Las Obras Winter/Spring 2023

CRISTO REY SENIORS EARN PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS

Monserrat is one of 1,555 recipients this year, out of more than 17,900 applicants to the program.

Cristo Rey is proud to announce that seniors Karen P., Anthony T., and Monserrat F. are recipients of prestigious college scholarships.

Karen and Anthony have been awarded four-year scholarships to attend Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Middlebury College, respectively, through the Posse Foundation. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. This year nearly 2,500 of Chicago’s most outstanding young leaders were nominated for the Posse scholarship, and Karen and Anthony are two of the nearly 100 Posse awardees from Chicago.

Monserrat has been awarded a four-year scholarship to The University of Chicago through the QuestBridge National College Match. QuestBridge connects high-achieving high school seniors from lowincome backgrounds with full scholarships to the nation’s top colleges.

“Students from the Class of 2023 came in energized and ready to take advantage of opportunities like Posse and QuestBridge,” said Reina Garcia '07, Director of College Counseling. “It can be scary to commit to a process that requires submitting applications very early, multiple essays, interviews, and applying to colleges via Early Decision deadlines, which require students to attend the college if accepted. Additionally, Posse and QuestBridge require that students and families decide early on if students will leave for college. That is a difficult decision to make for tight-knit families,” Reina added. “I am proud of Karen, Anthony, and Monserrat for taking risks, stepping out of their comfort zone, and putting forth so much effort and energy towards their college application process. Your hard work paid off! Si se pudo!”

Karen plans to major in early education at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and aspires to teach middle school students. She shares, “I am most excited to see how much I grow as an independent individual, since I am attending a school located 12 hours away from home, it will be my first time I am far from my family.” When he attends Middlebury College, Anthony plans to major in computer science and is excited about meeting new people and having new experiences. Monserrat hopes her four years at The University of Chicago will lead her into a STEM-related career. She is looking forward to experiencing life on campus and to learning from others. All three outstanding students give accolades to Ms. Garcia and the college counseling department for their patience and support through the overwhelming college application process.

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DEAR FRIENDS,

This School Year continues to be one for the books! I’m so proud of this latest issue of Las Obras showcasing the works of Cristo Rey Jesuit to our friends and supporters like you. As you read on, you’ll see we are putting our Mission into action thanks to your support.

December 12 is a tradition of faith and culture that we hold dear at Cristo Rey Jesuit. In 2022, we came together as a community to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and welcomed over 1,000 students, their families, alumni, and job partners to campus. As always, our student community and our Club de Padres put on their very best to commemorate and celebrate one of our greatest traditions as our seniors reenacted the miracle of La Virgen appearing to St. Juan Diego during Mass, followed by a fantastic celebration of food and music.

Last November, we partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to host their first community health fair for the southwest side of Chicago. I was honored to receive the call from our partner BCBS to say that they could think of no better venue to welcome families for free health screenings, vaccinations, nutrition support, dental and vision exams, and more. I look forward to doing this again and continuing our outreach for a healthier Chicago.

And once again, our alumni are shining examples of Men and Women for Others as they return to campus for visits, reunions, and to simply make a difference through their volunteerism and yes, employment at Cristo Rey Jesuit. I am motivated by the momentum I see in our Alumni Association and am excited for more events this year that give our alumni the opportunity to give back and stay involved to impact future Cristeros.

There’s much more in this issue of Las Obras, and I hope you’ll find inspiration in our stories. And as always, I invite you to come for a visit to see us in action. There are no words to perfectly describe a day on campus, so I hope you can take the time for a visit to see our Cristeros in class or as they gather to head to work in the morning. More than anything, I want to express my gratitude for your belief in us. Your prayers and gifts of time, talent, and treasure make a world of difference to us. And that’s all our Cristeros hope to give back to you – to make a difference in the world for generations to come.

Gratefully, President

PRINCIPAL ANNOUNCEMENT

After serving the Cristo Rey Jesuit community for the past six months as Interim Principal, Mayra Gradilla now officially assumes the role of Principal.

Mayra will be the fourth principal of Cristo Rey Jesuit in its 27-year history. Now in her 11th year at Cristo Rey Jesuit, Mayra served for five years as the school’s Dean of Students, and five years as a Spanish teacher. Mayra received her bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois University in 2008, and her master’s in teaching from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2015. Born in Pilsen and raised in Little Village, Mayra brings a unique combination of a love for language, culture, faith, and high expectations both for students and her colleagues.

