A Publication of the NAZARETH
ACADEMY Community
Blueprint FALL 2014
Be inspired leadership alumni
commitment
passion dreams
success
SERVICE care
pride
SPIRIT
education SCHOLARSHIP confidence friendship
legacyUNITY
family IN
this
ISSUE Building Our Legacy Class Notes Sister Oliver Donlin Award Inspiration Around Us Naz by the Numbers And much more...
EVENTS CALENDAR ALUMNI EVENTS
PERFORMANCES
Young Alumni Gathering
Little Shop of Horrors
January 8, 2015
October 24-26, 2014
Alumni Social Hours
Peter Pan Jr. (Children’s Play) November 23, 2014
Several Social Hours are planned in the city and suburbs of Chicago. Dates and locations to be determined.
Choir Concerts
December 9, 2014 and March 3 & May 12, 2015
Roadrunner Dash April 19, 2015
Band Concerts
For more information on alumni events: nazarethacademyalumni.org
Spring Musical (to be announced)
December 11, 2014 and February 25 & May 7, 2015 April 24-26, 2015
CELEBRATIONS
ENROLLMENT
Athletic Hall of Fame
January 25, 2015
Nazareth accepts shadow students every day that school is in session! Please contact Mr. John Bonk at 708.387.8538 to schedule a visit.
Mothers Club Auction
Open Houses
January 23, 2015
Call to the Heart
February 28, 2015
Fine Arts Hall of Fame April 23, 2015
Scholastic Bowl
October 30, 2014 (8th grade) February 5, 2015 (7th grade)
Math Contest
November 17, 2014 (8th grade) March 16, 2015 (7th grade)
Sunday, November 9, 2014, presentations at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Entrance Exam
Thursday, December 4, 2014, presentation at 7 p.m.
Honors & AP Open House
January 10, 2015 Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 7 p.m.
NEW FOR 2014-2015 Affording a Nazareth Academy Education:
Partnering with You in the Investment of a Lifetime October 28, 2014 Providing a Catholic, college prep education for young men and women requires financial sacrifice. We are aware of the growing cost of education and, for over 100 years, Nazareth has been committed to providing scholarship opportunities and financial assistance to students.
To better assist families and answer questions about the many ways we partner to make Nazareth Academy more affordable, we offer this presentation for prospective families. For more information about this free event, please contact Mrs. Kristen Stojetz at 708.387.8505 or kstojetz@nazarethacademy.com
For updates and complete information on Nazareth Academy events, please visit nazarethacademy.com.
A Letter from the President and Principal
Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living Jesus’ mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.
1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708.354.0061 Fax: 708.354.0109 www.nazarethacademy.com President: Mr. Dennis Moran Principal: Mrs. Deborah Tracy, ’82 Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Dr. Karen Brown Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia, ’89 Graphic Design and Print: The Stevens Group Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint Contact the editor to help stop duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your address. Your help is appreciated.
Who inspires us? a) Students b ) Faculty and Staff c) Parents and Alumni d) The Congregation of St. Joseph e) All of the above
The answer is clearly e! We are inspired daily by numerous stories and personal encounters that involve members of our Nazareth family. Acts of service are never in short supply for any of the above mentioned groups. We are astounded by selfless acts that feed the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of others. We are energized by their enthusiasm, vision and desire to make a positive difference in our world. Values of leadership, faith, integrity and good old-fashioned hard work round out a list of characteristics that represent our Nazareth contingencies. How lucky we are to know and work with such outstanding people who truly embody the mission and charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph! As we begin another school year, it is our hope and prayer that each of us will continue to be inspired by all that is good and right with the world around us. So many wonderful things happen but it is often difficult to see past the things that frustrate us; things that are often highlighted by the media, make us angry or wear us down. May stories like these that appear in this issue of Blueprint lift us up to higher ground. And may we each be the inspiration for others that we seek for ourselves.
: Nazareth Academy : @NazarethLGP : Nazareth Academy Alumni Association
Deborah Vondrasek Tracy, '82 Principal
Dennis Moran President
: Nazareth Academy 1209 Podcast : @NazarethLGP : @NazarethLGP
We are extremely grateful to the many individuals who have supported Nazareth's mission. For a full Donor Report, including an Honor Roll of consistent donors, please visit: www.nazarethacademy.com and click "Support Nazareth." pg / 3
ALUMNI Class Notes
Joseph Saraceno ’06 was married in May 2014. Two dozen alumni representing classes spanning over 40 years were in attendance.
