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Campus Ministry Going Global
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Principal O’Neill Celebrates 30th Anniversary
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50th Celebration Underway
A“TheMESSAGE PRESIDENT growth of our programs and expanded facilities would FROM OUR
not be possible if it were not for the support and generosity of the members of our school community.”
Dear Alumni and Friends, roughout our 50 years of providing a Lasallian education, one of the pillars of strength of our school has been the many talented and dedicated teachers and coaches who have “Touched the Hearts” of our students throughout their educational careers. I have had the privilege to meet and work with many of these individuals. In all my conversations with them, each saw their work, not as a job, but as a vocation. In this issue of Bronco Express we feature Maryann O’Neill’s 30th anniversary as a teacher and administrator at Montini Catholic (page 6), as well as the appointment of Mr. Kevin Beirne as Assistant Principal of Student Services (page 7). Mr. Beirne is taking over for Kathy Filipiak, who retired from that position at the end of the last school year but remains as a part time member of our faculty and staff. Maryann and Kathy exemplify what Montini Catholic is all about and why we are a great school. “Mrs. O” and “Miss Flip,” as students and alumni respectfully refer to them, have dedicated a great deal of their lives to serve our students and better our school community. From classroom instruction to coaching, moderating and administering our school, both have always gone the extra mile to develop and lead programs that have advanced our Lasallian mission. Mr. Beirne also brings to our school that same dedication and work ethic. He is an outstanding teacher and administrator and was a key member of our technology committee that developed and introduced our Digital Learning Program last fall. We are pleased to have Mr. Beirne join our school administrative team and are sure he will continue the fine work that Kathy provided. During this 50th anniversary year, I have had the opportunity to speak and meet with several former faculty members. Many of them will be with us at our 50th Anniversary Celebration on June 4th at the Drury Lane Oak Brook Terrace. All have expressed their pleasure with the growth of our academic, extracurricular and spiritual programs and with the direction our school is going. Our growth would not be possible if it were not for the support and generosity of the members of our school community. e financial support we receive in the Annual Fund is critical in maintaining and growing our academic, spiritual and extracurricular programs that we provide our students. 2
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is is the time of the school year that we reach out to every member of our school community to request a gift to the Annual Fund. Some alumni have mentioned to me that they view a gift to the Annual Fund as a gift to “e Black Hole” of the school’s operating budget. Gifts to the Annual Fund result in revenue to enhance the following: • Equipment and staffing for academic and extracurricular programs • Community Service Opportunities • Financial Aid • Professional Development for Faculty and Staff • Technology A gift to the Annual Fund, no matter the amount, truly makes a difference. It is the most important development program that we sponsor because every student benefits. Gifts can also be spread out over twelve months and can be restricted to a specific program. During this 50th Anniversary school year I invite you to “Make a Difference” in our Lasallian Mission of Education by making a gift to the Annual Fund. For more information about the Annual Fund please refer to pages 10 and 11 of this issue of Bronco Express or visit our website at montini.org. As always, I am truly grateful to all the members of the Montini Catholic school community for their continual support and generosity to our students, faculty and staff. It is sincerely appreciated. All my best to you and your loved ones for a wonderful and family centered Christmas and a blessed and healthy 2016. “May Jesus Live In Your Hearts…Forever “
Jim Segredo President
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SCHOOL NEWS
Campus Ministry GOING GLOBAL "We were very excited about bringing our services to our brothers and sisters outside of our own country."
