A Publication of the NAZARETH
ACADEMY Community
Blueprint SPRING 2020
Th e s e a r e t he Days IN THIS ISSUE
Save the Date for Homecoming 2020 Alumni Reminisce . Class Notes Naz by the Numbers . And More
COME HOME
to NAZ
Homecoming 2020
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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 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.
Screenwriters have had a field day recalling high school memories. Think Grease, Fame, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Friday Night Lights just to name a few! The power lies in the relatable theme of thinking back to “the good ol’ days.” It’s also no secret that the teenage years are not always easy to navigate. High school lessons in and out of the classroom both challenge us and warm our hearts. As Naz alums, our memories most definitely include being taught by exceptional teachers, being involved in the fuller life of the school, and developing friendships that have lasted a lifetime. What sustains us the most is the mission and charism of our Sisters and the faith life they fanned into flame for us both. Regardless of whether your experience took place at what is now Park Junior High or at 1209 W. Ogden, whether your class was all female or co-ed, or if your team was part of the PSL or ESCC, we hope you look back on your Nazareth days with gratitude for the foundation those days set for our entire lives. Your continued support will help us to carry on the legacy for many generations to come.
These are the days . . . that we remember . . . Like us! facebook.com/NazarethAcademy Join us! facebook.com/NazarethLGP Alumni
Deborah Tracy ’82 President
Therese Hawkins ’79 Principal
Tweet us! twitter.com/NazarethLGP Share us! instagram.com/NazarethLGP pg / 3
ALUMNI PROFILES
John O’Connell ’91 Many alumni define “Roadrunner Country” as the area in and around La Grange Park, Illinois, but John O’Connell knows better. As the CIO of Silver Oak wineries, John knows that Napa Valley can just as easily be home to Naz alumni. He recently hosted a planned gathering of alumni for a tour and tasting, and takes great pleasure in the number of alum who reach out whenever they’re in town. “It’s a great way to stay connected to the people I went to high school with. I love an email from an old friend whenever they’re planning a trip and the chance to catch up and enjoy a glass of wine together.” According to John, there are even some similarities between the wine business and the Academy. “Silver Oak takes great pride in our welcoming, family atmosphere. We want everyone to feel at home while they are here. That’s the same sense I had as a student at Nazareth.” He doesn’t take that atmosphere for granted as he’s experienced firsthand the leadership and training involved in prioritizing and cultivating that environment for both employees and guests at any of Silver Oak’s vineyards.
Looking back, John recognizes Nazareth as a place where students and teachers alike were invested in making the school a success. “At Nazareth, everyone mattered. Teachers like Mrs. Ryan and Mr. Mike were teaching us the information we needed to succeed, but they were also invested in making us think for ourselves.” Those are the kind of academic and life lessons that have resonated most strongly for John. After graduating from Nazareth, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana to study history and philosophy, but found himself working in the corporate technology field at what was basically its infancy in the 1990’s, first for Aon’s Corporate Technology Group, then in partnership with his sister Kristen ’87, with their own firm. He was once again consulting when his sister Karynne ’84 and her husband, David Duncan, asked him if he would come do a little work for Silver Oak in 2003. 17 years later, he’s still there, “enjoying the work, the fact that each day is a little different, and watching how the winery has grown over these years.” Silver Oak includes a number of labels and vineyards, approximately 160 employees, and a variety of logistics, communication needs and collaboration efforts that John oversees. “Modern day wineries need to be invested in technology on both the agricultural side and on the hospitality and customer care side. I need to be concerned with irrigation and shipping as well as being ready to share customers’ bottle stories and celebrations.” Ultimately, what John finds most rewarding is helping to create a culture where both customers and employees want to be. He celebrates that in Napa Valley and he celebrates that culture in La Grange Park, recognizing the great pride that his fellow alumni, many of whom are parents to current Roadrunners, show in our school. “Nazareth must be doing something right for people to feel that way.”
This is a time to help others; these are the days when we can make a difference. pg / 4
TEACH Do you remember walking out of school and seeing the big purple bus parked at the Motherhouse? Maybe you’ve wondered why it disappeared? Over 27 years, that bus evolved from Schools and Tutors on Wheels, to TEACH, Tutoring English to Advance Change, an organization that has serviced 6000 immigrants from around the world. TEACH is one-on-one tutoring sponsored by the Congregation of St. Joseph, and now has students from Berwyn on the east to Naperville on the west. Tutors not only help with language, but build relationships to assist clients with health literacy, problems with domestic violence, and navigating their children’s educational concerns.
