Winter Currents 2012

Currents

The Alumni Magazine of Carmel Catholic High School

Winter 2012

Corsairs’ Quests For Better Health

President Judith Mucheck, Ph.D. Office of Institutional Advancement Staff Director of Institutional Advancement Claress S. L. Pettengill

Currents Winter 2012, Volume 26, Issue 1

The Alumni Magazine of Carmel Catholic High School

Director of Planned, Major Giving and Corporate Relations Michael C. Looby ‘75 Publications Coordinator Sarah O'Donnell Alumni Relations Director Christine LeBrun

Table of Contents

Special Events Director Laurie Wienke Data Services Coordinator Grace Fong Administrative Assistant Jane Maciolek Editorial Board Margaret Ring Gillock ‘75 Margaret Nichols ‘69 Katherine O’Brien ‘83 Charmaine Smith Wright ‘95 Currents magazine is published three times a year by the Office of Institutional Advancement.

Please send address changes to: Carmel Catholic High School Office of Institutional Advancement One Carmel Parkway Mundelein, Illinois 60060 (847) 388-3362 gfong@carmelhs.org For verification purposes, please include the 9-digit ID number found in the magazine address area.

Send comments and suggestions about the magazine to: Christine LeBrun Alumni Relations Director One Carmel Parkway Mundelein, Illinois 60060 (847) 388-3382 clebrun@carmelhs.org

Features Joint Board Letter...................................................................................................3 Corsairs’ Quests for Better Health..........................................................................4 Carmel at the Threshold..........................................................................................12

In Every Issue President's Letter.....................................................................................................12 Advancement News................................................................................................16 Alumni News..........................................................................................................17 Class Notes.............................................................................................................22 Engagements and Marriages...................................................................................22 Births and Adoptions..............................................................................................22 In Memoriam..........................................................................................................23 Calendar of Events.................................................................................. Back Cover

On the Cover This issue profiles of members of our community who are undergoing, and have undergone, significant health transformations. We examine their quests to achieve healthier living.

www.carmelhs.org/green CCHS going

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Green

Currents is now available online in an easy and fun way to view digital format as part of the school's green initiative.

To view Currents online, please visit www.carmelhs.org/green

Joint Board

L E T T E R

Dear Carmel Catholic Alumni,

N

ew Year’s resolution-setting is a common practice when the world rings in the next calendar year. People set about discerning what needs to be adjusted in their lives which might lead to greater happiness, better health, a more significant experience of spirituality, or less stress. We become deliberate about the behaviors which will lead to the realization of our resolutions.

Hard work is just that – hard. Any process which is transformational takes time, effort, and patience. It takes a willingness to be flexible in the circumstances that present themselves along the way. It takes focus, collaboration, excellent planning, and fortitude to see any worthwhile project to the end.

We have been actively involved in the discussions which are being realized in the transformation of the physical plant at Carmel Catholic. We have been in dialogue with the school administration and, as members of the governing boards, have seen first-hand the amount of time, effort, planning, and patience that have gone into the development of the school’s first campus master plan. The vision, which has been articulated over the last few years, will completely support a 21st century learning environment for this and future generations of Carmel Catholic students.

This issue of Currents focuses on “makeovers” of sorts, the purpose of which is more healthful living. Adding to or giving up certain behaviors can lead to a new outlook on life! We congratulate all of the contributors to this issue on their quest for health, holiness, and happiness! The make-over of our building at One Carmel Parkway is sure to contribute to the overall health and continued success of the educational program at Carmel Catholic.

As representatives of the Boards of Corporators and Directors, we offer our full support to the effort which is the Carmel at the Threshold capital campaign.

Gratefully, Sister Teri Hadro, BVM Co-Chair Board of Corporators

Rev. Joseph Atcher O. Carm.

Co-Chair

Board of Corporators

Gregory Hirsch Chair Board of Directors

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Andrew Milne, CCHS Health Teacher

Corsairs’ Quests for Better Health: @Health(y) Class

By Charmaine Smith Wright ‘95

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Carmel Catholic Health teacher and Assistant Track Coach, Mr. Andrew Milne, thinks globally and acts locally to make a difference in the lives of his students. Using a multimedia approach, he teaches his students to change unhealthy behaviors to improve their lifestyles.

Hailing from London, England, he is not traditional in style of speech or teaching methodology, and that’s why his message is so effective. Focusing on the health triangle— whereby one is not healthy unless physical, emotional/mental/spiritual, and social health is addressed— Milne is getting his students to think in a holistic manner.

Class discussions about mental health and risk behaviors (often taboo topics in the classroom), are therefore encouraged as his students realize that health is so much more than just “working out.”

Milne’s approach is to help his students focus on doing the right things now to avoid bigger problems later. For example, he encourages students to make small daily changes—e.g. choosing organic, eliminating foods high in preservatives, staying active—so that larger and more complex issues about health and disease can be avoided. Milne also adds,

“I don’t just say to my students, ‘this is how you should behave, this is what you should eat.’ I feel that Americans have this view that everyone thinks they’re unhealthy and although we may be more obese, we’re not that far head of other countries.”

Milne also acknowledges that making changes in moderation are the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He recounts how he cooks in duck fat for his Christmas meal every year—a treat, though unhealthy, that he limits to once a year!

Yet, it is not only Milne doing the teaching; his students have the opportunity to share what they have learned in a variety of avenues. Milne

Milne keeps Health class fun by putting together songs for his students they can access via QR coding and their smart phones.

is a huge proponent of the use of technology in education.

