WINTER 2019
g n o r t S s r a e Y 2 2 r e l b b o G n e d l o G Innovation Center Ribbon Cutting
BrONCOPALOOZA HOMECOMING 2019
FALL SPORTS wrap-up
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT “It has been a great year for our students and school community with a number of success stories.” - Jim Segredo, President
Bronco Express Winter 2019
upcoming events Winter Family Fest - January 26, 2020 Maroon & Gold Gala - March 21, 2020
have a story? Our Bronco Express editors are always looking for great stories about our students and alumni. If you have a story or update that you would like to share, we’d love to hear from you. For student stories please contact Barbara Dawson, Print Media Coordinator at: bdawson@montini.org For alumni updates please email us at: alumni@montini.org
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Barbara Dawson, Editor bdawson@montini.org
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express
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#WeAreMontini To receive your Bronco Express Newsletter electronically please contact Michelle O’Connor ‘88 at: moconnor@montini.org
Winter 2019
Dear Alumni and Friends, I hope that you had a very enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends. Soon we will be beginning the second semester of the 2019-20 school year. There is much to celebrate about our students and team success as well as their commitment to service. Our Golden Gobbler Thanksgiving Food Drive is alive and well at Montini Catholic. Officially named the ‘Golden Gobbler’ in the fall of 1997, the drive has provided thousands of food items to numerous food pantries in DuPage County as well as plentiful boxes of food for families through our ‘Adopt-aFamily’ Christmas giving program. Service is a key component in our Lasallian educational experience. This fall our girls Volleyball team raised funds for Breast Cancer research through their ‘Volley for a Cure’ match while the Football team raised money for the JAWS Foundation at their ‘Tackle for the Cure’ game. Each weekend our students are providing service at local PAD shelters and to the homeless in the city of Chicago. Over this past summer our students participated in a Habitat for Humanity service trip in Indiana and an international mission trip in Jamaica working in an orphanage in the Riverton Meadow community, one of the poorest communities in the country. The ‘Spirit of Giving’ is very much alive at Montini Catholic! The community service learning opportunities that are afforded to our student, as well as the academic and extracurricular programs that are available, are made possible through the generosity and support we receive from our school community. This issue of the Bronco Express provides us with the opportunity to say thank you to all who provided generous support during the 2018-19 school year. It is your support that allows us to continue to provide our students with extensive offerings in our Academic, Extracurricular, Fine Arts and Community Service learning programs. I know I speak for all our students, faculty and staff when I say we are truly grateful. We are now in the midst of our Annual Fund Drive. I am hopeful that all will continue their generosity to our school. I invite those who have not participated in the Annual Fund to experience the ‘Spirit of Giving’ by making a gift this year. Every student at Montini Catholic benefits from your gift to the Annual Fund. A huge thank you goes out to Leigh-Anne, Gerry and Margaret Kazma for their wonderful gift to transform our computer center into a state of the art technology innovation center. Our students are enjoying this new educational space during and after school and the Kazma Family Innovation Center has been a great addition to our school - benefiting our STEM program – a STEM program that Newsweek Magazine recently ranked in the top 7% of high schools in the United States. As always, my sincere appreciation to our alumni, families and friends for your continual support and dedication to Montini Catholic. I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2020. “May Jesus Live In Your Hearts…Forever”. President Sincerely,
Jim Segredo, President
Throughout this issue of Bronco Express, we indicate legacy students (students of alumni) with an asterick (*).
SCHOOL NEWS
Moving
L to r: Technology Director Pete Farina ‘88, President Jim Segredo, Leigh-Anne Kazma, Margaret Kazma, Gerry Kazma and Principal Kevin Beirne
INTO THE FUTURE Montini Catholic proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting ceremony for our new Kazma Innovation Center on Wednesday, September 25th.
The Kazma family proudly supports Catholic education by providing scholarships to the 7 Catholic high schools in the Diocese of Joliet. The Class of 2023 represented the 16th class of high school students that the Kazma family supported and mentored through their generosity. Since their inception, they have supported close to 600 students in the Diocese of Joliet and over 1,000 students worldwide.
Student, Aayan Dhir, showcases Robotics techniques in the new Innovation Center.
Leigh-Anne Kazma serves on several boards including the Catholic Education Foundation (CEF), Chicago's Big Shoulders Fund and numerous elementary and secondary schools. She has dedicated her entire career to personally engaging with students who receive financial aid from the foundation. She serves as a mentor for her – Kazma Innovation Center continued on page 5
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
The evening included a Presentation of Gratitude to Leigh-Anne, Gerry and Margaret Kazma for their generosity in helping us turn our vision into reality. The center was blessed by Father Jeff Stoneberg of Christ the King Parish and guests were invited to tour the latest and greatest addition to our school. “Our students are enjoying this new educational space during and after school and the Kazma family Innovation Center has been a much needed addition to our school’s STEM program,” said President Segredo. (Read about the Innovation Center and its benefits for our students in the Spring ‘19 issue of Bronco Express.)
Winter 2019 3
SCHOOL NEWS
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Congratulations to the Class of 2023 recipients of Montini’s Academic Scholarships offered to incoming freshmen excelling on our December 2018 Placement Exam.
Annabella D'Anca Shannon Blacher Jamie Bukovsky* Luke Cushing Thomas Cyze Matthew DiSimone
Kiki Gaughan Luke Hemmersmeier Andrew Miller Amanda Mrazek Luke Pacelli Samuel Ruddy*
Alexander Silveyra Kenneth Sledzinski Kevin Snyder Joseph Spaccapaniccia* Grace Tierney Michael Wind
A PERFECT
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Above: Back row l to r: Jamie Bukovsky, Amanda Mrazek, Luke Hemmersmeier, Luke Cushing, Samuel Ruddy, Joseph Spaccapaniccia, Thomas Cyze, Matthew DiSimone, Michael Wind, Andrew Miller, Kenneth Sledzinski; Front row: Alexander Silveyra, Kevin Snyder, Grace Tierney, Kiki Gaughan, Annabella D'Anca, Luke Pacelli and Shannon Blacher;
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NATIONAL MERIT NAMES COMMENDED SCHOLARS WEIGER SCHOLARSHIP Congratulations to seniors, Maxwell Kramer and Joseph O'Brien for being recognized as Commended Scholars in the 2020 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Winter 2019
Congratulations to freshman, Jaden McGee (with Karl and Fran Weiger and President Segredo above) on being this year’s recipient of the sixth annual Jonathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship. The Weiger Family selects a student displaying high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. Johnny's parents, Karl and Fran Weiger, presented the award at our Homecoming 2019 Mass in September. * indicates legacy student
AP Scholars
SCHOOL NEWS
(28 Broncos excel on the Spring AP Exams) Scholars - (Score of 3 or higher on 3+ AP Exams) Kylie Boyer ‘20, Cody Collier ‘20, Nicole Dallas ‘20, Josh Gonzaga ‘20, Matt Hejny ‘20*, Olivia Herrmann ‘19, Maxwell Kramer ‘20, Justin Lazowski ‘19, Johanna Locher-Kingsfield ‘19, Zoe MacKay Zacker ‘19, Myles Marciniak ‘20, Luke Morrill ‘19 and Angel Silveyra ‘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) David Batka ‘20, Ian Kwit ‘19, George Lambesis ‘19, Cecelia Moran ‘19*, Joseph O’Brien ‘20, Abigail Petersen ‘20 and Sarah Zimmerman ‘20;
AP Scholars from our Class of 2020 -sitting l to r: Therese Noonan, Nicole Dallas, Abigail Petersen, Kylie Boyer, Sarah Zimmerman, Angel Silveyra; Standing: Maxwell Kramer, Allen Nilson, Matt Hejny, Myles Marciniak, David Batka, Rafael Ortiz, Joseph O’Brien, Joshua Gonzaga and Cody Collier;
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) Andrew Bolisay ‘19, Andrew Ernat ‘19, John Gaughan ‘19, Gabby Lambesis ‘19, Allen Nilson ‘20, Therese Noonan ‘20 and Rafael Ortiz ‘20;
36 STUDENTS JOIN OUR NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY – Kazma Innovation Center continued from page 3
"My family is blessed and we are honored to be able to share our blessings with others,” said Leigh-Anne Kazma in her address to Kazma recipients in August. “Everyone has something to give. Please share your own talents and treasures with others throughout your time in high school, and your lives." We humbly thank Leigh-Anne, Gerry and Margaret Kazma for helping us realize our dream of an Innovation Center and for all they do to support the Lasallian education provided at Montini Catholic.
