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Class of REFLECTIONS

Class of 2026

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, we pause with gratitude to reflect on the journey we have shared as a Loyola Academy community. Each year brings moments of challenge, growth, and grace, and our students continue to rise to meet them with courage and purpose, grounded in the values that define who we are.

The seniors of the Class of 2026 have lived this journey in a particularly meaningful way. Over the past four years, they have been formed through rigorous academics, vibrant cocurricular experiences, and a deep commitment to becoming women and men for others. They have grown in self-awareness, deepened their faith, embraced diverse perspectives, and sought to use their gifts for the good of others.

In the spirit of reflection that is central to our Ignatian tradition, members of the Class of 2026 were invited to share what their Loyola experience has meant to them. Their voices offer a powerful glimpse into the ways this community has shaped them intellectually, spiritually, and personally, and how they are discerning the next steps in their journey.

As you explore their stories, we invite you to give thanks for the many ways God has been at work in and through this class. Their reflections remind us that formation is not simply about achievement, but about becoming growing into individuals who lead with compassion, seek justice, and respond generously to the needs of the world.

We are proud of the Class of 2026 and the example they set for our entire community. May their words inspire all of us to continue seeking the magis, striving to do more, to be more, and to give more in service of others.

HABEEBAT ALATISE

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Saint Louis University

Intended Major: International Business (Pre-Law Track)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

My junior year theology class, Faith & Justice, challenged my thinking process on real-world issues and how I want to impact others upon graduating. Mr. Hooker really pushed me to express myself authentically in class and encouraged the whole class to challenge each other to grow beyond our individual opinions through critical thinking, debates, discussions, and projects It was truly a wonderful class during one of my most formative years at Loyola.

Taking Honors Civics and Advocacy taught me how to take real accountability for my actions and how to stay focused on my future goals Being part of Mr McGuire’s first Honors Civics and Advocacy ISL class taught me how to sharpen my time-management skills, how to passionately advocate for my interests in public, and how important it is to be a woman for others in our democracy by working the General Election as an election judge for the first time It was a great experience that I recommend to every Rambler

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am most proud of excelling in my first ISL class at Loyola, which was Honors American Literature: Hidden Voices Getting involved in the Arrupe Service Program through this class was an opportunity I was blessed with and will forever be thankful for. Mrs. Anderson’s English class was where I learned how to best utilize my Jesuit education to positively impact those I encountered at my service sites and how I can use my experiences to contribute meaningful insights linked to class material in discussions Ending that class with an A was a result of my dedication to service and efforts as an engaged student

Loyola forms students in mind and heart. How has your faith, sense of justice, or commitment to serving others grown during your four years? Was there a retreat, service experience, class discussion, or relationship that influenced you?

Embarking on a summer service immersion trip with a small cohort of Loyola students to Milwaukee, Wisconsin’s food-deserted communities the summer before my junior year was one of my most transformative experiences during my time at the Academy I had the privilege of going to multiple locations every day to have conversations with people who are currently experiencing housing and food insecurities I was able to take initiative and contribute meaningful insights when discussing uncomfortable but necessary topics in group settings. Most importantly, each person I spoke with on that service trip left me with unforgettable words of encouragement, emphasizing that, as the next generation, I have a duty to be an agent of change for the better Most of all, I am able to do so

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

As I prepare to graduate, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for Mrs Bennett for always providing a safe space for me and consistently offering a helping hand She was a wonderful moderator while I served on the leadership board for the 2026 Young Women of Color Symposium and an incredible mentor throughout my four years at Loyola Academy. She works hard every day to create a space of belonging for every Rambler, and I am honored to have met her during my freshman year

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? As I prepare to graduate, I would like to thank Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Gorman, Profe Nathan-Gamauf, Mr. Metellus, Mr. Joseph, Mrs. Gregg, Mrs. Anderson, Profe Arjona-Sisto, Mrs. Tell, Ms. Jacob, and all the other teachers and faculty members I have met and learned from during my four years Coming into Loyola, I have grown so much beyond my initial expectations due to my hard work, support from numerous adults, and the opportunities I have been given to be a true leader for my fellow Ramblers both in and outside of class I have so much respect for everyone who has been a part of my four-year journey here and will continue to carry what it means to be a Rambler with me in college.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Through learning what it means to be a Rambler, I have grown as a daughter, sister, friend, and leader Being constantly involved has taught me how to balance academics, extracurriculars, and self-care without sacrificing one for another. Being an athlete has taught me the importance of consistency, discipline, and self-love. Communication is truly key when being a leader in any setting, and taking multiple ISL classes has equipped me with the ability to go beyond simply completing required service hours at my service site each semester.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Being a student at Loyola Academy, I have learned what it means to take up space, to support those who are marginalized in my community, and to always strive to learn from others, even as a leader

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Remember to give yourself grace during stressful times, and know that it is okay to ask for help.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? Experiencing my Kairos Closing Ceremony at the end of my junior year is a moment I will forever carry with me upon graduating

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Bowman First-Gen Leader, DI C E Leader, Cooking Club President, Step Team Leader, Grad at Grad Discussion Leader, Gonzaga Drive Class Representative, AAYG I-Night Representative

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Bowman First-Gen Leaders Program, DI C E Club, Cooking Club, Step Team, Track and Field, AAYG, Photography Club, Ambassadors, Arrupe Service Program, Mock Trial Club

AVA ARGUELLES

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Intended Major: Business (Pre-Law Track)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? One course that has impacted me the most in my time at Loyola has been Honors American Literature: Hidden Voices (ISL) with Mrs Anderson Throughout this course, we were tasked with analyzing American society, both past and present, through literature that highlighted the experiences of individuals and groups whose voices are often silenced or ignored Centered around themes such as socioeconomic status, oppression, and stereotypes, I was pushed to reflect on how I might have been benefiting from systems that were geared to hold others back, as well as to question why these systems exist in the first place Although some topics were initially challenging to engage with, I learned that growth can exist amid discomfort I was granted new

p p yond my own, and it truly impacted the way I see the world around me and my understanding of my role within it In addition to classroom learning, this course also had a service component This experience was my formal introduction to the Arrupe Service Program, and I couldn’t be more grateful. By incorporating a commitment to service with class content, I was able to help and learn from individuals who had been impacted by the inequities we mentioned in class Taking this course as a sophomore helped me foster my passion for social justice and motivated me to get involved with other justice-based initiatives around the school My experience in this class and the interactions I had beyond it ultimately influenced my higher goals of studying law and making an impact on public policy in the future

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am most proud of my academic progression throughout my time at Loyola. Coming into freshman year, I was mainly enrolled in Level 6 classes, with the exception of my Honors English class. During this time, I also struggled to manage my time efficiently, especially when I was trying to balance different school clubs and sports practices However, after hearing a few upperclassmen speak about how they balance both an academically rigorous schedule and their social life, I decided to adopt some of their time management tactics. While these strategies helped me grow academically, they also developed me into a more disciplined student. The schedule I made for myself held me accountable for what days certain assignments needed to be completed, as well as when I needed to begin studying for exams These strategies were crucial to my success as I closed my freshman year and eventually led to me being able to track up in my classes going into sophomore year Each year from then on, my courses have continued to increase in difficulty as I went from Level 9 to AP-level classes Pushing myself to take harder classes and witnessing my ability to confront challenges and overcome them successfully has been deeply rewarding.

An experience that has had a large influence on me was a summer theology retreat to Arizona and Utah. During this retreat, we spent our time camping, hiking in national parks, and reflecting on how we see God’s presence in our lives In addition, upon starting this trip, we were given one goal: don’t use your phone This aspect served as a reminder to be present in the everyday rather than spending time fixated on the newest trends As we spent more time without our screens, I was able to truly appreciate the natural beauty that surrounded me and be more engaged in my interactions with others This allowed me to grow in my faith as I developed a greater awareness of God’s presence within my peers, both on the retreat and in my personal life, as well as in life’s ordinary moments.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

One of the most influential people in my journey as a Rambler has been my counselor, Ms Fernandez Unlike most schools, our counselors stay with us for the entirety of our Loyola experience, and because of this, Ms Fernandez has been a consistent and reliable voice of comfort throughout my four years. From the beginning of freshman year, she has always had strong belief in me and my abilities and has consistently encouraged me to go beyond what I thought was my maximum She pushed me to challenge myself with the classes I enrolled in and expressed interest in all the passions I developed over the years Throughout my time at Loyola, she has guided my formation as a student and as a person, and I can say with certainty that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today if it weren’t for her.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles

Clavius Math and Science Honors Program, DECA Philanthropy Chair, Torch Club Vice President, Pax Christi Student Leader and Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice Delegate to Capitol Hill, Varsity Flag Football Captain

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Ignatian Day of Solidarity Representative, Arrupe Service Program, Loyola Academy Service Team (LAST), National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica Basketball, Track & Field, Soccer

I am eternally grateful for the teachers, faculty, peers, and programs who have supported me in my growth throughout my time at Loyola. Here, the people truly do make the place The teachers have supported my academic journey in more ways than I can count From staying after class to answer questions to moderating school clubs, the staff truly care about their students and their interests I am especially grateful for my counselors, Ms Riggs and Ms Fernandez, for helping my family and me navigate the college process for the first time, and for Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Danstrom, Ms. Yanarella, and Mr. Penna for playing a large role in my formation as a student and person over these past four years Together, these teachers have inspired me to be a more driven, hard-working, and compassionate person and member of the Loyola community They have taught me invaluable lessons about life and its challenges, but also about the importance of overcoming adversity. I couldn’t be more grateful for the role these individuals have played in my growth and development during my time at Loyola

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Be open to anything You never know where it will lead you Maybe it will spark a passion, or maybe it won’t, but you’ll never know if you don’t take a leap of faith Don’t graduate with a list of things you wish you would’ve done; rather, be proud of all the things you tried.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Chicago

Intended Major: Psychology

Throughout my years at Loyola, I have always challenged myself academically by moving up a track in multiple classes each year. During my junior year, I was in Track 6 Biology, but I found myself too comfortable with its level of difficulty. I am not someone who likes to take things easy; I always want to challenge myself whenever given the chance. After a month, I advocated to move up to Honors Biology with the head of the science department and was approved to advance In that class, I saw myself being challenged, and I loved that feeling My biggest takeaway from that experience was that there isn’t a problem with wanting to be comfortable, but if we are never challenged, then we will never learn to grow.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? The most influential person during my time as a Rambler is my buddy Mikiyas. I’ve known Mikiyas since we were in third grade. He’s one of my closest friends and someone I can talk to about anything. He has influenced me by always making sure that I am walking down the right path. He’s not someone who goes out a lot, but when it comes to service, he is always the first one to sign up. He loves helping out his local community, and that is something I have always admired about him I would often join him in service at Care for Real or Madonna Mission whenever I could He has taught me how to build and grow my relationship with God by being present with the people I meet through service.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

As I move forward to the next chapter of my life, I want to thank all staff members of Bowman and Ms. Stanton from the Counseling Department. As a first-generation student, I was not able to follow in my parents’ footsteps in terms of college, and they were not able to guide me because of their inexperience. However, Bowman and Ms. Stanton have been with me since the beginning, and they have always been there to support me step by step It was thanks to them that I was able to become a recipient of the Chick Evans Scholarship I would not be where I am without their support, and I will always be grateful for that

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college and beyond by helping me build character and courage When I first enrolled at Loyola, I was shy and did not try to actively stand out or exhibit leadership However, Loyola has taught me that leadership comes in multiple forms, and it does not always mean being the loudest in the room I have learned that sometimes leadership can come from noticing the struggles that others try to hide and taking the time to reach out and work through those struggles. Not everything is as it seems on the outside, and being a support system for someone in need, even if it is just listening, can go a long way.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? My biggest piece of advice I can give to future Ramblers is to take advantage of the opportunities that we have been given As redundant as that may seem, Loyola has resources and opportunities that many other schools are not able to offer My biggest regret is not making the most of the time I had and not allocating my time to explore these opportunities. I cannot express how much I wish I had been more involved in clubs and made greater use of the academic drop-in center. Freshman year may seem scary, but it is the time when you will build some of, if not your biggest, friendships I would strongly recommend talking to as many people as possible and growing those friendships

BAKER

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Southern California

Intended Major: Business Administration

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Cooking Club, Gaming Club, Track and Field, Wrestling, IHSA Coed Fishing, Arrupe Service Program, Student Council, Ambassadors Program, Bowman First Generation Leaders

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? For me, my senior year Justice Seminar course has been something that truly challenged the way that I think about my life and the world as a whole To take a course whose main goal is to challenge the way you think and experience it with other students who also want to do the same is something I had never experienced before and has deeply affected my view on life itself. To be able to sit in a seminar-style course with such engaging students and our teacher, Mr Clark, has been truly incredible

PHILIP

I stretched myself most academically senior year by taking Calculus BC. I wanted to take the class as I had always heard that it was extremely challenging, yet at the same time extremely rewarding. It has definitely been a challenge this year, but it has also become the class that I engage with most at Loyola because I am so challenged by it The struggle has made me want to do even better, and having Mrs Danstrom, a teacher who truly wants her students to succeed, has helped me do so.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

The academic achievement that I am most proud of coming out of Loyola is my growth in classics. I came into Loyola knowing absolutely nothing about classics. Going from not knowing anything my freshman year to being able to translate and have a philosophical debate about ancient Greek tragedy in my senior year is something that I’m truly proud of, and it is something I must thank the amazing Classics Department here for I did not expect to enjoy classics as much as I did, but I ended up taking five courses in it, and it became the subject I enjoyed most at Loyola. Getting to this point was not easy, and I struggled my freshman year, but pushing through that challenge allowed me to appreciate it even more To look back on all that I have learned from Ancient Greek in the last four years is truly a remarkable feeling

I think that my commitment to serving others has greatly grown over my time at Loyola I have realized the value that helping others can have The ability to help is a gift, and that does not necessarily have to mean formal service Actively engaging in your community can have a positive impact on many people and can even help you grow as a person

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

The peer who has been most influential in my journey as a Loyola student has been Quinn Reynolds. To have a peer who is as engaged, caring, and gracious as he has been has truly shaped my experience as a student. Quinn and I have had at least three classes together each year, we roomed together on the Classics Tour, and even had six of our eight classes together during senior year We founded the Entrepreneurship Club together and challenged each other to never give less than 100% effort in our studies. I truly believe that without Quinn, I would not have pushed myself at Loyola as much as I did. He has been a constant motivation to push harder and do more, and having someone alongside me who was so committed to the same activities pushed me in both academics and extracurriculars to the fullest extent of my abilities

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

Mrs Wick is someone who greatly influenced the person I am as I graduate from Loyola I had Mrs Wick as my freshman-year Ancient Greek teacher, having never taken Ancient Greek before From the start, she was engaging, extremely caring, and an all-around incredible teacher, and she is the reason that I continued taking Ancient Greek all four years. I was fortunate enough to have her again junior year in Ancient Greek 3 and also on the Classics Tour Her ability to teach and care for her students is something that I had never experienced before Being so lucky to have her multiple times has shaped how I treat people in my own life I now try to follow her example and appreciate each and every person for who they are. Her ability to care so deeply for each individual is something I will always strive to emulate.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development?

A lot of my growth socially and in leadership came from the sport of rowing. The sport creates strong bonds very quickly because you go through so much physical challenge together with your teammates. Throughout my four years of rowing, I have been able to build relationships that will last a lifetime and grow socially through the sense of community we created A large part of that growth came from upperclassmen when I was an underclassman. Being able to look up to so many role models set a high standard for me to follow and helped me understand what it takes to be a leader. I worked hard to create the same environment for underclassmen once I became an upperclassman

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? I think that Loyola has prepared me to lead in college by giving me the ability to create things from scratch while also providing the support needed to do so The best example of this has been founding the Entrepreneurship Club. The process of applying to create a club and getting it approved forced me and my co-founder, Quinn, to fully commit to making it something meaningful for the school. Having the guidance of Mrs. Krein and Mr. Peterson allowed the idea to grow into something that could make a real impact within Loyola This experience taught me the value of hard work and the importance of leading by example When others see the effort you

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Rowing Team Captain, Co-Founder and President, Entrepreneurship Club, Clavius Honors Program Leader, LA Tank Winning Group Membern

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Rowing, Entrepreneurship Club, Clavius Scholars Program, Arrupe Service Program, Classics Tour, Summer Service, Kairos, LA Tank, DECA, Greek and Latin Honor Society, National Honor Society put in, they are more likely to follow and contribute as well.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

If I could offer one piece of advice to an incoming freshman, it would be to challenge yourself to open up to as many people as you can at Loyola. Loyola has the unique advantage that every student chose to be here, and that truly sets it apart from most places

Start a conversation in your English class Join a sport you may not have tried before As often as people say this, I truly believe it will shape your experience People here are genuinely welcoming and open to connection. You can form a bond with anyone, and that is what makes Loyola such a unique community.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

I think the Loyola memory that I will carry with me for the rest of my life is the Classics Tour. The Classics Tour was a three-week trip during the summer of my junior year, where you travel through Italy and Greece while earning class credit for research on ancient Greek and Roman civilizations

Being able to experience Athens, Nafplio, Rome, Florence, and many other historic cities is something very unique to Loyola and something that changed my perspective on the world. It is an experience I absolutely loved and one that helped me grow as an individual. The people on the trip and the teachers made it even more meaningful, and the day-to-day experience of exploring cities abroad is something I will always value

SOFIA BONGIOVANNI

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Fairfield University

Intended Major: Nursing

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? AP U.S. History with Mr. Brandstrader was definitely my favorite class at Loyola. Although it was really challenging to adapt to an AP-level history class, Mr. Brandstrader created an incredible classroom environment where we were all able to work together He was also always willing to go over my previous tests during my free periods and work on the multiple-choice or essay sections until I was able to understand what I had been doing wrong. This class pushed me to not only take my own notes during class, but also to take the time the night before class to read and get a basic understanding of the material before he had the opportunity to explain it It was the class I was most nervous for going into my junior year, but I ended up gaining a lot from it that helped me decide my senior year classes.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. AP Economics was definitely a huge step outside of my comfort zone and completely changed the way I view studying Mr Ceplecha was always willing to meet with me and help me practice before assessments, and I think that had a big effect on my performance in the class.I was used to watching review videos and taking notes, as I had done for my previous history classes, but Mr. Ceplecha took the time to sit down with me and adapt my study habits until I got my grades up It taught me how important it can be to communicate with my teachers and to adapt the way I prepare for different assessments

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? I’m most proud of my work on Student Council As an underclassman, I never really contributed to the whole group and often stayed quiet As I became more comfortable in the environment, I learned the importance of collaboration with those around me, regardless of grade level, and it led me to run for president my senior year. Although it requires a lot of extra time during the school year, it has taught me the importance of looking out for not only myself, but also for the whole Loyola community I think it’s one of the main examples of how I’ve grown in the last four years, and I’ve gained many new relationships from the opportunity Loyola forms students in mind and heart. How has your faith, sense of justice, or commitment to serving others grown during your four years? Was there a retreat, service experience, class discussion, or relationship that influenced you?

Last summer, I went on the Tau House summer service trip After having a great experience on Kairos, I decided to sign up for a summer service opportunity I’m definitely glad I did because I was able to really get to know both teachers and students as we did service in the surrounding cities of Cincinnati, OH I’ve been able to connect many of the experiences I had on this trip to my Justice Seminar ISL class, along with a few others Service has always been a big part of my time at Loyola, but being able to travel with a group of other students to an unfamiliar area really showed me the importance of serving others and working with those around you.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? The counseling department, specifically Ms Lyons and Mrs Stanton, has shaped the person I am becoming Having an adult in the building whose door is always open has always made the Loyola community special for me. Whether it was passing someone in the hallway or walking down to their office during flex, they were always willing to stop and chat. I really valued small student-to-faculty ratios when I was at the beginning of my college search, and I believe the counseling department is the main reason for that

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? One person I’d like to thank as I’m getting ready to graduate is Ms Krein Being heavily involved with Student Council, I’ve really come to appreciate all the work that goes into planning anything related to student activities. It’s definitely a lot more than I realized. The leadership qualities I gained, along with the relationships with people throughout every grade, wouldn’t be possible without her dedication to all the student activities at Loyola She created an environment where everyone’s ideas are heard and valued when deciding on activities Most of my favorite memories at Loyola have been thanks to all the time she puts into planning Loyola’s events I’m positive I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the guidance and support she’s given me.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Student Council President and Vice President, Dumbach Scholars Program, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Varsity Tennis Captain, LA Tank Finalist (2nd Place)

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Student Council, Dumbach Scholars Program Tennis, Arrupe Service (Special Gifts Theatre, Evanston Vineyard Food Pantry, Nuestro Center), Maroon Monsoon, Night League Philosophy Club, History Club, LA Tank, Café y Conversaciones

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I’ve volunteered at multiple service sites through the Arrupe program, and each of them addressed a different societal issue I think this definitely pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me connect class topics to the real world I’ve volunteered at Special Gifts Theatre for the past three years This was definitely a big factor in my decision to pursue a major in nursing. The Arrupe program allowed me to immerse myself in various environments, and I’m thankful to say I got a lot out of it. Being given the opportunity to work one-on-one with a buddy at SGT drove me to pursue a career where I not only can work with others, but also help them I found myself living out the ideas of RIPLOC the most through this environment, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the service opportunities that are given to students at Loyola.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? All of my classes, especially the ones that I’m taking my senior year, have shaped my idea of college and the type of person I want to be beyond my time at Loyola The lens of leadership that has been encouraged for everyone over the last four years through Jesuit ideals has impacted the person I try to be at Loyola and led me to value these same ideals in my future college.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

I think I didn’t get involved in what I was genuinely interested in until junior year, so my advice would be to listen to all the teachers and faculty around you and sign up for various clubs and programs that are offered to students at Loyola.