Holly Haberkorn ’13 pitched a perfect game for Benedictine University softball and was named to the NACC All-Freshman team. Emily Szymczak ’09 was selected for a 2014-2015 Fulbright U.S. Student Award to Mexico. It is a scholarship to be an English Teaching Assistant in Mexico. She moved to Mexico in August for the school year to teach English to older students and will represent the U.S. as a cultural ambassador, helping to enhance mutual understanding between Americans and the people in Mexico. Curtis Cannon ’08 played for the Badalona Dracs American Football Team in Catalonia, Spain during the summer of 2014. His team won the LNFA National Championship and later played in Germany. Curtis also coaches football at Riverside-Brookfield High School. Sarah Furjanic ’08 married Valerian Peterson in Helenville, Wisconsin in June 2014. They honeymooned in Barcelona and Paris. While in Barcelona, they enjoyed dinner with fellow 2008 alum, Curtis Cannon. Sarah and her husband now live in Omaha, Nebraska.
Carrie Ann Schumacher Bronkowski ’04 was featured on WGN for her artistic approach to the wedding dress. Carrie Ann created a line of wedding dresses made entirely from romance novels. Twenty dresses were on display at the Harold Washington Library Center over the summer. Alissa Klein Derza ’04, Tricia Hermanek Eifler ’04, Jeannie Klisiewicz ’04 and Jesse Schroeder ’04 reunited in California and saw The Ellen DeGeneres Show together.
Ryan Evans ’00 was named principal of S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield, Illinois. Jonathon Bittle ’99 and his wife welcomed their son Luca on May 10, 2014. Jonathon is also a member of the Nazareth football coaching staff. Patrick Keenan ’93 and wife Margaret Hayes Keenan ’95 welcomed their fifth child, Nico Mairead, on June 20, 2014.
Jaclyn Broucek ’06 married Clayton Sobol in May 2014.
Gloria Blanchard Davis ’51 and her husband James celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in February.
Michael Dudak Jr. ’06 married Angela Winkowski of Rochester, New York and recently celebrated the birth of their son, Michael Vladimir Dudak III. Michael is a Management Consultant at Healthscape Advisors of Chicago.
Sr. Margaret Halligan, CSJ ’45 retired from parish ministry at St. Barbara Parish in Brookfield, Illinois.
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Steve Ryan ’04 and wife Beth welcomed twin girls Catherine Cunningham and Genevieve Haggerty on February 25, 2014. Steve also has launched an IT consulting firm, working with businesses on their digital marketing strategy, social media, search engine optimization, and educational technology. His company, RyTech, LLC, is based in Hinsdale, Illinois and currently works with businesses in four states.
Flashback Kathy McGowan
New Alumni Legacy Scholarship
Nazareth was the first place I ever experienced being a leader as I had the privilege of serving as class president junior and senior years. It gave me confidence and a taste of responsibility I hadn't had before. I went on to other roles in leadership in my life and career, which gave me the opportunity to help shape peoples' lives and to serve others which is a mantra of my social work and my faith. It also taught me that women leaders have unique gifts to offer organizations and I’ve tried to exemplify that throughout my life. Nazareth was truly formative for me and I'm grateful for those four great years!
Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, Nazareth is proud to honor the many alumni who choose to send their own children to Nazareth with a Legacy Scholarship. A $500 annual award will be granted to each student of a mother and/or father who graduated from Nazareth Academy. The award is renewable annually.
Alumni Advisory Board Nazareth Academy Alumni carry with them the qualities of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity first instilled as students. The Alumni Association Advisory Board is committed to nourishing these qualities in alumni, family and friends to support the continued success of the school as well as each other. The group’s goal is to create a lifelong and worldwide community of alumni through increased opportunities for meaningful engagement in order to increase awareness, pride, participation, volunteer involvement, and philanthropic commitment to Nazareth Academy. The Board holds meetings once a month at Nazareth and is directly involved with the planning and execution of alumni events such as social hours, networking nights and the Roadrunner Dash 5k Run/Walk, to name a few. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Advisory Board, please contact Katherine Fernholz, Alumni Relations Coordinator, at kfernholz@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8508.
