FALL 2020
Schoisoinl Session Peer ministry WELCOMES FRESHMEN
AP ScHOLARS SET THE BAR HIGH
POWER THEIR POTENTIAL CAMPAIGN
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT “The start of our 55th school year has been unlike any other in our school’s history.” - Jim Segredo, President
Bronco Express Fall 2020
upcoming events Golden Gobbler Kick-off - November 9 1984 (Drama Play) - December 4-6
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Dear Alumni and Friends, Yes, this has been a most difficult time for all of us - amidst all the turmoil we’ve faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. I am happy to report that on August 17th Montini Catholic opened its doors to students for our 55th school year. The start of this school year has been unlike any other in our school’s history. We have been able to bring our students back on campus utilizing a hybrid learning model (pp 12-13), although we would all prefer to be in a full in-person instructional mode. The research and planning conducted by our four faculty and staff committees over this summer, the input from our parents, students, faculty and staff, as well as guidance from the DuPage County Health Department, and the standards developed by the State of Illinois, made it clear to us that the hybrid model of instruction provided students the best opportunity to be back on campus. The hybrid model allows us to have 50% of students on campus every other day while maintaining social distancing in the classrooms, cafeteria and hallways on a campus that is constantly cleaned and disinfected. There are 12 desk chairs in each classroom, student lockers are not being utilized at this time and students are eating lunch in the cafeteria and the gymnasium. Our students have been great. They have been 100% on board with the changes, and our faculty and staff have been outstanding - preparing lessons and instructing students both in-school and at-home as well. They are also instructing students who have elected to utilize full remote instruction. I could not be prouder of our students, faculty and staff for their hard work, cooperation and patience during this unprecedented time. Even with the abrupt interruption to our 4th quarter, Montini students continued the tradition of excellence in academics by recording outstanding scores in Advanced Placement tests sponsored by the College Board (p. 5). The COVID-19 pandemic could not stop our Broncos from recording one of the best years ever in AP results. Congratulations to these students and their teachers. The pandemic was not successful in shutting down the growth of our academic programs and campus facilities. Three dual college credit classes were added to our curriculum through Lewis University and four major campus renovation projects took place over the summer. The second and final phase of the girl’s locker room renovation was completed. The Student Service Center was completely renovated. The Ed and Pam Mack Learning Resource Center was remodeled by adding an Academic Commons and two collaboration labs. And, lastly, our auditorium was completely renovated. These projects were all funded by donations from alumni, parents and friends of Montini Catholic. I am truly grateful for the generosity which provided us the ability to continue growth during very difficult times. I am also very grateful to the many members of our school community who recognized the financial burden the pandemic and mitigation efforts had on our school, students and families. When we reached out for help through our One Montini Fund, over $330,000 was donated to help with tuition assistance for the 2019-20 school year, financial aid for the 2020-21 school year and “unexpected expenses” associated with opening the campus safely for the 2020-21 school year. In addition, close to $340,000 has been donated to the Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship program which has provided 24 young men and women the opportunity to continue their education here at Montini Catholic. The year continues to be difficult and challenging. It is still uncertain when we will return to a somewhat normal school setting and lifestyle. But, our MCHS family is strong and supportive and I am confident that we will not only get through this pandemic, but will emerge as a stronger and prouder school community. We are ONE MONTINI and there are better days ahead. “May Jesus Live In Our Hearts…Forever!” Sincerely,
To receive your Bronco Express Newsletter electronically please contact Michelle O’Connor ‘88 at: moconnor@montini.org
Fall 2020
Jim Segredo
In all issues of Bronco Express, an asterisk (*) follows the names of our legacy students (students of alumni).
WELCOME TO MONTINI This year we launched a unique Freshmen Mentorship Program facilitated by our Peer Ministry Team. The goal for the Freshmen Mentorship program is to provide freshmen with encouragement and support as they transition to high school as the newest members of the Bronco community. "We want to welcome them and provide them with a mentor to help navigate through the numerous difficulties that come with beginning a new school, especially when it's high school," said Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. Teams of Peer Ministers were each assigned to lead a small group of freshmen. "They will be with the same group of students all year, so that they can bond and get to know them and journey alongside them throughout the school year."
The Peer Ministers will also take on leadership roles during our much anticipated, annual Freshman Retreat Day which will take place during the school's second semester this year. Mr. Blanchette is confident that the mentorship program will benefit the school community as a whole. "We are a family oriented community. The freshmen look up to the Peer Ministers as older brothers/ sisters," he said. "While at the same time, our Peer Ministers are being challenged to grow their leadership skills and to become inspirations to their peers within their school and local communities."
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Recently, the groups got together for the first time. They plan to do this type of activity at least once a quarter throughout the year during Freshman Theology classes. Prior to the beginning of the school year, Peer Ministers were already reaching out to their groups via email, text and Facetime at least once a month. "We want them to be a constant source of information and support," informed Blanchette. During this first session, the mentors brought up specific 'ice-breaker' topics for discussion and freshmen were given the chance to get to know one another better and ask questions if desired. "Our ministers will also give witness talks and lead team building activities throughout the year.� Mr. Blanchette noted that many students admitted that they would have enjoyed more time with their groups, which, to him, is a
good sign that the students are already engaged with the program. "We really hope this is a positive experience for our freshman . . . and for our Peer Ministers as well."
Fall 2020 3
SCHOOL NEWS
TOP TEN ‘24
Congratulations to the recipients of Montini Catholic’s Class of 2024 Academic Scholarships awarded to incoming freshmen excelling on our Placement Exam!
We are proud to add ten more bright Broncos to our growing list of academic scholarship recipients And, of course, we expect to feature many more achievements from this impressive group in future issues of Bronco Express! Anjay Dhir (Glenn Westlake MS) Marin Ferris (St. Pius X Parish School)* Sam Hemmersmeier (Visitation) MaryKate Lewan (St. Juliana School) Mateo May (St. John of the Cross School) Daniel Petersen (St. Mary of Gostyn) Michael Ranquist (St. Joseph School) Tanner Sebben (St. Mary of Gostyn)* Riley White (O'Neill Middle School) Thomas White (St. Joseph School)
Montini Catholic National merit Now Offering Four commended Dual Credit Courses scholars Seniors, Gabriel Abbas, Jack Sebben,* Nora Sypkens,* and Heather Sledzinski have been named as Commended Scholars in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program. Montini Catholic currently offers 15 Advanced Placement Courses and 26 Honors Courses for qualified students with high academic abilities and specific career interests. Through our partnerships with Lewis University and College of DuPage, we are
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proud to offer four Dual-Credit Courses. • Human Anatomy and Physiology (COD)
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Fall 2020
• Honors Algebra II (Lewis) • Calculus III (Lewis) • Programming in Java (Lewis) Currently, 63 students are enrolled in these courses. Students earn Montini credit and three transferable college credits for dual-credit courses if the students maintain an 80% average.
According to Kimberly Greiner, Executive Director of the Scholarship Administration, about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized this year for their exceptional academic promise. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT®). "Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success.” "We couldn't be more proud of Heather, Gabe, Nora and Jack," said Principal Kevin Beirne. "Being recognized as a Commended Scholar is a huge accomplishment. Their hard work and discipline will take them far this year and I anticipate even more accolades before the year is over."