GABRIEL BROOKS

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study. College/University: University of Pittsburgh

Intended Majors: Psychology, Public Policy

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? I would say my sophomore year Honors American Literature class What made it most meaningful was how it pushed me to become better at speaking up for myself I had always prided myself on being a decent, or even good, writer growing up. I had even gotten through my freshman year of English well, with a teacher many regarded as a difficult grader. I had lots of confidence going into that class, and it was explained to us by our teacher that she primarily taught upperclassmen and that we would be held to a higher standard. In the beginning of the year, I definitely struggled. I had not done as well as I knew I could, but I grew up never advocating for myself or really asking for help This was one of my biggest struggles growing up, not knowing how to use my voice for myself. This was the class where I learned to do that. Through constant meetings with my teacher and learning to use my voice to speak up for myself, I began to build confidence in myself, and

ed into my writing. I improved drastically over that year because I dedicated my time and learned to speak up for myself. I learned how to ask for help and how to build confidence in my academic abilities

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I stretched myself academically during my sophomore year when I chose to take Honors Geometry Math had never been my strong suit, but I did well the previous year in Track 6 Algebra, so I decided to challenge myself The year started off well but went downhill fast I was struggling, and with sports on top of that, the hole I had to climb out of was only dug deeper I had to fight back and keep fighting I met with my teacher early in the morning, before school and during the day. I kept doing the best I could, and it never seemed to be enough. I was just barely staying afloat, and after basketball season ended, I put in full effort. I kept trying to come back more and more, but I still wouldn’t reach the threshold I wanted Before finals, I wanted to make my last push, so I studied and studied, and it showed on the final I got a good grade, and it brought my grade up a decent amount But it still was not enough I did not end with a grade I was very proud of What I took away from the class was that sometimes you can put in all your effort, do the best you can, and it still won’t be enough Failure is inevitable, and sometimes you need to accept it, learn what you can do better from it, and move on to the next thing.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

The academic achievement I am most proud of during my time at Loyola was my final in-class essay from my sophomore year American Literature class. I had struggled with essay writing in general throughout the year. I had been good, but not to the standard I wanted to achieve I had slowly been getting better with each essay, but it hadn’t been enough yet My last essay was on a book I had read multiple times previously I had called it my favorite book for many years, so I felt prepared On essay day, I got the prompt and took an unconventional route to answer it I ended up getting my highest score of the year and was so proud of myself I was proud because it took a lot of effort, the kind of effort I had not put in before. I had to meet with my teacher multiple times a semester and had to practice consistently. I was proud because that essay represented a new level of hard work that I had not reached before

My commitment to serving others has grown drastically, not over the last four years, but in the last year Prior to this year, I had done no Loyola-sanctioned service I felt that if it was for a class or program, I would not be doing it for genuine reasons. I still did small things to help others, volunteer work here and there, but nothing consistent. When it came time to pick classes for senior year, my experience on the retreat Kairos heavily influenced me It pushed me to move past my views on service for a class, and I decided to try an Ignatian Service Learning course, Spanish 4 Kairos influenced me to put my love for others and my commitment to serving others into action I began to do service throughout my senior year, and it is something I only regret not doing sooner I built relationships and made a meaningful impact on others outside my community, creating experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, hopefully influencing me to stay committed to serving others in need.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

One of the most influential figures in becoming the Rambler I am today was Coach Carrier, our Assistant Athletic Director. That influence really came from one instance before we had ever really become acquainted. We had just happened to be in the same office participating in the same conversation, and I mentioned that I was going on a trip that would extend after spring break. I was going to play basketball for a program I played with outside of school, and it required that I would have to travel and stay out of school after spring break ended He asked me how much I had communicated with my teachers, as it was still about a month away I had not I had not thought to talk to my teachers yet, to check with the Attendance Office, or to check with the Dean’s Office to make sure I was even able to miss that much school. Coach Carrier took me on a 45-minute trip around the school, talking to the deans, the Attendance Office, and even the Assistant Principal. He had me speak for myself, explain my situation, and allowed me to get my extended absence excused, get some previous absences excused, and taught me the importance of communication with others to reduce the risk of future issues He took it a step further, giving me a one-week deadline to communicate with all my teachers so they were not caught off guard and so that the possibility of falling behind would be minimized Not to mention, he showed me what it meant to be a leader and a friendly face in the community by having me say hello and engage in conversation with everyone we passed. That helped build relationships with people in the building that I still have today. That simple 45-minute interaction helped me build relationships, but also learn the importance of communication, forward thinking, and leadership through being friendly Coach Carrier has been most influential in my journey because he made that much of an impact on me in such a short amount of time

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

I am most grateful to Mr Devine I have never had a class with him, but I feel I have built a great relationship with him over the past few years, a relationship that has been a model to me for how to be a leader in a community Mr Devine and my relationship just began with a congratulations after he was named principal, and from there it grew He has become someone I am grateful for because of his poise and constant exemplary leadership. Whenever I interact with him, I am met with a smile, hello, and a handshake. Whenever I have a question, he has no issue taking the time out of his day to answer it to the best of his ability. Those conversations can be very eye-opening at times and allow me to see the inner thinking of a person in a leadership position

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I have grown to become more of a leader I struggled originally to be a leader because I felt leaders needed to have a commanding presence, that they needed to walk into a room with a booming voice and grab everyone’s attention I was never that person, so I learned to lead by example, using my voice when needed but using my actions as my primary signal Being a part of the football team, and especially the football leadership council, contributed to this development significantly. I was placed in a room with other team leaders, and some definitely met my previous definition of a leader. So I began to attempt to follow in their footsteps and realized it was not for me I doubted myself and my teammates’ respect for me, but I began to realize they did respect me and did not look to what I was going to say, but what I was going to do I leaned into that, and it built my confidence With more confidence, I leaned into my lead-by-example model and learned how to use my voice effectively when it was needed Without football and my leadership council, I would not have the confidence in my future leadership that I have today.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college and beyond by putting me with peers who have pushed me to be the best version of myself. At my last school, there was no academic challenge and no push to be a better person. Loyola put me among people who want to excel academically like I do, people who want to be leaders in society just like I do, and people who strive to be great people. Being in an environment that nurtures this has pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be I now don’t need that external motivation I have harbored that drive that I have gained from these last four years, and I know I will carry it with me for the rest of my life That drive will carry me to heights that I believe Loyola has prepared me for.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Approach everything with a mindset of openness. Do not fear what is different, and it will change your life.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

I think a moment I will carry with me is actually a series of moments. Every time I would walk into school, a security guard and I had a running joke where he would tell me, “Welcome home,” and when I’d leave, he’d jokingly say, “Don’t stay out too late,” as if I was leaving home to go hang out with friends The joke started after a couple of conversations we had about how I spent so much time at Loyola, how it was really like I actually lived in the building. Though a joke, I think it perfectly represents what Loyola became for me: a second home. At different points in time, I would be at school so much that being away for even a day felt strange. I would wake up and go to yoga with the football team and then just go watch basketball in the gym after I would walk anywhere, never met with hostility, always met with a smile and a greeting. I specifically remember after our football season was over, I spent three to four hours sitting in the locker room with my teammates, my brothers. None of us wanted to leave. Even though we weren’t happy with our outcome, we didn’t want to leave what had become home for us. The same security guard I had the joke with came down, understood the immensity of the moment for us, and gave us no rush, just a nod, and left us in our moment That is why I believe that little greeting is the moment I will carry with me

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Football Leadership Council, Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Service Learning, Food Committee, Kairos Leadership

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Football, Basketball, Spanish Honor Society, Philosophy Club, Quantum Computing Club, Hebrew Club, Walking for Wellness

NORA COLGAN

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Kansas

Intended Major: Secondary Education

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? AP Government and Political Science It opened my eyes to how much I truly loved the subject, as well as making me an active participant in government We had the opportunity to serve as election judges in the spring, allowing us to directly impact our communities. I love being able to discuss current events every class and seeing our class content existing in the real world.

My junior year was when I took my first AP classes The transition was challenging for me, but I learned so much about what study and time management habits work best for me These skills have brought me success throughout all of my senior year, and I’m excited to apply them in college!

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

My counselors, Ms Lyons and Mr Vradenburg, have been pillars for me throughout my time at Loyola They are both so dedicated to what they do and will go to any means to make time for their students They are the most supportive people I know and have stood with me every single day. I am inspired by both of them every single day to be there for my peers and be a shoulder for others to lean on. Loyola truly would not be the same without them!

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

I am especially grateful for my math teacher, Mrs Bush I’ve been lucky enough to have her both my junior and senior year because she is truly one of the best teachers I have ever had She has brought me so much success in a subject I normally struggle a lot in and restored my confidence in myself One of my favorite things in her class is that she starts every single class off with a short daily scripture reading that allows students to refresh and reflect to get ready for what’s ahead that day. She genuinely wants to connect with her students and shows so much care for every single one of us. She is the teacher I hope to be one day.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I experienced a season-ending injury just before my senior field hockey season was about to begin. While I was devastated, I was able to connect so much more with my teammates and coaches and be a lot more present at every single game and practice

oyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? I am eager to get involved in all that college has to offer and continue to be an active member of my community for the rest of my life. Not only is it fulfilling, but it’s a great way to connect with so many others. I hope to continue my interests I found at Loyola, as well as discover so much more about myself Loyola Campus Ministry was an amazing source of support and community, and I cannot wait to see what college has to offer!

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Do that activity that may take you out of your comfort zone! I applied to Student Council on a whim my freshman year, and it became one of my favorite parts of my high school experience.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? Summer Service is an experience I believe every student should partake in if they have the chance. I was sent to Tau House in Cincinnati and had one of the best weeks of my life! Different from other sites, Tau takes you to four different places throughout the week, so you get to experience so much more variety in what and who you serve Each day was equally as impactful and eye-opening

I especially loved working at the St Vincent de Paul food pantry, where we were able to guide people through their food bank, which is set up like a grocery store I met so many amazing people that I still think about every day since

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

President, Science of Happiness Club

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Field Hockey, Student Council, Science of Happiness Club, Summer Service

JENNA CROSSWHITE

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Carnegie Mellon University

Intended Major: Chemical Engineering

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? Probably taking Chemistry during my sophomore year. I had just tracked up from Track 6 physics, and I had no idea what to expect. At that time, I held a distaste for the sciences. I wanted to be an artist when I graduated, but Mrs Michels completely turned that around I absolutely fell in love with the subject I loved labs, found myself endlessly fascinated by chemical theories, and looked forward to every day that I got to go to my first-period science class It was the first class that I was ever excited to do my homework for That class changed the course of my life Now I’m taking AP Chemistry and committed to Carnegie Mellon for Chemical Engineering. Oh, how time flies.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I’ve never been very good at general history. When my counselor recommended I take AP United States History as a junior, I was a little skeptical. It looked difficult, but I had done very well in AP Art History as a sophomore, so I decided to sign up anyway. Well, I was right. APUSH was easily the hardest class I’ve ever taken. I was completely stumped on every test and had no idea how to study for it. That class taught me how to buckle down and focus on studying in a way that no other class has I made study guides, annotated of my own free will, and went to see Mr Brandstrader many times My work paid off in the end I ended up with an A both semesters, but not without breaking a sweat. Thank you, Mr. Brandstrader.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? A three-time perfect score on the National Latin Exam is something I’m very proud of. It required discipline, dedication, and constant review of the skills I learned both recently and throughout my entire Latin career.

There was a student two years ago, Milannia Martin-Hayes, who was a leader and participant in multiple communities where I was also a member. She was so inspiring to me. She was intelligent, persuasive, organized, composed, and incredibly kind Without her, I don’t think I would have wanted to be a leader at all She was committed to justice, leadership, and academics in a way that I aspire to be I don’t always succeed, but she inspires me to keep trying That’s all I can do, really

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

My Latin teacher and club moderator, Mrs Pagnotta In my first year at Loyola, I came in terrified I wasn’t the most social in middle school, nor the most liked What if high school was the same? All I knew going into Loyola was that I wanted to continue singing and playing Dungeons and Dragons When I heard about the Adventure Games Club, I knew I had to join I was so nervous, but she welcomed me in without hesitation, along with all the members of the club. Over the years, she has taught me to translate Caesar and Cicero, encouraged me to join Certamen, inspired me to lead a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, and given me immense confidence in my abilities, hobbies, and personality Mrs Pagnotta, thank you You’ve done so much for me

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I would like to thank my lovely parents I know I can be a handful sometimes (and a complete scatterbrain), but they always know how to get me back down to planet Earth I can’t thank them enough for being the best I’d also like to thank four of my closest friends: Tatum C, Aidan J (NTHS), Ellory M, and A J H I love you guys to the moon and back I couldn’t do it without you

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I would not be who I am without the arts, especially music Theater and choir have equally challenged me and rewarded me I had sung in choirs before, but I had never acted before coming to Loyola I decided to sign up for the musical and give it a shot freshman year, and I’m so glad I did. It was a real challenge learning how to melt into a character, how to balance intensive rehearsals with school responsibilities, and how to adapt to new people, but it really helped me gain a new perspective on performance and people. Seeing everyone pour so much dedication into preparing for a show inspired me beyond belief, and it’s still one of the reasons I pour my all into whatever I do today I am so grateful for the shows I’ve participated in and the people who made them possible Choir also had its moments In junior year, I was selected to be in a choir that only two of my other friends made it into. All the other people there were nearly strangers to me, but close friends with each other. I had to learn to hold my own while singing with these incredibly talented but slightly isolating seniors and have confidence in myself and my music skills. I was thrown into the deep end as a singer, and I came out stronger than I ever would have otherwise. Now, I’m thankful to them.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond?

Taking on leadership positions during my time at Loyola has given me much more confidence in how to express myself, communicate ideas persuasively, and bring together a group of people. Thank you to everyone who has ever worked with me as a leader It has been an honor to converse with you, exchange ideas, present in front of you, and connect Leadership is connection, and that’s something Loyola has taught me

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Be as open to opportunity as you can I didn’t do any of the things I do now (save for singing and DnD) before I came to Loyola The smartest decision I made as a freshman was quitting something that I disliked and signing up for the fall musical instead.

I would have never done that as an 8th grader I would have been scared senseless of the stage Now I can hardly imagine my life without it Be open to everything, including people. You never know who or what may shape you for the better.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

In the performing arts, we have a “circle” tradition Before every performance, we all get in a circle together seniors in an inner circle, all other grades in a circle surrounding them where we sing the Our Father in call and response. It’s my favorite part of the pre-performance, always.

Alongside a prayer, it is a symbol of our devotion to our art and each other Sometimes, seniors will share reflections before the prayer in the inner circle if it’s the last performance. That has always been really touching to me, especially when my upperclassmen friends were reflecting. Now that my peers and I are the ones doing the reflections, it’s even more impactful

I remember every circle I’ve been in. I am going to miss it and the community it represents so much. Thank you, Loyola Theater and Loyola Choir.

ABEYOD DAWIT

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign or University of Notre Dame

Intended Major: Engineering

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles

President Classics Club, President Loyola Queer-Straight Alliance, Member Dumbach Scholars Program, Secretary Chamber Choir, Greek and Latin Honor Society

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Certamen, Theater, Adventure Games Club, Classics Club, Choir, Esports, Arrupe Service Program, K-Club

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

Honors Physics my freshman year was my first real exposure to the world of physics, and even though it was challenging, it ended up being one of the most enjoyable classes I’ve taken It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize that understanding mattered more than just getting the right answer. That experience not only helped me grow as a student, but also sparked my interest in engineering and made me curious about how things actually work in the real world

One moment I really stretched myself academically was taking AP Physics C senior year. From teachers, counselors, and past students, I knew going into it that the class would demand more from me than any other course at Loyola and would require me to completely rethink how I managed my time and studied Because of that, I tried to prepare myself for a heavier workload and a faster pace, but once the year began, I quickly realized how challenging it truly was, and there were many times when the class did not go in my favor What I am most proud of is that I stayed with it and pushed through an introductory college-level physics course that challenged me and helped prepare me for my future interest in engineering.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

The academic achievement I am most proud of during my time at Loyola is maintaining strong academic performance during my senior year while also stepping up as a leader on varsity soccer, which ultimately earned me the IHSSCA All-Academic Award Senior year was my most demanding both in and out of the classroom, with my toughest course load and the added responsibility of contributing to my team as an upperclassman It required a lot of discipline to stay on top of schoolwork, and I had to be intentional about managing my time so that I never fell behind academically or reduced my effort on the field

My summer service experience in South Dakota, where I stayed on a Native American reservation and helped run a camp for kids, had a lasting impact on how I view service and my responsibility to others. Being immersed in a community I was not familiar with allowed me to see a perspective I had never fully considered before. I became more aware of the lack of resources many Native American youth face and how that reality shapes their daily lives in ways I had not understood prior to the trip That experience sparked a deep sense of empathy in me and made me reflect on what it means to truly care for others It helped me realize that, as people, we are called to look beyond ourselves and to support those who are less fortunate.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Ms. Bennett has been the most influential mentor in my growth as a Rambler. Over my four years at Loyola, she has been a consistent role model for what it means to care for others and to look beyond oneself. She helped me understand that being a Rambler is not only about being a strong student or athlete, but also about living out the values of service and community in a meaningful way. Through her example, I became more aware of the importance of thinking about how my actions affect others and how I can contribute in ways that go beyond myself

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the community of support I have had at Loyola over the past four years As I prepare to graduate, I want to especially thank my school counselor, Ms Ackron, for consistently guiding me as a Rambler and believing in my abilities I am also grateful to Ms Menendez for her advice and support throughout the college process, which helped me stay grounded during a stressful time Special thanks go to Ms Danstrom and Ms. Tell for being impactful teachers during my junior year and for taking the time to write my recommendation letters. I would also like to thank Mr. Metellus and Ms. Stanton for their support during senior year when I needed it most Finally, I am deeply grateful to my coaches Dunn, Lorenza, Crowder, and Andrew for helping develop me not only as an athlete but as a person There are many others who have supported me along the way, and I truly appreciate the entire Loyola community for everything it has given me

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I think the different clubs, activities, and leadership opportunities at Loyola really encouraged me to try new things and meet new people Being involved in sports and extracurriculars helped me become more social and comfortable around different kinds of people. It also helped me learn how to work better with others and step out of my comfort zone. Sports taught me discipline and consistency, while clubs helped me become more open and confident in new settings Overall, these experiences helped me grow outside the classroom and become a more well-rounded person

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college and beyond by teaching me discipline, responsibility, and how to stay consistent under pressure Through my classes, I learned time management and perseverance, while varsity soccer taught me accountability and leading through effort Loyola also pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and become more confident working with others Overall, it has shaped me into someone ready to lead with hard work, curiosity, and integrity.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? If I could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, it would be to be yourself and not feel like you have to force fitting in Loyola has so many opportunities, and the best thing you can do is stay open to trying new things instead of limiting yourself. Put yourself in situations that feel uncomfortable, whether it is a new class, club, or activity, because that is where the most growth happens It is easy to stay within what feels familiar, but I learned that you improve the most when you challenge yourself and expand your horizons

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? I think being a part of the soccer program is my favorite memory from Loyola I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime with a great group of individuals who will remain friends for a lifetime. The team dinners, long bus rides to games, and moments messing around at practice are core memories I will cherish forever.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Clavius Honors Program Senior Leader, ThreeYear Varsity Soccer Athlete, Chicago Catholic League All-Conference First Team, IHSSCA All-Academic Nominee, National Honor Society, Loyola Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Gates Scholar Finalist

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Loyola Boys Soccer, Arrupe Service Program, Clavius Scholars, D.I.C.E., Student Ambassadors, Insignis, Bowman Scholars Quantum Computing Club

GRACE ENGLEBERT

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Saint Louis University

Intended Major: Nursing

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course that intellectually shaped me the most was Faith & Justice Faith & Justice challenged both my thinking and my critical thinking skills We learned the basics of ethics, such as utilitarianism and deontology, helping me understand what I value and how I would react in hypothetical scenarios. It allowed me to expand my understanding of ethics as well as taught me the importance of being a woman of service, especially for the marginalized.