The following participated in the trip: Haley Howarter, Dejah Amos, Valerie Sanchez, Bruno Bodnum, Veet Zaveri, Mrs. Catherine Pendergast, Mrs. Hilda Castor and Mr. Michael Blanchette.
is June, a passionate team from Montini’s Catholic community traveled to Granada, Nicaragua for a week long mission trip, the first of its kind in Montini's service history. Teacher, Mrs. Hilda Castor, and friend, Mrs. Catherine Pendergast, accompanied Campus Minister Michael Blanchette and five students on the trip. "We were very excited about bringing our services to our brothers and sisters outside of our own country," said Blanchette, who organized the trip by partnering with International Samaritan, an agency serving victims of severe poverty in developing countries. Inspired by the parable of the good Samaritan, International Samaritan works to alleviate hunger, homelessness, and endemic disease across the world. According to International Samaritan, volunteers such as Montini Catholic not only lend physical and educational support to their missions, but more importantly, they bring hope to the people served. "is was an opportunity to make a difference," said Blanchette. "One morning we visited LaJoya Garbage dump community. is is where the single moms go each day, to dig through garbage to get items they can sell." e team learned that the women make about $5-7 dollars per week. "e moms shared their stories with us, of hard work, prayer and hope." Montini volunteers were given the task of MONTINI.ORG
building a home for a single mom, her eight children and one grandchild. "e mom and children would greet us every morning," said Blanchette. "ey spent the day with us, and would join in the work that we were doing." "We all knew that the work we were doing would have an impact on the lives of these families,” said Blanchette. “We didn't quite grasp how powerful the experience would be for us all." Montini Catholic junior, Haley Howarter, one of the volunteers traveling with Blanchette, was also very humbled by her mission trip experience. "Each day when we went to the work site, it was seeing the smiles on the kids faces was a motivation for me to give my all in the work we were doing to build the house." Blanchette is proud to be helping International Samaritan raise awareness in the United States about the living conditions of the poor in garbage dump communities in the developing world. Blanchette and students will return to Nicaragua next summer to help build another house. Montini’s Campus Ministry attempts to fund ministry trips through various fundraisers throughout the year. Students also pay a large portion of the cost, with the school funding chaperones. Friends wanting to help our Campus Ministry students in their missions may consider a donation to our Annual Fund (see page 10). Donations can be directed to community outreach.
In addition to helping out at the LaJoya Garbage Dump in Nicaragua this summer (top photo) Montini students traveled to Minnesota to work with Habitat for Humanity (middle and bottom photos).
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S C H SO CO HL ONOELWNSE W S
Elected Officers READY TO LEAD
With Montini Catholic's new school year in full swing, newly elected officers are quite eager to hit the ground running with their new roles as leaders of the school's student body.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT Seniors Kristen McLaurin (President), Rylee Kibbey (Vice President), Taylor McCarthy (Treasurer) and Isabella Abbinante (Secretary) will round out this year's Student Government team.
Front Row l to r: Delaney Miller (Service Officer), Allyson Lederman (Service Officer), Lauren Para (Secretary), Faith Donner (President), Sofia Yunez (Service Officer), Lawna Zang (Public Relations Officer), Mrs. Laraine Parker and Jack Westerkamp (Co-Treasurer); Back Row: Patrick Kowaslky (Service Officer), Warren Dawes (Vice President), Lucas Trojanowski (Co-Sargeant-at-Arms), Matthew Kaefer (Co-Sargeant-at-Arms) and John Pecora (CoTreasurer) Not pictured: Shawn Lee (Public Relations Officer)
Montini Catholic's Student Government is tasked with conceptualizing, planning and organizing student activities throughout the school year. e officers will make decisions on many school events including service programs, fundraising drives and event themes and activities. "One of our essential responsibilities is planning and executing our annual Golden Gobbler Food Drive at anksgiving," said Mrs. Voogd. "e drive provides much needed food to pantries throughout the community."
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY Members of the National Honor Society (NHS) are very busy planning and preparing for another year of fun and service. e new officers will lead all members of the NHS towards successfully achieving many ambitious goals during the school year. Montini's National Honor Society is co-moderated by teachers, Arthur Stuart and Laraine Parker. "Our National Honor Society sponsors a variety of service oriented activities throughout the school year," informed Mrs. Parker. Members take part in various community service projects, including wrapping birthday gifts for impoverished children for Humanitarian Service Project, making lap blankets for Good Samaritan Hospital, and collecting much needed items for the VietNow Homeless Veterans Project. ey also assist with the school's Golden Gobbler anksgiving Food Drive in November and the annual Blood Drive for Lifesource.
