INSIDE THIS ISSUE:TRAGIC LOSS OF DECLAN SULLIVAN ‘08 INSPIRES LIFETIME OF MENTORSHIP • 50TH ANNUAL STREET SCENES IS FEBRUARY 9 & 10 • NUMEROUS ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS
C MPASS THE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE OF CARMEL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
2024, issue 1
Kairos celebrates its 400th retreat
Belong. Believe. Become. As we begin this new year, I send you my warmest regards, wishing you God’s peace and all good things. Indeed, as we are reminded from the Letter of James, “all good giving and every perfect gift is from above.” So, we are thankful. In that spirit of gratitude, I write to you, sharing from my heart to yours. First and foremost, I am thankful for the many blessings that have enriched the life of Carmel Catholic High School. I am extremely grateful for how our worship of God informs our mission and vision but also advances our ability to remain a vibrant and vital educational institution that continues growing! Centered in Jesus Christ, Carmel Catholic is a college preparatory high school. I am so proud of our commitment to growing as a premier place for secondary education and even more proud of our commitment to the BVM and Carmelite mission. Embracing the holistic approach to forming the human person, we pride ourselves on offering our students an exceptional academic and faith-based education rooted in Christian service and a stellar array of extracurriculars. As a five-time National Blue Ribbon School, Carmel Catholic continues to pave the way for our students to become empowered servant-leaders who imbue values for life. I am incredibly grateful for the great work of our faculty and staff, as they tirelessly commit themselves to their vocational call in the ministry of education. Alongside our friends and benefactors, board members, and alumni, it is how we come together with our students’ needs and interests in mind that I want to say “thank you!” Thank you for standing with me as we serve our young people, present-day leaders, and future leaders for sure. As I interact with our student body, it becomes more and more evident that I am finding the presence of Christ – through a smile, a story, or an act of kindness; when I see the great things our students are doing and the awesome young women and men they are becoming, our mission is all the more emboldened. Helping our students become all that God calls them to happens because you have generously supported this school – spiritually, financially, or with your time. I want you to know of my profound gratitude. And I thank you in advance for the many ways you will continue to sustain our mission and vision. In Christ our Peace, Brad Bonham, Ph.D. 2
CCHS EXECUTIVE TEAM President Brad Bonham, Ph.D. Principal Jason Huther Chief Technology Officer Brian Blaszczyk Director of Human Resources Angelina Castillo Chief Mission Officer Kambra French Chief Financial Officer John Sheehy Chief Enrollment and Advancement Officer Brian Stith ’01 ADVANCEMENT STAFF Director of Annual Giving Laura Hansen Director of Philanthropy Michael Looby ’75 Advancement and Enrollment Coordinator Denise Spokas COMPASS TEAM Writer and Editor Caitlin Lees, Director of Marketing and Communications Designer Sarah O’Donnell, Publications Coordinator Feature Story Writer Dave Silbar Stay Connected, Stay Inspired! Compass Magazine aims to keep the Carmel Catholic High School community informed, engaged, and connected. Bursting with stories of student accomplishments, alumni events, fundraising initiatives, and more, Compass offers a comprehensive glimpse into the life of our thriving school community.
2024, issue 1
BELONG
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400 Retreats Later, Kairos Leaves Lasting Impact Across Generations
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History Teacher Julie Donner ‘99 Accompanies Grandpa, a WWII Vet, to be Honored in Europe
Kairos has left a lasting impact across generations of Carmel Catholic alumni. Read more on page 4.
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Around School
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Coming Together in the Spirit of Giving: Students Spread Christmas Joy to Families in Need BELIEVE
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Street Scenes Celebrates 50 Years February 9 and 10, 2024
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Generations of Giving: Inspiring Philanthropy
Giving Tuesday Breaks Records Alumni Class Notes and Milestones BECOME
Tragic Loss of Declan Sullivan ‘08 Inspires Lifetime of Mentorship and Giving Back for Tim Coffey ‘08
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Alumni Success Stories
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Corsair Reunion Bash, Homecoming and More
In Memoriam
Go Green COMPASS is available online as an easy and fun-to-view digital format as part of the school’s green initiative. To view COMPASS online, visit www.carmelhs.org/publications/. If you would like to stop receiving COMPASS in the mail, please send your request to mstanimirova@carmelhs.org.
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400 Retreats Later, Kairos Leaves Lasting Impact Across Generations By Dave Silbar
Had you asked Kate Roberts ‘24 four years ago, during her freshman year at Carmel Catholic, about her relationship with God, her answer would have likely been uncertain. Now a senior, Roberts is enthusiastic when saying that God now plays an everyday role in her life—and she can thank Kairos for that. The Kairos retreat had such a significant effect on Kate during the summer of 2023 between her junior and senior year that she humbly accepted the opportunity to serve as a teen leader just one month later. In ancient Greek, Kairos is defined as God’s Time, and for many students, the four-day retreat is a highlight of their Carmel Catholic experience. During Kairos, students participate in talks, discussions, and prayer, incorporating a deeper understanding into their relationship with themselves, those around them, and God. Most students confirm feeling a strong presence 4
of God alongside them from the moment they step foot off the bus. Carmel Catholic celebrated a significant milestone this January by hosting the 400th Kairos. While exact numbers are unknown, thousands of Carmel Catholic students have participated in Kairos since its inception in 1979. Then, Mr. Mike Fitzgibbons and Mr. Jim Nolan took eight boys on the first retreat to the Cabrini Retreat Center in Niles. Designed to occur once a year, two additional retreats would take place in 1979 and then five more in 1980. Retiring in 2021 after 44 years of service at Carmel Catholic, Fitzgibbons vividly recalls those early years of Kairos. “After that first retreat, Jim [Nolan] and I knew that we had just hit the motherlode, that this was something
that could last a long time,” he explains. “You have to hand it to the first participants because they didn’t have to attend. This had never been done at Carmel, and it took a lot of courage. And it was so successful that two more followed that same year.” Fast forward to today, when the Benet Lake Retreat Center across the border in Wisconsin hosts the fourday Kairos experience for Carmel Catholic juniors and seniors ten times each school year. Cell phones are not allowed, which usually makes for a tough transition at first. Still, nearly every student quickly discovers a profound feeling of peace from being away from social media and their phone screens during the retreat. “It allows for a much deeper mental balancing and emotional health,” explains Kate Roberts. “Before Kairos, I had what can only be referred to as a superficial relationship with God.” “I went on Kairos [in June of 2023], and it was a really good experience because I had a lot of friends who were the leaders and got to know more about them. They were more like acquaintances, but I made deeper connections through their talks and learned more about their lives. It gave me a deeper perspective, like, everyone’s going through something in their lives and that I’m not the only one.” “After attending Kairos, I was more intentional in my relationship with God,” Kate continued. “I would attend morning Mass at Carmel, something I wouldn’t ever have thought of doing before. Now I have my sights set on attending a Catholic college, something I wouldn’t have considered had you asked me when I was a freshman or even a sophomore.” Hearing that Kate was being asked about Kairos, her older sister, Emma ’22, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina, was quick to chime in about her own experience. “The Kairos retreat is a beautiful, lasting memory of my Carmel experience. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be surrounded by overwhelming love and support and feel God’s presence. I will always appreciate the hard work of the Carmel staff and student leaders and the courage of my fellow retreatants.”