I stepped outside of my comfort zone by taking AP Lang I wanted to challenge my writing skills and expand my knowledge of different writing techniques I learned so much about my individual writing and ways to improve it. This was by far the biggest academic challenge I have faced in my high school career, but I am so grateful for it. Not only has it taught me about writing and language composition, it has further expanded my knowledge of what is happening in our world right now and has taught me the importance of staying informed.

Freshman year, I had a narrow mindset on the subject of service and being a woman for others I didn’t prioritize service and instead focused my attention on more shallow and selfish activities It wasn’t until my sophomore year in U.S. History class that my perspective on the world and my vocation changed. We watched a video that depicted how many Vietnamese civilians were mentally and physically harmed by the U.S. military dropping chemicals during the Vietnam War. This video sparked my passion to serve the marginalized, specifically by becoming a travel nurse. I want to devote my life to directly giving aid with compassion, kindness, and love through the profession of nursing

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Profe Nathan-Gamauf has been a constant mentor and inspiring presence during my time at Loyola She was my Spanish teacher junior year and chaperoned the summer service trip I attended as well She has helped me in both my Spanish studies and in understanding the importance of being a voice of my generation During our meetings, we discuss how we can use our voices for the greater good and inform others about important issues She has been a role model for my academics as well as my passion for helping others.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I would love to thank Ms. Cynthia. She is an awesome security guard who is always ready for a chat. She has always treated my friends and me with kindness.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I grew a lot from being a captain on cheer, as well as through the service opportunities I have been given As a cheer captain, I have learned the importance of being a positive leader who strives to influence others in the best way I can. Through service, I have learned to humble myself in the process of helping others feel loved and valued.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Be involved.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? I will carry the values that the Jesuits cherish, such as giving service, into my next four years attending a Jesuit university.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Cheer Team Captain (Senior Year)

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Cheer (Four Years), Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, Tutoring and Service Sites, Kino Border Initiative Summer Immersion, Immigration Awareness and Advocacy Meetings

HENRY FARRIS

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Intented Major: Engineering (undeclared)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? My senior year Physics C class has had a large impact on me It is an extremely challenging course, and it has taught me how to learn in an efficient way I developed habits of looking at material and lessons outside of class. I was also forced to meet with my teacher, Mr. Lowe, outside of class. Overall, the challenge of my Physics C course taught me that there is more to learning than showing up to class and doing the homework.

Coming into Loyola, I thought that faith only came through the Church Campus Ministry quickly changed that belief My junior year Kairos showed me that God resides in the love of others Summer service, which I spent building houses in Minnesota, showed me that faith is present in showing love to others. Last but not least, leading Kairos my senior year showed me that faith can be shown in helping others find their own.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? When I think of a person who has shaped my Loyola experience, I think of Mr. Strauss. I first met Mr. Strauss when I took Algebra 1 through Loyola during eighth grade. It took place at 7:15 every morning, but Mr. Strauss always arrived prepared and in a good mood. Nine months later, when I walked into band camp the week before freshman orientation, Mr. Strauss was there teaching the drumline rudiments. It turns out he was the drumline instructor He came to football and basketball games over the next four years, and I shared many conversations with him during them I had him one last time my junior year for Pre-Calculus, and he strongly encouraged me to take Calc BC, my favorite class today. Mr. Strauss shaped my Loyola experience by guiding me in my two favorite things, math and music.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the teachers at Loyola I have had too many good ones to name all of them All of my teachers at Loyola have done more than teach me in the classroom They have spent extra time with me to help me understand material and have built genuine relationships with me. Half the reason I enjoy my classes is because of the people who teach them, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I have learned the values of teamwork and hard work through being a member of the rowing team at Loyola. Going into freshman year, I had no idea what sport I wanted to play, and I settled on rowing because it had no cuts It ended up being one of the most important things I’ve done during high school I have created bonds with people that extend outside of practice or races I’ve been challenged every day in the sport, but I’ve learned to embrace it with the help of my teammates

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Rowing Team Captain, Drum Captain, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Bellarmine Scholars, Kairos Leader

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead by educating me in all fields. Loyola has challenged me in every academic area, from English to mathematics to social studies to band. I have been challenged in every class I’ve taken I’ve learned how to develop my values and beliefs through retreats and mentoring outside of the classroom I’ve learned what being a friend means through the various people I see inside and outside of the school building I’ve not only learned school, but I’ve learned how to be a good person.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid of challenge; it’s worth it in the long run.

OLIVIA GALIANO

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Northwestern University

Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

Academically, I feel that I stretched myself most this year by taking AP Physics C While it was especially a challenge at first, the lessons it has taught me and the academic skills that I realized I needed to build on are ones that I believe will continue to be very important. This class has immensely pushed me each day, but, with Mr. Lowe’s teaching, I have grown to deeply appreciate the subject and its application.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? I am most proud of my growth in writing during my time at Loyola, especially over the past two years. The emphasis on fiction pieces last year in AP Literature and then nonfiction works in AP Language this year has allowed me to work with different prompts and varying types of essays that have pushed me to improve the way that I write Additionally, I have been inspired to dive further into various types of literature

Over the past four years, the emphasis that Loyola has placed on serving others has been instilled in me I cannot say there is one specific moment, but rather, by seeing Loyola’s message every day at school, participating in Arrupe, and expanding to volunteering outside of school, I hope to continue participating in service as I move forward. Additionally, as a result of this and being in a Jesuit school, my understanding of my faith has also continued to grow

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Looking back over the past four years, I feel that my counselor, Mrs Strauss, has been the most influential in this journey I am incredibly grateful for her immense support and belief in me She truly has always gone above and beyond Additionally, seeing Mrs Strauss’s daily optimism has not only encouraged me but also inspired me to carry on a similar positivity throughout my day

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? First, I am immensely grateful to all the faculty and staff at Loyola Academy From each class and interaction, I have grown as a person, whether academically or in my values They have taught me lessons that I hope to continue to grow in as I move forward. I would especially like to thank my counselor, Mrs. Strauss, for her constant support, my college counselor, Mrs. Dutmers, for her incredible guidance during the application season, and my math team moderator, Mr. Raminski, for his leadership and genuine care for each member of the team. I am also so thankful for the various communities that I have been able to be a part of during my time at Loyola From band to math team, I am so grateful for the lessons I have learned, the people I have met, and the memories that I have formed

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? My growth beyond the classroom has been a culmination of my entire experience at Loyola Academy Being a part of band has taught me the importance of one’s individual role in a community and also the value of being a part of activities that I genuinely enjoy. Additionally, I have grown as a leader through the opportunity of serving as treasurer and then president of the math team. Finally, the emphasis on serving others at Loyola has allowed me to grow in the act of service during my time participating in Arrupe and tutoring through Tutoring Chicago.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college and beyond in numerous ways. Through clubs and various activities, I have had the opportunity to directly understand what it means to truly be a leader. And, with Loyola’s emphasis on service and constantly pushing oneself to remain curious, I now have a better understanding of myself and a desire to continue developing these traits in the future

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

A piece of advice that I would offer is to genuinely enjoy what you are a part of. Whether it is a club, the arts, sports, or even something outside of school, it is important to choose activities that you truly want to be involved in, because in the end, you will feel much more fulfilled

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

Some of my favorite memories over the past four years have been the math team’s meets It has been so much fun going to different schools with a different group of people each year, encouraging one another, and seeing the growth of the team as a whole.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Math Team President, ICTM State Qualifier (2023), National Merit Finalist

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Arrupe Service Program, Band (Alto Saxophone), Clavius Scholars, Math Team, National Honor Society, Student Ambassadors, Spanish Honor Society

CHARLES HAMMERLE

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: To Be Determined

Intended Major: Geography or Political Science

Intended Minor or Second Major: Theater

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

My sophomore year, I took AP Human Geography. Before that class, I had never really cared about anything outside my own little sphere of life. It expanded my horizons and made me want to know more about the world. I was doing research about countries and their GDP, their population growth, and trying to understand it. I began watching a YouTube channel about the world and current events, and it inspired me to pick my major

When I went on Kairos my junior year, I was unprepared for how much it would mean to me I am certain many others have said this, but truly, I was not fully connected to God until that retreat I was able to get out of my comfort zone and talk to other men in my grade I didn’t know, and that has really meant so much for where I am now Just the simplicity of having another person to say hi to in the halls makes my every day better I ask God directly when I need help, and it has gotten me to pray. While I am still not a perfect Christian, I believe I am on the right path.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

For me, the most important person at Loyola would be Mr. Arndt of the theater department. I came into Loyola the same year he did, and he was my director all four years. Without him, I do not think I would have grown as an actor or as a person It truly felt like I had a mentor who was growing through Loyola alongside me Having just finished my last show with him, I could not be happier with how everything has turned out

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? If I could thank anyone as I prepare to graduate, Mr Kotowski of the Social Studies department really jumps to mind He wrote my letter of recommendation, and his history class solidified what I had already begun to understand after Human Geography He helped me decide my major and my future, and I cannot thank him enough

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? The arts have brought me a confidence that I don’t know how anything else could I want to get on stage and perform, to speak in front of people because I know I can Specifically, through choir and theater, I am always ready to get out in public. Theater has been my defining experience at Loyola Academy. I have met my best friends, my favorite teachers, and made my best memories through that program. I have been cast in every show, and there is something special I hold with each one of them I have also encouraged others to join, and theater is a part of me that is inseparable from who I am The other activity that strongly shaped me is choir I entered my freshman year never having sung with a group before, and I was able to join the second level that year I love choir, and Mr Borower, the director, has become a mentor whom I would also call a friend

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Theater, Choir

My favorite tradition at Loyola was, once again, in theater. Before every show, we would hold warm-ups to get pumped up, and they were led by the seniors. It was so amazing to do that this year, and those warm-ups are something I will always hold in my heart.

STEPHEN HARRIS

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Michigan State University or the University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Intended Major: Computer Science

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

A course that challenged me the most was AP Human Geography I was always a student who took it easy and didn’t have to study all that much to do well in a class However, in my first AP class, you’re challenged to do work outside of class to keep up This forces you to be a better student, not just for this one class, but for the rest you will take in the future

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. This year I’m taking four AP classes One of which is AP Latin This class stretched me out of my comfort zone because I wasn’t really a high-achieving student in Latin my last few years However, my Latin teacher, Mrs Pagnotta, encouraged me to take the course, assuring me that I would be ready for it and that she’d be on the journey alongside me

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? What I’m most proud of is rebounding my calculus grade last year First semester, I ended with a 75 or around there, and I wasn’t too happy about it However, with a combination of resilience, discipline, and help from Loyola Academy staff and peers, I was able to finish with a 95 the next semester.

I would like to thank my lovely parents. I know I can be a handful sometimes (and a complete scatterbrain), but they always know how to get me back down to planet Earth. I can’t thank them enough for being the best. I’d also like to thank four of my closest friends: Tatum C, Aidan J (NTHS), Ellory M, and A J H I love you guys to the moon and back I couldn’t do it without you

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Mrs Gombac was the most influential to me, continuing to challenge me in a course where I’m not normally proficient

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? All my experiences gave me a strong sense of community, allowing me to become more of a leader I used to overthink my words, and rather than speak, I’d just stay quiet Now, however, with the experiences I’ve had at Loyola, I can speak openly, lead a group, and bring people together

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? There are countless opportunities at Loyola with extracurriculars to prepare yourself to become a leader. However, what was more impressive to me was the things teachers do to prepare you within class Assigning presentations where you have to do the research and present it alone in front of the class shows you how to be a great leader I was also given the opportunity to lead Kairos and many of the other retreats and orientations Loyola hosts.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

My advice would be to be yourself, but don’t be afraid to try new things. Challenge yourself, leave your comfort zone, and most of all, choose kind. Also, join some sort of community here, go out and make friends.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

Something that I will carry with me is supporting our two great basketball teams this season. We made custom shirts and wore them to games and were also some of the only people to go downstate for the girls’ game Also, our fight song is pretty catchy We would sing it after every win in football, and that felt great

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Ignatian Journey Retreat Leader, Kairos Leader, Sophomore Retreat Leader, Freshman Orientation Leader, Maroon Monsoon Leader, Latin Honor Society

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Math Team, Chess Club, Quantum Computing Club, Football, Basketball, Kairos, Summer Service

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Dartmouth College

Intended Major: Civil Engineering

Additional Commitment: Football

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? AP Physics C was the course that most shaped me intellectually at Loyola because it fundamentally changed how I approach complex problems and think about the world around me. AP Physics C demanded a deep conceptual understanding grounded in calculus It pushed me to move beyond surface-level thinking and truly understand the reasoning behind physical phenomena. What made the course especially meaningful was its emphasis on problem-solving as a process rather than a destination Each problem felt like a puzzle that required careful interpretation, strategic planning, and persistence. A common theme when solving a problem was to create a “roadmap” before solving. A “roadmap” taught me to break down complicated situations into manageable parts, translate physical scenarios into mathematical models, and constantly check whether my results made sense conceptually. This way of thinking forced me to become more patient and precise, especially when my initial approach didn’t work The course also challenged me to become more comfortable with struggle Many problems were not immediately solvable, and it was common to spend long periods stuck before reaching clarity and more often than not, I never found an answer. Instead of seeing this as failure, I began to view it as an essential part of learning. This shift

GAVIN KING

in mindset helped me develop resilience and a willingness to engage with difficult material rather than avoid it. Additionally, AP Physics C strengthened my ability to think analytically and connect ideas across disciplines. Using calculus to describe motion, forces, and energy showed me how mathematics can serve as a powerful language for understanding reality It made abstract concepts feel tangible and reinforced the importance of logical reasoning The most important impact from taking AP Physics C was that it cemented my desire to continue taking physics/engineering courses in college The challenge and difficulty of the class only made me want to pursue a career in this field even more.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. One of the biggest ways I stretched myself academically at Loyola Academy was by stepping into something completely outside my comfort zone: 3D Studio Art. I have never considered myself an “arts and crafts” person, and going into the class, I was honestly unsure of what I was getting myself into I was used to more structured, right-or-wrong subjects, so working in a space where creativity, interpretation, and patience mattered most felt unfamiliar and, at times, uncomfortable Early on, I struggled with the open-ended nature of the assignments There wasn’t always a clear “correct” answer, and I had to learn how to trust my own ideas and take risks without the guarantee of success. Projects that required sculpting, designing, or building pushed me to slow down, pay attention to detail, and embrace mistakes as part of the process rather than something to avoid. Over time, I began to shift my mindset. Instead of focusing on whether my work was “good,” I started focusing on growth on experimenting, improving, and putting genuine effort into each project. That change allowed me to appreciate the class in a new way and gain confidence in an area I had always avoided

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? The academic achievement I am most proud of during my time at Loyola Academy is not just one grade or one class, but the way I have grown into a student who is truly prepared for college Loyola’s rigorous courses consistently challenged me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of, and over time, I learned how to meet those expectations with discipline and confidence. Balancing demanding classes, athletics, and other commitments required strong time management and personal accountability. There were moments when the workload felt overwhelming, but those challenges taught me how to stay organized, prioritize effectively, and persevere even when things became difficult I learned that success is not about avoiding challenges, but about responding to them with resilience and effort This growth did not happen on my own It came through collaboration with classmates, support from teachers, and a willingness to ask for help when I needed it. Loyola created an environment where I was constantly encouraged to think critically, stay curious, and take ownership of my learning. Because of that, I am proud not just of what I accomplished, but of who I have become as a student. I am leaving Loyola with the skills, habits, and mindset necessary to succeed in college and beyond, and that preparation is the achievement I value most

Over my four years at Loyola, my growth in both faith and sense of justice has been shaped by experiences that challenged me to move beyond comfort and certainty One of the most impactful was Kairos Stepping away from daily routines created space for honest reflection about my relationships, my values, and the role faith plays in my life. Listening to my peers share their stories made faith feel less like something abstract and more like something lived, especially in moments of vulnerability and support Kairos pushed me to recognize that serving others begins with truly seeing and understanding them That foundation was deepened in the classroom through my relationship with Mr Dirnberger He was the kind of teacher who refused to let me settle for easy answers Whether we were discussing ethics, justice, or faith, he constantly challenged me to question my assumptions and think more critically about what I believed. At times, that was uncomfortable being pushed to defend or even reconsider beliefs I had always taken for granted but it ultimately strengthened my faith rather than weakening it He emphasized that questioning is not the opposite of faith, but a necessary part of owning it Together, these experiences helped me see that faith is not passive It calls for reflection, dialogue, and action Through Kairos, I learned the importance of empathy and presence; through Mr Dirnberger, I learned the importance of intellectual honesty and courage As a result, my commitment to serving others has become more intentional grounded not only in compassion, but also in a deeper understanding of justice.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? During my time at Loyola Academy, I have been fortunate to be shaped by teachers who challenged me not only academically, but personally and spiritually. Two people in particular stand out as especially influential in my journey Mr Dirnberger became a role model for what it means to live a faithful life Through his teaching and the way he carried himself, he pushed me beyond a simple, surface-level understanding of faith He constantly challenged me to ask questions, wrestle with difficult ideas, and take ownership of what I believe Because of him, my faith has become more personal, thoughtful, and rooted in a genuine desire to grow rather than just follow. Originally, my dad is the man of faith I aspire to be, and he always will be, but now Mr. Dirnberger provides another example of a man whose life is rooted in strong faith. Whether discussing the complexity of formulating a description of an afterlife or staying after class to discuss what defining factors classify a religion as Christianity, Mr. Dirnberger always offers answers, advice, or in the few times where he does not have a complete answer direction Mr Dirnberger has truly been a figure whom I look up to every day At the same time, Mr Lowe had a profound impact on me in the physics classroom He created an environment where learning could thrive, even in a difficult course like physics. I can’t think of a single day when I wasn’t excited to go to class even on test days. Every class was filled with both learning and laughter, which made it one of my favorite parts of my schedule. His ability to balance rigor with enthusiasm made me a more engaged and confident student. If a passerby were to look into our physics classroom, they would probably think we are crazy for laughing and having a blast while calculating and deriving magnetic fields, but that is the type of environment Mr Lowe fosters every day These two teachers shaped who I am becoming in different but equally important ways. Mr. Dirnberger helped deepen my faith and perspective, while Mr. Lowe showed me how meaningful and enjoyable learning can be when it’s done right. Their influence is something I will carry with me long after I leave Loyola.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? Gratitude has become a defining part of my experience at Loyola Academy, and as I prepare to graduate, I find myself most thankful for the people who made the school feel like more than just a place of learning. While teachers, coaches, and classmates all played important roles, I am especially grateful for the security staff individuals who are often overlooked, yet are essential to the Loyola community In particular, I want to thank Ms Cynthia, who consistently went above and beyond to connect with students Whether it was taking the time to talk during lunch or simply checking in with me when I was injured, she showed a level of care and attentiveness that made a real difference in my day-to-day life. Those small moments of conversation and concern reminded me that I was seen not just as a student, but as a person.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Beyond the classroom, my growth at Loyola Academy has been shaped most by the balance between leadership in athletics and reflection in my faith life. As a football captain, I learned how to be loud, direct, and commanding which was a change in my character because, if you ask my freshman/sophomore coaches, they would say I was one of the quietest students on the team On the field and in the locker room, I had to hold my teammates accountable, set the tone, and lead with confidence That role pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to communicate clearly, take responsibility, and earn the respect of others—not just through

consistency and effort. At the same time, my experience in my senior theology class, Ignatian Journey, challenged me to grow in a very different way. In that class, I learned that faith is not about having all the answers, but about being willing to ask deeper questions and reflect honestly It helped me move from a more routine, surface-level understanding of faith to something more personal and mature one rooted in self-awareness, discernment, openness to growth, and, most importantly, a faith that I chose myself Together, these experiences complemented each other in ways I did not expect Football taught me how to project strength and lead, while Ignatian Journey taught me how to look inward, reflect, and lead with purpose. Because of both, I’ve become not only a more confident leader, but also a more thoughtful and grounded person.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? At Loyola Academy, I have learned that leadership is not just about taking charge it is about using your voice, listening to others, and working together toward something greater. Over the past four years, Loyola has helped me grow into a more intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous leader by pushing me to step forward and speak with confidence One of the most important ways I have grown is by finding my voice Whether in classroom discussions, on the football field, or in everyday interactions, I have learned to share my opinions thoughtfully and stand behind them At the same time, Loyola has taught me that strong leadership requires collaboration. Through group work, team experiences, and conversations with peers, I have come to value different perspectives and understand that the best outcomes come from working together, not individually. Loyola has also shaped my understanding of compassionate leadership. It is not enough to lead with confidence you must also lead with empathy, respect, and a genuine concern for others. This mindset has influenced how I approach teamwork and decision-making, reminding me to consider not just what is effective, but what is right

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Football Captain, Clavius Scholar, Insignis Member

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Football, Baseball, Clavius Honors Program, Insignis

This may be pretty common advice and maybe even a little cliché: take in the moments because they move by quickly. Throughout my time at Loyola, I always felt that I was rushing to the end of the week whether for a Friday night football game or just to get through a week full of tests. Looking back, I wish I appreciated those Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays more Although waking up on Monday was honestly a terrible experience, I had the privilege to wake up and spend my day surrounded by the best teachers, coaches, and friends. If I could experience high school again, I would appreciate every day as if it were my last.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

One of my favorite traditions at Loyola Academy was something simple but incredibly meaningful: praying together as a football team after every game. No matter the outcome whether we had just won or walked off the field after a tough loss we always came together as one. In those moments, the noise of the crowd faded, and what remained was a sense of brotherhood, faith, and perspective We gave thanks, reflected, and supported one another, reminding ourselves that we were more than just athletes competing on a field. That tradition grounded me; it taught me humility in victory and resilience in defeat. Those postgame prayers showed me the importance of faith, unity, and gratitude, values I will carry with me long after my time at Loyola. My last time praying as a team on Mount Carmel’s field was filled with tears and emotion, but I would not trade it for anything I looked up and saw my brothers crying with me, and that is when I knew Loyola football is truly something special

IZABELLE

KOPECKY

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Saint Louis University

Intended Major: Nursing

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

Any science class that I have taken has shaped me as a student They have taught me that I am a hands-on learner They have also taught me the importance of the idea that the amount of time you put into something comes with greater satisfaction and reward.

