Marian Matters (Fall 2022)

A MAGAZINE FOR MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS

Fall 2022

Marian Matters LEARNING IN THE SPIRIT of St. Dominic

Teaching Scholars with a Soul

The Big Picture ...

New Field, New Coach, New Season!

This fall, Spartan football took to the gridiron on new field turf! Joining the team on the sidelines was new head coach, Nick Lopez '00. Soccer teams and the band will also benefit from the updated surface. The project was fully funded through the generosity of alumni and alumni parents who recognize the value of the Marian Catholic experience on and off the field.

A Message from the President Who are we...really? One of the greatest challenges facing Catholic education right now is our ability to maintain our identity in an increasingly secular world and in schools with fewer and fewer religious.

As a Catholic, Dominican, college preparatory school, Marian Catholic has a unique identity. In this issue of Marian Matters, Sister Judine Hilbing, OP, and Sister Judith Hilbing, OP, (yes, they are Sisters and sisters) take us on an inspiring journey of how six young women from Kentucky established the Dominican Sisters of Springfield 150 years ago.

We also celebrate today’s Spartans, especially the Class of 2022; and introduce two new roles to our community, the Vice President of Ministry and Mission and the Dean of Community Life, both intended to deepen our connectedness to one another and strengthen our faith-filled community.

When we started the school year, I challenged our faculty and staff. I told them our goal was not to get back to where we were before the pandemic, but to exceed it. As Sister Mary Paul McCaughey OP '67 said when presenting at our back-to-school meeting, we do not just want to “put the train back on the tracks,” we want to “move it to a launchpad.” To advance that train will require a renewed focus not only on academics, athletics, and the arts, but also on our mission.

Marian Catholic High School is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school within the Dominican tradition of study, prayer, community, and preaching. Marian Catholic students seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents, and demonstrate ethical leadership and Christian service.

How do we embrace our Catholic, Dominican identity? How do we teach our students to preach from the pulpit of their lives, as St. Dominic did? How do we pass on the Catholic faith and the Dominican charism at this moment in our society?

These are important and difficult questions. The hurdles we face as an independent Catholic high school can be great, but the faith and charism handed down to us is far greater. With your prayers and support, we will continue the legacy given us, strengthen our ministry to our young people, and look forward to an exciting, albeit it uncertain, future.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our mission,

Vincent J. Krydynski '81

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Dominican Sisters of Springfield Celebrate 150 Years New Leadership Roles

The Wall That Heals Congratulations Class of 2022!

Every Student, Every Day Athletics Highlights Fine Arts in Review

24 25 26 27 28 32 33

33rd Endowment Golf Classic 4Marian 2022 Let’s Go, Go-Go White Sox! Calendar of Upcoming Events Alumni Notes Remembered Invest in Our Kids

ON THE COVER: A portrait of St. Dominic in Main Hall, painted by Annette Ruth '07, BS Biology and BA Psychology, Notre Dame '11, and MS Global Health, Notre Dame '12, embodies Marian Catholic’s Dominican Spirituality.

Contents

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MINISTRY AND MISSION

CELEBRATING

for the Life of the World Continuing the Legacy of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield

By Sisters Judith and Judine Hilbing, OP

When taking a tour of Sacred Heart Convent, the Motherhouse of the Springfield Dominicans, one invariably encounters the photographs of seven elderly sisters whose youth and vitality have been erased by years of hardship, poverty, and the ravishing illnesses of the late 1800’s. These are the women to whom the title Foundress or Pioneer is affectionately given; and these are the women who gave their youth and vitality, their gifts and talents, to answer a unique call to ministry.

In 1873, in response to an urgent request from the Diocese of Springfield, six young Dominican women left the rolling hills of Kentucky on an incredible journey to the wind-swept prairies of

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Illinois. Under the leadership of Sister Josephine Meager, the sisters carried the culture, hospitality, and community spirit of their beloved St. Catharine, Kentucky, to the children of immigrants, miners, and day laborers living in the Irish settlement of Jacksonville, Illinois.

In both the good times and those of challenge, the sisters taught and interacted with the people of Jacksonville until their growing numbers prompted their relocation to Springfield. A steady stream of women joined the ranks of dedicated educators, health care personnel, social workers, and pastoral agents striving to be vibrant preachers of the Word.

THE JOURNEY OF 150 YEARS 1873 Six Dominican Sisters answered the call for a mission in Jacksonville, Illinois and moved into what is affectionately known as “The Cottage.” Their initial Convent was described as “…a low, one story, ill-lighted, brick cottage, so very plain that its only redeeming ornament was a small front porch, or portico, which gave one the impression of a hand extended in welcome to the approaching Sisters.”

1958 In 1955, in response to a call from Cardinal Stritch of Chicago and the support of Msgr. Walter Croarkin, of St. Agnes Church, the Sisters accepted the staffing and financial responsibilities for a new high school in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Marian Catholic opened with Sr. Mary Mannes Kern, OP as principal in September of 1958.

1893 In August of 1890, at the request of Father Hickey, “Vicar General of the Alton Diocese,” eight Sisters journeyed to Springfield to begin a teaching mission at St. Mary’s School. Limited space soon prompted the Sisters in Jacksonville to seek another home. In 1893, with the encouragement and support of Father Hickey and benefactor Charles Routt, the community relocated to a new motherhouse in Springfield.

The sisters operated hospitals in Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi, cared for the elderly in Colorado, ministered within the prison system, and cared for dependent children in Illinois. They became involved in health care ministry, adult education, catechetical instruction, and the arts. They worked with immigrants, prisoners, and native Americans. They served as canon lawyers, educational consultants, campus ministers, and directors of literacy centers.

In their search for justice and peace, they embraced insertion, collaboration, and social responsibility. Jubilee Farm flourished as their center for ecology and spirituality.

The assignment of sisters to ministry was always in response to the needs of the time with a view of doing all things in the light of Gospel values. During the late 1950’s, the majority of sisters were serving in the field of education. With a congregation grown to almost 600 in membership, there were sufficient sisters to staff 60 elementary schools and expand Catholic education at the secondary level. In was in this spirit, that the Dominican Sisters engaged in plans to build Marian Catholic High School which was proudly established in 1958.

During the 1960’s, there was another new and urgent call, this time from Pope John XXIII, who asked Catholics to send ten percent of their personnel to Latin America to walk in solidarity with and educate those whose Catholic faith was being threatened by the political turmoil of the times. In 1963, the Dominicans of Springfield answered that call and once again sent pioneers to minister in a place of great need. The sisters left their footprints with creativity, courage, and energy in a

land called Peru, living Dominican promises in the name of the congregation, inviting young women to join them in mission.

There are no longer North American faces to be found within the walls of the convents in Peru. The ministry for which the sisters were sent in 1963 is now carried out by sisters born in the Andes Mountains and supported by Dominican Associates.