President Antonio Ortiz expressed his delight for Mayra’s acceptance of the Principal position. “I am incredibly grateful that Mayra has accepted our invitation to serve the Cristo Rey community as the school’s next Principal,” he said. “It’s a proud moment for our school to have Mayra at helm of the academic experience here at Cristo Rey. She is the first of many for this position: the first Latina, the first from the Pilsen/Little Village neighborhood, and the first mother. I’m excited to learn from Mayra, and I have full confidence that she will lean on her faith as she grows into the role and challenges us to continue to evolve in a way that best serves our students and community.”

In her own words, Mayra shares: “With a heart full of humility and gratitude, I welcome the opportunity to be Principal of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. I am honored to serve in this capacity and pledge to keep our community strong and moving forward. My family’s immigrant roots are in Pilsen, I grew up in Little Village, and I am very proud to be part of these two vibrant and hardworking communities that have formed me and the values of Cristo Rey.”

Mayra has the full support of Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and the Principal Search Committee, all of whom enthusiastically endorsed Mayra for this opportunity. We all express our deep gratitude to Mayra for accepting this call to serve our community.

The 2021-2022 Impact Report highlights the works of Cristo Rey Jesuit through features of students, faculty, staff, and alumni achievement.

This report goes out in gratitude to all those who have supported Cristo Rey Jesuit and our mission to develop Men and Women for Others.

Scan to view full report.

SPOTLIGHT ON TECHNOLOGY: CHADDICK FOUNDATION

There is no doubt that the evolution of technology has long played a role in education. At Cristo Rey Jesuit, this has been the case, with the complicating factor of ensuring equitable access for students who may not have previous exposure to advanced technology. Visionary supporters, such as the Harry F. Chaddick and Elaine Chaddick Foundation, have long ensured student access to technology through creative initiatives. Since 1999, the Chaddick Foundation has issued grants to Cristo Rey, with the focus being on specific projects that enrich the student experience through technology.

The Chaddick Foundation has supported projects to launch new technology at Cristo Rey, including seed funding for the afterschool Audio/ Visual Program, underwriting library database systems, laptop check out program, take-home broadband internet hotspots, and the ambitious personal computing device (1:1) program.

The Chaddick Foundation funded the initial laptop checkout program at Cristo Rey, ensuring that students without home computers could access a device, with internet, at any time through a library-style checkout system of laptops and broadband hotspots. Because of the demands for such access, and the data collected from checkouts, this program paved the way for the eventual 1:1 personal computing device program.

At the start of the 2019- 2020 school year, Cristo Rey embarked on a pilot technology program, issuing Microsoft Surface devices to every junior, with the intention of evaluating the project and eventually transitioning to a full 1:1 device program. All of that changed when the pandemic forced a school building closure and virtual learning commenced, necessitating a quick pivot to an individualized technology approach. In the three school years since, Cristo Rey has refined the 1:1 technology program and greatly expanded technology access and training for students, teachers, and staff. Now that all students have a device and 100% have home internet access, the Chaddick Foundation continues to innovate in their support, funding peripheral technology needs such as firewall software licensing, styluses, and protective cases. With nearly 700 devices in the building, this promotes the safety of devices and the network.

“The Chaddick Foundation is honored to have supported Cristo Rey in this endeavor since the program’s inception and we plan to continue supporting programs that allow all students access to integral technology to aid in

furthering their education,” said Mari Hatzenbuehler Craven, President of the Chaddick Foundation.

Alongside the demand for physical technology, the demand for technical support has only increased. Through the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), a team of four student workers now provide full-time coverage for in-house technology support for students and faculty. The students staff an IT help desk, and are trained in basic troubleshooting and network support. This eases demands on the Director of Technology to leave space for strategic work, while giving the student workers experience in customer service and IT ticketing. This team of student workers is underwritten by the Trinity Fund.

It’s clear that the educational and professional landscape necessitates daily connectivity and Cristo Rey Jesuit has prioritized technological access and training. The school continues to approach these new technology demands and provides the student and adult community with the tools needed for success. We are grateful for the innovative supporters who have backed these projects, especially the Harry F. Chaddick and Elaine Chaddick Foundation.

If you are interested in supporting our growth in tech offerings to our Cristeros, contact Taylor Sticha, Sr. Manager, Strategic Engagement, at tsticha@cristorey.net or (773) 890-6816.

PLANNED GIVING: A LASTING WAY TO SUPPORT CRISTO REY STUDENTS

Cristo Rey Jesuit’s 1996 Legacy Society is a cohort of supporters who commit to the Cristo Rey mission through planned giving or Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), which also saves on income taxes. For more details, see the Planned Giving section of our website at www.cristorey.net/giving.