I came to Loyola very shy in the classroom I was scared that what I might say could cause people to treat me differently I learned that my opinions are valued and could help other students who may feel the same way as me open up or feel supported. This allows me to be more open to others’ opinions as well and to see other points of view.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? I have never been more challenged academically than I have been at Loyola. I am surrounded by peers who have an academic drive that is unmatched compared to what I have seen before. I learned that it is okay to skip a basketball game to study for a test I learned that sometimes eating lunch while looking at notes may be more beneficial than doing it right before bed

During my sophomore year retreat, I volunteered at Misericordia with a group of my peers This is where I learned the importance of treating everyone with the dignity they deserve There, I met John He was physically and mentally disabled but filled with so much spirit. This experience, and meeting John, showed me that I want to help others feel loved and cared for no matter their condition.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Mrs Gombac she never gives up on me or her students She pushes me to be a better student and to be better prepared as I get ready to leave Loyola She has high, but meetable, expectations that have made me a stronger student

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? Campus Ministry has given me multiple opportunities to share my life experiences with the hope of helping someone They have also helped me grow in my relationship with God and helped me grow into a wonderful community they have created that feels like a safe space

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I have learned the importance of individuality, but also that you are never alone in any given situation It is good to be your own person, but you need a community to support who you are and who you are going to be.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Do everything and anything. Build your own little community within a larger one.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

My favorite thing to witness every year is the seniors’ last day of class, when they get their polos signed. It’s amazing because they get to see who made an impact on them and who they made an impact on The day also just feels full of joy and hope

THEODORE KURTZWEIL

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Intended Major: Business

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

President of Band, Drum Major of the Marching Band, Captain of the Girls Bowling Team, Freshman Retreat Leader, Kairos Leader

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Girls Bowling (Varsity), Girls Rowing (JV and Varsity), Pep Band, Marching Band, Pit Orchestra

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? My LA Tank experience has been one of the most influential experiences for me It pushed me to think in ways I had never been challenged to before Rather than simply learning concepts in a classroom, I had the opportunity to apply creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration to build a company from the ground up. Working with my team, FueGo, required us to constantly refine our ideas, respond to feedback from judges, and think critically about how a business operates in the real world It challenged me to approach problems with both creativity and discipline, while strengthening my ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively After placing first, I had the opportunity to travel to New York City, where we visited companies such as Morgan Stanley, PayPal, and Loeffler Randall, and attended a reception with Loyola alumni. Experiencing these organizations firsthand gave me invaluable insight into how successful companies operate. I also had

the opportunity to shadow alumni professionals, gaining a closer look at how their work impacts their organizations Meeting so many driven and successful people showed me how important relationships and mentorship are in the professional world. More than anything, LA Tank strengthened my intellectual curiosity and confirmed my passion for business. It challenged me to think creatively, solve real problems, and present ideas with confidence The experience showed me that learning is most meaningful when applied, and it is something I will carry with me long after my time at Loyola

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I never imagined myself participating in LA Tank I didn’t see myself as a strong presenter or someone who could think quickly on the spot, but after my college counselor, Mrs Riggs, encouraged me to sign up, I took the risk, and it became one of the most impactful experiences I’ve had Presenting in the final round pushed me far outside my comfort zone, as standing in front of judges and an audience was nerve-racking Yet having a prepared and supportive team gave me confidence. Once I began, I realized how much I had to think on my feet, responding to questions, clearly explaining our product, and adjusting in real time. That pressure pushed me to be more strategic and communicate more effectively, and it showed me that growth comes from stepping into uncomfortable situations. By the end, I had gained confidence as a presenter, but also in my ability to think critically, adapt, and collaborate These are skills I now carry into my academic work

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? I am most proud of my academic improvement from freshman to senior year After experiencing success in grade school, something was not clicking freshman year I struggled balancing my academic load with multiple sports and activities, rarely asked for help, and did not yet have strong study habits. I quickly realized that if I wanted to succeed and get into my dream school, I needed to make serious changes. I began using my time more intentionally, improved my study habits, and began taking advantage of the help labs when I needed extra support. A turning point came in my Honors Algebra II class, where I struggled early and performed poorly on the first two tests Instead of continuing those habits, I met with my teacher, Mr Nations, and we created a plan to reach my goal for the semester After the final, he emailed me to congratulate me on achieving it, a moment that made me genuinely proud and showed that my effort was paying off Since then, I’ve continued building strong habits, developing the discipline and accountability that will carry into my future I am especially proud that since freshman year, my GPA has improved each semester.

I took a theology course called Faith and Justice, where we explored different forms of injustice and discussed how our faith calls us to respond to them The class pushed me to look beyond my own experiences and recognize the inequalities that exist in the world around me. It helped me understand that faith is both personal as well as something that should guide how I treat others and work toward a more just society. Also, during Kairos, I listened to classmates share personal stories and struggles that I had never known about before Hearing those stories opened my eyes to what people around me may be going through, even if it is not always visible It made me more empathetic and aware of the importance of supporting others and being present for them Because of these experiences, I feel like I have grown not only in my faith, but also in my understanding of justice and service. They helped me realize that living out my faith means paying attention to the needs of others and being willing to stand with people who are facing challenges or injustice.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Loyola’s faculty and coaches care deeply about their students, and I am so lucky to be surrounded by mentors who pushed me to grow academically, athletically, and most importantly, personally. A few individuals in particular had a lasting impact on my journey. The first person is Mrs. Cynthia. She always brings an infectious, positive energy to campus, whether she is greeting me in the hallway or stopping by my lunch table to talk. She consistently takes time out of her day to connect with students, and her kindness makes everyone feel welcome Her small, but meaningful, acts of positivity have reminded me how important it is to treat others with the same kindness and respect. Another person who influenced my journey is Mr. Anderson, my AP Economics teacher. He was an excellent teacher academically and created a tight-knit, engaging classroom where I felt comfortable participating and sharing ideas. He connected with us not only through academics, but also through our lives outside of school. I will always remember his community builders and his crazy “hot takes.” Along with Mr Nations, he made me feel comfortable asking for help outside the classroom and supported me as I worked toward a better future My football coaches also had a huge impact on my growth Coach Naughton taught me the value of discipline and hard work. Whether it was waking up early to shovel snow off the field just so we could get extra work in, or pushing me to give my best every day, he showed me what it means to be committed to something bigger than myself. Coach Vradenburg was not only a football genius, but also someone who taught me a lot about life. He constantly reminded me that football was about more than just the field; it was about accountability, brotherhood, and becoming better men off the field Together, these mentors helped shape who I am becoming and showed me the importance of leadership, discipline, and caring for the people around you.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I will always be proud to call myself a Rambler There are so many aspects of the school that make it special, but what stands out most is the community I have been incredibly fortunate to spend the last four years surrounded by people who genuinely care about my growth as a student, an athlete, and a person.I am grateful for every teacher I have had during my time at Loyola. Each of them has challenged me, supported me, and helped shape the person I am becoming I am also thankful for all of the coaches who have guided me on and off the field, teaching lessons about discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that go far beyond sports There are also a few individuals I would like to thank in a special way I am especially grateful to my college counselor, Mrs Riggs, who supported me and guided me throughout my whole college application process and helped me reach my dream school. I would also like to thank Mr. Devine, who is truly a one-of-a-kind leader. His positivity and constant support for students, both academically and athletically, have made a lasting impact on the Loyola community Lastly, I am so thankful for the friends that I have made at Loyola, who let me be myself and made these last four years unforgettable

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Outside of the classroom, I grew the most through athletics and the experiences that came with balancing multiple sports Playing football, basketball, and baseball required a lot of discipline and time management Over time, I had to find new ways to study and stay organized so I could succeed both academically and athletically. Learning how to balance practices, games, and schoolwork helped me become more responsible and develop habits that made me a stronger student. Athletics also taught me resilience. Senior year, on the last play of the first football game of the season, I broke my collarbone and was out for the rest of the year. While it was disappointing after putting in months of work leading up to the season, it taught me how to handle adversity and stay positive even when things do not go as planned It also taught me the value of being present, even when sidelined, and still contributing in meaningful ways

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Football Leadership Council, Maroon Monsoon Leader, National Honor Society, Insignis

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Football, Baseball, Basketball, LA Tank, Kairos, National Honor Society, Chess Club, Quantum Computing Club, Maroon Monsoon, Insignis

Loyola has prepared me to lead by pushing me to grow both academically and personally Through challenging classes, athletics, and the support of teachers and coaches, I learned how to manage my time, stay disciplined, and work through adversity. Being part of teams and classrooms where collaboration and accountability mattered helped me understand that leadership is about showing up consistently, supporting others, and setting the tone through hard work and character.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Take advantage of every opportunity and do not be afraid to ask for help. The Loyola community truly wants to see you succeed, and the sooner you lean into that support, the more you will grow Support one another, be a fan, and be a part of the Rambler community It really is super special

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

Winning the state championship in football my junior year is a moment I will always carry with me It represented the hard work, brotherhood, and dedication of our entire team Celebrating that accomplishment together is something I will never forget The memories I made that season will last a lifetime

BRIANNA LICUDINE

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Iowa

Intended Major: Communications and Public Relations

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? A course at Loyola that has shaped me intellectually is my senior year theology course, Justice Seminar Taught by Dr Gholson, every class addresses injustices and struggles that go beyond the Loyola community. It has given me a deeper understanding and a new perspective on how I want to approach topics such as disability justice, poverty, and economic injustice. Additionally, as it is an Ignatian Service Learning class, it gives me the opportunity to face the injustices addressed in class in the Chicagoland area while reaching the required amount of service hours needed for each semester Since the fall, I have been attending Misericordia as my service site It is not because of the required service hours that keeps me going; it is the genuine connections I have made with the residents that make me want to show up every Sunday night at Misericordia.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. A moment I challenged myself academically was when I applied for the Dumbach Scholars Program my sophomore year. I was unsure that my freshman year course rigor would have gotten me in, so I kept working and focusing on my grades throughout sophomore year, and my counselor recommended that I apply When I got in, I enrolled in AP Art History, the required Dumbach Scholars course As it was my first AP course, I was hesitant about the rigor and pace, but this class provided me with a newfound appreciation for art and what it has to offer Now, whenever I travel, I am always seeking to find a 250 artwork, taking the content I learned in class and applying it to art all over the world.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

An academic achievement I am most proud of is the gradual progression of difficulty in my course load over my four years. As a freshman, I walked into Loyola with all Track 6 classes. Understanding new concepts had always taken a little more time for me, and I often needed extra help from teachers However, I was not comfortable asking for help at that time This changed during my sophomore and junior years Continuing to be a hard worker, giving myself grace and patience, and using resources provided by Loyola to grow as a student, I began to reach out to my teachers more Because of the trust I had in my teachers, family, and peers, I am now in mostly AP and Honors courses. I am forever grateful for the Loyola community for helping me throughout these four years, but I am specifically proud of myself for the dedication and resilience I have shown to get where I am today

An experience that has had a significant influence on my life was Summer Experience I had the privilege of staying at Tau House in Cincinnati, Ohio, with 22 other students during the first week of June 2025 There, we lived “simply” for a week, which meant living without electronics, preparing our own meals, and completing our own chores. Additionally, each day was filled with volunteering at a new site that focused on poverty. One of the most impactful days was volunteering at St Vincent de Paul, where I helped at a food pantry A customer I assisted only spoke Spanish, and I was able to communicate using the Spanish I learned at Loyola, making the experience more comfortable for him It was really meaningful to break that language barrier, and I will never forget the appreciation he showed after I helped him This week inspired me to live more simply and to continue volunteering when I returned home. I want to impact my community in a positive way, even if it is through small gestures, beyond my four years at Loyola.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? A person who has been influential in my journey as a Rambler is Ms. Krein. Ms. Krein has been involved in the Loyola community longer than most can imagine, and she truly embodies Rambler pride. Through the many flex activities, intramurals, clubs, and programs she supports, she has created opportunities that have allowed me, and many others, to feel a part of the Rambler community. Specifically, I am so grateful to Ms. Krein for allowing me to be a member of Student Council because it gave me the opportunity to step into a leadership role Through Student Council, I have learned to collaborate, problem-solve, and express a creative side that I would not normally explore in a classroom setting. Ms. Krein has not only shown me what dedication, care, and hard work look like, but she has also created a space where I can do the same.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I want to take the time to thank every person who makes the Ramblerettes program what it is today To my coaches Coach Dubay, Coach Caissie, Coach Kelly, Coach Parker, and Coach Wetoska thank you for trusting me as a freshman to make an impact on the team and program. You have taught me what it means to be a leader, to trust myself and those around me, and to be a true artist. With your guidance, I am going off to college with so many life lessons and connections that will last a lifetime To my teammates throughout the four years, thank you for becoming my second family I truly feel like I gained an abundance of sisters who have experienced both challenges and accomplishments together Because of you, I was able to be my true, authentic self at Loyola Lastly, I would like to thank all the families who have supported the Ramblerettes over the years. Thank you for showing me the dedication and care that come with supporting those you love. Through this program, I have learned valuable life skills that have shaped who I am today, and for the Ramblerettes, I am forever grateful

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Outside of the classroom, I have experienced significant growth on the Varsity Ramblerettes dance team In addition to becoming a stronger dancer over the years, I have seen the most improvement in my leadership skills and confidence Within the supportive and encouraging environment of the team, I was able to become more comfortable being my true self As I grew more confident in expressing my personality with my teammates, it became easier to do so throughout the school community. This space has allowed me to practice leadership in a variety of ways, from mentoring underclassmen to giving pep talks before performing at Nationals. The program has given me the opportunity to grow into a confident and capable leader

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college and in my future career by encouraging me to take initiative Loyola provides an abundance of opportunities to become a wellrounded individual through its variety of courses, diverse clubs, athletic teams, performing arts, Campus Ministry, and service opportunities All of these experiences have given me different perspectives and have helped me become a more thoughtful and well-rounded individual. They have also deepened my understanding of the Jesuit value of cura personalis, which I will carry with me as I continue to grow and lead in the future

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

A piece of advice I would give to an incoming Rambler is to get involved in something you are interested in right away As someone who attended a very small Catholic grade school, joining the dance team freshman year immediately introduced me to a community at Loyola while helping me build friendships with others who share the same passion.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

My favorite memory at Loyola was attending my first football game freshman year, which was televised on ESPN. The stands were filled with students, staff, families, and alumni, including my parents, who are both part of the Loyola Academy Class of ’97 As I performed sidelines and the halftime show for the first time as a Varsity Ramblerette on Hoerster Field, I felt an incredible sense of pride It truly was a Great Day to be a Rambler

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Ramblerettes Dance Team: Senior Captain, Six-time National Finalist, Three-time State Qualifier, All-Conference Athlete, Social Media Chair, Student Council Social Media Chair, Frehman Orientation Leader, First Honors

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Ramblerettes (four years), Dumbach Scholars Program, National Honor Society, Student Council, Honors symphone Orchestra, Arrupe Service Program, Summer Service, Sevilla Immersion Trip, Kairos 397

MARYCAIT MACKIE

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Washington University in St. Louis

Intended Major: Business

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? My service learning classes, including Justice Seminar and American Literature: Hidden Voices, shaped me most intellectually, as they expanded my viewpoint beyond the Loyola classroom. Through outside service work and class discussion, I learned to address situations with perspective, curiosity, and openness, ultimately pushing me to become a more reflective and involved learner

I would definitely consider myself a math and science person and have altered my schedule around that. However, I was most academically stretched in my AP Language and Composition class. Reading and writing were never my strong suits, but I have since learned to develop strong skills in critical thinking, analysis, interpretation, and writing that reflects meaning and purpose. If I had not pushed myself outside of my comfort zone to take this challenging course, I would not be the student I am today

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am most proud of my GPA at Loyola because I believe it properly reflects the four years of dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and effort I put into my work as a student

One of the most powerful experiences I had at Loyola was my service at the North Shore Senior Center Up until this point, I saw vulnerability as a weakness, but learned to see it as bravery and courage I learned the power and need for human connection, love, and a sense of belonging. My summer service in Winona, Minnesota, also taught me that service and good deeds are reflected in the people and connections around you. Laughter, conversation, and love are service in themselves and can go just as far as physical acts and intentions

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Coach Schoenecker was most influential to me in my journey as a Rambler Being my head coach for four years, Coach Schoenecker taught me not only that hard work, dedication, and commitment pay off, but that true success comes from teamwork In a world where personal success and achievement are often glorified by social media and stats, Coach grounded me in focusing on team success and unselfishness

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Four-year Varsity Girls Basketball Player, Girls Basketball Team Captain, Clavius Scholars Program, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Soceity (Leadership Role)

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Girls Basketball, Arrupe Service (Well of Mercy, North Shore Senior Center), Clavius Scholars Program, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Ambassadors, Student Athlete Success Club, Gonzaga Lunch Packing, Summer Service, Peer Tutoring

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the people at Loyola Academy. Throughout all four years, I truly felt like I was always recognized, supported, and celebrated by the Loyola community This not only includes classmates, parents, and friends, but also teachers, counselors, and faculty Teachers made sure they were always available for my academic needs, but also came to my games and sent written words of encouragement when I needed them My counselor guided me through the college process, but also helped rebound for me before school. Security guards kept the school a safe place, but also brought their family members to games to help cheer on my team, even when we were away. The list goes on with examples, reminding me why I am so proud to call myself a Rambler.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead through faith and service experiences, as well as Catholic teachings. I have learned to approach problems through different perspectives and live with an open heart and mind I have been encouraged to take action and feel well prepared for college and beyond

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to try new things and do it all: retreats, summer service, clubs, sports, flex activities, showing up to games, plays, concerts, and recitals Show up, be all in, and enjoy the moment because it goes by quickly!

bAs a student-athlete at Loyola, my favorite Loyola tradition is the Jesuit Cup The Jesuit Cup is such an exciting and fun environment for players and fans It is an event that brings out competition, community, faith, and tradition, making it meaningful and special to both my teammates and me

DANIEL MALAN

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of California, Santa Barbara

Intended Major: Physics

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? I think the course that most shaped me academically was AP Statistics I greatly enjoyed learning to interpret data from an analytical perspective and handle such information practically and pragmatically. I believe the course greatly furthered my ability to reason and think from a careful and intentional viewpoint.