Mary Janovsky DePauw ’66 After a long and successful career in a variety of roles all connected to human services, Dr. Mary Janovsky DePauw, known to her friends as Mid, can say with certainty that the most valuable lessons she learned are all tied to listening and engagement. While the seeds of these lessons were planted in Mid by her parents, they flourished at Nazareth. What stands out are the amazing opportunities granted to Nazareth students. “The range of experiences was phenomenal. The sisters and lay faculty encouraged us
to engage with the opportunities and challenges that surrounded us.” Under the direction of Sr. Joan Marie, Mid and her fellow Future Teachers of America officers had opportunities to teach Geometry lessons to sophomores and conduct gym classes at Our Lady of Bethlehem. In the Math Club they helped manage the annual Entrance Exam. “What I took away from my teachers was the knowledge that the only limits were ones you put on yourself. They were basically telling each of us, ‘Go for it’.” Go for it, Mid did. After she earned her psychology degree from Loyola University, she worked at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. She then moved on to the University of Missouri where her husband was finishing his surgical specialty training. There Mid earned her Masters and PhD in psychology. In addition to writing professional articles and consulting, Mid spent most of her career as Director of Counseling and Career Development at Saint Mary’s College. Wherever Mid lived, studied or worked, her perspective continued to broaden. “I have had this wide range of phenomenal opportunities and I have
The ties uniting TEACH and Nazareth are strong and rooted in the CSJ mission. Former principal, Sr. Jackie Schmitz, CSJ ’64, recently joined their board. “This is the time to help others; these are the days when we can make a difference. The idea of service which Nazareth nurtures while you are a student, shouldn’t end as you graduate. That giving should be a part of who you are.” One volunteer making a difference is Melissa Medley Celic ’93, who for the past three years has been tutoring Daiva. Their relationship has enabled Daiva to gain confidence to communicate with doctors and her daughter’s teachers. “I appreciate the mission we all share to serve the dear neighbor. TEACH gives me the opportunity
to serve the community and learn valuable lessons from Daiva, who has different experiences than I do. We are learning from each other.” Claudia Pascual, retired Spanish Chair, and Dianne Kirtley, retired English Chair and PR Director, are also both members of TEACH’s governing board. Claudia said, “I hope to share my professional skills to further the work of this important ministry. As an educator, the purpose of the ministry speaks to my heart and belief in service and social justice.” Dianne added, “The plight of immigrants has become more dire with each day. If one truly believes in what this country stands for, shouldn’t we all feel the need to give back, to assist those who haven’t been as blessed?”
The range of experiences was phenomenal. The sisters and lay faculty encouraged us to engage with the opportunities and challenges that surrounded us. tried to engage with each one. My world had been limited to one point of view before Nazareth, but in high school I experienced an environment that saw the potential in each young woman and challenged us to reach for that potential.” At each subsequent step in her life, Mid has brought the openness, compassion and support that she felt at Nazareth to whatever she has done. Mid’s specialty is ethical decision making for mental health professionals. Inherent in that focus are choices for professionals to “be a good person, live with integrity, and do a right thing (among many right choices) when the opportunity arises.” With her solid Catholic educational background Mid believes strongly in the importance of integrating social justice into every profession. For Mid, the Catholic faith isn’t an idea limited to the classroom or Sunday Mass; “Faith is something you express by the way you live your life.” This is something Mid experienced at Nazareth and continues to live every day.
That pu rp pu rc ha sed leby bua ssmwalasl non-prof it pu rpos e of trinanFsploorri datingfo r th e w ho ar e tu to ri ng re cetuntto rs im m ig ra nts in E ng lis h. Constantine Bitsas, TEACH’s Executive Director, has been working with Nazareth about the possibility of having a tutoring site on campus. The values of education, service and developing relationships with the dear neighbor remain a constant tie.
pg / 5
ALUMNI PROFILES
Conroy Family Even though their daughters Molly and Brenna have graduated, Bill and Laurie Conroy have stayed connected to Nazareth and its mission. “Nazareth gave our girls the confidence to pursue their dreams,” explained Laurie, which is why the school remains so close to this family’s hearts. Molly ’09 attended Northwestern University for undergraduate and then the University of Illinois Chicago Medical School. She is currently in her second year of residency at UIC in Emergency Medicine. “I always wanted to be a doctor. Naz made me feel like anything was possible if I worked hard enough.” Her involvement in Class Board, for which she was President, as well as the drama program gave her opportunities to grow in leadership while the importance of service influenced her life outlook. She’s been involved with Mercy Home for Boys and Girls and a Global Medicine group in medical school. “I continue to try to practice medicine with the Naz spirit.”