With the prevalence of smart phone usage, he creates digital scavenger hunts that allow students to travel from YouTube videos to web sites and back again. Both he and his students post to a health blog, and Milne has several podcasts on iTunes and a Twitter feed. He is aggressively teaching health literacy—not only the answers to a variety of health questions, but also an effective approach to finding out those answers.

Milne says, “I talk about being ‘health literate,’ getting healthy information and knowing what to do with it - that’s what it’s about. Encouraging kids to go out there and be in charge of their health.”

In a recent assignment, Milne directed students to post online what health goals students wanted to accomplish by midyear so that everyone could comment on ideas to achieving those goals and receive feedback on successes and failures along the way.

And, just as Milne advocates for his students, he wants the passion for advocacy to spread.

He encourages his students to help make healthy choices easier for everyone, especially those

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Health Goals for the New Year Avoid diets: Diets are stressful to the mind and body. Instead, think of being healthy and fit.

Take little steps: Small goals are achievable.

Tackle a new mini-goal every week: get enough sleep, reduce portion size by 20%, etc.

who have limited access to healthy information and opportunities. It is not every Health class that touches on poverty and policy, but Milne facilitates the development of a health worldview. He boils his perspective down to just a few simple things:

Make the right choices, stay risk-free, know where the right information is, and advocate for those who can’t.

He’s giving his students fishes, but also teaching them how to fish for themselves. And that’s healthy on so many levels.

You can follow Mr. Milne and his class on Twitter (@carmelhealth), iTunes, YouTube, and visit their blog. Use your smart phone now to scan the QR codes below and access these sites.

Be aware: Eat when you are hungry. Be aware of your body and your thoughts.

Make a plan: Make a menu and decide on which days you will exercise for the week.

Be realistic: Remember that it takes a month for any new action to become a habit. For some, losing a pound a week is actually achievable.

Jeff Ptacek, CCHS Religious Studies Teacher

A Journey To God

By Katherine O’Brien ‘83

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“If you are struggling with your faith, get out of your comfort zone,”

advises teacher Jeff Ptacek. As a high school junior, Ptacek wasn’t the type of kid to attend a church youth group. But he’s glad he did.

The 27-year-old, Ptacek, a graduate of East Leyden High School, had a traditional Catholic childhood.

“I was baptized and completed all of the sacraments of initiation, in order,” he says. “However, I seldom felt part of the Catholic tradition.”

Ptacek sometimes reluctantly attended Mass with his parents.

“Most of the time it was preceded by an argument as to why I had to go,” he recalls. “I guess I fell into the stereotypical teenage mindset of ‘who is the Church to tell me how to act or what to believe?’”

One day, a fellow student, Sarah, invited Ptacek to attend a youth group meeting at Our Lady of Hope in Rosemont, IL. “The only reason I went was because she was going to be there too,” Ptacek admits.

To work is to pray Eventually Sarah and Jeff signed up for the group’s Habitat For Humanity trip to Holly Springs, MS. Jeff sat next to the van driver, a deacon. “We began discussing a variety of Church related topics – from

the existence of God to the nature of the Church,” says Ptacek. “We talked about why personal membership in a Church is important.”

The deacon then challenged Ptacek to define and defend his beliefs. “I don’t remember exactly what Jeff and Sarah Ptacek, June, 2011 he said, but I had an ‘ah ha’ moment,” says Ptacek.

“Something inside me lit up and I four years!” he says. “I knew in my began to understand that the Church heart that I would eventually marry was something more personal than this woman, but at the same time I an institution. I began to focus a still felt a tug towards religious life. little more at Mass and I began to This almost caused me to have a get more involved with the youth crisis of faith. ‘Why would God do group.” this to me? How can one be called to married life and religious life at the Later, Ptacek visited several Catholic same time?’” colleges and chose Benedictine University after attending a Say Amen, Somebody welcoming Mass at St. Procopius Sarah vowed to support Jeff Abbey. The Abbey connected him regardless of his decision. “I never with the school, and the opportunity felt any pressure from her one to meet Abbot Hugh Anderson. way or another,” says Ptacek. “I did spend a substantial part of my To pray is to work senior year at the Abbey, living the “I started to find myself attracted life of a monk. Through the help to Benedictine Spirituality, a of my spiritual director I came unique spirituality different from to understand that God was not what I experienced at Loyola or confusing me – but rather presenting Dominican,” says Ptacek. “After me with a great choice. He wants taking some History and Philosophy me to serve Him in both capacities. courses, I felt a sense of calling to I learned that I could still maintain the monastic life.” a Benedictine Spirituality while living out the vocation of marriage...

He began to attend Mass daily as I foresee the permanent diaconate well as Vespers. “Eventually, Abbot in my future as well. And so, after Hugh asked if I was considering a countless hours of discernment, religious vocation,” recalls Ptacek.

Sarah and I got engaged on “That was the first time anyone had November 24, 2010 and we were ever asked me that.” married on June 24, 2011.”

Ptacek found himself at a crossroads.

“I had been dating Sarah for nearly

Sapere Aude!

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Dreams of Barcelona

By Margaret Ring Gillock ‘75 Sue Gille, a CCHS Administrative Assistant, is determined to travel to Barcelona. But there is one thing standing in her way: her weight.

