A MAGAZINE FOR MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS
Summer 2018
Marian Matters CELEBRATING
60 years
Teaching Scholars with a Soul
Our Dominican Heritage is Marian Catholic’s Foundation for the Future. Sister Mary Mannes Kern, OP Principal 1958-1966
Sister Mary Antonette Feldhake, OP Principal 1966-1975
Sister Mary Alberta Lawless, OP Principal 1975-1983
Sister Judith Anne Haase, OP Principal 1983-1992
Sister Mary Paul McCaughey, OP '67 Principal 1992-2001, 2003-2004 President 1994-2008
Sister Mary Joan Sorge, OP Principal 2001-2003
Sister Kathleen Anne Tait, OP Principal 2004-2014
Sister Judine Hilbing, OP President 2008-2016
A Message from President Vince Krydynski '81 60 Years Young
Sister Stories: The Dominican Spirit 4 at Marian Catholic 6 From Airfield to Academic Campus 8 Changes in Education 12 Viva Italia! 14 Every Student Every Day 16 Go Out and Play!
We live in an ever-changing world. The challenges we face and the advances we have witnessed could not have been contemplated 60 years ago. In order for Marian Catholic, and in my opinion, Catholic education, to remain relevant, we must celebrate and build upon our past as we embrace our current realities in preparation for the future. To honor our past and celebrate our future, we will introduce a refreshed strategic plan in 2018 that embraces who we are and challenges us to even greater success over the next five years. To complement our plans for the future, we will honor our past when we unveil our new Legacy Wall in the Sister Mary Paul McCaughey Leadership Center at the Veritas III Gala on February 22. Our past and our future will unite like never before over the next year. Sister Mary Mannes, the first principal of Marian Catholic, wrote to her students in the first yearbook, “Your whole life will be a success if your intellect continues to be intrigued by a search for the truth, your heart by a love of God, and your will by an appreciation of true goodness and joy.” As Marian Catholic High School looks proudly on its past and moves confidently into the future, our vision remains steadfast. The Marian Catholic family is here to maximize every student’s potential every day. We have been called by name to Teach Scholars with a Soul. It is what Marian Catholic does. 60 years is a good beginning.
18 Congratulations Class of 2018! 22 Fine Arts in Review 24 Athletics Highlights 28 Advancement 32 Alumni Notes Remembered 38
On the cover: Monsignor Walter Croarkin sits on board a large earth mover to signal full speed ahead for the new Catholic high school to be built at Ashland Avenue and Jor Orr Road. Source: Chicago Heights Star, January, 1957
Contents
When I was a student at Marian Catholic, anything 60 years old seemed to be really, really, really old. As I approach that mark myself I realize that the accomplishments and disappointments over 60 years account for something. The world is viewed differently through 60-year-old lenses than 17-year-old lenses. We, and our world, have changed over time. I believe we have learned much. We are better versions of ourselves. However, in trying to be more Christ-like, we never stop looking for ways to improve. Our school is no different. In this edition of Marian Matters, we are highlighting Marian Catholic’s 60th Anniversary and noting some of the changes that have taken place since the founding of the school in 1958. It is important to look back from time to time because we are who we are due to the past. “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.” But no matter how much we change, there are some core values that we cannot allow to change. They are the very essence of who we are and who we strive to be. The Catholic, Dominican values the Sisters brought to Ashland Avenue and Joe Orr Road are as relevant today as they were in 1958. The Dominican Pillars of study, prayer, preaching, and community serve as the foundation of our mission statement. They are not negotiable. They keep us grounded in who we are and remind us that we are called to serve. This is our truth.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
Sister Stories:
The Dominican Spirit at Marian Catholic High School THE JOURNEY OF THE DOMINICAN SISTERS OF SPRINGFIELD to Chicago Heights, Illinois began in 1873 when the Convent
of St. Catherine of Siena in Siena Vale, Kentucky sent six Sisters to Jacksonville, Illinois to teach the large population of immigrant children living there. What the Sisters thought would be a temporary assignment, became permanent a year later when they received direction from their superior to establish a completely new congregation, separate from the Kentucky Dominicans. A combination of prayer, hard work, and angel benefactors enabled the growing congregation to establish its motherhouse in Springfield in 1893. Like all Dominican men and women, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield are committed to a common life of prayer, study and preaching. Their preaching mission continues through ministries not only in Illinois, but many other places in the United States and the world. We are particularly grateful for their presence at Marian Catholic over the past 60 years and are proud to share the reflections of four Sisters who have devotedly served the school.
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SISTER HELEN WOLF, OP
SISTER AGNES ANN PISEL , OP
Sister Helen had been teaching at Our Lady of Grace in North Chicago and was home for the summer in 1956 when she saw a note on the board at the Springfield Dominican motherhouse saying the Archbishop had contacted the order about running a school. When she received her new appointment on August 4, Sister Helen, along with Sister Antoinette, and Sister Ida Marie were told to be ready to leave the next morning for Chicago. A residence in Homewood, donated to the Archdiocese, became their new home while Marian Catholic and the Sisters’ convent were being built. According to Sister Helen, their first job was to clean the house! A year and a half later, Sister Helen was present for the school’s groundbreaking. She, along with six others, came back in the summer to “do the census” in Chicago Heights. They went to churches in Homewood, Flossmoor, and Chicago Heights, enrolling the first class of students. When Marian Catholic opened in 1958, six sisters were assigned to the school. The following year, 1959-60, six more sisters joined the ministry. The pattern continued for the first four years. Sister Helen remained at Marian Catholic for seven years teaching history and performing office work (having previously worked in a bank). She returned to Springfield until 1987 when she was once again assigned to Marian Catholic as the business manager. Students came from 32 different parishes at the time; at the age of 91, Sister still vividly remembers the wonderful support the school received from pastors and parents of students. She loved watching school musicals and sports programs. “It was a great place to be. I enjoyed the kids!”
When I was asked to go to minister at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Illinois, I never dreamed that I would spend most of my religious life there. I always wanted to be a teacher, maybe because I loved learning. As time went on, I realized that teaching is not a job, it is a calling, a ministry. It is built on interaction and relationships. The ministry of teaching called me to relate to colleagues, students, parents, and the community that supports Marian. Being a part of Marian led me beyond my classroom: to the department, the entire staff, committee work, to religious celebrations, to sporting events, and fine arts presentations. Over the years, everything has changed. Change is a sign of life and Marian is alive. The building has grown and changed, the campus has been enriched by sports fields and the stadium, the curriculum has been expanded. The surrounding communities have changed, the demographics have changed, and the economy has changed among other things. With all of the changes, Marian continues to be a beacon on the corner of Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue. I have seen a deepening of pride in being a part of Marian. Parents continue to want a good, sound education that not only prepares their children for college, but also for life. There is pride in our present student body as they strive to grow and learn. The staff is proud of our graduates as they live lives that make the world a better place. Above all of this, we treasure the Dominican foundation on which Marian was built and the reason that it continues. The four pillars of the Dominican Order are basic and guide our mission. There is an intangible Spirit, referred to as the “Marian Spirit” and we describe ourselves as the Marian Family. We are a family that has grown and carries the Marian Spirit throughout the world.
MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
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SISTER MARY PAUL MCCAUGHEY, OP '67
Having experienced Marian Catholic as both student and president, Sister Mary Paul has a unique perspective of its history. She describes Marian Catholic’s first Principal, Sister Mannes, as courageous, doing the things she needed to do to establish the school. Sister Anointette allowed creativity, encouraging the faculty to expand their teaching beyond the classroom. It was Sister Marie Wilma who initiated the production of plays and musicals. Sister Alberta, on the other hand, was a profound builder. She was great with knowing what needed to be done in a time of expansion. While each had a different personality, all of the Sisters shared their particular gifts and talents to further Marian Catholic High School. As a student, Sister Mary Paul found Marian Catholic to be a place of new beginnings. She remembers students being encouraged at every level to utilize what they learned as they developed a stronger sense of self. Much as today, Marian Catholic extended an invitation to students to be multi-faceted. Through the years, the school’s respect for the whole person has stayed consistent. Catholic educational values are rooted in the dignity of the individual, recognizing every child as a gift of God. Marian Catholic faculty share those values, embracing a deeper calling to pass on what is precious. Students share them as well, in friendships and life experiences at a critical time in their lives. Both provide a strong foundation for the community and society as a whole.
60TH ANNIVERSARY
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SISTER JUDINE HILBING, OP
A significant change that occurred during my years in the office of the president was the replacement of the President’s Advisory Board with a Board of Directors. This newly formed Board was established to assume significant governing powers and fiduciary responsibilities. Initiated by the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and mentored by Sister Dominica Brennan, OP, the Board functioned within a bi-cameral model of governance with the congregation’s leadership team serving as the Member Board. Sister Dominica served as the Director of Mission Integration for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield and helped to establish mission integration committees deeply rooted in the Dominican charism. The Board of Directors was carefully structured to serve as the foundation upon which Marian Catholic could make a smooth transition to lay leadership when there were no longer Dominican Sisters who could assume the key administrative roles of President and Principal. I look back fondly upon my years at Marian Catholic. I consider it a blessing to have served as the tender of the bridge that connected the Dominican administrators of the past with the lay leaders of the present and the future. Committed to the mission and deeply steeped in the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and service, these new leaders have been raised up to support a quality Catholic college preparatory high school for generations to come.
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
From Airfield to Academic Campus
Circa 1942
1957
1962
1961 Second and third wing enlargements are completed and a convent is built for the Dominican Sisters.
1967
1972
1963 With an enrollment of 1200 and a teaching staff of 43, four mobile classrooms are added to accommodate the pressing need for space.
September 1958 Built at a cost of $1.4 million, Marian High School opens with a staff of ten and a freshman class of 205. The functional, finger-winged, one-story building was designed to accommodate students from parishes in Chicago Heights, Homewood, Flossmoor, Steger, Crete, Matteson, Harvey, Olympia Fields, Hazel Crest, Park Forest, Midlothian, and surrounding areas. “Visitors can expect to find a bright, intelligently planned building, a well-trained professional staff, and some 200 alert, courteous students.” –Chicago Heights Star January 8, 1957 City, church, and parochial leaders from eleven parishes assemble as Monsignor Walter E. Croarkin breaks ground for the construction of Marian High School at the corner of Ashland Avenue and Joe Orr Road, site of the former Chicago Heights Airport.
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1977
1982
1983 Ground is broken for a multi-phased program of expansion and renovation to provide both building and ground improvements. The building project includes a two-room computer center, four new classrooms, expanded library, and improved art and music facilities. Grounds work includes an enlarged parking area, track and football fields, and the improvement of athletic practice fields.
1972 The 400-seat Monsignor Croarkin Auditorium is completed.
1985 The construction of Spartan Stadium allows Marian Catholic to host athletic events at home.
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60TH ANNIVERSARY
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BLESS MARIAN
Bless this school, O Lord, we pray; make it safe by night and day. Bless these walls so firm and stout, keeping want and trouble out. Bless the roof and chimney tall; let Thy peace lie over all. Bless this door that it may prove ever open to joy and love. Bless these windows shining bright, letting in God’s heavenly light. Bless the hearth ablazing there with smoke ascending like a prayer. Bless the fold who work within; keep them pure and free from sin. Bless us all that we may be fit, O Lord, to dwell with Thee. Bless us all that one day we may dwell, O Lord with Thee.
1958
–Marian High School Dedication January 11, 1959
2017
1987
1992
1997
1992 The Dominican Sisters donate their chapel to be renovated for student use along with part of their convent for a new guidance and college center. 1994 Partnership 2000 generates nearly $4 million in pledges for a fine arts addition, new gym, Dominican Chapel, and the Benish College Center.
1997 A 6,800 square foot fine arts addition is formally dedicated on June 8. Dedication of the West Gym, a 26,220 square foot addition, takes place during an all-school Mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.
2002
2007
2001 Dominican Way, a $1.9 million eight-classroom addition is completed and dedicated by auxiliary Bishop George Perry on April 27. 2000 The purchase of 13.3 acres from the Archdiocese of Chicago yields four practice fields, a band practice area, a softball field, a fitness trail, and concession and storage units.
2007 Construction of the 500 seat Sister M. Paul McCaughey, OP Leadership Center is completed and blessed by Chaplain Father William O’Mara on September 9. Additional improvements include the Bergstrom Fitness Center, a Master Science Lab, and remodeling of the former cafeteria into a study hall.
2012
2011-12 Renovation of the computer lab is followed by installation of a sound stage in the technology media center. The library is refurbished and the Altman Memorial Garden is created.