Kristen Yarka ’07 Although Kristen Yarka has returned to Naz many times over the years as a sibling, as the Assistant Pom & Dance Coach and as an alum, for this first time in 2020 she returned as a teacher, when she brought her 7th grade class from Our Lady of the Snows to a Retreat Day. “It was such an honor to be able to share the pillar of Unity with my students. They immediately noticed the ways I was welcomed by my Naz Family. One student told me after, ‘Now I can see why you are the way you are Miss Yarka,’ which I take as a compliment.” pg / 6
Brenna ’12 attended a performing arts conservatory after high school which led to a career on the business side of the entertainment industry. She is a Talent Manager involved in finding work and negotiating contracts for actors, as well as casting commercials, television shows and films, even while she continues to do improv and sketch comedy around Chicago. “The Naz theatre program
From Our Lady of the Snows, to Nazareth, to Lewis University, Kristen remains grateful for her Catholic education and the opportunity to teach in a Catholic environment. “I don’t take for granted that I am not only allowed to talk about faith and values with my students, I am encouraged to do so.” Ideals of Unity are not the only influence on Kristen’s teaching career. She also models her classroom on experiences of fun and engagement that she found at Nazareth. “I remember Mr. Jurasas’ class so vividly. It wasn’t easy, but it was still fun. He was always drawing modern-day, real world connections to whatever we were studying. I try to build the same kind of atmosphere for my students.” She also incorporates service into teaching and the lives of her students. “It’s not as if I set out to do extra service in high school. Service through Adopt-aGrandparent and Hodgkins Tutoring were just good ways to hang out with my friends. Before I realized it was happening, service became a regular part of my life.”
Kristen’s appreciation for the accidental nature of many of life’s lessons makes her a sensitive teacher for middle school kids so often in search of themselves. In recalling the very beginnings of the Youth Initiative Program at Naz, which she helped start at the urging of classmate Roberto Paniagua and staff member Mrs. Kokontis, she admits that at the time it just seemed like a good resume builder. “What happened instead is that I was encouraged to find my own voice and grow as a leader within a very safe environment.” She hopes she is paying those lessons forward, encouraging today’s students to embrace the moments and opportunities to grow.
Before I realized it was happening, service became a regular part of my life.
Nazareth is a safe place where students are with people who encourage and support them. gave me confidence and the artistic outlet I needed as a teenager. I loved how it wasn’t weird for football players or shy kids in class to participate in the musicals and acting classes.” She also credits the variety of extracurriculars and service opportunities she tried because they “forced me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to celebrate the similarities all people share regardless of background.” The fact that both of their Naz grads have integrated service into their lives reinforces the Conroys’ belief in Nazareth’s mission. According to Bill, “Our girls feel a responsibility to give back. They are compassionate and really open their eyes to all people.” While this lesson was reinforced at Nazareth, it has its roots in the Conroy Family, which values philanthropy in education. Bill explained,
“We direct our giving to education and organizations that provide tools for individuals to become self sufficient.” In 2010 they began the Conroy Family Scholarship at Nazareth to help offset tuition for students in need. “Nazareth educates the whole person – academically, emotionally and spiritually. All the students and the families we’ve sponsored have been motivated, smart and capable. We are fortunate to be able to provide scholarships and feel like it’s a good investment. Hopefully scholarship recipients will pay it forward some day.” For now, Laurie hopes that current Roadrunners are making the most of high school. “Nazareth is a safe place where students are with people who encourage and support them. It’s the time to try new things and potentially discover a hidden talent or interest.”
