A Publication of the NAZARETH
ACADEMY Community
Blueprint FALL 2020
RISING
IN THIS ISSUE Diversity and Social Justice Common Ground Nazareth Scholarship #NazStrong Class Notes
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Diversity and Social Justice IN MANY WAYS OUR PILLAR OF UNITY FRAMES ALL THAT WE DO AT NAZARETH. The CSJ charism “that all may be one” remains an essential component of
our decision-making. To that end, our school has been taking a more intentional and deeper look at issues of diversity and inclusion within the Nazareth community. Without a doubt, the events of this summer stemming from the death of George Floyd remind us that this work has never been more important. “If I am honest, the work we’ve done around diversity and inclusion is some of the hardest I’ve ever experienced in my 30 years as an educator,” said Principal Therese Hawkins. “To serve our students to the very best of our ability, we have to actively seek out and learn about the perspectives of our students of color so that they know they are seen, heard and included.” Since 2015, Nazareth has been working with a diversity consultant to do professional development around diversity responsive pedagogy and diversity responsive teaching strategies. “Diversity responsive teaching is just good teaching and it starts and ends with relationship building in the classroom,” said Hawkins. The research indicates that those solid relationships in a classroom help to increase student achievement across the board. In addition to professional development, Nazareth has worked to increase the diversity of our board of trustees and parent organizations so that they better represent the diverse makeup of our student body. Our diversity consultants have also helped us develop diversity and inclusion support and programming for our students including an active Diversity Club and affinity groups that support our black students, Latinx students, LGBTQ students and female students. These grassroots organizations rise out of student requests as needed. Nazareth has also maintained a focus on civil discourse and empathy. “We want to make sure that both students and adults have the skills to navigate difficult and controversial conversations,” explained Hawkins. Discussion ground rules, organized round-tables and prayer services have provided ways to practice these civil discourse techniques over the past five years. Nazareth is ready and determined to rise to the call. As we meet the challenges of the school year, we continue to develop programming that will be most meaningful, most appropriate at this particular time in our nation’s history.
Challenges to Unity remain. An excerpt from the school’s statement after George Floyd’s death reads: “ We are face to face with the embarrassing truth that we are far from recognizing the presence of God within and the human dignity of each person. This moment requires us to face our limited perspectives and biases. All. Of. Us.”
Dear Nazareth Academy Alumni, Families and Friends,
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: Mrs. Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 Principal: Mrs. Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Athletics and Maintenance: Mr. Dennis Moran Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Ms. Jessica Radogno Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia ’89 Design and Print: The Stevens Group Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com
will most definitely go down in history as one to remember! A pandemic year filled with many, many layers of fear, division and unrest. This is also a year of stretching our minds and our hearts far beyond where we dreamed possible both personally and collectively. Here at Nazareth Academy, we are celebrating a low-key 120th birthday and taking this opportunity to reflect upon our rich and dynamic history. It goes without saying that grit, strength and determination have been needed far before the year 2020. Our Founding Sisters had a vision and literally started building our school - brick by brick. The move down the block on Ogden, the decision to go co-ed, campus plans including the loss and addition of buildings, programs and events…..all required faith, hard work and a community of believers who have embodied our current school theme: Listening and Leading with Courage…..That All May Be One.
View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint
We are not the first generation to be faced with challenges and we will not be the last. But we, like those who have gone before us, rise to the call and dedicate ourselves to Nazareth’s long legacy of excellence and engagement in the world.
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This issue of Blueprint helps to bring to life stories and profiles that reflect the ways our school, our students, and especially our alumni are rising to the highest ideals of scholarship, service, spirit and unity.
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Does it look a bit different in a pandemic year? Yes. Is it also a continuation of who we have always been? Most definitely yes. Shout out to all who have paved the way for us and have made it possible for us to know….We CAN do this! Happy Birthday, Nazareth Academy. Always #NazStrong.