To learn more, contact Lauren Bell, Sr. Development Manager, at lbell@cristorey.net or (773) 890 – 6817.

Cristo Rey Jesuit’s in-house technology support team: freshman Diego E., junior Salvador M., sophomore Jovani G., and senior Victor P.

THE WORKS OF CRISTO REY

Each day, Cristo Rey students and alumni live our mission as they work to become men and women for others through academics, sports, work study, co-curriculars, and faith.

Our Lady of Guadalupe

The Cristo Rey Jesuit community comes together annually on December 12 to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe, celebrate our Mexican roots, and connect to our faith through our traditions. This year's celebration saw a return to ‘normal’ with a full celebration of dancing, music, and traditional food after Mass. Thank you to Campus Ministry, our Club de Padres, the Class of 2023, musicians, dancers, as well as the many friends and alumni in attendance, who made such a beautiful celebration possible.

Ignatian Teach-In for Justice

In January, Cristo Rey Jesuit's 2022-2023 Cheer Team made history as the first to ever compete in the IHSA Competitive Cheer competition.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Cristo Rey Jesuit embraced Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 - October 15) with several celebrations and activities throughout the month. The school gathered to recognize and celebrate their culture at special assemblies with historical presentations, ballet folklorico dancing, music, and more. Other activities included door decorating and art contests.

A group of Cristo Rey Jeusuit students, led by Rocio Juarez '10, Manager of Service and Jesuit Volunteer Program, journeyed with sister school Christ the King Jesuit College Prep to the annual Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (IFTJ) in Washington, D.C. The goal of IFTJ is to gather students that are driven and are open to be advocates for social change. Students met with staffers of both Congressmen Danny K. Davis and Jesus “Chuy” García to advocate for policies to support legislation on environmental justice and migration.

Felicidades, Crister@s!

Scan to view more event photos on Flickr.

CORPORATE WORK STUDY PROGRAM

EY Connect Day at Cristo Rey Jesuit

Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) partner EY recently spent an afternoon at Cristo Rey Jesuit, working with freshmen students. Each week, nearly 90 freshmen students participate in a full-day professional development curriculum to prepare them for their first job placement. Cristo Rey has partnered with renowned organizations to provide students with a highquality training program. A typical daily schedule includes courses from The Economic Awareness Council, Code Nation, NextWave STEM, Rush Neurobehavioral Lab, Khan Academy, and Accenture.

Corporate partners are also invited to engage with students to provide insight into a professional environment. As part of their EY Connect Day: Supporting the Next Generation series, volunteers from EY came to Cristo Rey. Nearly 20 professionals visited the school, receiving a tour before working with students in small groups. Volunteers spoke to students about their career path, from choosing a college major, securing an internship, and navigating the corporate world. The room was roaring with conversation throughout the sessions.

In a show of the impact of the CWSP, two Cristo Rey alumni were part of the group of volunteers. Alexis Garcia '16 and Marybel Del Real '16 both work fulltime at EY, and shared their learnings with students. “Having alumni present at career events is a true testament of the success of the Cristo Rey model. These alumni were once in the same position as the freshmen they now advise, and their stories and achievements are tangible,” says Cristo Rey President Antonio Ortiz.

EY has partnered with Cristo Rey Jesuit in Pilsen since 2013, employing a full team of students at their Chicago office. EY is also a national Cristo Rey Network partner, with a presence in a dozen Cristo Rey schools across the US. Thank you to EY for your investment in the next generation!

Celebrating CWSP Job Partner Anniversaries

Cristo Rey Jesuit's Corporate Work Study Program is grateful to all our partners for their unwavering support of our mission over the years. Because of your investment in the development of our students’ future, our students are succeeding in college and beyond. We will continue to celebrate our partners at ¡VIVA! 2023. See page 7.

Sophomores Jenny and Jesus present our partnership plaque to CR Board Member and CIBC CFO Paul Carey, and supervisor Maria Guzman. CIBC has employed Cristo Rey students for more than a decade.

Corboy & Demetrio has employed dozens of Cristo Rey students since 2005. Senior Jasmine presents C&D’s partner plaque to Ron Twardak, who supervises current students, and continues to be a steadfast supporter of the program.

Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg LLP has partnered with CWSP for nearly two decades. The firm was represented by Managing Partner Robert Gerber, Amy McCormick, Abe Hibler, Melva C., Mario Moreno and Antony Train.