In Memoriam February 2014 - August 2014
We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away. Soledad Anguiano, mother of Nicole ’15 Dolores Bogacz ’56 Barbara Southard Brien ’55 Beverly Schoen Fitzgerald ’37, mother of Sharon Fitzgerald Shatkus ’60 Joyce Poro Funtall ’60 Helen Lukes Gialdini ’58 Donna Hubert, mother of Molly ’10, Dan ’14 and Joe ’14 Tracey Kimmey ’83 Kevin Lavelle ’83 Philip Lombardo, father of Alexandra ’10 and Philip ’12 Clarice Malone ’70 Mary Clare O’Connell, mother of Colleen O’Connell Brooks ’87 and Nora O’Connell Driscoll ’92
SAVE the
DATE!
The third annual Roadrunner Dash 5k Run/Walk will be held on Sunday, April 19. This is a fun, healthy way to join hundreds of Nazareth alumni and their families as we run (and walk) through the streets of La Grange Park. Look for more information to come.
Susan O’Connell, mother of Molly ’05, Annie ’06 and Nora ’09 Robert Peceny, father of Mary Claire Peceny ’67, Chris Peceny Pryor ’70, Cathy Peceny ’71 and Connie Peceny Kirkpatrick ’79 Kellie Sullivan Plesha ’83 Carol Heyer Proft ’61
Alumni Recognition Awards The Alumni Recognition Award acknowledges and celebrates Nazareth faculty, staff or alumni who are making important contributions to their community or field, who demonstrate the value of lifelong learning and whose lives, in one way or another, support and reflect the values and mission of Nazareth Academy. Congratulations to the 2014 recipients – Nancy Pipal '64, Sr. Jackie Schmitz, CSJ '64 and former Administrative Assistant to the Principal and Nazareth parent, Clare Paliatka.
Stay Connected We now have even more ways for Nazareth alumni to stay connected.
Please follow us on Twitter: @NazarethAlum Join our Facebook Group: NazarethLGP Alumni and LinkedIn Group: Nazareth Academy Alumni Association
Rosemary Mitch Prosek ’53 Lisa Radogno, sister of Jessica Radogno (faculty) Martha E. (Betsy) Schroeder ’67 Marion Kuber Smith ’83 Robert Soldat, father of Mary Rita ’06 Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.
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At Nazareth Academy, inspiration is a two-way street. Accomplishing our goal to educate young people dedicated to living Jesus’ mission means inspiring them to excel in the pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity. But, what over a century of history has taught us is that Nazareth students, families, alumni and faculty continue to inspire us each day. With a solid foundation in scholarship, our graduates spread across the world seeking higher education and then educating others. They are leaders in research, business and technology.
The pillar of service continues to thrive as alumni initiate and serve not-for-profits aimed at improving the world. We are blessed to have so many members of the community spreading the Nazareth spirit and staying connected to our school. Perhaps most importantly, all of us are inspired by our sense of unity. Across generations, without regard to our hometowns or current addresses, we are united by our shared Nazareth experience.
Be inspired MELISSA SIFUENTES
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Even as a busy third-year Rush University Medical School student, Melissa Sifuentes ’06 still makes time in her schedule for service. In fact, one of her reasons for choosing the Rush program was because of the school’s commitment to service. For the past two and a half years, she has volunteered at free clinics throughout the Chicago area, including the Community Health Clinic, where she is also a student and Spanish interpreter. Last year Melissa served on the Mexican Consulate Steering Committee at Rush, volunteering to visit the Mexican Consulate every few weeks to hold health screenings and give health education presentations. Melissa’s devotion to service is deeply rooted in her Nazareth experience. In fact, she is a recipient of the Sister Oliver Donlin Service Award.
“ Receiving the Sister Oliver Donlin Award was a tremendous honor. I can only hope to use all my skills and knowledge to serve patients in a compassionate and meaningful manner. I want to make all those who have assisted in my achievements proud of the time they committed to my education and development. Only then I believe will I truly be able to honor Sister Oliver Donlin’s memory.”
She warmly recalls the people and values that inspired her as a high school student. “Nazareth is filled with people I connected with as family and whom I hold in such high regard. With leaders like Ms. Vondrasek [Tracy] and Mrs. Stojetz and pg / 6
educators like Mrs. Hawkins and Mrs. Martin, I could not help but want to mirror their leadership, their commitment to hard work, and their compassion for their students.” She finds those same values present in the Rush experience. “I am surrounded by intelligent physicians, nurses, staff and students who come together all for the purpose of caring for others and so it is very natural to feel blessed for the opportunity to be a part of that. While at times I may feel overwhelmed by all there is to learn, I think it is an amazing privilege to have the opportunity to devote my life to studying something that I love so much.” Melissa didn’t originally set out to become a doctor. She graduated from Northwestern University with a dual major in Legal Studies and Psychology and a minor in Spanish. She then worked as a third grade teacher on the south side of Chicago, before deciding to change course. “My goal is to graduate from Rush and enter a Family Medicine residency program. I hope to return to the community where I taught and serve as a physician.” Melissa recognizes that there is no one certain path to success and happiness. “I’ve hit some bumps along the way. I haven’t always gotten the grades I’ve wanted. I haven’t been elected to positions I have run for. I’ve made mistakes. However, I am exactly where I have always wanted to be and I am happy.” Her best piece of advice is to never lose sight of your dreams.