Committed to prayer, study, community, and ministry, the journey of growth and commitment remains vibrant.

Sacred Heart Academy and Motherhouse, Springfield, 1893 MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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1968 An increased interest in religious life led to the necessity for a new motherhouse.

Thanks to the enthusiasm, generosity, and sacrifice of the Dominican Sisters, their relatives, friends, and donors, the congregation moved into the “Promised Land” on Good Friday, 1968.

1963 Four pioneer Sisters established a mission in San Juan de Jarpa Parish, a remote Andean village in the Archdiocese of Huancayo. Peruvian members of the congregation continue to minister in Lima and the mountain communities of Huancayo Province.

On another tour of Sacred Heart Convent, one might visit the infirmed sisters; and a cursory glance would reveal the same elderly countenance that was viewed in the photos of the foundresses.

A deeper look into the aging faces of the sisters would uncover the youth and vitality that sustained each of them throughout their history of living the vocation to which they were called. It is this commitment to Gospel values, this call to be always for The Life of the World, that allows the

Scan the QR code to view the Opening Eucharist Remembering the Dominican Pioneer Sisters

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2022 Joined by members of the Dominican Laity, Dominican Associates, and Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield, the Sisters opened their anniversary celebration with a festive liturgy on August 19, 2022, the 149th anniversary of their founding.

spirit of the past to sustain the present and give hope to the future.

On August 19, 2022, Founders Day, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki celebrated Eucharist with the Dominican Sisters and Associates as the first of many events to mark the opening of a year-long celebration of 150 years as Dominicans of Springfield. Quoting Pope Francis who urged the faithful “to look to the past with gratitude, to live the present with passion, and to embrace the future with hope,”

Bishop Paprocki expressed gratitude for the commitment of the sisters who have lived and worked, ministered and flourished, in every age and to each place they have been called.

The physical structures housing the Dominicans of Springfield have changed over the years from a tiny house in Jacksonville to the large complex currently situated at 1237 West Monroe Street.

The ministries embraced by the sisters have also changed. They have grown and expanded and have frequently been passed on to the care of others, always responding to the needs of the time.

History refuses to stand still, to become fixed in time; rather it urges us forward to be founders and pioneers of whatever lies before us. The mission of Marian Catholic High School, in tandem with the mission of all the ministries established by the Dominicans of Springfield, grows ever more deeply dependent upon a shared vision with the Dominican Associates and the many capable lay persons called into service by the same Spirit of God. It is to each and every member of the Community of Marian Catholic, that the call goes out to be grateful for the blessings of a rich history; to commit with passion to living Gospel values in today’s world, and to be unafraid of a future that is held in the loving embrace of our Provident God.

2023 All are invited to join the Dominican Sisters in their yearlong celebration through one of the commemorative events listed below and on their website at springfieldop.org/150Years.

A Prayer for Life of the World Holy Mystery, ever ancient, ever new, we, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, come before You, aware of our interconnectedness in the cosmos, and in solidarity with the rostros concretos* of the marginalized.

We come with deep gratitude for our common call.

Draw us into communion with You and all creation. Living with intentional awareness and openness to change, we seek to expand the expression of our vows, inviting others to walk with us in sharing our charism. Free our hearts to recognize and attend to Christ in hidden and unexpected places.

Save these Dates!

FEBRUARY 2, 2023

Candlelit Taizé celebration of music, scripture, and prayer in observance of World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life.

Sacred Heart Convent Chapel. Public celebration; livestreamed.

APRIL 22, 2023

Celebrating Our Mission festivities in Jacksonville, original Home of the Dominicans of Springfield • Jacksonville Area Museum Exhibit

We renounce our participation in the sin of racism and reject the societal barriers created by the misuse of power. Through our contemplation, transform us to listen deeply to one another and to the brokenness of the world. Bless our efforts to be the holy preaching.

Christ, You are expansive. We journey in that truth, offering our testimonio de vida.

AMEN.

• Proclamation by the Mayor • Calvary Cemetery Prayer Service and Placement of Wreaths on Graves of Four Sisters Who Died before the Move to Springfield • Eucharistic Celebration and Reception at Our Savior Parish

*Rostros concretos literally means “specific faces.”

Nevertheless, it is a concept which includes all those in oppressive situations, creation, anything placed on the margins.

AUGUST 19, 2023

150th Founders’ Day Celebration. Public liturgy and agape festival, Sacred Heart Convent; livestreamed.

Other Ways to Participate

• Opportunities to join sisters and associates in service activities such as Christmas Blessing Bags for the homeless in Springfield.

Each bag will include necessary items, a Christmas gift, and a Christmas greeting made by retired sisters.

• Tours of Sacred Heart Convent Chapel, in person or remote at springfieldop.org/arm-chair-chapel-tour

PRAY WITH THE SISTERS The Sisters will post a prayer written by a member of the congregation for use on the 19th of each month (because their mission For the Life of the World began in Jacksonville, Illinois on August 19, 1873.) Each prayer focuses on a unique expression of the Sisters preaching ministry. You are invited to print it out, pray it with them, and share it with others.

Scan the QR code for monthly prayers.

• Multimedia presentations, videos, and stories about community history at springfieldop.org • Special episodes of F.L.O.W.cast, the Springfield Dominican Sisters’ podcast at flowcastlisten.org • Exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum, April 22 to July 30, 2023 MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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MINISTRY AND MISSION

NEW LEADERSHIP ROLES

Embrace Catholic Traditions, Dominican Charisms, and Community Reintroducing Linda Hansen and Welcoming Curtis Crossley

By Kathy Guarino

“We have the potential to more fully live out our mission at This is a question that members of Marian Catholic’s leadership Marian Catholic,” Linda said. “This includes further integration teams continuously ask themselves. As a Catholic institution, of service opportunities to get our students actively involved in we believe that a rich faith their faith lives, helping to life is essential for all build community both students and staff. To that within and outside our “To be true to Marian Catholic’s spiritual mission, end, we continuously walls. I am excited to bring we felt it was important to have dedicated staff discern and assess where us back to our roots while members whose main responsibility is to look at we are in helping our also living out our mission everything we do through that Catholic Dominican community members in the modern day.” grow in their relationship In addition to lens. And that’s what led us to establish and hire with God, specifically earning a Bachelor of Arts for two new leadership positions.” through the Dominican in Secondary English from –Vince Krydynski '81, Marian Catholic President charism of Prayer, Loyola University, and a Study, Community, Master of Arts in Pastoral and Preaching.