As Carmel Catholic’s Chief Mission Officer, Kambra French’s primary objective is to ensure that the Carmelites, as program originators, and Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVMs), while not physically present at the retreat, have their fingerprints on everything that happens during Kairos. “It’s exciting to see a program that’s 45-plus years old and to know that the format has been adhered to through all of those generations,” said French. “And yet, it’s also beautiful to see how timeless some of the things are, cellphones or lack thereof being one of the most notable.” Added Mrs. French: “Just like within the school walls, if any Carmelite or BVM walked into Kairos on a moment’s notice, they would see that their care and core values are still alive, living and breathing. The charism of the retreat is so deeply Carmelite. There’s so much time for silence, so much time for deep introspection and contemplation. There is such a deep sense of community that comes from this retreat; all those things are hallmarks of Carmelite spirituality. It is a heavy privilege and one I keep close to my heart to be the one helping oversee it.” Kairos also holds deep meaning and many great memories for United Airlines Pilot Charlie Schoen ‘05. One of five siblings who attended Carmel Catholic and participated in Kairos, Charlie recently moved back to the area from Spokane, WA, where he served in the Air Force. Like current senior Kate Roberts, he attended the retreat as a junior and served as a leader a year later. He recalls a deep sense of God being with him and his classmates during the week at Benet Lake. “There’s definitely a mystique surrounding Kairos when you are a freshman and sophomore because you know that virtually all of the upperclassmen do it, not to mention my older brother and sisters,” said B E L O N G
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Charlie. “You’re wondering what it’s all about and looking forward to it. Kairos was a great time to get to know yourself and your friends better and help understand God’s role in your life.”
“It’s hard to describe, but you just feel like he’s in the building with you. Listening to everyone’s stories, including yours, you realize that God is always right there.”
Making An Impact on Parents, Too Religion has always played an important part in every aspect of Ana Crow’s life and is something she’s worked hard to instill in her daughter, Lauren ’23, and son, Kevin ’24. “We would go to church every Sunday, dressing up in our best clothes and making it an important event,” explains Mrs. Crow. But it wasn’t until after both of her children attended Kairos that she began to see major shifts in their commitment to their religious beliefs and their overall emotional and spiritual wellness. Lauren, studying nursing at Marquette University, joined her church choir and volunteered to lead the junior choir—something she never would have done before, according to her mom. The Kairos effect was even more significant for Kevin, a two-time 6
IHSA state qualifier and co-captain on the varsity golf team. “He went on a mission trip with our church to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, even when the only other person he knew that was going backed out at the last second. That was very unlike Kevin,” explained Mrs. Crow, who added. “He also deals much better with stress and when things don’t go his way. It’s a very notable change for Kevin.”
much more loved than they may have thought they were four days earlier.”
Carmel Catholic Faculty Play An Important Role
What’s often forgotten when discussing the virtues of Kairos is the potential hardship inflicted on all Carmel Catholic teachers. For Kate Roberts’ mom, Lori, whose After all, having a sizable number older children Emma ‘22 and Ben of students missing chunks of ‘19 also participated in Kairos, the classroom time throughout the inclusive and caring environment year yet accepting this as standard struck the most significant nerve. protocol, not to mention exerting Her daughter Emma points to extra time to ensure they don’t fall Kairos as among the biggest behind, would be a big ask of any highlights of her four years at teacher. Carmel Catholic.
“I’m grateful that Carmel continues to value a retreat experience,” said Lori. “For all of the kids, not just mine, to be away for four full days without a phone and distractions, that gives them a chance to breathe and balance their mental and emotional health.” “They go away for four days and know they are loved,” she adds. “They are loved by Carmel Catholic and all the people who have put in the time and effort to make this program successful. They are loved by their peers, their parents, and ultimately, by God. My big takeaway is that these kids feel
“It could never have been this successful without the tremendous support from a great faculty, and to neglect that fact would be a big mistake,” said Fitzgibbons. “For a classroom teacher to have a sizable number of their students miss an entire week several times per year yet sacrifice time to ensure they don’t fall behind takes an extra special type of commitment. Many teachers have volunteered at Kairos and have seen how incredible a program it is.” Fitzgibbons spoke at length about the raw courage displayed by student leaders at Kairos by being the first to share their stories of hardship. Kairos is a program run by our students for our students. “If you’re wondering about the world’s future, if the kids who have gone to Kairos are running the world, we’ll be just fine.”
Carmel Catholic History Teacher Julie Donner ’99 Accompanies Grandpa, a WWII Vet, As He Is Honored During Return Trip to Europe
Julie Donner is pictured at the US Embassy in Brussels along with her grandfather, parents and US Ambassador Adler. Last October, Carmel Catholic history teacher Julie Donner ’99 accompanied her 101-year-old grandfather Frank Fabianski, a World War II veteran, as he retraced his steps in Europe, being honored along the way for his service to our country. American, Polish, and Canadian troops cleared Nazis from part of the Netherlands and Belgium in 1944 during Operation Pheasant. Among U.S. participants was Mrs. Donner’s grandfather, who fought with the renowned 104th Timberwolf Infantry Nightfighters. Mr. Fabianski was a cryptographer during World War II, sending and receiving messages being sent back and forth by enemy troops. B E L O N G
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“My grandpa didn’t talk about his World War II experiences when I was growing up,” recalls Mrs. Donner. “He began opening up more when I was working on my college thesis prior to embarking on my career as a history teacher.” The trip to Europe was significant for Mrs. Donner, not only for being there to trace the footsteps of her grandfather during the deadliest international conflict in history (taking the lives of more than 60 million, including 6 million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust), but also as a seasoned high school history teacher. Mr. Fabianski and his family visited Antwerp before meeting other participants in Operation Pheasant in Kaimthout/Nieuwmoer on the Dutch-Belgium border. Along the way, they were honored guests at liberation ceremonies with local VIPs, were provided a private battlefield tour, re-enactments, and participated in wreathlaying ceremonies and other commemorations in various towns. “Through the accounts shared by my grandfather and others, my goal was to better understand the individual stories and experiences of people through the journey taken to liberation and peace,” Mrs. Donner said prior to leaving for Europe. “The stories and lessons learned need to be remembered and retold so that we can stand against injustices today.”
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One Student Named a Semifinalist, Four Students Commended in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has named 16,000 semifinalists and 24,000 commended students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. National Merit Scholarship semifinalists entered the 2024 competition by taking the 2022 Preliminary SAT/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,140 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a National Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition.