Vince Murphy, Peggy Murphy Hasenauer, Joan Murphy and Colleen Murphy Galvin
VINCE MURPHY For the Murphy family growing up in Hickory Hills in the 1980’s, Nazareth Academy wasn’t the most obvious choice of high schools, but Vincent and Joan Murphy were committed to Catholic education and saw in Nazareth a place where their three children, Colleen ’89, Peggy ’92 and Vince ’96 could thrive. “I am still so inspired by my dad’s determination to give us the absolute best the world could offer. Nazareth opened up a whole new world to us,” says Vince. “We were really challenged to think outside the box.” To this day Vince remains inspired by the people he met and came to know at Nazareth. Three of his groomsmen were Naz alumni and he still lives in nearby Brookfield. “It feels good just to know Nazareth is in my neighborhood. No matter how different the building looks on the outside, it still feels like home base.” “Of course my core values, especially in terms of being in service to others, began with my parents and family, but those values were really nurtured at Nazareth.” From his parents Vince understood that he was expected to push himself to be the best he could be. That lesson was reinforced by coaches like Mr. Cahill and teachers such as Ms. Paliatka who set a very high standard.
Like most high school students, Vince acknowledges that he didn’t truly appreciate the Nazareth experience until later, “but it’s easy to see how the seeds of service, spirituality, friendship, commitment, character, fellowship and gratitude led me to my career as a clinical social worker.”
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“ Nazareth is where I really started to understand how people from different groups can fit together. In the classroom and through retreats, especially Kairos during senior year, my mind was opened to the diversity of the world around me.”
He still draws on lessons learned at Nazareth both in his private Oak Park practice and his job with Perspectives, which provides support and counseling to students at the Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood. In fact, Vince encourages young alumni today to find ways to recreate the nurturing environment of Nazareth. “Seek out mentors and friends who will support you emotionally and professionally throughout college and as you begin your careers.” That sense of belonging, nurturing and endless possibility can continue to inspire Nazareth alumni long after graduation.
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NANCY PIPAL Nancy Pipal ’64 has never feared change. “I’m a natural risk taker,” she says as she credits that inherent quality for the path she’s taken since her Nazareth graduation – a path that’s included a long career in the corporate world, a return to Nazareth as a guidance counselor and now her own consulting and public speaking business. Recently, on the occasion of her 50th high school reunion, Nancy was honored with the Alumni Recognition Award. The recognition is a testament to the many ways Nancy has remained connected to Nazareth all these years, as a student, an alumna, an employee and a friend. “This means the world to me. I feel affirmed, energized and oh so blessed.” Nancy gives a good deal of credit to Nazareth for inspiring her confidence to take the path less chosen, to try new things, even to risk failure. She remembers how “ridiculously hard” Sr. Florence Marie’s fourth year Latin class was, but has found that intense study enormously valuable as a writer. When she returned to Nazareth in the early 90’s,
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she was inspired by the leadership of her former classmate Sr. Jacqueline Schmitz ’64, then principal. “Because she believed in and lived the principles of scholarship, service, spirit and unity, she inspired others to do the same.” Nancy is convinced that those key principles have not wavered, even with all the other changes she’s seen at Nazareth over fifty years. “They may not have always been called by those four words, but the core values remain and the quality of the academic programs are as strong as ever.” Each May Nancy returns to Nazareth to proctor Advanced Placement testing. “It’s both an honor and a joy to see every new batch of brilliant and gifted students working so hard and achieving so much.” In the same way she grew more confident as a student in the early 1960’s, Nancy sought to inspire the students she counseled in the 1990’s to grow, to take risks, to put their best selves forward and to thrive. Today, in her consulting business, she is still able to use her counseling skills to help individuals gain more confidence.