Maria Onesto Moran ’01 Maria Onesto Moran spends her days balancing her roles as mom to three boys, business owner, wife of fellow alum Casey Moran and avid Roadrunner fan … and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “We only get one chance to live this life. I want to live it to the fullest.” She brings both this adventurous spirit, and her sense of gratitude to all of her roles. In fact, she traces her business acumen to her upbringing, including entrepreneurial parents and experiences at Nazareth that taught her valuable lessons. “Sometimes you just see a need and want to fill it. In high school I was having trouble finding summer service experiences on my own and that’s how SHOE was born.” Students Helping Others Everywhere was a student-run service club Maria spearheaded throughout high school. “We did it all, from heading committees, to filing for 501(c)(3) tax status to fundraising. I learned a lot and I am so grateful for the help and support of Mrs. Caragher, Ms. Vondrasek [Tracy] and Mr. Moran. They believed in us and empowered us; without telling us what to do, they gave us the confidence to know we could succeed.” Maria earned a Sociology degree with minors in Spanish and Women’s Studies from DePaul University in 2005, graduating early thanks in large part to another example of encouragement and support, this time from Senora Pascual. “I will never forget her calling me at home and encouraging me to take my AP exams senior year. I don’t know if I would have taken those exams and earned that credit without her personal push.” After graduating she worked for several nonprofits and political races before setting her sights on her own business, which is how Green Home Experts was born in 2007. “Around this time Casey and I had bought a condo and I was having trouble finding the kind of
green building materials I wanted for our home.” Once again, Maria saw a need and stepped in to fill it. Her business has since morphed from a showroom in Oak Park to a warehouse-based business that partners with utilities and government in Energy Efficiency Implementation. Green Home Experts employs adults with special needs in the warehouse, thus improving the life of our planet and the lives of people who sometimes face barriers to employment. “Spiderman wasn’t the only one to say, ‘with great privilege comes great responsibility.’ I have been blessed in my life to have parents who were good stewards of the planet and a high school experience where each day I knew I was loved and that I was worthy of that love. I was lucky enough to find my footing in high school, which made me that much more prepared for everything that has followed.” Maria happily pays those lessons forward in her professional life and looks forward to the days when her own sons will find their footing at Naz. pg / 7
ALUMNI NEWS
Young Alum
Congratulations to Sarah Matyskela ’13 who received the Novice Special Educator of the Year award from the Kankakee Area Special Educators Symposium for 2019.
Pat Uphues ’19
continues to share his voice at Marquette University with their acapella group, the Gold N Blues. Pat was recently elected to the group’s Music Board as the Bass Section Leader. Congratulations to Gigi Ariola ’18 who received an Honorable Mention for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference All-Conference Soccer team. Monika Miranda ’18 received the DePaul
Congrats to Aileen O’Carroll ’13 who received a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Nomination for her performance in The Wolves at Lewis University. Congrats to Eddie Claudio ’15 on his decision to serve and protect. He officially became a member of the Chicago Police Department in December. Joe Smith ’15 is keeping the connection
to the Congregation of St. Joseph alive. In September he met up with Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ who was signing copies of her new book.
Congratulations to the new Board member of the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group, Matthew Serafin ’13. Dom Purpura ’12
completed his first Chicago Marathon in October 2019.
University Department of Modern Languages Study Abroad Scholarship, which allows her to study in Mexico.
Gloria Corona and Devyn Zuro, Class of 2017, both earned 2019 Easton/National
Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Scholar-Athlete honors.
Emma Decker ’16 played her way into the
record books in November as Villanova Volleyball’s All-Time Career Assist Leader.
In June Luke Ferzacca ’16 completed his first half Ironman. In September, Luke completed his first Ironman Wisconsin.
James Turek ’15 graduated from
Marquette University in May and was commissioned into the Army as a Second Lieutenant before moving to Fort Jackson, South Carolina for training.
Many friends from the Class of 2010 continue to stay close. This year, they celebrated Friendsgiving in November. Pictured below: Kevin Shukis, Annmarie Chizewski, Anna Moskos Marske, Adam Marske, Andrew Sansone, Alexandra Lombardo Burns, Paige Cascio, Eddie Antonietti, Katie DeMatteo, Christine Salamone, Erin Dine and Tommy Lee.
Courtney Urzen ’15
had the experience of being a “seat filler” at the 2020 Grammy Awards. She met one of her favorite artists, Khalid, and sat by many more. She also appeared on the live broadcast!
Births Giovanni Thomas Pulia, born to Michael and Nicole Rogus Pulia ’07, joined big brothers, Mikey and Luca in August.
In November, Siobhan Yore Lynch ’98 and husband Kevin, welcomed Ethan Louis to join big sis Clare.