Gille in Northbrook, IL, 1977

Twelve years ago, Sue lost an astonishing 80 pounds She says smiling, “I remember the kids at Carmel would come by the office and I’d say ‘Can I help you?’ and they’d say, ‘Well, no, my friends told me to come by and see how great you looked.’ It was awesome…I can’t believe that I put all of the weight back. I’m so mad.

I kept it off for 4 years but then I went back to my old ways.”

Sue was not a heavy child or a heavy teen. She attributes her weight gain to

At a Weight Watchers meeting in December, 2011

changes in her schedule that allowed more idle time at home and eating an extra dinner meal with her husband who began working nights long ago. Also, she began adding things to her daily diet on a regular basis that were once considered “treats.”

She says, “I started eating things every day that I once considered a special meal or a treat like Chinese food and ice cream.”

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Sue’s recent weight loss is by way of her favorite tried and true weight loss method: Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers is a program that has helped her lose a significant amount of weight going back years. From 80 pounds, twelve years ago, to 25 pounds, 3 years ago, and most recently, 25 pounds

So, what’s different this time for Sue? How can she be sure she won’t fall back to her old patterns?

Sue says that this time it’s for good because she says, glumly, “I

don’t feel as good as I know I can feel… my knees hurt.

I’m going to die if I don’t lose this weight.”

Another reason she knows it will be different is she wants to be able to visit her daughter all over the world, who has dreams of teaching internationally. “If I don’t feel comfortable sitting in plane seats- how can I visit her? And, my daughter and I really want to go to Barcelona, Spain. I focus on my daughter and Barcelona and it inspires me…I’ve already lost 25 pounds since

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last October.”

With daughter Tara ‘07, 1998

And, it was in 2009 that she introduced the Weight Watchers…At Work® program to Carmel. “We started Weight Watchers at Work® at Carmel three years ago because it really is a much more cost-effective way since you are given a price break each week. There are a lot of success stories from that time where many Carmel faculty and staff who joined then and have kept the weight off. But there are also a few people, like me, who reverted and they are back on the program now, again.”

Weight Watchers…At Work®

is a very successful program not only at Carmel but all over the country. Various companies participate nationwide whose employees are implementing health initiatives to get and stay healthy. Sue adds, “It really helps because you spend more time at work than anywhere else and everyone that is on the program holds you accountable. They ask you what you made for dinner, they see what you’re having for lunch…”

The Weight Watchers…At Work® program is simple. Similar to the regular, traditional Weight Watchers program, it is a points system. All foods are assigned a certain number of points and you can choose to “spend” your points on whatever food you choose, staying within the confines of the maximum number of points you are allotted. For example, most fruits and vegetables count as 0 points, while a piece of cake with frosting might be 3 points, or an entrée might be 6 points.

Yet, the program is more than counting points. Sue adds, “Portion control is huge, I am still struggling with that, even if it is something I can eat, technically, you can eat too much of even a good thing.” Sue also credits journaling [recording what you have eaten and how many points it is worth] as a big help, stating, “I am definitely more successful when I journal. I try to write down everything BEFORE I eat it. That really helps.” And of course there’s the E-word: Exercise.

You can lose weight with Weight Watchers and never exercise but you will not be at your “healthiest best.” And, Sue understands this more than anybody which is why even though it is painful, she exercises when she can. “I am trying to walk when I can even though my knees hurt. I am hoping that as I lose weight, they will get better.”

In a few months, Sue will have an even bigger push towards her goal when daughter, Tara Gille ’07, begins living at home next semester. According to Sue, Tara is an excellent incentive for her...Tara just lost 35 pounds herself.

American Heart Association Just Move Internet: www.justmove.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Aim for a Healthy Weight Internet: www.nhlbi.nih.gov National Institutes of Health, Weight Loss and Dieting http://health.nih.gov/topic/ WeightLossDieting Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) diet, developed by the National Institutes of Health Shape Up America!

Internet: www.shapeup.org U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) MyPyramid Internet: www.mypyramid.gov Weight-control Information Network 1 WIN Way, Bethesda, MD 20892–3665 , Phone: 202-828–1025 , Toll-free number: 1–877–946–4627 FAX: 202-828–1028 , E-mail: win@info.niddk.nih.gov , Internet: http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health, which is the Federal Government’s lead agency responsible for biomedical research on nutrition and obesity.

When her weight loss journey is all said and done, Sue hopes to be an astounding 100 pounds thinner.

She says that she is ready for all of the challenges and she has added one extra layer of accountability to her journey. “Look for my “after” photo to be featured in a future issue of Currents!”

With that, stay tuned for Sue Gille’s update coming to a Currents Fall 2012 issue near you.

Now, what’s your quest for 2012?

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Goodbye, Grouchy Salesperson Hello, Happy History Teacher

By Katherine O’Brien ‘83 James Schuster, CCHS History Teacher

The impetus for transformative changes often can be traced to a single incident at a specific time and location. Paul saw a blinding light on the road to Damascus in 33 AD. Augustine heard a child chanting “Take and read” in a Milanese garden in September 386. Jim Schuster’s epiphany occurred during a Sunday morning enrichment class at the Lakeside Congregation for Reform Judaism in Highland Park in 2000.

Changing times

After college, Schuster founded a printing company. He went on to spend 25 years at the helm of a family business that specialized in manufacturing and distributing maintenance supplies. After the family sold the business, Schuster took a job selling Yellow Page ads. He was miserable. One fateful morning, Schuster’s attention wandered from the educational program at his synagogue. “I realized I was angry most of the time,” he recalls.