Studies from the Catholic Theological Union, Linda received Catechist Certification from Reintroducing Linda Hansen the Archdiocese of Chicago, and a Certificate in Lay Ecclesial as Vice President of Ministry Ministry from the Diocese of Gary, Indiana. She assists Marian and Mission Catholic with Masses, senior Kairos experiences and retreats, In July, Mrs. Linda Hansen was selected and is very active in her parish, St. Michael the Archangel in as Marian Catholic’s first Vice President Schererville, Indiana. of Ministry and Mission. While this is a “Linda is a strong woman who puts her faith into action. new position for Linda, she is no stranger She possesses the energy, passion, skills, and experiences to to the Marian Catholic Community. develop and initiate the programs necessary to meet the demands For more than 30 years, Linda has served of the position,” President Krydynski said. “She is a tremendous in Marian Catholic’s Theology and English departments, as an addition to the school leadership team and will provide the administrator for the Bracha Center, and a lead teacher in necessary focus on our ministry and mission.”

Marian’s Understanding by Design (UbD) program. Additionally, “God has a purpose for each student and has given them Linda’s two children, Robert '13 and Ruth '21, attended Marian unique gifts to use to build His kingdom here on earth,” Linda Catholic, another demonstration of her strong commitment to added. “My hope is that while our students are at Marian Catholic, the school. they will identify the gifts God has given them and say ‘yes’ to using those gifts for His plan.

DO WE PRACTICE WHAT WE PREACH?

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Welcome Curtis Crossley as Dean of Community Life To enforce the school’s disciplinary code in a way that not only embraces our mission but also encourages a spirit of order and respect for the rights of others, Marian Catholic welcomed Curtis Crossley to its leadership team as its first Dean of Community Life. In this new role, Curtis oversees our disciplinary practices through a lens that focuses on our student’s mental and emotional health. He is responsible for the overall safety, health, and welfare of each and every student.

“In a world that has been profoundly impacted by a global pandemic, many young people are struggling and now more than ever need an educational environment that concentrates on their spiritual, social, and psychological needs, as well as their academic success,” Curtis said. “I am really excited to connect with the students to continue fostering a culture of belonging that is rooted in the teachings of Jesus. I want to help our students overcome obstacles so they can realize their own strengths and develop into future leaders from the inside out.”

The Dean of Community Life is a consolidation of the Dean of Men and Dean of Women positions. It focuses on fostering an atmosphere in which both the individual and the educational process can flourish.

As Dean of Community Life, Curtis partners with students, teachers, school counselors, social workers, and other school personnel to ensure that our students encounter a strong sense of community, academic achievement, and spiritual and personal growth. Community life is an integral aspect of Marian Catholic’s Dominican heritage, which values personal relationships and emphasizes that what we do together as a community is stronger than our individual endeavors.

“Curtis has extensive experience in mentoring young people and will help our students to grow and mature into the citizens that God calls them to be,” said Marian Catholic Principal Steve Tortorello. “He has a profound commitment to Catholic education, and I know his guidance, example, and energy will help us unify our community to maximize every student’s potential every day.”

Mr. Crossley has nearly a decade of experience in education and comes to Marian Catholic from Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, where he was Vice Principal and Dean of Students. A long-time resident of Kankakee, he holds an MBA from Olivet Nazarene University and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Northern Illinois University.

“While our academic courses develop our kids as students and thinkers, these two new leadership positions are specifically focused on developing our kids as people,” Principal Tortorello added.

“Linda and Curtis provide programming, counseling, and support that encourages our students to grow as good citizens who foster a joyful Christian community in our halls and to be great community members who serve one another and our world.”

As a Catholic School, Marian Catholic accepts its mission to “teach as Jesus did.” As a Dominican school, we model St. Dominic who dedicated his life to the pursuit of truth in a spiritual, intellectual, moral, and social dimension.

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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MINISTRY AND MISSION

Marian Catholic Hosts

THE WALL THAT HEALS

By Allen Marazas '64

The Vietnam War divided Americans much as our 19th Century Civil War. The division was not geographical as then, but generational, and it set our political landscape into the 21st Century. A significant part of this division came from the treatment of returning American service personnel during and after the war by many of those who opposed the war. Veterans were sometimes subjected to public vilification for their role during the war.

These veterans fought for America in the same way that “the Greatest Generation” fought in World War II, but they were not treated the same way because of such widespread American opposition to the conflict in Vietnam. The Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., designed by architects Maya Lin and David Osler, was established in 1982 to honor the more than three million American veterans who served in that war by listing the over 58,000 names of those who gave their “last full measure of devotion” in service to their country. The Wall That Heals honors these veterans for their patriotism, loyalty, and courage despite the political turmoil surrounding the war.

This past July, The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. came to Bloom Township and was placed on exhibit at Marian Catholic High School.

Marian Catholic President Vince Krydynski '81 was initially contacted by Bloom Township Supervisor TJ Somer in late 2021 about hosting The Wall That Heals during the summer of 2022.

President Krydynski, along with the rest of the administrative team, as well as the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, enthusiastically agreed to host the exhibit.

The Wall That Heals arrived at Marian Catholic on July 5; set up began the following day with a host of volunteers from Marian Catholic (including a number of Marian Catholic football players) and others from across the Chicago Heights community.

The 53-foot trailer that carried The Wall That Heals transformed into a mobile Education Center featuring a timeline of “The War and The Wall” as well as additional information about the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Accompanying exhibits give visitors a better understanding of the legacy of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the collection of items left at The Wall.

Unveiled on Veterans Day 1996, The Wall That Heals is a three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is 375 feet long and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. The Wall honors the more than three million Armed Services Personnel who served in Vietnam by listing the more than 58,000 Americans who died in the conflict. Included in that number are those classified as MIA. The names of those service members declared dead are marked with a diamond and the MIA by a cross. There are still 1244 Americans unaccounted for in Vietnam. The names of eight servicewomen who died in the war are listed as well.

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At the opening ceremony on July 7, several veterans and/or their families were present giving a quiet solemnity to the event.

In addition, an impressive list of local area leaders were present including Bloom Township Supervisor TJ Somer, State Representative Anthony Deluca, Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, Glenwood Mayor Ron Gardiner, Bloom Township Committee Person and Cook County Commissioner District 5 Candidate Monica Gordon, Chicago Heights Alderwoman Kelli Merrick, and Bloom Township Highway Commissioner Joe Stanfa. The ceremony opened with a prayer offered by Chief Apostle Dr. William McCoy of Brothers Keeper Church in Chicago Heights. Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez was unable to attend but was represented by his wife, Carmen Sendejas who addressed the assembly saying, in part, “There is a saying that a man does not die until he is forgotten. The Vietnam Memorial Wall That Heals is a monument to ensure that we will never forget.”

Her comment perfectly captures the essence of the Wall.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Vietnam War veteran and retired Cook County Circuit Court Judge Reginald Baker who nearly wept as he recalled his first visit to the Wall in Washington, D.C., finding the names of men he knew and the battle in which they fought. The morning after that battle he had to step around the bodies of the men whose names he recognized on the Wall.