2008 Athletic field renovation begins with new FieldTurf™ installed for the start of football season.
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
Changes in Education By Allen Marazas '64
he year is 1958. There are 48 stars on the American flag. Dwight David Eisenhower is the United States President. Richard M. Nixon is Vice President. Elvis has been inducted into the Army. In Chicago, Richard J. Daley is in his first term as mayor. And, in Chicago Heights, a new high school, Marian Catholic, has opened its doors to its first freshman class. There are no other students. The school will add a new class each year until there are four full classes of Scholars with a Soul. Its premier class will graduate in 1962. This event was a long time in coming. Plans for a Central Catholic High School to serve the communities surrounding Chicago Heights were initiated in the late 1940’s, spearheaded by the Reverend Monsignor Walter E. Croarkin, pastor of St. Agnes Parish. In 1949, Chicago’s Archbishop, Samuel Cardinal Stritch, gave Msgr. Croarkin permission to begin the project. Headed by Raymond A. Schultze, a committee of representatives from local parishes and laypeople from the area was formed to begin the fundraising process. Mr. Dominic Sesto, building committee representative from Chicago Heights’ San Rocco Parish said at the time, “Our people cannot receive their education unless there are proper facilities available. That is why I consider the [building fund] drive to be of the utmost importance not only to our community, but to our state and country.” The Archdiocese and the building committee purchased land, formerly an airport, south of Joe Orr Road and west of Ashland Avenue in Chicago Heights. Several orders of priests and nuns were contacted to partner in establishing what was envisioned as a dual campus, housing
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MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
separate boys’ and girls’ institutions. No order of priests was able to fund their share of establishing the boys’ campus, so plans went ahead with the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois to build a coed campus with the intention of establishing the boys’ school at a later date. The new school was named “Marian” because of Msgr Croarkin’s devotion to the Sacred Heart of Mary. The boys school was never built and Marian remained coed. The Order of St. Viator in Arlington Heights agreed to provide several priests to round out the teaching staff of the new school. Groundbreaking took place in January of 1957, and in September of 1958, Marian Catholic High School welcomed its first class of 205 freshman students. The environment of Marian High School in 1958 was in many ways different from today. In that first year the school was staffed almost entirely with nuns and priests. Physical education classes were taught by husband and wife Lee and Nina Albrecht, the physical plant was tended by Nick Condes who lived on Joe Orr Road across from the school, while the kitchen staff was headed by Gladys Allen. Since there was no convent, the Sisters lived in a residential estate, donated to the Archdiocese, on Perth Avenue in Homewood across from Ravisloe Country Club. In 1958, the school was physically much smaller than today, consisting of three short wings for classrooms and labs, a gym and locker rooms for girls and boys, a library, cafeteria and kitchen, and a few administrative offices. Over the years, several capital campaigns have added thousands of square feet of building to the campus. There were no interscholastic sports in that first year and no playing fields other than the large open grassy areas west of the school.
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60TH ANNIVERSARY
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Academics were as paramount as they are now. Camille Zarantanello Blachowicz '62, who graduated as Marian Catholic’s first valedictorian, remembers her most challenging classes and teachers saying, “Math and the sciences were the hardest and those were the classes I enjoyed the most. Latin was also challenging... I know that Sister Mary David’s history classes were renowned for the work. She was a fantastic teacher, very intellectual, but was a pretty complicated person. I got a detention twice in my four years, both assigned by Sister Mary David. The first was for talking to two boys at my locker. She told me that if I was going to talk to two boys, I should have another girl with me.” Susan Sweeney Crum '62 added, “Seemed to me we had a lot of homework.” Crum also identified Sister Mary David as one of her most memorable teachers. Religion and physical education classes for boys and girls were taught separately and both Blachowicz and Crum were comfortable with the division especially for religion classes. Opportunities for interscholastic sports for girls were limited in those days, but Blachowicz recalls a very healthy volleyball competition. She said, “Most fun was volleyball, though we lost ALL THE TIME to girls’ schools who seemed to have been playing since infancy. I’m still mad at Mother McCauley’s team.” In boys’ sports, varsity competition didn’t begin in earnest until the school had a senior class. Both women commented on how special it was to be a member of the premier class. Crum stated, “I loved being a part of the premier class. We all knew everybody else and it was great for me, being so immature, that there were no upperclassmen.” Blachowicz added, “What was wonderful is that we got to do EVERYTHING because there were no upperclassmen. We were the [first class] officers, the yearbook, the newspaper, the dance chairpersons. After each game we would congregate at Aurellio’s and order these giant pizzas and run around in a group.”
Student life on campus then as now reflected the contemporary adolescent world. There was a dress code, somewhat more restrictive than today. The dress code for boys was relatively simple: slacks and solid color dress shirts, always with ties and dress shoes. Crum described the dress code for girls, “… (T)his is what I remember: no sleeveless, no straight skirts, never pants or slacks, no A-line skirts, no slipover sweaters, no skirts at the knee or above …. Often different girls would test the limits – then, if they got caught, for example with a short skirt, they’d have to kneel down to see if the skirt would touch the ground. I was sent home once for an A-line skirt...viewed as too straight.” Social activities around school involved a lot of dancing according to Blachowicz especially at “sock hops.” “These were the most fun and were exactly what the name suggests, kids hopping around in their socks …. Our class loved to dance, or at least most of the girls did, and we would corral a lot of the younger boys and make them dance with us. More formal dances were held as well,” she added. “Senior prom was very memorable …. We had great fun decorating the gym the day before. It always seemed beautiful and we had little dance cards and programs. We had a receiving line with the faculty and lots of chaperones. And we went to the Dunes the next day, no matter what the weather.” Perhaps one of the areas of greatest change since 1958 involves technology. Sister Helen Wolf, OP, recalls that at that time, cutting-edge technology consisted of the introduction of electric typewriters and the language lab. Today, scheduling of classes is done with computers, but back then, each student had an index card and schedules were created manually matching students to courses, to teachers, to classrooms. Sister Helen noted that it took an entire summer for her, Principal Sister Mary Mannes, and Sister Mary Blaise to prepare schedules for students each year. While then only half of the students in typing class used electric typewriters, today Marian Catholic’s level of technology has advanced with the times. “I loved being a part of the premier class. … We were the [first class] officers, According to Marian the yearbook, the newspaper, the dance chairpersons. After each game we would Catholic’s Director of congregate at Aurellio’s and order these giant pizzas and run around in a group.” Networks Michael Carlson '91, “60 years ago, technology at Marian started with [electric] typewriters. We now have a fast network, wireless throughout the school, iPads in every student’s hands, and technology is integrated into our everyday teachings. Technology is always evolving and will continue to do so here at Marian Catholic.” In some ways, to dig up an old cliche that goes back much farther than 1958, the more things change, the more they remain the same. Marian Catholic High School, created by a handful of visionaries 60 years ago, remains an institution dedicated to serving the educational needs of a score or more local Catholic communities and to spreading Dominican values to each new generation of students in Chicago’s southern suburbs and Northwest Indiana, and is likely to continue to do so for another 60 years and more.
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
9
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS
8 Questions and An Archivist By Julia Marie Kapocius '16
Tucked away in its own little corner of the school, is Ann Jones’ desk in the library. At first glance, the desk may simply appear to be in the most convenient location, but those who know what lies in the room behind Jones, know her desk is guarding something much more precious. Ann is not just a librarian at Marian Catholic; she guards its history. With her proximity to the school’s archives and her knowledge of the art of fencing, she is perfect for the job! Ann’s time at Marian Catholic began in 2005 as a coach for the fencing team. She added her library duties in 2007. A 1984 graduate of Wellesley College and a1986 graduate of Columbia University, New York with a degree in library science, Jones began her library career as a cataloguer at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and later at The Art Institute of Chicago in its Museum Library. Following that, she used her library skills automating and organizing information at her husband’s law office. The opening at Marian Catholic provided Jones the opportunity to return to a library environment, adding to her cataloging expertise with library instruction. Although her library school curriculum focused on working with published
Julia: What exactly do archivists do? Ann: Archivists mainly focus on collecting, organizing, and preserving items related to the history of the institution both in published and unpublished materials. Marian Catholic has more published materials in the form of magazines and newspapers; other places may have more unpublished works. We also have realia, which are vintage items. We have class rings, a vintage gym uniform, and unique t-shirts.
J: What is the difference between a librarian and an archivist? A: A librarian deals with published material and an archivist deals with unpublished material.
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materials, Ann was informally exposed to archives during her college summers when she returned to her high school, the Dwight-Englewood School in Englewood, New Jersey, to help organize the archives there and create an online database for alumni relations. Marian Catholic’s archives contain calendars, copies of Marian Matters magazine, press releases, scrapbooks with press clippings, old hallway images, Kairos photos, yearbooks, and copies of the Marian Megaphone Newspaper, as well as video broadcasts created in the school’s sound studio. Ann hopes that maintaining an archive will encourage alumni to come back and share their Marian Catholic experiences as well as help current students learn to appreciate the stories and history of the school. After talking with Ann Jones, her passion for preserving the history of Marian Catholic is clear. She has many great stories from talking with alumni about their time at the school, interacting with Sister Marion Sitkiewitz, OP, who helped expand the archives, and spending hours in the collections surrounded by yearbooks whose pages tell the stories of those who came before. The archives are truly an amazing component of Marian Catholic High School. We are blessed to have someone so dedicated to helping it grow!
J: What is the coolest part of being an archivist? A: The coolest part has to be finding traces of someone who is important to Marian Catholic today, like finding old pictures of Sister Mary Paul (former president of Marian Catholic) when she was around, or Principal Tortorello when he was a student. I like being able to look back and see the history and what has changed.
J: Why are archives important? A: Archives are important because they preserve pieces of historical record that would otherwise be lost.
J: What is the oldest item in the collection? A: That would have to be the construction pictures when the school was being built. Another one of the cool older artifacts are copies of the student handbook from the first few years of Marian’s existence. The handbook lists the tuition and fees for the year (1962) as $150. It also has some interesting sections on how to read a card catalog, bus riding ethics, and corridor etiquette.
J: What is the coolest item/personal favorite? A: That would have to be a huge “Be a Spartan” painting done by D. Rial in 1988. It’s a large painting that has many student and teachers’ faces on it. I have no idea who the artist is but would love to find them one day.
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60TH ANNIVERSARY
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From the Archives PAST AND PRESENT: A PERSPECTIVE
1962
J: How have archives changed with technology? A: They have really changed in two ways. First, you have to figure out how to capture items that are already digital. In another way, you have to find a way to capture fragile items, because it helps to not only have items in a single location, but also be able to share them with others easily.
J: What materials can people donate to the archive? A: People can donate any items that fit in the types of collections we already have. Especially signed yearbooks, newspapers, scrapbooks, photographs, realia … anything tied to the history of our institution.
2018
34,331
POPULATION OF CHICAGO HEIGHTS
30,026
$5,556
AVERAGE INCOME
$40,611
$1.15/hour
MINIMUM WAGE
$8.25/hour
1,058
ENROLLMENT
1,000+
$150
TUITION
$11,300
74
# OF FACULTY
113
61
# OF CLASSES OFFERED
174
7
# OF SPORTS
15
14
# OF CLUBS/ACTIVITIES
42
20
REQUIRED CREDITS
23
$607
AVERAGE FOUR-YEAR PUBLIC COLLEGE TUITION AND FEES (in-state residents)
$9,970
Stranger on the Shore Acker Bilk
BILLBOARD TOP SINGLE
The Middle Zedd, Maren Moris, and Grey
West Side Story
BEST PICTURE
The Shape of Water
Ship of Fools Katherine Anne Porter
NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING FICTION
The President is Missing James Patterson and Bill Clinton
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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Viva Italia!