“It’s in the doing,” Nancy says. “You have to be able to fall to gain the confidence that you know how to get back up and try again.”
Be inspired SAMANTHA BUSCH “Just keep swimming.” These are the words Samantha Busch ’08 uses to keep pushing herself even while balancing the demands of her own marketing firm, Ambusch Consulting, side work as a medical auditor and the launch of her not-for-profit organization, Letters Project. “When you’re starting something new, it can be hard to imagine breaking the surface, but if I just keep swimming, I know I’ll get there.”
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Now based out of New York, Samantha went from a hectic high school schedule involved in both tennis and band at Nazareth, right into a demanding college experience and then into the professional world, ultimately founding her own company. “I got to the point where I was so busy with growing my business that I found myself missing the opportunity to serve others.” Samantha has not forgotten the satisfaction that came from all those mandatory service hours at Naz and began to seek an opportunity to help children. Inspired by some posts she saw on Facebook, she decided to start an organization that would encourage outreach to children who are struggling with developmental disabilities and/or terminal illnesses. Letters Project basically matches clients, children who are struggling, with people, groups or organizations willing to write them letters and brighten their days. In its first four months, Letters Project has been an unqualified success, partnering with people all over the globe, including the Nazareth Varsity Football team in summer 2014. Samantha couldn’t be here in person, but her intern is another alumna, Natalie Bell ’10.
MIKE PERSICO Mike Persico ’88 admits to making mistakes. In fact, his advice to young people is to try, and potentially fail, a multitude of things in order to discover what you’re really good at, which will likely lead to professional success. “ Everyone has their own level of risk tolerance. I say the key is to push yourself just past where you’re comfortable to see where that takes you.”
Mike, who is the founder and CEO of Chicago-based Anova Technologies LLC, speaks from experience. After graduating from Northern Illinois University with the intent of joining an advertising agency, he worked as a personal trainer, pipe-fitter and corporate librarian before seeing an opportunity to reinvent a failing tech business. “I was twenty-nine when I ran my first company. Sure, I made mistakes, but I learned what to do differently the next time around.”
He learned well and is currently shaking up the world of point-to-point wireless carriers. Along with partner AOptix Technologies, Anova has developed high speed laser technology which is allowing financial institutions to transmit data faster than traditional wireless methods. The new technology earned the company the 2013 Chicago Innovations Award. “The whole world is accelerating. We are continuing on the same pace.” For Mike, speed was not the only consideration; he set a very high standard of reliability. “We are keenly aware of our place in the financial ecosystem and not at all cavalier with the responsibility we hold, which is why we took so long to bring the technology to market.” He also wanted to build something solid and robust enough to work at multiple levels, not just for the top trading firms. “The democratization of technology access is very important to me.” In fact, Mike feels strongly about keeping integrity at the center of everything he does. “The values I hold close are those that developed going to a school like Nazareth. I didn’t just develop academically, I also learned about being
“It can be a challenge to really touch the hearts of teenage boys in a meaningful way, but our experience at Nazareth this summer was all the more powerful because the boys really took time to write thoughtful, interesting letters,” said Samantha. “The children they wrote to were so touched and grateful.” Working with Nazareth Football was a natural fit for Samantha since she was so inspired by Coach Racki while she was a student. “He’s just the kind of person who goes out of his way to help people, whether that meant opening the locker room early in the morning or writing countless letters of recommendation.” Samantha is also grateful for the demanding curriculum, especially in terms of writing, at Nazareth. “The preparation I got from teachers like Miss Van Buren made it possible for me to pursue a Psychology major along with minors in Business and Criminal Justice.” In fact, Samantha would tell today’s students that “education is everything. Take pride in what you have already accomplished and then go out and push yourself to do a little bit more.”
’88 a good person.” He didn’t even realize the value of Nazareth while a student. “I liked the creativity and passion of teachers like Mr. Michalek, Miss Chovelak and Mr. Riberdy, but what I didn’t realize then was that they were teaching us to be independent thinkers, leaders.” Now, as he and his wife Andrea raise their young children in Hinsdale, Mike is still looking forward. Not content to rest on the success or awards earned by Anova, he is looking out at the horizon. “Our company is at X level, but it’s not at Y. Our drive to continue to evolve is intrinsic.”