He said, “There is no color or political party in a foxhole.”

After three full 24-hour days of public viewing, the closing ceremony was held on Sunday, July 10. The Wall That Heals then moved on to its next destination to remind others of the heroism of the American service personnel who served our country in that controversial war, and to spread its healing legacy across the country.

This past July, The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C. came to Bloom Township and was placed on exhibit at Marian Catholic High School. The Wall That Heals arrived at Marian Catholic on July 5; set up began the following day with a host of volunteers from Marian Catholic (including a number of Marian Catholic football players) and others from across the Chicago Heights community.

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“ Nicely done, Class of 2022!

The big day is finally here. You made it! And you should be very proud of everything you accomplished. You join the ranks of more than 30,000 Marian Catholic alumni around the world who are doing some amazing things, and I can’t wait to see what you all do.”

–President Vince Krydynski '81

210 graduates • 28 honors diplomas • 99 Honor Society Members • Over $12 million in acade Dominican Veritas Award Marian Catholic’s Dominican Veritas Award, the school’s highest non-academic award, recognizes the senior boy and senior girl whose lives embody the best of the Dominican Pillars of Prayer, Study, Community, and Preaching. This year’s recipients, Isaiah Beamon '22 of Matteson, Illinois, and Roisin Walsh '22 of Tinley Park, Illinois truly strive to preach the Truth in word and action.

ISAIAH BEAMAN

“ Sometime in August 2018, we came into this school as works in progress. Together we all took a leap of faith, and look where it got us…I believe the most important lesson Marian has taught me is that even the smallest acts of kindness can have the greatest impact on someone’s life…Wherever you go next in life, I want you guys to take one of the four Dominican Pillars with you, be that Prayer, Preaching, Community, or Study...Let us thank God for bringing us here together as we celebrate our accomplishments and ask Him to guide us through our lives as we take the next leap of faith.”

ROISIN WALSH

“ Marian is more than a building where we went to class to earn our high school diploma…And we weren’t just learning Bible facts or literary devices, or geometry proofs. We were learning life lessons. In math, we learned that the absolute value of a number is not about where you’ve come from, but how far you’ve gone. In economics, we learned that no matter how messed up we are in the short run, we will always return to equilibrium in the long run. And in history, we learned that many great individuals met failure and disbelief from others before they met success. Take these examples with you as a reminder that failure is not the end of the road, and you only need yourself to believe in you for your goals to be accomplished.”

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“So as you walk across this stage tonight, cherish the feeling. The feeling of pride that you have made it.

The feeling of joy that you have a bright future.

The feeling of love that your family, friends, and teachers are here to support you. Know this feeling that you are loved.” –Principal Steve Tortorello '04

mic scholarships • Attending 87 different colleges in 23 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada

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[ CLASS OF 2022 [

Class of 2022: It is your time to go forward and transform the world!

“God of our beginnings and endings, thank you for the gift of these graduates, their excitement, awesome wonder and curiosity, their open speech and encouraging words. Their contributions have blessed and challenged us at Marian Catholic, and we have become a richer and more diverse community because of them.”

U.S. Air Force Kyle Scott

Creighton University William Sullivan

Beloit College Cole Palmore

DePaul University Megan Boykins Robert Briggs II Kirstyn Collins Jocelyn Ferreira Joshua Herlin Aiden James Diana Lara-Velasco Zion Nelson Joshua Zarco

Bemidji State University Isaiah Johnson Benedictine University Demetrio Chavez Bradley University Kennedi House Lindsay Kreger Donovan Traywick Butler University Anthony Ruggeri

DePauw University Angel Manrique Guoqing Evelyn Anne Tuohy

Calumet College of St. Joseph Richard Redding

Elmhurst University Anna Kleszynski Nyah Moustakas

Chicago State University Rayvon Shelley-Phillips

Florida A&M University Myles Davis Ray’anna Harrell

Clark Atlanta University Ajay Bell Cleveland State University Conner Bailey Colorado School of Mines Jade Davis Columbia College Chicago Logan Driver Gerardo Esparza Jordan Perdue

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George Mason University Rasean Boyd Governors State University Jaden Adams Isaac Sanchez Grand Canyon UniversityTraditional Campus Charlie Brown

Hampton University Ariane Lee Samariah White Howard University Alisia Johnson Oyinlola Nelson Kennedy Washington Illinois Institute of Technology Louis Gray Stephanie Gutierrez-Ibarra

Indiana University Bloomington Joshua Bell Cierra Bradford Jovan Okoro Ana Palmer Qingqing Yang Iowa State University John Curran Judson University Veronica Aguirre

Illinois State University Brianna Edwards Chris Forson Meghan Mick Theodore Seese Jaedon Walker Aaron Wells

Kalamazoo College Dasia Lopez

Indiana State University Aamaiya Adebayo Jeremiah Powell Jaedon Walker

Lindenwood University Trinity Rodgers

Indiana Tech University Christian Ramirez Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Julisa Alcantar Jack Foster Maria Montgomery Kendall Winters

Lawrence University Margaret Keith Lewis University Anela Nametak

Loyola University Chicago Isabel Correa Warner Ferry Kyla Flint Fred David Flores Jack Mulvihill Kennedy Spencer Talicia Stringer Nikko Valdez

Marquette University Faith Hoover Lauryn Taylor Middleton Grace Ogunlana Ana Tumacder Michigan State University Sydney Cooper Deron Murphy Max Rado Sarah Segarra Middle Tennessee State University Eddie Barrett Millikin University Alexiana Jackson Morehouse College Zion Horn North Carolina A&T State University Isaiah Beamon Aaron Hudson North Central College Demarcus Jackson Akinwande Oluwibe Dylan Ross Correll Young Northern Illinois University Kayla Booker Gabriella Calderon Emanuel Gutierrez Natalia Taylor

[ CLASS OF 2022 [

Olive-Harvey College Alexander Las Olivet Nazarene University Anna Grill Oregon State University Amari Carter Pennsylvania State University Kainaat Mazhar Prairie State College Jarell Burston Sydney Crout Dominique Emery Sebastian Isidoro (Trade School) Rachel Krupowicz Anthony Mangano Christina Piattoni Jaden Reichert Kevin Whitehead Prairie View A&M University Aniyah Booker Purdue UniversityFort Wayne Victoria Francis Purdue UniversityLafayette Andrew Barajas David Helsel Robert Kain Jr. Stephanie Rose Amaiya Torian Brooke Waddle Purdue University Northwest Eleanor Anderson John Bonczek Ismael Hounnou Jacob Medina Jack Pfeifer Karlie Pruim Andrew Zamudio