By Eamon John Driscoll '08
12 MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
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Italia! Just the name conjures up thoughts of the mystery and excitement of travel to one of the world’s most culturally significant nations. As the soul of classical and renaissance scholarship and the heart of the Catholic faith, Italy represents something ancient yet aspirational, calling to us from across the Atlantic and through time. An eminent mecca of history, art, cuisine, fashion, cityscapes, and landscapes, there is no shortage of reasons why Italy is affectionately nicknamed Bel paese – the “beautiful country.” Twenty-five Marian Catholic students, along with four chaperones and three parents, joined Latin teacher Kelly Loris and religion teacher Jennifer Pasyk '92 on an eight-day spring break journey from Venice to Rome via Florence. One of those students, Andrea Aguirre, a junior from Chicago Heights, had previously traveled to Costa Rica with Marian Catholic science teachers Jen Clifford '88 and Barb Murzyn. Visibly excited, Aguirre spoke energetically before the trip about her long-held desire to tour the world and to experience Italy, both legendary and new. Describing Italy as a country that most Americans only experience through movie magic, Aguirre was thrilled for the opportunity to see a new place, to travel in a new direction across the wide Atlantic, and to do some sightseeing in one of the world’s most picturesque countries. The Marian Catholic convoy departed O’Hare airport on March 28 and arrived in labyrinthine Venice a day later where they visited the world-famous St. Mark’s Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, and the Doge’s Palace among other sights. They also witnessed a glassblowing demonstration in the Murano district of Venice, learning more about one of the
city’s finest products. Venetian glass, both clear (cristallo) and marbled (calcedonio), was exported to all corners of Europe and the Middle East, and was one of the highest luxuries available to nobility and the wealthy during the Renaissance. The group celebrated Easter in Florence and learned about the Florentine masters of leatherworking and goldsmithing before making their way to Rome, the eternal city. There they saw the Colosseum, the Forum, and of course the Vatican. After a tour of each metropolis, the students were permitted to explore the area in small groups, able to break free of the usual strict itinerary and strike out on their own. Following the trip, Mrs. Loris was clearly in awe of the bizarre Florentine ritual prior to Easter Mass involving a rocket-powered dove and a cart of fireworks! Aguirre spoke of her experiences as a “broadening of the mind,” as she
STUDENT TRAVEL
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was not only able to discover a new appreciation for Italian food, but also different perspectives and mentalities that she had not anticipated. Inspired to travel the world while still young, Aguirre returned home with eyes wide open to the wonderful opportunities and experiences afforded to those who choose to step outside their comfort zones and witness the wider world beyond the seas. After returning to America, some were happy to be home, others dreamed about their next adventures, and still others wished they had missed the return flight. The value of their shared journey, nevertheless, left an indelible mark on those who made the trek to a land most Americans only know from films. Hopefully the impact will inspire further travel abroad, as it seems to have in Aguirre’s case, as well as entice even more students to embark on Loris’s next planned journey.
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EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY
Marian Catholic faculty and staff gathered for a retreat on Friday, March 9 with Sister Nancy Murray, OP, a native of Wilmette, Ill., and actor Bill Murray’s sister, who brought to life the story of Saint Catherine of Siena, Doctor of the Church. Mass followed the inspirational presentation of the strong, passionate, and enthusiastic patroness of the Dominican Order.
Sponsored by Generation Green, Marian Catholic’s Earth Week initiatives included a partnership with Nike Town Chicago to repurpose old and worn out athletic shoes. Faculty, staff, and students contributed hundreds of pairs of shoes for Nike Grind, a program that grinds old athletic shoes to make surfaces for playgrounds or athletic tracks. Gently worn shoes were donated for a second life with Soles4Souls.
“ If you believe how much God loves you, you can change many things. Catherine’s voice is needed more than ever today. The Church is in a time of struggle. The flock has been scattered and people are confused and in doubt. God is purifying us in a way that calls us to new life.” –Sister Nancy Murray, OP (Pictured above, left to right: Justin Thurstrip '08, Director of Campus Ministry, Sister Nancy Murray, OP, Fr. William O’Mara, Chaplain, and Claire Jakubisin, Choral Director.
Led by the English Department, the entire Marian Catholic community will be participating in a new reading initiative “One Book, One Marian.” Over the summer, faculty, staff, and students will all be reading Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion by Father Gregory Boyle. The program is an opportunity to engage and enlighten students and staff and to cultivate a sense of community through reading.
Members of Marian Catholic’s Science Olympiad Team took medals in the following Junior Varsity events: CHEMISTRY LAB:
MISSION POSSIBLE:
ASTRONOMY:
Anthony Helsel '20 and Daniel O’Shea '20
Trevor Hickey '20
Anthony Helsel '20 and Daniel O’Shea '20
2nd place
2nd place
2nd place
DYNAMIC PLANET:
DISEASE DETECTIVES:
Ruby Melendez '20 and Jacob Kopczyk '19
Rebecca Mogbo '20 and Luis Hernandez '20
4th place
4th place
Pictured left to right: Daniel O’Shea, Anthony Helsel, Luis Hernandez, Rebecca Mogbo, Trevor Hickey, Jacob Kopczyk, and Ruby Melendez 14 MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
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Marian Catholic’s Mandarin and international students celebrated the Lunar New Year with a special luncheon where they practiced wrapping dumplings and welcomed the Year of the Dog!
Marian Catholic students Tabitha Willis '18 and Tamera Trimuel '21 were among the 100 extraordinary youth from across the nation selected to participate in the exclusive Disney Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine. The immersive, transformational, four-day program turns Walt Disney World into a vibrant classroom for students to discover new careers, pursue their dreams, and interact with motivational speakers and celebrities.
Members of Marian Catholic’s Robotics Team took 1st Place in the Sumo Survivor event at the Southworks Engineering and Robotics Olympics at South Suburban College on Saturday, April 14. Marian Catholic was 1 of 16 entries from 12 schools in the Chicago Southland. Team members included Yue (Kevin) Yu '18, Kehinde Fatoki '19, Trevor Hickey '20, Janmay Pandya '21, and Seth Anderson '21.
Dominican Preachers Julianne Cappas '18, Ryan Dee '18, and Jalen Frazier '18 along with Director of Campus Ministry, Justin Thirstrup '08, were guests on Catholic Schools Today, a radio program that features the successes of schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Hosted by Fr. Greg Sakowicz and Superintendent Dr. Jim Rigg, the April 9 broadcast highlighted Marian Catholic’s Dominican heritage as well as service projects benefitting those affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and Hurricane Harvey in Houston. A recording of the program can be found at www.legacy.archchicago.org/radiotv/programs/CatholicSchoolsToday
Evelyn Santillan '19 Named Wellesely Book Award Winner It came as no surprise that Marian Catholic Junior Evelyn Santillan of Harvey, Ill. was the winner of the Wellesley Book Award for 2018. Founded in 1982, the Wellesley Book Award Program recognizes young women for their intelligence, determination, motivation, and achievement; for being visible members of their schools and communities; but, most importantly, for being academic leaders in their secondary schools. Wellesley’s history is rich with women who have demonstrated excellence in the classroom and in personal achievements. Evelyn stood out to the Chicago Wellesley Club selection committee because of her outstanding academic achievement and long list of service activities, particularly her work with a community garden project through Restoration Ministries, an outreach program based in Harvey, Ill. Wellesley Book Award recipients are presented with The Norton Book of Women’s Lives, a collection of twentieth century autobiographies, journals and memoirs. When asked about her personal love of reading, Evelyn attributed her passion to the Nancy Drew series. Evelyn said a pen pal, Tiffany, from North Carolina, introduced her to the books, sending copies with her letters. Evelyn plans to study Biology in college with aspirations of working in medicine. She hopes to apply to the QuestBridge Program, which grants selected scholars a full ride to the school of her choice. Wellesley will be among those at the top of Evelyn’s list.
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GO OUT & PLAY! Environmental Adventures By Eamon John Driscoll '08
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Growing up, Marian Catholic science teacher Barb Murzyn spent her days outside. Except for dinner, she was outside building forts, hiking, fishing, catching bugs, sledding, and ice-skating. In her mind, she may have been playing, but she was also learning about trees, flowers, gardens, animals, and the local climate. Fast forward to Murzyn’s early years as a biology teacher. Murzyn noticed that while some of her students were able to visualize the relationship between plants, animals, and the environment, most could not. It became obvious to Murzyn that her students spent little time outdoors. She knew things needed to change!
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Murzyn began by creating backyard projects and, in 2001, started encouraging students to venture out of the classroom and into nature through day trips and overnights at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The goal? To help students make genuine connections between the material in their textbooks and the wide, wild world around them. Through Murzyn’s outdoor education program, her students are able to experience the environment and encounter plants and animals in the ecosystems in which they live. According to Murzyn, “Relationships in nature are easier to understand when you can see them first hand.”
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Murzyn noticed almost immediately the positive effect the trips have on a student’s academic performance. What she also noticed was that students gained an increased appreciation for natural areas, and the plants and animals that inhabit them because of the trips. Students became more responsible ecologically, developing a heightened commitment to protecting green space. Some were even inspired to pursue careers in biology and ecology. The program has already come full circle; as a student, Marian Catholic science teacher Ben Zerante '02 joined Murzyn on the inaugural trip to the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in 2001. Now, he serves as chaperone and co-educator with Murzyn on the environmental excursions. In June 2017, Murzyn received a scholarship from the Safari Club to attend the American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she spent a week with other teachers learning more about ecology, conservation, and outdoor education. She applied much of the information she gained at the Leadership School on trips to West Beach with her AP Biology students; a September day was spent studying ecological succession and an overnight in November focused on ecology and biology. This summer, Murzyn and a group of students traveled to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks in
STUDENT TRAVEL
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Wyoming to experience two of the most remarkable natural spaces in the world. She has yet another trip planned in 2019 to explore different parts of Alaska including marine biology in Seward and Denali National Park. All of these trips provide students with unparalleled opportunities to cultivate awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for the natural environment and the effect people’s actions have on it. While driven by a desire to bring students to an interactive learning experience, Murzyn also has another objective. By taking education beyond the classroom, into the real world, she seeks to prepare students to think critically about the environment and become well-informed members of society. Murzyn hopes her students will transform their awareness and understanding of environmental issues into choices that will protect the natural world for future generations. Ultimately, her goal is to create a “ripple effect” as her students spread the word about their adventures and intrigue family and friends with their energy and excitement. Murzyn truly believes conservation of our land and animals begins with education. By shifting the learning experience out of the school building and into a world without schedules, cell phones, and Wi-Fi, she is able to expose students to nature in a way they would not fully understand if they stayed inside. It’s time to go out and play!
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Class of 2018
Senior Honors Night
CLASS OF 2018
“ … The day you entered this building you became a member of the Marian Catholic family. I believe you came, or were sent, to Marian Catholic for a reason. God has a plan for each of us and your life plan included a stop at Marian Catholic …. The best version of yourself is more than academics. The best version of yourself includes your social and spiritual development …. You are a much different person today than you were four years ago. … You are beginning to realize that you have the power to bring extraordinary change into the world. You understand that regardless of where we live, the color of our skin, or our station in life, we are all children of God and we are called to see the image of God in every person we encounter and empower them to become the best version of themselves.” –Vince Krydynski, President '81
By The Numbers
235
graduates from
47
communities, attending
102
different schools in
23
states and the District of Columbia, earned
$21.5 million in scholarships
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CLASS OF 2017
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Baccalaureate The fire seen at Pentecost changed the lives of the disciples. Like the wind, we can’t see the Holy Spirit or Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, but they all have the power to connect us with others. The disciples wanted to stay in a locked room, but began to understand “We are more than just us.” The challenge to this generation that has grown up with technology is to not reach out and connect through the locked room of our devices. The real challenge is to connect with people in a way that will begin to solve the problem of people not getting along. How do we begin to listen to one another and treat each other’s opinions with dignity and respect? We have to be open to the Spirit. It won’t happen until we let God show us how we are all connected as brothers and sisters. –Fr. William O’Mara Marian Catholic Chaplain
“ Faith is something we should all hold on to … He (God) is the only one who truly knows where we are destined to land and what we will do in life.”
“ We are ready for the next chapter of our lives because of the people that have helped shape us to who we are today.”
