CHICAGO HOPE ACADEMY
June 2025 Newsletter
20 Years of Steadfast Transformation on the West Side
Dear Hope Community,
“Everyone hears the tree when it falls, but no one hears the tree when it grows.” The spirit of this proverb was never easier to appreciate than when Dominic Bonilla stood humbly behind the podium at graduation. Taking center stage as the recipient of the Hope Founders Award – our school’s highest honor which recognizes the balanced pursuit of academic, athletic, and spiritual excellence –Dominic’s speech was the cherry on top as we celebrated 20 years of Christ-centered education on the West Side of Chicago.
After sharing that he was a four-year varsity starter, this All-Conference shortstop acknowledged that he also comes from a family of four, wears #4 on his back, painted Philippians 4:13 on his helmet, and keeps a 4.1 GPA. Pairing one academic, athletic, and spiritual lesson from each year of high school, Dominic focused his senior lesson on gratitude. He spoke vulnerably and truthfully about losing big games when his team needed him to pull through, his disappointing choices to take
academic shortcuts, and learning the hard way that excellence doesn’t come from talent alone – it comes from heart, humility, and a willingness to grow.
In a city too quick to measure young men by their mistakes, Dominic has become a reminder that quiet strength and servant leadership still matter. He isn’t finished – he and his teammates are still chasing a state title this month. But even now, he’s already won something greater: the respect of his community and the call to live a life that puts others first In a year filled with blessings, Dominic was one of ours.
In year 20, Hope is no longer the best kept secret on the West Side
Your investment, prayers, and belief in our mission have made this steady, often unseen growth possible –roots deepening, branches stretching upward, lives quietly transforming. In a world that claps at collapse and overlooks endurance, we’ve spent two decades doing the improbable As we look toward the next 20, we will stand firm in the soil of the Gospel, love students deeply, and highlight students like Dominic as an exemplary Hope figure who embodies love, leadership, and legacy.
With Gratitude from the West Side,
Ike Muzikowski
Ike Muzikowski President & Principal
Chicago Hope Eagles are Victorious in the State Championship
Hear about Hope’s state win from the perspective of junior Jaiden Simmons (right):
“I’ve dreamed about playing downstate and on a collegecourtsinceIwasalittlekid.Toplaytheretwo years in a row was amazing. This year, I came in focused. I remembered what it felt like last year to take home third place. I didn’t want to feel that again.
I love Hope. It’s my family. Competing at Hope has taught me to be patient, to keep my composure, and to act with excellence. Our team worked hard for this.Whenwe're together,wecan’tbebeat.”
Jaiden and the team celebrated with his classmates, teachers, and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias during a pep rally in the newly renovated Hope chapel He especially loved visiting his middle school to recognize the accomplishment. Jaiden hopes to inspire other young students to success.
Coach Ronnie Fields congratulates junior point guard Tyjuan Hunter Tyjuan set the IHSA 1A state record for assists with 17 points and 10 assists in the semifinal, then broke his own record two days later with 26 points and 11 assists in the championship game
Spreading Hope through Art
Josmeli, a sophomore on the Honor Roll, is outgoing and compassionate She has been drawing and painting for seven years. Josmeli’s favorite things about Chicago Hope Academy are the people and learning more about the Bible.
When she thinks of the word “hope,” Josmeli thinks of Jesus
Launching Big Sis Lil Sis
Re’nee, a senior and aspiring fetal surgeon, created a mentorship club last fall called Big Sis Lil Sis to make an impact on Hope’s culture
“I’m the oldest of my siblings and the only girl When I think back to my freshman year, I wish I’d had a sister to talk to about sports, relationships, or anything else. I wanted to create a space for girls to come together and talk about our issues, but also to get involved and volunteer andbetterourselves, ” Re’nee said
Dan Willis, Coach of the Year!
After 14 years of dedicated service to Hope students, we are thrilled that the IHSA chose Dan Willis as the Class 1A Coach of the Year!
Coach Willis’ wrestling program has been a place of abundant physical and spiritual growth. He and his coaching staff pour into the 40+ students through three-day biking trips to his farm in southern Illinois, overseas competitions in Israel and Azerbaijan, daily discipleship, and high intensity practices
“He gave us hope by saving us, so that we can have the opportunity to go to heaven with him.”
Her watercolor of blue irises symbolizes faith and hope, encapsulating the spirit of our school
Visit us next semester and pick up a tote featuring Josmeli’s artwork while you’re here!
Under the guidance of SocialEmotional Counselor Jenellie Coleman, the group paired younger students with upperclassmen, hosting events like pumpkin painting to help thegirlsconnect.
Re’nee is proud of the space she created She hopes for the group to continue to be a positive influence for girls at Hope as they face the challenges of high school. Re’nee is finishing up interviewing candidates for next year’s President of Big Sis Lil Sis before she heads to Wilberforce Universityinthefall.
This year, senior Roy Phelps (right) placed second in state, while Josiah Willis (Dan’s son) and Arkail Griffin placed fourthandfifthrespectivelyin theirweightcategories
Coach Willis is intent on making an impact for the kingdomofGod.
His investment in the young men on his team is truly transformational and we are proud that the IHSA recognized his incredible impact
Celebrating the Hope Class of 2025!
1. Valedictorian Aria Tapia prays after her speech. Her sister was valedictorian in 2022 Aria plans to study Secondary Elementary Education next year at Wheaton College
2. Zachariah Brayboy, football team captain, completed 135 service hours during his time at Hope. Zach earned a scholarship of $63K/year at Lake Forest College
3 Autumn Brown will begin an apprenticeship program with the Electricians Union in the fall while Isabella Torres will attend Gettysburg College on a full ride.
4. Students sing the school song, “My Hope is Built on Nothing Less ”
5 Moriah Roman, the oldest of three daughters at Hope, plans to study Nursing at North Park
5 Support Hope’s mission of