Congratulations to the newest members of our St. Pope Paul VI National Honor Society, inducted on October 23rd: Gabriel Abbas Connor Breck* Joel Camba Kayla Chrapkowski Daniel Cyze Ayaan Dhir Ellie Dinkel Nicolas Fisch Brendan Gaughan Maria Hemmersmeier Madeline McDowell Jessica McDuff
Justin Monroe Rosalie Moraga Mary-Kate O'Connor* Alyssa Ogrodny Christian Ogrodny Charles Okoli Rafael Ortiz III Andrea Osorio Palomino Cooper Petersen Cydney Rand Alexis Ream* Gabriela Salinas
Paul Scott John Sebben II* Heather Sledzinski Benjamin Snukst Nora Sypkens* Toan Quoc Tran Alexia Urban Jacob Weisshaar Zekai (Jamey) Yao Blake Yore Alise Yunez Isabel Zayed
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
scholarship recipients, reviewing their progress and enjoying lunch and conversation with them on a regular basis. They began providing college scholarships to students at Mercy Home for Boys and Girls in the Archdiocese of Chicago and branched out to provide scholarships to students throughout the Chicagoland area, including the Diocese of Joliet. In recent years, the Kazma Family has established scholarships at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Ava Maria University in Florida, St. Joan of Arc school in Florida, Universidad de Don Bosco in El Salvador, and has helped fun school construction in Honduras.)
Winter 2019 5
SCHOOL NEWS
Artists Month of the
Congratulations to Maria Hemmersmeier ‘20 and Elyse Spaccapaniccia ‘20* on being named Bronco Artists of the Month in the fall. Maria’s medium of choice - colored pencils. "I like how I can mix the colors and the shading of the colors." Maria loves drawing landscapes and city-scapes and welcomes the challenge of perspective and attention to detail in creating these works of art.
September & October
Elyse enjoys taking everyday objects and turning them into works of art through her photography. She thrives on capturing images of "the little things in nature" that many overlook. "I really enjoy photographing nature, flowers, and objects with vibrant colors. I love the vibrant colors because of how much they stand out among the others. Nature itself is very inspiring to me. There is so much beauty in it and no photograph is ever the same!"
Fall play
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Bittersweet Performance
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Drama students are celebrating another successful Fall Play, ‘Tune in to Murder.’ The actors worked tirelessly for two months prior to opening night to ensure a successful production. Most agree that performing in front of audiences is just a small fraction of the benefits of getting involved in Montini theater. Seniors were especially sentimental with this being their last Fall Play on the Montini stage. Senior Dale Bacon is looking forward to his next performance in the Spring Musical. "I can't wait to act, sing, and dance my heart on stage to show the audience and put a smile on their faces," he said. "These memories are priceless and I would not trade them for anything in the world." (Photo above l to r: Seniors Sarah Zimmerman, Emmanuel Corpuz, Alex Reading, Dale Bacon and Christina Scheiman)
Winter 2019
ILMEA
Montini Catholic seniors Mahmoud Jabir and Emmanuel Corpuz were recently chosen to represent Montini Catholic High School at the Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Music Festival to be held on November 2nd at East Aurora High School. The festival is a yearly event sponsored by the Illinois Music Education Association. The two were selected to perform in the District Concert Band. Mahmoud will be enjoying his 2nd year performing at the festival. "Both Mahmoud and Emmanuel are very talented," said Music Director, Donald Glowinski. "Both strive and excel in music!" The two are very involved Montini Catholic students.
SCHOOL NEWS
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students of the month
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Congratulations to our students of the month! Activities Director and teacher, Andrew Weisenburger’ 05 initiated the campaign this year to honor extraordinary students. "They truly represent and uphold our Lasallian values and traditions here at Montini." October Katie Gertsen - Freshman Ruby Dawson - Sophomore Antione Harris - Junior Hannah Ruddy - Senior*
Photos from top right: 1. Montini Maniacs Julia Marciniak, Enya O’Flaherty*, Amari Esper, Mikayla Quick, Megan Laughlin* and Kylie Boyer; 2. Coach Bukovsky revs up the crowd for the cameras! 3. Good Day Chicago’s Jake Hamilton gets the scoop from President Segredo; 4. Homecoming Court: Nick Mudd, Olivia Broeski, Myles Marciniak, Kylie Boyer, Devin Hoovel, Mikayla Quick, Dylan Ragusin, Alena Anderson, Connor Bowe and Enya O'Flaherty*
4 Homecoming 2019 What an awesome homecomingpalooza! The week began with our court members being honored at Mass and ended with an early, but very lively pep rally featured on Fox 32’s Good Day Chicago! Saturday’s game pitted our Broncos vs. St. Viator! Broncos won it - 33-14! To top off the week, Kylie Boyer and Nick Mudd were crowned Queen and King!
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
September Javeion Hooks - Freshman Ava Franklin - Sophomore Maria Hemmersmeier - Junior Bill Cyze - Senior
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Annual Fund
Total GIVING BY CLUB 18-19 Kazma Family Foundation
Matthew Thompson '76 Tracy Tredenick John & Susan Wick Matt & Carolyn Wind
Signum Fidei Society ($50,000 - $99,999)
President’s Council ($1,000 - $2,499)
Anonymous Catholic Education Foundation of The Diocese of Joliet Ed & Pam Mack
Anyways's Inc Atomic Transmissions James & Erika Baka Mark & Patricia Bava Edward & Ruth Beamish Jon & Alison Black Thomas Boeh '76 Joseph '78 & Theresa Borsellino Anonymous Briggs Paving Edmund & Patti Burke '88 Amy Caveney '94 Tony & Annie Cappetta Carolyn Bronke Wind DDS, Pc Jack Caveney Dinesh '89 & Carolyn (Cozzi) '89 Chinthagada Anonymous Construction Management Corporation of IL Margaret Crotty Roger & Karen Daluga Patrick Donlan Dr. Michael Colletti DDS Dr. Rocco Salviola Patricia Duerinck Joseph Dunn '86 Perry & Opella Ernest Five-Star Audiovisual Inc. William & Luanne Flynn Lisa Furey '87 Pete & Barbara Giebel Tom & Cathy Glennon Global Marble and Granite Hands On Technology Inc. Illinois Lady Lightning Jack Phelan Chevrolet Lisa (Andriano) Julian '99 Raymond & Christina Kingsfield Dr. Martin Kolinski '71 La Preferida John & Jacqueline Lazowski Thomas Mahoney '85 Michael Manna '70 Philip & Nicolette May John Nania '79 National Investment Services Jim Nelson Nikro Industries Inc. Oakley Steel O'Keefe Lyons & Hynes LLC Orange Crush James Parrilli '76 Queen of Angels Quest Food Management Services Joseph '86 & Vicki (Jaloszynski) '88 Ream Richard & Susan Salerno Service Mechanical Industries Paul & Laura Severin Ron Skwarek Michael & Debbie Sliwoski Steven & Lauren Taylor Terrence & Maureen Taylor The Thompson Family Joseph & Kathleen Warzecha William & Diana Weigel West Suburban Bank Michael & Carol Winfrey James & Ruby Wright Dr. Michael & Sharon Zygmunt
Pope Paul VI Society ($100,000+)
Founder Society ($25,000 - $49,999) Michael & Madeline Hughes Dushan & Nancy Petrovich
Christian Brothers Society ($10,000 - $24,999) Christian Brothers of The Midwest District Anthony & Christine Costello Joseph & Mary Sue Dailey Thomas & Lauren Fitzgerald Catherine & Brian Giffin Ron & Patricia Mangelsdorf Vita & Jody Marano McDonald's Corporation James & Mary Miller Julia (Whalen) '77 & Don Musil Tim Ogan '90 Ryan Smith Foundation Mike '71 & Diane (Kosmach) '71 Schumacher Helen Sherry Martin Thompson '80 Jay ’76 & Mary Williams
LaSallian Society ($5,000 - $9,999)
be the one Montini 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
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
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. Please consider stepping forward and being the one who understands the importance of a Lasallian education at Montini Catholic.
