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Military Academy & Prefect Academy
Pablo Lopez Cordova Appointed First Captain at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy
First Captain Pablo Lopez Cordova 2022, the son of Alfonso Lopez and Erna Cordova of Mexico City, joined SJNMA in the fall of 2018 as a Freshman in Bravo Company. Here is his story.
“My name is Pablo Lopez Cordova, and I am the First Captain of the 138th Corps of Cadets. I arrived at St. John’s Northwestern as a freshman in the summer of 2018 for the Raider’s School Program. As I came in on my first day, I saw the castle-like buildings surrounding me and felt like I was walking through a middle-age fortress. I saw a group of people jogging towards me, and they were chanting and repeating the words of the person commanding with a tone of confidence and strength. They were wearing camouflage and black shirts with the inscription “Raiders” in yellow, and every single one of them was carrying a huge green backpack. I followed the group until the commander ordered “halt,” and suddenly they stopped and screamed “RAIDERS” at the top of their lungs. After watching this, my body shivered. I was only a 16-year-old kid from another country that was about to start a completely new chapter in my life. I could feel the goosebumps on my skin because of all the mixed feelings I was experiencing. I felt the uncertainty and excitement of starting a new adventure.
When my mother arrived, we entered the building, and I remember walking through those hallways for the first time. Packed on the walls, I saw all the trophies, the black and white pictures of the formations and cadets in their uniforms looking sharp, and the diplomas and recognitions. I never imagined I would call this place home for the next four years. I never dreamed I would create the strongest bonds and the best friends I ever had at this Academy.
I aspire to graduate High School with a humanities diploma and, like my father, pursue a law degree at New York University or the University of Wisconsin-Madison followed by a major in international law
I am delighted to represent the student body of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy, and I am confident that this year will be full of success.”
John Divane Elected Head Prefect at St. John’s Northwestern Prefect Academy
Head Prefect John Divane 2022, the son of Michael and Maria Divane of Chicago, Illinois, joined SJNA in January 2021. At the end of the 2021 summer and upon completion of the SJNA Leadership Institute, he was appointed to the position of Head Prefect for the SJNA Prefect Academy’s 2021-2022 academic year. Here is his story.
“I arrived at St. John’s Northwestern last January hoping to find a school where I could work on myself mentally and physically. After struggling at my last school, it was a sacrifice for my parents to send me here. My mindset going in was that I wanted to make the most of the opportunity I was given. I was greeted by a cadet with a shaved head as I wondered what I was about to get into.
After moving into my room, I walked into the second-floor lounge of DeKoven and was surprised by prefect preps sitting in the lounge all listening to music and talking to each other. I quickly realized that I fit right in with the guys and started to create what would turn into some of my closest friendships. A few weeks after, Major General and Mrs. Lima invited all the midterm students to the President’s house for a pizza party. We sat in the dining room talking to each other and getting to know where we were all from. MG Lima started to explain to us what St. John’s Northwestern is about and what the school stands for. He started talking about all the successful people who have gone through here and the significant things they have done around the world. I sat there wondering if all these people were at some point in the position that I am and asked myself what is stopping me from creating a legacy on this campus in the year and a half I have here.
During the last two summers, I created a landscaping company and ran my own basketball camp. I hope to continue to do that in an entrepreneurship program in college. I am extremely happy with the way I have progressed as a person at this school.”
Mrs. Lilah Stangeland with other members of the SJNA Board of Trustees
Thursday, October 14, 2021, marked a historic occasion at St. John’s Northwestern Academies. Recognizing a legacy of generosity, leadership, and vision, the parade field was rededicated and named “Stangeland Family Parade Field” and was symbolized with the addition of a magnificent third gate as its focal point.
Board members, distinguished guests, faculty, staff, students, and friends assembled along Smythe Lane to honor the Stangeland family for their unwavering dedication that selflessly transcends decades.
Stephen Matz, dean advancement, emceed the event and took a moment to speak directly to the students. “This event honors the Stangeland family’s commitment to a mission that serves you,” he said. “And once you fully understand what it means to invest in others’ potential, it will provide you with a guiding principle that will carry light to generations to come.” Board Chairman and long-time friend of the Stangeland family, Michael Henn, formally rededicated the parade field and presented Mrs. Lilah Stangeland with a framed replica of the plaque that is permanently affixed to the new gate. The plaque reads, “Stangeland Family Parade Field: In honor and recognition of their unparalleled lifetime commitment and support to St. John’s Northwestern. May all who gather here know of Roger S’47 and Lilah H’99 Stangeland’s generous spirit and whose impact will benefit generations to come.”
The momentous occasion was concluded with a performance of “Amici” by the SJNA Pipes & Drums followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
“I could not have been more gratified to lead the ceremony for the dedication of the Stangeland
Gate in honor of Roger and Lilah Stangeland and their family. The Stangelands are the biggest benefactor in the Academy’s history, but more than that, they are my dearest friends.” — Michael Henn H’16
The Stangeland Story
Mr. Roger Stangeland graduated from St. John’s Military Academy in 1947 and married Lilah in 1950. “I got a terrific education here,” Roger would proudly state. He wanted other students to gain as much as he did from the Academy, gifting forward educational opportunities for entire generations of youth. Roger was described as an astute entrepreneur with greater concern for the team than the individual. He attributed his considerable leadership skills to his education and experience at the Academy. Known as a businessman, civic leader, sportsman, philanthropist, benefactor and great father; he dedicated his leadership toward many significant institutional advances of the time, including the merger of St. John’s Military Academy and Northwestern Military & Naval Academy. Mrs. Lilah Stangeland and family perpetuate Roger’s keen fondness for his high school through their own roles. Mrs. Stangeland currently serves as one of the longest tenured Board of Trustee members and is considered by many to be the matriarch of the school. The Stangeland family’s generous gifts have contributed enormously to vibrant campus life at SJNA. Roger and Lilah’s commitment to SJNA echoes through each hall on campus. Through Roger’s dedication to his beloved alma mater and Lilah’s strong belief in the Academies’ mission and committed leadership, the Stangeland family is the most generous donor in SJNA history.
The Herald Trumpets open the momentous occasion.
Board Chairman, Michael Henn, presents the dedication plaque (replica) to Mrs. Lilah Stangeland.
Mrs. Lilah Stangeland between her sisters, Mary Lou Lyons (left) and Annie Petersen (right) and her niece, Debbie Lyons-Wright (far right) and Debbie’s husband Jay Wright (far left). MG Lima personally thanks the Stangeland family for their notable support.
Mrs. Lilah Stangeland and her children, Cyndi Olsen (second to left with her husband David) and Brad Stangeland, mark the occasion with the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.
Symbolizing a legacy of generosity, leadership, and vision, this magnificent gate is the focal point of the Stangeland Family Parade Field.