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Yet Schuster’s faith journey wasn’t quite as dramatic. His family wasn’t religious, but as an adult, he helped with Lakeside’s educational initiatives. As his knowledge grew, so did his faith. After a stint as a board member, Schuster served as President of the congregation from 2007 to 2009 and currently chairs several committees.

On that Sunday in 2000, Schuster, then 46, embraced his dream of teaching high school history. “My family was terrific,” he says. “They were behind me 100%, especially my wife, Carol. She said, ‘You’ve always been interested in doing it—this is your time.’”

The Schusters’ children—Jeff and Laura—also offered their support.

(Laura, then in college and also studying to be a teacher, noted her father would launch his classroom career several years ahead of her own.)

A 15-month program at National Louis University offered everything

Carmel’s faculty and students with creating an inclusive atmosphere.

What’s better than teaching history? Visiting Stonehenge and other historical sites on your summer vacation!

Schuster needed to earn his teaching credentials. The former history major already had an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan as well an MBA from Northwestern.

Schuster, who was born in Hyde Park and grew up in Highland Park, had never heard of Carmel. Gina Carmody, a former classmate at National Louis, had joined the faculty as a science teacher and told Schuster it was a wonderful place.

“You’ve always been interested in teaching - this is your time.”

Since Schuster’s wife Carol is Catholic—he is well versed in the faith’s traditions. But he also credits

When Rosh Hashanah fell on “Back to School Night” one year, Schuster explained he would be a little late because he would be spending most of the day at services. Principal Lynne Strutzel assured him this was fine. When she realized that roast pork was the main entrée to be served at the traditional faculty meal that night, she immediately changed the menu—a small gesture that meant the world to Schuster.

Happily ever after

Jim Schuster has taught AP European and World History as well as Honors World History at Carmel now for the past decade. It’s hard to know who is happier: the school, the students or Schuster. In 2005, Schuster was among 14 teachers who earned “Heart of the School” accolades from the Archdiocese of Chicago. “Mr. Schuster is a brilliant teacher,” one student says in an online testimonial. “He’s really into what he teaches, and it shows in his lectures.”

Schuster says his career change has given him a deep sense of fulfillment.

“I’ve loved this job since Day One,” he says. “I get a kick out of what I am doing and I feel valued.”

Son Jeff, wife Carol, Jim and daughter Laura, with dogs Becca and Bevin

Schuster visited Jerusalem in 2008 through Carmel and the Anti-Defamation League. This plate is a special souvenir from this trip which hangs in his classroom.

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President’s

L E T T E R

Dear Friends of Carmel Catholic, I am happy to offer you some very strong rays of sunshine in this issue of Currents.

Underneath the heavy skies of the winter months a forward shift looms large for Carmel Catholic.

For the past two and one-half years, our governing boards, school administration, and collaborators have been engaged in the implementation of our campus master plan which was articulated in the 20072012 strategic plan. This plan included six building elements which were assigned priority order in the spring of 2009. As part of this effort, over 800 alums responded to a survey which was launched by the Office of Institutional Advancement. The building elements were: 1,2) the establishment of an Information Commons (library) & renovation of the former monastery to include instructional space for all disciplines in the fine arts – these spaces to be completed simultaneously; 3) renovation of the auditorium; 4) construction of a new chapel; 5,6) reconfiguration of the front entrance off of Rt. 176 and the construction of administrative offices in the area of the existing chapel circle, including a main lobby.

The CARMEL at the THRESHOLD capital campaign officially kicked-off with the leadership phase of fundraising in late fall of 2010 and focuses on the Information Commons and monastery renovation. Since

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then, we have been visiting with donors and have been able to secure $2.5 million in pledges!

With this issue of Currents we invite all Carmel alumni, family and friends to join the Threshold benefactors by considering a multi-year commitment to the campaign.

Donors of $1000 or more will have their names permanently inscribed on a donor wall. This second phase is essential in our ability to move to the next level - actual construction – to begin in both spaces in the summer of 2012. What a tremendous way to begin to carve out the future in our anniversary year!

Just as the first families of Carmel took a step in faith by helping to fund or sending their students to this “new” school in 1962, now is the time for you to contribute the education of the current and future Carmel students in the same way that the previous generation supported you! Please consider partnering with us as we remake our facilities into a place of 21st century learning!

Please reference pages 14-15 in this issue of Currents for architectural drawings and other information.

Here comes the sun!

Sincerely, Judith Mucheck, Ph.D. President

Carmel at the Threshold F A Q s

Q: The newly-formed Information Commons and Fine Arts Center are renovation projects with add-on construction. How many square feet of new construction will be incorporated into both spaces?

A: The Information Commons will have slightly under 3,000 sq. ft. and the Fine Arts Center will have approximately 5000 sq. ft.

Q: What kind of technology will be incorporated into the Information Commons?

A: The entire campus at Carmel Catholic is now wireless. Students will use their slate tablets as well as having access to an Apple MAC lab for those applications which are more appropriate to that platform. The audio/media production studio will house equipment for film and audio podcast productions and other projects.

Q: Since the Fine Arts Department will have newly created instructional space, what changes are being considered for the expansion of course offerings?

A: With the introduction of our rotation schedule, students have the opportunity to sign-up for 4 full credit courses of

electives (or fractions for semester courses) during their four-year sequence. We are considering instituting a dance program, photography offerings, expanded offerings in the visual arts, and expanded offerings in performing arts.

Q: What impact will these new spaces have on the overall configuration of the campus?