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Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 President
Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 Principal pg / 3
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Common Ground We know that Nazareth is not alone in needing to adapt the way we educate to ever-changing circumstances. In fact, schools across the country are all facing the same dilemma. We reached out to some local school administrators, who also happen to be proud Naz Alum, to find out how they are rising to the call. What we found in common is that each of these men and women put students’ needs and safety first. While their schools may be offering options from complete remote to Hybrid in-person, they remain committed to the highest ideals of education. Here are a few highlights.
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’04
Mike Sorensen
Grades 3-5 Principal at Brook Park School in Brookfield/La Grange Park District 95
AM/PM Hybrid Model
The biggest challenge was adjusting to all of the changes that occurred on a daily basis. One of our school administrators said it best - it was like trying to build a plane as we were trying to fly it! I found a quote that resonates: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance in the rain,” by Vivian Greene. The education of students needs to happen and it is our job as educators to figure out how. It means thinking outside of the box and creating new ideas no matter if a student is remote, hybrid or in-person, and doing our best to keep every student safe. This is going to be a very different year but it is important to remain positive and continue to strive for educational excellence!
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Amy Gallie Principal at Trinity High School Hybrid of 4 days of in-person learning (fully synchronous for eLearners) and 1 day of online learning for everyone
The greatest challenge has been to think of and plan for the needs of two groups of students: in person learners and eLearners. This has involved a great deal of planning, rehearsing, revising, providing professional development for teachers, and communicating to all. We have made it a point to get our community members to make the shift from a “survive” to a “thrive” mindset. The number one thing we have done to make this happen is to listen to all of our constituents. We have sent surveys to students, families, and faculty. We have had feedback sessions for our faculty members in order to come up with a reopening plan that prioritizes health, community-building, and academics. Finally, we have relaxed a bit in some areas. Get rid of any expectations of perfectionism. School will not be “perfect” this year in any sense. We have to be realistic about what we can do. We are all learners, and as such, we are models for our students.
Here are some highlights. Pictured left to right: Megan Hawkins ’10 Kelley Dunne Herman ’04 Mike Sorensen ’91
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’95 Bernhard Walke Assistant Principal at Elmwood Park High School Full remote
The greatest challenge has been trying to find some sort of balance between building community on a personal level and ensuring the safety of all students, faculty, and staff. There is no easy answer on best practices because none of us have done this before! Also, there is no instructional manual for this because not one of us has been through something like this. Nearing the end of the 2019-2020 school year, a fellow administrator said to me “every teacher in our school is now a first year teacher and we are first year administrators.” This resonated with me because we all were able to admit that we didn’t have right or wrong answers and we weren’t going to find them then and there. However, I knew at that point that we would be able to figure all of this out and collectively get through this experience. This is also a time to redefine how we operate as schools and not say to ourselves “this is how we’ve always done it.” Our communities are injured and will need to heal. On so many levels, our lives are turned upside down. As school leaders, we are called to stand by and walk with those on the margins, because if we are serving the margins, we are serving all. Although this year will be one of the most challenging years in our professional lives, it is a unique opportunity to redefine the unjust societal structures and rebuild a more just and equitable society.
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Dr. Kevin Skinkis Superintendent of Township District 208 in Riverside Brookfield Full Remote
While a lot of time was spent this summer on identifying ways to effectively educate students during a global pandemic, our first priority as educators needs to be the social-emotional health of our students. Students across all grade levels have dealt with an overwhelming amount of stress, change, and adversity since March. Before we can begin to re-engage students intellectually, we need to make sure they are ready emotionally and mentally. We’ve encouraged families to take time this first quarter of the school year to focus on rebuilding relationships, recreating daily routines, and providing students the outlets they need to vent, ask questions, and just decompress. Once we can reestablish some normalcy in our students’ lives, teaching and learning will happen.