Jim Rudy ’94 and wife Shelly welcomed
Dan Brencic ’06 and Shubha Setty
their eighth child to their family in September.
Vanessa Mendicino Padecky ’98,
husband Mark and big brother Emmett, welcomed Myles Adam in October. Uncles Louie ’00 and Dominic ’07 share in the excitement.
pg / 8
welcomed their first child Dev Joseph in January.
Nick Matkovich ’02 and wife Jennifer welcome their first child, baby boy Louis Paul in January.
Jennifer Kolodziej Sloan ’02 and
husband Brian welcomed their “greatest adventure,” Maura Kathryn in January.
Jordan and Marie Lorenzi Hanson ’04
welcomed daughter Quinn Catherine to the family in February.
Class Notes Gianna Wilkinson ’08 finally said yes to a marriage proposal from Dominic Mendicino ’07
after a year and a half of his asking. Their engagement even made the WGN Morning News.
Grant Ladniak ’06 returned to Chicago when he
accepted a position with the National Equity Fund.
Chris Grano ’02 was recognized by the
Keller Williams Infinity group with a 2019 Capper Award, awarded to a real estate agent who is a top grosser.
Congratulations to Amber Alonzo Saraceno ’02, whose Expression Dance Studio was voted Suburban Life’s 2019 Readers Choice Award for Best Dance Studio. Justin Hanson ’01 was named a 2020 Illinois
Rising Star Lawyer. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor each year.
Great to see Mary Grill ’99 in her recurring role as Officer Robin on Young Sheldon. In a January episode, she featured prominently as her character married her real life husband (Matt Hobby) who plays the pastor. Shawna Epich ’98 congratulates her husband Danté Royster ’98 on the opening of his Epic
Mortgage office in Brookfield, IL.
The DuPage Region 2019 Principal of the Year award was given to Fred Leinweber ’95, principal in District 45 North in Villa Park.
Susan Jankowski Westwater ’93 and her
husband Scot published Voice Strategy: Creating Useful and Usable Experiences in 2019, which was used at several conferences. Congratulations Capt.
Jason LoCoco ’91 who
was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Italian American Police Association in October. He is the district commander of District 17 LaSalle and has received department commendations, department service ribbons and a Trooper of the Year nomination. Carolyn Brady ’90 made her return to Illinois State University as Vocal Director of the All State production of AIDA at the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Nicole Jeray ’88 was featured in the January
Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 was honored at this year’s High School Theatre Festival with the IHSTF 2020 Administrator Support Award.
The Class of 1971 meets regularly for mini reunion dinners. Pictured are: Deborah Duda Stolte, Darlene Calderone, Lorna Stead George, Linda Drogos Quinlan, Karen Penkala Kraus and Flo O’Keefe Piraino.
issue of O, the Oprah Magazine. Nicole talked about her struggle with narcolepsy and the efforts she’s made to raise awareness. In the fall, Cathie Klod ’86 took over as the Kairos Director at Providence Catholic High School. “My journey to this point has not always been easy, but it has given me the confidence to take on this new role.”
After eight years as the Athenaeum Theatre’s Director of Marketing and Development, Jeff DeLong ’84 started a new position as Director of Programming and Marketing for both the Bridgeport Arts Center and a new development called Rockwell on the River in Avondale.
The ladies of the Class of 1955 celebrated another year of friendship with a mini reunion in Chicago in October. Pictured left to right: Judy Carroll Sullivan, Carole Herzog Walton, Marjorie Tomas Macdonald, Maureen Brown Jones and Eleanor Costanzo Klein.
Vanderbilt University School of Nursing faculty member Pam Waynick-Rogers ’84 collaborated with team members to write “The Vanderbilt Program in Interprofessional Learning: Sustaining a Longitudinal, Clinical Experience that Aligns Practice with Education,” which was published by Academic Medicine.
Nazareth was thrilled to host alumni from many different years at our first Alumni Couples Mass and Blessing. Here are a few of the couples who first found love at Nazareth Academy. Pictured left to right: Ron and Donna Savino Mouw ’87, John Simpson ’04 and Disa DiBuono Simpson ’06, Jordan and Marie Lorenzi Hanson ’04, Ned and Jackie Balian Stasch ’87, Casey and Maria Onesto Moran ’01, Brian Driscoll ’93 and Nora O’Connell Driscoll ’92, and Frank and Aretina Klapsis Auriemma ’07.
pg / 9
ALUMNI NEWS continued
Weddings
Michael Garabedian ’08 married Julie Dambra
Mary Lewis ’10 married Jon Harrington.
surrounded by Michael’s good friends, Matt Windmoeller, Curtis Cannon and Phil Moore, also Class of 2008. Phil was, in fact, the officiant.