L to R: Student Government officers, Taylor McCarthy, Rylee Kibbey, Kristen McLaurin and Isabella Abbinante
COMMENDED STUDENTS IN THE 2016 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Principal Maryann O'Neill recently announced that seniors, Matthew Ernat and Matthew Kaefer have been named Commended Students in the 2016 National Merit Scholarship Program. Both young men are from Lombard and are graduates of Sacred Heart School. Ernat and Kaefer are among 34,000 Commended Students nationwide who have shown exceptional academic promise. e two students' high Selection Index score placed them among the top 50,000 of over 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 National Merit Program by taking the 2015 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®).
Matthew Ernat (left), Principal Maryann O’Neill and Matthew Kaefer.
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"is recognition will broaden Mr. Ernat's and Mr. Kaefer's educational opportunities," said Montini Catholic Principal Maryann O'Neill. "I am positive that they are further encouraged to develop their academic potential to the fullest." MONTINI.ORG
s p i h s r Schola
SCHOOL NEWS Congratulations to this year’s scholarship award recipients.
BISHOP BLANCHETTE AWARD
Freshman Nicholas Alandy and senior Delaney Miller were recipients of this year's Bishop Blanchette Scholarship Award. Nicholas is a graduate of St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard. Delaney, a four year recipient of the award, is a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School in Downers Grove.
Nicholas Alandy and Delaney Miller receive congratulations from Principal Maryann O’Neill.
e Bishop Blanchette Scholarship was established in 1982 in honor of the late Bishop Romeo Blanchette. e scholarship is made available each year to students in the Joliet Diocese (with an affiliated Council of Catholic Women Organization) who plan on attending a Catholic High School within the diocese. Students are nominated by their parishes and are asked to express their reasons for wanting a Catholic education. Each student's scholastic achievements are also considered.
KAZMA FAMILY FOUNDATION e Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship is available to eighth graders actively attending a Catholic Parish who are interested in attending a local Catholic High School after graduating grade school. e scholarship amount for each recipient is $12,000 ($3,000 for each of the four high school years). In order to be eligible, a student must demonstrate a sense of respect for others, be a good Catholic role model in their community, and receive no less than a "C" letter grade in any of their courses. is year's Kazma Foundation Scholarship winners are: Anthony Geraci of Addison (parishioner of St. Phillip the Apostle, Addison); Michael Gergen of Lombard (graduate of St. Pius X Parish School, Lombard); Megan Huff of Lombard (graduate of Sacred Heart, Lombard); and Amayrani Sanchez of Lombard (graduate of St. Pius X Parish School, Lombard)
L to R: Anthany Geraci, Michael Gergen, Principal Maryann O’Neill, Amayrani Sanchez and Megan Huff
PLACEMENT TEST SCHOLARS Sixteen freshmen were proudly recognized as recipients of Montini Catholic's 2015 Freshman Placement Exam Scholarships. e academic scholarships are offered to incoming freshmen excelling on the Freshman Placement Exam. Scholarships are awarded based on national percentile ranking of the placement exam scores. e following students were awarded scholarships this year:
Front row L to R: Marissa VanDeVeer, Megan Huff, Justin Lazowski, Alexandra Quaglia, Ryan Trost, Ian Kwit and Cecelia Moran; Back row: Andrew Bolisay, Isabella Reilley, Michaela Brant, Quincey Trojanowski, Michael Gergen, Andrew Ernat and Ray Wojkovich (not pictured: Zoe Mackay Zacker and John Gaughan)
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Zoe Mackay Zacker, Quincey Trojanowski, Cecelia Moran, Megan Huff, Ray Wojkovich, Andrew Ernat, Justin Lazowski, Marissa VanDeVeer, Isabella Reilley, Alexandra Quaglia, Andrew Bolisay, John Gaughan, Michael Gergen, Ryan Trost, Ian Kwit and Michaela Brant
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SCHOOL NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS TO
MARYANN O’NEILL
FOR
30
YEARS OF SERVICE