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Aaliyah Merrick South Suburban College Lucas Seymour

University of Memphis Bryan Johnson

Spelman College Camryn Mitchell Jade Mitchell Taliyah Rice

University of New Mexico Andrew Felder Gia Mele

St. Olaf College Roisin Walsh Tennessee State University Necei Love Jani Trammel Texas Southern University Khalia Conerly Dariya Smith

University of Miami Etienne Atangana

University of Notre Dame Miguel Jose Maninang University of St. Francis (IL) Ethan Fetzer University of Toronto Shiya Gong The University of Tulsa Derek Marin-Martinez

Trevecca Nazarene University Eddie Barrett

University of Wisconsin-Madison Maya Correa

Triccoci University of Beauty and Culture Michelle Johnson

Vanderbilt University Mia Lockett

Trinity Christian College Wynter O’Sullivan University of Alabama Danielle Crockett University of Delaware Tien Le Nguyen University of Florida Seoyeon Son

Radford University Sara Johnson Saint Louis University Margaret Polewaczyk Abigail Yock

University of Illinois Springfield Erica Sledge

Saint Mary’s College Vanesa Barajas Evelyn Puntillo Gianna Rivera Cordelia Vazquez

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Taylor Bullock Johari Cole McKenzie Glass Kiernan McSwiggan Zikora Okonkwo Lysette Valdez Najah Terrell-Walker Ohahuru Yejekwe

Savannah College of Art and Design Zhangpinyue (Ethan) Feng

University of Mary Noah Deabel Jeremiah Jones

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Alexander Bertucci Jayson Evans

University of Illinois Chicago Adir Aguirre Valerie Cruz Hana Kyla Kionisala Jenna Moore Oluwadamilola Ogunyoye Arlette Orozco Stella Pfeifer Nathan Rotimi Ian Ross Tongco

Saint Xavier University Haley Evenson Angela Gonzalez Gabriela Lopez James Ng Chaylan Palmer Madison Wilcox

University of Louisville Coty Jones

University of Iowa Chris Ormsby University of Kentucky Mia Dabrowski

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Tyler Belton Virginia State University Caleb Hines Washington University in St. Louis Precious Osigbeme Western Illinois University Tatyana Bruce-Garnder Western Michigan University Logan Apt Sierra Schassburger Xavier University of Louisiana Alicia Spight Career Education or Trade School Amari Blackwell Leonardo Mendez Ernest Tetter Patrick Wegrzyn Gap or Service Year Kailin Avila Jaelin Brown Nico Calkins Cameron Lynch Undecided Chantelle Belcher Austin Butterfield-Johnson Gabriel Delgado Michael Gonzalez Jalen Jordan Joshua Lawson Wayman Sanders Jr. Weiyi (Karina) Tian

Max Rado '22 and Sarah Segarra '22 continue to share their Spartan spirit at Michigan State University.

“

Eternal God, bless these graduates who have completed their time at Marian Catholic and now begin a new part of their lives. Let them not be troubled about the past, nor anxious about the future, but let them be concerned about the moment they must live now. Strengthen their faith and ease their fears that they may courageously follow Your Spirit and live fully the life you give them. When doubt and confusion about their purpose surround them, light their way and give them peace in your plan for them. Let them use the gifts they have received in their studies, that they may become a source of inspiration and blessing for the world.

And when each day is ended, give them delight in knowing that the good work You have begun in them shall come to completion in You.

“

Ohio State University Kennedy Pennington

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EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY

By Ariel Anderson '13

1,430

BOOKS

Congratulations to the 94 Marian Catholic scholars who were inducted into the following National Honor Societies last May: Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics), Spanish National Honor Society, National Junior Classical League (Latin) Honor Society, and the National Honor Society!

An example of the Dominican Pillar of Community in action, Josie Guzzo '24 and Sophia Ponnezhan '24 proposed the idea of sponsoring a book drive during National Reading Month. With the help of Mrs. Denise Iggins, Josie and Sophia coordinated the drive from March 16 until April 13. Thanks to their efforts and the Marian Catholic Community, 1,430 books were donated to Share Our Spare, an organization dedicated to helping families with the stressful and challenging endeavor of raising children!

In April, Marian Catholic’s Robotics Team participated in the Southside Engineering and Robotics Olympics.

Max Cash '23 and Martin Leedy '25 came in 2nd place out of over 20 schools in the Sumo Survivor ring competition, where the goal is to push your opponent out of the ring.

Marian Catholic welcomed this year’s freshman class with an induction ceremony that included presenting them with Class of 2026 pins to wear with pride. As we focus this year’s theme on the Dominican Pillar of Community, we are grateful for our newest members. We hope they will come to know that the Marian Catholic High School Community is here to support them and inspire them to use their gifts to help others.

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Led by the English Department, Marian Catholic introduced a One Book, One Marian reading initiative in the summer of 2018 with the intention of cultivating connection, communication, and discussion throughout the school community and across content areas. Books are chosen based on what the school community needs the most. This year’s selection was The Midnight Library.

In Matt Haig’s enchanting blockbuster novel, Nora Seed finds herself faced with the possibility of changing her life for a new one, following a different career, undoing old breakups, realizing her dreams of becoming a glaciologist; she must search within herself as she travels through the Midnight Library to decide what is truly fulfilling in life, and what makes it worth living in the first place.

[ EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY [

HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER BREAK – TEACHER EDITION!

Do you ever wonder what teachers do over summer break?

For the fifth year, social studies teacher Stacy Lombardo represented Marian Catholic as an AP Reader at the AP Government Reading and Learning site in Salt Lake City, Utah. Readers score student responses to Free Response Questions on College Board exams. While in Utah, Ms. Lombardo had the opportunity to cheer on the Salt Lake Bees, which by coincidence, sport the same colors as Marian!

Marian Catholic social worker Faye Johnson and her family enjoyed part of their summer abroad! Pictured at Trevi Fountain, Roma, Italia are (left to right): Kevin Johnson, Sara Johnson '22, Faye Johnson, and Kevin (KJ) Johnson Jr. '20.

Mike Carlson, Marian Catholic’s Director of Networks, and his family headed to Florida this summer for vacation. They spent time at Universal Studios and visited Cocoa Beach.

Marian Catholic’s Director of Library Services, Victoria Keller and her family traveled to the Hill Country of Texas where they visited the Missions of San Antonio (including the Alamo), and watched antelope walk by their cabin! They also stopped in Waco, Texas and a garden in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In July, Marian Catholic Spanish teacher Sarah Grauvogl and Bracha Spanish Tutor Denise Iggins completed the last 115 km of the Camino de Santiago, or the Walk of St. James. They were finally able to fulfill the trip originally planned for 2020!