Semifinalist: Jacqueline Caglar Additionally, about 24,000 Commended Students nationwide are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 students who entered the 2024 competition. Commended students: Alexis Belyaev, Audrey Deck, Kaylin Hagel, Zackary Massoni
63 Students Selected as Illinois State Scholars Carmel Catholic High School proudly announces that 63 seniors have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars. This prestigious award is based on students’ exemplary ACT/SAT scores and GPA. View the list of scholars at carmelhs.org/news/. B E L O N G
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Coming Together in the Spirit of Giving: Students Spread Christmas Joy to Families in Need In the heart of December, the halls of Carmel Catholic were buzzing with the spirit of Christmas as 25 students from Mr. Ptacek’s Foundations of Catholicism class joyfully loaded and packed over 100 gift bags into Catholic Charities vans destined to bring joy to the lives of 83 deserving families. But their generosity did not stop there. In a remarkable display of compassion, each of Mr. Ptacek’s classes went above and beyond, raising funds for extra families in need beyond every student’s Advisory class. At Carmel Catholic, making a lasting impact in our community has always been deeply rooted in our mission. This year, our collective efforts gifted hope and love to more than 265 children, with 566 presents. More than just material possessions, these gifts served as symbols of compassion and solidarity. Through the unwavering support of our extraordinary community, we raised an incredible $18,659 to purchase these gifts, a testament to the generosity within our Carmel Catholic community. With these precious donations, we can further our mission to uplift those experiencing hardship. Not only did we bring smiles and happiness through presents, but we also provided over 1,000 meals to families in need. We extend our deepest gratitude to every student, adult, and even our dedicated alumni who willingly gave their time and energy on weekends and after school to help organize and wrap these gifts. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the administration of Carmel Catholic and the dedicated Advisory teachers and students. Their unwavering support and guidance played an instrumental role in fostering a culture of compassion and service within our Carmel Catholic family. In addition, we are grateful to the Carmel Catholic families who stepped up wholeheartedly, embodying the true meaning of the Christmas spirit and ensuring that our brothers and sisters in need experienced a truly blessed holiday season.
$18,659
536 presents purchased
raised
265 children impacted
Follow Campus Ministry on Instagram Follow along to see all the exciting opportunities provided to our students for spiritual growth and participation in the life and mission of the Church. 10
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Carmel Catholic Receives Honorable Mention in Laudato Si’ Champions Awards
This past July, the Catholic Climate Covenant recognized Carmel Catholic High School as an honorable mention in the first U.S. Laudato Si’ Champions Awards in the School category. Named after Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on care for creation, the Laudato Si’ Champions Awards celebrates individuals and organizations doing transformative work on Laudato Si’ issues in the United States. Carmel Catholic was selected by Covenant staff after being nominated by Pat Maddux, Director of BVM Life and Mission for the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, one of Carmel Catholic High School’s founders. According to Covenant, “Among your accomplishments, we were especially impressed by the work of the student Environmental Club and your waste reduction.” On July 27, Carmel Catholic’s honorable mention was recognized publicly via Zoom. In addition to public recognition, a donation of fruit trees for planting farmers supported by Catholic Relief Services was offered to Carmel Catholic as a token of appreciation. “On behalf of Creighton University and Covenant staff and all of our supporters, thank you for your commitment to God’s creation, your fellow humans, and all creatures. You are an inspiration,” read an email from Covenant.
Stay Up to Date on the Latest at Carmel Catholic From academics and student activities to fine arts and athletics, learn more about all the outstanding accomplishments students and staff make by checking out the news posted on carmelhs.org. 12
Carmel Catholic Partners With The Social Institute Carmel Catholic has launched a partnership with The Social Institute, a national leader in curriculum designed to equip students to navigate the complex intersection of wellbeing, social media, and technology. Carmel Catholic has adopted The Social Institute’s comprehensive program, called #WinAtSocial, which promotes character, empathy, teamwork, and other essential life skills. This program is delivered in students’ Advisory period. Additionally, supplementary resources provide parents insight into social media, technology, and student experiences, offering family discussion prompts and informative resources they can incorporate into family conversations as much or as little as they like. These discussion questions align with the lessons/activities students participate in and allow parents to continue the conversation at home. Visit thesocialinstitue.com to learn how The Social Institute supports families. We are excited to be able to offer this important and timely education to our community.
Become a Host for Carmel Catholic International Students
Carmel Catholic High School is a globally-minded community that understands the importance of encouraging crosscultural understanding. Carmel Catholic is proud to partner exclusively with Amerigo Education to allow international students to attend our school and become a part of our community. The international program brings together students from many countries and unites them in our mission to form thoughtful leaders who can contribute to our rapidly advancing society. Opportunities for local families to become host families are available. Learn more at carmelhs.org/international/. B E L O N G
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Street Scenes Celebrates 50 Years February 9 and 10, 2024 By Dave Silbar
Mention Carmel Catholic High School, and the conversation inevitably turns to Street Scenes. The annual two-day fundraising event features more than 40 live musical acts performed throughout the school, which is decorated to the hilt in a kaleidoscope of unique themes. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Street Scenes, and as such, this year’s theme is “Cheers to 50 Years, a Walk Down Memory Lane.” Scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10, 2024, event Director Michelle (Karrigan ‘92) Ptasienski and her Street Scenes committee have been working fervently since September to make this year’s event extra special. “Marking 50 years of the most successful fundraiser in school history means the world; it’s pretty overwhelming,” said Ptasienski. “To me, it means an incredible sense of community, where the entire Carmel Catholic family, both past and present, gathers under one roof to celebrate a rich tradition.” “We see so many groups who had no affiliation with Carmel who met at a Street Scenes event and now return every year to catch up and rekindle those relationships. It’s a great way to meet people and support a great cause.” Each year, Carmel Catholic is transformed into a spectacular, fun-filled venue featuring talented musicians and bands, casino games, theatrical performances, a magic show, a popular cabaret-style student show, local food and beverage vendors, a silent auction, and much more. Street Scenes has contributed over $12 million to assist Carmel Catholic High School students in meeting their educational goals by keeping tuition as low as possible and ensuring the best programming, activities, and resources are offered. 14
Many of Carmel Catholic’s clubs and athletic teams will decorate numerous classrooms. Event organizers hope that by doing so, rooms hosting live entertainment will be adorned in a way that reminds our guests of the strong sense of community here at Carmel. “I don’t know of any other fundraiser that has been held for a half-century,” added Event Director Ptasienski. The beloved Street Scenes Student Show will be performed on Sunday, February 4, and Thursday, February 7, encouraging families and area seniors to attend. The Student Show will also be performed on both nights of Street Scenes. While the planning team is a mighty few given the size of event, the night could not happen without numerous volunteers from the Carmel Catholic community,” added Street Scenes committee member Karen Brunk, a mother of three Carmel students. When I say community, I don’t just mean current students and parents, but grandparents, alumni, friends, and neighbors that join in the fun. It is the most fun way to give back!” Karen noted that bands and community businesses mark their calendar to return annually, with new patrons and supporters reaching out yearly to join in the fun. “Where else in the tri-county area, under one roof, you can enjoy multiple shows, food and drink, and check out the local music scenes,” continued Karen. “Whenever someone attends for the first time, their comment is always, ‘why haven’t I been here before, I will be back next year!’”