Valedictorian
Salutatorian
Senior Class President
Alexis Cecilia Wade
Yue (Kevin) Yu
Kayla Joi Pettis
Top Ten Scholars Front Row: Pamela Maria Hamoay (Loyola University) Molly Roe (Butler University) Ugochinyere Ndukwe (Columbia University) Julianne Cappas (DePaul University) Back Row: Alexis Wade (Catholic University of America) Alexis Flores (Case Western Reserve University) Janina Laskowiecki (University of Iowa) Yue (Kevin) Yu (University of Illinois) Karla Casillas (University of Notre Dame) Quinn Kirchner (Northwestern University)
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Class of 2018 Carrying the Torch of Dominican Spirit into the World American Academy of Art Daniela Sosa
Coe College Kennedy Baker
Arizona State University Jacob Hybert
Columbia College Chicago Lesley Calvillo Jaycey Carlson
Aurora University Max Kinast Maurice Munoz Ball State University Kamaya Green Raven Johnson-Williams Alison Perry Kaitlyn Perry Jenna Walker Bradley University Victoria Frazier Brooklyn College of the CUNY Celina Atangana Butler University Ryan Lavin Molly Roe Calvin College Danae’ Conigan Carthage College Mark Brooks Todd Gehring-Gervase Jr. Mireya Herrera Case Western Reserve University Alexis Flores Lyra Hernandez-Lyons Chicago State University Nnachi Egwu Nicholas Joseph
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Columbia University Ugochinyere Ndukwe Cornell College Sheldon Brach Cornell University Alex Dinwiddie Jennifer Martin Creighton University Alejandro Tavarez DePaul University Steven Babick Julianne Cappas Maureen Fagan Richard Garcia Kayla Gentry Matthew Goncher Malcolm Lewis Haley Pratt Ryan Schmidt Sarah Strus Jazmine Wallace Dominican University Chloe Anderson Eastern Illinois University Alexis Bland Eastern Michigan University Carley Burton Simone Jones
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Daytona Beach David Wilson Fisk University Joi Brown Richard Wallace Governors State University Lauren Cleary Dominic Gierczyk Zoe Quint William Shaw Grand Valley State University Gabriela Herrera Reniyah Jackson-Curtis Maliyah Panton Giselle Smith Taylor Whitehead Grinnell College Lisette Kelly Hampton University Carmen Jackson Heartland Community College Jaylen Heard Hofstra University Holden Heller Holy Cross College Benjamin Anderson Illinois Institute of Technology James Szewczyk
Illinois State University David Bell Camberyn Kelley Anna Raymond Kevin Sedor David Smith Chimaobi Ude Illinois Wesleyan University Dallas Carter Indiana University at Bloomington William Brunner Eryck Escobedo Thomas Keslin Scott Lyons Thomas McDermott Gabrielle Rangel Nicholas Robinson Joseph Storiz Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Matt Grill Iowa State University Tristan Cavinder Iowa Wesleyan College Tavares Williams Jackson State University Valencia Baxter Kennedy-King College Bryson Patton Kent State University Imani Jones Kettering University Johnny Simon
[ Lewis University Isabelle Biegler Brianna Olaguez Jacqueline Sutherland Loras College Joshua Smith Loyola University Chicago Serena Adeleya Niamor Byas Andrew DeSchepper Pamela Hamoay Destinee Ortez-Garcia Sophia Panos John Paul Schreiber Lauren Somerville Sarah Vanderpuye United States Marine Corps Jarod Mizgalski Marquette University Meghan Berner Tanner Hancock McKendree University Jordan Baker Darrwin Perkins Jordan Rogers
Prairie State College Alex Bazile Brandon Beddigs Triana Chambers Christiana Moraga Lauren O’Kane Marissa Riley Gabriel Smith Logan Tatgenhorst Thalia Valdivia Purdue University Ashley David Olivia Ferguson Sarah Jackson James Kleszynski Erick Neal Peter Robinson Madison Spangler Quincy University Timothy Jones Ringling College of Art and Design Kelli Baker
The University of Iowa Tarik Al-Amin II Nicholas Dee Ryan Dee Janina Laskowiecki
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University of Michigan Aissa Cabrales Kayla Hurley Ernesto Quiroz
The University of Texas-Arlington Kalyn Bond
University of Missouri Columbia Jasmine Jackson Kayla Pettis
The University of Texas-El Paso Jenna Vondrak
University of Nebraska at Lincoln Kaiwen (Kevin) Xue
University of California-Riverside Nailah Jones
University of North Dakota Journey Forsythe
University of California-San Diego Stefano Pannone
University of Notre Dame Karla Casillas Chase Love
University of Chicago Temilade Adekoya Ana Godinez University of Dayton Joseph O’Brien Katherine O’Shea Imani Prophet
University of South Alabama Jordan Craig University of South Florida-Tampa Brittany Grooms University of Southern California Ashley Clark University of Tennessee, Knoxville Haley Taylor University of Toledo Uchechukwu Ajaere
Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire. ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA
Miami University, Oxford Charles Schenck Millikin University Cyrus Patterson Mississippi State University Eden Harris Moraine Valley Community College Jarrin Comer Dylan Klinger Morehouse College Brent Fitzgerald Harold Norwood North Central College Ryan Brown Northern Illinois University Carlos Champagne Northwestern University Quinn Kirchner Occidental College Andrea Del Bosque Olivet Nazarene University Ashley Brown Morgan Holliday Anjal Aaliyah Paden
Saint Xavier University Imani Armstrong Nicholas Josten Kanisha Smith Santa Monica College Yujie Wang Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale Jeffery Harrison Lauren Bowman Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Armon Adkins Tiffany Bonner Mackenzie Kot Na’Kaiyah Parham Karrington Winters Spelman College Damamli Earsery Gabrielle Fullilove St. Ambrose University Winston Hutson Olivia Skelly-Williams The Catholic University of America Alexis Wade
Palm Beach Atlantic University Devin Felix
The Ohio State University Tabitha Willis
Pennsylvania State University Zhaoyi Zoe Cong
The University of Arizona Kyle Anderson Cassidy Hennessy
University of Illinois at Chicago Kristin Carter Stevenson Durning Daniela Gonzalez Emily Kreger Khari Lewis Shaina Maninang Destiny Ross Kayla Schassburger Michael Wolfe
Valparaiso University Taylor Gonzales
University of Illinois at Springfield Angelina Einert
Western Illinois University Victor Akinyemi Brittney Barlage Margaret Ogom John Pastere
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Jordyn Allen Carrington Boston Deona Cathey Chanel Durham Donald Flynn Jalen Frazier Jonathan Gammon Kahley Gavin Joseph Musharbash Oyindamola Nelson Emily Recupido Coretta Simmons Anthony Soria Alec Thompson Samantha Wood Yue (Kevin) Yu University of Kansas Kinnady Jones University of Kentucky Dayo Oronsaye
Vanderbilt University Tolulope Thomas-Ailara Vet Tech Institute at Fox College Gianna Bianchi Washington University in St. Louis Kennedy Wiley
Western Michigan University Aidan Barrett Michael O’Shea Kourtney Staton Xavier University Sierra Fitzpatrick-Skinner Catera McClelland Xavier Univeristy of Louisiana Kennedy Rush Undecided as of Publication Cassandra Martinez Daryl McIntosh Hailey Meagher Kevon Norwood Kira Saulsberry Jalen Vernon Employment Cole Webster
University of Louisville Rianna Reichert MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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Fine Arts
BAND P.R.I.D.E. On Saturday, February 17, Marian Catholic’s three concert bands performed at the 38th annual State of the Art band contest held this year at St. Rita High School. The contest included 17 Catholic high school bands from the Chicago area. Cadet Band, Marian Catholic’s freshman band, placed first in Class 1A and was awarded Best Woodwinds. The Symphonic and Concert Bands placed first and second respectively in class 3A, with Concert Band receiving Best Percussion and Symphonic Band receiving Best Brass and Best Woodwinds. Additionally, Marian Catholic’s Symphonic Band was named Grand Champion, marking 38 consecutive, undefeated years in State of the Art competition. The Symphonic Band also performed at the University of Illinois Super State Band Festival where they earned the distinction of Honor Band, entitling them to return for a feature concert next year. The band’s presentation of Pulitzer Prize winning composer Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968 earned high praise from both judges and participating school directors. Marian Catholic Bands entertained local audiences with three events in May. The first showcased all three bands in one spectacular spring concert followed by separate Percussion and Jazz Band concerts. Music ranged from Bernstein to Dizzy Gillespie and everything in between! Don’t miss your opportunity to see Marian Catholic’s nationally acclaimed marching band when they make an appearance at the Chicago White Sox game on August 18th!
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“ALL ABOARD” FOR WINTER GUARD In February, the Marian Catholic Winter Guard began what was to be a stellar season finishing second in Scholastic A Class at Winter Guard International’s (WGI) Indianapolis Regionals. Hours of dedicated practice paid off with the guard’s 2018 show “Locomotive” earning first place in preliminary, semifinals, and finals competition at the Cincinnati Mideast Power Regional in March. Members received some special words of encouragement from President Krydynski and Prinicpal Tortorello when the two joined the group for their last rehearsal before heading to the Winter Guard International Championships in Dayton, Ohio. The result? Marian Catholic’s Winter Guard was named the Scholastic A Class Silver Medalist Champions out of 130 competing schools! The event was especially memorable for senior Mackenzie Kot who received the Dot Dahnke Scholarship for outstanding senior member! In addition to the numerous WGI titles, Marian Catholic’s Winter Guard was also named the Scholastic Class A Midwest Color Guard Circuit Champions!
THEATRE Marian Catholic’s Fine Arts Department produced another spectacular spring musical with the presentation of “Hairspray.” The winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including best musical, “Hairspray” features delightful melodies such as “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” The charismatic cast of 40 included leads Jacey Carlson '18 as Tracy Turnblad, Michael O’Shea '18 as Edna, Tommy McDermott '18 as Link Larkin, Reniyah Jackson-Curtis '18 as Miss Motormouth Maybelle, Jarrin Comer '18 as Seeweed, and Fiona Keating '20 as Penny Pingleton.
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1 – Marian Catholic Symphonic Band named Grand Champion at 38th Annual State of the Art Contest 2 – Winter Guard’ captured WGI’s Scholastic A Class Silver Medal with “Locomotive” 3 – Marian Catholic students perform Hairspray for the 2018 Spring Musical 4 – Marian Catholic Choirs shared a few of their favorite songs at their final concert 5 – Marian Catholic Choir visits RCA Studio B during their trip to Nashville, TN
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FINE ARTS IN REVIEW
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CHORAL
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The Marian Catholic choirs’ annual Music in Our Schools Concert on Tuesday, March 6 highlighted songs inspired by the South, from spirituals and folk songs to songs written by southern composers. Songs performed included: “What Wondrous Love,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Ain’-A That Good News,” and “Crazy” by Willie Nelson. Forty-six choir members traveled to Nashville over spring break where, in addition to performing at several venues, they collaborated with a songwriter at the Country Music Hall of Fame to compose their own lyrics, recorded a CD with a professional sound engineer at RCA Studio B, participated in a master class at Vanderbilt University, and toured the Grand Ole Opry. A final Spring Pops Concert featured the Concert, Spartan, and Varsity Choirs’ favorite songs such as “Scars to your Beautiful,” “This is Me,” “The Schuyler Sisters” from “Hamilton,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.”
SPEECH 5
Fine Arts Calendar Fall/Winter 2018 SEPTEMBER 15 – Victor J. Andrew High School Marching Invitational 22 – Naperville Central High School Marching Classic (hosted at Benedictine University) 29 – Red and Black Fall Classic at Northern Illinois University OCTOBER 9 – Fall Choir Concert 13 – Lincoln-Way Invitational 20 – Illinois State University Marching Band Invitational 26/27 – Bands of America Super Regional Championships - St. Louis 26-28 – Fall Play NOVEMBER 7-10 – Bands of America Grand National Championships - Indianapolis 10 – Marian Catholic Speech Classic DECEMBER
Of the 14 Marian Catholic speech events competing at sectionals, five advanced to compete at the state level: Michael Breslin '19 and Ethan Roberts '19, Dramatic Duet Acting; Jaycey Carlson '18 and Jarrin Comer '18, Humorous Duet Acting; Maureen Fagan '18, Humorous Interpretation; Nasira Watts '19, Extemporaneous Speaking; and, Molly Roe '18, Impromptu Speaking. Nasira Watts '19 placed 6th in State Finals in Extemporaneous Speaking while Molly Roe '18 placed 7th in Impromptu Speaking.
ART - GALLERIES Four Marian Catholic students were selected to have their artwork showcased at the 5th Annual Illinois High School Art Exhibition (IHSAE) at Bridgeport’s Zhou B Art Center! Kelli Baker '18, Courtney Harris '19, Emily Recupido '18, and Devin Tonks '19, all received scholarships at the event! Marian Catholic student work was also a part of “Reflections” an annual juried exhibit for high school students sponsored by Prairie State College. Junior Quyen ( Jack) Tuan '19 won Best Computer Art for his piece, Voiceless. Works by four other students: Sara Vanderpuye '18, Mary Kate Lynch '19, Lauren Cleary '18, and Daniela Sosa '18, were a part of the exhibition as well. The 2nd Congressional District High School Art Competition, hosted by Congresswoman Robin Kelly featured five pieces of art by students Ariel Castillo '19, Lesley Calvillo '18, Haley Pratt '18, Marissa Varela '19, and Devin Tonks '19 whose work was voted Crowd Favorite. Twelve students participated in an art showcase at the Crete Creative Gallery including Ashley Berry '21, Lesley Calvillo '18, Kiejan Chivers '20, Courtney Harris '19, Mary Kate Lynch '19, Anjel Love '21, Daryl McIntosh '18, Alicia Solick '19, Gabriel Smith '18, Daniela Sosa '18, Laun Trihn '21, and Sarah Vanderpuye '18. Marian Catholic’s art department also collaborated with the charitable organization The Memory Project. The program allows for children who are growing up in challenging situations such as abuse, neglect, disaster, extreme poverty, loss of parents, or violence to have their portrait painted by an art student in an effort to have the children recognize their worth and value to the world around them. Marian Catholic art students contributed twenty paintings to The Memory Project, seventeen of which were sent to Syria, two to Mexico, and one to Haiti.