SCHOOL NEWS
Scholars set the bar high
Broncos excel on the spring exams
This year, we are recognizing thirty outstanding juniors and seniors honored as AP Scholars. Ninety (90) Broncos took 162 exams with an average score of 3.4, 36 perfect 5s and a 77% success rate! Congratulations to those earning scholar honors:
National Advanced Placement Scholar - (Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.) Maxwell Kramer ’20 (photo on the left);
Scholars with Distinction - (Scores of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores a 3 or higher on five or more of these exams) David Batka ’20, Kylie Boyer ’20, Ayaan Dhir ’21, Matt Hejny ’20*, Maxwell Kramer ‘20, Myles Marciniak ‘20, Therese Noonan ’20, Joseph O’Brien ’20, Cooper Petersen ’21, Paul Scott ’21, Heather Sledzinski ‘21 & Sarah Zimmerman ’20
Scholars with Honor - (Score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams) Devin Hoovel ’20, Ben Snukst ’21 and Nora Sypkens ’21*
Scholars - (Score of 3 or higher on 3+ AP Exams) Gabriel Abbas ’21, Julianne Billote ’20, Cody Collier ’20, Donaven Craddock ’20, Mary Crotty ’20,* Nicole Dallas ’20, Nicolas Fisch ’21, Maria Hemmersmeier ’21, Garrick Nielsen, Jr. ’20,* Patrick Peters ’20,* Abigail Petersen ’20, Alexis Ream ’21,* John Sebben ’21,* Angel Silveyra ’20 and Zekai Yao ’20
Montini Catholic’s academic program, which includes an offering of 15 AP Courses, paves the way for higher academic achievement resulting in our graduates accumulating close to 56 million in academic scholarship offers in the past three years alone. Advanced Placement gives students the chance to tackle college-level work while they're still in high school and earn college credit and placement. Currently, Montini offers AP courses in a variety of subjects including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Technology and World Language. Over the past five years, 27% of Bronco seniors graduating have earned a 3+ on at least one exam earning student college credit before stepping on their college campuses. Over the past five years, an average of 97 Montini Catholic students have taken 168 exams each year. The average score on those exams is 3.4 which is higher than the Illinois average of 3.0. Of Broncos taking these exams:
earned a 3+ on exams (compared to 64% of Illinois students)
20%
earned a 5 on exams (compared to 15% of Illinois students)
42%
earned a 4 or 5 on an AP English exam (compared to 28% of Illinois students)
2019-20 AP Scholars in alphabetical order: Gabriel Abbas, David Batka, Julianne Billote, Kylie Boyer, Cody Collier, Donaven Craddock, Mary Crotty,* Nicole Dallas, Ayaan Dhir, Nicolas Fisch, Matt Hejny,* Maria Hemmersmeier, Devin Hoovel, Maxwell Kramer, Myles Marciniak, Garrick Nielsen, Jr.,* Therese Noonan, Joseph O’Brien, Patrick Peters,* Abigail Petersen, Cooper Petersen, Alexis Ream,* Paul Scott, Jack Sebben,* Angel Silveyra, Heather Sledzinski, Ben Snukst, Nora Sypkens,* Zekai Yao and Sarah Zimmerman;
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
77%
Fall 2020 5
SCHOOL NEWS
New Board Leadership Announced
Welcome!
This fall we welcome eight new faculty/staff members to our dedicated team.
CHAIR VICE-CHAIR Janis M. Orlowski, M.D. ‘74 Chief Health Care Officer Assoc. of American Medical Colleges Washington, DC
Michael Manna ‘70 President The Manna Consulting Group Trevor, Wisconsin
Montini Catholic’s ‘President, Principal, Board of Directors’ model for school administration was introduced in 1991. This school year we are proud to welcome our new Board Chair, Janis M. Orlowski, M.D. ‘74 and Vice Chair, Michael Manna ‘70. Dr. Orlowski is our third Board Chair, taking over for Mr. Wally Weisenburger ‘75 who began his tenure in 2008 and retired earlier this year. “I’m excited to continue my support of the Montini community in my new role as Vice Chair of the Montini Board. I would like to do all I can to help our school through the current pandemic,” says Mike. “The Board works diligently behind the scenes to make sure that the teachers and administrators have the support they need to be successful, now more than ever we have to be cognizant of the community’s needs and make sure we are doing what we can to help. As a strong proponent of STEM programs, I also hope to help define additional things Montini Catholic can do in this area of education. There is a significant shortfall of professionals going into these areas of expertise today - translating to an area of great opportunity for students entering the STEM fields.”
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Students are gearing up for our 24th Annual Golden Gobbler Food Drive and encourage all to give to the less fortunate once again during the fast approaching holiday season! Monday, November 9th marks the beginning of this year’s drive benefitting local food pantries. Broncos are proud to be responsible for donating much needed food to pantries throughout DuPage County! Let’s do this, Broncos!
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Christina Calcagno - (Mathematics) 3 years teaching; MAT in Secondary Education Kenneth Cramer - (Theology) 4 years teaching; BA-Psychology; MA-Counseling Psychology; MA-Theology; Keeley Dooley ‘89 - (Athletics Dept.) Alexxis Johnson - (Long Term Substitute ) 2 years teaching; BA in Secondary Education and English; Renee Lee - (Fine Arts) 30 years teaching; BFA (Bachelors of Fine Arts); MFA (Masters of Fine Arts) Ms. Maria Louis - (Mathematics) 3 years teaching; BA in Secondary Education (Mathematics Concentration) Maria Pia Biondo - (Foreign Language) 16 years teaching; BA in Translation and Interpretation for English, Spanish, Italian and French; Certified legal translator of English; MA in Hispanic Literature and Linguistics; BA Translation and Interpreting; MA Spanish Literature and Linguistics; Jamie Steinmetz - (Foreign Language) 12 years teaching Undergraduate Degree in Marketing and French; MA in Teaching and Learning; MA - Curriculum and Instruction;
BRONCOS . . . Making Headlines
Congratulations to Devin Chiaramonti ‘21* for earning his Eagle Scout rank. Devin, a member of St. Pius X Troop 140, received his Board of Review regarding this prestigious ranking in September. It was a special grade school memory that drove Devin to choose the Eagle Scout project he completed this past summer. "I built a 'Ga-Ga' Ball pit at St. Pius X," he said. "I chose to do this project because I remembered everyone in school wanting to play it when I was in junior high, but we would never be able to convince the teachers to let us set up tables to play. I decided that even though my time playing Ga-Ga at Pius had passed, I could give the kids there an opportunity to play." Devin planned, fundraised, and managed the project on his own. "Surprisingly, building the pit was only a quarter of the work. The rest was dealing with approvals, filling out paperwork, getting signatures, and then writing post-project reports." "The kids absolutely love the Ga-Ga pit!" said St. Pius teacher and Montini alumna, Amy Tharp Georgitsis '84. "It's the highlight of their recess break. Many have commented that it's the only game that they have, and they are very grateful that it is here for them!"
"Becoming an Eagle Scout is an accomplishment that tells the world that one has had good morals, an excellent work ethic and great values instilled in them" said President Jim Segredo. "These qualities are very hard to find these days. Devin has always been one of those students ready to jump in and help out whenever needed. He can always be counted on and we were quite proud to hear the news of this wonderful achievement!"
‘8 days of bronco spirit’ Students took a brief time out from their normal hybrid learning routines to pause and celebrate ‘'8 days of Bronco Pride' during 'Welcome Week' (September 23 October 2), sponsored by Student Government. Normally during this time of year, Broncos are celebrating Homecoming Week, however with the Football season being postponed, Student Government representatives wanted to continue the annual tradition of a 'spirit week' to keep students engaged. Above: Seniors won the hall decorating contest: Front row r to l: Jillian Snukst, Alivia Gianatasio and Devyn Church; Second Row: Nora Sypkens,* Emerald Whaley, Alexis Ream,* Ellie Dinkel and Amanda Rollag; Back Row: Nicholas Fisch, Maria Hemmersmeier, Cydney Rand, Zena Jabir, Heather Sledzinski, Victoria Badillo and Glory Ugorji;
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking 13” - George Orwell, 1984
We are proud to be making strides towards unveiling our newly renovated auditorium. “I am thrilled to be beginning my tenure as Theater Director in the beautifully renovated auditorium. It's going to be a great space for productions and I can't wait for the students to perform in their new space," said Mrs. Beth DiMarco. First up on the stage will be a production of "1984," based on the 1949 novel “Nineteen Eighty-Four” by George Orwell. "We are so excited to be one of, if not the only, high school in our area doing a full blown show," said Mr. Kenneth Cramer who will be directing the production. "While we can't have a large audience, I think being able to do this show will be a huge blessing for the kids themselves and those who do get to see it." "We're so excited about the new auditorium renovations," said Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "It's such a breath of fresh air and will give our students a new sense of ownership - and I know our audiences will enjoy the experience even more. Although we are not yet able to hold a music concert this year, I am really glad that we are able to show it off in some capacity with our December theater production." “1984” Opening Night: December 4 (thru December 6, 2020)
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Devin is one who likes to get involved. During his time as a Bronco he has jumped into many activities including Broadcasters, Lacrosse, Set Crew, Sound Crew and Robotics. He is also a member of the Peer Ministry Team. He plans on majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Illinois.