Learn more about how you can become involved in the future of work with our students at Cristo Rey. Contact Maureen McInerney, Director of Business Development & Strategy, at mmcinerney@cristorey.net or (773) 890-6820.

Top: EY volunteers and Cristo Rey Jesuit alumni Alexis Garcia '16 and Marybel Del Real '16. Above: Cristo Rey Jesuit freshmen gather with the nearly 20 EY volunteers duing EY Connect Day.

CRISTEROS: CRISTO REY JESUIT ALUMNI

Cristo Rey Night at the White Sox Game

In September, over 500 alumni, current students, faculty, staff, corporate partners, friends, and family members gathered at Guaranteed Rate Field for Cristo Rey Night at the Chicago White Sox as part of Hispanic Heritage Night celebrations. The evening opened with a tailgate, which served as the launch of Cristo Rey Jesuit’s Alumni Association, which represents our 2,450 graduates. Alumni especially enjoyed reconnecting with their classmates and tailgating with the many teachers in attendance. Cristo Rey fans headed inside for a special treat as alumni Guillermo Cruz '03 and Freddy Sandoval '17 announced, “Play Ball!” on the jumbotron to start the game. Fans in the group received a co-branded Cristo Rey White Sox hat to represent their favorite teams, and it was easy to pick out the Crister@s proudly donning maroon and gold, who made up most of the outfield crowd! The post-game fireworks were the topper on a great fall evening that brought together so many friends of Cristo Rey.

The sold-out event was supported by Wintrust and Constellation Brands. Save the date for the 2023 Cristo Rey Night at the Chicago White Sox on Friday, September 15, 2023!

Through our newly established Alumni Association, we will: Create meaningful dialogues and exchange ideas between Cristo Rey Jesuit and its Alumni; Strengthen alumni relations and promote cultural, professional, and academic advancements of its members; Arrange and conduct alumni meetings; Support the Cristo Rey community through involvement and engagement. Help us create a founding planning committee made up of class representatives to establish our mission, governing structure, and priorities as an association. Contact Daisy Castillo at dcastillo@cristorey.net to get involved today!

Class of '22 Yearbook Reunion

Each November the most recent graduating class is invited back to campus to pick up their senior year yearbooks, and this year was no different. The Class of 2022 reunited to look through their books, catch up with classmates and teachers, and talk about their adjustment to college. The event was made special with treats provided by a group of parents.

Giving Back to the Community

This fall, Cristo Rey hosted Blue Cross Blue Shield for a Community Care Fair. Families received free health screenings, vaccines, wellness resources, turkeys and fresh produce, and much more. 2009 alum and EMT Daniel Montes (pictured left with Principal Mayra Gradilla and fellow alum, Juan Lopez '03) gave a presentation for families on smoke detector safety.

Alumni Working at CRJHS

At Cristo Rey Jesuit, our graduates know that they are part of a community and are always welcome back home. As of the 2022-2023 school year, there are currently 17 alumni currently working and volunteering fulltime in every department of the school. We are proud to have our alumni help to usher in the next generation of Men and Women for Others.

Scan to view more event photos on Flickr.

Thursday, May 4, 2023 | The Geraghty

Cristo Rey Jesuit’s annual ¡VIVA! event raises critical funds for the Annual Fund, supporting all aspects of school operations from financial aid, faith formation, and student clubs, to technology, professional development, and athletics.

¡VIVA! is a celebration of the mission of Cristo Rey Jesuit that reflects the cultural heritage of our students and alumni. This year at ¡VIVA! we will bestow the Rey of Hope Award to the Bernard A. Heerey Family Foundation and honor 15 partners celebrating milestone anniversaries with the Corporate Work Study Program. Our CWSP partners and their dedicated team members are the backbone of an innovative program that continues to prove its success through the accomplishments of our 2,450 alumni.

Your reservation includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, dancing, and more. Emceed by Ray Cortopassi, WGN Evening News Anchor, guests will be treated to performances by student ballet folklorico dancers, mariachi, and DJ Mayhem (Martin Arredondo '12).

FOUNDING PARTNERS

25 YEARS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• Scholarship Recipients

• Principal Announcement

• Spotlight on Technology: The Chaddick Foundation

• School Briefs

• CWSP: Partner Highlight & Anniversaries

• Alumni: Recent Events & News

• ¡VIVA! 2023

Co-Presented by

Cristo Rey Jesuit’s premier fundraising event supporting our mission and the young women and men we educate and empower.

Thursday, May 4, 2023 | The Geraghty