4 – Christmas Choir Concert
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Athletics
MEN’S TRACK In a year that included the Spartans’ first IHSA state trophy in men’s basketball and 18 different individual qualifiers for IHSA state competition, Marian Catholic capped things off in grand fashion at the IHSA Class 2A Track and Field state championships at Eastern Illinois University in late May. Going out in style, four Marian Catholic senior track men won IHSA state championships in not one – but two relay events. The senior quartet of Brent Fitzgerald, Jalen Frazier, Daryl McIntosh and Josh Smith captured the 400-meter relay in 42.27, then won the 800-meter relay in 1:27.57. “The dedication of our athletes peaked this year and it shows on the
CHEERLEADING Marian Catholic cheerleaders earned 21st place in the Medium Division in their initial IHSA state tourney appearance, and the fastest-growing sport at Marian Catholic.
FENCING Fencing turned in its most successful campaign in history. Two members of the fencing team, Kevin Ham '19 and Christiana Moraga '18 qualified for Sabre Division III Summer Nationals in St. Louis.
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track in both the women’s and men’s programs,” praised men’s Head Coach Vince Bland. “The state championships are a huge deal to the Marian Catholic track program. Winning brings talent, which is needed to keep being successful.” While the state titles were the highlight in Charleston, Marian Catholic also flexed its muscles when it came to depth and an eventual 13th Place team finish. Smith also placed ninth in the 200-meter dash and was 11th in the 100 dash, while Frazier was a qualifier in the triple jump. Marian Catholic also made its mark in distance, as the foursome of Erick Neal '18, Jalen Cunningham '19, Keagan Morgan '20, and Oskar Diaz '19 earned 29th place in the 3,200-meter relay.
Grace Rado '20
WOMEN’S TRACK The Spartan women’s track program also peaked at postseason time. After Rachel Gates '19 won two events in the ESCC championships (shot put, discus), Marian Catholic gained three state-qualifying entries at the Kankakee IHSA Class 2A sectional. All three captured top 25 IHSA state finishes, as sophomore Grace Rado was 16th in the 3,200-meter run and 22nd in the 1,600 run, and senior Gisele Smith notched a 23rd place finish in the 300-meter hurdles. “The senior leaders of the 2018 team – Gisele Smith, Taylor Whitehead, Jalen Frazier and Erick Neal – deserve much praise for their level of commitment through all the highs and lows of a track season,” Bland explained. “Kudos to many of our athletes turning that commitment into success at the state level.”
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MEN’S BASKETBALL For Josh Smith, the track success was a great encore to an outstanding winter season. Smith, along with fellow seniors Tim Jones, Alec Dinwiddie, Khari Lewis, Tolu Thomas and Jeffrey Harrison, led the Marian Catholic men’s basketball team to its first IHSA state trophy in school history. The Spartans put together a banner 26-6 campaign, topping North Chicago, 58-48, in the Class 3A IHSA third-place game at Peoria’s Carver Arena. The road to the finals was an exciting one. In the Elite Eight contest at Northern Illinois University, the Spartans overcame a late deficit to force overtime, then junior Malik Tidwell buried a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Marian Catholic a 49-46 victory over Metamora. In Marian Catholic’s first-ever state tourney appearance, sophomore Ahron Ulis came of age in scoring a combined 45 points in a semifinal setback to eventual
state champ Morgan Park and the thirdplace win over North Chicago. “This may not have been Marian Catholic’s most talented overall team, but it was the one that continually found ways to overcome hurdles and achieve at the highest level,” praised Head Coach Mike Taylor, Marian Catholic’s all-time winningest basketball coach with 257 career victories. “A lot of individuals improved immensely as the year progressed and we found ways to prevail in close contests against a highly competitive schedule.” The 26 victories represent the third-most in school history, as the Spartans captured their third sectional crown and sixth IHSA regional title. “The trophy means a lot to our program and the Marian Catholic community,” Taylor explained. “But more importantly, it represents a great milestone that stands a tribute to hundreds of previous outstanding athletes who have worn the men’s basketball uniform at Marian Catholic.”
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WRESTLING In what is becoming a common occurrence, Marian Catholic also experienced IHSA state success in wrestling. Making his third state tourney appearance, junior Travis Ford-Melton earned second place at 120 pounds. Carlos Champagne '18 made his fourth state appearance, while brothers Holden Heller '18 (138 pounds) and Reece Heller '19 (132 pounds), captured fourth and fifth place, respectively.
MEN’S TENNIS Other spring success came from a familiar face, as senior men’s tennis player Donald Flynn '18 qualified for the IHSA state tournament for his fourth year. Flynn also captured an IHSA Sectional singles championship for the third consecutive time, helping lead the Spartans to a second-place finish in their own IHSA 2A Sectional. Donald Flynn '18
Pictured top to bottom: Travis Ford-Melton '19, Holden Heller '18, Reese Heller '19
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ATHLETICS
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ERICK MIDDLETON '98
Tapped as Marian Catholic’s Ninth Football Coach As Marian Catholic continues to rebuild its football program toward a consistent IHSA playoff contender, the Spartans have turned to one of their own to lead the charge. Class of 1998 alumnus Erick Middleton will serve as Marian Catholic’s ninth football coach. An all-conference performer at wide receiver for Marian Catholic in 1997 under legendary late Coach Dave Mattio, Middleton brings playing and coaching experience at the high school, collegiate, and professional level. His entire family has been deeply involved with Marian Catholic, as parents H. Drew and Valerie are members of the Marian Catholic Hall of Fame, and brothers Roderick '01, Cedrick '03, and Derrick '07 were all multi-sport athletes for the Spartans. “Erick’s deep level of experience and his familiarity with the program will make for a smooth transition, and his charisma and leadership skills will allow a seamless route to continued rebuilding,” according to Athletic Director Kevin Kelly '80. “He’s been heavily involved with many
aspects of the program, including defensive coordinator, game plans, player development and communication with prospective athletes.” A former Arena league athlete with the Odessa Roughnecks, Peoria Rough Riders and Rock River Raptors, Middleton played collegiately at Eastern Michigan University, where he earned bachelor and master degrees. The current Dean of Men at Marian Catholic, he’s also had coaching stints at Huron (Michigan) and Bloom Township High Schools. Middleton is in his third tenure on the coaching staff at Marian Catholic, including 2003, 2006 and the current stint beginning in 2016. “It is an honor as well as a privilege to be the Head Varsity Football Coach at Marian Catholic,” explained Middleton, also a former state qualifier in track for the Spartans. “Though I know I have my work cut out for me and this will truly be an uphill battle, I can honestly say that today I have accomplished one of my longtime dreams.”
Catch Coach Middleton and the Spartans in Action at Mattio Field this Fall! Friday, August 31 / 7:30 p.m. vs. North Lawndale Friday, September 14 / 7 p.m. vs. Marian Central Homecoming Friday, September 28 / 7 p.m. vs. Marist Friday, October 12 / 7 p.m. vs. Benet Friday, October 19 / 7 p.m. vs. Nazareth
Middleton succeeds Sean Mele, who resigned for personal reasons and will remain at Marian Catholic as Co-Director of Admissions. “Sean has done an outstanding job of getting the Marian program pointed in the right direction,” Kelly praised. “He’s worked hand-in-hand with Erick on many aspects of program development, and his hand prints will continue as a strong influence as the football program progresses. Many thanks go to Sean for his guidance, imagination and impact on hundreds of athletes.” Already involved in most aspects, Middleton assumes responsibilities for weight training and conditioning, and summer camp plans, in preparation for an August 24 season opener at Oak Lawn High School.
Marian Catholic has been home to our whole family for over two decades, and seeing him (Erick) now become the next head coach is amazing. Erick is someone who believes that if you invest in the kids, then the kids will invest in the program. He always says that you have to Trust the Process, but not only that, there must be purpose in the process and his purpose is more than just sports. It’s to develop these young men into outstanding individuals and get them ready for the next phase in life.” –RODERICK MIDDLETON '01
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ATHLETICS
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Marian Catholic went outside of the box – and outside of the ring – for a unique event on Friday, May 11. The West Gym played host to Warrior Wrestling, a family-friendly professional wrestling show that featured performers from all around the world. The grapplers wowed an audience of roughly 850 that consisted of local families and wrestling fans from around the Midwest. Warrior Wrestling was the brain child of Marian Catholic Principal Steve Tortorello '04, who conceived the event as a way to raise money for scholarships and welcome to Marian local families who had never been in the building. The event combined Tortorello’s two greatest passions – Catholic education and professional wrestling. Tortorello drew on his past experience with the two seemingly disparate interests to put together the event. Tortorello said, “When I was a teacher in the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE), a volunteer teaching program through Notre Dame, I served at Our Lady of Lourdes school in East Los Angeles, California. I would regularly attend lucha libre [the term in Mexico for pro wrestling] events with the students and their parents. I thought something similar would be a big hit in Chicago Heights.” The event featured several famous wrestlers, including Alberto Del Rio, Ricardo Rodriguez, Jack Swagger, Hornswoggle, James Ellsworth, Evan Bourne, and many more. Based on the success of the first event, Tortorello and his team are already planning a second show for Sunday, September 2. They have secured legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio as the star attraction. For more information, log on to www.warriorwrestling.net.
SAVE the DATE September 2, 2018 2nd Annual Warrior Wrestling featuring legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio. For more information, visit www.warriorwrestling.net
09.02.18
WARRIOR WRESTLING
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ADVANCEMENT
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A S C HOL A R S H I P BE N E F I T F OR M A R I A N C AT HOL IC H IG H S C HO OL
In a perfect world, a dream to go to that special high school should not be that difficult. For some students it is. On Saturday evening, February 24, 2018, two Marian Catholic students told their stories at Veritas II, the school’s signature scholarship benefit held at Pazzo’s 31 Chicago. Their stories may be a little different, but for both Noor Baig '19 of Olympia Fields and Steven Babick '18 of Homewood, their dream to attend Marian Catholic became reality because of the scholarships they received. “In Kindergarten, my dad passed away suddenly from a heart attack,” said Babick. “My Noni and Grandpa helped us out as much as they could. The main hero of this situation is my mom. She has been there for me through every second of my life and I would not be who I am today without her help and
guidance for the last 13 years,” he added. Baig spoke about her spur-of-the-moment decision to apply to Marian Catholic and how she is benefitting from all of the opportunities available to her. “As soon as I attended Marian, I was exposed to academic rigor that pushed me towards goals I didn’t even know I was capable of achieving … I am beginning to see my once hidden potential and have realized that I am not one to back away from challenges.” Vince Krydynski '81, President of Marian Catholic, feels strongly about helping families like Noor’s and Steven’s. “The ability of our families alone to support the school is not practical, given so many of
Pictured left to right: Charlie Gallagher '77, Marty Oosterbaan '77, Sean Janus '77, Michelle Feldner '77 Lancaster, Steven Potts '77, Noor Baig '19, Steven Babick '18, and Michael Wilczynski '77
Dominican Pillar Award recipient Greg Underwood with wife Mary.
them require financial assistance to attend,” Krydynski said. “The assistance of others is the differentiator which will propel Marian Catholic to even greater heights. Last year, 60% of our students received $1.8 million in scholarships or tuition assistance from Marian Catholic. That $1.8 million covered one-third of the actual need. We must find new and innovative ways to support our families.” Funding comes in part from special occasions like Veritas II. This year’s event raised just under $70,000 thanks to the generosity of the over 160 Marian Catholic alumni and friends in attendance. Individuals like Greg Underwood, a Marian Catholic parent and the recipient of the 2018 Dominican Pillar Award for his enduring loyalty to the school over the past three decades. Underwood’s support includes the founding in 1989 of Marian Catholic’s annual Endowment Golf Classic, which he continues to guide. To date, the Classic has raised over $3 million for scholarships. “Without generous donations, many students could not afford Marian,” said Steven Babick. “However, Marian offers so
Funding comes in part from events like Veritas II; this year, Marian Catholic alumni and friends gave close to $70,000 during the signature scholarship benefit. many amazing opportunities for students that you can’t find in many other places. I’m realizing now that four years of high school really does fly by. However, these four years have definitely been the best four years of my life so far.” Marian Catholic’s Vice President for Advancement, Dan Kozlowski, echoes the need for continued donations for students to have a quality education. “As Catholic schools continue to struggle to exist, it is more important than ever to invest in a Catholic education,” emphasizes Kozlowski. “The values that Marian Catholic instill in the minds of our young men and women give them the tools necessary to navigate a challenging and ever-changing world. Marian Catholic roots its students in the Dominican traditions of Study, Prayer, Community, and Preaching to build a solid foundation for personal and spiritual growth. We must continue to offer families options for the education they would like to give to their children, Marian Catholic can give EVERY student a worldclass experience rivaled by no one,” adds Kozlowski.