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For more information or to get involved, please visit lettersproject.org. pg / 9
Marine Biology Spring Trip In 2014, Environmental Science teacher Christine DePasquale brought her passion for marine ecosystems to Nazareth by planning the school’s first-ever Marine Biology Trip to Florida over spring break. Inspired by the idea that “the world is our classroom,” fourteen students, freshmen through seniors, along with DePasquale and fellow teacher, Sean Banasiak, travelled to Marine Lab in Key Largo to experience lecture and lab time with daily snorkel trips in a variety of marine environments. Caitlyn Degnan ’14 was enthusiastic upon their return, saying, “The pictures we see in books cannot capture the fluidity and magnificence of the reef. It was exciting to take what we learned in the classroom and be able to apply it to the beauty of the real world.” DePasquale, now retired, hopes the 2014 trip was the beginning of a new travel tradition for Nazareth. “Eventually, I’d love to see this kind of hands-on learning experience expand to a summer course for credit. That’s the legacy I’d like to leave at Nazareth.”
Inspiration AROUND US
Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership
FISH Prom Returns to Nazareth The service teams at Nazareth have a strong tradition of partnering with organizations such as Aspire Illinois and Helping Hand to connect with people who have developmental disabilities. Nowhere is this effort more evident than in the student-hosted Prom Night for Teens with Disabilities. “We see this as a great opportunity for Nazareth students to promote a relationship with people with disabilities and develop an understanding of mental health conditions. What we have discovered is that our students felt a real sense of joy at being able to provide such a special night for fellow teens,” said Rosemary Caragher, Campus Minister. Each year it’s held, close to 100 Nazareth students volunteer to organize and work the event, which can mean anything from serving refreshments to acting as a buddy for a guest, who gets red carpet treatment from beginning to end. The 2015 FISH Prom will be held March 7, 2015. Seniors Maggie Harrington and Becca Letcher are already at work, looking for event sponsors. Please contact Mrs. Caragher at 708.387.8520 for more information. pg / 10
When Angela Calabria ’16 first heard she had been nominated by Nazareth’s faculty and staff as a HOBY recipient, she didn’t know what to think. “I didn’t know anything about HOBY, but I was so flattered to know my teachers saw me as a leader.” Angela quickly learned more. “Founded in 1958, HOBY’s mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.” In June 2014, Angela attended the HOBY Illinois North Conference in Chicago, gathering with hundreds of incoming juniors for a weekend of leadership and service activities. “The speakers I heard and the people I met really made me think about leadership in a new way. I better understand the importance of following and listening and the ways in which I can connect these lessons to my career goals.” Angela is most excited to bring the lessons and inspiration of HOBY back to Nazareth. “It’s a pretty natural fit since most of what we did at the conference reflected the same pillars we emphasize at Nazareth, especially in terms of service and unity.”
No One Does It Alone In her fifteen years as Campus Minister at Nazareth, Rosemary Caragher has touched the lives of thousands of students, colleagues, parents and alumni. It’s no wonder then, that in her own time of need, she felt the hands, hearts and prayers of those thousands lifting her, carrying her and helping her to heal. When she was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in January 2014, she made the decision to share her story and journey with her Nazareth family. “Every day I ask students to allow themselves to be vulnerable, to reach out, to share their burden,” Rosemary says. “Now it was my turn to feel the collective return on that vulnerability, to understand that we do not recover alone.” Rob and Jean (McNulty) Varak, both graduates of the Class of 1989, also know about the solace of community. The couple lost their second daughter, Molly, to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome on January 28, 2005.
DRAWING
Inspiration “Although Molly lived only four months and 15 days, she blessed us and changed us in ways we can never explain,” says Jean. Instead of retreating into their pain and grief, Rob and Jean reached outward and created the Molly Varak Oktoberfest as a way to both celebrate Molly’s life and raise funds to prevent other families from having to face the same tragedy. “Tragedy strikes every person at some point. It’s all about how you respond to it,” says Jean. Rob goes on to explain that it was important to the couple that they honored Molly in a way that was joyful and celebratory, which is how the Oktoberfest originated. In its ten years, the Molly Varak Oktoberfest raised $100,000 for SIDS of Illinois. Rob and Jean are quick to
point out that none of it would have been possible without the emotional, physical and financial support of their friends and family. “Jean and I already felt blessed to still be connected to so many of our high school friends before Molly’s death, but in the past ten years, we’ve been truly amazed at how the Nazareth community has reached out to support us.” Rob has countless stories of alumni who’ve seen Molly’s story in the news or on Facebook and responded with donations from around the country or driven across the state to attend the event. “To see these faces is the physical manifestation of the values we were taught.” Likewise, Rosemary understood the importance of standing in front of the Nazareth community. Still deep in recovery after multiple surgeries, Rosemary spoke at the Stations of the Cross Prayer Service in April, inspiring us to pray in thanks and in unity for God’s redemption. She quoted Vivian Greene, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” As the Varaks continue to move forward, balancing their careers as attorneys with the needs of their three growing daughters, they too continue to rely on their faith and the support of others. “We still grieve Molly every day, but life has to go on,” says Jean. “Our busy schedules, our beautiful daughters, our network of friends are really reminders of how lucky we truly are,” agrees Rob. “I’m better,” Caragher announced to the faculty and staff at the start of this school year. “And I know I didn’t do it alone. I never want to forget. We belong to God and we belong to each other, especially in our hardest times.”