The Walk is a pilgrimage through northern Spain, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago where it is believed that the remains of St. James are held. The Camino is the subject of many cultural and religious books and was featured in the movie “The Way,” (2010) starring Martin Sheen. Both Sarah and Denise have taught about The Camino in their Spanish 3 classes over the years!

“It was a beautiful (yet physically challenging) journey of the body and the spirit. We were lucky to have mostly good weather along the way as well as the prayers and support of our friends, family, co-workers, and many former students to keep us determined,” said Sarah.

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[ EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY [

STUDENT FEATURE:

Martha Pierre-Louis '23 This summer, Martha Pierre-Louis, Class of 2023, was chosen for the Accounting Career Awareness Program (ACAP) at Northern Illinois University.

ACAP was created to provide minority high school students with early exposure to career opportunities within the business and accounting professions.

Pierre-Louis first learned about the program during Marian Catholic’s Career Day, applied, and was selected.

Over the five days that Martha was on the NIU campus attending the program, she participated in accounting classes, met with representatives from major accounting firms, and even visited the local Coca-Cola site. “Each day we did something productive and fun. I really loved it,” said Martha.

Towards the end of the program, the students were divided into teams and given a project about an embezzlement case. The winning team won a scholarship and that team was Martha’s!

Martha is really interested in the accounting field, especially after ACAP. “I learned that accounting is not just about numbers. It’s also about communication and how you can fix a problem using words and gathering information. It’s a fun field and flexible!”

Marian Catholic was fortunate enough to sponsor a baby formula and diaper drive to help the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Infant Jesus of Prague, St. Irenaeus, and Lawrence O’Toole parishes in their efforts to support Aunt Martha’s, an organization committed to social justice, health equity, and access to quality services for all.

In total, 3,045 diapers and 333.4 ounces of formula were collected!

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Members of the Class of 2023 transformed Marian Catholic’s parking lot once again through the traditional senior parking spot painting event. Students were able to reserve a space and paint it with their own design.

Rain delays couldn’t dampen the spirits of students and their families who were finally able to come together to create some amazing artwork and memories!

[ EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY [

After more than two years of nothing being truly normal in the lives of high school students, Marian Catholic held its first All-School Mass on September 9.

Students, parents, faculty, and staff gathered as a community to seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit for the 2022-2023 school year.

CANCER

We are blessed that the Kairos tradition is still going strong at Marian Catholic with students, staff, and faculty sharing in Women’s Kairos 212 this September! LT4

Marian Catholic’s volleyball teams and Becky’s Warriors have partnered to host Spike Out Cancer.

The ongoing event was organized to raise awareness for Becky’s Warriors and to admire Marian Catholic cancer survivors, support the fighters, and honor the taken. The men’s volleyball program faced off in a balloon-and-ribbon studded gym in April with the women taking to the court on October 20.

In conjunction with a bake sale sponsored by Marian Catholic’s Service Club, a total of $3,000 was raised to benefit Marian Catholic families who are fighting cancer.

Marian Catholic was the host site for the Illinois Regional College Fair on October 3, providing students and their families the opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from

125+ colleges to discuss entrance requirements, campus life, application deadlines, majors, and financial aid questions.

Taylor DuBose '23, donated a signed copy of her book to the Marian Catholic High School Library. Published in 2020, Stepping Over Puddles of Pain: A Teen’s Journey Through Grief, examines Taylor’s experience of coming to terms with her father’s death with a view toward helping others who are coping with the loss of a loved one.

Coralie Humbert '23, recently received a special honor. Coralie participated in the Lake County Indiana 4H program, completing many projects, three of which were selected to go to the Indiana State Fair. More specially, her Rabbit Poster not only went to the State Fair, but also earned Sweepstakes, the highest honor possible. As a side note, Coralie also earned Lake County’s High Point Award for earning the most points with projects and activities.

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[ EVERY STUDENT, EVERY DAY [

The Dominican Pillar of Community recognizes the dignity of all people, celebrates our connectedness, and calls us to serve others to make our shared home a better place. Each month, students who have truly lived out the Marian Catholic mission are presented with a Mission Medal that bears the image of a torch representing the Dominican call to bring light to darkness. Recipients are a wonderful example of our community figuratively “setting the world on fire.”

In addition, one staff member is crowned the Staff Champion of Marian Catholic each month in recognition of their efforts to ensure that students are able to grow and learn in a joyful Catholic setting. Awardees are presented with the Marian Catholic Championship Belt, which they keep until a new champion is crowned the following month.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15, celebrates the stories, culture, and contributions to the history of all those with Hispanic heritage.

Marian Catholic’s Head Chef, Mario Reyes, and his wonderful crew dressed in traditional Mexican outfits and served burritos with chorizo potatoes to kick-start the festivities.

In celebration of Mexican Independence Day, the Latinx Student Coalition (including Stephanie Suarez '23 and Alexa Reyes '24, above right) sold Mexican bracelets during lunch periods. The red, black, and blue bracelets featured a charm of either the Cross or Our Lady of Guadalupe.

MISSION MEDAL HONOREES SEPTEMBER Seniors Peter Cavalieri, Ariana Espinosa, Tariq Cotton, and Mrs. Nancy Voll

Freshmen Robyn Carroll and Isabel Cavazos joined the Cooking and Baking Club to make Kopytka, polish potato dumplings, during the first Community Period of the year. Theology teacher Mr. Nicholas Filipiak assisted students with the cooking lesson.

OCTOBER Seniors Jayla Davis, Hannah LeCocq, Tommy Walsh, Xavier Buford, and Mr. Jeremy Turner '09

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The excitement of Homecoming 2022, Dancing in the Dark, filled the halls the last week of September! Monday started off with Album Cover Day, followed by Disney Duo Day, What’s That Meme Wednesday, Throwback Thursday, and Friday Night Lights/Anything But a Backpack Day! Seniors won the hallway decorating contest with their all pink neon theme. Friday’s pep rally included a glow-inthe-dark dodgeball tournament, recognition of the football team, and a performance from the cheerleading team. Even Sparty made an appearance! At the Homecoming football game, seniors Jaidyn Bush and Tariq Cotton were crowned Queen and King.

Athletics

By Kevin Kelly '80

SOFTBALL //

Marian Catholic’s softball team gave a hint of its potential by finishing just a game out of second place in the highly competitive East Suburban Catholic Conference.

However, the Spartans would still need to rely on postseason success to achieve a record above .500.

Led by ESCC All-Conference selections Isabel Alvarez '23, Gracie Jensen '25, and Katie Pollock '23, this group of Spartans proved to be the ultimate example of peaking at the right time.

Seeded just sixth in its IHSA Class 3A Sub-Sectional complex, Marian began its upset parade with a regional victory over ESCC rival Joliet Catholic Academy. The magical journey extended for two more victories and a place in the IHSA Sweet 16.