A: There will be no impact on the current layout of the campus.

Q: What architectural firm has been engaged for these projects and what is their perspective on environmentally sensitive construction?

A: We have selected Serena Sturm Architects. Their firm is deeply committed to environmentally sensitive construction and has won numerous awards for sustainable design.

Q: What is the construction timeline?

A: Provided that the construction budget work concludes in the next few months, the current timeline indicates that work in both spaces will begin in June, 2012 with a certificate of occupancy issued in June, 2013.

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Carmel at the Threshold is a fundraising campaign which will enable us to renovate the existing library into a 21st century Information Commons and transform the former monastery into instructional space for the fine and performing arts.

This is your invitation to help us build the future!

Through your support, we will realize the vision of a research facility that will empower our students to continue in our Blue Ribbon School of Excellence!

Information Commons key 1 2 3-6 7 8 9 10

Link to Student Lounge Classrooms Informal Seating Areas Study Carrels Audio/Media Studio Carlos J. Serna Resource Center Workroom

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Fill out and return the enclosed envelope today!

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Through your support, we can affirm our commitment to the arts and expand our current curricular offerings.

Through your support, you will join many others who have pledged to keep Carmel Catholic on the cusp of the leading edge of education!

If you would like to discuss your donation options, please call Diana Burke at 847.388.3405 or email dburke@carmelhs.org to set up an appointment with someone in the Advancement Office.

fine arts wing key 1 Link to Science Wing 2 Dance/Multipurpose Wing 3 Computer Lab (Mac) 4 Faculty Workroom 5 Theatre Prop Garage 6 Elevator 7 Choral Ensemble Room a, b, c Practice Rooms 8 Music Storage 9 Instrument Storage

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Advancement

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D IRE C TOR ’ S N OT E

Time has really flown by so quickly with a New Year upon us, and with the beginning of our second school semester. Life at Carmel Catholic continues to flow and the rhythms of the winter season on campus are already carrying us along.

This final half of the academic year holds exciting things for our Carmel community, especially as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. In the coming months, we offer a wide range of events, where we would love to see most of you, our alumni, our parents and our friends: • 38th Annual Street Scenes, February 10-11 • Speaker Series, Dan Mulhall, “Adolescent Faith Development “– February 24 • Build-your-own-Retreat Experience, March 18 • “Rockin’ Thru The Decades” 50th Anniversary Celebration – April 14 • 50th Anniversary Community Run/Walk – April 29 • Annual Carmel Catholic Golf Classic – June 11 Thank you to all who have sent in your gifts to our 20112012 Annual Fund Campaign – “One Goal, One School, One Community.” Your investments and philanthropic spirits make a tangible impact as they meet the most pressing needs of our school and provide more growth opportunities for our Carmel students. If you have not yet contributed, please consider donating by mail or online.

Please mail your donation to: The Office of Institutional Advancement, Carmel Catholic High School, One Mundelein Parkway, Mundelein, IL 60060. To donate online, please visit our website: www.carmelhs.org May this New Year replenish your passion, rejuvenate your spirits, and inspire you to work towards peace and kindness!

Sincerely, Claress S. L. Pettengill Director of Institutional Advancement

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P LA N N E D GIV IN G

In November of 2011, Carmel Catholic held a planned giving workshop for Lake County legal and financial professionals. For the past five years Carmel’s annual workshop, now held on the first Thursday of each November, has presented specific planned giving topics the attendees can use to your benefit.

Effective planned giving requires a specialized set of knowledge and skills held by estate and wealth planning professionals. The IRS tax rules and estate laws change frequently and can be complex. If you have a philanthropic interest for Carmel or another organization, you should ask about what planned giving options would make a good fit with your situation.

The best planned gift is often the simplest one, a bequest that assigns a specific amount of assets. One possible asset that would make a good planned gift is your 401K. If you pass on your 401K, your heir will be assessed income tax, as much as 35% of the 401K depending on an individual’s situation. Keeping a 401K asset in your estate also makes the aggregate value of the whole estate larger. As a result, possibly make the estate exceed Federal and State income tax minimums.

If you would like further information about additional types of assets that would make a good planned gift, please feel free to email me at mlooby@carmelhs.org.

As with all legal situations, you should carefully consult with your attorney and financial advisor when considering and creating a planned gift.

Michael Looby ‘75 Director of Planned, Major Gifts and Corporate Relations

Mike visiting alums in St. Louis

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS | CLASS NOTES | ENGAGEMENTS | MARRIAGES | BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS | IN MEMORIAM CCH S A A B OA R D NE W S

Nicole Covganka ‘01, CCHSAA Secretary

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What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of New Year’s resolutions?

It seems as though when you turn on the television in January, you see every gym and weight loss gimmick advertising for you to sign up to meet your resolution.

A few years ago, I ditched the New Year’s resolutions and I set forth my annual goals that I write up in December and I

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measure monthly. Let’s face it, by the end of March, any New Year’s resolutions you made in January have been forgotten.

Year’s resolutions, but forget what we did accomplish big or small. We need to celebrate the small victories!

As I am writing this, I am reviewing the goals that I set forth at the beginning of 2011. I set out last January with a vision of making 2011 an excellent year despite any obstacles that might be thrown my way. I set myself up that no matter what happened through the year I needed to take time on a monthly basis to evaluate all the positive things in my life.