Ryan Evans Principal at S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield/La Grange Park School District 95 AM/PM hybrid model with a full remote option
This has been the most challenging time in my nearly two decades in education and that message is shared throughout the education world whether it is year one or year 30. The State of Illinois’ inconsistent guidance made this particularly challenging. It was frustrating when schools would drop their model due to state guidelines, which would then change a week later. Leadership matters, and we have struggled with that from the Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Public Health when it comes to opening schools. I have seen so many amazing educators unite together so that they can get their “heartbeat” back in the building. They united to allow students to once again walk the halls of schools and bring them back to life. I am truly amazed by all the educational professionals who made that happen within their schools and had the courage to become essential within their student’s lives.
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Pictured left to right: Jim Zimmerman (coach) Jeff Tumpane (coach) Jen Tlusty Matkovich (staff) Ryan Evans ’00 pg / 5
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Nazareth Scholarship
WHEN NAZARETH ACADEMY CLOSED OUR DOORS TO IN-PERSON CLASSES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13,
we could never have anticipated the length of the shut down, nor the far-reaching fundamental shift in how students would need to be taught in 2020-2021. Our students, faculty, staff and administration grieved the loss of the traditions and connectedness associated with a Nazareth education. They also quickly rose to the call—creatively discovering ways to connect, acting generously in caring for each other and our community, finishing the year with academic excellence and swiftly moving forward to strategically consider a number of learning plans for an unknown future. “ Our strength, our compassion, our hope, our determination - all rooted in the values of our Sisters of St. Joseph - all served us in volumes throughout this time,” said President Deborah Tracy. “Our pillars allowed us to dig deep and find that these foundational principles continue to help us keep our mission at the core of what we do.” pg / 6
“ We took the challenge and turned it into an opportunity.”
Principal Therese Hawkins agreed, “In March all matters connected to teaching and learning changed on a dime...and are still evolving each day. What we’ve learned is that there is no “one size fits all” approach and, as frustrating as the state’s guidance might sometimes be, schools have had the flexibility to create plans that will best serve their unique school community’s needs.” With input from faculty, students and parents, the administration and faculty spent Summer 2020 working tirelessly to modify curriculum and implement eLearning strategies that allowed Nazareth to mimic the strategies, engagement, and collaboration we valued in the traditional classroom. According to Director of Curriculum and Instruction Jessica Radogno, “We took the challenge and turned it into
an opportunity. This is a year like no other, and while we don’t know exactly how it will pan out, we know that if anyone can transcend the challenges of a pandemic, whether in-person or remotely, to ensure the success and safety of students—it is a teacher.” Without question, Nazareth has some of the best. Ultimately Nazareth decided on a Hybrid Learning Plan which combines in-person, synchronous and asynchronous learning for students. This limits the number of students in the building on a given day while still providing them with the support they need as well as the collaborative, exploratory learning opportunities inherent to making learning meaningful. Even with the knowledge that the world can once again turn on a dime, we know we are ready to rise to the call. Nazareth Academy was built for moments like this.
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#NazStrong
Victoria Hansen
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With over 15 years of experience as an educator and administrator, Dr. Victoria Hansen has brought her no-excuses determination for excellence to the unique challenges of 2020. “I honestly feel the weight of the world to make sure our students still receive a quality education and that our teachers feel prepared to teach in this uncomfortable situation. It’s forcing all of us to push our practices to the next level, which is a silver lining.” Her determination has roots formed in childhood, the youngest of four and the first in her Broadview family to attend Nazareth. “It wasn’t easy financially or academically - I had to work hard in both to succeed but Nazareth challenged me and I rose to the challenge.” Not only did Victoria feel well prepared for college success, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Ed from Southern Illinois University, a Masters and Type 75 from Saint Xavier University and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Concordia University, she fully embraced the long-lasting effects of Nazareth’s mission. “The faculty and staff simply poured their love into us students. Miss Vondrasek [Tracy], Miss Driscoll [Stojetz], Mrs. Chilton-Davis and Sr. Ellen Springer were role models.” Victoria’s experiences in both public and private education have impacted her professional life. As the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Bellwood School District, she is working nonstop leading teachers and students through the dual challenges of remote learning and racial tensions that have boiled over this year.