I believe that I stretched myself academically when I took AP Spanish Literature during my senior year I had always been a strong Spanish student, but never anticipated the difficulty that would come with reading such a vast multitude of Spanish works I appreciated the challenge, however, as it exponentially heightened my Spanish proficiency and introduced me to interesting and unique aspects of culture from across the Spanish-speaking world.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? The academic achievement that I am by far the most proud of is starting the quantum computing club with a friend of mine. I had been interested in the topic for a long time and felt motivated to start a club on it, but initially did not account for the difficulty that would come with sharing such complicated topics with others Though it was certainly challenging, requiring time, discipline, and determination, I believe it pushed me to strive for greater academic heights and feel inspired by academic pursuit Now, the club has amassed over 60 attendees, which has brought me tremendous gratitude and fulfillment

I believe my faith has grown while encountering thought-provoking questions about human life and connection with God in my theology classes. In particular, I really appreciated my sophomore year class, Christian Life in Community, taught by Mr. Dugan, as well as my senior year class, The Challenge of Being Human, taught by Dr. Myslinski. Both classes helped deepen my contemplative skills and thoughtfully consider questions such as the purpose of life, how humans are to treat one another, and where God is In doing so, I’ve also learned to see multiple perspectives and be open to the opinions of others All in all, I think my faith has grown substantially, and my interest in such questions has increased as well.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

I believe the person who has been most influential in my journey as a Rambler has been my formation teacher, Mrs Ackron She has been my teacher since I arrived on campus and has always supported me along the way She’s been a phenomenal advocate, mentor, and source of assistance for me as I’ve grown through four years at Loyola Since being her student, I feel more confident and capable of going into the world with a greater sense of my true self and pursuing my passions with conviction.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

I am most grateful for Loyola’s wonderful culture centered on its students. Adhering to the RIPLOC traits is at times overlooked, but I think it is essential to what makes Loyola special. Almost every student cares deeply about their studies, relationships, sports, and faith, which is outstanding and cultivates a high-achieving environment deeply rooted in generosity and service to one’s neighbor I think that this culture is what has helped me grow and develop into the person I am, which I am immensely grateful for

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead in college by allowing me to develop my interests and become excited about an extensive variety of topics. I think that its culture, as well as its great breadth of opportunities for athletics, educational pursuit, community, and development of faith, has made me versatile and prepared to explore new avenues in my life with conviction and willingness. Loyola has made me confident and competent in unique ways that I am certain will be invaluable later in life.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Try as much as you can to be a positive source in other people’s lives, and fill your life with the things that bring you personal joy and fulfillment.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? I greatly enjoyed the experience of being applauded upon entry into Loyola when I and all of my peers were freshmen. In that moment, I felt genuinely welcomed by a community that seemed to care for all of its students, which made me absolutely certain that I had made the correct decision in attending.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Quantum Computer Club Co-Founder, Clavious Honors Program, National Honor Society, Honors Symphony Orchestra, Versity Wrestling State Qualifier

MERCI MAYES

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study. College/University: Marquette University

Intended Major: Sociology

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

I think the course that most shaped me academically was AP Statistics I greatly enjoyed learning to interpret data from an analytical perspective and handle such information practically and pragmatically. I believe the course greatly furthered my ability to reason and think from a careful and intentional viewpoint.

Faith & Justice with Mr Clark was a class that shaped me into who I am now This class taught me to assert myself, speak up, and be curious We learned about history and housing, and I connected my passion for social issues with my faith and how God wants us to treat one another This class taught me to ask questions and evaluate what it is that I actually value Mr Clark is just amazing, and he really cares about what he’s teaching Having him facilitate discussions and answer questions was a huge part of why the class was as great as it was and why the students felt connected. This class taught me that there are roots to the injustices in this world and how to address them rather than “band-aid” them. Truly, I wouldn’t be who I am without this course or Mr. Clark.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. Going from Level 6 French 4 my junior year into AP French my senior year, skipping over Honors, was definitely a moment where I stepped out of my comfort zone. For a moment, I considered not taking French my senior year, but I’m glad that I decided to because of the way this course has pushed me to speak French, understand the French-speaking world, and challenge my understanding

During my four years, Loyola has given me the opportunity to experience so many different things, and because of this, I have been able to develop my faith and how I serve others. Whether it’s the two summer service trips I’ve been on, learning about homelessness and asylum, the 4th Day retreat, Arrupe Service for four years, or participating in and leading Kairos, I’ve learned to see God in it all. Summer service was a time for me to get away from the distractions back home and serve a population in need I got close with the rest of the students who went with me, and it was really a time to build community both with my peers and the community partners we were serving Arrupe Service, and being committed to a group for weeks, creates such special relationships I look forward to seeing the people at my site each week, and I’ve definitely deepened my faith because of service. Service makes you appreciate people you may have never come across, and it creates such beautiful, transformative relationships. I think the most influential experience is leading Kairos. When I went on Kairos my

junior year, I loved it and used it as a time for reflection and appreciation for God in all things. Leading Kairos, I wanted to pour right back into the girls, and I tried my best to do so. Leading Kairos was a moment for me to see how far I have come since being a freshman, not knowing what I was interested in or feeling like I wasn’t doing enough I realized that I had the opportunity to make a positive difference in the girls’ lives and let them know that God is with them no matter what

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Kairos Leader (K307), Quarterly Quorum Leader, Freshman Orientation Leader, Loyola First Honors, Justice Seminar and Summer Service Representative, Youth Philanthrophy Board Member, Ignatian Day of Solidarity Representative

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Kairos, Kino Border Initiative Club and Summer Service Trip, Casa Romero Urban Plunge Summer Service Trip. Chick-fil-A Leaders, Boys Basketball Manager, Maroon Monsoon, Arrupe Service, Torch Club, Student Ambassador

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? My counselor, Mrs Ackron, has been the most influential person in my journey as a Rambler My mom and I always say that God gave me her as a counselor for a reason She’s just such a light to everyone, and you can tell that she really loves her students. Since freshman year, I’ve been able to go and sit with her, and I have always genuinely felt her support She has always looked at the best parts of me and continues to pour into me I’m going to miss her laugh, our talks, formation, and knowing that she’s just as close as the counseling department Having someone you know is always willing to listen, regardless of how big or small the situation is, shapes you as a person You realize that school is bigger than grades and scores. It’s about the community and individuals that make life so much better. Mrs. Ackron is someone that I couldn’t have done high school without, and I don’t really want to think about how I’ll live next year without her She has seen me as a leader since the beginning and continues to recognize my talents and abilities She pushes me to be the best version of myself and genuinely wants me to do amazing things She’s like my mom when I’m at school safe, comforting, and someone I always look forward to seeing. Mrs. Ackron is such an integral part of me as a Rambler, and I couldn’t thank her enough.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? For me, Loyola has always been about the community, and there are so many people who have played a role in my experience here. I would like to thank all of the teachers that I’ve had, Mrs Ackron, Ms Fernandez, and the entire counseling department, Campus Ministry, Mrs Schurer and Mrs Semple in the Principal’s Office, Ms Robin, Ms Cynthia, Josh, Mr W, and the Safety team, the amazing women in the library, Ms Danielle in the business office, the nurses Mrs Braasch and Mrs Linn Mrs. Maria, Mrs. Trott, Mrs. Davoren, Mr. Gaughan, and everyone who has made my Loyola experience what it is.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

I think just walking through the halls during passing periods and seeing everyone. It’s such a happy and fun time and honestly something I look forward to. It’s the little things that make school more fun, especially in the mornings, so just saying hi to people can really make your day and theirs.

YEILEEN MORA

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Marquette University

Intended Major: Political Science

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

Faith and Justice with Dr Gholson was the most impactful course I have been able to take the lessons that I learned in that class, and they have branched out into my other classes and my everyday life I really enjoyed learning about the seven Catholic Social Teachings and how all of them correlate with one another Being able to understand how we must respect and treat others with human dignity and absolute kindness has helped me see how to make the world a better place.

An experience where I had to get out of my comfort zone was presenting an education policy to the Skokie Village Board. My Civics & Advocacy class overall pushed me out of my comfort zone, and it was not easy. I had to contact policymakers and speak with them about the subject of my choosing I chose to serve at Glencoe Youth Services, so my policy focused on education In preparation for my presentation to the board members, I was able to connect my service work with what we were learning in school When the day came to present my policy, I was really nervous However, the board members were very kind, and even unexpected members of the Rambler community supported me as well. Through that experience, I not only learned how to step out of my comfort zone, but also how to advocate for others.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? Overall, I am proud of my growth through the rigor of high school. The track system at our school allows students to strive for more. I am someone who has grown a lot throughout my time in high school, and I know I am far from being the only one I believe discipline played a large role I know I want to do something great, and the courses at Loyola have set me up to do so

During the summer of my junior year, I went on a summer service trip to Milwaukee, where we stayed at Casa Romero The Milwaukee service trip allowed me to experience several different types of service and to serve a wide range of people. One site that I will never forget was where we helped a woman from Mexico learn English in preparation for her citizenship test. I enjoyed helping her, and I hope that I was able to give her the support she deserved. As the daughter of immigrants, I felt like I was able to connect with her. I believe that our connections with those we serve are what make a difference in the world. She reminded me a lot of my grandmother, w

who also struggles to speak English. I valued being able to help someone from my Latino community, and that act of service has impacted me in more ways than one. I was so moved that when the school year started, I enrolled at Centro Romero, a service site focused on helping immigrants similar to the woman I worked with I truly believe it was a sign from God to end up in places connected to St Romero, a man who stood up for others politically and in the name of God The people I have met have opened my eyes to my true vocation, and I believe I am called to continue serving the immigrant community in the future

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? There have been so many people who have influenced my life, one of them being Mr Metellus I believe God places important people in your life for a reason Interestingly, we both grew up in the same neighborhood Mr Metellus is someone who truly pours his heart into helping others and has inspired me to do the same. From being my counselor to leading the Bowmen’s program, he has impacted me in many ways. He is someone I look up to and someone I know is always there for me I have had the utmost fortune of meeting someone as great as him

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? Someone I am very grateful for is Fr. Arek. I can’t recall exactly how we met, but I believe that spending time with someone as amazing as him tends to make time feel different. Fr. Arek is someone who always has a big smile on his face and lights up every room he enters I especially enjoy being able to laugh together I am a huge believer that laughter is necessary to live a fulfilled life, and we are always laughing together He is extremely wise and someone who is always there no matter what anyone needs. No matter how busy he is, he always has time to talk. He has brought light to the Loyola community in such a meaningful way, and I am forever grateful to have met someone who brings such warmth and compassion to the community.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development?

A place where I have grown beyond the classroom is at my service site, Centro Romero. There has been nothing that has brought me greater pride than helping Hispanic immigrants study for their citizenship tests. The people I have served at Centro Romero inspire me to pursue a life of helping others I think I’ve come to enjoy it so much because it truly feels like a home The people make it so special They love and support each other through everything. When I first started, I could tell people were skeptical that I wouldn’t show up consistently. I practiced civic questions with them, including the N-400 questions, as well as reading and writing. Along the way, I have heard many stories of trials and hardships. Everyone is human and should be treated as such. Their “sí se puede” mentality and love prove to be stronger than any obstacle. I have learned what it truly means to take pride in your community As I near the end of my time with them, they have allowed me to teach classes on my own, and as much as I teach them, they have taught me so much more

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond?

My experience at Loyola has taught me to look for God in every corner of the world I have learned about vocation and what it truly means to advocate and be a woman for others Because of this, I truly believe my calling is to help the immigrant community Coming from a public school, my Jesuit education has inspired me to attend a Jesuit college I have learned how to connect with others, both similar and different from me, and how to love everyone, as we are all created in the image and likeness of God. I have learned how to strive for a better future through my education.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Love with all your heart The world needs more love Love is stronger than any obstacle God calls us to love one another as we love Him Love every breath you take, love every blink of your eye. Love your peers and the faculty. Love every lesson you will learn and every mistake you will make. Learn to enjoy and love through every win and loss The love that you give out into the world is the love you will receive

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

One of my favorite traditions is Grilled Cheese Friday I think I’m going to really miss it in college Perhaps I just really love food, but I can’t be the only one, as the line is always packed Grilled Cheese Friday only occurs during the season of Lent and is the lunch I most look forward to each school year Being able to share that special meal with your friends during the season of Lent is what makes Loyola so special. God appears to us in many different ways, and I like to think that He appears in those special meals shared with our loved ones

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles First Honors

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Arrupe Service Program, Bowman First-Gen Leaders, Christian Life Community (CLC), Unidos, Young Women of Color Symposium (YWOCS), Politics Club, Soccer, Cross Country

ABIGAIL MURPHY

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Forest University

Intended Major: Biology

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course that most shaped me intellectually was Ms Blakeslee’s Honors Biology class Prior to the class, I did not have a complete grasp of what I wanted to focus on in college or for the rest of my high school experience. However, Ms. Blakeslee’s class inspired me to learn more about the human body and interactions between organisms. Her class not only pushed me to understand the material, but it also required me to discover how I can best succeed in a classroom environment. With my passion for biology and help from Ms. Blakeslee, I was inspired to enroll in AP Biology for my senior year I knew it would be challenging, but I also knew that I would be given the opportunity to further expand the skills I had gained from my junior year biology course My AP teacher, Ms. Waid Prince, encouraged me to expand beyond my comfort zone in order to become the best student I could possibly be. Because of these two courses and teachers, I understand what I am passionate about, and I will continue to study biology as a major in college.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I stretched myself academically in my internship at a biotech company based in Philadelphia. There, I worked with scientists to manipulate cancer cells, and I did further research for the company in the months after my experience. This challenged me to collaborate with highly educated scientists and to work in a laboratory environment. I had to force myself to apply what I had learned in the classroom to real-world issues. I learned a lot from this experience, and I am very grateful that I had this opportunity

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? I am most proud of the success I had in my senior year, even though I challenged myself with four AP-level classes I believe that I was able to do this because of all that I have learned about myself in my first three years I had to stay motivated throughout the entire year, even when I thought that I was incapable or not good enough. I am proud of the discipline I had to stay on track and be honest with myself. This also required me to be collaborative with my teachers and other classmates. I had to allow myself to trust my own abilities and others.

The junior year theology curriculum that is focused on faith and justice inspired me to think critically about the relationships around me and to see things from another point of view Having been raised in a Catholic education my entire life, I was introduced to the foundations of the faith from an early age, but this challenged me to apply that part of my life to my connections with people I was taught how to consider all perspectives and how to place myself in others’ shoes. That mindset inspired me to go on a summer service trip the summer before my senior year, and I spent a week in Minnesota with other classmates and teachers. I was encouraged to consider the deeper meaning of service and how our actions affect the world around us Loyola has given me the resources and mentorship to be a person for and with others Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Outside of teaching my favorite subject, Ms. Waid Prince has played an incredibly important role in my journey as a student and person. AP Biology, which is a particularly difficult course, challenged me in ways no other class had before Despite this, I was still able to do well and stay motivated because of the support I had from Ms Waid Prince and the rest of the biology department She helped me understand how I learn on a deeper level, and she pushed me not to stay complacent in my learning Beyond this, Ms Waid Prince also led me to become a more teachable and collaborative student I now know how to work with my mentors to better succeed, and I know to respect the people around me as I continue to grow.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am beyond grateful for the community that Loyola Academy offers. Being a fourth-generation Loyola student, the school has always been a part of my life in one way or another. However, the impact that the community has had on me has been unlike any other since I have become a member of the student body When I first started attending Loyola, I was no longer alone in my journey as a student or person Instead, I became a part of a vast alumni network that stretches far and wide To be a Rambler has a core set of values that are understood beyond the physical walls of the school These are values that will follow me for the rest of my life, and they will continue to be recognized by others. The people I have met along the way, and even their friends and family, will forever be a support system in my life. I am very grateful for the loyal and loving village of people that I am now a part of

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Playing softball all four years of high school has pushed me to stay dedicated to my work and passions. Being on JV my freshman year, I was given the opportunity to develop in a setting that had pre-established goals. From there, I was able to push myself to make varsity my sophomore year Softball offers an environment for me to constantly want to get better It has fostered in me the drive to never settle and to continue developing Through the sport, I have also been pushed to be a better teammate. Being part of a team sport means that I work for my teammates, not for myself. I am who I am because of this sport.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? The RIPLOC values that are highlighted in Loyola’s curriculum and community have prepared me to be a leader in my life after high school. To be a leader means that you are a well-rounded, strong individual who can support many types of people. Because of these values, I have grown in so many parts of my life. I can confidently say that I have the ability to take what I have learned at Loyola and share that knowledge and unconditional love with others around me I know that, as a leader, I can be a support system for others Loyola has taught me to push myself, and with that, I can help push others out of their comfort zones too

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Dumbach Scholar, National Honor Society

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Softball, Torch Club, Arrupe Service (Our Place, Special Gifts Theatre, Club Softball, Volleyball Coach, Abroad Service Trips (Greece, Maui)

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

The biggest piece of advice that I could give to new students would be to utilize the mentors who are there to help you succeed My biggest mistake my freshman year was not meeting with my teachers during their office hours or using the Help Lab during lunch The faculty at Loyola are there to support you, and they want to see you improve. Ever since I have spent more time outside of class with my teachers, I have established stronger relationships with all of them. You are never fully alone when you are a student at Loyola

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

Kairos was an experience that I always looked forward to from my freshman year up until I boarded the bus to leave for the retreat Everyone always talks about the transformational journey that truly changes your life and way of thinking Part of me was nervous to be altered in such a way, but I was mostly excited to finally understand what so many others were talking about. While I can’t share the details of the events that occur within those three days, I can confidently say that my views on the world have completely changed because of it. I have made friends through the retreat, and I have become a better person for others. The lessons I have learned through Kairos will stick with me as I continue to grow, and I only hope that I can spread this love to people around me I am very grateful to understand what it means to “live the Fourth ”

EMILIA NELSON

What are your plans

College/University: University of Notre Dame Intended Major: Strategic Management (Mendoza College of Buisness)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course that academically shaped me the most was AP Art History. Entering the course, I could not have predicted the immense impact it would make on me as a student and lifelong learner. AP Art History was not only fascinating, but it allowed me to appreciate art as a global medium for culture, history, and self-expression. The class gave me a deeper appreciation for a variety of mediums, and it propelled me to approach learning with a more open-minded approach

My freshman year, I was introduced to my first AP class, AP Human Geography Being in an AP class at the start of my Loyola journey was incredibly eye-opening and taught me what it means to study properly and think critically. Though it took adjusting, the class truly prepared me for my future AP courses and gave me insight into how to do higher-order preparation.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am most proud of my growth in AP Literature and AP Language and Composition Both courses, though they focus on different content, have improved my writing, reading, and analytical skills Although AP Literature came more naturally to me, it still forced me to analyze texts between the lines in order to find deeper meaning. AP Language and Composition served a different but equally important purpose. It truly is a “jack of all trades” course that has consistently challenged me to broaden my educational and global scope in order to utilize a variety of sources and argumentative strategies

Loyola’s Jesuit identity has deeply resonated with me and pushed me even further into my Catholic faith Coming into Loyola, I had already developed my personal faith, but I can now confidently say that Loyola’s Jesuit ideals have been written on my heart over these past four years. Whether in the classroom or through extracurricular leadership, I work to become a woman for others. One of my favorite Jesuit terms, imago Dei, meaning image of God, became especially prevalent when I led Kairos and had the chance to see God in each of the young women I had the experience of growing alongside

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

Though there are countless individuals at Loyola who have shaped me as a person, two adults who have been deeply influential in my Rambler journey are Mr Joseph and Mr Gregg Mr Joseph was my junior year Faith & Justice teacher His class made me confront my values and where they stemmed from His thought-provoking questions made me think deeply about how our society operates and our place within it as justice-seekers His willingness to listen provided a comfortable environment where all students felt safe to explore some of life’s most vital questions. Because of his class, I seek to continue asking questions that challenge me and help me form my own beliefs with intention Mr Gregg was the retreat director when I led Kairos (K305) His perspective on life and faith largely impacted the way I view my relationship with God and others I strive to treat people the way Mr Gregg does His abundant gift for active listening is something I hope to emulate He taught me what it means to meet others as equals and to love, even strangers, unconditionally As a result of his example, I work to emulate the agape love he has shown me and so many others.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the incredible communities here at Loyola and the chance to exist in a multitude of them. It can be difficult to have a busy schedule and a diversity of interests, but Loyola provides me the space to thrive in any of the things I am passionate about. The faculty and staff, my parents, my friends, and the broader Loyola community have built a supportive environment where I can do the things I love and know I have so many people cheering me on

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development?