SCHOOL NEWS
Fall 2020 7
ANNUAL FUND
Total GIVING BY CLUB 19-20
POWER eir potential
Pope Paul VI Society ($100,000P+) Kazma Family Foundation Jennifer & Norman Sidler '87
Signum Fidei Society ($50,000 - $99,999) Amy (Caveney) Canty '94 Catholic Education Foundation of The Diocese of Joliet Pete & Barbara Giebel James & Mary Norton
Founder Society ($25,000 - $49,999) William & Barbara Dixon Mike '71 & Diane (Kosmach) '71 Schumacher Matthew Thompson '76
Christian Brothers Society ($10,000 - $24,999)
M
Anonymous Joseph & Mary Sue Dailey Link Unlimited Ed & Pam Mack Ron & Patricia Mangelsdorf McDonald's Corporation Ryan Smith Foundation Helen Sherry Glenn Shimkus '88 Brian & Shannon (Mullins) Smith '89
ontini Catholic’s Annual Fund provides financial support for a wide range of programs, helping us to continue in our
mission of educating, inspiring and
encouraging tomorrow’s leaders. Your gift provides for appropriate educational technology being available to all our faculty and students; continuous enhancement of our retreat and pastoral ministry programs; competitive faculty salaries to attract and retain top teachers in addition to providing professional development opportunities; and financial aid for families in need of assistance.
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Please consider stepping forward and being the one who understands the importance of a Lasallian education at Montini Catholic. By giving to Montini Catholic’s Annual Fund, you have the potential to affect the future of our students, our school, our community . . . our world.
Help power the potential of a Lasallian education at Montini Catholic!
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LaSallian Society ($5,000 - $9,999) Michael & Valerie Bava James & Lara Briggs Jeffrey '88 & Kimberly (Gary) '88 Bukovsky Dupage Medical Group Frankie's Deli Michael Gilmartin '86 HFS Chicago Scholars Irish Fellowship Education & Cultural Foundation Erin (Mullins) Kapfhammer '02 Bill & Linda Mullins Peter Mullins '05 Don & Julia (Whalen) Musil '77 Janis Orlowski '74 Q's Restaurant & Pizzeria Andrea Ryant Martin Thompson '80 Charles & Joan Thompson Thomas & Colleen White
San Miguel Society ($2,500 - $4,999) Christopher & Deanna Andriano ASG Staffing Jeffrey & Tina Bell Jon & Alison Black Brooks & Julie Boyer Briggs Paving Perry & Opella Ernest Catherine Hoovel Giffin & Brian Giffin Michael Manna '70 Philip & Nicolette May
James & Mary Miller Michael & Lara Muersch John Murphy '77 John & Nancy Phelan The Rafanelli Family Michael & Cynthia Santay Service Mechanical Industries Mark Fricke & Tracy Tredenick-Fricke
President’s Council ($1,000 - $2,499) Abbott Laboratories Fund Chris & Jeannette (Workman) Bartosz '85 Edward & Ruth Beamish W. Christopher Behnke Rich & Mary Binder Thomas Boeh '76 Robert & Cheryl Brach Sean Cahill '08 Tony & Annie Cappetta Jack Caveney Dennis '90 & Cynthia (Krones) '90 Colleran Sara Colleran '94 J. Robert Collins Construction Management Corporation of Illinois CPO Viking Football Scholarship Fund Margaret Crotty Guy '89 & Kathleen (Hagedorn) '89 Defeo Douglas Diedrick '11 Financial Investments Corporation Michael & Susan Fisch William & Luanne Flynn Focus Limited Mark Fricke Anita & Richard Gatto Michael & Patricia Gillian Michael & Grace Gillian Glenbard Auto Body Global Marble and Granite Bridgitte & Steven Guertler '79 Illinois Lady Lightning Jack Phelan Chevrolet Lisa (Andriano) Julian '99 Larry '75 & Marguerite (Rogers) '76 Kolinski Martin Kolinski '71 La Preferida Eugene Larcker Cathleen Lucas Bobby & Amy Marciniak Dan & Jayne Marsico Jay & Tama McWhinney Messina & Associates Susan Mitchell Steven '06 & Justine (Morano) '06 Montalto John Nania '79 Nania Energy National Investment Services Oakley Steel Kimberly & Timothy O'Connor '87 Anthony & Kim Pacelli Don & Nancy Petkus Dushan & Nancy Petrovich Richard Rafanelli '76 Sean Ross '78 Richard & Susan Salerno
Paul & Laura Severin Ron Skwarek Michael & Debbie Sliwoski Mary Beth (Tokarski) Smedinghoff '71 Daniel & Dolina Stevenson Fred & LaDonna Stokes Suburban Door Check & Lock Service James Susic Steven & Lauren Taylor Terrence & Maureen Taylor Joseph & Kathleen Warzecha West Suburban Bank Gregg '79 & Susan (Reedy) '78 Williams James & Ruby Wright
De La Salle Club ($500 -$999)
Maroon & Gold Club ($250 - $499) Anoymous Patrick Bell '96 Patrick & Colleen Bell Benjamin Brady '12 Karen & Christopher Breck '85 Kathy & Bob Bronke Buffalo Wild Wings Richard & Kathleen Burger John '83 & Dina (Forillo) '84 Cady Canton Company Timothy & Linda Casey Citizens For Dan Cronin Richard & Barbara Conrath Madelyn Cox Thomas Cummane William & Barbara Dawes Ronald & Sheryl Desanto Jack & Lori Disimone David & Mary Kay Doll
19-20 donor BREAKDOWN 32% of gifts given were from alumni 32% were from alumni parents Dr. Michael Colletti Christopher Dziewiatkowski '99 Kenneth Fernandez '78 Sven & Anne Flodstrom Lisa Furey '87 Greco & Sons Kurt & Maki Halum Br. Thomas Harding, FSC Heritage Cadillac Bob & Jayne Hoppenstedt Hubeny Realty Huntington Learning Centers Michael & Pat Janko Steven & Mary Kay Jennrich James & Kathleen Kersten Knights of Columbus Christ The King Council No. 11027 Phillip Knox '89 Lewis University Little Phillies South, Inc. Lombard Lightning Baseball Lowery McDonnell Company Lucia Maffei '90 Robert & Marianne McKeague
Michael McNamara '72 Kathy (Schmitt) Miley '79 Charles Montgomery Michael & Marie Mourek Eileen Mueller Edward & Patty Mullins Kathleen (Happel) Naatz '78 Jim & Melinda (Bayro) Nowak '89 Lester & Jennifer Ogrodny Timothy O'Malley '73 Our Lady of Mt Carmel John & Maria Passanante PFB Inc John & Dawn Quinnert Scott Reid '85 John Riggs '80 Tony & Linda Rossi Amy & Brian Ruddy '88 Russo's Hillside Chapels Anna (Thallemer) Sharp '91 Robert & Pamela Signorella Kevin Smith '72 Anthony & Monica Spatafore Joseph & Mary Ellen Spokas St. Isaac Jogues Parish St. James The Apostle Parish St. Mary of Gostyn Parish St. Scholastica Parish Frederick & Linda Stumbaugh Suburban Mailing Services Sullivan Funeral Home James Susic '84 T-Mobile Paul & Mary Beth Tomich Timothy Trotter '86 Village of Hillside Stephen & Mary Wallace Bennett & Christine West Greg & Suzanne Wolf Allan & Mary Ann Wright Bruce Zidarich '82
Bronco Pride Club ($100 - $249) Adidas All Saints Catholic Academy All Star Pediatrics Richard & Beatrice Almassey Paul Aronian '76 Avigilon Awards & More, Inc Christine (Temborius) Babb '76 Donald & Maureen Barratt Joseph & Stephanie Batka James & Carol Bellandi Michael Blanchette Loretta Botel Larry Brady '78 Eric Brechtel John & Laurel Brill Brothers of The Christian Schools Thomas Cahill '83 David & Catherine Cahill Mark Calandra '77 Robert & Brenda Carlevato Cheri Carrico Ryan & Kathleen Carrigan Jacqueline Cerven Chemray Corporation Dinesh '89 & Carolyn (Cozzi) '89 Chinthagada Christian Brothers of The Midwest District Michael & Helen Cieslek