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Michael Abernathy James & Lara Briggs Jeffrey '88 & Kimberly (Gary) '88 Bukovsky Dupage Medical Group Eugene Faut Michael Gilmartin '86 Jerry Hensley HFS Chicago Scholars Irish Fellowship Education & Cultural Foundation Janor Sports Jerry & Julie Kulhanek Dr. Janis Orlowski '74 Q's Restaurant & Pizzeria R J Sanders Memorial Fund Charles & Joan Thompson Walter ’75 & Rita Weisenburger
San Miguel Society ($2,500 - $4,999) ASG Staffing Michael & Valerie Bava Jeffrey & Tina Bell Brooks & Julie Boyer Frankie's Deli, Frank Conforti ‘86 Michael Gillian Joe Jackson Larry '75 & Marguerite (Rogers) '76 Kolinski Edward Libby Anthony Marino Mary Queen of Heaven Parish Montini Catholic Students John & Nancy Phelan Richard Rafanelli '76 Michael & Cynthia Santay Susan Saraceno Norman '87 & Jennifer Sidler
Maroon & Gold Club ($250 - $499)
Abbott Laboratories Fund Academic Approach Airrosti Rehab Center Dr. Denise (Ibrahim) Allegretti '89 Michael & Nancy Allred John Arlis '86 Art Flo Screenprinting & Embroidery Bronco Logistics Bob Bronke Buck Services Buffalo Wild Wings Tony & Sabrina Carollo Dennis & Janine Carter Timothy & Linda Casey Timothy & Cheri Chambers-Rand Class of 1986 Deidre (Chase) Clingen '80 Frank '86 & Linda Conforti Mark & Karen Cronin D & D Manufacturing, Larry Diedrick ‘82 William & Kimberly Dahlborn III Ronald & Sheryl Desanto Deutsch, Levy & Engel Chartered Lawrence '82 & Roberta Diedrick John & Randa Duncan Brian Forde '89 Kathy Garfield Brian & Annie Gaughan Arnold & Barbara Hansmann Steven & Mary Kay Jennrich Gwen (Zeisel) Johnson '80 Jostens Jim & Marilyn Kavanaugh Kopon Airdo Louis & Maria Koszewski Dirk & Elizabeth Krueger L. Neill Cartage Company, Inc, Ryan ’01 & Tyler ’02 Neill Daniel '86 & Dina Laughlin Lewis University Jim & Lee Liston Judy (Mullins) '79 & John Lucas Kevin Lynch Bobby & Amy Marciniak Karen Martin Stephen & Kathleen McShane Jay & Tama McWhinney Kelly (Wilson) '86 & Rocco Melarkey Messina & Associates Miller's Ale House William '82 & Emily Moran Dan & Kris Morrill Thomas '82 & Joan Mullins Edward & Patty Mullins Nania Energy, John Nania ‘79 Timothy '87 & Kimberly O'Connor Daniel ‘88 & Karrie O'Connor Michael O'Hara '93 Sindhu & Muthuswamy Perumal Scott Reid '85 Selden Fox Larry & Andrea Sheppard Mike & Nilda Small Mary Beth (Tokarski) Smedinghoff '71 St. Joseph Parish Daniel & Dolina Stevenson Michael Sullivan '94 Top Driver William '81 & Kathleen (Holler) '82 Tumpane Glenn & Barbara Wagner Andrew Weisenburger '05 Bennett & Christine West Patrick '74 & Janeis (Goebel) '74 Williams Gregg '79 & Susan (Reedy) '78 Williams Greg & Suzanne Wolf Gary & Cathy Zabinski
Anonymous Paul Aronian '76 Terry Bailey Kimberly (Ellinger) Barnes '99 Jeannette (Workman) '85 & Chris Bartosz Christopher '85 & Karen Breck Brian Giffin Consulting Jim & Cory Briggs Richard & Kathleen Burger William Burke Bryan Bylica '02 Christ The King Parish Cienacares Citizens For Dan Cronin James & Jillian Clausing Beth Clynch '82 Dennis '90 & Cynthia (Krones) '90 Colleran Vincent Colletti '05 Madelyn Cox Thomas & Barbara Cummane William & Barbara Dawes Jon & Janet Dobosenski Dogtopia David & Mary Kay Doll Dr. Michael Colletti Ron Dudzik Christopher Dziewiatkowski '99 Grant & Pat Ellington Thomas & Barbara Finn Michael Fitzpatrick '88 Mike & Stacy Flannery Sven & Anne Flodstrom Fox Landscaping Fredriksen Fire Equipment Company Jerry & Mary Lou Frett Jason & Maria Garcia-Hermann Susan (Bleers) Gumbs '88 Thomas Hanik Br. Thomas Harding, FSC Jim '96 & Katie (Doll) '96 Hubeny Hubeny Realty, Jim Hubeny ‘96 Karen (Aeschliman) Hurley '85 Ernest & Pamela Iannotta Michael & Pat Janko Joan Treland and Associates Scott & Julie Jonlich Steve & Mary Junger Dr. Scott Kier Kirk & Associates, Chuck Kirk ‘78 Knollcrest Funeral Home Philip Knox '89 Dr. Richard Martinello '87 Robert & Marianne McKeague Dennis & Karin McNicholas Medix Mike's Meat Market, David Casey ‘79 Kathy (Schmitt) Miley '79 Charles Montgomery '09 Michael & Marie Mourek Eileen Mueller Mullins Food Products, Judy (Mullins) Lucas ’79, Tom Mullins ’82, Jackie (Mullins) Stent ’83, Katie (Mullins) Burke ’85 & Shannon (Mullins) Smith ‘89 Kathleen (Happel) Naatz '78 Patrick '81 & Michelle (Ptak) '88 O'Connor IV Margaret (Batten) '87 & Shane O'Flaherty Our Lady of Mt Carmel Daniel '83 & Mary Owczarski Oxford Bank PFB Inc Charles Porcelli QMI Jeff & Colleen Rauen John Riggs '80 Tony & Linda Rossi Sacred Heart Parish Scrip
Anna (Thallemer) Sharp '91 Bon & Marilyn Sledzinski Special T Unlimited Joseph & Mary Ellen Spokas St. Isaac Jogues Parish St. Isidore Church St. James The Apostle Parish St. Mary of Gostyn Parish St. Pius X Parish St. Scholastica Parish Dr. Robert Starvel '89 State Senator Tom Cullerton Andy Stoltman '87 Frederick & Linda Stumbaugh Suburban Lock Suburban Mailing Services James Susic '84 Joseph Susic '87 The Rafanelli Family Paul & Mary Beth Tomich Timothy Trotter '86 T's Baseball Uncle Bub's BBQ Inc. Marc Weisenburger '71 Anonymous James '79 & Donna (Botel) '80 Westerkamp Allan & Mary Ann Wright Karim & Tania Yunez Charles Zapinski '85 Jon Eklund & Susan Zick Bruce Zidarich '82
Bronco Pride Club ($100 - $249) Advantage Team Sales All Saints Catholic Academy All Star Pediatrics Richard & Beatrice Almassey Amazon Smile Christopher & Deanna Andriano Jay Auskalnis '92 Awards & More, Inc Robert Baker Joseph & Stephanie Batka Kevin Beirne James & Carol Bellandi Big Time Fantasy Sports, Joe Ream ‘86 Preston Black '11 Kelly (Kramer) '86 & Steven Blim Robert Bobber '92 Loretta Botel Larry Brady '78 Robert Brandt '83 Luis & Estelita Briones Mike & Monica Bucaro Michael Bukovsky '83 Kathryn (Mullins) '85 & John Burke John Byrne '86 John '83 & Dina (Forillo) '84 Cady Dr. Noel & Susan Camba Robert & Brenda Carlevato Catherine Carroll James Cernugel '89 Jacqueline Cerven Chicago Office Products Co. Emmit & Wendi Clifton Richard & Barbara Conrath Calvin Cornish Michael Cortesio Thomas Costantini '01 Michael '87 & Deanna (Flerlage) '87 Crosse Dave & Carol Czaplicki William & Marianne Dahlborn Jr. Joan Daluga '05 Michael Decaluwe Robert Demarco '74 Harold & Mary Duffy Dupage Credit Union State Representative James Durkin Tim Egan Charles & Marlene Erdman Laurette (Bruni) Espeland '71