My extracurricular activities have been arguably the biggest part of my Loyola experience From athletics to the stage, I have grown to become a more well-rounded individual I have been given the gift of being able to pull from so many different clubs and activities This diversity has given me a deeper sense of vocation and gratitude for the opportunity to do the things I love. Most importantly, my time doing service and leading retreats has made me much more compassionate and aware of the intricate and important lives of the people around me

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me in a multitude of ways academically, socially, and spiritually The classes have sparked my intellectual curiosity as well as prepared me for the rigor of college In addition, the leadership opportunities I have held here, combined with the all-encompassing Jesuit tradition, have formed me as a member of society prepared for magis the more. Because of Loyola, I have purpose behind my leadership and academics, as well as a call to help those around me in all areas of my life.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Don’t be afraid to get involved in the things you love doing. If you are passionate about something, it is always worth making the time.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

The Loyola Theatre community is full of incredibly meaningful traditions, and I have had so many heartfelt moments in the program. My all-time favorite tradition is singing the Our Father before every performance in an inner circle with the seniors and the other grades surrounding us. It truly is so special to me, and the entire community holds a place in my heart

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

DECA Chapter President, History club CoPresident, DECA National Qualifier (2024, 2025), Student Council Secretary, Kairos Leader (K305), Dumbach Scholar and Dumbach Scholars Leader, Rambler Award (Tennis), National Honor Society, Loyola Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

DECA, Varsity Tennis, Student Council, History Club, Theatre (four years of Loyola musicals), International Thespian Society, Dumbach Scholars Program, National Honor Society, Campus Ministry (K301 and K305), Choir, Arrupe Service Program, Gonzaga Lunch Leader

GAVIN PARDILLA

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Johns Hopkins University

Intended Major: Medicine, Science and the Humanitites

Additional Commitment: Wrestling

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

One course that shaped me intellectually at Loyola was AP Latin. In that class, I discovered my passion for Latin and the classical world. Translating and studying the texts challenged me to think carefully about language and meaning, which helped me grow as a learner. Mrs. Pagnotta has also been a great mentor to me. She encouraged my interest in Latin and helped me with my summer internship, where I researched Latin etymology in Pliny’s letters That experience made the subject even more meaningful and showed me how Latin connects to many modern fields

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. One time I stretched myself academically at Loyola was when I decided to take Honors Civics and Advocacy, even though social studies has never been my strongest subject. At first, I was outside my comfort zone because the class required a lot of reading, analysis, and discussion about government and public policy. Over time, however, I grew to really enjoy the class. I began to see how what we were learning connects directly to the real world, especially when studying how laws are made and how local governments serve their communities The experience helped me become more confident in a subject that once intimidated me and taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone can lead to new interests and growth as a learner

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? The academic achievement I am most proud of during my time at Loyola is maintaining a high GPA while taking AP and honors courses all four years Doing this required a lot of discipline and time management because balancing challenging classes with extracurricular activities was not always easy. It also required resilience, since there were times when classes were difficult and I had to push myself to keep improving. Staying consistent and working hard every day helped me grow as a student and take pride in my academic work

One experience that helped my faith and commitment to serving others grow was my Arrupe service at Centro Romero During this time, I helped tutor immigrants who were preparing for their citizenship classes Working with them showed me how determined many people are to build better lives for themselves and their families. It helped me better understand the challenges immigrants face and the importance of supporting our community. This experience strengthened my sense of justice and reminded me how meaningful it is to use my time and abilities to help others

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

The people who were most influential in my journey as a Rambler were Coach Phil and Coach Collum from the wrestling team Through wrestling, they taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and accountability They constantly pushed me to be my best, not just as an athlete but as a person Their leadership helped me grow in confidence and resilience, especially during difficult practices and competitions They also showed me what it means to lead by example, which helped me grow as a captain and teammate. Because of them, I learned that success comes from perseverance, teamwork, and giving your full effort every day.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the teachers and mentors at Loyola who helped guide and support me throughout my four years. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs. Blakeslee for helping me discern my vocation in biology and my desire to become a future doctor Through her support and encouragement, I was able to grow more confident in my interests and goals She helped me see how my passion for science could turn into a meaningful career helping others As I prepare to graduate, I am especially grateful for her guidance, and I am excited to continue studying biology in college

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? One way I grew beyond the classroom at Loyola was through serving as Blood Drive Chairman In this role, I helped organize and promote the school’s blood drive, encouraging students and staff to donate This experience helped me develop leadership and communication skills while working with others to coordinate the event. It also showed me how a school community can come together to help people in need. Through this role, I learned the importance of service and how small actions can make a real impact on others.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles

3x Varsity Wrestling State Qualifier, 2x Magan Cum Laude, National Latin Exam, 1x Summa Cum Laude, National Latin Exam, James C > Scholarship for Excellence, Loyola Scholar, AP Scholar

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Wresting Team Captain, Blook Drive Chair, Dumbach Scholars Program, Bowman First-Gen Program, Latin and Greek Honor Society, Arrupe Service Program, Peer Tutor

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has prepared me to lead by teaching me to be intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous in everything I do Through challenging classes, I learned to think critically and stay curious about the world around me. Outside the classroom, leadership roles like captain of the wrestling team and blood drive chairman taught me how to serve others, work with a team, and lead by example. Service experiences also helped me grow in compassion and understand the importance of helping my community Because of these experiences, I feel prepared to continue leading in college by working hard, supporting others, and using my education to make a positive impact.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

My advice to an incoming Rambler would be to try everything and get involved in as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone or try something new. Loyola offers so many opportunities, and the best way to grow is to take advantage of them. Over time, you will discover what you are passionate about and find your people who support and challenge you to be your best

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

One Loyola memory I will always carry with me is Friday night lights Being at the games with friends, classmates, and the whole school community created an incredible atmosphere that brought everyone together It was a time to show Rambler pride and support one another, and those moments of school spirit and community are something I will always remember.

ANDREA PAZ

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Intended Major: Psychology

Intended Minors: Education and Spanish

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course at Loyola that has shaped me the most was my AP Spanish Language and Culture class The class encouraged me to embrace my identity as Guatemalan and take pride in that Additionally, the class exposed me to the beauty of many different cultures and traditions across Latin America, which sparked my curiosity to learn more about other countries, languages, and cultures There is so much the world has to offer, and I look forward to exploring it

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I stretched myself academically when I took my first AP class my sophomore year, which was AP Art History I did not know what to expect and remember being very nervous every time I walked to class I would constantly compare myself to the other students, feel like I did not belong, and fill my mind with negative thoughts. Eventually, I realized I needed to change that mindset. Around the end of the first semester, I was already getting the hang of what was expected in the class I felt so proud of myself I learned to not compare myself to other people and to be proud of my own progress and work

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? An academic achievement I am most proud of is starting high school in all Track 6 classes and challenging myself to take Honors and AP classes throughout the years This was a time that required a lot of dedication and perseverance, which ultimately helped me grow as an individual

During my time at Loyola, I am grateful that I had many opportunities to practice my faith and serve my community. Loyola has encouraged me to try new things, one being service. Loyola inspired me to take action for what I believe in We have always been taught to love our neighbor and care for the marginalized, and I am proud to say I lived up to that The Arrupe Service Program has guided me toward taking steps to make a change in my community When I went to do service at Centro Romero and help immigrants seeking asylum, the people there left a lasting impact on me These experiences showed me that everyone deserves to be loved and accepted for who they are, no matter what. These people have strengthened my pride in being Latina. I truly appreciate my time with them because not only did I support them, but they also helped me discover my calling.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? My parents have been the most influential in my journey as a Rambler. As a first-generation Latina, my parents have taught me to appreciate my education and take advantage of it. They have encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone both academically and through my extracurriculars. My parents are my motivation and the reason I keep going despite the challenges that come my way. “Échale ganas” has been a phrase I have heard growing up, and it plays in my head every time I walk into school My parents have taken great care of me, and now I want to give that back to them

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I appreciate the entire faculty and staff at Loyola for making my high school experience memorable I would like to give a special thanks to Mrs Carter for always believing in me, supporting me every step of the way, and being proud of the person I am today.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I have grown beyond the classroom by accepting myself for who I am and being proud of that. I have also learned to appreciate every opportunity, moment, and person that life has placed in my path because time goes by so fast, and before we know it, that person or moment becomes a cherished memory

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? I believe being at Loyola has taught me to value the idea of loving our neighbor I believe everyone should be proud of who they are and that no one has the power to bring you down Everyone deserves a community, a place they can call home Therefore, Loyola has taught me how I can be that community for others

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Don’t change who you are to meet other people’s expectations Be proud of who you are, and don’t let anyone take that away

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

My favorite memory at Loyola was spending my free periods laughing, gasping for air, and playing games with my friends

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Swim Team Captain, Young Women of Color Symposium Leader, Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Swim Team, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Ambassadors, Bowman FirstGen Leaders, Young Women of Color Committee, Pax Christi, Arrupe Service Program

PATRICK REAVES

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Dayton

Intended Major: Finance

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? My favorite class I took during my time at Loyola was Entrepreneurship during the first semester of my junior year, taught by Mr Wahlbrink The class was unique in the way that it was very hands-on and involved real-world problems my group had to adapt to. It started in our first week, when everyone in the class came up with different ideas that would eventually be pursued as business opportunities My idea was a set of sensors to attach to your golf clubs that could track how many strokes you took in a round of golf Ultimately, everyone I pitched the idea to loved it, and I grouped up with some of my friends and wrote a 20-page business plan throughout the semester, along with some fun extra projects, like filming a commercial on a golf course late at night and raising money via a lemonade stand for charity. This class motivated me to bring my ideas to Loyola’s entrepreneurship competition, LA Tank. The Entrepreneurship class sparked my creative imagination in trying to make the world a better place by brainstorming business ideas that could benefit the future

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I stepped out of my comfort zone when I got involved in the football program I had never played prior to Loyola, and I almost quit during summer camp three weeks in Luckily, my dad pushed me to stick with it, and it was one of the greatest decisions I have ever made Not only did football physically keep me in shape, but I also developed relationships with players and coaches that will last a long time As I improved, it became a lot more fun for me, and the sport kept me happy during my time at Loyola.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? My greatest achievement at Loyola was winning LA Tank. During the competition, my group pitched a product that is a hand warmer that can wirelessly charge your phone. That idea was pitched well enough for us to get first place, earning a 36-hour internship in New York City Our group got the opportunity to step into the offices of Loyola alumni in different industries, like wealth management and healthcare There was also an alumni dinner that we attended, where I networked with many alumni in a multitude of industries Gaining those connections and hearing about their experiences gave me insight into my future beyond the classroom

Faith has been a focal point of my time at Loyola. I was involved in Arrupe all four years, assisting a religious education teacher for elementary students, but it wasn’t until my junior year on Kairos that I started to take my faith seriously. Going into Kairos, I had been going through a tough time and was questioning my faith. I learned that God is always present in our lives through the stories of others and how to bring God into the real world for others to experience I was also able to go on Summer Service going into my senior year I spent a week in Winona, Minnesota, helping Habitat for Humanity The 11 other students on that trip with me I can call some of my closest friends, as we all bonded through doing service and spending quality time with one another without our cell phones. As I leave Loyola, I hope to expand further on my faith and also help others to do the same.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? I would like to give a shoutout to Ms. Parker in the English department. Along with being in her class this year, I was able to interact with her outside the classroom on Kairos and Summer Service. Both of these experiences were very monumental in my Loyola experience, and the general takeaway was to be kind to everyone and grateful for what I have Watching a teacher like Ms Parker live out the values of RIPLOC outside the classroom motivates me to do the same Whenever I have a conversation with Ms Parker, she always has something nice to say or advice to give me to make me better I am very grateful our paths crossed during my time here

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? First and foremost, I would like to thank my counselors, Mr Vradenburg and Ms Lyons, for always being in my corner Whenever I needed anything, from a person to talk to or advice, they were always honest with me and put a smile on my face whenever I interacted with them. I also want to thank the Campus Ministers Mrs. Gregg, Mr. Gregg, Ms. Byrne, and Mr. Miller for helping me in my spiritual journey at Loyola. They have granted me countless opportunities to strengthen my relationship with God and others that have changed my life I would also like to thank all of the teachers I have had at Loyola. Your commitment to me as a student has led me to where I am today To Coach Desherow, Coach Kotowski, and the entire football coaching staff, thank you for believing in me every day and making me the best person I can be To Coach Livatino, Dean Hamilton, Coach Evans, and the Loyola basketball staff, thank you for taking me into the program with open arms and giving me an incredible experience these past few years as a manager. I will cherish the memories, lessons, and friendships I have made through Loyola athletics forever

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Loyola’s extracurriculars have each impacted me in different ways that have contributed to my growth beyond the classroom In athletics, I played football and was a manager for the basketball team These experiences taught me patience, responsibility, commitment, and that hard work pays off In Campus Ministry, I was involved in Arrupe, Summer Service, and Kairos, both as a retreatant and a leader These experiences taught me to be grateful, kind, understanding, to see God in all things, and that everyone’s stories are different. I am committed to taking all of these lessons from my experiences and applying them to the real world to make it a better place

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? The classes I have taken and their rigor have prepared me well for my future. I’ve also been able to leave my comfort zone by getting involved in extracurriculars. For example, I am not very confident in my public speaking abilities, and throughout LA Tank, I got better at it by presenting my product to rooms of people and confidently answering their questions These skills will translate well into college and beyond When I joined the basketball program as a manager, I was unsure of how much I would like it. Now, it is something I am planning to pursue in college.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Kairos Leader, Basketball Team Manager

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Football, Basketball Team Manager, LA Tank, Entrepreneurship Club, Arrupe Service Progam, Summer Service

Get involved and dip your feet into as many extracurricular activities as possible to figure out what you like. Then pursue those things, and upperclassmen and faculty will help you to excel in those fields

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

Winning state in football my sophomore and junior years, Summer Service, and Kairos

QUINN REYNOLDS

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Georgetown University

Intended Major: Classics and Philosophy (Pre-Law)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? During my sophomore year, I took Christian Life in Community with Mr. Dugan. Christian Life in Community taught me how to apply Jesuit ideology and Christian faith to my role as a member of society I found great enjoyment in applying what I learned to how I lived The class provided me with an excellent opportunity to reflect on who I was, question my faith, and develop my identity. It helped me evaluate what kind of person I was in each of my communities, and if there were areas of my life or people around me that deserved more love. The class laid the foundation for my love of discussions and philosophy, which is now one of my majors in college Our discussions were in-depth and mature, and I always found great joy in posing questions, responding to my classmates, and making connections to my faith, my role in a community, and class material. I apply the discussion skills I learned in that class every single day at Loyola and

beyond. Thanks to Christian Life in Community, I remain composed and comfortable in discussions or while speaking publicly. Furthermore, Mr. Dugan set a rigorous curriculum, yet held me to a standard that we both knew I could achieve with holistic passion for the course material He developed my approach to all assignments, which is to turn in work that I am proud of and that I have given deep thought I apply this quality of work to everything I do, no matter the point value.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. Junior year, I took AP Art History with Mrs Shifrin, a class that taught me to keep an open mind when approaching unfamiliar course material, subjects, or interests Heading into the year, I was unsure if I would be able to enjoy or understand the class because I had no previous experience with art studies. I thought that I would need a deep appreciation of art, or at least some kind of artistic talent, yet I had neither. I quickly realized that none of that mattered, and I found myself living a part of RIPLOC: remaining open to growth. Although I didn’t know how or why to appreciate art at the start of the year, I developed the skills to do so as the class progressed I learned to identify which pieces, artists, eras, styles, architecture, or mediums resonated most with me Art History taught me how to adapt my study habits to new styles of content, which I now apply universally across every class. I find what works best for me and create a focused routine. Furthermore, Art History provided me with many opportunities to draw content connections from all of my other classes. As an Ancient Greek student, much of what I learned reflected throughout the curriculum, and I found great joy in making connections to what I knew and loved I am very grateful that I took Art History, because it reminded me to remain open to growth.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am most proud of my contributions to the creation of Ricci Global Scholars, a journey that began my freshman year when I gathered the heads of the Social Studies Department and proposed a vision I’d been working on: a new honors program I stood before them and walked through my plans in a pitch that included a slide deck, a potential curriculum, field trip ideas, available Loyola resources that could be allocated, and my plans to obtain the resources we didn’t have. I was nervous at first, but as I continued and felt the recognition of my teachers, I became more comfortable speaking. I then took my pitch to Mr. Devine, who was receptive to my work and encouraged me to spend the summer expanding and revising my plans For the next four years, I continued to work with Mr Devine, meeting regularly to discuss how we could align the program with Jesuit values, what classes would fit well with the curriculum, what teachers would be willing and able to serve as mentors, and so on. Freshman year, I had the creativity to propose such an idea; beyond that, I had the discipline to continue revisions and pitches, and the resilience to keep going even when plans looked like they would fall through I’m grateful that four school years of effort culminated in the success of the Ricci Global Scholars program, which will enter its inaugural year after I graduate. I am also grateful that Mr. Devine was receptive and encouraging of me during the proposition and creation process, and I’m especially grateful to Profé Nathan-Gamauf for including me in the workshopping, framing, and promotional stages of the Ricci program. I am incredibly excited for its future and the opportunities it will provide for so many future students to come.

My sense of faith has developed significantly over the past four years, beginning with Dr. Stimming’s Foundations of Theology class and culminating with Mr. Clark’s Justice Seminar. Arriving at Loyola, I didn’t know what to expect from Theology I wasn’t necessarily a religion-oriented person, and I had never gone to a school that required theology I assumed the class would just be learning Bible verses and praying; I could not have been more wrong. Shortly after starting Dr. Stimming’s class, theology quickly became one of my favorite subjects and remained so across all four years at Loyola. Dr. Stimming taught us magis, the more, now a defining aspect of my character Her class laid the foundation for my willingness to practice deep self-analysis about my own faith and my role in community during Mr Dugan’s Christian Life in Community class The discussions held in that class allowed me to figure out where I stood with my relationship with God and with others My main takeaway from Christian Life in Community is that I can find God in my relationships with others, which really inspired me to reevaluate my outlook on the world and the people around me. I further defined this outlook in Dr. Gholson’s Faith and Ethics class, in which we studied how philosophies and ideologies over the course of history aligned with faith and the common good I found lots of overlap between this class and my Ancient Greek studies, and it was thanks to this overlap that I discovered what I would be majoring in I wanted to continue to apply my knowledge of ethics and actually exercise my Christian role in the world, so I decided to take Mr. Clark’s Justice Seminar during senior year. I appreciate Mr. Clark and his course for how real and unfiltered it is It provides a raw perspective of our world, and I’ve been exposed to many shortcomings of our society, why they happened, and what we’re doing to solve them I am very grateful for how willing Mr Clark is to connect with his students on very personal levels when discussing course material because it helps me be open and willing to apply myself to the class. Because it is an Ignatian Service Learning class, I’ve selected my service hours to align with what I learn I’m grateful to each one of my theology teachers for laying the seeds of my faith, teaching me how to define myself and my relationship with God, and how to apply myself as a man for others in the greater community

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? There are so many people who have been influential in my journey as a Rambler, and if I could list each and every one, I would need a book’s worth of space. I’ve had more wonderful teachers than I ever could have asked for, and many amazing moderators, mentors, and coaches However, my freshman year, there was a senior, Luke Hughes, who stood out as a mentor above the rest of my peers Luke was the foundation for my definition of a good leader. I first met him during my freshman orientation, at which he was my classroom leader. At the orientation, he talked to me like an equal, a welcoming introduction to Loyola’s student culture, and encouraged me to join clubs and get involved with the community Listening to Luke’s advice, I joined Model UN and History Club, just to discover that he was president of both In meetings, he was a vocal and personable leader, and

he made sure that the needs of everyone under his leadership were met. His mentorship didn’t end after he graduated; even last year, when I reached out to him for a school project, he took the time from his busy college schedule to connect me with local politicians he knew I have Luke to thank for my desire to be a leader and for my confident embrace of my academic curiosities

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate?