Principal, Maryann O'Neill is celebrating her 30th year of Montini’s 50 years of Lasallian education! Maryann was hired in 1986 by the late Br. Joseph Boggio, FSC to develop and teach Computer Science and Math at Montini Catholic. "I was hired while one of the school's Brothers was on sabbatical to attain his Masters Degree," said Maryann "I committed to stay for two years and have been here ever since!" She has enjoyed her role as Principal of Montini Catholic for 12 years. During her 30 years at Montini Catholic, O'Neill has taken on several roles. In addition to teaching, she has been a Technology Coordinator, Administrative Assistant to the Principal, Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development and Assistant Principal. She also took on many responsibilities regarding extra-curricular activities such as Lasallian Youth Moderator, Retreat Director, Student Activities Moderator and National Honor Society Moderator. She also was a member of the Principal's Advisory Council, the Strategic Planning Committee and the Chair of the Academic Advisory Council. In 2011, Mrs. O'Neill was presented with the Bishop Roger L. Kaffer Outstanding Principal Award for personifying the 6
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Catholic values and principles of school leadership. She attended the University of Illinois, Chicago (B.S. 1967) and Lewis University (M.A. 2000) and achieved her Certificate of Completion from the Lasallian Leadership Institute in 2003. She is a member of the National Catholic Education Association, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Diocese of Joliet High School Principals Council, the Lasallian Mission Council (now called the Ministry Council for the Christian Brothers Midwest District) and the Lasallian Association for Secondary Schools Chief Administrators Planning Committee. She has also been a member of the North Central Accreditation Visiting Teams, Mission and on the Planning Committee for Christian Brothers Congress. As the school celebrates its 50th Anniversary, Mrs. O'Neill reflected on the observations of how the high school itself has changed over the years. "I have seen Montini grow from electric typewriters to iPads," she smiled. "Our curriculum has grown from one programming class to courses like
Web Design, Digital Media and Robotics!" She also informed that "our service ministry program is now going global with teams going to Nicaragua to help homeless families." Under O'Neill's leadership, numerous improvements have been implemented including lap tops for all teachers and smart boards, white boards, projectors and software. She oversaw the installation of the first computer lab and created a computer department and curriculum. is was followed by a second lab, the computerization of the library, and internet access for all. roughout her 30 years at Montini, O'Neill has witnessed school history with the addition of a Math Wing, a Science Wing, a Campus Ministry Center, a Learning Resource Center, improved and expanded athletic fields including lights at Duffy Memorial Stadium, and a new 3-court Field House. "She is like a walking history book as far as Montini is concerned," laughs Megan Pauley who recently embarked on recording stories on the history of Montini Catholic for its 50th Year Anniversary. "Whenever we need to know what the prom theme was in a specific year, or what uniforms were worn in what year, we go to Maryann!" When asked to recall the most rewarding part of her job, O'Neill never fails to say that she relishes the emails, letters, calls and visits from past students who want to tell her about their careers and accomplishments since graduation. She even has a bulletin board in her office which displays many of the messages she receives from past students. "It is heart-warming to hear from our former students," she said. "I am also proud that many of our alums have returned to work here at Montini as well." "Watching the school improve and the students achieve more each year is gratifying," she said. "Seeing our scholarship offerings rise and seeing our students accepted to universities like Yale, Notre Dame, Princeton and Harvard is truly gratifying!" "Maryann's dedication and service to the school is inspiring," said President Jim Segredo. "I am positive that I speak on behalf of the entire school community when I say that Montini Catholic wouldn't be the outstanding school it is today without her." MONTINI.ORG
SCHOOL NEWS KEVIN BEIRNE NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL OF STUDENT SERVICES is fall Montini welcomed Kevin Beirne as our new Assistant Principal of Student Services. Kevin is replacing Kathy Filipiak who stepped down this past spring after 40 years of service at the school. (Filipiak will be staying on staff part time as a consultant.) Mr. Beirne joined the Montini Catholic family in 2008 as an English instructor. From there he was promoted to the Director of Digital Learning Initiative and was instrumental in rolling out the school's 1-to-1 iPad program in 2014. "Kevin has some big shoes to fill as he joins the leadership team in the role of Assistant Principal for Student Services vacated by Kathy," said Principal Maryann O'Neill. "But, I know he is up to the challenge and has the ability, drive and credentials to build on all that Kathy has accomplished. He will bring an energy and fresh ideas to this position."