Armand '70 & Gwen (Tregler) '71 Esposito Dondi & Ofelia Estrada Anonymous John & Susan Fahey Franklin & Sharon Felizardo-Aniceto Michael & Susan Fisch Susan Franks Michael & Paula Gallagher John Gavin '91 Robert & Karen Geocaris John Gerlesits '70 Tonilyn Gianatasio Karl Gieseke Michael & Grace Gillian William Gorman '81 Jerry & Vanessa Gramarossa 1st Lt. & Captain Lance Hannan '89 Catherine (Murphy) Henry '72 Christopher & Michelle Hoeflich Michelle Hogan Christopher & Roxann Honn Imagetec Randy & Debbie Isoda Frank & Barbara Jenkover Scott & Kelli Kalata Kevin & Ginger Kearney Mary (Grimes) Kelly '77 Hon. Carol (Kearney) Kelly '70 Larry & Anne Kelly Barbara (Cronin) Kenny '82 James & Kathleen Kersten Key Carpet Gerald King '89 Dr. Michael Kisicki Catherine Kitz '13 Donald & Judy Knox Lawrence & Julia Konopacz Thomas & Patricia Kramer Thomas & Susan Kucera Michael & Denise Kuczynski Sarah (Birdsall) Kulick '04 James & Elizabeth Landano Gayle (Aeschliman) '88 & William Lansdon Matthew & Margaret Leahy Matthew Leakakos '12 Patricia Licata '76 Margaret Lindstrom '72 Donald Lindstrom '74 Chris Locascio Michael & Tina Long Jose & Christina Lopez Michael & Colleen Lowery Richard & Erin Lugowski John '81 & Susan Luka Michael & Mary Beth Lyons Carl Mack '83 Michael Mack '04 Joseph & Roseanna Maffei Dr. Susan Marschall '87 Terry & Cheryl Martin Elizabeth (Ellis) Matson '76 Charles & Juliette Matthews Daniel '77 & Catherine (Tumpane) '77 McCann John & Jennifer McCann McCahill Painting Company Beth (Lillig) McInerney '86 James & Susan Meeks Charles & Donna Meister Modell Funeral Home Dennis Morajda '88 Barbara Moran Janice (Baldasar) Morgando '70 Michael & Dawn Mostacci Anonymous Michael & Lara Muersch Michael & Sharon Mullins Bill & Linda Mullins Richard Munaretto '93 Grace Musil Dan & Colleen Neustadt Raymond Niccolai
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
De La Salle Club ($500 - $999)
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Ruth Niketh Tom Novy '75 Edmund O'Brien Anonymous John & Carol L. Olechny Maryann O'Neill Andres & Nicoli Osorio Michael O'Toole '83 Our Lady of Peace Parish James & Lucille Parrilli Robert & Barbara Pauley Dennis & Dawn Pavlopoulos Michael & Cynthia Perrino Terrence & Barbara Pestel Christian Pfluger '03 Phillips Distilling Corporation Keith Raczkowski Kelly Ragonese '95 Roberta & Gary Raike Harry & Laura Ramos Ronald Rench Riggs Brothers, John ’80 & Jim ’81 Riggs Carol Ripp Robert & Roseanne Ripper Jim Ronan '70 Joseph '02 & Emily (Emanuelson) '03 Rondinelli Scott Ross '72 Sarah Rousseau Thomas Ruddy Mark Rudins '79 Chuck Sanders '72 Alexander Santay '12 Br. Joseph Saurbier, FSC Peter Scheffler '85 Susan Schrader '71 Virginia Schrader Dick Schroeder '74 William & Helen Scott James Segredo Service Pallet Shell Oil Company Foundation Steven Shimkus '84 Emily Shuki Anonymous Earl & Mary Signer Jim & Rhonda Sipchen Anonymous Joseph & Crystal Slawinski Anonymous Shannon (Mullins) '89 & Brian Smith Tom & Margret Smith Anonymous Anthony & Monica Spatafore Spheres Leadershp Coaching State Farm Insurance Companies-Bob Goldin Jacqueline (Mullins) Stent '83 George Stephens Fred & LaDonna Stokes Rebecca Stumbaugh-Murray '99 Gregory & Lisa Suffield Michael Tellone '71 Ron Thomas Rebecca Thompson James '72 & Sue (Hamilton) '72 Tumpane U.S. Cellular Thomas '81 & Sharon (Ziesel) '82 Venchus Marianne & William Vivirito James & Irene Watson Brian Weaver Don & Betty Willig York Center Firefighters Association York Township Highway Commissioner, Dick Schroeder ‘74 Thomas Young '70 Patricia Zapinski Michael Zaura Marwan & Rana Zayed Richard & Catherine Zeisel
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Henry Zeisel '81 Geri (Gilbert) '77 & Thomas Zessemos
Friend of Montini Catholic ($1 - $99) Ronald Abramowicz Glen & Diane Armstrong Michelle Artis
736 generous gifts received this year, totaling $1,146,769 Kevin Bab Janelle (Picker) Bailey '80 Phillip & Jean Balsamo Elise Barth Joseph Basso Christopher Batio '85 Richard Billings Michael Blanchette Denis Block William Botel '73 Jean Boyd Eric Brechtel Barry Briggs Andrea Brockman Kelly Bylica '06 Robert & Olivia Capparelli Nicholas Cappello '90 Antonino Carollo '16 Tina Caruso Barbara & Anthony Caruso Brian Casey '01 Hilda Castor Nathan Changelon Mariadas & Vijaya Chinthagada Joseph & Jennifer Ciaccio James & Mary Collins Danielle Collins '07 Melanie (Bava) Comella '10 Dr. Lisa Conaghan '84 Rita Crosse Michael Dailey Kelly Davis William Dawes '13 Anonymous Barbara Dawson Sandra Deiber Bob Didomenico Sandra & Edward Dierking Aimee Dierks Jack & Lori Disimone Richard Dolan '70 Rita Duchateau William Duffy '71 Geraldine Dulkoski Randy & Rosemary Dus Richard & Joan Dusek Merrily Eggert Donald & Christine Ernat G. Michael & Kathleen Even Colleen Fahey '04 Bridget Fahey '08 Connor Fahey '13 Peter Farina '87 Marilyn Ferris Thomas Finch '74 Dolores (Powers) Fisher '72 Diane Flynn Carla Fortuna
Sue Ann Fraher Robin (Finnerty) Freiburger '84 John Frendreis '71 Colin Patrick Garvey '95 Laura (Doran) Gaughan '85 Jennifer Gawenda Jennifer (Doll) Gedraitis '94 Vera Gojewycz G.S. Gooden Stephen Gryl '78 Joseph & Anna Hajek Nina Hartnett Anonymous Danielle Heilmann Belford Hernandez Thomas & Patricia Herold Joanne & Larry Hersam Maria (Rosales) Hupp '10 Cesar & Gemma Husmillo Carolyn (Crosse) '83 & Martin Igoe Anonymous James Izzo '71 Courtney James '04 Edward & Diane Jandacek Monique Jones Kristen Juarez Russell & Sandra Kalins Lynn Kallmann Rita Keogh Nora Kinney M.C. Kokkelenberg Matthew & Beth Komel Elisabeth (Maxwell) Komrska '95 Dennis & Nancy Koziol Anne Kryger Donald Krystof Stephanie Kuecker John & Dina Kwit Christine Lamar Chris Ledwidge Esther Lee William '70 & Regina (O'Malley) '95 Leeberg Timothy & Lisa Lenning Thomas Lentine Peter Lewek Sara Lhotka Anonymous Mario & Anne Lipira Matt Loeb Mary Jeanne (Donahue) Lorenzo '72 Kelly Lyttle Jack & Eileen Maggiore Jr. Sean '82 & Jana (Aiello) '83 Maher Gina Maras Colleen Marks Robert & Sue Martin Dr. Diann Matheson Sara McGady Christine (O'Neill) McManus '88 Michael McNamara '72 Laura Medina William Merkle Ray & Tami Micele Joseph Milano John & Presy Milas Francine Miller Dr. Larry Misialek Danielle Monroe Michael & Diva Montalto-Labno Charles Montgomery Roseann Montgomery '07 David & Kerri Mooney Joseph Mordente Richard & Sylvia Mueller Anonymous Charles & Ifeoma Nkuku Doris Norrish Karen (Hrovatin) O'Brien '72 Patrick & Mary Ann O'Connor Robert O'Connor