Every month, when I started making my “positive” list and bench marked against my goals, I was much happier. We all get stuck looking at what we didn’t accomplish on our list of New

As I look at my annual goals for 2012, I find many of the same goals that you are probably writing down. And, many of the goals I had in 2011 appear on my 2012 list. It isn’t that I didn’t accomplish the goals in 2011, but that I still have improvements to make in 2012.

Recently, I accomplished my goal of losing 30 pounds in 2011. Now, I want to keep it off in 2012 and lose an additional 20 pounds. The next big thing I would like to do is take more time for myself. Two hours a week is what I would like to have in 2012, which isn’t much

CCHSAA Executive Board: L to R Kevin Gas ‘01, Chris Drew ‘97, Christine LeBrun, the Corsair, Nicole Covganka ‘01, Rocco Pesola ‘77 and Meghan Donahue ‘98 (not pictured)

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ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEWS | CLASS NOTES | ENGAGEMENTS | MARRIAGES | BIRTHS/ADOPTIONS | IN MEMORIAM

to ask for but when you’re a mom, a wife and running a practice - it is a lot. Another goal of mine is to have one special day a month with my son when we will do whatever he wants. There is no cell phone, no email, just me and him having a good time. Lastly, I want to spend more time giving to the organizations I believe in. If I cannot volunteer then I want to help monetarily.

I want to give a contribution of time or money each month to a cause near and dear to my heart.

With that being said, the alumni association is an organization that I spend a lot time with throughout the year.

In 2012, CCHSAA has set out to have another great year. We want to make sure everyone knows about the CCHSAA and that we are here as a resource to connect alums with alums and alums back to

the school. Throughout the year, we have several events planned. We encourage you and your family to attend. The Carmel community is great for networking. It is a common bond that we hold and, for many of us, Carmel helped shape who we are.

I challenge you all to think beyond the traditional New Year’s resolution. I challenge you to not only have the resolutions of a healthier life style, but also to think about reducing your stress, finding something that you enjoy, and becoming more philanthropic in organizations that are important to you.

Cheers to a prosperous 2012!

Nicole (Mayer) Covganka ‘01

Upcoming Events

Corsairs. Cocktails. Connect.

Lincolnshire, IL January 31

Street Scenes Alumni Association Champagne Toast Carmel Catholic, Mundelein, IL February 10-11

Corsairs. Cocktails. Connect.

Chicago, IL March 20 18

| Currents

For more information go to www.corsairalumni.org

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Christine Drew, ’97 President Meghan Donahue ‘98 Vice President Nicole Covganka ’01 Secretary Rocco Pesola ’77 Treasurer Larry Schutz ’68 Senior Officer Linda Johnson ’86 Senior Officer Sam Yingling ’98 Senior Officer Laura Budris ’90 Senior Faculty Officer Kevin Gas ‘01 Senior Officer Eric Franklin Senior Faculty Officer Interested in becoming involved in the Alumni Association?

Contact Christine LeBrun via email at clebrun@carmelhs.org or call 847.388.3382

Corsairs.

Cocktails.

Connect.

Milwaukee Happy Hour, 2011

Libertyville Happy Hour, 2011

Chicago Happy Hour, 2011 Winter 2012 |

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Alumni

N E W S

Carmel Tees & Sweats Will Make You…JUMP!

JUMP!

Carmel 50th Anniversary t-shirt and sweatpants only $19.99 (limited quantities)

Order yours here today: www.corsairalumni.org\teesandsweats

Register today. stay connected always.

Here’s how to register on the Corsair Alumni Community: • • • •

Go to www.corsairalumni.org Select First Time Login (top left of toolbar) Type your Last Name (try maiden name if married name does not appear) Type your Constituent ID (if you do not see your constituent ID located above your address on this issue, email alumni@carmelhs.org) • Select radio button with your name • Click Next You will now be directed to a page where you can enter information from current address to current employer, etc. On this page, please update your information and be sure to create a user name and password. Once you become a member, you can post a class note and/or a photo!

Join the CCHS Alumni Association groups online!

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Where in the

W rld is the Corsair?

Cut out the Corsair and submit your photos today!

United States Air Force Cap tain Carmella D’Incognito Percy ‘96 on a volunteer deployment to Kandahar Afg hanistan as Emergenc y Medicine F light Surgeon supporting C -130J Hercule s airdrop, airl troop and pati ift, ent transfer m issions.

utside rsair o e o C e with th here sh on ‘09 at House, w atholic s p m o o B Th eC Molly sus College junior at Th gton, D.C. the Je Molly is a in Washin cs and i a . rowed y of Americ nal Econom o it i t s r a e n r v i e nt Un ng in I Finance. majori

Ryan Palmer ‘07, Hannah Palmer ‘09, Evan Palmer ‘11 in Ca ncun, Mexico.

The Corsair loves to know what is happening in our Carmel Catholic family!

Are your traveling for a vacation or business? Are you graduating from college or celebrating an anniversary?

Take the Corsair with you on your travels, to parties, sporting events or bring him to weddings and special occasions! He is the perfect guest!

CCHS parents and students, email your Corsair photos to alumni@carmelhs.org. Alumni please post your Corsair photos on corsairalumni.org as a general class note or email photos to alumni@carmelhs.org.

All photos should include a caption with the names of the people photographed and the location of the photograph.

Winter Fall 2012 2011| | 21

E N GAGE M E N TS

Alumni

Kambra Capelle (faculty) to Patrick French.

N E W S

Ray Krawzak (faculty) to Katie Hoff.

Meghan Mahaney ’05 to Michael McGreevy.