Montini Catholic President Jim Segrego (left) with Fran Weiger, Ian Kwit, Karl Weiger and Principal Maryann O’Neill.
johnathan weiger memorial scholarship recipient On behalf of the Karl Weiger Family, Montini Catholic presented the second annual Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship during the school's Homecoming Week Mass on September 14th. Members of Montini Catholic's freshman class of 2019 were only the second class to be invited to submit an essay to receive the $1,000 scholarship. From the entrants each year, the Weiger Family selects the student who best displays high moral character, a deep commitment to their faith, and academic achievement at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship. is year, the honor went to freshman, Ian Kwit of Elmhurst.
Assistant Principal Kevin Beirne with Principal Maryann O’Neill
Mr. Beirne will work with the school's Guidance Department and Deans Office to ensure that the academic and behavioral needs of the students are met. "He will also work with Assistant Principal of Academics, Dr. Michael Kisicki and myself to ensure that Montini Catholic continues to educate the whole child, heart, soul, mind and body," added Mrs. O'Neill. "I'm humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve our students, their families, and our teachers in this new capacity," said Mr. Beirne. "What I most look forward to is getting to know more students and families than I've been able to in my previous positions." He added, "while following Ms. Filipiak is daunting, I can't imagine a more supportive environment in which to start a new role like this one." MONTINI.ORG
HOMECOMING COURT Gianna Salzbrun • Lindsey McDonnell Queen: Emma Makowski margaret sullivan • amy bukovsky
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Students, staff, alumi and friends have been very busy this school year celebrating 50 years of Lasal
Celebrating 50 COVER STORY
Montini Catholic's Class of 1970 gives special gift to students
of touching h
With their 50th Anniversary celebration well underway, Montini Catholic students received a very special Homecoming gift from the school's first graduating class, the Class of 1970. e alumni class had a 4,000+ lb. "rock" delivered to the students to commemorate the school's milestone anniversary event. e surprise gift arrived on Monday, September 14th, prior to the school's Homecoming Mass kicking off the week long celebration. "Montini's first class wanted to create a new tradition for our athletes and club members to 'make their own mark' on their school," said President Jim Segredo. "School spirit is alive and kicking at Montini," he added. "I know our students will proudly embrace their newest outlet to express their Bronco pride!"
Clockwise from top: Ana Belaval from WGN TV celebrated Homecoming with the students and snapped a selfie with our very own Bronco; On October 7th, students, faculty and staff headed to the 50 yard line at Duffy Memorial Stadium for a special anniversary photo; James Izzo’71 and Megan Steiner’10 present Montini Catholic’s mission statement to Rev. Burke Masters, Vocation Director for the Diocese of Joliet at the school’s opening Mass; Father John Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., Superintendent of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Joliet at Montini’s Jubilee Mass on November 15th; Varsity Football Coach Chris Andriano with the school's first (and only other) Varsity Football Head Coach, Jim Kavanaugh at Montini’s 50 Years of Football, Cheerleading and Band Celebration on September 18th.
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llian education.