Caeley O'Connor '18 Bianca Oddo '14 David & Sandra Ohm Charlene Oliver Brian Opoka Rafael & Denise Ortiz Lara Owczarski '86 Lois Pasquale Jenifer (Russo) Pastore '89 Gregory & Beverly Peck Judith Picken Tamara Pieranunzi Lorraine Pintozzi '71 Brian Piper '12 Sarah Pittenger Marjorie (Ferri) Ploense '79 Nora Marie (Dul) Prather '74 Maggie (Fahey) Quigg '06 Thomas Rachubinski '95 Jeff & Gina Riemma Joann Rodi Wayne & Barb Rollag Robert Roller '71 Richard & Phyllis Rutkowski James Ryan '00 Adrian Sandoval Stephen Santay '07 Kimberly (Shroka) Schiller '78 Bernard Schorle Ann (Sullivan) Schwartz '79 Eric Scott Kristina Sessa Mary Sheahan-Latronica Kim Shed-McLaurin George Sheffer '70 Daniel & Lu Ann Shields Terry & Mary Lou Sidlow Mark & Mary Jane Slaten Rory & Mary Smith Jill Smith Estelle & Dennis Soger Henry & Teresa Sokalski Patrick & Noreen Somers Shannon (Herold) Spanos '99 Chris Spevak Jack Springmire Peter Squier '77 Emily (Fahey) Steiberg '10 Megan Steiner '10 Bridget Steiner '12 Nicholas Steiner '16 Andrew & Donna Stoltman Arthur Stuart Anonymous Anonymous Charles Thomas Jennifer (Herold) Thompson '89 Mary (Cesaretti) Traficanti '70 Jazli Vacek Shannon Valley Susan (Signer) Vanderleest '84 Anonymous John Vosicky '89 Katie Wall William & Mary Ann Walsh Paul & Linnea Warda Russell Wayne '70 Kim Weisenburger '07 Anne Westerkamp '84 Jay & Lisa White Bill & Polly White Michael & Deborah Wiseman Kathleen & Joseph Wolf Sumin Xu Andrew Young '77 Matthew Young '81 Alex Zasso Mary Kay Zeter James & Peggy Zirko
annuAl fund GIVING BY CLASS 2018-19 CLASS OF 1970 Richard Dolan Armand Esposito John Gerlesits Carol (Kearney) Kelly William Leeberg Michael Manna Janice (Baldasar) Morgando James Ronan George Sheffer Mary (Cesaretti) Traficanti Russell Wayne CLASS OF 1971 WIlliam Duffy Laurette (Bruni) Espeland Gwen (Tregler) Esposito John Frendreis Joan (Beverley) Izzo James Izzo Martin Kolinski Lorraine Pintozzi Robert Roller Susan Schrader Diane (Kosmach) Schumacher Mike Schumacher Mary Beth (Tokarski) Smedinghoff Michael Tellone Marc Weisenburger CLASS OF 1972 Dolores (Powers) Fisher Catherine (Murphy) Henry Margaret Lindstrom Mary Jeanne (Donahue) Lorenzo Michael McNamara Karen (Hrovatin) O'Brien Scott Ross Charles Sanders Anonymous Sue (Hamilton) Tumpane James Tumpane CLASS OF 1973 William Botel CLASS OF 1974 Robert Demarco Thomas Finch Donald Lindstrom Nora Marie (Dul) Prather Dick Schroeder Janis (Goebel) Williams Patrick Williams CLASS OF 1975 Larry Kolinski Thomas Novy Walter Weisenburger
CLASS OF 1976 Paul Aronian Thomas Boeh Marguerite (Rogers) Kolinski Patricia Licata Elizabeth (Ellis) Matson James Parrilli Richard Rafanelli
CLASS OF 1983 Michael Bukovsky John Cady Carrie (Crosse) Igoe Carl Mack Jana (Aiello) Maher Michael O'Toole Daniel Owczarski
CLASS OF 1977 Mary (Grimes) Kelly Julia (Whalen) Musil Peter Squier Andrew Young Geri (Gilbert) Zessemos
CLASS OF 1984 Dina (Forillo) Cady Lisa Conaghan Robin (Finnerty) Freiburger Steven Shimkus James Susic Susan (Signer) Vanderleest Anne Westerkamp
CLASS OF 1978 Lawrence Brady Stephen Gryl Kathleen (Happel) Naatz Kimberly (Shroka) Schiller Anonymous Susan (Reedy) Williams CLASS OF 1979 Judy (Mullins) Lucas Kathy (Schmitt) Miley John Nania Margie (Ferri) Ploense Mark Rudins Ann (Sullivan) Schwartz James Westerkamp Gregg Williams CLASS OF 1980 Janelle (Picker) Bailey Diedre (Chase) Clingen Gwen (Zeisel) Johnson John Riggs Donna (Botel) Westerkamp CLASS OF 1981 William Gorman Patrick O'Connor William Tumpane Thomas Venchus Henry Zeisel CLASS OF 1982 Beth Clynch Lawrence Diedrick Barbara (Cronin) Kenny Sean Maher William Moran Thomas Mullins Kathleen (Holler) Tumpane Sharon (Thomas) Venchus Sharon (Zeisel) Venchus Thomas Venchus Bruce Zidarich
CLASS OF 1985 Jeannette (Workman) Bartosz Christopher Breck Laura (Doran) Gaughan Karen (Aeschliman) Hurley Thomas Mahoney Scott Reid Peter Scheffler CLASS OF 1986 John Arlis John Byrne Joseph Dunn Michael Gilmartin Daniel Laughlin Elizabeth (Lillig) McInerney Todd Trotter CLASS OF 1987 Peter Farina Lisa Furey Susan Marschall Anonymous Timothy O'Connor Norman Sidler Andrew Stoltman Joseph Susic CLASS OF 1988 Kimberly (Gary) Bukovsky Jeffrey Bukovsky Edmund Burke Michael Fitzpatrick Susan (Bleers) Gumbs Chrissy (O'Neill) McManus Dennis Morajda Michelle (Ptak) O'Connor Daniel O'Connor CLASS OF 1989 Denise (Ibrahim) Allegretti James Cernugel
Brian Forde Gerald King Jennifer (Herold) Thompson John Vosicky
CLASS OF 2005 Vince Colletti Joan Daluga Andrew Weisenburger
CLASS OF 1990 Cynthia (Krones) Colleran Dennis Colleran
CLASS OF 2006 Maggie (Fahey) Quigg
CLASS OF 1991 John Gavin Anna (Thallemer) Sharp
CLASS OF 2007 Danielle Collins Roseann Montgomery Stephen Santay
CLASS OF 1992 Jay Auskalnis Robert Bobber
CLASS OF 2008 Bridget Fahey
CLASS OF 1993 Richard Munaretto CLASS OF 1994 Jennifer (Doll) Gedraitis CLASS OF 1995 Elizabeth (Maxwell) Komrska Regina (O'Malley) Leeberg Thomas Rachubinski Kelly Ragonese CLASS OF 1996 Katie (Doll) Hubeny Jim Hubeny CLASS OF 1999 Kimberly (Ellinger) Barnes Christopher Dziewiatkowski Lisa (Andriano) Julian Shannon (Herold) Spanos Rebecca Stumbaugh-Murray CLASS OF 2000 Amy (Marino) Ryan James Ryan CLASS OF 2001 Brian Casey Thomas Costantini CLASS OF 2002 Bryan Bylica Vincent Comella Joseph Rondinelli CLASS OF 2003 Christian Pfluger Emily (Emanuelson) Rondinelli CLASS OF 2004 Colleen Fahey Courtney James Sarah (Birdsall) Kulick Michael Mack
CLASS OF 2009 Charles Montgomery CLASS OF 2010 Melanie (Bava) Comella Maria (Rosales) Hupp Emily (Fahey) Steiberg Megan Steiner CLASS OF 2011 Preston Black CLASS OF 2012 Matthew Leakakos Brian Piper Alexander Santay Bridget Steiner CLASS OF 2013 William Dawes Connor Fahey Catherine Kitz CLASS OF 2014 Bianca Oddo CLASS OF 2016 Antonino Carollo Anonymous Nicholas Steiner CLASS OF 2018 Caeley O'Connor
44 OUT OF 48 graduating classes have participated in the Annual Fund as of june 30, 2019.
27% (155) of gifts given were between &MATCHING $150 GIFTS Double the impact of your gift with a High MAIL Checks (in envelope provided) to Montini Catholic $51
How to Give to montini’s annual fund
CREDIT CARD American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover, either online @ www.montini.org/support/betheone or call 630.627.6930 X177
DIGITALLY @ www.montini.org/support/betheone or participate in our High Five Program ($5 per month) at: www.montini.org/highfive
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.