James & Jillian Clausing Emmit & Wendi Clifton Beth Clynch '82 Vincent Colletti '05 Lisa Conaghan '84 Michael Cortesio Thomas Costantini '01 Rita Crosse Karen & William Crotty '83 Mary Kay Czerwiec '85 Gina Dado '84 Donald '70 & Eileen (Finn) '70 Davis Michael Decaluwe Jerry & Sandra Decicco Diversified Print Group Jim Donovan '71 Harold & Mary Duffy Dupage Credit Union Craig Dziewiatkowski '01 Grant & Pat Ellington Armand '70 & Gwen (Tregler) '71 Esposito Dondi & Ofelia Estrada Sheila & Glenn Evans Exelon Corporation John & Susan Fahey Jerry & Mary Lou Frett Theodore & Laura Fuger Judith Furjanic Ricardo & Bertha Garcia Garvey's Office Products Brian & Annie Gaughan Vince Gavin '88 James Gearen '79 Robert & Karen Geocaris Henry & Kayme Gianatasio Anthony & Michelle Giannini Mary Gibson Vera Gojewycz Jerry & Vanessa Gramarossa Mark Gransee '75 Ray & Lynne Grigsby Joseph & Anna Hajek Thomas Hanik Catherine (Murphy) Henry '72 Kirk Holman '79 Jim '96 & Katie (Doll) '96 Hubeny Giancarlo Iannotta '07 Tom & Mary Ilich Imagetec Randy & Debbie Isoda Frank & Barbara Jenkover Thomas & Maureen Kalas Christopher Kavanaugh '80 Carol (Kearney) Kelly '70 Larry & Anne Kelly Key Carpet Gerald King '89 Knollcrest Funeral Home Donald & Judy Knox Tammy Kocher '89 John '10 & Kaitlin (Maggiore) '10 Konopacz Raymond & Julie Kramer Thomas & Patricia Kramer Dirk & Elizabeth Krueger Michael & Denise Kuczynski Sarah (Birdsall) Kulick '04 James & Elizabeth Landano Ginny Larsen Dina & Daniel Laughlin '86 Matthew & Margaret Leahy Matthew Leakakos '12 Patricia Licata '76
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Michael Alebich '03 Art Flo Screenprinting & Embroidery Atomic Transmissions Kevin & Julie Beirne James '81 & Catherine (Baloun) '82 Beverley Binder Realty Consultants Biotechlogic Bronco Logistics Buck Services Patti & Edmund Burke '88 Tony & Sabrina Carollo Dennis & Janine Carter Arlene Chiaro Class of 1986 Deidre (Chase) Clingen '80 D & D Manufacturing William & Kimberly Dahlborn Diane (Boeh) Davies '74 Roberta & Lawrence Diedrick '82 Patricia Duerinck Michael Fitzpatrick '88 Brian Forde '89 Fox Landscaping Kathy Garfield Tom & Cathy Glennon Ernest & Pamela Iannotta Italian American Executives of Transportation Gwen (Zeisel) Johnson '80 Jim & Marilyn Kavanaugh† King Car Wash Michael & Diane Kordecki Jacqueline (Susic) Koustrup '85 L. Neill Cartage Company, Inc Rebecca Laho Long Realty Inc. John & Judy (Mullins) Lucas '79 Kevin Lynch Karen Martin Dennis & Karin McNicholas Stephen McPartlin Stephen & Kathleen McShane Michael McTaggart Mike's Meat Market Montini Catholic Students Emily & William Moran '82 Joan & Thomas Mullins '82 Karrie & Daniel O'Connor '88 Michael O'Hara '93 Quest Food Management Services Selden Fox Sheet Metal Workers' International Association Local Union 7 Bon & Marilyn Sledzinski
Special T Unlimited St. Joseph Parish William '81 & Kathleen (Holler) '82 Tumpane Turano Bakery Inc. Rita & Walter Weisenburger '75 Andrew Weisenburger '05 John & Susan Wick Patrick '74 & Janis (Goebel) '74 Williams Andrew Young '77 Karim & Tania Yunez Gary & Cathy Zabinski
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Jim & Lee Liston Chris Locascio Michael & Tina Long Shannon Lucas '09 Molly Lucas '12 Richard & Erin Lugowski Michael & Mary Beth Lyons Carl Mack '83 Richard Martinello '87 McCahill Painting Company Beth (Lillig) McInerney '86 Br. Terence McLaughlin, FSC Millennia Group Wilfredo & Delia Miranda Modell Funeral Home Roseann Montgomery '07 Barbara Moran Janice (Baldasar) Morgando '70 Sean Moriarty '87 Michael & Dawn Mostacci Trudi (Wright) Mueller '87 Mary (Donohue) Neis '71 Dan & Colleen Neustadt Nisen & Elliott LLC Tom Novy '75 Patrick '81 & Michelle (Ptak) '88 O'Connor Robert O'Connor† John & Carol L. Olechny O'Neill's Pub Robert Osier '80 Andres & Nicoli Osorio Our Lady of Peace Parish Mary & Daniel Owczarski '83 James & Lucille Parrilli Peaches Boutique Michael & Cynthia Perrino Terrence & Barbara Pestel James & Lillian Picker Tamara Pieranunzi Kelly Ragonese '95 Roberta & Gary Raike Charles Raucci '86 Joseph '86 & Vicki (Jaloszynski) '88 Ream Christopher Reed '93 Ronald Rench Riggs Brothers Carol Ripp Robert & Roseanne Ripper Robets Design & Build LLC Joann Rodi Scott Ross '72 Sarah Rousseau Thomas Ruddy John '74 & Deborah (O'Connell) '74 Ryan Chuck Sanders '72 Alexander Santay '12 Peter Scheffler '85 Dale & Martina Schieman Susan Schrader '71 Dick Schroeder '74 Michael & Joanne Scott Adrienne Segovia '79 Service Pallet Keith Shannon '89 Shell Oil Company Foundation Steven Shimkus '84 Earl & Mary Signer Mary Slattery Gregory Smith '70 Tom & Margret Smith Gregory & Diane Sosnovich
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Sports Brain St. Isidore Church St. Represenative Jim Durkin Andy Stoltman '87 Rebecca (Stumbaugh) Stumbaugh-Murray '99 Gregory & Lisa Suffield
643 generous gifts received this year, totaling $1,327,061 Suncraft Technologies Inc. Brian & Jennifer Swaw Benjamin & Karmen Tai Michael Tellone '71 Mary (Cesaretti) Traficanti '70 Bill & Beatriz Trimarco T's Baseball Mary Ann Tumpane Jack & Michelle Urban John & Mariann Valle Ruben & Laura Vazquez Kathi & John Vosicky '89 Thomas Wasilowski '05 Matthew Westerkamp '11 Jay & Lisa White Mary & Jay Williams '76 Don & Betty Willig York Center Firefighters Assoc. Thomas Young '70 Charles Zapinski '85 Michael Zavra Henry Zeisel '81 Richard & Catherine Zeisel
Friend of Montini Catholic ($1 - $99) Ronald Abramowicz Amazon Smile Glen & Diane Armstrong Arthur J. Gallagher Foundation Janelle (Picker) Bailey '80 James & Erika Baka Phillip & Jean Balsamo Joseph Basso James & Mary Benka Eligio & Regina Bertucci Jean Boyd Colleen (Transier) Bruckmann '95 Bob Brusich Veronica Cakuls Noel & Susan Camba Robert & Olivia Capparelli Antonino Carollo '16 Patricia Castrogiovanni Mariadas & Vijaya Chinthagada Joseph & Jennifer Ciaccio James & Mary Collins Jean Marie Considine Joseph & Carla Cousineau Matthew & Angela Cushing Peter & Lisa D'Amico-Finch William Dawes '13 Warren Dawes '16
Robert & Laura Detmers G. Vern Diedrick Richard Dolan '70 William Duffy '71 Geraldine Dulkoski Randy & Rosemary Dus Donald & Christine Ernat Laurette (Bruni) Espeland '71 Kathy & Leonard Farina Marilyn Ferris Thomas Finch '74 Adrian Finiak '05 Dolores (Powers) Fisher '72 Mike & Stacy Flannery Diane Flynn Sue Ann Fraher Ellen Franks Robin (Finnerty) Freiburger '84 Brendan Gallagher '98 Edward & Catherine Gannon Jason & Maria Garcia-Hermann Laura (Doran) Gaughan '85 Michael & Kristine Gergen Catherine (Calhan) Giancana '75 Kelly (Lucas) Glennon '06 Martha Grant '05 Sam Greenberg Paul & Maria Greico Stephen Gryl '78 Kevin & Linda Haynes Danielle Heilmann Thomas & Patricia Herold John Hlavacka '70 Donald Hoem Maria (Rosales) Hupp '10 Cesar & Gemma Husmillo Michael & Michele Isherwood Kevin Jaeger '71 Edward & Diane Jandacek Scott & Julie Jonlich Stephanie Kaefer '12 Frederick & Jeanne Kaefer John Kalal '13 Bernard & Claire Keating Catherine Kitz '13 M.C. Kokkelenberg Matthew & Beth Komel Mark & Debbie Kosmach Dennis & Nancy Koziol Daniel Landano '92 Brianna Latko '89 Mary (Babel) Lauinger '98 Terence Leen Lifetouch Senior Portraits Francis & Camille Lillig Margaret Lindstrom '72 Mario & Anne Lipira Dennis & Patricia Lisauskas Derrick Locascio Mary Jeanne (Donahue) Lorenzo '72 Kevin Lucas '07 Bridget Lucas '14 Ike & Sonia Lusk Dominic Lynch '11 Gabriel Lynch '14 Jack & Eileen Maggiore Colleen Marks Christopher & Judith Martin Robert & Sue Martin Joseph & Rose Marie Martinet Diann Matheson Charles & Juliette Matthews Michael & Karry May
