduation Mass and Commencement at the Westin Lombard for the 215 graduates of the Class of 2019. These graduates will attend 105 different colleges in 28 states and abroad. Father Johnpaul Cafiero, a familiar Mass presider at Nazareth, served as Homilist, delivering the Baccalaureate Address on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff, encouraging the Class of 2019 to go forth in life keeping themselves open to change and growth, making good choices and keeping faith at the center of their lives. Isabella Allar, Valedictorian, gave the Graduation Address. She spoke of what it means to be part of the Nazareth Academy Family, citing examples of patience, commitment and love. She reminded classmates, “Education is more than the facts you learn in class; it’s learning not what, but how to think, and it’s about finding yourself...let your voice be heard and your actions inspire. Never let anyone make you forget who you are or why you matter. And never stop fighting for what you believe is right.” Bella will attend Wake Forest University next fall. The Salutatorian is Shannon Sullivan, who will attend Tulane University in the fall. Shannon is an Illinois State Scholar and a varsity studentathlete with the Girls Tennis Program. At the 2019 Awards Ceremony Shannon was named the 2019 Outstanding Female Scholar-Athlete. She said, “Nazareth has helped me become the person I am today by allowing me to balance a dedication towards my studies with the various opportunities to become involved.” The Sister Oliver Donlin Award, the very highest service award that can be earned by a graduating senior and the only award given out on the day of Graduation, was given to Emily Rausch. In presenting the award, Principal Therese Hawkins said. “Emily is attentive to those around her and ready to share her big heart regardless of what it might cost her. She serves whether someone is looking or not. This is a young woman who has made a conscious choice to make a positive difference in our world.” Emily is also the recipient of the Band Director’s Award and the Religious Studies Award. She will attend Illinois State University in the fall. Senior Board Executive Council member Emma Berner delivered the Gratitude Reflection. She paused to thank Nazareth’s faculty, saying, “The education we receive is great, not only because of what we learn, but because of how we learn. At Naz our learning environment is an accumulation of the experiences, knowledge and stories of students, teachers and staff that educate the whole person.”
We send you forth...
These pennants represent only a few of the 105 colleges that will be home to Nazareth’s Class of 2019. For a complete list of the class’ college acceptances, please visit nazarethacademy.com. Click Academics/Achievements.
Stay Connected! We encourage Class of 2019 alumni to stay connected to Nazareth Academy via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Please share good news in the Alumni Facebook group and update contact information with ccook@nazarethacademy.com. Visit as often as possible and be sure to join Club 1209 for gatherings and discounts to alumni events.
NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 West Ogden Avenue | La Grange Park, IL 60526-1700 Phone: 708.354.0061 | Fax: 708.354.0109
Sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph
www.nazarethacademy.com