RECURRING (SCHEDULED) GIFTS You can set up monthly, quarterly or semi-annual gifts via the online donation form. Can’t give $100 now, how about $10 per month?
Thank you!
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
School, 19W070 16th St., Lombard IL 60148.
Winter 2019 11
COVER STORY
Season’s
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Givings 12
Every year when the air turns crisp, clocks gets set back and Bronco sports fans say goodbye to their fall rivalries, Montini students gear up for their annual Golden Gobbler and Adopt-a-Family Events. Pictured above (Members of Montini’s Student Government) l to r: Glory Ugorji, Ellie Dinkel, Estevan Moreno, Mario Florio, Sebastian Thomas Jara, Amanda Rollag and Cydney Rand
Winter 2019
November 11th marked the beginning of Montini’s ‘season of giving’ with the onset of our annual Golden Gobbler Thanksgiving Food Drive benefiting local food pantries. This year marks Gobbler’s 22nd year. In 1997, under the leadership of Jim Segredo (principal at the time), Montini kicked off their very first Gobbler. Since then the event has become a welcomed tradition for students as they pit homeroom against homeroom and class against class to donate the most food. “I was really excited to get involved in Golden Gobbler this year,” said Megan Steiner ‘10 - this year’s new Student Government Moderator. She has been the driving force behind a push to get Montini students more engaged and involved in all Bronco activities. “I wanted to see what kind of difference we could make with the momentum of participation we've had in other events this year, and our students did not disappoint!” Megan, along with her team of class moderators (Mr. Eric Brechtel, Ms. Laura Medina, Ms. Stephanie Kuecker and Mrs.
SCHOOL NEWS Melanie Comella ‘10), have worked hard this year to hold more activities and events to cultivate more Bronco Pride! “Our moderators did a great job of motivating everyone to participate in Gobbler this year,” she said. “Everyone did a great job of communicating the rules, prizes, and the bonus items to their classes every day and encouraged them to get in the spirit!” In the end, it was the freshmen who pulled out the win, donating a record amount of food to the cause. “My totally unofficial count would be over 6,000 donated items (based off of the number of points each class earned),” said Steiner. Every year, she gets specific food requests from the food pantries served. “They request items for making their holiday dinners such as stuffing, pasta, rice, corn bread and dessert mixes, and then items they can use year round like peanut butter and jelly, soup, vegetables, and cereal.”
“There’s no better time than the holidays to reflect on and share our many blessings.” Megan has 9 Golden Gobblers under her belt as both a student and a teacher at Montini -and has been a part of the winning team 8 of those 9 years. “By far, my favorite part of the week is the homeroom contest!” she said. “I love getting my homeroom excited every year, and hearing all of the other classes talk about how they're going to beat us! I think the kids enjoy it as well - every year I talk such a big game and they want to see if I can back it up!” Back it up, she can - her homeroom has lost only once (2018) in her 5 years at Montini!
Gobblers gone by... Bronco tradition is 22 years old and going strong!
When Gobbler winds down at the end of November, Adopt-a-Family winds everyone right back up! Some of the food collected during Gobbler is allocated for families that are ‘adopted’ by Montini Catholic during the Christmas season. Homerooms, under the direction of Campus Minister, Michael Blanchette, get busy shopping, donating, sorting and wrapping loads of Christmas cheer for area families. The school's traditional 'Catholic Charities Adopt a Family' service program enables students to donate toys and gifts to families facing hardship during the holiday season or throughout the year. During the beginning of December, students donate money through their homerooms - which each homeroom receiving a family to shop for. The students receive wish lists informing them of the number of family members, their gender, ages, and sizes. "Most of the wish lists include simple items many of us take for granted like gloves, boots, and warm hats," said Mr. Blanchette. As part of their annual Adopt-A-Family project, each year students create handmade blankets to include in their gift packages. The money used to buy the material to create the warm blankets is raised each year by the school's Drama Department which sponsors a Halloween Dress Down (or Up) Day in October. "Our students really make a difference by lifting the spirits of families in need at the holiday time. Each year Golden Gobbler and Adopt-a-Family remind us of what is important in life and there's no better time than the holidays to reflect on and share our many blessings."
1. Dan Murray ‘99, Julie Toman ‘98 and Sarah Morrow ‘98 - Gobbler 1997; 2. Mr. Roucka’s Homeroom received the big ‘Huh Hah” in the 1999 Gobbler competition; 3. Neil Tabotabo ‘05 and Katie Nelson ‘05 (Golden Gobbler 2004); 4. Seniors get in the spirit in 2001;
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Megan fondly remembers her senior year at Montini during the Golden Gobbler festivities. “I was in Dr. K's (Kisicki) homeroom and he always made sure the seniors did not lose the class competition,” she said. “We weren't too concerned about the homeroom competition, because we wanted to focus on the seniors winning at the end of the week. We hoarded all of our food in his classroom and everyone thought the seniors weren't participating at all, then on the last day we unloaded our stash and destroyed all of the other classes!” That had been the tradition at Montini for as long as Megan can remember, so it was a bit of a shock this year when the
freshmen took the championship spot. “I'm excited to see what they do the next three years, and I love how much they're getting involved!”
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AT H L E T I C S
Fall
DUAL football HONORS EARNED!
SPORTS WRAP-UP
The Weiger Family presented their 7th Annual "Spirit of '76" Award in memory of their son, Johnny, to senior Patrick Peters* during the annual Charity Game this fall. The Weigers present this award to a unique member of the varsity football team embodying that of great character faith and sportsmanship." Earlier in the season, Patrick was named as the recipient of ‘Bumber’s Locker’a tradition started to honor the memory of former Bronco, Brad Bumber ‘89. Coach Mike Bukovsky, along with his Football staff, selected him for the honor. "He truly embodies the traits that Brad showed during his time in the Bronco Football Program, a
FOOTBALL This year the Varsity Football team finished the season with an 8-3 record, and won The Chicago Catholic League/East Suburban Catholic Conference Green Division Championship. The Broncos Qualified for the IHSA State Playoffs for the 27th consecutive season, which is currently the second longest football playoff streak in the entire State of Illinois. After a first round 56-6 playoff victory over Elmwood Park High School, the Broncos season came to an end with a tough 16-13 overtime loss in the 2nd round to Sycamore High School. Senior QB Deontay Bell was selected as the Chicago Bears High School Player of the Week after his 503 yard output against St. Rita High School in the Broncos thrilling week four 45-35 stunning comeback victory. Deontay went on to earn All State Honors. Nate Muersch, and C.J. Bufkin were other offensive stars for the Broncos, while Jeremiah Banks-Wall and Dagen Miller anchored the offensive line. Defensively the Broncos were led by defensive linemen Patrick Peters, and LB’s Trevor Swier, Brandon Liston and DiAndre Harris. Defensive backs Jarin Edwards and Devin Hoovel also helped the defensive effort.
strong work ethic, a humble demeanor, and a tough physical presence. Both guys earned the utmost respect from their teammates and coaches alike, and, like Brad, Patrick can always be counted on to think 'Team First.'" Photo above l to r: Karl, Lauren and Fran Weiger, Patrick Peters and last year’s recipient, Frank Conforti III ‘19
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express Montini Catholic Bronco Express
State Champions Celebrate 10 Years!