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“Bellwood has been a hot zone in terms of coronavirus, in addition to having a large minority population who’ve felt the impact of this summer’s racial unrest very personally. But these kids are more resilient than we sometimes give them credit for.” This too feels personal to Victoria who distinctly remembers being one of few bi-racial students at Nazareth and then, once again, as a non-Spanish speaking Assistant Principal in the primarily Hispanic Melrose Park. “God put me in those situations for a reason, to help me round out my experiences. Sometimes I felt overwhelmed, but I just kept at it.” And she is certainly not done. In addition to leading her district, she has answered the call to give back by serving on Nazareth’s Board of Trustees. She has surrounded herself with other female minority leaders through a West 40 curriculum network. Her dissertation, “Time to Kick Some Glass,” looks closely at the experiences of aspiring black female administrators. “I am lucky to have both black and white female mentors. I lean on them and stand on their shoulders just as I aspire to reach out to touch the next generation. I never forget where I came from.” Victoria Hansen continues to rise by calling others to have more “courageous conversations” and by leading with “relentless” optimism.
Jim Sifuentes When his daughter Sadie announced her desire to attend Nazareth Academy in 2018, Jim Sifuentes was not very familiar with the school community. He was however familiar with the Congregation of St. Joseph, having worked with Taller de Jose and Naz Alum Sr. Kathy Brazda ’74, so that was reassuring. “The more I learned about Nazareth and its mission, the more I felt it aligned with my beliefs.” In two short years it’s fair to say that Jim has gone “all in” with Nazareth, recently joining the Board of Trustees and getting involved with the fuller Naz Family. This comes as no surprise given the way he lives his life, working almost exclusively for not-for-profits. He grew up in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and worked on behalf of neighborhood organizations including the YMCA in Pilsen and a community health clinic before taking on his role as Senior VP for Mission and Community Development for St. Anthony Hospital fifteen years ago. In charge of mission, government and community relations, environmental services, ethics and community wellness, Jim has certainly felt the impact of both COVID-19 and the racial unrest that closed down parts of the city this summer. “We are a safety net hospital and have many underinsured and undocumented patients. We are an underserved community, especially in terms of healthcare, so it’s been tough for communities that are already marginalized.” Far from defeating him, these challenges have inspired him to continue working diligently to move forward. “This summer magnified the already existing need of our service area, which was hard hit. However, we never lost the quality of care… St. Anthony remains number 1 in government quality scores in terms of patient satisfaction, quality and safety … because that’s where we put our effort. The community we serve deserves nothing less than the best.“ And, while Nazareth’s mission differs from St. Anthony’s, Jim sees some parallels between the institutions. “When you’re mission based, you stand for something bigger. You can ask for something better for the community you serve. The values you live out should reflect your mission; actions should reflect foundational truths. That is the best measure of success.” He expressed gratitude for the partnership with Nazareth’s Future Healthcare Professionals this past spring as one small example. “You can’t imagine the difference those thank-you notes made to people on the front lines who were shaken to their core.” A small act of service made an enormous impact. “It’s okay to not feel okay right now,” Jim conceded, but he would add that in order to rise beyond that challenge, we should, ”keep talking about it and stay true to our core beliefs. They will lead the way.”
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Ashlee Davis Knuckey
’02
While reflecting on her Nazareth Academy experience, one word continues to surface for Ashlee Davis Knuckey… prepared. “It sounds like such a line, but Naz prepared me for academic success and for life. I learned how to study, how to write and importantly, how to think critically.”