“ Last season, our varsity squad was incredibly resilient. They grew in both their athleticism and camaraderie as a result of exceptional senior leadership. I am so proud of the entire team, and their commitment to this school and our softball program. Their hard work resulted in a legendary finish. We brought home the regional title against Providence in an exciting and challenging game, and continued to the Sweet Sixteen for the first time in almost two decades.”

NORA ZERANTE '11, MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL COACH

Providence, who represented the top seed in the Sub-Sectional, earned an earlier 13-0 conquest of the Spartans. But in its own regional final, Marian Catholic jumped to an early 8-0 command and held on for an 8-7 victory, as hurler Katie Pollock earned a unique win and save in the contest.

Spurred by seniors Danielle Crockett, Dasia Lopez, Sarah Segarra, and Brooke Waddle, Marian next rolled to a 9-0 victory over Oak Forest in the Joliet Catholic Sectional semifinals. Only eventual state champion Lemont could turn back Marian in the sectional final with a 5-0 decision.

Pollock held Lemont on even 0-0 terms into the sixth inning.

“We often talk about the word ‘legacy’ in the program,” explained head coach Zerante, whose squad finished 18-17. “Being on a team gives us a unique opportunity to make an impact in our school community far beyond just one season. I know that theirs is a story we will tell for many seasons to come.”

TENNIS //

Men’s tennis had four athletes make the state grade from a squad that finished tied for second at May’s IHSA Oak Forest Class 1A Sectional.

Both Marian Catholic doubles teams advanced to IHSA State, including Nick Kirsch '23 with Jonathon Bolton '24, and David Helsel '22 with Matthew Jenkins '24.

//

This fall, Marian Catholic also made the IHSA state grade in women’s tennis, where the senior doubles team of Clare Smith and Jaidyn Bush achieved the honor. As a team, the Spartans notched third place in the 10-school Marian Catholic Sectional.

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[

ATHLETICS

[

TRACK & FIELD //

The Spartan men’s and women’s track squads were well represented at the IHSA state level last spring. For the women’s team, two returnees to the IHSA State meet turned in impressive finishes.

Mia Rodriquez '24 timed 57.59 to capture second place in state in the 400-meter-run in Class 2A, while Danielle Crockett '22 earned fifth place in state in the Discus with a toss of 39.05 meters. Rodriquez and Crockett also won ESCC championships in the same events, as Crockett broke her own ESCC record in the Discus with a winning hurl of 128-1.

//

Braydon Waller '23

The men’s team sent four entries to the IHSA State meet, including a pair of top-six finishers. Braydon Waller '23 timed 10.70 to capture third place in the Class 2A 100-meter dash.

Marian placed sixth overall in the 400-meter relay behind the foursome of Austin Alexander '24, Michael Van Hootegem '23, Myles Davis '22, and Waller.

Ryan Tuley '23, Bryan Johnson '22, Noah Deabel '22, and Daniel Kasperan '25

Distance standout Daniel Kasperan '25 was 22nd at state in the 1,600 meters with a clocking of 4:48:88. The Spartan 3,200-meter relay team also earned 22nd place with the quartet of Ryan Tuley '23, Noah Deable '22, Kasperan, and Bryan Johnson '22.

After longtime strong leadership in the track program from head coaches LaVon Burks and Bob Kingery, new Marian Catholic Dean Curtis Crossley will take over the track programs for the 2023 season and looks forward to several key returnees and continued success in both programs.

NICK LOPEZ '00 NAMED 10TH FOOTBALL COACH Seeking to build on his success as a Spartan athlete and a sterling reputation as an assistant coach and program builder, Nick Lopez was called to lead Marian Catholic’s football program in November 2021.

Serving most recently as Offensive Coordinator for the Spartans, Lopez also owns eight years of experience on the football staff at Bloom Township. In both cases, he helped guide the programs out of long IHSA playoff droughts.

“Nick possesses a tremendous knowledge of what it takes to move a football program to the next level,” according to Athletic Director Kevin Kelly '80. “His background and experience reflect that he will bring improvement to all aspects of the program, in particular through organizational expertise and off-season strategy.

“With deep roots in the tradition of Marian Catholic football, Nick owns the perfect demeanor and motivational skills to bring out the best in Spartan athletes.”

A product of the late Dave Mattio '66 and one of the state’s most successful football programs, Lopez’ playing career saw a Chicagoland Prep Bowl championship game appearance and a visit to the IHSA Class 5A state championship game in 1999, his senior year.

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“Marian Catholic is a very special place for my family and me,” said Lopez, who also served as a student assistant at Eastern Illinois University. “I’m excited to be given the opportunity to restore our rich, historical football program.

“Just as legendary Coach Mattio guided us, I want our student-athletes to experience what it is like to make deep runs into late November. Also, I want to make everyone associated with our program from the past, present and future, proud to don the Black, White, and Gold of Marian Catholic.”

Lopez succeeds Erick Middleton '98, another Marian Catholic product. In four seasons at the helm, Middleton led the Spartans to two CCL-ESCC Red Division championships and Marian’s first IHSA playoff appearance in nine years in 2019.

“Erick has had a strong hand in helping Marian Catholic begin to turn the corner,” Kelly praised. “Much like Nick and the Lopez family, the Middleton family has left an impressive multigenerational impact on the Marian community. With continued building enhanced by a 6-2 freshman-sophomore team, the current and future Marian staff has things pointed in the right direction.”

[

ATHLETICS

[

WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

CROSS COUNTRY

//

The Marian Catholic cross country team has been “Running the Heights” for 30 years.

That makes the accomplishments of sophomore Daniel Kasperan all the more impressive.

In qualifying for the IHSA Class 2A state meet, Kasperan finished third in the Metamora Sectional, the highest sectional finish in Spartan history Marian also qualified for the sectional Daniel Kasperan '25 as a team after taking third place in the Morris Regional, led by Kasperan’s second-place finish. Other scorers on the sectional-qualifying squad included seniors George Partin and Ryan Tuley and sophomores Matthew Tuley and Jayden Downs. Ignited by another second-place finish from Kasperan, Marian also captured third place in the East Suburban Catholic Conference meet.

The Marian men were joined in sectional competition by junior Lydia Casillas, who qualified with a 26th place overall finish in the Morris Regional.

Kasperan went on to place 28th out of 236 runners at the state cross country final, the highest finish by a Spartan runner in school history.

Battling one of the area’s toughest schedules, the Marian Catholic women’s volleyball team had its ups and downs during the campaign – but proved to peak at the right time. Seeded fifth in the Joliet Catholic IHSA 3A Sectional, the Spartans topped Hinsdale South to open postseason play and then stunned a 29-win and third-seeded Morris squad to win the Morris Regional crown.