I’m incredibly grateful for Loyola’s Classics Department, through which I discovered my major and met my personal hero, Mrs Wick Mrs Wick was my Ancient Greek teacher both freshman and junior year Like all Classics teachers, she is incredibly knowledgeable, teaching both Latin and Ancient Greek to multiple classes each year. She has so many admirable character traits that I’ve always tried to model, like her deep passion for her work and her unwavering desire to help us students grow and develop Every time I’m excited about something, I can tell Mrs Wick, and she is equally excited for me She finds genuine happiness in watching her students succeed and find passion. It is because of her that I invested full effort and interest into the Classics, and thus selected it as my major in college, and that is something that I will forever be grateful for. What really deserves my gratitude, however, is that she is the entire reason I have a Rambler journey at all My freshman year, I faced lots of adversity, and I was not adjusting well to the climate of high school I almost left Loyola to go be with my brother at school, where I thought I would be more comfortable. I talked my thoughts through with Mrs. Wick, my most dependable and understanding teacher at the time, and her response ended up being a primary reason I stayed She told me she would be sad to see me go but would be happy if the decision made me happy; she said that she saw so much potential for me at Loyola and wished that I could see it too I thought this over, and in the end, I made my decision to stay When I told her of my choice, she gave me a big hug, and that’s when I knew I had made the right decision Two years later, I ended up with her again during Homeric Greek and once more during the summer Classics Tour trip. Mrs. Wick is so much more than a mentor to me. She is a friend, an anchor during turbulent times that I could always rely on. I am forever grateful for her kindness, her genuine passion for her job as an educator, and her deep empathy for her students She’s given me something that I can never thank her enough for: curiosity and confidence

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development?

During my time at Loyola, I have learned how to advocate for myself and others through the hockey program, my role models at school, and my time in different clubs. I wasn’t always an advocate; freshman year, I struggled to speak up for myself, often opting to face adversity alone However, after meeting a role model during my time in Model UN, I began to feel more confident speaking up for myself I joined Student Ambassadors to continue developing my advocacy skills Throughout my sophomore and junior years, I continued to work on my advocacy and leadership skills At school, a friend and I founded the Entrepreneurship Club together At hockey, I made the varsity two team and worked to establish a tight-knit community. Senior year, I’ve felt as if all the effort I’ve given to grow my communities has paid off. I was named captain of the varsity two team, where I used my authority to transition the locker room environment to one of mentorship I’ve been honored with leadership roles throughout many of my commitments, and I have done my best to dedicate all the time I have as a captain, president, co-chair, or executive to making sure the voices of all community members are heard. Wherever I involve myself, I encourage those around me to advocate for themselves or others. The importance of speaking up is central to my identity, and I have Loyola to thank for that Loyola has taught me what it means to be involved and how to be a man for others in positions of leadership

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? I’ve been shaping my definition of a good leader since freshman year, first drawing examples from teachers and student role models who recognized my curiosity and ambition Mrs Wick taught me how to work through adversity and feel no shame in embracing academic interests. Dr. Stimming instilled in me the importance of remaining Open to Growth, sowing the seeds of my love of theology. A student leader, Luke Hughes, demonstrated that a good leader listens to and uplifts all their peers when he recognized my interest and participation in multiple clubs he ran All of these people remained by my side throughout my Rambler journey Other role models appeared every year during my time at Loyola. By senior year, I was eager to be one of those leaders for someone else. As a varsity hockey captain, I worked my hardest to listen to underclassmen and establish seniors as mentors As a co-president of the Entrepreneurship Club, I encouraged everyone, regardless of grade, to pitch their ideas and grow comfortable with addressing adults and peers Loyola helped me define good leadership, then gave me many opportunities to put this definition into action. Loyola taught me that a good leader cares for the interests of their community members, fosters a safe environment for academic curiosity or special interests, leads with their actions, and can maturely advocate for themselves or others Now, as I look ahead to college, I feel confident and ready to apply myself to any community I join, and perhaps one day become a leader that inspires others.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Try new things. Join clubs. Join sports. Embrace what you love. Finding friends and establishing your interests is really hard if you don’t get involved. You can’t be afraid to try new things, because if you’re not open to growth, you’ll struggle to find what brings you joy Don’t get caught up thinking that being part of one community excludes you from being part of another. All four years, I’ve been an athlete and an active member in multiple clubs, and through a combination of both communities, I found my closest friends and discovered what I love doing Loyola is a big school, but that doesn’t mean you have to get lost in the crowd; rather, it means you have more opportunities to take the initiative, try new things, and meet new people.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

On the Varsity Maroon hockey team, the players have a long-standing tradition called LAM jacks. Before every game, after we warm up, we all gather around and do our LAM jacks When I first made the team, I thought it was silly, and it was almost the last thing I would expect from a hockey team I quickly realized that was the point; once I overcame the mindset that LAM jacks were embarrassing, I felt a much stronger sense of community within the locker room. Yes, they are somewhat silly, but what makes them special is that by the end of the year everyone does them, and everyone loves them LAM jacks were a central part of tradition on the team, and after three years of doing them and passing them on to the underclassmen, I have a great sense of appreciation for their symbolic representation of our locker room culture.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles

Varsity Hockey Captain, Ricci Global Scholars Program Contributing Founder, Dumbach Scholar, National Honor Society Executive Board, Puck Pals (LAHC Service Board) CoPresident, Entrepreneurship Club founder and Co-President, History Club Co-President, Greek Honor Society, Kyle Shellberg Memorial Scholarship Recipient, Student Ambassador

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Loyola Hockey, Dumbach Scholars Program, History Club, Entrepreneurship Club, Model UN, National Hnor Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, Greek Honor Society, Classics Tour, Cantores Domini (Christian Life in Community), Kairos

ELAINA RYCZEK

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Boston College

Intended Major: Neuroscience (Pre-Med)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The class that challenged me the most was AP Biology my junior year. It was my first AP science, and although it was difficult at times, it always pushed me to grow and gain confidence in my abilities Meeting every day with the double-period schedule allowed our class to quickly become a close community, and I was genuinely excited to go to class I formed so many meaningful friendships as we supported each other through challenging material, labs, and long days of studying. One of the main reasons this class meant so much to me was because of my teacher, Mrs. Blakeslee She is one of the most impactful teachers I have had in my time at Loyola Her passion for biology is so clear, and her dedication to her students goes so far beyond the classroom She always makes time to meet with students, no matter how busy her schedule is, and she celebrates each person’s progress and success as if it were her own. Her passion for the subject and genuine care for her students is what sparked my interest in biology and played a huge role in shaping what I hope to continue studying in the future

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. A moment when I stretched myself academically was when I chose to join the Dumbach Scholars Program. Going into high school, I always saw myself as a “math and science person,” so choosing to join a humanitiesbased program was a step outside my comfort zone I was initially drawn to Dumbach by hearing about my older siblings’ experiences and the different opportunities it offered, but it quickly became much more meaningful than I expected. Through AP Art History class and three years of the Dumbach curriculum, I developed a new way of thinking about the world. It pushed me to engage with different perspectives, cultures, and ideas, and it is something I continue to use in my everyday life, especially when I travel or encounter new experiences Since junior year, I have been a student leader within the program, helping with ideas to improve the program, managing social media, and supporting the community. Continuing in this leadership role through my senior year has allowed me to take on more responsibility and stay closely involved in a program that has played such a big role in my time at Loyola Overall, my time in Dumbach has taught me that I don’t need to limit myself to a single area of interest It showed me the value of being open to new ideas and perspectives, and how much growth can come from stepping outside what feels most comfortable

My involvement in Campus Ministry, retreats, and service experiences has significantly shaped how I understand faith and service Since freshman year, I have participated in the Arrupe service program and worked with various organizations, which has exposed me to communities and perspectives I may not have otherwise encountered. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that service is not always about helping others, but about mutual connection, presence, and recognizing the dignity in every person you meet This understanding deepened through Kairos, which was one of the best experiences of my time in high school Going through it myself allowed me to reflect on my own faith and relationships, and a year later, having the opportunity to be a Kairos leader made the experience even more impactful It was so special to be able to guide my group through something so personal and meaningful, and to support them as they grew in their understanding of faith and love, just as I had during my Kairos experience. I am also currently taking Justice Seminar, a service-learning course that has continued to expand how I think about justice in the world As I look toward a future in medicine, I am especially interested in exploring justice within healthcare My experiences working with individuals with disabilities and in service settings have made this area feel especially meaningful to me and have shaped the way I hope to approach my future career with both compassion and an awareness of equity.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Ms Riggs, my college counselor, has been one of the most influential people in my time at Loyola I met her junior year, and over time she became much more than someone who helped guide me through the college application process While she was incredibly supportive in helping me navigate applications and make decisions about my future, what stood out most was her ability to truly know her students She took the time to understand who I am beyond academics and was always someone I could go to for both guidance and encouragement. It is clear how much she genuinely cares about each of her students and celebrates their growth and success Ms Riggs has such a joyful and grounded presence and consistently brings positivity into every interaction, which has really inspired me I also had the opportunity to lead Kairos with her in January, which gave me a deeper appreciation for her story and her approach to supporting others. Getting to know her in that setting made her impact on my time at Loyola even more meaningful. I am so grateful for Ms. Riggs and the endless support she has shown me

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am most grateful for the people I have met throughout my four years at Loyola, especially my teachers and friends Every teacher I have had at Loyola genuinely cares about their students as whole people They consistently make time to meet with students and support them in any way they need. Their support also extends beyond the classroom, as teachers have shown up to my volleyball games and are always willing to be a source of support even for non-academic challenges I am also incredibly grateful for the friendships I have formed My friends at Loyola show me so much love and support, always make me laugh, and are there for me no matter what. I will always cherish the relationships I’ve built here, and I know they will last long after graduation.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? My advice would be to get involved in activities that are interesting to you, not just things you think will look good on a college application When you genuinely enjoy something, it is much easier to stay engaged and get the most out of it Also, take the time to build connections with everyone you can, both students and teachers, because those relationships will end up shaping your experience here more than anything else

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Varsity Volleyball Captain, Dumbach Scholars Student Leader, Kairos Leader (K307) AP Scholar with Distinction, Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Volleyball, Dumbach Scholars Program, Arrupe Service Program, Student Ambassadors, National Honor Society, Summer Service, Campus Ministry

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

One of my favorite Loyola memories is my time on Summer Service. This past summer, I had the opportunity to spend a week with the L’Arche community in Clinton, Iowa L’Arche is a community of adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities who live together in various homes throughout the town, sharing life and friendship Some of the members are just beginning to learn the independence to live on their own, and others have lost the parents who once cared for them L’Arche has a presence in cities across the world, and my group had the privilege of meeting groups from all around the Midwest by attending the biannual regional gathering in Chicago Throughout the week, I formed lasting friendships with the ten other students in my group and also with the L’Arche members themselves We had so much fun that we went back in November to visit them again, and in February they traveled from Clinton to Loyola, where we had lunch together and watched the Special Gifts Theatre performance

MADILYNN STARMANN

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of St. Andrews in Scotland

Intended Major: International Relations and Sustainable Development

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? Choosing to take Mrs Whelan’s Native American Literature class was one of the best choices I made here at Loyola The historical and factual teachings are invaluable, but what I really take away is the overarching lesson to question the narrative. I’ve grown so much in the way I think about an issue, debate about it, and write about it thanks to Mrs. Whelan and this course. I’m so happy to have been surrounded by thoughtful and hardworking students in this class The “family time” moments we’ve shared will always hold a special place in my heart

Coming from a public school, I had never studied and had never been interested in studying theology But I came to quite enjoy what we talked about in class, especially when we examined how to address injustice and inequality in our society. I’m grateful that my amazing teachers, especially Mrs. Jeong, have encouraged me to keep asking questions and to think critically about what needs to change in our society and why.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you—discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? As a junior, we were presented with the opportunity to win a scholarship for writing a persuasive essay addressing the question, “Should the government be able to regulate misinformation, or would that violate the 1st Amendment?” I stayed up super late preparing and assembled some 20+ pages of evidence Returning home with the news that I won was an amazing feeling

I attended the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D C , in November of 2025 The Teach-In is a conference made up of about 2,000 students from Jesuit institutions across America. It meets annually to address issues facing our world and country, and how we might tackle them in a peaceful and productive manner At the end of the three days, our group of about thirty students from Loyola and St Ignatius College Prep went to visit our congressional representatives on Capitol Hill to advocate for the ethical treatment of our planet and immigrants. I was one of two discussion leaders, and it truly cemented in me my determination to pursue my chosen majors I’ve truly found a community among other students here who are hungry for justice and willing to make it a priority

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? There are so many people here at Loyola who have done so much for me and my development. My Kairos experience altered the trajectory of the remainder of my time at Loyola in an amazing way and exposed me to a whole aspect of myself that I have come to love nurturing I’m very glad I met Mr Gregg and my Kairos leader Isabella on that retreat, as they have been so kind and generous toward me On another note, Mrs Shifrin, the Dumbach program director and my Art History teacher, has been truly a gift in my Loyola life Art History was the first class I ever took that I found both challenging and enjoyable I was always excited to go to her class because she knew so much about each work and cared to go the extra mile for us every single day. Mrs. Shifrin helped me realize the value of caring about what you do and the difference it can make in the end result.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I want to thank Mrs Corker She taught my Algebra 2 class as a sophomore and my Calculus class this year, so I’ve had the immense privilege of having her twice I love her class, which is absolutely wild because math has always been a genuine struggle for me. But Mrs. Corker refuses to let any student struggle alone. She has this brilliant way of balancing being a delightful and enjoyable person with being on task and effective. I smile and laugh in her class daily while also getting through my work One doesn’t immediately associate “calculus” with “fun,” but I do, thanks to Mrs Corker I’d also like to thank Mr Dugan, Mrs Zera, Mrs Ackron, Mr Arndt, and the construction crew assistant technical director, Ian Thank you all for motivating me, caring about me, and for being proud of me

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Loyola has helped me realize what it is that I want to do with my life I’m going to combine my fascination with politics with my passion for advocacy to help look after the planet and its people I’ve learned what

I value and how to speak up for what matters and for myself. Kairos and the Fourth Day retreat taught me that every single person has a story and that we’re all more alike than we are different.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? I feel ready to make my mark and to be a woman for others in a brand-new environment The education I’ve received here is truly a gift, and I intend to pay it forward in every way possible. I’m going to maintain my advocacy inclinations and continue to serve where I can. I’ll stay open to growth, and I won’t shy away from what’s difficult.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be? Take courses in things you aren’t familiar with Try something outside of your comfort zone Join clubs, theatre (whether that be acting, set construction, lighting, or anything), sports teams, or anything that will put you around students from other grades It’s an amazing way to learn about activities and classes you might be interested in down the road. Never be afraid to ask for help. Talk to people. I made almost all of my friends by chance, making jokes about something insignificant in class or in the library Above all, be brave, and don’t worry if you don’t have a stereotypical high school experience Make your own path, and do what makes you happy

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

I have so many amazing experiences to pick from. This one’s nothing special, and it’s a bit silly, but it’s one of my favorite memories. In March, there was one Saturday when it was really, really nice out My friends and I were at school building the set for the musical, and on our lunch break, we stepped outside for a minute The sun felt so good after such a long stretch of clouds and snow I’m not sure why, but we started doing cartwheels My friend Ellory taught some students who had never done them before, and we had an amazing half hour just laughing, falling over, and soaking up the sun. Students from every grade level were just taking a moment to be kids. I’m not sure why that’s stuck with me, but it has

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Dumbach Scholars Program, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, International Thespian Society, Construction Crew Head (Theatrical Productions, Lunch Packing Organization Student Leader

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Thetrical Set Construction (2 years), Philosophy Club, Sevilla Spain Immersion Trip (2025), Classics Tour (2025), Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice (Washington DC), Service and Advocacy Initiatives

RACHEL TAKYI

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Loyola University Chicago

Intended Major: Public Health

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

An academic experience that most shaped me intellectually was my Honors Native American class taught by Mrs. Whelan. It pushed me to think critically about how historical and ongoing injustices toward Native communities continue to shape our modern world. It made me more aware that the words we use and the narratives we carry can influence perspectives, policies, and equity today Her class helped me grow as a learner by questioning assumptions and thinking more critically about how language and narratives shape understanding.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles

Two-Time Varsity Flag Football Team Captain, National Hnor Society, DICE Event Coordinator, AAYG Art Director, Young Women of Color Symposium Ambassador

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Hope Squad, AAYG, Cooking Cub, Politics Club, Flag Football, Student Leaders, Torch Club, Ambassador, DICE, Volleyball, Track and Field, National Honor Society, Step Team, Service

One of the most influential people during my time at Loyola has been Mr Metellus He encouraged me to be punctual, present, and intentional in everything I do, and reminds me to take advantage of opportunities when they come. His guidance helped me understand the importance of discipline, responsibility, and showing up fully, which has shaped how I approach both school and life Because of his advice and example, I feel more prepared to take on challenges and make the most of the opportunities I’m given in college.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? During my time at Loyola, I am most grateful for the friends I have made and the dedicated teachers and staff. I would like to thank my AP African American Studies teacher, Mrs Russell, for showing me how much of African American history and experiences we often don’t see or hear about and for encouraging me to think critically about representation and perspectives. To Mrs. Whelan, who challenged me in Honors Native American, helping me understand how historical narratives and language shape injustices that still affect communities today, and how we can work to change that To Mrs Yatabe, who helped me rediscover my love for photography and reminded me to embrace creativity. To my friends, who pushed me to put myself out there, try new things, and be more confident. To the security guards Ms. Cynthia, Ms Robin, Ms Brittany, Ms B, and Ms Jen who have shown me the importance of everyday kindness by always greeting me, asking about my day, and encouraging me to do the same for others All of these people, in their own ways, have helped me grow both as a student and as a person

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (Gies College of Business)

Intended Major: Business

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? Before entering Loyola Academy, I had never taken a formal theology class. I wondered what I would learn over the next four years and how any of it would shape my life beyond school. Justice Seminar, however, quickly became one of the most formative parts of my Loyola experience and a catalyst for my personal growth From my first day, I constantly heard about service, leadership, and justice, but I had never been given the space to truly practice these values until this course. One of the first moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone was Mr. Clark’s introduction of our opening project, “Trading Spaces ” We were paired randomly and asked to spend time in each other’s communities My classmates and I knew Justice Seminar would be different, but none of us expected it to begin with something so challenging. That project ended up giving me a new friend, a community I still feel connected to, and an awareness I had never experienced before. In our

small but motivated classroom, Mr. Clark created a welcoming environment where meaningful, honest discussion became the norm. Throughout the year, we have explored issues such as racism, immigration, homelessness, and the economy topics I care deeply about This course has sharpened my thinking, but it has also taught me to remain open to growth by listening to perspectives different from my own Because Justice Seminar is discussion-based, every student has a voice. Hearing my peers’ experiences and viewpoints has strengthened our relationships and broadened my understanding of the world around me. Justice Seminar has become the capstone of my time at Loyola Academy It represents the best of what this school offers: opportunities that challenge you, shape you, and ultimately prepare you to engage with the world more thoughtfully and compassionately.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. I never considered myself a “math person.” Throughout my time at Loyola Academy, I gravitated toward the humanities and found comfort in subjects where interpretation and creativity guided the learning process. That changed this year when I decided to challenge myself by enrolling in AP Calculus AB For years, my biggest obstacle in math was my struggle to see its relevance beyond the classroom Mr McNulty transformed that for me, revealing the presence and even the beauty of mathematics in everyday life. Before our first test, I met with him for a review session. Instead of re-teaching the material, he connected calculus concepts to my AP Economics class In just twenty minutes, something that had once felt intimidating suddenly became intuitive That shift in perspective sparked an unexpected passion for math I began participating more confidently, taking intellectual risks, and even helping classmates outside of class. To my surprise, AP Calculus soon became one of the highest grades on my transcript an outcome I never would have imagined without Mr. McNulty’s guidance This course has changed me in ways that go far beyond learning how to solve integrals It taught me how to approach difficult problems with creativity and flexibility Looking back, I no longer see myself as a “humanities person,” but as a dynamic learner capable of thinking in multiple ways. I am deeply grateful for both the class and Mr. McNulty, because they pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me the value of embracing new challenges.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? The academic achievement I value most is the steady academic growth I’ve built over my four years of high school I entered freshman year enrolled in all Track 6 courses, unsure of how I would measure up academically By sophomore year, I challenged myself with two Honors classes. By junior year, I had progressed to a full schedule of Honors and AP courses. What matters most to me is not just that I reached a rigorous course load, but that I did so with intention and success Each year, I aimed to create a balanced schedule one that pushed me while still allowing me to explore subjects I genuinely enjoyed Increasing the difficulty gradually taught me discipline, responsibility, and curiosity. These habits shaped the learner I am today and continue to guide the way I approach my education. This long-term growth is the accomplishment I am most proud of, and it’s one I plan to carry with me into higher education. I owe much of this progress to the teachers and staff at Loyola Academy, whose support made this journey possible.