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On Friday, October 25th, we celebrated the 10 anniversary of the 2009 Class 5A State Champion Montini Broncos. Members of this historic team were invited to the newly renovated Vince Gavin Stadium Club to reminisce and enjoy 'guests of honor' status at the Bronco's last home game of the regular season. "We faced adversity all year, rebounding from a 5-4 regular season record and winning four straight playoff games to make our second ever appearance in a state championship game (facing Joliet Catholic)," said Head Coach at the time, Chris Andriano. "The Hilltoppers were heavily favored to win the game and add to their state title collection, but we had other ideas!" The Broncos claimed their 2nd state championship with a 29-28 victory over the Hilltoppers. It is still considered one of the greatest upsets in IHSA state championship history. Photo Top: Montini Catholic's 2009 Championship Team - front row l to r: Brandon Pechloff '10, Alan Milarski '10, Pat Suffield '11, Coach Chris Andriano, Matt Kersten '11, Bob Westercamp '83 (Coach at the time); Back row: Christian Westerkamp '10, Ryan Gorrell '10, Rob Piper '10, Jonathan Konupacz '10, David Zirko '10, Matt Westerkamp '11, Alex Walters '11, Zech Tredenick '11, Tom Lentine '11 and Jordan Westerkamp '12
Winter 2018
COLLEGE COMMITS
Congratulations to our Bronco athletes signing Letters of Intent this November:
Mike Koszewski (Baseball) University of Cincinnati Luc Larsen (Soccer) Milwaukee School of Engineering Cody Collier (Soccer) South Dakota School of Mines & Technology Sydney Prochaska (Basketball) Southern Illinois Dylan Ragusin (Wrestling) University of Michigan Joe Roberts (Wrestling) North Carolina State Fidel Mayora (Wrestling) University of Michigan
AT H L E T I C S
VOLLEYBALL The Lady Broncos Volleyball team ended 26-12 overall with a tournament win at Latin High School and a Regional Championship before losing a tough 3-set match in the Sectional Finals. We were ranked #1 in Class 2A in the State of Illinois for most of the season according to MaxPreps. Senior Setter Tess Noonan broke the Assist Record for a year with 976 Assists. Tess Noonan, senior Julia Marciniak, and sophomore Paige Pickering earned GCAC Player of the Year Nominations.
CROSS COUNTRY The Boys Cross Country team had a great season this year winning their first CCL Championship in the White Division. For the 4th year in a row they qualified for the IHSA Sectional and had at least 1 runner represent them at the State meet in Peoria. Junior Nick Fisch represented the Broncos and finished in 62nd place at the meet. This fall our lady Bronco Cross Country team had a successful season with a finish at Detweiller Park in the IHSA cross country finals. Freshman Katie Gertsen qualified as a strong individual out of the sectional race. A special thanks to our graduating senior captains, Julianne Billote and Lianna Vego.
BOYS GOLF Montini's Boys Golf team had another great season. We finished 7-4 overall in our team duals and our top team finish was a 3rd overall at the Metamora RedBird Invite out of 18 teams: team score was 318 with scores from Luke Marciniak 74, Nick Renfro 76, Guy Carollo 83 and Myles Marciniak 85. Montini saw 3 golfers qualify for the IHSA Sectional: Nick Renfro 92 (advanced on a one hole playoff), Myles Marciniak 85, and Luke Marciniak finished tied for 3rd overall with a score of 82. At the Sectional Tournament Luke Marciniak (photo on right)managed to shoot a 4 over par 76 to stamp his ticket to Bloomington for the State Tournament. Down state at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University Luke continued to score well. He shot a 77 on day 1 making the cut to day 2 and shot a 77 on day two to finished tied for 22nd in the state. Go Broncos! Senior Katie Bukovsky*, daughter of Jeff '88 and Kim (Gary) Bukovsky '88, qualified for the Girls Sectional Golf Tournament. Katie was an inaugural member of the Girls Golf Team started in 2015 and the first Girls Sectional Qualifier for Montini Catholic.
SOCCER
Fall Sports
Cross Country Nicholas Fisch Katherine Gertsen Soccer Cody Collier Joshua Gonzaga Luc Larson John McManus* Tennis Ava Franklin Mackenzie Parente Volleyball Julia Marciniak Therese Noonan Paige Pickering
Football Jeremiah Banks-Wall Deontay Bell Charles Bufkin Jarin Edwards Nathan Muersch Patrick Peters* Trevor Swier DiAndre Harris 2nd Team Selections Devin Hoovel Brandon Liston Cameron Richardson Nicholas Wind Demond Butcher, Jr. Dagen Miller Honorable Mentions Paul Flicek Jalen McBride
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Boys Soccer finished 11-11-1 with a very tough schedule, playing only a few 1A teams. “Our only loss to a 1A team was to the eventual state champions, University High School in Chicago,” says Coach Briggs. “We lost to them in sectionals and they won state. We were one of the few teams to score on them!” We won our Regional and placed 3rd in conference. “This is perhaps the best boys team in school history, with only one other having a better overall record!” Our Broncos celebrated four all conference athletes Josh Gonzaga’20 (#10 on right), Cody Collier ‘20, Luc Larson’20 and Johnny McManus ‘20* (#12 on right).
ALL CONFERENCE
Winter 2018 15
ALUMNI NEWS
“Never run out of hot chocolate!”
as an alum. When Dina and I decided to send our kids 15 miles east to Montini, we knew we wanted to get involved and volunteer to help the school. Serving up popcorn & hotdogs maybe wasn’t our lifes’ mission, but we just wanted to help. Boosters was in our wheelhouse. Just being part of the community, working with dedicated parent volunteers, and great teachers and staff has been great. And, watching our kids grow up before our eyes has been really cool. Time goes by so fast. What is one of your favorite memories? I have several! During football season, we have the grillers make enough food for the visiting team for after the Varsity game. I loved to see the faces of the surprised players and coaches when we gave them a sandwich. They were our guests, afterall! Watching Jason Nichols coach (girls basketball) is another pure delight, he’s great and gets the best out of his teams. Another wonderful memory is hearing the heartfelt opening prayers before games by Mrs. O’Neill and Mr. Beirne.
A
fter five years at the helm, Dan Laughlin ‘86 is hanging up his spatula and stepping down as Booster Club President. We asked
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
him to slow down (just a bit) after an insanely busy football season and answer a few questions for us.
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How long have you been involved in the Booster Club? I have been part of the Booster Club since 2013 when my oldest son (Ryan ‘18) was a freshman. I stepped up as President in 2014 with a simple raising of my hand. At the time the Boosters had a few parents that were rolling off so there were a few leadership positions that needed filled. My wife, Dina, and I were involved at our grade school (St. Raphael in Naperville) and knowing the great need of Catholic schools for parent volunteers we just said, “Yes, we can do this.”
I’ll never forget the Snow Bowl vs. Prairie Ridge game (2015)! Ryan was being confirmed that day, so I was at Montini early dropping off supplies for concessions and the snow just kept pouring down. Watching the parents come together to get the massive amounts of snow off the field - led by parent & alumnus, Jay Williams ‘76 - was just really cool.
Tackle for the Cure Family, friends and fans paid tribute to former student, and football team member, Johnny Weiger, at their annual Charity Game (October 18th) benefiting the JAW Foundation. The nonprofit organization was founded by the Weiger Family to support Pediatric Adolescent Leukemia Support (PALS), and inspired by their son, Johnny. JAW volunteers devote their time to raising funds for families with children undergoing treatment for leukemia in the hopes of easing their financial burden.
Something I’ll miss is arriving with a load of stuff for concessions and kids helping unload my truck, they’d get a candy bar and I’d get off easy! My most precious memory will be my pregame argument with Dina on how the operations of the football concession stand is run, it’s a classic and makes me laugh every time! Your least favorite memory? Running out of anything!
What advice would you give parents thinking about stepping up to run booster club next year? My advice would be to just raise What does this responsibility include? The Booster’s organize concessions for all home game sporting events, your hand and say, “Yes, I can do that!” Get school concerts and occasionally grade school games held involved and have goodwill about it. These days go by quick and it takes no talent to fill a at Montini. We also sell yard signs and school decals bag of popcorn! Getting involved in your kids throughout the school year and sponsor a Super Bowl and the school community, participating and square fundraiser to raise Booster funds. helping out where you can, I feel, will always What is the best part about being involved with the build strong bonds - ones you’ll have for life! Booster Club? Being part of the Montini community is Oh, and, don’t ever run out of hot chocolate! the best part! Montini has always been very special to me Winter 2019
‘spirit of giving’ all year long!
Volley for a Cure Our Volley for a Cure event was held on October 2nd this year. The event is organized by the players and families of the Girls Volleyball Program. “Each year the donations, support and spirit grows as we raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer Research and Prevention,” said this year’s organizer, Maureen Barry ‘87. “Since this disease impacts so many people, we have found the generosity to be inspiring. My mom is a breast cancer survivor and not only is this a cause near to my heart, it truly is a labor of love.”