These lifelong skills took root thanks to her high school teachers. “Bridget Bradt (Watson) was so good, but it was across the curriculum. Fran Maloney in religion was one of my favorite people. Mr. Michalek for history … all of them made us write and think and do big presentations and big projects.” Ashlee was also heavily involved in sports, where she gained valuable lessons in discipline and leadership as well as practice in fighting through doubts and assumptions based on her height. “Our basketball team starters were all under 5’5” but we were scrappy and we went undefeated freshman year.” Her Naz preparation propelled her through a successful undergrad career at the University of Illinois, law school at Northwestern University and now as a partner at Locke Lord, specializing in healthcare, insurance and food regulatory matters and litigation. “Critical thinking and writing are two of the most important skills for lawyers. As a litigator and dealing with clients on a daily basis, being able to clearly articulate thoughts in a clear, linear way is essential.” Her work as lead healthcare and insurance regulatory counsel for WellCare in its sale to Centene, which included working with state and federal agencies, is part of the reason she was honored by Crain’s Chicago Business as a “Notable 2020 Woman in Law.” These responsibilities and honors are remarkable for an attorney of Ashlee’s age, but she is quick to share credit. “I’ve been lucky to have incredible mentors who’ve provided opportunities for me to shine as well as clients who trusted me with great responsibility. I have tried to rise to those opportunities.” Her experiences of support and care at Nazareth, as well as in her firm, where she was trusted and mentored, have strongly influenced Ashlee. “I have my own team, many of whom are young women. I take an active role in mentoring, teaching and promoting my team. As long as they’re doing the work and taking responsibility, I will continue providing opportunities for them to grow.” Now, as Ashlee, her husband and two children prepare to move from the West Loop to Western Springs, she feels as though she’s living the American dream. “I’m excited about giving my kids more space to roam and ride bikes. I love my job. It remains challenging and rewarding every day. I am driven by doing great work because I care about people.” It doesn’t mean everything is perfect. “Life can feel soul-crushingly overwhelming at times, but I just take the next step. Then the one after that. One step at a time.”
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ALUMNI NEWS Young Alum (2010-2020)
Off to a quick start, Ryan McGee ’19 was named the Midwest Women’s Lacrosse Conference defensive player of the week in February. Ryan allowed just three goals over a 2-0 week for Concordia University. Scott Sikorski ’19 qualified in the 800M for All-Atlantic Region indoor track and field championships. Maeve Roach ’17 qualified for DIII New
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Englands in the 600m to lead Coast Guard women’s track and field. Roach moved into 3rd all-time at Coast Guard with her first place finish at 1:38.71.
Congrats to Bridget Adams-King ’15 who was nominated for a prestigious 2020 Joseph Jefferson Award for her role as Kate in If/Then at Brown Paper Box Co.
Elaine Gralak ’16 was initiated into Phi
In May, Michael Owens ’15, was commissioned into the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. She was initiated at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she was also named a 2020 Senior 100 Honorary recipient. These students have gone above and beyond in academics, leadership, and campus involvements during their time at the University of Illinois. Jassiem Renfro ’16
was selected as the 2020 National Enactus United States Executive Leader of the Year winner in recognition of his significant impact on the overall sustainability, strategy, culture, and development of members and projects. He wrote, “My time at Illinois Enactus has been so empowering and I am a better leader today due to the inspiring people I’ve had the privilege to work with. Graduating during this time has been bittersweet, but seeing my peers continue to thrive and address the issues most prevalent to the Champaign-Urbana community makes me so proud to have been a part of this organization.” g
Eileen Kennedy ’14, Social Media Manager
for RyTech, served on a panel for West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Women in Business Lunch “5 Generations of Badass Women in Business” in February. Faye Domokos ’13 is attending the
University of Tennessee for her PhD in Clinical Psychology. Carl Jackson ’13 and Colleen King ’12 were part of the Walsh Construction team that led the temporary conversion of a portion of Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center into an Alternate Care Facility for COVID-19 patients in April.
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In September, Natalie Walsher ’17 began as the Promotions Director at Radio DePaul: Chicago’s College Connection.
After graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Mary Glorioso ’16 accepted a position as a preschool teacher at Liberty Elementary School in Cicero.