The Quintessential Carmel Catholic Student Experience
paced energy of the show keeps audiences engaged during the less-than-one-hour performance. “We have songs from as far back as the 50s and 60s as well as what’s popular today,” he says.” The show really appeals to every generation, and because we have a ton of talented students, you’ll never get bored.”
The word community gets tossed around a lot at Carmel Catholic, but for the sophomores, juniors, and seniors who participate in the Street Scenes Student Show, there is no better word to describe the experience. University of Dayton sophomore Ella Cappelle ’22 says she was very grateful to have the opportunity to be in the student show. Ella says she’s the sixth Cappelle to have performed in the show. “It was so much fun,” she says while chuckling. “It’s an interesting show because it’s not just theatre kids and dancers, but a mishmash of all Carmel students. There are soccer players, volleyball players, football players, and kids like me, president of the Social Justice Club.” “It was just really great for us all to come together, to let loose and do this super cool thing as a group,” added Ella. “It was fun to be a part of something that has been going on for so long at Carmel. You really feel like this is a quintessential Carmel experience by performing in the show.”
Thank You to All Who Supported the 2023 Golf Classic The Carmel Catholic community’s embrace of the call to help current and future Corsairs made the 2023 Carmel Catholic Golf Classic the highest-earning in school history––over $116,000! According to Denise Spokas, Chair of the Golf Classic, “I have never seen such a group of hearty souls gather together to allow students the opportunity to attend this amazing school. I am humbled and gracious for this magnitude of support to this important fundraiser.” The Carmel Catholic Golf Classic supports students through financial assistance or provides critical aid for Tuition Assurance, which helps students who lose a parent complete their Corsair experience. Over the past five years, Tuition Assurance has directly helped 12 students. We hope you will join us for the 2024 Golf Classic!
For junior Noah Green, performing in the student show has been the thrill of a lifetime. A member of the boys’ golf team since his freshman year, theatre is Noah’s true passion, having served in leading roles for several of the school’s plays and musicals. “It’s probably my favorite thing to do at Carmel,” gleams Noah. “I mean, talk about bringing together a group of 40-plus students with varying backgrounds. Kids in choir, band, dance, athletics and others who aren’t really into fine arts having a ton of fun and joining Street Scenes.” Noah believes that the wide variety of music and fastB E L I E V E
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Generations of Giving: Inspiring Philanthropy at Carmel Catholic
Philanthropy is a family affair for the Young family. RJ Young and his family pose with an award from One Hope United recognizing the Young family for their leadership in philanthropy two years ago. Starting from the left, Zach ‘20, Justin ‘25, David, Gigi ‘22, Lori, Judy, Rachel, Katalyn ‘26, RJ, Jeff, Erika and Eric. At Carmel Catholic, we understand that the spirit of giving is not just a fleeting act but a timeless value that shapes our community today and paves the way for a brighter future. From the very beginning, our school has been nurtured by the generosity of countless families who share our mission. Their selfless contributions have made Carmel Catholic what it is today—a Christ-centered community of growth and opportunity. For many of these families, philanthropy is not just a one-time gesture but a cherished tradition passed down from one generation to the next. The Young family, led by the inspiring duo of RJ and Judy Young, embodies this spirit of giving. Through their unwavering commitment to both giving and volunteering at Carmel Catholic and other organizations, they have become beacons of servant leadership within our community. For the Youngs, giving back and helping others is not merely an obligation but a way of life. They understand that philanthropy is not limited to monetary donations but also encompasses the gift of one’s time and talents. Through their actions, they inspire their children and grandchildren to become philanthropists in their own right. Below, RJ Young passionately speaks about philanthropy’s role as a core family value.
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Q: Why is providing philanthropic support important to your family, whether for Carmel Catholic or any other organization? A: Like many in our great country, our family has been blessed over the years. We feel it’s important to do everything possible to share our blessings with those who may not have the same resources. Judy and I, as well as our three sons and their families, enjoy having the opportunity to help others by sharing our time and talent and providing financial support to the extent we can. To us, philanthropy means generosity in all its forms, giving gifts of time, talent, and treasure to help make life better for other people. There are specific causes that our family loves to support, and we are grateful we have the opportunity to help others. Carmel offers so many ways to get involved! Q: How is philanthropy a Young Family activity? A: Our entire family––our kids, their spouses, and our grandkids––truly enjoy working together and helping others. Our youngest son works at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville and the entire Young family can be found there often, packing meals for hungry kids. We have lots of ties to Carmel that cause us to be on campus a lot, volunteering in many different ways. And for years I have served on the Board of One Hope United, a child service agency. The whole family has been involved in One Hope fundraisers and service activities for years. As for me and my family, we serve the Lord and these activities allow us to share time together helping others. It’s a blast! Q: How does giving to the tuition assistance program at Carmel Catholic meet your personal and family values? A: One of the most important causes we love to support is the academic and spiritual education of young students from families who could use financial assistance. Carmel is an amazing school, and we want to do what we can to open our school up to more students. We value a Catholic education, and Carmel is an amazing school with an incredible staff. Q: Why is Carmel Catholic one of the organizations for which you provide philanthropic support? A: Well, the simple answer is that we’ve had two grandchildren graduate from Carmel, two more attend school now, and a fifth grandchild is in the wings at St. Joseph Catholic School. One of our daughters-in-law teaches there, too. We’ve seen firsthand how incredible Carmel is. The more we visited the campus and met staff, the more we fell in love with the community. We decided we wanted to be all in! We’ve volunteered at events, served on committees, and helped with fundraising. Q: How does your personal involvement as a volunteer at Carmel Catholic strengthen your philanthropy? A: The more we volunteer, the more we want to help. We find it refreshing to support Carmel. It’s very easy to share our time and talent with this organization. The teachers and staff are incredible, the students are amazing, the culture is awesome. It’s so much fun to be part of this community. The first time Judy and I actually visited Carmel was to go to Street Scenes. We saw the student show and experienced all the activities throughout the school. We had so much fun! The atmosphere and the people were amazing. We kind of fell in love with that first trip through the school. Something special for sure! Q: Why should a Carmel Catholic donor support tuition assistance? A: Our future lies with the younger generation. We want that generation to have the same, if not more, of the opportunities we had in our life. We can’t think of a better investment than helping students get a Catholic education at Carmel. If our family can help in some way, we cannot resist jumping in! I’d encourage a potential donor to visit the school. Meet some of the staff, walk the halls, watch the kids as they move to their classrooms. Listen to the vibe in the halls, spend a few minutes with a teacher, and get a feel for the school. It’s a special place. I wish I had the opportunity to be a student there. So, I want others to have that chance. It’s almost as simple as that. B E L I E V E