Jennifer (Willig) Mayerik '01 John & Presy Milas Dr. Larry Misialek Charles Montgomery '09 Richard & Sylvia Mueller Deanna Mulay '14 Robert & Diane Nanna Daniel & Nancy Nigri Charles & Ifeoma Nkuku Edmund & Mary O'Brien Patrick & Mary Ann O'Connor Tim Ogan '90 Joan O'Hara Charlene Oliver Rafael & Denise Ortiz Harvey Outlaw & Eva Walker Outlaw Paul & Lisa Palasek Robert & Charlene Paprockas Robert & Barbara Pauley Gregory & Beverly Peck Bernard & Marian Pepping Gerald Peterson Charlene Piamonte Brian Piper '12 Marjorie (Ferri) Ploense '79 James & Karen Pogorelec George Prather Ashley (Petrovich) Raimondi '03 David & Maria Ramon Karen & John Regan '73 James & Carrie Ricchetti Jeff & Gina Riemma Wayne & Barb Rollag Robert Roller '71 Stephen Santay '07 Kimberly (Shroka) Schiller '78 Daniel & Tina Schmidt Jeannine Schonta '71 Bernard & Winifred Schorle Margaret (Pardi) Schwanebeck '72 William & Helen Scott James & Terri Segredo Kristina Sessa Mary Sheahan-Latronica George Sheffer '70 Daniel & Lu Ann Shields Terry & Mary Lou Sidlow Thomas & Beth Signore Rory & Mary Smith Christopher & Elise Snyder Henry & Teresa Sokalski Peter Squier '77 Emily (Fahey) Steinberg '10 Joshua Stevenson '09 Jack & Laverne Terracciano Deborah (Darley) Tharp '78 Rebecca Thompson Tyler Tumpane '14 Donne & Geraldine (Dulkoski) Viau '87 Dan & Joanne Viollt Kay Vlahos Rob & Michelle Voss Jill Wagner '16 Paul & Linnea Warda William & Susan Weisshaar Matt & Carolyn Wind Fiona Winfrey '16 Michael & Deborah Wiseman David & Liz Wozniak Susan & Jon Zick Lineta Zileniene James & Peggy Zirko William & Jill Zouras
annuAl fund GIVING BY CLASS 2019-20 Class of 1970 Eileen (Finn) Davis Donald Davis Richard Dolan Armand Esposito John Hlavacka Carol (Kearney) Kelly Michael Manna Janice (Baldasar) Morgando George Sheffer Gregory Smith Mary (Cesaretti) Traficanti Class of 1971 Jim Donovan William Duffy Laurette (Bruni) Espeland Gwen (Tregler) Esposito Kevin Jaeger Martin Kolinski Mary (Donohue) Neis Robert Roller Jeannine Schonta Susan Schrader Diane (Kosmach) Schumacher Mike Schumacher Mary Beth (Tokarski) Smedinghoff Michael Tellone Class of 1972 Dolores (Powers) Fisher Catherine (Murphy) Henry Margaret Lindstrom Mary Jeanne (Donahue) Lorenzo Michael McNamara Scott Ross Chuck Sanders Margaret (Pardi) Schwanebeck Kevin Smith Class of 1973 Timothy O'Malley John Regan Class of 1974 Diane (Boeh) Davies Thomas Finch Janis Orlowski Dick Schroeder Janis (Goebel) Williams Patrick Williams
Class of 1975 Catherine (Calhan) Giancana Mark Gransee Larry Kolinski Tom Novy Class of 1976 Paul Aronian Christine (Temborius) Babb Thomas Boeh Marguerite (Rogers) Kolinski Patricia Licata Richard Rafanelli Matthew Thompson
39 out of Montini’S 51 graduating classes have participated in our Annual Fund Class of 1977 Mark Calandra Julia (Whalen) Musil Peter Squier Class of 1978 Larry Brady Kenneth Fernandez Stephen Gryl Kathleen (Happel) Naatz Sean Ross Kimberly (Shroka) Schiller Deborah (Darley) Tharp Susan (Reedy) Williams Class of 1979 James Gearen Kirk Holman Judy (Mullins) Lucas Kathy (Schmitt) Miley John Nania Marjorie (Ferri) Ploense
Adrienne Segovia Gregg Williams Class of 1980 Janelle (Picker) Bailey Deidre (Chase) Clingen Gwen (Zeisel) Johnson Christopher Kavanaugh Robert Osier John Riggs Class of 1981 James Beverley Patrick O'Connor William Tumpane Henry Zeisel Class of 1982 Catherine (Baloun) Beverley Beth Clynch Lawrence Diedrick William Moran Thomas Mullins Kathleen (Holler) Tumpane Bruce Zidarich Class of 1983 John Cady Carl Mack Daniel Owczarski Class of 1984 Dina (Forillo) Cady Lisa Conaghan Gina Dado Robin (Finnerty) Freiburger Steven Shimkus James Susic Class of 1985 Jeannette (Workman) Bartosz Christopher Breck Laura (Doran) Gaughan Jacqueline (Susic) Koustrup Scott Reid Peter Scheffler Charles Zapinski Class of 1986 Michael Gilmartin Daniel Laughlin Beth (Lillig) McInerney Charles Raucci Timothy Trotter
Class of 1987 Lisa Furey Sean Moriarty Trudi (Wright) Mueller Timothy O'Connor Norman Sidler Andy Stoltman Geraldine (Dulkoski) Viau Class of 1988 Edmund Burke Michael Fitzpatrick Vince Gavin Michelle (Ptak) O'Connor Daniel O'Connor Brian Ruddy Class of 1989 Carolyn (Cozzi) Chinthagada Dinesh Chinthagada Brian Forde Gerald King Tammy Kocher Brianna Latko Keith Shannon Shannon (Mullins) Smith John Vosicky Class of 1990 Cynthia (Krones) Colleran Dennis Colleran Lucia Maffei Class of 1991 Anna (Thallemer) Sharp Class of 1992 Daniel Landano Class of 1994 Amy (Caveney) Canty Sara Colleran Class of 1996 Katie (Doll) Hubeny Jim Hubeny Class of 1998 Brendan Gallagher Mary (Babel) Lauinger Class of 1999 Christopher Dziewiatkowski
Class of 2000 Rebecca (Stumbaugh) Murray Class of 2001 Thomas Costantini Jennifer (Willig) Mayerik Class of 2003 Michael Alebich Ashley (Petrovich) Raimondi Class of 2004 Sarah (Birdsall) Kulick Class of 2005 Vincent Colletti Martha Grant Thomas Wasilowski Class of 2007 Giancarlo Iannotta Roseann Montgomery Stephen Santay Class of 2008 Sean Cahill Class of 2009 Charles Montgomery Class of 2010 Kaitlin (Maggiore) Konopacz John Konopacz Emily (Fahey) Steinberg Class of 2012 Stephanie Kaefer Matthew Leakakos Brian Piper Alexander Santay Class of 2013 William Dawes Class of 2014 Gabriel Lynch Deanna Mulay Tyler Tumpane Class of 2016 Antonino Carollo Warren Dawes Jill Wagner Fiona Winfrey
How to Give to montini’s annual fund
School, 19W070 16th St., Lombard IL 60148.
you!
CREDIT CARD American Express, Visa, MasterCard or
Matching Gift from your company. Over 15,000 companies match charitable donations. Check with your HR department to see if your company participates in this program.
Discover, either online @ 630-627-6920 X177 or visit: www.montini.org/annualfund/powerpotential.
RECURRING (SCHEDULED) GIFTS You can set up
DIGITALLY @ www.montini.org/annualfund/powerpotential
monthly, quarterly or semi-annual gifts via the online donation form. Can’t give $100 now, how about $10 per month? Contact Michelle Ptak O’Connor ‘88 at: moconnor@montini.org.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
27% (155) of gifts given were between Thank $51 & $150 MAIL Checks (in envelope provided) to Montini Catholic High MATCHING GIFTS Double the impact of your gift with a
Fall 2020 11
COVER STORY
so far
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
so good 12
“We are so excited to have the students and their positive energy back in the building!”
