CLASS OF 2017
PORTRAIT OF A NAZARETH ACADEMY
Graduate
Create Your Legacy
THE LEGACY CONTINUES Each year at the Closing School Mass and at Graduation, Nazareth takes a moment to honor alumni who have chosen to continue their Nazareth legacy by sending their children to our beloved school.
We are delighted to recognize the following legacy families from the Class of 2017, including one 3rd generation Nazareth graduate:
At Mass, both alum-parent and Class of 2017 graduate were invited to step forward, pass along the light from the alumni candle to their sons and daughters and receive a blessing. At graduation, parents and grandparents were recognized along with their legacy graduate.
Rita (Molly) Alexa Flowers ‘61
• Madison Flowers, granddaughter of • Erin Lorenzen, daughter of Ann Douglas Lorenzen ‘77
• Andrew Rautenberg, son of Maria Belmonte Rautenberg ‘77
• Charlie Stancik, daughter of Caryn Cieplak Stancik ‘85
CLASS OF 2017 BY THE NUMBERS
87 colleges of choice from
940
Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ‘82 and granddaughter of Marilyn Greco Vondrasek ‘58
• The Nazareth Family would also like to
acknowledge Joan Kravcik ‘52, grandmother of John Kravcik, and Margo Schlanser Rhyan ‘60, grandmother of Samantha D’Agostino, who are lighting the way from Heaven.
1
Evans Scholarship to University of Notre Dame
1
National Merit Scholar Congratulations Meghan McGarry
3
190
Graduates
college acceptances to
237 different schools
• Mayalin Vondrasek, daughter of
National Merit Letters of Commendation
37 Illinois State Scholars 3rd generation
41 Eucharistic
Nazareth alumnae Mayalin Vondrasek named the 44th recipient of the Sister Oliver Donlin Award
Ministers
11
Student-Athletes committed to playing NCAA sports including 4 Division 1 programs in 3 different sports
$28 million earned in merit scholarships and awards
12
neighborhood partners where the Class of 2017 served our dear neighbor during Circle the City
1
Appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy for Maeve Roach
21
ESCC Scholar-Athletes have an average GPA of 4.50
68
Nazareth Scholar-Athletes
On Sunday, May 28, 2017,
the Class of 2017 gathered for the final time under one roof. Alongside faculty, staff, alumni, families and friends, the graduates gathered to celebrate, reflect, pray and most importantly, to go forth into the world. Lucy Byrne, offered a class reflection, thanking the many individuals who made this class’ success possible. “To our parents, thank you for sending us to Nazareth Academy. A private education is a privilege and we thank you for the sacrifices you made to allow us to attend this school...to my fellow seniors and all of the friends made at Nazareth. You all really did make this class feel like a family and we have come a long way together. We have worked hard and accomplished much.” Father Johnpaul Cafiero, a familiar Mass presider at Nazareth, served as Homilist, delivering the Baccalaureate Address on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff, encouraging the Class of 2017 to go forth in life keep themselves open to change and growth, making good choices and keeping faith at the center of their lives. “Don’t ever forget that each of you is one of God’s greatest gifts. The world is waiting so say good-bye and get to work.” Margaret Roache, Valedictorian, gave the Graduation Address. She spoke of the unique ways the Class of 2017 has created their own paths at Nazareth Academy. “We each found our own path at Naz, and it was by no means easy, but in the end it is worthwhile when you look back at all we have accomplished.” She highlighted many academic, athletic and service milestones before reminding all present that, “we also created a legacy in the smaller, everyday actions. In the passing smiles and waves between friends in the hallways, in the friendships that formed between students, athletes and performers who would only see each other as competitors at most other schools, but not at Naz.” In keeping with Nazareth tradition, the graduating class participated in a candle lighting ceremony, led by the choir singing “Go Light Your World,” the lyrics of which reflect our best wishes for the Nazareth Academy Class of 2017.
We send you fort h..
These pennants represent only a few of the 87 colleges that will be home to Nazareth’s Class of 2017. For a complete list of the class’ college acceptances, please visit nazarethacademy.com. Click Academics/Achievements.
Stay Connected! We encourage Class of 2017 alumni to stay connected by joining the Nazareth Academy Alumni group on Facebook, following @NazarethAlum on Twitter, and sending your most up-to-date email to ccook@nazarethacademy.com.
NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 West Ogden Avenue | La Grange Park, IL 60526-1700 Phone: 708.354.0061 | Fax: 708.354.0109
Sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph
www.nazarethacademy.com