Stay tuned to www.marianveritas.com for updates and reservation information for Veritas III. Or contact Antonia Steinmiller, Development Operations Coordinator, at asteinmiller@marianchs.com 28 MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
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Advancing the Mission of Marian Catholic
Marian Catholic Parent Sue Brown Commissioned as Springfield Dominican Associate
Understanding the purpose of Marian Catholic’s fundraising events is a pivotal message the Advancement Department endeavors to share with everyone. While it is always fun to golf, have dinner and drinks, or attend some other event, the main goal of providing these opportunities is to support the mission of Marian Catholic. Those who understand the real purpose of fundraising events appreciate that the value of those events extends beyond attendance numbers and dollars raised; they help ensure Marian Catholic has the resources it needs to fulfill its mission of Teaching Scholars with a Soul. James Murphy '05 understands the purpose of fundraising. A DePaul University graduate and a Senior Manager at Collaborative Solutions, LLC in Chicago, James caught our attention at Veritas II. His words that night were simple and direct, “I really appreciate what you all have done this evening. The purpose of the evening was well stated and clear – this was an event for alumni and friends of Marian Catholic to come together and help raise money to support our school and mission. I am glad to be a part of this.” James did not stop there, however. Within weeks of Veritas II, he called to discuss ways he could encourage fellow alumni to contribute to Marian Catholic’s annual fund. With under 5% participation in the Marian Fund, James recognized that members of his class, along with a majority of alumni, needed a better understanding of the purpose of the appeal. James ultimately agreed to serve on a Class Giving Committee, a group of classmates dedicated to raising the level of class participation in support of the Marian Fund. With James’ vision and intent, the results will be no doubt be positive. Our thanks to James and everyone who recognize what Marian Catholic High School provides – a great education that nurtures the whole person, mind, body, and spirit, wonderful friends, and a lifetime of memorable experiences. Today, more than ever, Marian Catholic needs the financial support of alumni and other members of the community. For more information on how you can join James and the class of 2005 and help advance the mission of Marian Catholic, contact Dan Kozlowski, Vice President for Advancement at 708-996-4652 or dkozlowski@marianchs.com.
It is a special invitation, open to all who embrace the spirit of St. Dominic and the Dominican traditions of prayer, study, community, and preaching. Lay men and women, interested in deepening their relationship with God and God’s people, have the opportunity to participate in the ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield as Dominican Associates. Marian Catholic staff member, parent, and current Parents Club President, Sue Brown, answered the call on Sunday, May 6, 2018 when she was one of 16 individuals commissioned as Associates of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield. An active member of St. Liborius Catholic Church in Steger, Illinois, Sue made a commitment to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ through her volunteer efforts in the parish and through her involvement at Marian Catholic High School. As a Dominican Associate, Sue will use her unique gifts to be Light for the World.
Those interested in learning more about becoming a Dominican Associate Candidate are encourage to visit the Spring field Dominican website at spring fieldop.org/about-us/Dominican-associates or contact Sister M. Joan Sorge, OP, Director of Associates at 217-787-0481 or smjsorge@spdom.org.
Sue Brown (center), with sponsors Sister Agnes Ann Pisel, OP, and alumni parent Nancy Rita Kaz, Director, Marian Catholic High School Board and Dominican Associate.
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CAREER DAY 2018
Thank you to all of the volunteers who shared their time and talent with our Scholars with a Soul!
Over 45 alumni and friends of Marian Catholic High School shared their professional expertise with students during Career Day held on Monday, April 30. An annual tradition, Career Day provides freshmen and sophomore students with the opportunity to connect with individuals representing a variety of careers. Students are able to attend three 25-minute sessions of their choosing with professionals from various fields. The interactive experience provides students with a better understanding of the relationship between their academic endeavors and potential career paths.
VOCATIONS REPRESENTED:
Accounting Architecture Armed Forces Athletic Training Aviation Biomedical Engineering Business Management Chemical Engineering Chemistry Coaching Computer Engineering Computer Sciences Education Human Resources Insurance Law Law Enforcement Marketing Mathematics Medicine Mortuary Science Nursing Physical Therapy Psychology Sales Software Engineering Sports Marketing Structural Engineering Veterinary Medicine
Presenters at Career Day 2018 included (in alphabetical order): Sandra Lee Thomas Anderson, Bill Bach '86, Jim Beese '81, Jordan Billups '10, Christal Luster '08 Boynes, Crystal Brown '02, Amy Riddle '00 Cassata, Sarah Cipolla, Cordell Clement, Kaitlyn Conley '04, Jennifer Purcell '02 Deenihan, George Fabian, David Fleming '09, Armando Godinez '82, Art Holecek '83, Jamie Holtz '06, Brittany Lacey '04, Howard, Rebecca Jensen, Dr. Vernell Johnson, Ted Karagias '00, Dr. Kimberly Karlin '10, Rob Kohen, Jenna Ladner, Elias Larson '09, Timothy Michels '10, Keith Miller, Scott Mlcoch '13, Martin Oosterbaan '77, Dave Petrone '00, Michelle Harrison '00 Plunkett, Dr. Chris Schlosberg '04, Curt Schubert, Mark Scott '08, Steve Sikorski '90, Eric D. Smith Jr. '10, Lauraetta Smith '09, Lori O’Connor '05 Smith, Meghan Stone, Dr. Chasitie Levesque '96 Thomas, Tim Tilton '91, Madeline Tolish '11, Jaime Van Buskirk '02, Jenna Vondrak '18, Angela Morrison '99 Wikgren, Jim Wiltshire, Bethany Kirkeeng '93 Wolf, and Marie Zidek '02.
4MARIAN Day of Giving a Success! Nearly 500 generous donors contributed to the success of Marian Catholic’s 2018 4MARIAN Days 2 Give Phonathon and Day of Giving. Held annually, this year’s 4MARIAN Days 2 Give campaign began April 15 and continued through April 17. The entire Marian Catholic community received an invitation to participate in the event via phone calls from students and parents, direct mail, and social media. Marian Catholic students, alumni, parents, and friends of the
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school from across the country came together to celebrate the people and programs that make the Marian Catholic experience so special. Over the two days, Marian Catholic advancement staff recorded 498 donors and over $60,000 in donations for the 4MARIAN Days 2 Give campaign. Whether you answered the call or responded to our Day of Giving social media posts, thank you for supporting Marian Catholic’s Scholars with a Soul!
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Annual Metro Gathering Marian Catholic’s 12th annual Metro Gathering hosted more than 50 guests at SPiN Chicago on June 7. Alumni parents, board members, faculty, and alumni from the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s were represented and enjoyed ping pong, food, and refreshments, while getting to reconnect with others from the Marian Catholic Community!
DISAPPOINTED YOU MISSED THE EVENT? Put next year’s date on the calendar today! The annual Metro Gathering takes place at various locations in Chicago on the first Thursday of June. For more information, please contact Brendan Diamond, Director of Alumni Relations, at bdiamond@marianchs.com.
Top left: President Vince Krydynski '81 and Joe Hamann '79; Top right: Vice President for Advancement Dan Kozlowski, Meg White Shanley '87, and Mario Pierre-Jerome '84; Lower left: Ashley Cann '08 Peabody, Tom Peabody '07, and Board Chair Jane Peabody; Lower right: DeAnte Davis '15 and DeAngelo Davis '15
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Alumni Notes
1964 1965 1967
1969
Steve '65 and Marie Bianconi '67 Desmond, Mike '64 and Nancy Mascitti '65 Schreiber, Nancy and Mike Connolly, and Bill '65 and Barb Murphy recently gathered for dinner and drinks at the Murphy home.
1977
Charlie Gallagher '77 and his company, Gallagher Asphalt, received the Big Shoes Award at the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation’s annual program honoring outstanding business leaders in the manufacturing community. Gallagher Asphalt sponsored Marian Catholic’s participation in the Southworks Engineering and Robotics Olympics allowing students to explore the world of engineering and the growing field of robotics.
1986
Jim Wolframski, Tom Jaworski, Joe Wright, Anthony Lazarra, Bob Martino, Paul Sowacke, Mike Bruni, Greg Sopher, Kevin Bednarek, and Mike Feminis, friends from the Class of 1986, traveled together to Las Vegas during March Madness.
1988
Susan Gaspar '88 is a S.T.E.M. Educator for Cook County through the University of Illinois Extension. Gaspar received a B.S. in chemistry from Loyola University Chicago with a minor in physics. She then went on to earn a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology in organic chemistry with a minor in biochemistry. Gaspar is a published author in several academic journals and is the inventor on two US patents.
Class of 1969 alumni gathered for their annual Christmas celebration.
Back row: Mimi (Ephgrave) Shireman, Julie (Onofrio) Maggio, Rita (Stanfa) Rohn, Sue (McCollam) Yant, Kathy (Hoefler) Treptow, Jan (Bonea) Springsteen, Rosemary (Baumgartner) Blessman, Marikay (Jespersen) Zupan, and Marybeth (Piekarz) Campion; Front row: Claudia (Klimas) Gosnell, and Narce (Fernandez) Cannek
ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: Crystal Brown '02
Crystal Brown '02 readily admits she spent “lots of time in detention” in high school. While for anyone else that may have proven problematic, for Brown, it was preparation for her current role as an Assistant Public Defender for Cook County.
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A native of Hazel Crest, Brown attended Illinois State University where she changed her major several times before settling on Sociology. It was her grandfather who encouraged her to go to law school, advocating that she would be a really, good lawyer. Brown discovered her calling at John Marshall Law School, when she realized she wanted to be a litigator. After graduating in 2010, she completed a one-year Fellowship at a juvenile detention center before practicing Criminal Law as a private attorney for two years. She has been in the Public Defender’s Office for five years. In addition
to her assignment in a criminal courtroom, Brown also staffs bond court. Brown’s work as an Assistant Public Defender empowers her to live out her desire to engage in work that actually affects people’s lives. It is her mission to be present for her clients and help them as best she can. Brown thrives in what can be a difficult environment because of her awesome co-workers, by maintaining a work-life balance, and by separating herself emotionally from the situation.
She credits Marian Catholic with giving her a great foundation: a foundation of friends who are all doing positive things with their lives; a faith foundation that re-solidified what she heard in church; and, a safe learning environment where she was able to be a teenager. The expectations for a Marian Catholic student then, as now, were to not only meet, but also exceed the objectives set by faculty and coaches. Being average is not the goal. Brown is certainly anything but average.
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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT: Marie Zidek '02 To say that the life of Marie Zidek '02 revolves around sports would certainly be an understatement. Zidek, who was named the head coach of the DePaul University Women’s Volleyball team in January 2018, eat, sleeps, and breathes the coaching lifestyle. The 11-year journey to DePaul had its ups and downs, but Zidek is ecstatic to finally have her first head coaching position at the NCAA Division I level. Before coaching became a full-time job for Zidek, she described herself as being a “volleyball coach at heart, but a Sport Exercise Physiologist by trade.” While playing volleyball at Marian Catholic, Zidek was recruited to play at Northern Illinois University, where she competed all four years until 2006. Post-graduation, she packed her bags and headed off to Finland where she was a Sport Exercise Physiologist as well as an assistant coach for the U23 Men’s National Volleyball Team at the Kuortan Sports Institute. This experience lasted just under a year when Zidek decided to head back home to the States and attend graduate school at Oregon State University from 2007 to 2010. After additional schooling, Zidek headed back home to Chicago for her first experience at DePaul University as the Assistant Coach of the Women’s Volleyball Team. During her time at DePaul, Zidek began getting calls from other volleyball programs, which led her to accepting a position as the First assistant coach of Women’s Volleyball at the University of Buffalo in 2013. Then, in 2014, she headed for the West Coast to be an assistant coach of the Women’s Volleyball team at the University of San Diego. It was at San Diego where Zidek experienced her best moment as a coach. In 2015, the Women’s Volleyball program was ranked fifth in the country and had a lot
1989
Paul Eisenberg '89 is a news editor for the Chicago Tribune Media Group. He specifically works with the Daily Southtown and the Post-Tribune. After leaving Marian Catholic, Eisenberg went on to earn his degree in journalism and print journalism from Southern Illinois University.