Two new members join
ALUMNI NEWS
hall of fame leave yourLegacy Make a lasting gift to our future. L to r: Principal Kevin Beirne, Peter Cappetta ‘07, Glenn Shimkus ‘88 and President Jim Segredo
It was a memorable night for two Montini Catholic alumni members and their families as they were honored for their dedication, achievement and service and inducted into the Montini Catholic Alumni Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony and dinner were held in Montini’s Hall of Champions on September 6th. Inducted this year were: Peter Cappetta '07 - Inducted for his exceptional athletic achievements in baseball throughout his Montini Bronco career and at the University of Illinois. He is currently working for Walton Street Capital - Private Equity Real Estate Firm, in Portfolio Management overseeing fund performance. Glenn Shimkus '88 - Inducted for his exceptional and positive impact through leadership in the business, professional and civic community. Glenn is a technology enthusiast and entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience building world-class teams and delivering exceptional products. Currently, Glenn is the Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at the National Association of REALTORS®, the largest trade association in the United States. Both inductees humbly expressed their sincere gratitude to Montini's selection committee for being chosen to join 134 fellow Bronco alumni whose names and photos adorn Montini Catholic's 'Wall of Fame.'
"I am truly honored to be inducted into the Montini Hall of Fame," said Peter Cappetta, who was joined by wife, Meghan and son, Luke Joseph as well as many other family members and friends. "I will always look back on my time at Montini as a student athlete with great pride. The many memories and relationships made will last me a lifetime."
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, enable you to leave a legacy for Montini Catholic and support our 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. We would like to thank you for your generosity, make sure the purpose of your gift is understood, and include you as a member of the Montini Catholic Legacy Society. For more information about leaving your legacy, contact President Jim Segredo at 630.627.6930 or jsegredo@montini.org.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
"I am truly honored to have been inducted into the Montini Hall of Fame, knowing the quality of education that the school has provided over the past 50+ years and the tremendous alumni that attended," said Glenn Shimkus, who gave an emotional speech acknowledging his family, especially wife, Shantel. "It was such a fun night for my family, friends and myself and I was impressed by all of the activities surrounding the induction. I am proud to now be a member of the Montini Hall of Fame and the night of the induction is one I will never forget!"
For over 50 years, committed alumni, parents, and friends have supported the our mission to advance Montini Catholic and provide for its future. Some have made gifts during their lifetime; others have chosen to provide for the Montini Catholic through a planned gift.
Winter 2019 17
Alumni
Sightings
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1. Montini’s Class of 1989 celebrated their 30th reunion at Harvest Moon Howl; 2. 30th Annual Bronco Classic Golf Outing Women’s Scramble Winners (l to r): Patty Mullins, Judy Lucas Mullins '79, Marianne Vivirito, and Camille Giantasio; 3. Our Class of 1999 celebrated 20 years! 4. Men’s Scramble Winners (l to r): Vince Colletti ‘05, Bret Miko, Michael Colletti and Tom Sellett; 5. Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle, Jaleel Johnson ’12 visited the Varsity Broncos after their win against the Hudson Raiders on August 31st; 6. Abraham Husmillo, Justin Lazowski and Marissa VanDeVeer, (with Mr. Barry Briggs) all from our Class of 2019, returned to say ‘hello’ while on Thanksgiving break! 7. Nick Fedanzo, Frank Conforti III, Isabella Reilley, Mike McNicholas and Gianni Alfano - members of Montini’s Class of 2019 - stopped by the Homecoming Game!
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Montini Catholic Bronco Express
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ALUMNI NEWS
KEEPING UP WITH THE
BRONCOS Please e-mail your Bronco updates and/or photos to alumni@montini.org.
MARRIAGES, FUTURE BRONCOS, UPDATES & SYMPATHIES
sympathies
UPDATES
The Ballarini Family on the passing of Ronald Ballarini, father of Lisa (Ballarin) Festle ‘83 and Dave Ballarini ‘88.
Mia Porcelli ’15 graduated from NYU, and is a full time music teacher at a top performing K-5 charter school in the South Bronx. She also recently released an album, and will be releasing a second one later this year. Her music can be found on Soundcloud.
The Banks Family on the passing of Donald Banks, father of Patrick Banks ‘78, Mary Jane (Banks) Kozik Anderson‘81, Joseph Banks ‘82, Suanne (Banks) Woeste ‘83 and Michelle (Banks) Windt ‘85 and Tim Banks. The Chapple Family on the passing of Betty Ann Chapple, mother-in-law of Ann (Forde) Chapple ’88. The Curtis Family on the passing of James Curtis ‘71, brother of Kelly (Curtis) Gibbel ‘73. The Danca Family on the passing of Linda (Danca) Verone ‘73 sister of Michael Danca ‘75. The Fitzsimmons Family on the passing of Harriet Fitzsimmons, mother of Earl Fitzsimmons ’81. The Hooker Family on the passing of Patricia Hooker, mother of Ken’ 74 and Mark ’77 and mother-in-law of Rhonda (Bahrke) Hooker ’77. The Kanak Family on the passing of Richard Kanak on October 9, 2019l Richard was the father of Kathy (Kanak) Stein ‘80, Christine Kanak ‘82, Lori (Kanak) Mussatto ‘83 and Melinda Kanak ’87. The Miller Family on the passing of Colton Miller, son of Cassandra Tanner Miller ’05. The Newell Family on the passing of John Newell ‘84, brother of Maura Newell Mannix ‘83, Sheila Newell Buckley ‘85, Una Newell Durkin ‘88 and Kevin Newell ‘91.
In August of this year, Jennifer (Long) Kavanagh ’97 joined Montini Catholic’s Admissions Team! She enjoys working alongside fellow Admissions Reps and Bronco alumni Mike Bukovsky ‘83 and Andrew Weisenburger ‘05. Frank Vosicky ‘14 joined Montini Catholic as a member of our Physical Education Department and our Football coaching staff.
WEDDINGS On June 22nd Angela D’Ambrosio’13 married Michael Gibson (’12) at Divine Infant Church in Westchester. Perfect harmony was found one day in the music hallway and they’ve been dating ever since. Fellow Montini alumni in the bridal party were matron of honor Natalie (D’Ambrosio) Shaffer ’07, maid of honor Stephanie Parisi ’17, bridesmaids Alyssa Parisi ’20, Mariekris Eubinag ’13 and Alison Slad ’13. Groomsmen Jack Beverly ’12, Alessandro Limone ’12 and Luke Stephens ’13.
births
Bailey Bickel ’14 graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a Forensic Science track and a minor in Chemistry in the spring of 2017 from Saint Joseph’s College of Rensselaer, IN. Bailey is currently a Biochemist at a worldwide bio pharmaceutical company in Indianapolis.
The Olp Family on the passing of Roberta Olp, mother of Terri (Olp) McDonald ‘70.
The Schumacher Family on the passing of George Schumacher, father of Mike Schumacher ‘71 and father-in-law of Diane (Kosmach) Schumacher ‘71. Don Davis ’70 can be heard Sunday nights from 7:00pm - 9:00pm on WXRT 93.1 in Chicago. Frank Montalto ’11 is Director with Marcus & Millichap Capital Corporation. Jack Walsh ’17 accepted an internship at Luxottica in their Finance & Accounting Leadership Development Program for the summer of 2020.
Montini Catholic Bronco Express
Kelly (Deichmiller) Barcal ‘01 welcomed Evelyn Josephine on September 24, 2019. Evelyn joins big brother, Henry.
The Peska Family on the passing of Bonita Peska, mother-in-law of Catherine (Murphy) Peska ’86.
The Deichmiller Family on the passing of Mrs. Jodi Furlong, mother of Ed Deichmiller ‘98 and Kelly (Deichmiller)Barcal ‘01. Mrs. Furlong was also the aunt of Jenny (Doll) Gedraitis ‘94, Katie (Doll) Hubeny ‘96, Lisa (Doll) Case ‘99, Victor Musica ‘99 and Megan (Muscia) Tuma ‘01.
Rebecca McManus ’17 is the General Manager at 88.1FM The Start, Lewis University’s radio station.
Jessica Kern Gossen '08 welcomed Edward on August 7, 2019. Winter 2019 19
BRONCO EXPRESS Montini Catholic High School 19W070 16th Street Lombard, IL 60148
“May God continue what he has begun in you” - St. John Baptist de La Salle
Bobak’s Signature Events, Woodridge
Winter FAMILY FEST Alumni families! January 26, 2020 • 1PM - 4PM Special Guests: The Descendants!