CLASS N OTE S

1975

Diane Marie Amann ‘75 was appointed the Emily and Ernest Woodruff Professor of International Law at the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, Georgia, in August 2011, following 16 years as a law professor in the University of California system.

1982

Lisa Kastello ‘82 successfully defended her dissertation and earned a doctorate in Curriculum Leadership from Northern Illinois University in August. Lisa and her husband, Rick Wolf, live in Indianapolis, Indiana where she is employed in the School of Education at the University of Indianapolis as an assistant professor.

1996

Sean McElroy ‘96 Vice President of McElroy Plumbing, Inc. in Wauconda, IL, a third generation custom plumbing business specializing in residential, commercial, industrial, medical, service radiant heat, hybrid and tankless hot water heaters.

1997

Erin (Byrne ‘97) McElroy is the Advancement Coordinator at Lakeside Legacy Foundation at the historic Dole Mansion in Crystal Lake, IL. She is also an adjunct instructor at McHenry County College teaching the First Year Experience Seminar focusing on student success in the transition to college. Erin is also a part-time academic advisor at MCC.

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Amanda Nadelhoffer ‘06 to Brendon Andres.

John Poletto ’02 to Cheryl Beth.

2000

Patrick A. Salvi II ’00 was promoted to partner at the Chicago personal injury law firm, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. Additionally, in recognition for his outstanding legal work, Patrick was named to Law Bulletin Publishing Company’s 2011 “40 under Forty” attorney list recognizing Illinois’s top up and coming lawyers.

M A R R IAGE S

1 2 3 4 1

Anna Pucci ‘04 to Kevin Morgan.

Jennifer Burens ‘90 to Adam Garber.

Jennifer Bunker ‘99 to Jeremy Pranga.

Jessie Barnett ‘92 to Greg Conger.

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2001

Frederick Villanueva Ang ’01, has recently passed his licensure examination for Doctor of Pharmacy, administered by the Professional Regulations Commission in the states of IL and AZ. He moved to AZ and now works for Walgreens Corporation.

2008

Sean Fidlow ‘08 recently helped lead the offensive attack for the Augustana Vikings. Fidlow has been instrumental in helping Augustana to two significant victories. For his efforts, he has received accolades from the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin in men’s soccer.

B IRTH S/A DO P TIO N S

1 Sean Thomas born to Kelly & Nicolle (Herian ’89) Martin.

2 Ava Lynch born to Kristin (Lynch ‘99) and Jeff Watson.

3 Maxwell John born to Julie and Mark Suguitan ‘99.

4 Sophie Anne born to Nicole (Suydam ‘04) and Ron Anderko, pictured with big sister Sara Eileen.

5 Kellan Patrick to Erin (Byrne ‘97) & Sean McElroy ‘96.

6 Rafael Frederick and Samuel Angelo born to Mark and Liza (Vowels ’01) Spinazze.

7 Brody Logan born to Jessica (Philpott ‘96) and Brent Simmons.

8 Mason Everett to Jen and Steve Hauhe ‘96.

9 Ariella Rose born to Tara (Bianchi ‘01) and Adam Koutsianelos.

3

1

2009

2

Alex LaFortune ‘09, a third year student at Purdue University set a J-Production World Speed Record at “Speed Week” on the Bonneville Salt Flats, in Wendover, Utah.

2011

Julia Hart ‘11 made the University of Notre Dame Marching Band this past fall.

Over 400 students auditioned. 100 were turned away.

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Alumni

N E W S

IN M E M O R IA M

Father

Frederick Kasting, father of Thomas ’73, Mary (Kasting ’74) Melius, Nancy (Kasting ’75) Paisley, Catherine (Kasting ’76) Almanzo, Gail (Kasting ’78) Brant, Matthew ’83, Peter ’85 and Paul ’87 The Rev. Deacon Marion C. Omiatek, Ed.D., father of Joseph ‘70 James ‘71, Mariann (Omiatek ’72) Reynolds, Susanne (Omiatek ’74) Kapelke, Juliann (Omiatek ‘77) LaRocque, Margaret (Omiatek ‘81) Riechers, Thomas ‘83 and David ‘89); grandfather Donavan Kapelke ‘96 John Rumpf Sr., father of Judith (Rumpf ’68) Doyle, Patricia (Rumpf ’69) Miller, William ’72 and John ’70, and father-in-law of the late Maryann (Anzelmo ’72) Rumpf William Schroeder, father of Jill (Schroeder ’82) McDermott, Karen (Schroeder ’85) Miller, Robert ‘88 and William ’81; grandfather of John ’12 and Nicole ’15 DePasquale John E. Ugaste, father of Robert ’75, brother of Chuck ’68 and uncle of Eric ’96 and Kimberly ’01 John Zabukovec, father of Judy (Zabukovec ’75) Derra and Janice Zabukovec ’77) Davis

Mother

Darla B. Amrein, mother of Zach ’07, Ben ’10 and Duncan ’13 Josephine Hellier, mother of Dorothy (Hellier ’79) Stranathan Luella McMahon, mother of Patricia (McMahon ’67) Hamon, Kathy (McMahon ’68) Griffin, Jerry ’69, William ’70, Margaret ’72 and Michael ’78; grandmother of Daniel ’07,

Kathleen ’99, Mary ’04, Patricia ’02, Ryan ’94 Griffin, Amanda ’94, Mark ’99 Hamon, Jerry ’98, Kevin ’03, Patrick ’01, John ’92, Meghan ’00, Michael ’97 and Tom ’98 McMahon