Marian eventually fell to ESCC rival Joliet Catholic in the JCA Sectional semifinals in a tough, three-game decision, as the Angels avenged a regularseason setback for the second straight year. The Spartans were led this fall by senior ESCC All-Conference selection Mila Popovic, who will take her talents to the University of Texas-El Paso next fall.

MEN’S SOCCER //

The men’s soccer team advanced to an IHSA regional championship match, courtesy of a 5-4 victory over ESCC rival Marist. The soccer Spartans were paced this fall by senior goalie Parker Knueppel and all-ESCC selections Antonio Ferreira '25 and Jalen Williams '24.

FOOTBALL //

At press time, the Marian Catholic football team was preparing to take on Saint Patrick in the Chicagoland Prep Bowl after concluding a 4-5 regular season with victories over Thornwood, Leo, Bloom, and De La Salle. All-Division members in the CCL-ESCC Purple included senior quarterback-receiver Kyle Thomas (bound for Northern Illinois University), juniors Austin Alexander, Kaleb Isom and Kaiden Jensen, and sophomore running back Tyler Lofton.

GOLF //

In an extremely competitive field at the Marian Catholic IHSA 2A Regional, the men’s golf squad qualified for sectional play. Led by senior Casey Taylor’s individual third-place finish, the Spartans scored a third place finish as a team to earn their spot. Team members contributing to the regional score included seniors Jack Kirsch, Paul Arquilla, and Frankie Piunti. On the women’s side, junior EveLynn Carlson qualified for sectional play with an eighth-place finish at regionals.

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Fine Arts

VISUAL ARTS //

At the beginning of the year, students in Marian Catholic’s Advanced Art and AP Studio Art courses explored lines as one of the elements of design. They were challenged to create an abstract design based on the lines they observed on the palms of their hands. Featured are the Life Line works of Julian Mendoza '23, Abigail (Rose) Wozniak '25, and Kamori Scott '23.

BAND P.R.I.D.E. //

In September, several music educators from Indianapolis Public Schools and central Indiana schools traveled to Marian Catholic for a professional development site visit with Director Greg Bimm. Visiting teachers observed Mr. Bimm as he taught the marching band and engaged in a roundtable lunch discussion afterwards to debrief on the rehearsal. They also saw the band’s acclaimed peer leadership program in action with upperclassmen leaders modeling exemplary behavior and music and visual fundamentals for each other and their younger band members.

//

Following stellar performances at Plainfield, Downers Grove South, and Lincoln Way competitions, the band captured the Class 3A Title at state, receiving the highest scores for Music Performance, Visual Performance, and Effect. The band has remained undefeated in Class at ISU Championships since 1980. Their 2022 winning show, “Shadows of Things to Come,” is a cautionary tale based loosely on Charles Dickens’s classic “A Christmas Carol.”

Next up, the Bands of America (BOA) Grand National Championship November 10-12 in Indianapolis.

THEATER //

Following the summer production of The Wiz, Marian thespians staged their fall play, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee where an eclectic group of six spelling champions learn that winning (and losing) isn’t everything. Directed by Laura Hilger '14 and Joshua Cash, the show featured Chip Reed '24, Delcena Sawyer '24, J Van Beest '23, Arron Yock '23, Candace Berman '23, Anjelica Soto '23, Trinity Slaughter '25, Marcus Bobbit '23, and Morgan Beamon '23. Behind the stage, Abby Urban '23, Allison Melvin '23, Anthony Claxton '25, and Coralie Humbert '23, along with a talented tech crew helped bring the play to life by building sets, organizing costumes and props, and managing sound and lighting during the show.

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[

FINE ARTS IN REVIEW

[

CONGRATULATIONS Several members of the Class of 2022 are continuing their fine arts careers in college, a reflection of the quality of Marian Catholic’s fine arts programs.

Ajay Bell (Band) Matteson, IL Clark Atlanta University Major: Commercial Composition and Studio Production

Taylor Bullock (Visual Arts) Lynwood, IL University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Major: Studio Art

Noah Deabel (Band) Chicago Heights, IL University of Mary Major: Computer Science Minor: Music

Maggie Keith (Band) St. John, IN Lawrence University Double Major: Biology and Musical Performance Minor: Mandarin Chinese

Aaliya Merrick (Visual Arts) Chicago Heights, IL The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Major: Painting & Drawing Minor: Creative Writing

Jordan Perdue (Visual Arts) Dolton, IL Columbia College Chicago Major: Photography Minor: Fashion

Roisin Walsh (Band) Tinley Park, IL St. Olaf College Major: French Horn Performance

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33RD ANNUAL

ENDOWMENT GOLF CLASSIC Founded in 1989, by a group of dedicated parents and alumni, the mission of Marian Catholic’s Endowment Golf Classic is to generate the financial resources to ensure more students have the opportunity to receive a quality Catholic education. Their foresight set in motion something that has changed the lives of hundreds of students.

1

Over the past 33 years, the Endowment has grown to over $4 million and has provided scholarships for over 890 students, enabling them to take advantage of all of the opportunities Marian Catholic has to offer. The support that these students receive, allows them to pursue interests that lead to bright futures and impactful careers.

This year’s outing took place on August 29, 2022, with 150 golfers playing at both Idlewild Country Club and Flossmoor Golf Club. Together, golfers and friends of Marian Catholic raised a net profit of $130,153 for the Golf Classic Endowment, Marian Catholic’s largest endowed scholarship.

Thank you to everyone who came out! Mark your calendars now to join us for the 34th Annual Endowment Golf Classic on August 28, 2023.

2

3

‘‘

Education is a top priority of mine and my wife’s. Marian Catholic gave my two kids a superior education.

I remain involved in the Endowment Golf Classic because I have chosen to make Marian Catholic my charity of choice. I am most proud of what we have grown the Endowment Fund to become. I hope we can continue to help as many students as possible.

–Greg Underwood

‘‘ 4

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4 MARIAN 2022 WAS A SUCCESS!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Platinum Premier Event Sponsor $35,000 Sage Foundation Gold Premier Event Sponsor $20,000 Tony & Mary Ann Pasquinelli Family Foundation Golf Ball Drop Sponsor $5,000 Timothy & Eileen Bergen Lansing Sport Shop Schiller, DuCanto & Fleck, LLP Tim '78 & Eileen (Gallagher '78) Daw Cocktail Hour Sponsor $2,500 Jones & Cleary Roofing Marquette Associates Gift Sponsor $2,000 Boston Common Asset Country House Course Refreshment Sponsor $1,500 Anonymous BeautyGuard Mi-Jack Products Jimmy Lanigan '94 Savant Investment Advisers, Inc. Lunch Sponsor $1,000 Anonymous Bonell Manufacturing Co., