Fall 2016 03
School News
11
Athletic News
13
Alumni News
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Alumni Spotlight
18 2017 Hall of Fame Inductees
20 2017 Time & Eternity Award Honorees
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Class Notes
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Advancement News
30
Ways to Give
31
Donor Report
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In Thanks ...
On the Cover: Students on a mission trip to Colorado Springs, Colo., pose in the Garden of the Gods park (clockwise from top left), the original Brothers’ table built by St. Marcellin Champagnat in La Valla, France, students reenact the original Brothers taking their first pledge to start the Marist order, faculty members visit St. James Church in Lemont, Ill., during their annual retreat.
Marist High School 4200 West 115th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 www.marist.net
T
he 2016-2017 school year marks a significant milestone for MaristChicago and Marist schools worldwide. During this year we will commemorate the founding of the Marist Brothers of the Schools and the beginning of Marist education on January 2, 1817. In July of 1816, the newly ordained Marcellin Champagnat was sent to a rural parish in the town of La Valla in the St. Chamond area of southeastern France. Marcellin encountered many issues needing his immediate attention not the least of which was the absence of schools in this area. This point was brought home to him on October 28, 1816 when he was called to the Montagne family home where sixteen year old Jean-Baptiste Montagne was dying of tuberculosis, an all too common disease in this impoverished part of France. While trying to hear young Jean-Baptiste’s confession, it became apparent to Marcellin that this young man had not had any religious or academic education. Like most young people in the area, this lack of education condemned him to a life of inter-generational poverty. After administering the last rites to Jean-Baptise, Marcellin left to make another home visit, promising to return immediately afterwards. By the time he did return to the Montagne home, Jean-Baptiste had died. Although he was just a young priest, Marcellin knew that the only way to make significant change was to create significant change. By January of 1817, Marcellin had recruited two young men to join him in his efforts to bring education to rural southeastern France. Marcellin’s first mission was to teach his two young recruits. They had no formal education up to that point, so Marcellin had to teach them to read and write and then how to teach what they had just learned. Perhaps that is why Marcellin and the early Brothers were such good teachers. They knew firsthand what it was like to struggle to learn. What is unique about Marcellin and his founding of the Marist Brothers is that he too suffered from a lack of education due to the ravages of the French Revolution. His schooling was sparse until his mid-teens, and even then he had to struggle to catch up and keep up. It is his own personal struggle that made him sensitive to the needs of young people like Jean-Baptiste Montagne who had no access to education. If you are reading this letter, you or your son or daughter, or your grandson or granddaughter or friend has been the inheritor of Marcellin’s legacy of Marist education. What began officially on January 2, 1817 continues today at MaristChicago and in Marist schools in 83 countries throughout the world. Your belief in Marist High School and your support of our efforts keeps Marcellin’s dream of “forming good Christians and good citizens” alive and well. More than ever, the world needs Catholic education where faith-based learning provides a foundation on which our students can build the rest of their lives. As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Marist Brothers and of Marist education, all of us at Marist-Chicago are grateful for Marcellin’s vision, commitment, and tenacity. We are grateful too for your presence in the life of Marist High School. Marcellin’s dream is as valid today as it was in 1817, and your support of Marist continues to turn dreams into reality. Gratefully,
Brother Hank Hammer, fms President
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School News
Broadcast studio opens for 2016 school year MARIST HIGH SCHOOL WELCOMED ALUMNA and sportscaster Victoria Carmen ’06 to speak to students enrolled in the school’s new broadcasting course on Thursday, October 6. “Marist fueled my discipline, faith, and values to work towards my career, and I will forever be grateful. I love seeing the growing opportunities for current and future students,” she told students. Carmen, who most recently worked as a weekday sports anchor for ABC7 Southwest Florida, reflected on her own professional journey in the industry and offered insider tips to the students who were eager to ask her questions about building a broadcast journalism career. The daughter of a high school football coach, her love of sports started at an early age, and she is thrilled to be pursuing her passion. “Sharing my love of sports journalism with Marist
Larry Tucker ’79 poses at the new MHS Studio anchor desk with broadcast teacher Noelle Trainor (left) and sports anchor Victoria Carmen ’06.
students is special because I was in their exact same
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shoes when I attended Marist,” Carmen explained. “The
in the industry and will give the students an edge when
television industry can be overwhelming and difficult
heading to the next level,” Carmen said.
to pursue, so I’m hoping to inspire and motivate the
This year, 27 students are enrolled in the course and
students to work hard and believe anything is possible if
are exploring the integration of technology, storytelling,
you put your mind to it.”
and scriptwriting. The program will expand next year,
A 2010 Indiana University graduate, Carmen had
as a follow up course will be offered. Instructor Noelle
stints in Casper, Wyoming, and Toledo, Ohio, before
Trainor, who has worked as an entertainment reporter
landing the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. anchor slots in Florida. In
and on the production side of commercial and corporate
November, she moved to upstate New York to freelance
projects, is pleased with how the program is going.
for multiple networks.
Students have created weekly newscasts, public service
“
announcements, homecoming week recap videos,
I’m hoping to inspire and motivate the students to work hard and believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it.” - Victoria Carmen ’06
and more. During the second semester, Trainor hopes to oversee the students’ production of live newscasts, athletic events, and other school related projects. Principal Larry Tucker ’79 points out that the studio and course are in line with Marist’s commitment to dynamic space and real world learning opportunities. “Courses like this offer students the chance to experi-
Carmen toured the broadcasting studio, which
ence authentic learning through projects that are current
after having phase one completed, features a custom
and grounded in the real world. Some of these students
anchor desk, sound absorbing backdrop, a production
will bring this experience into a broadcast career or into
team meeting area, green screen, cameras, lighting,
one of many established and emerging fields that rely
and teleprompters. Across the hall, students work on
on video technology, strong writing and communication,
computers to edit their videos. Phase two will include a
and interpersonal skills,” he explained.
set stage, production booth, and other amenities. “The
Marist strives to complement its rigorous curriculum
new broadcasting facilities are better than what I worked
with dynamic space and relevant technology to create a
with in my first on-air job! Hands-on experience is huge
21st century learning atmosphere.
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School News
Swinging for Service: National Day of Service will unite Marist across the country
M
arist High School campus minister Patrick Meyer ’10 broke a world record by swinging on a playground swing at the school for 36 hours straight on October 13 and October 14. Meyer’s grueling effort raised awareness and $26,000 for the Marist National Day of Service. On March 29, 2017, all the Marist schools in the United States will participate in community service in honor of the Marist Brothers’ 200th anniversary. At Marist Chicago, the entire junior class will participate in a project on campus with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC). The juniors will be challenged to assemble 100,000 meal packs which will then be delivered by FMSC to children and families throughout the world, including 83 countries with Marist schools and ministries. As is the practice with FMSC projects, the cost of the food is borne by the participating organization and would be passed on to the junior families. Meyer wanted to help alleviate that burden. To raise funds, t-shirts were sold, along with raffle tickets for a Walter Payton-signed jersey. A fall fest was also held to support the cause. Alumni, parents, and friends also generously donated to the cause. Just after completing the 36 hours, an anonymous donor offered to match gifts made until midnight on October 14, which brought the funds up to $26,000 — completely covering costs for the day. Marist’s chaplain, Deacon Andy Neu ’78, built a two-person swing on campus just outside the school’s Red & White Stadium with the help of Meyer and fellow campus minister Colleen Pochyly. The second swing was almost always occupied during the 36 hour event. Special guests joined Meyer, including: Marist Laetare Medal recipient Jennifer Beeson, Kevin Hughes ’85, Supervisor of Worth Township; State Rep. Fran Hurley, a mom of two Marist alumni; Fr. Tom Hurley, Pastor of Old St. Patrick’s; comedian Pat McGann ’94, and Alderman Matt O’Shea. During the school day, teachers brought classes outside to visit and support Mr. Meyer; many teachers and students also took a shift on the second swing. Meyer’s parents, Tom ’82 and Patti, stayed
Pat McGann ’94 (left) kicked things off with Patrick Meyer ’10 at 7am on October 13. Crews from ABC7, WGN, and NBC5 came to campus to help spread the word about the event.
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All in the family: Ryan ’12 (from left), Marty ’15, and Colin ’17 Meyer came out to support their brother Patrick ’10, along with their parents Tom ’82 and Patti.
with him through the night, along with a stream of friends and co-workers who came out to cheer him on through the dark and cold. “This was never a one person deal,” Meyer wrote in an email to faculty and staff. “It was really a team event, and I have true appreciation for everything. I cannot thank everyone enough. We came together as a Marist family, and together we did it!” As the clock wound down, more than 200 people gathered around the swings to cheer for him. Following the event, Meyer will submit all documentation to the Guinness Book of World Records for review.
Fall 2016
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School News
WITH GRATITUDE: Q: What draws you to the Marist mission and spirituality?
WELCOME BR. SAM AMOS!:
New Brother joins Marist Chicago Q: Where did you grow up? A: I grew up in Flint, Mich.
Q: Where did you go to college? Post-college? 10
A: I went to John Carroll University in Cleveland, which is a Jesuit school. I majored in classical languages and minored in history. Then I went to the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where I earned a Master of Arts in teaching and Latin and classical humanities.
Q: How did you come to know the Marist Brothers? A: Historically the Brothers had a presence in Flint. They used to teach at my high school, Powers Catholic. They’re no longer there, but some former Brothers still are. Growing up, I used to wonder what on earth these men with heavy Bayonne, New Jersey accents were doing in Michigan. I got to know the Brothers through them.
Q: When did you enter the novitiate and take vows? A: I entered the novitiate on February 2, 2014, and professed first vows on August 8, 2015.
A: I know this might sound trite, but I was drawn to Marist spirituality because it is Marial. To be Marist is to behave like Mary. It means being quietly open to the will of God, being sensitive and responsive to the needs of others, being contemplative and reflective in the midst of an active life, and being humble. One of the things I most love about the Brothers is how unpretentious they tend to be, how few airs they put on, the way they almost never use titles unless they’re being sarcastic.
2015-16 Faculty and staff honored for years of service 40 Years Owen Glennon, Mathematics
35 Years Q: How do you feel about your assignment to Chicago? What will you be doing?
Brenda Ammeraal, English Marty Wirtz ’72, Advancement
A: I am very excited to be back in the Midwest. You never think you have an accent until you move out to Massachusetts and New York, and people start making fun of your flat A’s ... and the way you say “roof.” And I’m happy to be in Chicago specifically. Marist is a great school, and I’m fortunate to be here. I teach half time (three religion classes) and do service and campus ministry the other half of the time.
25 Years
Q: What do you hope the students of Chicago will think about having such a young Brother in the building? A: God, frankly I’m hoping they won’t notice. I grew the beard hoping it would make me look like I was in my mid-30’s. It’s not working.
Q: What do you enjoy in terms of hobbies or interests? A: I’m a huge dork about languages. I know Latin and Greek, so I like to read the New Testament and St. Augustine in the original. I also like to study modern languages, you know, in a bid not to be totally useless. I worship at St. Benedict’s, a primarily Spanish-speaking parish in Blue Island, as part of my on-going efforts [to improve my Spanish.]
Frank Miritello, English
20 Years Gene Nolan ’92, Physical Education Diane Snyder, Advancement
15 Years Mike Bello, Religious Studies Alex Brown, Admissions Cathy Chambers, World Language Gerry Ramirez, Maintenance
10 Years Nancy Briggs, Visual Arts Colleen Coyne, Attendance Eve Gambla, Academic Resource Center Sue Gardner, Nurse Jenny Hauptman, English Julie Kamper, Mathematics Kathy Majka, Business Office Bob Morowczynski ’00, English Kara Smith, English Deacons Andy Neu ’78 and Jim Renwick celebrated the 15th anniversary of their ordination! Mr. Don Barwacz retired after 41 years of dedicated service!
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Athletic News
2015-2016 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS WINTER/SPRING • BOYS’ BASKETBALL went 21-7
champ, falling by one run in extra
averaged 20 wins a season for the
innings in the sectional semifinal.
last 13 years. Chamar Hawkins ’16
Seniors John Carmody, Zach Sefcik,
and Maurice Commander ’18 were
and Jack Snyder received All-
All-Conference. • GIRLS’ BASKETBALL won the regional title and fought hard in the sectional. Dajae Black ’16 and Julia Ruzevich ’17 received AllConference honors. • WRESTLING had 12 All-Conference
Conference honors. advancing players to state, but the team enjoyed a great season. • SOFTBALL was the ESCC champ and advanced to regional play. Seniors Lizzie Annerino, Madison Naujokas, and Paige Egan, along
Feldner ’18, Jacob Dado ’19, Andy
with sophomores Angela Zedak
O’Brien ’16, Olamide Oladeji ’16,
and Cassie Lindmark, were All-
Brandon Fitzpatrick ’17, Derrick
Conference. Naujokas was named
Bauer ’17, Sam Feldner ’16, Diata
an All-American. • BOYS’ LACROSSE brought the
Drayton ’17, and Elijah Teague ’18.
Touhy Cup back to 115th Street by
The team won the ESCC title for
defeating Br. Rice. They advanced
the seventh year in a row. O’Brien
to playoffs. David O’Neil ’17 and Nick
(126 lbs), Karpinksi (152 lbs), and
Rubino ’19 were All-Conference.
Drayton (220 lbs) advanced to
• GIRLS’ LACROSSE enjoyed a suc-
state. Drayton placed fourth in
cessful season and playoff berth.
state. Several team members com-
Seniors Micaela Bernichio, Deliah
peted at national tournaments.
Bradley, Gabby Moran, and Mad-
• Kamisha Wallace ’16 ranked 3rd
die McHugh were All-Conference.
as an individual to qualify for IHSA bowling sectionals. • BOYS’ BOWLING grew the program
• BOYS’ VOLLEYBALL captured the ESCC title at all three levels. Varsity advanced to the sectional final.
with new members and worked on
Aaron Kummer ’16, Mike Burcl ’16,
skill development.
Colin Meyer ’17, and Jack Berglind
• HOCKEY moved to a new home
’17 received All-Conference
rink-Morgan Park Sports Center at
accolades, while Kummer was also
115th and Western. The boys had
ESCC Player of the Year.
some great games as they work to grow the program. • POMS enjoyed a successful performance and competitive season. • CHEERLEADING supported teams
M
arist boys’ soccer program hosted Br. Rice on Sunday, September 11, in the school’s Red & White Stadium.
• BOYS’ TENNIS was just shy of
wrestlers: Michael Leveille ’19, Jack
Ashford ’17, Kyle Karpinski ’16, Scott
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• BASEBALL was the regional
overall. The program has now
Soccer honors 9-11 anniversary, gets the W
• BOYS’ TRACK claimed the ESCC title, and Steve Davidson ’99 was named ESCC Coach of the Year. • GIRLS’ TRACK placed second in the ESCC and finished eighth in the
through the sideline season and
3A sectional. State qualifiers were
then had a strong competitive
Maryclare Leonard ’17 in the 1600m
season, advancing to state from a
run, and in the 4x800, Jill Borza ’19,
very tough sectional.
Colleen Murphy ’19, Nora Doyle ’18,
Marist’s team holds up the Pulaski Cup after defeating Br. Rice. The team is wearing special red and white striped jerseys. Br. Rice wore blue with white stars.
While both teams enjoyed competing for the Pulaski Cup, players and coaches focused on honoring the 15th anniversary of the attacks on 9-11, in which more than 3,000 died. The teams started the day by attending mass together at St. Christina Church. At the game, Marist honored all military and first responders in attendance with a prayer and special recognition. There was a color guard and a flyover by the Chicago Police Department. Through split the pot and other efforts, $2,000 was donated to the 100 Club of Chicago, which supports families of fallen first responders. “This is a great way for our team to give back to the members of the community who do so much for all of us,” explained Marist’s head coach Sean Maxwell. “It also reminds our students that as great as competing is, community holds even more importance.” The RedHawks won 5-1.
and Carlin McNulty ’17 competed.
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Alumni Spotlight: Kevin Shanahan
Kevin Shanahan ’13 serves the “least favored”
K
evin Shanahan ’13 spent two months in Guatemala this past summer volunteering with Primeros Pasos, a non-profit organization that works to improve the quality of life of the rural communities of the Palajunoj Valley of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, through integrated health education projects and access to medical services.
aspects of another has allowed me to have unique friendships and experiences that I would never have experienced had I not stepped out of my comfort zone,” he explained. Second, getting to know the people of Guatemala helped him appreciate the true value of others. “Many live in poverty, but their ‘poorness’ is not what defines them,” he said.
“
I hope to use my ability to speak Spanish to serve those in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods in the Chicago area who might normally not have the opportunity to have a medical professional who can speak their language.” The clinic Kevin worked at was staffed with two doctors, one dentist, and Guatemalan medical students. It also has two major programs: the Healthy Schools Program and the Nutrition Recuperation Program. Kevin volunteered with the Healthy Schools Program, spending time at the ten primary schools in the Valley. He visited classrooms, presenting workshops on hygiene, nutrition, preventative health, the environment, personal identity, and more. The second half of the time the medical staff and volunteers provided medical and dental consults to every child in the school free of charge. While in Guatemala, Kevin lived with a host family. He worked from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the clinic and took one-on-one Spanish class from 2 to 7 p.m. On weekends he traveled throughout Guatemala, including hiking volcanoes, visiting Mayan ruins, and taking in the natural wonders of the land. He was thrilled to welcome his parents, Mike ’77 and Rita, for five days. He enjoyed the opportunity for them to see what he was doing firsthand and to experience the country for themselves. There are two big lessons that Kevin took away from his experience. First, he came to realize that no one can truly understand a country until they experience it first-hand. “Accepting differences and being able to share parts of my culture and experience
“What does define them is their selflessness, generosity, kindness, and generally easy-going personalities.” Kevin is heavily involved with service groups and projects at the University of Dayton, where he is a junior. He is pursing dual bachelor’s degrees in biochemistry and Spanish. He plans to attend physician assistant school after graduation. “I hope to use my ability to speak Spanish to serve those in predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods in the Chicago area who might normally not have the opportunity to have a medical professional who can speak their language,” he said.
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Kevin Shanahan ’13 and fellow volunteers pose with local children who received a donation of soccer equipment.
Fall 2016
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Donor Report
THIS DONOR REPORT INCLUDES information from the 2015-2016 fiscal year. It lists gifts made from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Marist High School is humbled by the generosity of our donors, and strives to accurately acknowledge all who support the work to make Jesus Christ known and loved. If you find an error in this listing please do not hesitate to contact Amy Hughes in the Advancement Office at hughes.amy@marist.net or (773) 881-5378. Thank you for your support of Marist High School!
Ways to Give
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Direct Gifts
Stock Gifts
Direct monetary gifts benefit the Marist Fund which is the lifeblood of the school’s operating budget. Gifts to the Marist Fund ensure the mission of Marist continues for years to come. Gifts can be made by check, charge card or money orders. Payments can be made to Marist High School. They can also be made online at www.marist.net. Gifts can be made in one lump sum or pledged over time. Direct gifts can also be put towards creating Endowed Scholarships. An endowed scholarship is fully funded at $50,000. They can be then be named by the donor(s), and the interest from these funds is drawn annually to benefit deserving students.
Tax benefits also exist for donors who make a gift of stock or real estate. To make a gift of stock, please contact Marist High School with the name of the stock, number of shares, and the date of transfer.
Matching Gifts
In Memory or In Honor of Someone
Many companies match charitable gifts. A searchable database of participating companies is listed on www.marist.net. Donors can also obtain matching forms from their employers and include with their gift or mark it on their online donation.
Donations in memory or in honor of someone special are accepted and are a meaningful way to commemorate a milestone or someone’s life.
Planned Gifts
The Hermitage Society offers guidance to donors who wish to include Marist High School in their estate planning. The Hermitage is the original home of the Marist Brothers in France, and is the foundation of the Brothers’ work throughout world over the past 200 years. So, too, planned gifts will provide the foundation for Marist Chicago’s long-term stability.
For more information about these gifts types and other ways to support Marist High School, including annuities, bequests, life insurance policies, and gifts-in-kind, contact one of our Advancement Office members.
Tom Inzinga ’84 Executive Director
Maggie McEldowney ’07 Marist Fund Director
Marty Wirtz ’72 Major Gift Officer
inzinga.thomas@marist.net (773) 881-5379
mceldowney.maggie@maris.net (773) 881-5334
wirtz.marty@marist.net (773) 881-5376
The Point
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Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Rescigno’s Marketing Connections
4200 West 115th Street Chicago, Illinois 60655 www.marist.net
Upcoming Events Monday, January 2, 2017
Friday, March 24, 2017
Marist Brothers’ 200th Anniversary
Reunion & Awards Dinner
Sunday, February 26, 2017
6:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Gaelic Park Oak Forest, Illinois
Grandparents’ Mass & Tea 2 p.m. Marist High School
Friday, June 2, 2017
Endowment Golf Outing 1:00 p.m. Shotgun Midlothian Country Club Midlothian, Illinois
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and healthy New Year from the Marist family!
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❱❱ Update Us! HAVE YOU MOVED? DO YOU HAVE A NEW JOB? DID YOU GET MARRIED? IS THERE A NEW ADDITION TO YOUR FAMILY? In our efforts to stay connected, we need you to let us know what you’re up to. In each edition of The Point, we look forward to printing Class Notes – please tell us about your latest accomplishments and life events. Send your stories, pictures, and updated information to alumni@marist.net
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