The summer before my senior year, I had the opportunity to participate in a summer immersion trip. I was assigned to the Urban Plunge Program in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, alongside eleven of my classmates. Over the course of the week, we confronted the realities of poverty by living off food stamps, visiting homeless shelters, and engaging in honest conversations with the people we met Although we began the trip simply as peers, we returned as close friends, connected by shared experiences that continue to shape our lives. One moment that remains especially meaningful to me was meeting a teenage girl at a cost-free grocery store where we volunteered Our conversation simple, genuine, and unfiltered offered me a glimpse into the daily struggles faced by many It also allowed me to form a bond with someone whose path I never would have crossed otherwise Loyola Academy’s mission to form students in “mind and heart” comes alive through experiences like this, and it has sparked in me a deep passion for social justice That week reshaped how I see the world and clarified the kind of future I want to pursue one rooted in service, empathy, and the Jesuit ideals that have guided me throughout my time at Loyola.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Loyola Academy has shaped me not only through its academic rigor but, more importantly, through the personal relationships I have formed These connections extend beyond my closest friends to the everyday interactions I share with the security and maintenance staff. Among them, Ms. Cynthia has become the most influential presence in my journey as a Rambler. I see Ms. Cynthia every day—sometimes in the cafeteria, sometimes in the hallway and although our conversations are often brief, they have become a grounding part of my Loyola experience Her steady presence and genuine warmth have been a daily constant amid four years of shifting lunch tables, challenging classes, and the usual ups and downs of high school This year, her impact deepened in ways I never expected As I struggled with my grandfather’s decline and eventual passing, Ms. Cynthia offered me a space where I felt safe to be honest about my grief. She reminded me, day after day, that I didn’t need to hide my sadness. Through her kindness, I learned that small, consistent acts of care can carry immense weight, even when they go unnoticed by others I am profoundly grateful for Ms Cynthia Her compassion has shaped the way I hope to move through the world, and I aspire to one day offer others the same quiet strength she has given me.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am profoundly grateful for the supportive staff and security team at Loyola Academy, whose steady presence shapes the heart of our school. They create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment not because it is expected of them, but because they care about the community we share. Their work often happens quietly, behind the scenes, yet it is the foundation that allows Loyola to feel like home. I often think about the winter mornings and afternoons, when the cold settles in and the days feel long Even then, the maintenance and security staff show up with unwavering dedication They clear the parking lots before we arrive and greet us with kind smiles that cut through the frost. These gestures may seem small, but they carry a warmth that stays with you. They remind us that we are looked after, that someone is paying attention, that kindness can be woven into the simplest parts of the day As I prepare to leave Loyola, I find myself thinking about these faculty members with a special kind of gratitude Their service, their care, and their quiet generosity have shaped my experience more than they will ever know. I will miss them deeply, and I will carry their example of humility and compassion with me long after I leave these halls.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I’ve grown in many ways since freshman year, but nothing has shaped me more deeply than returning to the fine arts. Music has always been the way I understand myself, yet when I entered high school, that part of me faded Between service commitments and athletics, I slowly lost the space to create, and with it, a piece of who I was Joining Loyola Academy’s Choir program junior year felt like opening a door I didn’t realize I had closed. Since then, music has become a source of grounding and joy again. I’ve grown not only as a singer but also as a leader, especially through serving as Chorale President this year. This role reminds me how meaningful it is to help others find their voice while rediscovering my own The fine arts have become an essential part of my education, something I can’t imagine my life without They reconnected me with my greatest passion, and that clarity has shaped my hopes for the future. I’m eager to continue studying music in college and to keep exploring the possibilities it opens for me.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola Academy has shaped the way I see myself as a learner and a leader. It’s where I discovered the confidence to use my voice, not just for my own success, but to create change around me. From the very beginning of my high school journey, Loyola surrounded me with opportunities to grow, and one of the most meaningful sources of support quickly became the Help Center As I matured academically and developed stronger study habits, my visits to the Help Lab became less about receiving help and more about offering it. Becoming a Peer Tutor transformed the way I understood leadership. It taught me how to meet people where they are, how to listen, and how to adapt to each student’s unique way of learning Those moments sitting beside a classmate, watching something finally “click” showed me the kind of impact I want to have in the world Loyola Academy has set a standard for what education can be when it’s rooted in compassion, curiosity, and service. It has given me a model of leadership I hope to carry with me into college and beyond, and a legacy I’m proud to continue living out

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

If I could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, it would be to welcome the unknown with an open heart Starting at a new school especially one with a reputation as strong as Loyola’s can feel overwhelming. I remember wondering whether I truly belonged here, whether I was capable enough, brave enough, or ready enough But the moment I began spending time with my classmates, I realized something comforting and powerful: none of us were in this alone We were all learning, adjusting, and growing side by side. The unknown shows up everywhere your classes, your teams, your service work, your clubs, and even in the simple act of introducing yourself to someone new. Your life shifts in countless ways during these years, and instead of resisting that change, embrace it. Looking back, the moments that shaped me most, the ones I treasure now, were the very things I was hesitant to try at first So be bold Take the leap Let yourself be surprised by what you’re capable of Embrace the unknown, because it has a way of becoming something beautiful here. And trust me you’re going to love it.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

My favorite Loyola tradition, and one I know I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life, is the moment I was “clapped in ” At the first Mass of every school year, the freshmen walk into the East Gym surrounded by the applause of the entire Loyola community. It’s meant to symbolize our transition into high school, but for me, it became something much more. It was the first time I truly felt seen and welcomed as a Loyola Academy student. I remember standing there with so many unknowns ahead of me new people, new expectations, a new chapter I wasn’t sure I was ready for Yet that tradition, that simple act of being clapped in, felt like a hand on my shoulder guiding me forward. It told me I belonged. It told me I was part of something bigger. And now, as I prepare to be “clapped out,” I can feel the full circle of it all. Everything that happened between those two moments the friendships, the challenges, the growth, the memories lives inside that space Loyola became the place where I found my footing, my confidence, and my community. I was blessed to spend these years here, and that first welcome will forever mark the beginning of a journey I’ll never forget

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

National Honor Society Executive Board Leader, Spanish Honor Society Executive Board Leader, AP Scholar, Loyola Scholar, Loyola Academy Chorale President, Student Counseil School Culture Leader, Hellenic Club International Night Chair, Compost Initiative Expansion Leader

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Student Council, Hellenic Club, Student Ambassadors, Compost Crew, Arrupe Service Program, Peer Tutoring, Summer Service, Choir Program, Softball, Cheerleading

NATALIE VALENCIA

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Marquette University

Intended Major: Exercise Physiology (Pre-Med Track)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? I think that my psychology course with Ms. Soni shaped me in a socially intellectual way. Learning about human behavior shaped me to think more about the roots of why we do the things we do, and I truly believe that I am more patient and considerate because of that

One moment when I stretched myself academically was when I took AP Spanish Literature my junior year. The summer going into junior year, I had to do summer homework since it’s a requirement for the course. I remember finding it very challenging because I had never read such advanced Spanish in poems, short stories, and novels, so I struggled a lot When the school year arrived, it was challenging for me to keep up with the amount of reading and analysis required because interpreting Spanish literature was much more complex than anything I had done before. I was not confident in my abilities at first, but instead of giving up, it pushed me out of my comfort zone I challenged myself to stay engaged and put time aside just for that class I eventually became quite comfortable with analyzing texts in Spanish, which is a shock to me This experience taught me that growth comes from persistence and that stepping outside of my comfort zone can lead to improvement.

I think that my Faith and Justice and Ignatian Journey courses have expanded my perspective on spirituality and morals Through these classes, I learned about ethics and how we can actively apply that to our everyday lives. As a result, I’ve been more open-minded and thoughtful in the way that I approach different perspectives by allowing my faith to grow in action.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? My sophomore year chemistry teacher, Mr Azpell, influenced me to be more positive and kind His care for me as a student has truly motivated me academically and athletically, and I learned that if I can provide that same kindness for others, I can surround myself with people that I love.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I would like to thank Campus Ministry as a whole. Through the retreats and small group discussions they offer, I was able to navigate my spiritual path and also have more gratitude for those in the several communities that I am involved in

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? The opportunities that Loyola has provided me, especially being the president of UniDos and a Kairos leader, have taught me a lot about the responsibilities that come along with leadership. It wasn’t easy for me at first, but I think that through a certain amount of vulnerability and trust with myself and others, I learned that a key factor in being a good leader is collaboration. Leaders aren’t supposed to dictate; they are supposed to guide others This mindset has prepared me for college and beyond with confidence, acknowledging that true leadership comes from listening, collaborating, and uplifting those around me

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

UniDos President, Kairos Leader, Loyola Scholar, AP Scholar, Brost Award

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola?

Varsity Bowling, UniDos, I-Night, Insignis, Arrupe Service

My advice for future students is to not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone because you won’t regret it. Taking little risks that sound intimidating at the time can lead to growth and new opportunities that shape your future in ways you can’t imagine

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

I love everything about Loyola I’ll always cherish the football games, pep rallies, Campus Ministry events, and service activities, but most importantly, I’ll miss the Rambler community as a whole.

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: University of Arizona

Intended Major: Physiology and Medical Sciences

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker?

My Honors Anatomy and Physiology class this year has shaped me the most intellectually. It challenged me to think deeply about how the human body works and pushed me to approach learning with curiosity and discipline The class required real effort and focus, but it made me appreciate how fascinating science can be and helped me choose my major in college It helped me grow as a learner and showed me what I am capable of when I push myself.

I really stretched myself academically during my senior year by choosing a more rigorous course load, including AP Statistics, Honors Economics, and Honors Anatomy and Physiology. Taking these classes forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and manage my time carefully while balancing academics, athletics, and work Through this experience, I learned how to stay disciplined, stay organized, and trust my ability to rise to a challenge.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am very proud of earning the Loyola Scholar Award, which requires an unweighted GPA above 93 5 This achievement represents years of discipline, consistency, and balance Maintaining strong grades while participating in athletics, leadership roles, and work required dedication and perseverance, and it is something I am very grateful to have accomplished

Kairos had the biggest impact on my faith during my time at Loyola Attending Kairos as a junior was a powerful experience, and returning as a leader this year allowed me to grow even more Leading the retreat helped me understand the importance of faith, vulnerability, and supporting others. It strengthened my relationship with God and deepened my commitment to living out my faith through service and leadership..

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Mr. Miller from Campus Ministry has been the most influential person in my journey. I have grown a lot in my faith over my time at Loyola, and he has been the person who helped me the most. He was my adult leader on Kairos during both my junior and senior years and works at Loyola Day Camp, where I also work as a counselor His support, example, and encouragement made a lasting impact on how I view leadership and my relationship with God.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am grateful for Loyola Academy football and the brotherhood of the team Being part of the program taught me discipline, perseverance, and the importance of teamwork Football helped me grow into the young man I am today and pushed me to trust others Football is the ultimate team sport, and I’m so grateful to have experienced it I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering love, guidance, and support throughout my time at Loyola. I would not be where I am today without their sacrifices.

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? Athletics and leadership opportunities helped me grow tremendously outside the classroom Football and lacrosse taught me resilience, teamwork, and how to lead others Kairos leadership strengthened my faith and my ability to support and encourage peers. These experiences helped me grow into a more confident and responsible person.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola prepared me through rigorous coursework, leadership opportunities, and experiences that emphasized faith, service, and community. I learned how to balance responsibilities, lead with integrity, and work toward goals with discipline These lessons will continue to guide me in college and beyond, where there won’t be as many safety nets

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Make sure to balance your life and have fun Live in the moment because it went by so fast It sounds cliché, but it’s 100% true, so take advantage of every opportunity, work hard, and enjoy the experience.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

The memory I will carry with me most is Loyola athletics and the wonderful times I had with all of my friends and coaches The relationships, hard work, and shared success are things I will never forget

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Loyola Scholar Award, Two-time State Football Champion, Football Team Captain (Senior Year), Lacroose Team Captain (Freshman and Sophomore Years, Kairs Leader (Senior Year)

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Football, Lacrosse, Kairos Retreat Program

JACQUELINE WILLER

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: New York University, Tisch School of the Arts

Intended Major: Drama (New Studio on Broadway)

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course I loved the most was Honors Acting Studio. I believe at Loyola we fall into a pattern of needing to take such rigorous courses, and I think art classes are seen as easy A’s. This class is not only enjoyable but also deeply meaningful, and the lessons I’ve learned are unmatched

I joined Sports Medicine on a whim. I did not think I would, but I did because it seemed enjoyable and unique, so I joined with a group of four other girls. Every single day in the summer, I had a routine: go to the shed, get the Gator, and start loading it with all the supplies necessary Most of the time, I just sat there helping with wrapping or bandages, but those small interactions and moments are what made it so meaningful I love taking care of people and learning more about them. Freshman-year me would not have predicted that I would do this, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It taught me about medicine. It taught me football strategy. But best of all, it introduced me to connections I would have never made if not for Sports Medicine

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity?

I am proud of my strong GPA balanced with my extracurriculars I was able to hold a 4 0 while keeping myself active every day after school It required a lot of work, but it was incredible to be a part of I am going to be so honest in saying my time at Loyola was not easy. I often felt isolated and struggled to motivate myself. But then I remembered my younger self how much she wanted this, how much she wanted to go to a good school her parents would be proud of, how much she wanted to work in theatre, and how much education mattered to her Maintaining my grades took time, effort, and occasional tears, but most importantly, motivation

My faith has been strengthened through two very specific people. First of all, Mr. Gregg. He has been such a great leader in my spiritual journey. I find his love for music and ability to build a strong community is so impressive He truly cares for those around him and the Loyola community I find the conversations I have with him are deeply personal and kind He taught me how to grow and succeed while keeping a love for those around me. My strength has been also been strengthened by Ms. Lyons. Ms. Lyons is someone I met by chance in my junior year. She is such a wonderful person who I found solace in when I was having a rocky time in high school Her kindness and genuine love for her vocation is something I hope to have in the future I am so grateful for my wonderful leaders!

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? Ms. Lyons she was such a steady support for me, and I think that more people should realize how deeply caring she is and how kind her advice can be.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given at this school. I do not know where I would be without Mr. Arndt and Ms. Roach and their leadership. They have given me the chance to find myself on stage while supporting him in the rehearsal process Thanks to them I realized that I can pursue theatre professional and I am good enough to succeed in this art form

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Nothin But Treble President, Theater Board

Member, Sports Medicine President, National Honor Society Leader, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Student Director, Torch Club Member, Part of NYU, UCLA, and New York summer programs

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Theater, A cappella, Sports Medicine, National Honor Society, Arrupe service work, Ambassadors, Torch Club

n what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? The arts were the central thing that made me stay at Loyola Theatre, a cappella, and vocal lessons have become the things I look forward to most I found myself in these places. Loyola can be a hard place to be in if you don’t have a community or group of people you identify with but in the arts, I found never ending love.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Participate in the arts It will always be the best community

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you? The candle circle during Loyola Theatre

TREY WILLIAMS

What are your plans for next year? Please share the college or university you will attend and your intended major or area of study.

College/University: Cornell Univeristy

Intended Major: Business

Additional Commitment: Basketball

Looking back, which course or academic experience at Loyola most shaped you intellectually? What made it meaningful, and how did it challenge you to grow as a learner or thinker? The course that helped me grow most intellectually at Loyola was my AP Economics class my senior year While sometimes heavy with content, this class, taught by Mr Ceplecha, changed the way that I study for my exams. Instead of just watching videos or going over notes, I learned that I retain information best through practice and putting pen to paper by trying out problems and seeing where my deficiencies in the material lie Mr Ceplecha has also done a very good job encouraging us to work with our classmates on new material, which has significantly helped my collaboration skills and ability to hear other people out when they have a new thought or realization.

Loyola emphasizes critical thinking and openness to growth. When did you stretch yourself academically? Describe a moment when you stepped outside your comfort zone and what you learned from that experience. When I first came to Loyola as a freshman, I was oftentimes too arrogant to meet with teachers when I needed help and thought of it as a sign of a lack of intelligence However, as I have progressed through Loyola, I have learned that using your resources to the best of your ability is the exact opposite. It started with my Honors Pre-Calculus class, where I finally overcame this stigma of asking for extra help and went to meet with my teacher because I was honestly confused on a topic After meeting with Mr Strauss and doing a little bit more studying, I was extremely pleased with the grade I got back for my test, and I haven’t looked back since This experience completely changed my opinion on meeting outside of class and has made me into a much better learner in every course I have taken since.

What academic achievement are you most proud of during your time at Loyola? What did it require of you discipline, resilience, collaboration, creativity? The academic achievement I am most proud of during my time at Loyola is having the ability to take four AP-level classes my senior year. If you were to tell me that I would be doing this my freshman year, I would have been very frustrated with my future self for putting all of this extra work onto my shoulders But when it came time to decide, I realized that if I have the opportunity to challenge myself, I should take it and pursue success to the best of my ability. This leap, while difficult at times, has been one of the best decisions I have made here.

My commitment to serving others has grown tremendously over my four years here at Loyola I began my time here seeing service as another add-on to my college résumé or an hour to add to my Clavius Honors Program total. However, throughout my years here, I have learned that service is so much more than what you get out of it; it is about what you can give. Giving up my time to help others has taught me how to always be selfless and caring for others It has also taught me to be thankful for the many gifts that I was blessed with and how to use them in service to others This has shown this year for me as I have gone to three of the last four Gonzaga food drives over the past two weeks.

Who was most influential in your journey as a Rambler? How did this person teacher, coach, mentor, campus minister, or peer shape who you are becoming? The most influential mentor that I have had here at Loyola has been Ramar Evans from the admissions staff. Ramar is an assistant head coach of the basketball program, which I am fortunate enough to play for. He went through the program a couple of years before I joined as a freshman and therefore knows what it takes to be successful and the little things that he wishes he could have done better His influence on my time at Loyola has gone far past basketball and has translated into the person that I am for others. He has taught me how to lead, how to care, and how to respect everybody that I come across, and for this I could truly not be more thankful.

Gratitude is central to Ignatian spirituality. What are you most grateful for at Loyola? Is there someone you would especially like to thank as you prepare to graduate? What I am most grateful for here at Loyola is all of the support that my teachers have given me throughout my four years Every teacher I have come across has taken it upon themselves to make my classmates and me into the best versions of ourselves through the material and with each other. They have responded to my many emails in a timely manner, they have encouraged me in my athletics, and they have treated me like a high schooler, not just another student They are truly the best of the best, and every single faculty member that I have had the ability to create a connection with has changed my life for the better

In what ways have you grown beyond the classroom? How did athletics, the arts, clubs, leadership roles, retreats, or service opportunities contribute to your development? I would like to think that I have grown in my resilience to life’s obstacles As a freshman, I would oftentimes get upset and defeated over small failures such as missing a shot in a game, forgetting to do an assignment, or not being able to hang out with my friends over the weekend. As I have progressed through my time at Loyola, I have noticed that instead of allowing these little moments to pull me down, I have gotten better at using them as stepping stones to overcome whatever it is that I had previously fallen short on I have improved at this mostly thanks to my time during the two retreats (Kairos and Ignatian Journey), which helped me realize that everybody struggles at one point or another, but no matter what, God is always with us when we feel alone and helpless.

Loyola speaks about forming leaders who are intellectually curious, compassionate, and courageous. How has Loyola prepared you to lead in college and beyond? Loyola has taught me what a good leader looks like. A good leader, in my opinion, is sympathetic, honest, trustworthy, and humble. They don’t try to lead for recognition or glory, but instead out of a genuine passion to see their peers thrive and succeed around them I hope this translates into my major and on the court, as I will be able to cement myself in the Cornell community as a person who puts his best foot forward and becomes part of many different people’s lives.

If you could offer one piece of advice to an incoming Rambler, what would it be?

Your friends, teachers, grades, and athletics will all change during your time at Loyola, but God’s presence in your life never will Always look for Him when you feel lost and trust Him to guide you onto your own path by valuing the idea of being a man or woman for others.

Is there a favorite Loyola tradition, memory, or moment that you will carry with you?

One of my favorite moments at Loyola was the faculty and staff basketball game at the pep rally during my senior year. The teachers had been talking trash to the players for about a week, and when the game happened, it was awesome to see our teachers in a different environment outside of the classroom Some of the funniest moments from my time at Loyola came from this game.

Please list your key achievements and leadership roles.

Basketball Captain (Two Years), Clavius Honor Society, Latin Honor Society (Three Years), Insignis Service Program, Camp Hope Service Lear

What activities, clubs, athletic teams, or programs did you participate in during your time at Loyola? Basketball, Quantum Computing Club, Gonzaga Service, Insignis, Fishing Club

Thank You Class of 2026

Once a Rambler, Always a Rambler