ALION FOR LIFE | Feature
Chris Paolelli ’02
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department at nearby Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, and becoming increasingly aware of just how different it was from his own high school experience. “There were aspects of my Catholic education that I prayer,” Paolelli says. “That and I missed the community for something that mattered more than us individually.” Department chairman, Jerry Leitner, told Paolelli about the opening and the rest is history.
transformative and is a major take-away for students when they leave.” Paolelli need only look at the popular senior edition of the Viator Voice newspaper, which he has moderated for 11 of his 12 years at the school, to see how much students value their Kairos experience, and its call to identify “I wish I could do a pie chart to show just how many times it turns out as a favorite memory of students,” he says. Working on the newspaper is something Paolelli has been doing since he was a student. He started as a writer, advanced to features editor, and eventually served as co-editor in chief. a concentration in creative writing, but he ultimately decided teaching was the way he could share his passion
Paolelli began his 12th year in August, teaching sophomore Literature and Composition II and AP Language and Composition II to juniors. He also added a new title as director of the Querbes Scholars Program.
Paolelli leads the “newspaper homeroom” and he calls one
The enrichment program for highly motivated students began in 2010, and over the course of last year, Paolelli served on a faculty committee that updated the program and its parameters. Under his leadership, the scholars will now experience faith-based academic programs dedicated to fostering a dedication to service and lifelong learning.
website before promoting its print edition.
Underscoring the faith-based aspect is a common theme that continues to drive Paolelli long after he made the switch to teaching at a Catholic school. only participant, besides its founder, Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, who has returned every year. Campers gave him a rousing applause when Paolelli was the last one standing during introductions. He also is a frequent adult leader on Kairos retreats, going on as many as two per year. For the last 10 years, he has given a presentation on liturgy, something which he describes as his “thing.”
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“I go as often as they let me go,” Paolelli says. “I think
he and more than 50 students hold editorial meetings to
entering the staff into the Illinois High School headline writing, and just last year in newswriting. On a broader level, Paolelli shares his love of writing with the summer, well before college applications were due. out what they should tell college admissions counselors about themselves. They worked with students on crafting an essay that grabbed the reader at the start, avoided trite expressions, and was compelling. essay to stand out on its own merit, something which he demonstrates day in and day out at Saint Viator High School.