Allen Schienbein, grandfather of Patrick ’10, Jacqueline ’12, Eric ’12 and Colin ’12 Quinn

Eileen Perille, mother of Peter ’69, Joanne (Perille ’70) Samuels, Thomas ’72, Robert ’76 and Donna (Perille ’80) Stalker

Grandmother

Joaquina Santiago, mother of Jesus (Jay) Santiago ‘73

Lois Pietka, grandmother of Amanda Miller ‘08

Mary Sutter, mother of Thaddeus ’89, Joseph ’92, Jack ’97 and William ’00, aunt of Kathleen ’06, Michael ’96, Patrick ’03, Sara ’00 and Brian ’97 Graham, Patrick Graham ’84, Irene (Graham ’92) O’Brien, Nora ’99, Peter ’92, Robert ’87, Sheila ’89, William ’85, John ’86, Michael ‘87 Graham, Jennifer (Graham ’86) Morozin, Bridget (Graham ’90) Lamb, Jeanne ’93, Luke ’97, Maura ’04, Michael ’94 Laidley, Mary (Laidley ’90) Sachs and Anne (Laidley ’95) Sondalle

Son

Julia Tyde, mother of Kayla Michaels ‘14

Uncle

Francis Ballerine, uncle of Steve Ballerine ’89

Grandfather

Robert F. Duffy, grandfather of Jennifer (Duffy ’01) Williams, Elizabeth ’04 and Kathryn ’07 Duffy James Holaday, grandfather of Nathan ’12 Raymond Johnson, grandfather of Lauren ’07, Alex ’10 and Hayley ’13 May and Patrick Johnson ’07 and father-in-law of Joe May ‘78

John J. Stanislawski Sr., grandfather of John ’04, Michael ’05, Brian ‘14 and Veronica ’08

Mary Evelyn Hart, grandmother of Julia ’11 and Corinne ’14 Hart

Joseph Monroe, son of

Christopher ’87, Angela (Rivelli ’89) La Vista, and stepson of Maria (Zupec’86) Monroe, nephew of Neal Zupec ’80, Kevin Zupec ’76, Kathryn (Rivelli ’97) Silverman, Gina (Revilli ’90) Shad, Beth Revilli ’86 and Nina (Zupec ’83) Egan, cousin of Hannah Zupec ’11 and Mario Bucci ‘11 Neil Volling, son of Linda (Wegener’71) Volling, nephew of Francine (Wegener ’72) Meyer, Larry ’73, Brenda (Wegener ’76) Hansen, Yvonne (Wegener ’77) Neal, Nancy (Wegener ’78) Doubleday, Roseann (Wegener ’80) Campbell and Amy (Wegener ’90) Camden

STAY IN TOUCH Do you have a new job or an addition to the family you would like to tell us about? Are you a newlywed or want to reconnect with former classmates and other alumni?

Currents welcomes news of accomplishments or changes in your professional or personal life for inclusion in class notes. Please include your graduate name and class year, your present name and daytime phone number when you submit a class note. We publish photos as quality of photo and space allows. If available, include a photo caption listing the names of the people and where it was taken.

Submissions to class notes are edited for space and clarity to adhere to the style and tone of the magazine.

Submit news and photos to: Alumni Relations, Carmel Catholic High School One Carmel Parkway, Mundelein, IL 60060 Fax: 847-388-3497, Email: alumni@carmelhs.org Online at: www.corsairalumni.org/classnote Obituaries: CCHS relies on family members to inform us of the deaths of alumni and friends. If a newspaper obituary is available, we would appreciate a copy. Send notices to the address above.

Deadlines for Submissions: Currents is published in the summer, winter and spring. Class notes will be printed as space allows and when possible, in the order they are received. If you submit an item for the fall issue, for example, and it doesn’t appear, it most likely will be in the following issue.

We encourage all alums to submit class notes online, where they are always available for alumni to view.

Submit items for: Summer: by 6/10/12 Fall: by 10/10/12

Winter 2012 |

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Non-Profit Organization US POSTAGE PAID Permit #54 Mundelein, IL

One Carmel Parkway | Mundelein, IL 60060

We Ar e Car mel!

50th Anniversary Commemorative Book In celebration of Carmel Catholic High School’s 50th Anniversary—1962-2012—the school has produced a commemorative keepsake book. Titled, “We Are Carmel!” the book brings Carmel’s rich 50-year history to life.

Limited quantities available! Order your copy today!

Just $25! This is a “Must Have” for all Carmel Alums.

To order your copy, visit www.carmelhs.org/Legacy

2012 JANUARY

14 Eighth grade entrance exam, 8 a.m.

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. day, NO SCHOOL 22 Athletic Boosters Championship party Jan 30 – Feb 3: Catholic Schools Week 31 Corsairs. Cocktails. Connect. Lincolnshire, IL

February

2 Faculty/staff Appreciation Day 3 Student Appreciation Day Winter Dance, 7-10 p.m., cafeteria

5

Street Scenes Senior Citizen Show, 2 p.m., Auditorium 8-9 Street Scenes work day – no classeS; Street Scenes Student Night, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

10-11 Street Scenes show night, doors open at 6:30 p.m., CCHSAA Champagne Toast, 9:30 p.m.

13 President’s Day; NO SCHOOL 14 Street Scenes student goal holiday - no classes

Carmel Catholic

CALENDAR

OF EVENTS