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Giving Tuesday Breaks Records This year marked the 11th annual celebration of Giving Tuesday. This remarkable movement of global generosity officially kicks off the year-end giving season, and is one of the biggest giving days of the year. We want to thank all of our generous supporters who helped us reach our $35,000 goal! The overwhelming generosity and support from the Carmel Catholic community speak volumes about the impact of your daily dedication and our community’s collective commitment to advancing our mission. All the funds raised on Giving Tuesday directly impact our students by making a Carmel Catholic education accessible, providing first-rate curricular offerings, and supporting programs fundamental to our Catholic mission. Carmel Catholic is unique in instilling the values of service and justice within our community because these values are at the core of our mission and identity as a school founded by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Order of the Carmelites. This year’s Giving Tuesday campaign was focused on showcasing how our students live out our mission, and providing our community a greater understanding of our Christian Service Program. With the Christian Service Program, students develop into servant leaders as they respond in solidarity to the needs of our sisters and brothers throughout our community. By creating opportunities where students can encounter and serve those in the greater community, the Christian Service Program forms our students to develop a lifelong commitment to service and justice that extends beyond their four years at Carmel Catholic. Our students learn the skills and values that bring them beyond the classroom, creating a brighter community, a brighter world, and preparing them for an even brighter future. Each student completes 20 hours of service each academic year. With a student body of nearly 1,200, this translates to approximately 22,000 hours annually, or 88,000 hours over four years, providing service and working for justice within our community. We are so proud of our Corsairs as they live out our mission serving our community, and we are so grateful for our generous Carmel community for your support which allows us to continue to make this significant impact each year. To give to the Carmel Catholic Fund, scan this QR code. 18
Tragic Loss of Declan Sullivan ‘08 Inspires Lifetime of Mentorship and Giving Back for Tim Coffey ‘08 By Dave Silbar
Declan Sullivan ‘08 meant many things to many people, but to his childhood friend Tim Coffey ‘08, Declan meant the world. After all, the two Carmel Catholic grads were inseparable ever since first grade. In fact, the two ate lunch together every single year from first grade up until their senior year at Carmel Catholic. There was rarely a day during those 11 years when they wouldn’t connect with one another. Mention Declan and the memories flood right back for Tim. Like when Declan decided they and a few other friends would jump off the roof of the Sullivan’s house in Long Grove. Or the time that Declan, performing as a senior in the Street Scenes Student Show, chose Tim’s mom to give a ceremonial balloon to during the performance. “I remember her coming home that night and talking about how cool that was and how proud she was to see Declan doing his own thing after playing [with me] on the football team during the first three years of high school,” Tim recalls. The tragedy that would end Declan’s life during his junior year at The University of Notre Dame has been well-documented. With a video camera in his hand since as far back as anyone can remember, Declan
was proud to be part of the Notre Dame football program, filming games and practices, the latter having him 40-plus feet in the air on a scissor lift, capturing practices from high above to help coaches preparing for upcoming games. But on October 27, 2010, during conditions that saw winds gusting at more than 35 mph, the lift that Declan was filming from toppled to the ground. He would be rushed to the hospital, where he would pass away shortly after that. Carmel Catholic graduate and Tim Coffey’s longtime friend Declan Sullivan was just 20 years old.
At the time, Tim was a junior at the University of Missouri and remembers the difficulty that came with learning of the horrific news. Only a couple of states away, it seemed like he was on the other side of the world, with no one at Mizzou able to understand how close they were and with none of Tim’s college friends ever having met Declan. It was estimated that the Sullivan family could have received a large settlement from a lawsuit, but Declan’s dad, speaking in an ESPN documentary, said that he and his wife never even considered it. He had said that the entire Notre Dame community was hurting just as they were and that a lawsuit would only inflict more pain. B E C O M E
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And that’s when the Sullivan family started receiving mass donations in honor of Declan from family, friends, and complete strangers alike. The family would use that money to create the Declan Drumm Sullivan Memorial Fund, which has since donated more than $4.5 million to the Chicago-based nonprofit Horizons for Youth, which works with children from low-income communities to help them achieve their full potential. Identifying children at an early age and connecting them with a long-term mentor who can provide emotional and academic support and an array of enrichment programs is at the core of the organization’s mission. Horizons for Youth serves more than 200 students from 44 Chicago neighborhoods, 22 elementary schools, 36 high schools, and 21 colleges nationwide. Shortly after graduating, the nonprofit connected Tim with seven-year-old Ezekiel, a shy yet inquisitive Chicago elementary school student. “I remember meeting him for the first time,” recalls Tim. “Horizons for Youth arranged for me to visit his school and eat lunch with Ezekiel and his friends at their cafeteria.” What stood out to Tim from that first meeting? “The same things that stand out to me when I sit across from him today: he’s one of the brightest, kindest kids you could imagine. You could tell right away he was a friend to everyone in 20
his class. And that’s still the type of leader he is as a young man today.” Tim knew that day how lucky he would be to be a part of Ezekiel’s life. The relationship would continue to blossom over the years and through Ezekiel’s time in high school. It would include Tim and his family attending school events, parent-teacher conferences, and watching Ezekiel compete on his high school football team. “Horizons for Youth is in this for the long term, and that’s what they ask of anyone who gets involved with the program,” said Tim. “Ezekiel is now a part of my family, and I’m proud to say I’m part of his, too.” Most children supported by Horizons for Youth are the first in their families to attend college. Ezekiel is no different. Thanks in part to Tim’s friendship and serving as a mentor, Ezekiel has a wonderful life to look forward to, one that Tim is excited to watch every step of the way. In the first year of the Declan Drumm Memorial Fund partnership, Horizons for Youth accepted 40 new students into their program and doubled their tutoring and counseling services. From 2012 to 2019, Declan’s Class has grown to over 100 students, sponsored through the generosity of donors at the Memorial Fund’s annual event entitled ‘No Ordinary Evening.’ Horizons for Youth is also where Tim met his wife, Erin, and the couple now have two young
daughters. You could say that had Declan’s tragedy never occurred, this beautiful family would not exist. A large thought to digest, but Tim Coffey sees things differently. “My friends and I had a running joke that when Declan was involved, something big––or as Declan would say, “epic”–– was always bound to happen,” remembers Tim. “Getting involved at Horizons for Youth because of Declan, and then meeting my future wife at the first event I attended… that’s definitely epic. I’ll always ensure my girls know that Declan is a part of their story.” Tim remains close with the Sullivan family, including Declan’s younger siblings Wyn ‘10 and Mac ‘13, who graduated from Carmel Catholic and Notre Dame. Tim also now serves on the Board of Directors at Horizons for Youth. For more information on the Declan Drumm Memorial Fund, visit declandrummsullivanfund.org. To learn how to get involved with Horizons for Youth, visit horizons-for-youth.org.