1996
Tara Luther '96 was recently recognized for her art with an article in Voyagechicago.com praising her talent. She began selling her art through her company, Tara Luther Contemporary Art, located in Rogers Park. Luther graduated with a degree in studio art from Columbia College Chicago.
of talent. The team had their post-season hopes cut short, however, when they were upset in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Zidek remembers the loss being tough on the players and herself, but it also motivated the returning players to come back hungry for success. The following year in 2016, the program won the West Coast Conference and were just four points shy of making it to the Sweet 16 in the tournament. In an interesting aside, Zidek noted that while at the University of San Diego, she got to work with Chicago Cubs 3rd Baseman, Kris Bryant, describing him as “an all-around athlete with great passion for what he does.” Her success at the University of San Diego led Zidek to where she is now, the head coach of the DePaul University Women’s Volleyball Team. She states that her favorite part of being a coach is the recruiting process. She begins recruiting girls at the age of 15 and enjoys finding the student and watching them go from youth to young adulthood. It’s the development of personal relationships with her players that she values as a coach. Transferring in as a junior, Zidek only spent two years at Marian Catholic. Coming from a public school, she immediately realized that Marian Catholic offered her the best holistic education and noticed the amount of time and effort that the teachers and administration spend developing a student. Her favorite memory, outside of volleyball, was being a Kairos leader her senior year. She describes Kairos as being “a place that makes everybody an equal and equally vulnerable. Everyone is trying to figure out who they are and that’s what brings everyone together.” Marian Catholic gave Zidek a higher emotional IQ and prepared her to be self-aware before going to college. Outside of coaching volleyball at the Division I level, Zidek enjoys living in the city of Chicago and is a marathoner who enjoys running and cycling. She also spends a lot of her time watching other coaches, always eager to learn more about their behaviors and strategies.
1998
Gail Adduci '98 founded Matter Dance Company in 2006. Since then, the company has gone on to be widely recognized. The group received the Anne Barzel Comedy in Dance Award at the 2007 Dance Chicago Festival as well as the Chicago Reader’s People’s Choice Award for best dance company every year from 2008-2014. Carisa Barreca (one of the founders of MDC) was also the recipient of the Chicago Reader’s People’s Choice Award for best choreographer in 2009 and 2012. In addition to corporate work for familiar names like Samsung and Farmers Insurance, the company has appeared at various festivals in the Chicago area. Their most recent show this past year was entitled Emerge. Photo credit: Michael Courier
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2002
Jenn Deenihan '02 is a school teacher at Roosevelt Elementary in Chicago Heights. When the school was evacuated for a gas leak on February 20, Deenihan brought her students to Marian Catholic. They were all excited to see where their teacher went to high school! Adam Davenport '02 won an Independent Music Award (IMA) on March 31 for his debut single “My Return Address is You.” Last year, Davenport became the first African-American artist/ producer to eponymously chart on Billboard for Electronic Dance Music after “My Return Address is You,” featuring Shanica Knowles, charted for 10 weeks on the Dance Club Chart. Emily Winter '02 had material published in the New Yorkers’ article series, Daily Shorts, for the first time in May. Her satire piece entitled, Everyday Thrillers: New Releases in the Missing-Girls Genre, was included in the May 17, 2018 issue. Everyday Thrillers chronicles five different women whose stories all end in a cliffhanger question to make readers think about possible endings. In addition to writing for The New Yorker, Emily also is a writer for the T.V. network, T.V. Land.
2005
2006 2008
Luke '06 and Jake Marthaler '08 recently announced plans to open a new business in Orchard Plaza in Park Forest, Ill. The combined laundromat and gaming hybrid is cleverly named Spins and Wins. The laundromat will include a toddler area and free Wi-Fi while the video gaming side will offer food and beverages. Park Forest Mayor John Ostenburg expressed his excitement for the brothers’ new venture.
2006
Dr. Lauren Eldridge '06 was the keynote speaker for “The Power of Sound; Embodied Approaches to Sonic Activism,” one of three Heritage University events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An ethnomusicologist, Eldridge specializes in the study of music as impacted by gender and race. Dr. Eldridge graduated Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, with a B.A. in Music and International Studies from Spelman College and holds a M.A. in Music from the University of Chicago. She received her Ph.D. from the Department of Music at the University of Chicago in 2016 after defending her dissertation ”Playing Haitian: Musical Negotiations of Nation, Genre, and Self.” Dr. Eldridge currently teaches in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology and the Department of Music at Spelman College and works with the UNCF/Mellon Programs (a suite of fellowships) along with Spelman College’s Social Justice Fellows Program.
2008
Ann Vrdolyak '08 Nichele and Ben Nichele '08 were married in Chicago on November 25, 2017.
Mike Van Camp '02 was recently inducted into the Sigma Tau Gamma Foundation Board of Trustees. Van Camp is a graduate of Indiana State University where he served the Delta Tau Chapter in several capacities as an Undergraduate Executive Council Officer and Alumni Volunteer. Most recently, Mike served as a member of the Fraternity Board of Advisors and Lead Advisor for Delta Tau Chapter. Mike is currently Vice President of Administration at Van’s Industrial, INC.
2004 2007
2005
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Caitlyn Pauley '07 Jedlicka and Mike Jedlicka '04 welcomed their newest family member, Jordan Jedlicka in 2018.
Ryan Kolczynski '05 returned to Marian Catholic this year as a tutor for the math and physics departments. A 2009 graduate of the University of Illinois with a bachelor of science in civil/environmental engineering, Kolcynaski is a project manager for Southwest Airlines. He previously worked for U.S. Steel and BP.
Amy Dettman '05 Gunther and her husband Eric welcomed Nora Elizabeth Gunther on April 21, 2018. Gunther served as a long-term substitute teacher for speech and theater classes at Marian Catholic this spring.
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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT:
Erica Collins '08 Kopp By Julia Marie Kapocius '16 The sound of a guitar echoes through the halls of the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute as Erica Collins Kopp '08 helps care for patients as a music therapist. She uses her gifts to help those battling cancer cope with their complex physiological, emotional, and spiritual needs. It’s a profession she loves because it enables her to engage in two of her passions, medicine and music. After graduating from Marian Catholic in 2008, Erica completed a year at Purdue University Northwest. She originally considered a career in nursing, but felt called to use her talents in music as well. After receiving an Associate’s Degree in Music from Joliet Junior College, Erica attended Illinois State University for a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Therapy. As a board certified Music Therapist, Erica’s profession allows her to use her understanding of clinical and evidence-based music interventions to help people heal through a holistic approach. For Erica that may mean playing her flute, the guitar, or piano to reduce stress, or writing song lyrics with patients to help them express their feelings and emotions. The best part of her job, she says, is her ability to meet people from all over with different needs, which helps keep things new, fresh, and exciting. Music therapists are often part of the interdisciplinary teams found in hospitals, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, hospices, and schools where they work with children with developmental disabilities. At the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, the Integrative and Creative Arts Therapies program, which offers both music therapy and art therapy, attracted the attention of Karen Pence, the wife of Vice President Mike Pence who, as an artist herself, has as special interest in advocating for the field. An artist herself, Mrs. Pence found the entire program
2009
2009 2010
Meaghan Dee Beechin '09 and Michael Beechin welcomed their second child, James Michael Beechin, into the world on May 28, 2018.
Danielle Alexander '09 and Jesse Steward '10 welcomed Alexander James Steward to the world April 28.
Second Lady of the United States, Karen Pence, visited with patients and staff, including Marian Catholic alumna Erica Collins '08 Kopp, at the Florida Cancer Institute in Orlando in February
very impressive. Along with hospital executives, Mrs. Pence created a watercolor painting of a tree to commemorate her visit. Erica described Mrs. Pence as “very down to earth and relatable.” At Marian Catholic, Erica was a member of the band. She attributes her love of music to the band program. Considering her four years at Marian Catholic, Erica noted that being part of the band empowered her to create relationships through music. It also taught her how to be the best person she can be at all times. Sharing her music with others helped her connect and form relationships, especially at rehearsals and competitions. Her most memorable moment was during her senior year at the last Bands of America Grand Nationals when she had a flute solo. She used the occasion to look back at all her years of hard work and reflect on how she had developed as a person and with her music. Collins had one piece of advice to share with current students, “Take all the experiences you can, look for opportunities to connect with people and grow.” This advice holds true in her life as she continues to grow in her profession and helps others grow through music every day.
2010
Dr. Kim Karlin, DVM '10 is engaged to be married to her high school sweetheart, Timothy Michels '10, on August 11, 2018. Amanda Tiberi '10 is the owner of XO Art & Design and the Graphic Design Director at Private Brands Sales and Marketing Inc. Tiberi was recently featured on the blog, Lipstick and Ink in its series “Shine On: Women Who Inspire.” She is living her dream of making a career out of art and hopes to inspire others to “hold on to the craving to learn.”
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2012
Matt Lamb '12 is the Director of Communications for Students for Life of America, the nation’s largest pro-life student organization. He received his B.A. in Political Science from Loyola University of Chicago in 2014 and a M.A. in Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. in 2017.
2014
Brett Lilek '12 recently became engaged to Shannon Djilas, who he met in college at Arizona State University. A wedding is planned for Fall 2019 in Italy.
The Society of Professional Journalists recognized Neil Doyle '14 with a 2017 Mark of Excellence Award for his podcast, “Dining with Doyle.” The series follows Doyle as he reviews multiple restaurants on Illinois State University’s campus and throughout the Bloomington-Normal area.
Jaboukie Young-White '12 appeared on Jimmy Fallon in December 2017. He was also featured on Rolling Stone’s “25 Under 25: Meet the Young Musicians, Actors, Activists Changing the World” list in 2017.
2013
Genevieve Helsel '15, is completing an internship at Facebook in the company’s software engineering department at the company’s home office in Menlo Park, California. Valedictorian of her class, Helsel is a junior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne, majoring in computer science with a minor is statistics. She previously interned with Jump Trading LLC and CME Group.
David Fleming '09
David Fleming '09 will tell you that he knew what he wanted to do by the time he was four- years-old. As a boy, Fleming loved building things with LEGOs, so it was only natural that he was drawn to a career in architecture. Fleming received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies as well as a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. Three years later, after completing 3700 internship hours and passing six separate exams, his status as a licensed architect became official.
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2015
Brent Feldner '13 was a member of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team which, in May, clinched the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championship for the fifth time in six seasons, earning the program its 11th consecutive bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament. A graduate of UW-Whitewater, Feldner majored in health and human performance.
ALUMNUS SPOTLIGHT:
Laura Hilger '14 will return to Marian Catholic in the Fall of 2018 as the new Theatre, Speech, and Communications teacher. In her role, Hilger will oversee major theatre department productions as well as serve as director of the Speech Team. Hilger graduated from the University of Iowa in May of 2018 with a degree in Communications and Human Relations and a certificate in American Sign Language. A former member of Marian Catholic’s Speech Team, Hilger served as president of the group her senior year.
Today Fleming is an Architectural Team Member at ARCON Associates, Inc. in Lombard, Illinois. Founded in 1979, ARCON provides architectural and construction related services to school districts, park districts, municipalities, and commercial clients. Fleming’s favorite classes in high school were math, science and physics, areas that serve him well in his current position. Everything he learned in trigonometry, he applies to his work as an architect. Fleming played both baseball and golf for the Spartans for three years. What he appreciates
most about Marian Catholic though, is the work ethic it instilled in him. He credits Marian Catholic faculty for teaching him how to get to the answer for a problem; “teachers didn’t’ give you the answer, they directed you to the answer.” For Fleming, the coolest thing about his profession is seeing his buildings being built. It offers an overwhelming sense of pride and fulfillment. In time, he would like to own his own firm. Given his achievements to date, it is a realistic aspiration.