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Ser
Sister Oliver Donlin Service Award Sister Oliver Donlin gave 35 years of her life to Nazareth Academy as a teacher and principal.
Through her influence, Nazareth created the philosophy of developing the whole person, challenging each student to reach his or her potential, and then using their knowledge, skills and gifts to bring about a better world, a world of unity and peace. Each year since 1977, inspired by her memory, the faculty and staff have nominated a senior who has given outstanding service to Nazareth Academy. This is the highest service award that can be earned by a graduating senior and the only award given out on the day of Graduation. We are so proud of the continued legacy of these outstanding alumni and celebrate the many ways they continue to lead, to serve and to make the world a better place. We caught up with just a few of these recipients to find out how the Sr. Oliver Donlin Award and their Nazareth experience have inspired their lives.
CATHERINE SALIKA The very first Donlin recipient went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Washington University in St. Louis, then an master's degree in Library and Information Science from University of Illinois. Her graduate assistantship and career involved the creation of the first online library catalog project and all its successors at the university. “Nazareth cared for the whole person, for faith and service, as well as academics. It made me free to be myself. It was a great
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honor to receive the Donlin Award and a great affirmation of faithful service. I’m sorry I never got to meet Sr. Oliver. She must have been a great woman.” Catherine has continued her service path as a cantor and choir member as well as leading a hand bell choir and working on the parish newsletter at St. Patrick Parish in Urbana. Two years ago, she started tutoring adults with basic education needs, either in reading or math, and hopes to do even more of that now that she’s retired.
’77 “The balance of work, family, faith and community service is something that needs to be adjusted constantly because the demands of each change over time. My advice is to try to find the sweet spot where life is demanding but doesn’t always run you ragged.”
DR. JILL COSENTINO MARTIN Jill attended Illinois Benedictine College (now Benedictine University) and then University of Illinois at Chicago where she earned a doctorate in Pharmacy. She currently works as a community pharmacist for Walgreens and lives in Woodridge with her husband and three wonderful children. “I was inspired at Nazareth because so many people around me were doing good things for others and our communities. It was motivating to see faculty members, parents and other students providing community service and finding ways to help; it made me want to participate. That motivation has definitely carried over to my adult life. I am not always able to participate as much as I would like but the inspiration has not left.” Jill still values her ability to help people. Her service-oriented profession allows her to interact with patients each day, giving advice, answering questions and helping them navigate through illness. She also volunteers at her children’s schools, leading Girl Scouts and serving as a member of the Home and School Board. Her advice to today’s students is straightforward. “Participate as much as you can! I truly believe that my time at Nazareth was special because I got involved. Join a club, try out for a sport, play an instrument in the band, be on student council, act in the play, volunteer to help someone in need. Be a part of the Naz community in some way, not just academically. It will motivate and inspire you.”