Charlie Schoen ‘05 Says Carmel Catholic ‘Sets the Framework for Your Future’ By Dave Silbar
As a young boy, Charlie Schoen ’05 would lean in extra close when his grandfather, an Army Medic in World War II, would talk about his experiences while serving our country overseas. It was enough for Charlie to believe he may be destined for military duty to serve our country with honor. And then, during his freshman year at Carmel Catholic, another event would catapult his decision, more than ever, to serve in the armed forces. The date was September 11, 2001. “I’ve always been impressed with Grandpa’s stories of his time in the military, and that drew me into wanting to serve as well,” said Charlie. “And then, during my freshman year 9/11 happened. That was a real eyeopener and drew me into wanting to serve my country, and obviously, being in the military is something you can do to serve your country.” As the middle child, Charlie has four other siblings—all of whom graduated from Carmel Catholic. He would spend his college years attending St. Louis University, where he served in the ROTC and earned a degree in criminal justice. Following his sophomore year at SLU, Charlie was fortunate to go on an incentive ride on an Air Force plane during a summer program, and that’s when he realized that being a pilot was his future aspiration. He would apply to pilot training and then, in his senior year, found out that he was selected to train with the Air Force following graduation. “The leadership qualities first instilled at Carmel and then combined with my time served in the ROTC put me on the fast track for the Air Force,” says Charlie. He would begin pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas, and then move to Altus Air Force
Base in Oklahoma before receiving his first assignment at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington. It was there where he met his wife, Melissa. Charlie would spend 13 years in the Air Force, working at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane and Fort Stewart in Savannah, GA. During that time, he would be deployed eight times, flying missions primarily in the Middle East, including Qatar, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. For soldiers, serving in a war can be a physically and emotionally challenging experience. As a pilot, Charlie says it was an opportunity to experience and appreciate what all the various military branches do for our country. “There’s really an honor of having a piece in the fight and helping protect our nation.” B E C O M E
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Eventually, Charlie would apply for a pilot job with Chicago-based United Airlines. With his military background and flying experience, he was hired right away and moved back to Grayslake, where he and Melissa raise their two young children, both destined for Carmel Catholic Charlie laughs. “One of the biggest benefits about attending Carmel is that it sets the framework for your future,” Charlie said. “Whether it’s academics, athletics, spirituality-based retreats, or anything, I think the experience at Carmel sets the tone for the rest of your life.”
Asked what he would say to any prospective family looking at Carmel Catholic for their child’s education, Charlie didn’t hesitate to answer. “Carmel sets you up for success. Going into college, I really felt prepared academically. As far as being leadershiporiented, that really helped me going into the ROTC program and then into the Air Force. “In addition to leadership, service to others is ingrained into you throughout your four years at Carmel. Whether it’s sports, clubs, organizations, or retreats, Carmel stresses the importance of leadership and service to others as part of your day-to-day lifestyle.”
Carmel Catholic’s AP Program Empowers Students Like Ella Cappelle ‘22 to Soar Beyond Freshman Year By Dave Silbar
Eleanor Cappelle ‘22 is currently enjoying her junior academic year at the University of Dayton. But here’s the thing: She is a 2022 Carmel Catholic graduate, meaning she skipped her freshman year of college. Thanks to an intensive AP class schedule at Carmel Catholic, Eleanor racked up 27 credits which were applied towards her freshman year of college, allowing her to bypass her entire first year, and set the course to double major. Not everything at Carmel Catholic ran as smoothly, though, as Eleanor would have 22
hoped. As she began her initial foray into the world of AP studies, COVID swept the world and tossed a wrench into the high school experience. In her sophomore year of high school, Eleanor was enrolled in Jim Schuster’s AP World History Class. “I hadn’t taken an AP class before, and when COVID hit, there was a lot of uncertainty. Although they changed how the final exam was done, Mr. Schuster did an amazing job getting us the material and preparing us. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
By the time graduation came, Eleanor had taken 10 AP classes, amassing an incredible 27 college credits. She knew she was accruing plenty of credits but was surprised at just how many would help her breeze past her freshman year common academic program classes at Dayton, allowing her to begin taking classes in her interests much earlier. Another benefit was that the structure and pace of those classes would immensely help her prepare for the classwork and schedule that college would bring. Along with entering Dayton with so many credits, Eleanor says her first semester was among the easiest in school. “It made my transition into a completely different environment so much smoother. With all that preparation that I had been given at Carmel, I was able to relax a little bit more and it made the transition to college that much easier.” Eleanor’s mom, Kambra French, who works at Carmel Catholic as Chief Mission and Ministry Officer, Kambra (i.e., Kammie), says that Eleanor was the one who initiated taking those AP classes. “Eleanor is a kid who really enjoys academic rigor, she thrives in it. I actually tried to make her drop some of those AP classes her senior year because, as a mom, I was worried about her being overwhelmed, but she actually flourished in that environment and her Carmel teachers were incredibly supportive of her.” Grateful for the opportunity of earning a double major—Philosophy and English—Eleanor says that she learned to believe in herself because of all those at Carmel Catholic who believed in her and were invested in seeing all Carmel students succeed in life. “In my experience, the most impactful thing for me at Carmel was the sheer amount of people who believe in you, who are invested in you, and who want to see you do well,” said Eleanor. “I know it can sound like a throwaway line, but it really was true. I was pretty shy going into my freshman year of high school. I had an older sister who was class president for three years at the time, but I was just like, I have no idea what I’m going to be doing here. I just don’t know what would have happened if so many people didn’t believe in me.”