Cover Photo: Reeghan Boyer ‘22 & Quinn Boyer ‘24
Fall 2020
After a long summer of planning, Montini Catholic students were welcomed back in the building for their first day of the 2020-21 school year on August 17th, beginning the school year in ‘hybrid’ mode and the hope of returning to full attendance later this fall. In an effort to maintain class sizes and corridor traffic to allow for social distancing, the plan has half of the students in the building on alternating days. Students have been assigned to a 'Maroon or Gold cohort group' and will be on campus every other day, learning virtually when not in the building. Principal Kevin Beirne assured parents and faculty that the hybrid model would allow the school to space students out in the classroom in such a way that they can minimize the number of students and teachers considered to be in close contact with any one student. Four planning committees were created by the administration to hone in on the different aspects of opening safely and efficiently (Academic Program, School Building, Communications and Community Health & Safety). The final plan represented their collective decisions on how best to begin the 2020-21 school year. "Changes to this plan will be necessitated as circumstances and guidance shift," said Mr. Beirne.
“Our smaller school size gives us an edge over larger schools in that we are able to better handle the state's guidelines. Ultimately, based on a comprehensive planning process, we feel we’ve devised a plan that will allow us to maximize student learning and engagement in the safest way possible." Mr. Beirne could not be more proud of the work his colleagues have put in to craft a plan for the re-opening. "As an independent Catholic school, we really do have the ability to make decisions as close to the students as possible. With more than 25 of our educators involved in the process, the plan truly is a reflection of the collective wisdom of the entire group. That said, it wasn't an easy process. In total, our four planning groups met more than 57 times for more than 85 hours this summer."
Key Points to Re-Opening Plan: • All community members are required to wear a face covering. • Students, faculty, and staff are temperature scanned upon entering the building each day. • Parents required daily to certify that their student(s) is free from virus symptom.
Montini’s Academic Planning group was led by Assistant Principal Sara Lhotka. This group was tasked with developing portions of the plan that relate to: Hybrid Learning model development, classroom technology acquisition, incoming student summer academic program, grading policies, faculty professional development, stakeholder feedback, school calendar and daily schedule considerations, implications for courses in Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and Health/PE, student long terms absences, substitute teaching capacity, standardized testing, and revision of the current e-Learning plan. "We were able to use this summer to reflect on the e-Learning experience in April and May," informed Lhotka. "While we were very proud of the students and faculty for all they did at the end of the year, we knew that we wanted to find ways to have students back in the building with their teacher."
for our parents and students to see all the upgrades to our campus," said President Jim
We are very excited to continue to carry out our mission of education with our students - we all need each other more than ever!" Segredo. The auditorium underwent a major renovation. The Ed and Pam Mack Learning Resource Center also underwent a major reimagining that consists of adding an academic commons, group collaboration areas
"Campus bandwidth has been doubled in order to facilitate live-streaming of classroom instruction for students engaged in Virtual Learning at home," said Lhotka. "Each classroom is equipped with a tripod and microphone so teachers can broadcast their classroom as needed."
• A robust plan keeps the building clean and sanitized. • Non-athletic extracurricular activities are conducted within the confines of state guidance. • Athletic participation is dictated by the IHSA. On days when Bronco students are home, they are able to access the classroom via live-streaming technology, allowing them to participate in classroom activities when appropriate and to interact with the teacher as needed. Teachers are utilizing more flipped lessons in which students receive instruction while at home and work with the teacher in the classroom to apply that instruction. "We worked very hard to develop a plan that would provide opportunities for the students at home to engage in the classroom activities with their peers and their teachers," added Lhotka. "We are confident that we developed a plan that will both engage the students and challenge the students academically. We are so excited to have the students and their positive energy back in the building." Montini did not let the unprecedented situation interrupt campus improvement projects scheduled for the summer. "We were excited
"Somehow this has seemed like both the longest and shortest summer break in memory," said Beirne "We all entered this school year with trepidation, anxiety, fear, uncertainty and disorientation. But, we also looked forward with excitement, confidence, zeal, faith and flexibility! We are very excited to continue to carry out our mission of education with our students we all need each other more than ever!"
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
While expectation was for all students to participate in the Hybrid Learning model and full in-person learning (once it is considered safe), Montini has recognized that some students may not be able to attend in-person learning for various reasons including those related to their health or the health of family members. "While we do not have an online learning program open to all students, we will work on a case by case basis with those families unable to send their students to school to develop a plan that meets their needs," said Beirne.
and meeting space to the existing computer center and student study areas. "This transformation will result in a flexible, collaborative, and attractive learning space for students to engage with their academic work and their classmates," said Segredo. In addition, the girls locker room was renovated as well as the school's Student Services Center. "These improvements were hopefully a nice boost to the morale of our students when they returned to campus."
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AT H L E T I C S
––– SPORTS SHORTS ––––––––
Fall
SPORTS WRAP-UP
FROM KICKS TO SLICES One Montini athlete discovers hidden talent during Covid.
This fall, Montini Catholic senior, Ben Snukst has truly embraced the proverbial phrase - 'when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.' Upon learning that his soccer season had been postponed, Ben decided to try out for Golf, after picking up his first clubs over the summer. Seven short weeks later, Ben is on his way to Sectionals! "Ben managed to shoot an 86 tieing for the 4th spot and advancing . He
Fall 2019 Photo
FOOTBALL Expectations are high in Bronco Nation! The Montini Broncos have been quietly preparing for the upcoming Football season, working hard both in the weight room and on the practice field. Coming off of last season’s Chicago Catholic League Green Division Conference Championship, and the programs 27th consecutive IHSA playoff appearance, expectations are high once again in Bronco Nation! The Bronco’s have played in a State Championship game on Thanksgiving weekend eight out of the last eleven years, and even though the IHSA has not finalized the spring schedule, as usual the Broncos will carry lofty goals into the season, playing in one of the premier high school football conferences in the Midwest, The Chicago Catholic League.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express Montini Catholic Bronco Express
“Montini returns six starters on the defensive side of the ball starting with senior defensive linemen Demond Butcher, Vinicio McPhee, and Sonny Ortiz, all having great off seasons,” Coach Mike Bukovsky ‘83 commented. “Senior Nick Gerbasi will head up the linebacker corps, while versatile playmaker and three-year starter, DiAndre Harris, will lead the secondary, along with senior corner Jalen McBride. Offensively a pair of three-year starters return to anchor the offensive line in Dagen Miller and Colin Baker, while Butcher will add to his defensive duties with plenty of offensive line action as well. McBride also returns as a primary playmaker at receiver, and Harris will also be counted on, once again, to run the ball, as well as work as a receiver.”
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Ben Snukst ‘21
finished tied for 10th overall," said Coach Scott. "That's a huge accomplishment for anyone who's played golf - let alone someone who just picked up clubs for the first time this summer!" "I learned a lot about golf from playing with my family and friends," said Ben. "I began practicing with Coach Scott and the team and I learned even more!" Ben's enthusiasm for golf remains high - and there's no doubt his positive attitude will bode well for him at Sectionals. "I don’t know what to expect, but I’m looking forward to playing.”
The Broncos will count on some talented seniors, juniors and a few sophomores to emerge in certain positions by the end of October, when official practices end. “Right now we have to keep moving forward in every workout and every practice and keep getting better individually, which will ultimately improve our team,” adds Bukovsky, now in his 31st year of coaching in the Bronco Football Program, and his 4th year as Head Coach. “Our guys have done a great job of handling the adversity presented to them almost on a daily basis, and staying positive and productive. We know we have a great opportunity to make history this spring in a high school football season that will be talked about and remembered for a very long, long time. Our guys want to be sure they do everything in their power to stay tough and have a great season!” Fall 2020
Braden Stauffenberg ‘22
RING OF CHAMPIONS
Bronco Wrestlers received their 2020 championship rings in August! Wear them with pride, champions!