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Health Education Action Team Peer Health Educator at DePaul University, is also now an America Needs You (ANY) Fellow. She was selected as one of 75 first generation college students in Illinois to serve in a two year career development and leadership training program, with access to resources and a mentor coach.
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Cindy Hernandez ’19, an honors student and
Bryan Behrendt ’16 was one of 10 seniors on the 2019 University of WisconsinWhitewater football team who were named to the 2020 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society by the NFF and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Congratulations to Brandon Bossard ’16 who signed a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox. Brandon had an impressive college career at St. John’s University and Heartland Community College.
Aileen O’Carroll ’13 started the 20-21 school year as the full time Drama teacher at Barrington Middle school.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Class Notes Jerry Martin ’02 was named editor of the
Greeley Tribune in Colorado. Martin has been with the Tribune since 2013 in numerous capacities. He most recently served as their Content Manager/Assistant Managing Editor.
The Daily Herald Business Ledger honored
Steve Ryan ’04 as a 2020 C-Suite of the
Year award winner. Steve was recognized for his volunteerism with Pillars Community Health, Nazareth Academy, Marquette University Alumni Association, West Suburban Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other nonprofit organizations as well as the economic impact RyTech has made on the suburban Chicago community. The Nazareth Trustee was also elected Chair of the Pillars Community Health Board of Directors and started his term in July. Carolyn Kras ’02 was chosen for Variety’s Sun Valley Film Festival Screenwriters Lab for her pilot IN CHAMBERS. Festival mentors include Oscar winner Stephen Gaghan, who wrote Syriana and Traffic, and Jennifer Todd, who produced Jason Bourne and Memento.
Jenny Iovino Cunneen ’00 was named the new principal at Forestdale Elementary School.
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Rick L. Bollinger Clinician of the Year Award. The award provides recognition to persons who provide outstanding clinical services to communicatively or swallowing impaired veterans. She is also a recipient of the Paul B. Beeson Emerging Leaders Career Development Award, the most prestigious career development award granted by the National Institute on Aging. Dr. Rogus-Pulia is the first speech-language pathologist to receive this award since its founding in 1994.
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g Dr. Nicole Rogus Pulia ’97 received the
Justin Hanson ’01, Commercial Litigation and Construction Law at Gould & Ratner LLP, was recognized in the 2020 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers, under “Ones to Watch.” The rankings are based on an evaluation process that includes client and lawyer evaluations, as well as peer reviews from attorneys in their field.
T.K. Coleman ’95
was featured in The Epoch Times to talk about his work as the director of education at two organizations, the Foundation for Economic Education and the college alternative program Praxis, which he co-founded.
Weddings
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Natalie Salata ’11 married Aaron Aycock in January. Naz was well represented with a few alums. Pictured are: Anne Marie DeMatteo ’11, Katie Saladino ’11, MaryEllen McGann ’11, Brehan Renehan ’11, Smaro Spandonidis ’11, Mike Kruvalis ’11, Jen Ruiz ’11, Tina Cavaligos ’11, Sarah Ryan ’09, Jennifer Salata ’14, Allison Salata ’17 and Nicole Salata ’20.
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Domenica Manfredini ’10 married
Kyle Mikesh in February.
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Grace Rafferty ’12 and Vince Raimondi ’12 were married in February. Congratulations to the two Naz families!
ALUMNI NEWS
Births Bernhard Walke ’95 accepted a position
FEBRUARY
as Assistant Principal at Elmwood Park High School for the 2020-21 school year.
Sara Hawkins Pendergrass ’07 and
Charming Falls Apart was published on August 4. It is a work of women’s fiction that examines one woman’s existential crisis while humorously touching on many of the popular self-help mantras of our time. Her writing has been compared to Emily Giffin, Lauren Weisberger, and Sophie Kinsella. Learn more about her book at www.angelaterry.com.