Alumni, Stay Connected Visit Campus Alumni and family are welcome back to campus at any time for a tour to experience the exciting improvements we continue to make to our facilities and programs. Contact alumni@ carmelhs.org for more information. Alumni, Check Out Your Portal The portal allows alumni to update their contact information, search for other alumni, see an individualized page for each class, submit class notes, view social media feeds, and much more! For help logging in, contact alumni@carmelhs.org. Submit a Class Note Compass welcomes news of accomplishments or changes in your professional and personal life for inclusion in Class Notes. Submit information and photos to alumni@carmelhs.org. Alumni Social Media
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Homecoming Alumni Tent – September 29 Thank you to everyone who joined us at the alumni tent during the Homecoming football game on September 29. It’s always a special experience to have so many of our alumni come back to Carmel Catholic. Our Corsair football team came out with a victory against St. Viator 25-14 during the homecoming game, and ended with a winning season record of 10 wins and 2 losses. Homecoming also came with much to celebrate and remember. The Varsity 2003 Championship Football team celebrated its 20-year anniversary. 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees were recognized during halftime events and included student athletes Sarah Cohen-Smith ‘13 (Gymnastics), Jasmine Minor ‘11 (Tennis), Michael Morrissey ‘06 (Baseball, Football), and David Venegoni ‘08 (Football, Baseball, Basketball). Coaches inducted include Mike Fitzgibbons (Football, Track, Wrestling), and coach John Holloran (Soccer). Luke Laidley ‘97 was also remembered prior to the kickoff. Luke Laidley was a former football player and coach. He lived his life as a dedicated husband, father, son, brother, and friend centered by his strong Catholic faith. This year’s football team is honoring him in a special way with his initials “LL” on each helmet. He was a friend to many and is remembered by the Carmel Catholic community. 24
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Corsair Reunion Bash – October 14 We hosted the Corsair Reunion Bash on October 14! This year’s milestone reunions included the class of 1983 (40 years), 1993 (30 years), 1998 (25 years), 2003 (20 years), and 2013 (10 years). The reunion started with mass at St. Titus Brandsma Chapel, followed by tours of the school. Tours were lead by current students and showcased some of the many additions and renovations made over the years including: 1993: The Hesse Center and Salvi Arena 2005: Science wing expansion 2015: Fine Arts classrooms, and library renovation 2016: Kathy A. Nemmers Welcome Center 2020: Robotics and engineering lab 2020: Corsair Fitness Center 2021: St. Titus Brandsma Chapel Renovation All the classes were then invited to eat, drink, and reminisce with their friends and classmates in the Kathy A. Nemmers Welcome Center, and the Information Commons. We ended the night with entertainment from “Stu” the piano guy performing in the Lounge.
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Class of 1974
Year Reunion
SAVE THE DATES: FRIDAY, JUNE 7: Golf Outing at Countryside Golf Course in Mundelein at 11 am SATURDAY, JUNE 8: Class Reunion at Carmel Catholic High School will include tours of the campus, mass, cocktail hour, dinner and dancing starting at 3:30 pm SUNDAY, JUNE 9: Breakfast at Crossroads of Ivanhoe in Mundelein at 9 am For more information, please visit the class Facebook page. Formal Save the Date and Invitation to follow with more details. B E C O M E
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Class Notes They say that cats have nine lives. If that’s the case, we can only assume that Larry Boller ‘68 is part feline. Larry has survived several bouts of cancer and is enjoying retirement in Spring Hill, Florida. One of his numerous diagnoses came with a six-months-to-live prognosis, but that was more than 20 years ago. After graduating from St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota, Larry graduated from Northwestern University’s medical school and worked as a respiratory therapist. Okay. He first moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, where he became director of respiratory care of a nearby hospital, and eventually moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he served as chief operating officer for the local university medical school and all its clinics. His illnesses began in 2005 when he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus and cancer of the liver. Two months later, he would learn that he also had coronary artery disease. “The esophageal cancer was supposed to kill me in six months,” he recalled. “When it comes to the adventures with cancer and either the luck or the prayers it takes, I go with prayers every time.” When asked about his four years at Carmel, a smile comes back to Larry’s face. “Oh Carmel, he gleams. Not only did we have a lot of fun, but we received a great education, too. We learned the value of ourselves and being part of a community.” 28
One of our most distinguished alumst, Patrick Salvi ‘71, was honored with the prestigious Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Excellence Award. Patrick A. Salvi II ‘00, Chicago Managing Partner of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., was honored as Chicago Lawyer Magazine’s 2023 Person of the Year.
Charlotte (Stostak ‘77) McLaughlin and Madeline (Stostak ‘80) Hoge have published the first two books of their Intentional Grandparenting Series. Two of the three authors, writing under the pen name CJ Corki, are alums of Carmel. They have recently completed the second book in their Intentional Grandparenting Series. These non-fiction masterpieces are packed with stories, wisdom, and invaluable insights from experienced ringmasters. So, embark on this incredible adventure of love, learning, and laughter. Let’s create unforgettable memories with our beloved grandchildren, together. Cjcorki.com/shop Robert and Mary C. (Pasenelli ‘79) Schneider celebrated their 33rd year of marriage on September 29. Mary Del Olmo ‘99 was consecrated as a virgin living in the world on November 22, 2023, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, TX.
“Salvi has touched the lives of individuals he’s encountered since entering the industry nearly two decades ago — whether it be his clients, colleagues, legislators, or opponents. After securing the October 2022 record-breaking $363 million jury verdict award for Sue Kamuda against Sterigenics, followed by an overall $408 million settlement in January as lead counsel for the hundreds of remaining lawsuits against Sterigenics and helping deliver significant legislative changes as ITLA president that allow punitive damages in wrongful death lawsuits, Salvi shows no signs of slowing down,” said Cailey Gleeson of Chicago Lawyer Magazine. Caitlin Hendricks ‘08 was featured in a Daily Herald article: “Meet the Mundelein native who is helping the Cubs create content for TikTok.”
On July 17, Lauren (Stark ‘11) Filippini and Dino Filippini ‘10 welcomed their first child, Leo William.
investigative reporter and anchor. Throughout her career, her stories ranged from digging into local issues that impacted the community to national coverage at the White House. Some of her past work has shed light on survivors of human and sex trafficking and the racism and lingering trauma that professional Black athletes endure on and off the field. Minor was also honored with a prestigious fellowship with The Pew Research Center, where she acted as a juvenile justice fellow. Her work has been singled out with a National Association of Black Journalists National Salute to Excellence Award, nine Emmy nominations, two Emmy Awards, and many other honors.
Jasmine Minor ‘11 Joins ABC 7 Chicago News Team Carmel Catholic alumna and Chicago area native Jasmine Minor has joined the ABC 7 Eyewitness News team as a reporter focusing on race and culture stories. According to Jennifer Graves, Vice President, ABC 7 Chicago, “Jasmine has earned an impressive reputation for being a hard-hitting, aggressive reporter. She is passionate about telling stories that offer insight into marginalized and overlooked communities. We’re delighted to have her back in her hometown to tell stories important to our community.” She received her master’s in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism. Minor joined ABC 7 from WISH-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she served as an
As a former NCAA Division 1 tennis player, Minor recently co-founded the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund in memory of her father, an annual $5,000 tennis scholarship given to a young girl in the Midwest. Madeline Felipez ‘12 and Hannah Felipez ‘16 sang the National Anthem at the White Sox game on Saturday, August 26.
Daniel Russo ‘13 was featured on CNN on February 12, 2022, with anchor Pamela Brown. Daniel is a Ph.D. student at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
studying communication and critical theory. He was sought out on the subject of the mass appeal of Joe Rogan after Daniel published his dissertation on this controversial radio host for his Master’s degree at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Daniel has also had several articles published in Substack Magazine and Compact Magazine.