0 years
hearts
upcoming events December 6, 2015
Fashion Show, Oakbrook Marriott
December 18, 2015
Wrestling Reunion Montini Catholic Main Gym/Cafeteria
January 9, 2016
Boys Basketball Reunion Montini Catholic Main Gym/Cafeteria
January 30, 2016
Alumni Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Montini Catholic Cafeteria
February 18, 2016
Celebration of Music Wentz Concert Hall North Central College, Naperville
February 20, 2016
Alumni & Alumni Parent Bingo Night Montini Catholic Cafeteria
March 3, 2016
Celebration of Theater Montini Catholic Auditorium
March 12, 2016
Maroon & Gold Gala Bobak’s Signature Events, Woodridge
May 14, 2016
Baseball Reunion Montini Catholic Baseball Field
June 4, 2016 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace
touching Hearts Since 1966 MONTINI.ORG
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ANNUAL FUND
HELP US TO CONTINUE OUR MISSION OF CHALLENGING AND ENCOURAGING THE SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, PERSONAL, CULTURAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF EACH STUDENT.
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Bronco Express Fall 2015
MONTINI.ORG
ANNUAL FUND
A gift to Montini Catholic’s Annual Fund ensures that the tradition of small class sizes, faith based education, and individualized attention for all students, will continue well into the future. Your gift provides for: Technology - for the availability of appropriate educational technology to all of our faculty and students. Community Outreach - and the continuous enhancement of our Retreat Program and Pastoral Ministry. Financial Aid - Each year, approximately 17% of students will need financial assistance to attend Montini Catholic. In the most recent school year, because of the generosity of our donors, our school awarded over $300,000 to those students and families with demonstrated need. We are able to guarantee that no qualified applicant is ever denied enrollment for financial reasons.
BECAUSE ANNUAL FUND GIFTS ARE TYPICALLY UNRESTRICTED, THEY CAN BE DIRECTED TO AREAS WITH THE GREATEST NEED AND THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT. Professional Development - Competitive faculty salaries to attract and retain exceptional teachers. All alumni, current parents, past parents & friends of the school are asked to make a gift to the Montini Catholic Annual Fund. Gifts to the fund create one of the school’s most significant sources of support. Because Annual Fund gifts are typically unrestricted, they can be directed to areas with the greatest need — and the greatest potential for impact. Each gift, regardless of size, strengthens the school's participation rate and demonstrates a vote of confidence in a Montini Catholic education. MONTINI.ORG
Ways to give… MAIL Checks to Montini Catholic High School, 19W070 16th St., Lombard IL 60148
CREDIT CARD Visa, MasterCard or Discover, either online @www.montini.org/annualfund or call 630.627.6930 X177
DIGITALLY Online @www.montini.org/annualfund
MATCHING GIFTS Double the impact of your gift with a 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 or visit www.montini.org/matchinggift to access an online database of matching gift companies.
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? Annual Fund donations are accepted yearly from July 1 – June 30.
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MONTINI CATHOLIC
BRONCOS
SPORTS WRAP-UP
VOLLEY for the cure
RAISES $1,200!
CHAMPIONS Blocking and Baking for the Cause!
With an unbelievable record of 13-0 - on Saturday, November 28th our Broncos became State Champions for the sixth time!
On September 24, 2015 volleyball players, parents and friends teamed up to put on a very successful Volley for the Cure event. Team members sold baked goods during the game and at the school after the big game night. Autumn Albreski, Annie Cappetta and Pam Olszowka were instrumental in planning the fundraiser. "ey took the reigns and organized the entire event," said Montini's Girls Varsity Volleyball Coach Steve Dowjotas who was very impressed with their efforts. Proceeds will be going to Gilda's Club in Chicago a non-profit whose mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. Photos above, senior Gina Cappetta (left) and junior Emily Crotty.
C ongratulations montini maniacs MIKE BUKOVSKY
A force to be reckoned with!