Congrats to Matt Schiffler ’05 and Julie Spidale Schiffler ’08 on the birth of their first child, James. MARCH Chris Beedie ’07 and wife Georgi
Laguna (former faculty) welcomed their first child Elena. Amber Alonzo Saraceno ’02 and John Saraceno ’02 welcomed daughter
Samantha.
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Maureen D’Isa Carlson ’89, Chief Programs and Marketing Officer at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, gave the keynote address at the Association of National Advertisers Virtual Nonprofit Conference in August.
Matt Letcher ’09 and his wife Brittney welcomed Amelia (Mia) Letcher.
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Class of ’90, Angela Terry’s debut novel
husband Mike welcomed son Liam. Big sister Kate is so excited to have a new buddy. Lots of Roadrunner love from Grandma Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79.
Michael Kaiser ’04 and Lauren Brozyna Kaiser ’04 welcomed daughter Charlotte.
Amy Gallie ’88 was named Principal of
Steve Petrak ’05 and wife Emily welcomed their first baby, Isla Elizabeth.
Trinity High School in River Forest, IL for the 2020-21 school year.
JUNE
Jeff DeLong ’84 was awarded a 2020 Above & Beyond Award by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce for his work with Atheneum Theatre.
Julianne Nelson Pedi ’07 and husband Phil
welcomed their second daughter, Julia Rose. Big sister Gabby is thrilled. JULY Amber Hitney Amarino ’08 and Anthony Amarino ’01 welcomed their
first baby Mia Christine. APRIL Anthony Bartucci and Katie Broenneke,
Stephanie Polich Borkovec ’09 and Kyle Borkovec ’09 welcomed baby #2,
Class of 2009, wed in May.
Cooper James.
Grace Mazur ’12 married Matt Lawton
Lisamarie Scardino Burke ’06 and
in August. Zach Blair ’14 married Ellie Propper
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in August.
husband John Michael welcomed Austin James, who was immediately nicknamed “The Meatball.” Tamika Curtis Foster ’04 and husband Anthony welcomed daughter Averi Joi. Emily Duranty Grogan ’08 and John Grogan ’04 welcomed Grace Catherine. Grandmother Meg Malek Duranty ’80
Aretina Klapsis Auriemma ’07 and Frank Auriemma ’07 welcomed baby #3, Dimitrios.
Venita and Francesco are thrilled to have a baby brother. Anthony Rocco ’00 and his wife welcomed
son Noah. Erin Conlon Tierney ’07 and husband Drew welcomed their son Sullivan Patrick.
AUGUST Pete Zavagnin ’05 and his wife Rhana
welcomed baby girl Campbell Marie into this world.
is thrilled.
Jordan Maloney Yacinich ’12 and husband
Sarah Ciepierski Homb ’00 and husband
Jake welcomed Ellie (Eloise) James.
Kurt welcomed Sullivan John.
SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! Alumni news and photos can be sent to ccook@nazarethacademy.com
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ALUMNI NEWS
2020 JACK WHEELER MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC
In Memoriam February 2020 - August 2020
The 2020 Jack Wheeler Memorial Golf Classic was a sold-out success on September 28. Current parents, alumni, alumni parents and friends of Nazareth enjoyed the stunning Chicago Highlands course while supporting a place we care so much about.
We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away.
Special thanks to the Wheeler Family, who generously honor the legacy of Jack Wheeler year after year by underwriting this Nazareth tradition. Thanks also go to our lead sponsors – RyTech, LLC, FNBC-La Grange and Allegiant Fire Protection. Congratulations to Therese and Michael Rooney, proud parents of Meghan ’17, Nora ’18 and Michael ’20, the recipients of the 2020 Jack Wheeler Memorial Award.
Roger Bares, husband of Patricia Collins Bares ’59, father of Anne Bares Thomas ’87, Matt Bares 2’88 and Suzanne Bares Rundberg ’90
We hope to see everyone again next year!