Vince Jansen ‘16 married Corynn Netzer on May 20, 2023, in Edgerton, WI. The wedding party included his three siblings, who are also Carmel alumni. Vince and his wife are both graduates of UW Eau Claire, and currently live right outside of Madison, WI. Amanda Zurek ‘16 was promoted to Scientist and Technical Project Manager & was an integral part of Intellia Therapeutics, receiving Phase 3 FDA clearance for the first-ever investigational CRISPR-based gene therapy.
Jason Kappes ‘16 visited students in the Spanish Language Club and the E-Sports Team in December, to talk about the language B E C O M E
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learning video game he released on Android and Steam, which is called “Newcomer.” As part of his visit, students were able to actually play the video game and learn about the development of the game. Jason was also interviewed by Mr. Schwab on CDN News. In October, an event called We Are the Now of the Church, a synodal conversation with college students and bishops nationwide, was emceed by two Carmel Catholic alumni, Juliana Soto ‘22 and Julian Speights ‘19. According to Juliana, Julian was a senior when she was a freshman, and they didn’t know each other at the time (though she knew of him because of his involvement on campus). Juliana reached out to the Campus Ministry Department to show them how far the fruits of their labor can reach. Both alumni recalled moments in Carmel’s Campus Ministry that led them to be where there are today.
Rebecca Zurek ‘21 recently completed an exciting engineering internship at Estes Rockets in Colorado. Rebecca was the lead product development intern who designed, built, and tested model rockets that will be released over the next several years. During the school year, Rebecca organized some of the most successful student-led networking events through her position as AIAA outreach coordinator at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University/Daytona. Additionally, she has continued her work as the Project Zephyr lead -- the supersonic program on campus -- designing and testing more reliable and cost-effective supersonic recovery systems. Parker Thompson ‘20 was named Valparaiso University’s First African American Woman Homecoming Queen.
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Jordan Wood ‘23 was highlighted in a season preview article for the Duke women’s basketball team.
In Memoriam Alumni Joseph Charles Clinton ‘09, husband to Corine, brother of Matthew Clinton ‘02, James Clinton ‘05, Daniel Clinton ‘07 Thomas J. Dietmeyer ‘71, brother to Dave Dietmeyer ‘70 Timothy J. Dunn ‘69, husband of Christine Dunn ‘69, father to Erin and Emily Dunn Sheila Marie Healy ‘71, mother of Megan Torrez, sister to Terrence Healy, John Healy Maureen Healy Steinhauser, Kevin Healy, Timothy Healy and Myles Healy Patrick P. Michael ‘77, father of David Michael ‘02, Douglas Michael ‘04 and Daniel Michael ‘08 Michael F. Skuse ‘70, husband of April (Trelford) Skuse ‘70, brother of Edward Skuse ‘66 and Susanne (Skuse) Briskovich ‘72 Family Charles Raymond Bartels, husband of Teresa Bartels; father to Christopher Bartels ‘89, John Bartels ‘92, Matthew Bartels ‘88, Patrick Bartels ‘03, and Peter Bartels ‘06; grandfather of Charles Bartels, Nicholas Bartels, Ryan Bartels ‘15, William Bartels ‘23, Audrey Bartels, Chloe Bartels and Lauren Bartels; former Chair of the Board of Directors and campaign committee member
Dr. Nichole Bailey Farris, wife of Roy Farris, mother of Tayah Farris ‘20 Robert Edward Grum, father to David Grum ‘69, Robert Grum Jr. ‘71, Rick Grum ‘77, Anthony Grum ‘81 and Mary Kay Grum ‘75 Marcia Lynn Hammond, grandmother of Calista Rangel ‘24 and Emma Rangel Evelyn Diane Jadrich, wife of Thomas Jadrich ‘71; sister of James ‘71 and Daniel ‘79 Schlosser Joeseph George Krakora, grandfather of Eileen Looby Weber ‘99, John Looby ‘01 and James Looby ‘04 Barbara A. Kwasigroch, mother of Kenneth Kwasigroch ‘88, Mark Kwasigroch ‘78 and Kenneth Kwasigroch ‘77, grandmother of Aaron Kwasigroch ‘08, Jason Kwasigroch ‘04 and Sarah (Kwasigroch) McDowell ‘02 Ronald “Ron” Lauraitis, husband of Patricia Lauraitis, parent of Elise (Lauraitis) Monie ‘99 Philip J. LeClaire, husband of Barbara (Wozniak) LeClaire ‘76 Grace Marie McEwen, mother of Gary McEwen ‘77, Jill (Spude) McEwen ‘75, grandmother of Colin Spude ‘05, Ryan Spude ‘02
Laura Becker, mother of Patricia (Becker ‘79) and Diane (Becker ‘77) Swiniuch
Gertrude Ann Miholic, mother of Philip Miholic ‘76, Vincent Miholic ‘74 and Mary Beth (Miholic) Marro ‘72
Eleanor M. Dillenburg, wife of William, parent to Bill Dillenburg ‘76, Therese (Dillenburg ‘80) Endres, and Ann (Dillenburg ‘79) Otto
Joseph O’Donnell, Jr., son of Mary O’Donnell; brother to Mary Jo (O’Donnell) Cook and Anne (O’Donnell) Kelly, teacher and friend
Kevin Dolan, husband of Barbara, father of Brian ‘01, Maggie ‘02, Sean ‘04 and Kevin ‘06
Marilyn S. Ogurek, wife of Gary, mother of Daniel Ogurek ‘97, Douglas Ogurek ‘94 and Diana (Ogurek ‘03) MacGillis, grandmother of Isabel Ogurek ‘20, Lilly Ogurek ‘22, Brooklyn and Lucas Ogurek Earl Robbins, husband of Christine (Robbins) Koudelka ‘70 Elizabeth M. Rygiel, mother of Anthony Rygiel ‘82, grandchildren Brittany Rygiel ‘14, Grace August ‘13, Rachel August ‘08, Kathryn August ‘07, Jason Rygiel ‘03, Amanda August ‘03, William Rygiel ‘01 Terry Slater, wife of Dixon Slater, mother of Wendy (Slater ‘88) Kraus, and Jennifer (Slater ‘90) Burkhalter; grandmother of Anna Burkhalter ‘19, Benjamin Burkhalter ‘17, Lucas Burkhalter ‘24 Martha Frances Trygar, mother to Stanley Trygar Jr. ‘76, Robert Trygar ‘72 Carmel Catholic High School relies on the school community to inform us of the passing of alumni and family members. If a newspaper or funeral home obituary is available, we would appreciate a copy or link sent to alumni@carmelhs.org.
Please send name and/or address changes to:
Carmel Catholic High School One Carmel Parkway Mundelein, IL 60060 847.388.3362 mstanimirova@carmelhs.org
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Our Mission Centered in Jesus Christ, Carmel Catholic is a college preparatory high school, empowering students to be servant leaders filled with zeal for faith and scholarship. Rooted in the charisms of the Order of Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Catholic community embraces a tradition of dignity, diversity, and justice.
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