COACH OF THE YEAR FOR GIRLS SOFTBALL
e group of zealous teens is the official student cheering section for the Broncos. e students support all Montini sports. "ey are clearly one of the loudest student sections we've seen in a long time," said Eric Brechtel, Admissions Director. Maniac leaders this year are (l to r) Jack Westerkamp, Michael Orr, Kevin Brachmann, Rayanna O'Rourke and Mike Melarkey.
ICA SECTIONAL
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ATHLETIC NEWSS P O R T S
SPIRIT OF ‘76 AWARD Under the lights at Duffy Memorial Stadium on September 11th, Montini Catholic and the Karl Weiger family presented senior Samuel Detmers with this year’s Spirit of ‘76 Award in memory of their son, Johnathan ‘Johnny’ Weiger. With the help from staff and coaches, the Weiger family chooses a varsity football team member who embodies that of great character, faith and sportsmanship as the award recipient. Samuel joins the two previous winners of the Bronco Spirit of 76 Award - Alexander Melarkey (2013) and Samuel Asta (2014).
L to R: Athletic Director Tom Lentine, Karl Weiger, Samuel Detmers, Lauren Weiger, Fran Weiger and Principal Maryann O’Neill.
LAMONTIA COMMITS TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
Nicole LaMantia is congratulated by Athletic Director Tom Lentine.
Sophomore, Nicole LaMantia, recently committed to the University of Wisconsin in Madison. LaMantia accepted a full scholarship to play hockey at the university under the leadership of Coach Mark Johnson. A skilled defenseman, LaMantia is currently part of the Chicago Mission (Coyote) Hockey program. In addition to securing her spot at the University of Wisconsin, LaMantia was also invited to try out for the (Under 18) National Team for the World Championships for Team U.S.A at the 2015 USA Hockey Women's National Festival, which took place Aug. 11-16, at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York. "e World Championships will be held in January 2016," explained LaMantia. Final rosters have not yet been chosen. Congratulations Nicole!
PAWELSKI COMMITS TO
BROWN FOR WRESTLING
Senior James Pawelski was recently congratulated for his commitment to join the Bears wrestling program at Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island) in the fall of 2016. Pawelski, who has been wrestling since the ripe age of 4 is looking forward to his future at Brown. Pawelski's most recent wrestling victories include taking 2nd place at the 2A IHSA Individual State Wrestling Tournament 126 pound championship match in Champaign in February. He was also instrumental in helping the Broncos claim their 8th consecutive state championship at this year's IHSA Dual State Wrestling Tournament in Bloomington. Academically, he most recently achieved Suburban Christian Conference (SCC) All Conference for the 2015 winter sports season, earning a 3.7 GPA for a complete academic quarter during the winter sports season. MONTINI.ORG
James Pawelski (with wrestling coach Justin Pearch) commits to Brown University on National Signing Day, November 11, 2015.
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ALUMNI NEWS Colton Rasche ’10 and his wife, Alex, were married on August 29, 2015 at the United States Naval Academy. Rasche is a 2015 graduate of the Naval Academy.
KEEPING UP MARRIAGES, BRONCOS, WITH THE FUTURE UPDATES
BRONCOS & SYMPATHIES
John Gavin ’91 and his wife, Martha, are thrilled to announce the birth of Caroline Lilly Gavin on August 26, 2015. Caroline weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and was 19 in. long.
Julie (McGivern) Maddox ‘99 and husband Bobby are thrilled to welcome Elena Jean to the world. Elena weighed 6 lbs., 7 oz. and was 19 in. of perfection.
Jenny (Doll) Gedraitis ’94 and her husband Jason welcomed their sixth child, Avery Jane, on July 23, 2015. Avery weighed 5 lbs., 15oz. Big brothers Matthew and Jack, and sisters Alison, Julie and Lucy are in love with their new baby sister.