Austin Brown ’15 married Mackenzie
Mehaffey.
Alexandra Lombardo ’10 wed Darin Burns. Raquel López ’12 wed Dian Medrano ’11. Jillian Green ’09 wed Trevor Wiegel.
Natalie Salata ’11 married Aron Aycock. Ian Smith ’13 married Isabella da Silva.
In Memoriam
September 2019 - January 2020
We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away. Judy Strouse Albers ’57
Cynthia Fila Jania ’73
Richard Bemi, son of Eileen Murray Yelovich ’78 and brother of Dan Yelovich ’16
Jennifer Ann Jeske, sister of Janine Jeske ’79
Lorelei Bragassi, mother of Jill Bragassi MacKay ’85 and Jason Bragassi ’89 Catherine Malone Buckley ’63, sister of Charlotte Melone Benford ’65, Christine Melone ’67 and Clarice Melone ’70 Rosanne Wisnar Bukowski ’74 Donna Douglas ’62 James Dunne, father of Kelley Dunne Herman ’04 Bobby Gee, brother of Melana ’15 Carolyn Steier Hearns ’67, sister of Rosemarie Steier Kurek ’64, Mary Anne Steier Harris ’70 and the late Helen Steier Kilroy ’62 Christine M. Hitney, mother of Amber Hitney Amarino ’08 and mother-in-law of Anthony Amarino ’01
Esther O’Shoney Kilbride ’46
Raquel Rosario Paez, mother of Raquel Paez Flood ’72 and Catherine Paez Saenger ’89, and grandmother of Maureen Flood Rabus ’97 and Michael Flood ’99
Dianne Bugajsky Kroll ’90
Kathleen Fitzgerald Piha ’50
George Krug, father of Jennifer Krug McNaughton ’88 and Robert Krug ’91, grandfather of Jack Krug ’19 and brother of Jody Krug-Schulte ’68
Mary Anne Grapski Rowe ’67
Susan Rector Laub ’62 Sean Lorenzen, son of Ann Douglas Lorenzen ’77 and brother of Erin Lorenzen ’17 Maureen Corrigan Mackey ’72, sister of Mary Fran Corrigan Zidron ’71 and Jeanne Corrigan Livelsberger ’76 Silvia García Marquez, mother of Eduardo Gonzales ’18 John McGovern, father of Lizzy McGovern O’Brien ’92, grandfather of Elizabeth Selover ’23
Angelo Phillip Saccameno ’02, brother of Jacob Saccameno ’07 Patti Turano, mother of Lisa Turano ’85, Renee Turano Novelle ’88, grandmother of Gioia Solano ’21 and Rocco Solano ’23, aunt of Gena Turano Buonavolanto ’88, Jennifer Turano ’92, Jessica Turano ’96, Matthew Gragnani ’07, Michael Gragnani ’07 and Marri Gragnani ’14 Mary Anne Schroeder Turza ’55 Phil Whitman, son of Kathleen Brown Whitman ’70
Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section. pg / 10
NAZ
by the NUMBERS 131
wins makes Alex Carrillo the school record holder for Naz Wrestling wins
40+ freshmen
400
applied for Student Council in October. 10 were selected as representatives, starting their #NazSpirit strong
140 Roadrunners are now eligible to vote in 2020 thanks to on-campus voter registration events in September and February
4
students from eight area grade schools were welcomed by Nazareth in January to celebrate the pillar of Unity with a 7th Grade Retreat over two days
5
new classes offered to students for 2019-2020 included AP Statistics, Digital Music & Production, Heritage Spanish, Journalism and Yoga
160+
grandparents attended our first-ever Grandparents Day in October
local and national experts were hosted by Nazareth for the 2019-20 Parent Speaker Series, all open to the community
363
items collected by Just Us for the Ronald McDonald House Catholic Schools Week Drive
$184,000 raised by the Nazareth Family through the 44th annual WALK, including 100% participation from faculty and staff
Twelve
Angry Jurors left no doubt that Naz Drama continues to flourish
pg / 11
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