Madeleine Kathryn Baird, daughter of Stephanie Baird ’88
Jill Sabia Broccardo ’84 Patricia Pastor Malloy Butler ’66 Jeanette Campanelli, mother of Jeannie Campanelli Norman ’89 Catherine Dierking Ehsani ’66 Steve Fahey ’89 Elaine Anne Giermak ’63 Janet Peternel Hantsch ’54 (May 2017) Linda Hillsman, mother of Dana ’11 and Michael ’15 Joseph J. Lanzillotti, father of Angela Lanzillotti ’79 and Francine Lanzillotti Lazzara ’81
Michael & Therese Rooney
Arlene Ziemann Markley ’48 Judy McGuire ’60, sister of Kathleen ’65 and Nancy McGuire Carr ’62 Beverly Michalec Norman ’61 Marjorie Licar Novak ’52 Mary Catherine O’Rourke ’79 Mary Jo Parkhill (former faculty), mother of Jonna Parkhill Roedel ’90 and Peter Parkhill ’92 Frances Lillig Pepich ’50
Matthew ’01, John ’06, Crew ’02 and Steve Thunander
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Margaret “Margie” Pirman ’68 Rudy Polich, father of Stephanie Polich Borkovec ’09 (Kyle Borkovec ’09) Alice Maiers Polivka ’47, grandmother of Jillian Polivka Ryan ’01, John Polivka ’03 (Laura Battistoni Polivka ’07), Michael Polivka ’08 and Nina Polivka ’20 Angela Freehill Sharkey ’65 William P. Siffermann, father of Jenny Siffermann Finn ’92, Bill ’93, Tim ’95, Emily Siffermann Collins ’96, Annie Siffermann Boldon ’99, Matt ’01, Michael ’05, John ’07 and father-in-law to Kathleen Morrissey Siffermann ’95 Barbara Sedivy Sims ’56 Dorothy Trampota Slouka ’53 John Thoms, husband of Joan Middendorf Thoms ’70, father of Rachel Thoms Malone ’98, Emily ’02 and Graham ’05 and brother-in-law of Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 and Nancy Middendorf Gibbons ’65 Frank Varak, father of Robert ’89 ( Jean McNulty Varak ’89) and Susan Varak Galassi ’93 Kevin Wright, husband of Laura Wright (current staff )
Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.
NAZ
9
Three in One
new teachers joined Nazareth’s faculty for 2020-21.
Booster Club, Mothers Club and Fathers Club have combined to form the Parent Partnership Council.
120 YEARS STRONG
Happy Birthday Nazareth Academy. Educating the whole person since 1900.
25th
anniversary edition of Goulash, Nazareth’s literary magazine, was released in June.
The 2020-21 student body represents 60 communities and 110 grade schools.
In Spring 2020, Math Team qualified for State Competition for the
6th
consecutive year.
TOP 1%
Danny Metzger ’21, a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, represents the top 1% of high school students across the country.
30 years
of Naz theatre productions are represented in Fall Showcase: A Legacy of Naz Drama, available via video on Nazareth’s website.
Student interest led to the creation of
4 new clubs
for this school year: Baking, Life Skills, Respect Life and Robotics.
105
students volunteered for Youth Initiative, completed virtual training and are serving as ongoing mentors for our Class of 2024.
pg / 15
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NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 www.nazarethacademy.com
for the ways you continue to help Nazareth Academy Rise to the Call
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Please continue to hold Nazareth Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni in your prayers during these uncertain times.
No one can talk about Nazareth better than our Naz Family. We invite you to share your stories with prospective families.
If you are able to show your financial support for Nazareth, your donation will help support today’s Roadrunners in Rising to the Call.
While our events look different, we still offer a variety of virtual events in addition to a few in-person opportunities. Visit our website for more information.
If you receive duplicate copies of Blueprint, please contact Alena Murguia at amurguia@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8536 with your current address. Thank you in advance for helping conserve our resources.