[ Jared Rogers '15 has published his first novel, “Riding Front Seat with the Devil.” The novel encompasses danger and suspense as characters embark on a “fatal game.” Rogers began his writing career at Marian Catholic and found the time to finish and publish his book while pursuing his mechanical engineering degree at Michigan State University. Published in 2018, the novel is rated 4.4/5 stars on Amazon.com.
2016
2017
Joe Fowler '16 has been named to the 2018 USA Lacrosse Team. A sophomore at Carroll University studying Healthcare Management, Fowler noted that two of his biggest influences at Marian Catholic were coaches Nate Coburn '09 and Tim Michels '10. In addition to playing Lacrosse all four years at Marian Catholic, he played for his club team, True Lacrosse. Fowler will act as a U.S. Ambassador in England and Scotland this summer, playing teams from both countries. Mark DiLuia '17 launched his athletic career at Maryland with 14 appearances, the second most starts for the Terrapins for the 2018 season. Pictured below is Mark with his uncle and aunt, Charlie '77 and Barb Gallagher.
Stay connected with fellow Marian Catholic alumni by submitting your class note to Brendan Diamond, Director of Alumni Relations at bdiamond@marianchs.com or 708-996-4622.
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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT:
Emily Arvia '11 By Julia Marie Kapocius '16
The journey from Marian Catholic to now has been nothing short of out of this world for Emily Arvia '11, who now spends her days collaborating on rocket launches. She recently had the opportunity to be part of the launching of what is being called the ‘World’s Most Powerful Rocket,’ SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy. Emily was part of a research team tasked with nondestructive evaluation for the project. In simple terms, nondestructive evaluation is the process of using non-invasive procedures to inspect the condition of a material or measure a characteristic of an object without creating damage or disassembly. It’s how Emily spends most of her working days at SpaceX. She describes her role with Falcon Heavy watching its launch as one of the coolest experiences she has had working at SpaceX thus far. Emily always wanted to be a pilot, but quickly realized that her five-foot-tall frame was not the ideal attribute for the profession, so she began to explore other career options within the realm of flight. Emily figured that even if she could not fly the plane, she could still build them. After leaving Marian Catholic, Emily went on to study Aerospace Engineering and Nondestructive Evaluation at Iowa State University. Classes involving the launching of satellites and the methods utilized to send things into space intrigued her. While at Iowa State, Arvia had the opportunity to intern at Orbital ATK in Dulles, Virginia, an experience that confirmed she had found the right job for her. After graduating in 2015, Emily accepted a position at SpaceX and relocated to their Mission Control facility in Santa Monica, California where she currently works. When she isn’t engaged in nondestructive evaluation, Arvia enjoys all Santa Monica has to offer including going to concerts and seeing musicals. As a student at Marian Catholic, Emily was a member of the band and played soccer her freshman and sophomore year. She credits most of her work ethic and good habits to band leadership, especially Mr. Bimm. His direction helped form her as a person and shape her into an even better student. Emily shared that some of her fondest memories of Marian Catholic were when she was travelling with the band and sleeping on gym floors wherever and whenever they traveled to compete. Reflecting on her time at Marian Catholic, Emily was quick to admit that if it were not for her Marian Catholic education, she would not have the job that she does now and be as successful as she is. She will always remember the life lessons that were instilled in her at Marian Catholic, no matter where she goes.
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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Remembered Celebrating the lives of alumni, family, and friends Mary Dee Adam Vivian Adducci Catherine Aguillard Nicholas Akindelle Alice Allegro Todd Allen Thomas Angellotti James Arvia Mary Jean & Julian Atwater Judy Bahret Haider Baig Sammmie Banks Filippo Baratta Jenny Barba Madeline Barr Gloria Barrett Tarmara Battaglia Matthew Beintum Joseph Bella Mickey Bement Donald Berg William Berry Vince Bertucci Kevin Beukema '97 Phillip Jack Biamonte Lawrence Birmingham Matthew Blankenberger '74 Mary Blaschke Willie Bobbitt Martin Boea Wayne Bose Mary Jane Bourgeois Jack Bowen Deb Braccio Richard Bremigan Dushon Brown Henry Brunette George Buchmeier Lynn Tuttle '73 Bunn Romeo Buoscio Eleanore Burns Tony Burzinski Mary Louis Caffarini Mary Jane Cahill Patrick Cahill Patricia Callahan Bernice Cannon Virginia Cap Angelina Caprio Mary Cardigan George Carollo Evelyn Carter Eileen Ceh Jolene Karwowski '00 Cieniawski Janice Clark Leo Clennon Leonard Colpo
Terrence Conley Rosemary Conlon William Connell James Connell,Sr. Loretta Connelly Eleanor Conrad Laroyne Cooper Ruth Copeland Karen Tosi '65 Coston Joseph Covelli Janet Saxton '67 Croughan Walter Cummings Victoria Jacobs '63 Cvetetic Marjorie Dalton Douglas Damon '72 Jack Davis Lucille De Gol Ronald Debutch Paul Defries Tom Del Favero Leonard Delisi Ronald Denton Sister Virginia Dever, OP Kathryn Diab Diane DiBiase Rose DiBrito Mary DiMaggio Robin DiSanto Therese Dombroski Rosella Doolan Betty Doss Phil Doster Elizabeth Driscoll Susan Dzikas Bernadette Eagan John Engleman Marlene Erwin William Fahey Carol Faso Kent Felix Josephine Fischella Timothy Fisher Henry Flock Betty Foley Miguel Fonsech Frances Frederickson Sister Karla Fritz, OP Delores Gandolfi Cynthia Gasparetti Mary George Gloria Germany Corelene Glynn Alisa Cellini '87 Gosney Anthony Granata Byron Grober James Helme Sheila Bohan '63 Helsten Martha Herrick
January 6, 2018 to June 8, 2018 38 MARIAN MATTERS SUMMER 2018
Donna Hibbs Valerie Hicks '98 Francis Hilbing, Jr. David Hoffman Cherie Hon Loraine House Jean Humbert Jelissa Jackson '12 Marilyn Jaris Michelle Johnson Katherine Jones Peter Jonikaitis Joseph Joria William Julian, Sr. Imperia Julian Jerry Kaiski Ann Kania Jeri Ochman Katsaros Ron Kelly Norine Kennelly John Kintonis Edward Kirner Majorie Kloss Francis Koster Rose Kowalis Leo Kozub John Kresich Mary Kreuger Deacon Jack Krol Craig Kuske Annabelle Kyle Frank Labedz Arthur Lamarre '68 Gregory Lana David Larcher Fr. Jeff Largent Linda Fushi '70 Larsen Dena Leli Ruth Lentz Lucille Libby Nijola Laburaitis '63 Lileikis Michael Lindgren Leonard Lipinski Geraldine Lipkovitch Rebecca Eaton '99 Lopez Geraldine Love Karen Lucia Bruce Lund Rose Macaluso Sister Mary Alice Mannix, OP Sam Marchigiani Louis Marconi Carole Lynn Bonick '68 Marsh Ryan Martin '04 Peter Marwick Lillian McCarthy Katie McCaughey Edward McCormick '65 Roberta McNeal Thomas McNutty
Barney McShane Maureen McTeague John Meehan Arllene Mokate Leonard Mordis Bernice Mulcahy Judith Napoleon '66 Joanna Nardoni Sandra Natale '68 Dolores Nichols Thomas O’Brien Anne O’Brien Cropp Mary O’Connell John O’Connor Marilyn O’Connor Marie Orrico Michael Ortiz Beth O’Shea-Nealon CPO. William Owens Warren Oyler Mary Palanca Michael Panayotovich Kelo Panici Charles Panici Joseph Parks Florence Parks Ruth Ann Partney Gabriel Fred Patterson Sabina Perz Carl Peters Cheryl Pica Evolena Plump Holly Prefontaine '92 Mary Prendergast Andrew Pulec Lois Purdue Anna Ranachowski Florence Ranieri Frank Raymond, Jr. Lana Real Gregory Real '67 Visitacion Rebultan Carmen Recupito Stan Reindl '83 Joseph Rekar, Jr. Tristen Riezinger '14 Alice Riley Mary Perry '66 Roe Helen Rose Granato Rose Terri Rossi Dominic Rotondo, Jr. Cindy Ruginis Edith Ryan Amelia Sadowski Anna Saul Jim Saul Robert Schaar Dave Schnebelt Ella Schuhler
Florence Schultz Alan Schwaighart David Schwarz Jay Schweikart '80 Sam Scrementi Dominic Sesto Patricia Shaughnessy Brian Sheahan Gloria Siller Vincenzo Siragusa Sister Marion Sitkiewitz, OP Rachel Skelly-Williams Deacon Vincent Slomian Virginia Smith Consuelo Sosa James Spisak '67 Joseph Stabile Maurice Staples Grace Steinmetz Giovanni Stiso John Styka Colette Sulej Bob Swanbora Nancy Swanborn Mrs. Taso Donna Teschke Ryan Testa Anthony Tiberi '69 Anthony Tocci Katherine Tomasich Mastronardi Jim Tomczak Edward Tomczuk Albin Tominov Angelina Tripodi Edward Trost Julie Tucker-Gray Warren Utes Jeffrey Van Hecke Charles Vetterick Nashie Ward Antoinette Watts Thomas Weed '78 Robbie Weis Jeff Westheimer Helen Wilcox Betty Willer Rachel Williams Charles Willis Harold Wirth Jeanette Wojcik Maribeth Woodward Thomas Wrenn Katherine Wysock Joann Yerkes Aloyse Yorko Vince Zaccardi Jerry Zansitis Paul Zato
HOMECOMING & CLASS REUNIONS
Marian Catholic High School Calendar of Events August 22 Half-day Schedule for All Students
HOMECOMING FESTIVITIES
August 23 First Full Day of School
ALL ARE WELCOME!
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
Homecoming Game 7:00 p.m. – Marian Catholic vs. Marian Central Dave Mattio Tailgate Immediately following game in Sister M. Paul McCaughey, OP Leadership Center
CLASS REUNIONS
August 25 Parents Club Family Welcome Mass and Reception 5:00 p.m. – Marian Catholic Chapel September 6 Back to School Night September 7 Mass of the Holy Spirit 8:00 a.m. – West Gym
Class of 1963
SATURDAY, AUGUST 25, 2018
5:00 p.m. – Reunion Mass in Memory of Deceased Classmates Marian Catholic Chapel
September 14 Homecoming
6:00 p.m. – Welcome Home Reception Marian Catholic Study Hall (former Cafeteria)
October 8 Eighth Grade Super Shadow Day
Class of 2013 – 5-Year Reunion FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2018
8:00 p.m. – Sister M. Paul McCaughey, OP Leadership Center
CHICAGO HEIGHTS
Class of 1968 – 50-Year Reunion Weekend
October 10 Admissions Open House I 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. October 17 Parent-Teacher Conferences
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2018
October 25 Academic Award Breakfast
6:00 p.m. – Welcome Home Reception Marian Catholic Study Hall (former Cafeteria)
November 1 Feast of All Saints Mass 8:00 a.m. – West Gym All are Welcome!
5:00 p.m. – Reunion Mass in Memory of Deceased Classmates Marian Catholic Study Hall (former Cafeteria)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018
7:00 p.m. – Reunion Celebration Olympia Fields Country Club
Classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1998
November 16 Parents Club Parents Night Out and Spartan Gold Raffle
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2018
November 18 Admissions Open House II 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m. – Reunion Celebration Olympia Fields Country Club
December 1 Class of 2023 Entrance Exam
6:00 p.m. – Reunion Mass in Memory of Deceased Classmates Marian Catholic Chapel
7:30 p.m. – Old Crow Smokehouse (River North)
December 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass 8:00 a.m. – West Gym All are Welcome!
Class of 1993 – 25-Year Reunion
December 21 - January 7 Christmas Break
Class of 2008 – 10-Year Reunion SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2018
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2018
Time TBD – Copper Still (Homewood, Ill.)
January 19 Parents Club Trivia Night
For more information about your reunion, or if you would like to be on your class reunion committee, please contact Brendan Diamond at bdiamond@marianchs.com or 708-996-4622.
Visit www.marianchs.com for details.
Marian Catholic High School Advancement Office
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Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school within the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, community, and preaching. Marian Catholic students seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents, and demonstrate ethical leadership and Christian service.
Director of Marketing and Communications / Editor
Cecily Fultz 708-980-2451 cfultz@marianchs.com
Vice President for Advancement
Dan Kozlowski 708-996-4652 dkozlowski@marianchs.com Contributing Writers Eamon John Driscoll '08 Julia Marie Kapocius '16 Kevin Kelly '80 Josh Ladner Allen Marazas '64
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