AT H L E T I C S
VOLLEYBALL
WELCOME NEW COACHES Mike Benefiel '07 has been selected as the new Head Coach of the Bronco Championship Wrestling Team. "Mike takes over the program after having wrestled as a Bronco student athlete at Montini and serving as Assistant Coach for the last 6 years where he has seen our Broncos through to four state championships," said Principal Kevin Beirne. "We feel Coach Benefiel is best positioned to continue the incredible success the wrestling program and the student athletes in it have been able to achieve for more than 20 years." Shannon (Herold) Spanos ‘99 will head up our Lady Broncos Varsity Basketball Team. "We set out to find a leader not only capable of continuing the winning tradition in the program, but someone who would lead with passion, energy, professionalism, and integrity," said Principal Kevin Beirne upon announcing Coach Spanos to the student body. "Our athletes deserve the very best, and we’re confident we’ve found a great fit!" Spanos coaches at FLOW Basketball Academy in Glen Ellyn and was Head Sophomore Basketball Coach at Glenbard West prior to bringing her coaching talents to the Bronco court.
Bronco sidelines will see a few new faces with additions to our award winning coaching staff. It’s Adam DeMong who will lead our Boys Varsity Basketball Team! DeMong began his basketball playing career at Glenbard West High School. "It’s clear from his substantial playing and coaching experience that Adam has an incredibly high basketball IQ," said Principal Kevin Beirne upon introducing him to the Montini Catholic community. "When you meet him, you’ll quickly get a sense of just how driven he is to succeed and how passionate he is about the growth of his players and the team."
Also in February, we announced the addition of Patricia Samolinski as Head Coach of our Girls Volleyball Team. Samolinski is the Director of Lions West Volleyball Club and Co-Director of First Alliance Volleyball Training Facility in Westmont. She is the West Fall League Director for the club's youth program and Head Coach of their 16 Black team. Samolinski was Varsity Assistant Coach for the 2019 season at St. Francis High School and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Athletic Training from Illinois State University.
CROSS COUNTRY Boys Cross Country got off to a great start this season, although Covid restrictions changed our schedule. Montini hosted two meets at Knoll Park - after not hosting a high school meet for over 10 years. Our Broncos won their home opener against St. Rita and DePaul Prep. They then won their second consecutive meet finishing first at the DePaul Prep Ram Invite. Our Broncos finished in 2nd to Fenwick at Knolls Park and finished 3rd at the tough Harvest Christian Invite. Montini is led by Senior Nick Fisch (pictured above) who was a 2019 State Qualifier. Fisch has won 3 of his first 4 races this season. Broncos are currently ranked 23rd in the state and will compete in Regionals and Sectionals at the end of October. (Unfortunately, due to Covid, there will not be a Cross Country State Meet.) The Montini Girls Cross Country team has been able to race most every week since late August. Consistently, team leader and sophomore Katie Gertsen has led the team to the finish line. Heather Sledzinski is a returning senior and captain having some solid races as she completes her career.
GIRLS GOLF Our girls competed in the GCAC Conference Championship - placing 6th out of 12 teams. The placing team consisted of seniors, Maddie McDowell ‘21, Mary Mikolajczak ‘22, Kristina Singleton ‘21 and Maddie Crosse ‘21.* Up next, Regionals!
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
In February, we added Kathryn Perry as the Head Coach of our Girls Soccer Team. Perry graduated this May from North Central College with a Masters in Leadership Degree (with an emphasis on Sports Leadership). Among her credentials, Perry is the Graduate Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Coach at North Central College and serves as the team's Recruiting Coordinator and Defensive and Goalkeeping specialists. She holds a U.S. Soccer E License and takes pride in her coaching style which is intended to motivate, encourage, and inspire student-athletes, with the goal of helping them to succeed in their sport and prepare them for life after athletics.
It has been a tough, but productive fall for our Volleyball program. “The girls worked really hard during the summer, so when the season was pushed to February it kind of took the wind out of our sails a bit,” said Coach Samolinski. “There is something really special about being able to compete for your high school and with Montini’s school spirit and great fan following I know the girls were really bummed. But, we have a really unique opportunity now to continue to train hard and become better teammates and players so we are a stronger and better team come February.” The team is taking full advantage of their 20 fall contact dates. “The gym and weight room are always full of energy and as soon as we can take the floor, we will be a force,” added Coach. “We are looking to our seniors for leadership and of course hoping to give them a proper last Lady Bronco season. We have an extremely versatile and experienced varsity team and are really excited to see what they can do against some of the best teams in the state!”
Fall 2020 15
20 things about Mr. Beirne you never knew you didn’t know . . . 1. I spent a summer in high school herding sheep on my second cousin’s farm in Ireland. 2. In my first year teaching at St. John’s College High School in Washington D.C., I had some epic hair that reached all the way down to my shoulders. I think I’ve destroyed all photographic evidence from this period. 3. I can expertly ruin any recipe in the kitchen, though I can make a mean cocktail. 4. I’ve taught at two Lasallian high schools and been a student at a Lasallian University. #IAMLASALLIAN! 5. I’ve never met a cheese I didn’t love! 6. If strategically loading a dishwasher were a sport, I’d be an all-pro. 7. Prior to becoming an educator, I worked in the corporate world in telecommunications for PacBell and SBC. 8. Though none can compare to Illinois, I’ve lived in several states including New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, Washington D,C., Virginia, and California. 9. In 1998 I attended the Easter Vigil Mass at the Vatican. It was a wonderful experience to be at a Mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II. 10. Since I started at Montini, I’ve had offices in six different places, one of which is now the Spirit Store and taught in six different classrooms. 11. When I was in high school, I authored a weekly music review column in the Chicago Daily Herald. A savvy Internet sleuth might just find the columns! 12. I’m married to my sports fan nemesis - a Cardinals and Packers fan.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
K
evin Beirne began his third year as principal of Montini Catholic with a bang - dealing with one of the most unprecedented times in our school history! But even the Covid crisis hasn’t ruffled his feathers one bit. His leadership and energetic personality keeps our staff motivated and inspired to create the best experience possible for all Broncos! Here’s just a few of the things you may not know about our fearless leader.
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Fall 2020
13. I live next door to a Montini teacher. 14. I was a college athlete at the Catholic University of America. Ultimate Frisbee fans are probably already aware of this. 15. My son and I attend the Cubs home opener and the Cubs Convention each year. 16. One of my very first jobs was serving as a serf at Medieval Times. 17. My toughest class in high school was Chemistry. Biology was a close second, where I didn’t have the stomach for dissecting things. 18. Prior to becoming an administrator, I taught English for many years including English 10, Honors English 10, Speech, British Literature, Epic Hero, Multimedia Journalism, and Senior English. 19. I’ve always wanted to be an airplane pilot. 20. I have a tattoo related to another item on this list. Let the speculation begin!
ALUMNI NEWS
HE’s got spiriT Montini Catholic’s Spirit Store has a new leader at the helm! Alumnus William Dawes ‘13, is the man calling the shots these days! William is enjoying his third year as a Montini staff member where he has worn many hats over the short span of time. He is a substitute teacher and he also assists in coaching Montini’s Football and Softball teams. “I also work in our Development Office when I’m not in the store,” he says. After graduating from North Central College in 2017, where he majored in Broadcast Communications, it wasn’t long before he decided that Montini was where he wanted to be. “Coming back here was one of the best decisions I ever made. Each day I get the opportunity to interact with our students and be a role model for the next generation of graduates!” Just this year, William has taken over as the moderator of Montini’s Broadcasters Team, helping young broadcasters hone their skills at the microphone during daily announcements. William is enjoying the experience of managing the store, which he says is a totally new experience for him, but one that he embraces. “My responsibilities at the Spirit Store are primarily to help customers make purchases and to work with my vendors to come up with new products and designs for stocking and selling. We just launched our online store, so I am also responsible for filling online orders and shipping them if needed. I am learning everyday how to run a successful operation.”
Bronco fans can purchase Bronco gear at Montini.org (click on the Spirit Store button).
So far, so good - as William is getting the job done! “My main goals this year is to run a profitable Spirit Store by coming up with new product designs that Bronco fans will like!”
Make a la ing gift for e future For over 50 years, committed alumni, parents and friends have supported our mission to advance Montini Catholic and provide for the future.