Jamie (Minucciani) Schwind ’00 and husband, Elliott, are happy to announce the birth of Avery Lynn on August 23, 2015, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz.
Captain Lance Hannan ’89 welcomed his fifth child, Jenna, born on August 5, 2015. Ashley (Raike) Aragones ’04 and her husband Dominic welcomed their first child, Nicolas Arturo Aragones, on August 23, 2015. Nicolas weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz. and was 21 in. long.
Mary (Amidei) Henderson ’98 and her husband Greg welcomed Michael Raymond Henderson on June 19, 2015, weighing 7lbs, 3oz. Older sisters Evelyn (5) and Olivia (3) are thrilled about their new baby brother.
Jeff Vlk ’99 and his wife Heidi lovingly welcomed their first child, Colton Jeffrey, on August 11, 2015. Colton weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. and was 21 in. long.
Jeff Benka ‘99 and Katie (Tomich) Benka ‘99 are proud to announce the birth of Connor Joseph, born on September 15, 2015. Big brother, Colin, is overjoyed with the newest arrival. Trinity (Leeberg) Foster ’00 and her husband Dennis, welcomed their first child, Chase Alten Foster, on July 28, 2015. Chase weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz. and was 19.5 in. long.
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Ed Holden ’00 and his wife Kathleen welcomed Charlotte Anne Holden on July 22, 2015. Charlotte weighed 8 pounds, and was 20 in. long. Erin (Moran) Klopack ’01 and her husband Steven lovingly welcomed their son, Benjamin Daniel Klopack, on September 12th, 2015. Benjamin weighed 8 lbs., 12 oz. MONTINI.ORG
ALUMNI NEWS
OUR SYMPATHIES To the Signer Family, on the death of Mr. Timothy Landry. Mr. Landry is the husband of Shannon (Signer) Landry ’85, and brother-in-law of Susan (Signer) Vanderleest ’84, Julie (Signer) Riley ’87, Meghan (Signer) Hunter ’89, Stephanie (Signer) Lear ’90 and Mary Ellen Signer ’90. Tim was also uncle to omas Riley ’19.
26th Annual bronco classic
golf outing Thank you to all who helped us celebrate another successful golf outing!
To the Fiordirosa Family, on the death of Mr. Dominic Fiordirosa. Mr. Fiordirosa is the father Dominic Fiordirosa ’78. To the McCarter Family, on the death of Mr. omas McCarter. Mr. McCarter is the father of Annie (McCarter) Hansen ’93 and Mimi (McCarter) Cunningham ’97, and father-in-law of Brent Hansen ’93. To the Wolski Family, on the death of Mr. Jerry Wolski on September 16, 2015. Mr. Wolski is the father of Jerry Wolski ’83, Tom Wolski ’85, Linda (Wolski) Morehart ’88 and Joe Wolski ’90.
IN MEMORIAM Our sympathies go out to all of the families, friends and classmates of: Jeffrey Collins ‘83, who passed away in October of 2015. Timothy Walsh ‘87, who passed away in September of 2015. Timothy is the brother of Pat Walsh ’83 and Dan Walsh ’84. Brad Bumber ’89, who passed away in September of 2015. Brad is the brother of Kirk Bumber ’87.
BRONCO BITS! Joe Norton ’06 was named the Head Wrestling Coach at North Central College. Norton, a graduate of NCC and four-year starter for the Cardinals wrestling team from 2006-2010, was previously the Head Wrestling Coach at Knox College. Kevin Martin ’06 has been elevated to a starring role on the TNT drama "e Last Ship,” in its 3rd season. Kevin has had a role in the first 2 seasons of the series. MONTINI.ORG
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Bronco Express Fall 2015 15
BRONCO EXPRESS Montini Catholic High School 19W070 16th Street Lombard, IL 60148
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Parents: If this newsletter is addressed to your son or daughter and he/she no longer resides with you, please email changes/corrections to our alumni team at: alumni@montini.org. Thank you!