Bronco Bytes November 15th

11/16/2018

Bronco Bytes November 15th

BRONCOS REFLECT ON MISSION TRIP

On Thursday, All Saints Day (November 1) after celebrating Mass commemorating the Holy Day - Montini Catholic students who traveled to Jamaica over their summer break with International Samaritan - stepped forward to share their experiences. In preparation for a second trip (and what will be Montini's 5th global mission) in the summer of 2019, the students hoped to share their thoughts and reflections on their lifechanging venture. They also hoped to inspire others to consider taking part in future mission trips.

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Bronco Bytes November 15th

The nine young students (along with chaperones, Mr. Denis Block and Ms. Stephanie Kuecker) gathered at O'Hare Airport on an early Sunday morning, July 8th. With the exception of senior Grania O'Flaherty, who traveled to Nicaragua with Montini and International Samaritan in 2017, none of the students had participated in a global mission trip, and weren't quite sure what to expect. All, however, were open to the experience and dedicated to helping their brothers and sisters in Jamaica.

The mission trip took the Montini volunteers to the Riverton Meadow community in Kingston, Jamaica, one of the poorest in the Jamaican capital. Most families in Riverton live in shacks made of zinc and have little or no resources or money. The students visited the Garbage Dump area - a place where most people in that community work to make a living and many often eat what they find among the trash. It was there that the Montini students were exposed to the struggles that many Jamaicans face on a daily basis.

Click here to read the full story and reflections from each member of the Mission Team.

Click here to watch a video documenting the mission trip.

Pictured above: Front row l to r: Hope Rickord (from Willowbrook High School), Sophie Gallagher, Samantha Mullins, Mia Gramann,, Second row: Haley May, Marissa VanDeVeer, Kylie Boyer, Enya O'Flaherty (daughter of Peggy Batten O'Flaherty '87) , Grania O'Flaherty (daughter of Peggy Batten O'Flaherty '87), and a representative from International Samaritan.

PASSION LEADS TO HELPING OTHERS Beth Somers '97 became interested in food during her senior year at Marquette University. She became fascinated with the juxtaposition of high end wedding cakes. Inside, the cake is basically all math and science - exact proportions, moisture and heat causing chemical reactions. But the outside is a blank canvas and that's where the creativity lives.

Beth followed her interest to become a pastry chef working for a local Chicago bakery and later moved on to Wilton. After winning Food Network's Cupcake Wars, Beth struck out on her own to become at food stylist, recipe developer and creator.

She further took her passion and partnered with Icing Smiles, a non profit that provides celebration cakes for children with critical illnesses as well as their siblings. Beth says "When you find a way to use your particular skills to bring a little joy to someone who needs it, it's special. It's a wonderful feeling. I"m honestly honored to be able to do it."

Click here to read the full story about Beth's path and the cake she recently made for Icing Smiles.

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CELEBRATING THE ARTS Jack Hemmersmeier, a Design I art student, was selected as the October Art Student of the Month by art teacher and Fine Arts Department Chair, Ms. Stephanie Kuecker. "I have taught Jack for two years now and he has a very strong dedication to his artwork," said Ms. Kuecker. She is very impressed about Jack's commitment to his craft, saying he often forgoes his lunch period to make touch ups and finish projects. "He has really grown as a painter. During our most recent painting project, he created a stunning Lacrosse image!" she said, adding, "I am very proud of Jack's work inside and outside of the classroom." "I started creating significant pieces of art after my first art class with Mrs. Lee, freshman year," informs Jack. "I find creating art very fun and enjoyable!" Read more about Jack's passion here.

On December 11th the choir and band students will celebrate the "Sounds of the Season" with a Christmas Concert.

Performing holiday classics and introducing the audience to new songs and rhythms, the concert will be a delight for all. The concert will begin at 7:00pm in the Auditorium. Tickets are $3.00 each and can be purchased at the door.

TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING Thanksgiving is a week away which means the frenzy of the Holidays is upon us. After Black Friday and Cyber Monday, remember to support Montini Catholic on Giving Tuesday! Last year we received over 180 donations totaling just under https://www.montini.org/cf_enotify/view.cfm?n=1607

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Bronco Bytes November 15th

$20,000. A gift of any size makes an immediate impact on the lives of our students and their families. Give a gift this holiday season and bring joy to the Broncos. Make your Giving Tuesday gift now or on November 27th.

ALUMS TO HIT THE ICE The Montini Catholic Hockey program will be hosting its annual "Bronco Hockey Alumni Game" on Saturday, December 22nd at The Edge in Bensenville. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:10pm.

Any Montini alumni who played for Montini or as a member of the Renegades are eligible to play. For further details and to register, contact Adam Solakiewicz '06 at broncohockey91@gmail.com.

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Bronco Bytes November 15th

Montini Catholic High School 19W070 16th St. Lombard IL 60148 alumni@montini.org

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