I would like to encourage other alums and past parents of students of Montini to remember Montini Catholic High School when it is time for one’s own estate planning. Montini Catholic has formed a long tradition of excellence over the past 50+ years! It will be with your own consideration and help of including Montini in your estate planning that this precious and valued tradition will continue in perpetuity for generations. - Janice (Baldasar) Morgando ‘70
Planned Giving can involve making charitable gifts through your estate plans and may result in favorable financial benefits for you or your estate. Montini Catholic welcomes gifts made through different planned giving arrangements. These plans can pay you or your family income, entitle you to charitable income and/or gift or estate tax deductions, and enable you to leave a legacy for Montini Catholic and support our Lasallian mission. The most common type of planned gifts are: • A bequest in your will or trust • Insurance policies with Montini Catholic named as the beneficiary • IRA required minimum distribution to Montini Catholic (for those 70 ½ and older) If you have decided to include Montini Catholic in your estate plans, please let us know. Thank you for your consideration. For more information about leaving your legacy, contact Jim Segredo at 630.627.6930 or jsegredo@montini.org.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
I was very fortunate to be a graduate of the Charter Class of 1970. My own Montini Catholic experience helped to form and mold my leadership skills which, in turn, helped me to achieve a very successful career in the clinical laboratory industry for 35 years. Once we retired it was time for us to prepare for Estate Planning. When my husband, Tony, and I began the preparation of our estate planning, we decided to include Montini Catholic High School in our overall plans. We wanted to help the school to insure and to enable that the “Montini Catholic Experience” would be available for future generations of students. We firmly believe it is important that these LaSallian Christian Brother values and traditions continue to be instilled in our youth of both today and tomorrow! These very same values helped to shape my own personal and professional life.
Fall 2020 17
Newest Alumni
ALUMNI NEWS
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Seniors have their moment! Members of our Class of 2020 took part in a unique graduation on July 17th, while celebrating Montini’s 51st Commencement ceremony and crossing over from Bronco student to alumni.
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With an elaborate stage set up outdoors, families were greeted one by one in the unique 'Drive Through' celebration. Students were asked to sign a special poster to be hung in the school to memorialize what will go down as a historic graduation (due to statewide Covid 19 regulations regarding large gathering).
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"It was a very special day," said President Jim Segredo. "We tirelessly went over every graduation scenario we could think of to make the best of this unique situation for our graduates. We truly wanted to make this a memorable day for them." Videos and photographs were posted on social media throughout the day as parents and families shared their well wishes to one another. "So many tears of joy and gratitude for our beloved Montini," said Montini alumna Catherine Murphy Peska '86 who's son, Ethan received his diploma. "Thank you for doing all you did to make this graduation day so special for our Seniors! I am proud that my son is now a Montini alum like his mom!"
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1. Valedictorian, Tess Noonan 2. Katherine Isoda 3. Luke Marciniak 4. Sam Mikolajczak arrives in style 5. Maggie Connelly 6. A thankful graduate shows their Bronco Pride 7. Aidan O’Connor* 8. Ethan Peska*
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Thank you to all the participants in this year's 31st Annual Bronco Classic Golf Outing on August 14th. We also want to thank all our sponsors, donors and volunteers for all their help and support to make the outing a success. We would especially like to thank:
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Mr. Jim Miller, member of the Montini Catholic Board of Directors for being this year's Bronco Classic Diamond Sponsor. Mr. Mike Allred, Owner of Q's Restaurant in Hillside for sponsoring our ‘Beat the Pro’ Competition and our two PGA golf professionals.
THANK YOU Fall 2020
Mr. Garry Kraemer, a good friend to Montini Catholic, who donated the wheelbarrow and the $700 of product to sponsor the Wheelbarrow Raffle. He also donated several gifts for the Bronco Raffle and Silent Auction. List of 2020 winners @ montini.org/broncoclassic20
KEEPING UP WITH THE
BRONCOS Please e-mail your Bronco updates and/or photos to alumni@montini.org.
MARRIAGES, FUTURE BRONCOS, UPDATES & SYMPATHIES
sympathies
in memoriAm
The Cummane Family on the passing of Barbara Cummane, mother of Mary Beth (Cummane) Provenzano ‘82, Caroline (Cummane) Bean ‘83, Barbara (Cummane) Provenzano ‘85, Tom ‘88 and the late Debbie Cummane ‘89.
Joe Howard ’73 passed away on September 17, 2019.
The Monty Family on the passing of MaryAnn Monty, mother of Karen Monty ‘84 and Sharon (Monty) Moody ’84.
Timothy Green ‘82, brother of Maureen (Green) Brizzolara ‘78, Patricia Green ‘80, and Anne (Green) Lesinski ‘87. Tim was also uncle to Kerrianne (Milem) Duggan ‘94 and Brandon Frey ‘06.
Tom Rauch ’71 on the passing of his wife, Mary Beth. The Schumacher Family on the passing of George Schumacher, father of Kevin Schumacher ‘96, brother of Mike Schumacher ‘71 and brother -in-law of Diane (Kosmach) Schumacher ‘71. The Shannon Family on the passing of Jane Shannon, mother of Jim ‘87, Keith ‘89, Katie (Shannon) Main ‘92 and Tim ‘97. Mrs. Shannon was also aunt of the Signer and Saunders children.
UPDATES Mario LoRusso ’18 is currently playing hockey for the Decatur Blaze, and has recently accepted a scholarship to Indiana Tech University. He will be pursuing a Major in Graphic Design & Minor in Business Management. Angela Hillebrand Suwanski '91, kindergarten teacher at St. Joan of Arcs, was recently named WGN News Channel 9 "Teacher of the Month.” Emily Lezcano ‘16 graduated Summa Cum Laude, Phi Kappa Phi from Illinois Wesleyann this past spring. She majored in Nursing.
The Temborius Family on the passing of Joan C. Temborius mother of Ann (Temborius)Parr ‘74, Barb Temborius, ‘75, Chris ( Temborius) Babb ‘76, Joe Temborius ‘77, Jim Temborius ‘79 and Molly Johnson, ‘89.
Lyndsey McDonnell ‘16 was among over 3,800 students from Miami University who received
Andrew Bolisay ’19 was among the more than 800 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to the president's list recognizing academic excellence for the 2020 spring semester. Andrew is a student in the UI's College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and is majoring in Pre-Medicine.
births
Doug Diedrick ‘11 and wife, Maggie, welcomed Emmett Lawrence (above) on September 6, 2020. Agnes Mattson Kawa ’03 and husband Alex welcomed son Ethan Wyatt on February 24, 2020. Nicole Farruggia ‘99 and Dan Mitchell welcomed Gabriella Elise Mitchell on June 26, 2020. Gabi joins bigs sister Gianna. Jenna Gasbarre Goworowski ’10 and husband, AJ, welcomed Charles Robert (left) on August 13, 2020. Katie Gibson Van Huysse ’98 and her husband Matt are celebrating the birth of their son, James Bennett Gibson, born February 17, 2020. Jimmy joins big sister Maeve.
Attention Bronco Classes of 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020
Here come your spring yearbook supplements! If you are in our Classes of 2017, 2018 or 2019, a Bronco Spring Supplement is headed your way. We’ve located extra copies and want to make sure every graduate has one for any future trips down ‘Memory Lane.’ Class of 2020 - your supplements are being printed and will also be arriving in your mailbox soon!
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
The O’Connor Family on the passing of Robert O'Connor, father of Kerry (O'Connor) Blasgen '86, Tim O'Connor '87 and Dan O'Connor '88. Mr. O'Connor was also the grandfather of Mailie O'Connor '16, Dan O'Connor '17, Rian O'Connor '18, Riley O'Connor '19, Aidan O'Connor '20 and Katie O'Connor '21.
degrees during their virtual spring commencement in May. Lyndsey graduated CUM with a B.S. in Business degree, majoring in Finance.
Thomas McCarthy ’78 passed away on December 7, 2019.
The Stringini Family on the passing of Richard Stringini, brother of Sue Stringini Miles ‘70 and cousin of Peggy (Noldan) Ryan ‘71.
The Kavanaugh Family on the passing of Mrs. Marilyn Kavanaugh, wife of Jim Kavanaugh, former teacher, coach and Athletic Director (1967-2000) and mother of Ken '79, Christopher '80, Matt '82, Kathleen '84†, Maureen '88, Coleen '89 and mother-in-law of Cathleen Jelinek Kavanaugh '80.
ALUMNI NEWS
Fall 2020 19
BRONCO EXPRESS Montini Catholic High School 19W070 16th Street Lombard, IL 60148 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Are you getting multiple issues of Bronco Express? Please send address changes for Montini graduates not at this address to: alumni@montini.org.
Thank you!
THANK YOU! For your gracious gifts to our One Montini Tuition Assistance Fund - created to help families deal with the affects of COVID 19.
Over $330,000 given! 105 donors helped 88 students with tuition assistance for the last school year & with this school year.
PLEASE REMEMBER US THIS YEAR ON
December 1, 2020 www.montini.org/givingtuesday