rvice STEVE RYAN
’04
Steve graduated from Marquette University with a bachelor’s degree is History and Education and then earned a master’s degree in Technology from University of Illinois. He is the founder and president of RyTech, LLC, a technology consulting company that works with businesses and schools on their digital marketing, communication and technology integration strategies. “Nazareth’s family and student-centered focus provided me with a solid foundation to treat others with respect and dignity. The positive role models and support mechanisms that exist from mentoring opportunities and teacher-student relationships demonstrate how the real world will work upon graduation. Nazareth alumni, as a whole, are truly aspiring for and achieving great things.” 2004 was the first time Nazareth awarded multiple Donlin Awards and Steve still feels fortunate to have shared the honor with his good friend Florence Ann Romano. “Both of us expected the other to receive the honor and to walk down the aisle together to accept the honor was a cumulative moment for both of us, recognizing our commitment to Nazareth.” Steve, who lives in Western Springs with his wife and two baby daughters, continues to give back to our community. He serves on the Marquette University Club of Chicago Board, Giant Steps Junior Board for Young Professionals, and continues to give back to Nazareth via the Nazareth Alumni Advisory Board. “I would recommend to each and every student to take advantage of all of the special and unique programs that Nazareth has to offer. High school is a great time to explore various sports, service opportunities and leadership roles. These experiences help discern the best avenues to explore in college and beyond. Students should also interact with the faculty and staff who each have unique backgrounds and a wealth of knowledge to share with the students. “
’14
We congratulate all of the first forty-one recipients of this honor, so proud of the many ways they served the Nazareth community as students and continue to represent the values of Sister Oliver Donlin in the wider world. Catherine Salika ’77 Melinda Malek ’78 Catherine Adams ’79 Vicki Schultz ’80 Paula Michniewicz ’81 Kathleen Schwartz ’82 Cathy Maday ’83 Paula Pluta ’84 Karen McNulty ’85 Catherine Plonka ’86 Greg Pluta ’87 Steve Lee ’88 Jill Cosentino ’89 Kristie Lala ’90 Joyce Cosentino ’91 Jenny Siffermann ’92 Vicki Scelsi ’93 Beth Hamilton ’94 Dan Barrett ’95 Laura Moran ’96 Joel Hamilton ’97 Nora Ryan ’98 Colleen Grogan ’99 Jenny Iovino ’00 Maria Onesto ’01 Bridget Doherty ’02 Katie Iovino ’03 Florence Ann Romano ’04 Stephen Ryan ’04 Kathleen Meyer ’05 Melissa Sifuentes ’06 Roberto Paniagua ’07 Frances Lorezni ’08 Molly Mojden ’08 Matthew Letcher ’09 Kevin Doyle ’10 Carolyn Turek ’10 Jennifer Smigelski ’11 Morgan Borkovec ’12 Matthew Serafin ’13 Devinne Love ’14
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BUILDING OUR LEGACY Project at a glance YEAR 1: ADDITIONAL CLASSROOMS ART ROOM BAND AND CHOIR ROOM DRAMA SPACE SECOND GYMNASIUM
YEAR 2: RENOVATION OF M BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS ADMINISTRATIVE WING
pg / 14
For over 100 years, Nazareth Academy students have grown, learned and adapted to ever-widening horizons in education, arts, athletics and technology, all while maturing in a personal relationship with God. While the spirit of Nazareth is stronger than ever, the school's infrastructure is in need of renovation. To ensure the continued success and future of our mission, Nazareth Academy is pleased to announce a new Capital Campaign, “Building Our Legacy...Continuing our Growth, Developing our Future.” This $15 million, two-year project will continue to keep Nazareth thriving and achieving amazing success by offering the following: • Advanced learning facilities • An updated, modernized, attractive physical facility • High quality faculty to enhance the academic experience for our student body A new academic building will enable us to bring our Fine Arts Department out of the basement and into the light. It will also provide more classrooms, adding to our capacity to enroll more students. A second gym will allow more student-athletes to remain on campus for practice. The complete renovation of M Building will mean better, modernized classrooms as well as flex-space fit for ever-changing educational needs. The installation of new wireless capacity, utility service lines and HVAC are hidden, but vital improvements that will provide our students the ability to utilize 21st century technology and ensure a safe, stable and stimulating learning environment. For more information, or to support Building Our Legacy, please contact Mr. Dennis Moran at 708.387.8517 or dmoran@nazarethacademy.com.
NAZ BY THE
NUMBERS
10,000 Number of Facebook views of our Faculty/Staff ALS Ice Bucket Challenge video in its first 24 hours
$371,000+ Amount raised at Oscar Night, our 2014 auction
91
pints of blood donated at the NHS Blood Drive in March 2014
$21 MILLION
115
$10,555 donated to the American Cancer Society after Lights Out for Cancer
in merit-based scholarships and awards for the Class of 2014
13
international students enrolled for 2014-2015
96%
Number of grade schools attended by our current student body
34
Number of Class of 2014 student-athletes committed to play 13 sports at 29 colleges
NAZ students who participate in at least one extra-curricular activity
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Blueprint FALL 2014
NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526
“At Naz, I found me, and the passion to become the first-rate version of myself.� Kiley Roache, Class of 2014 Valedictorian excerpted from her graduation day speech Kiley is currently a freshman at Stanford University
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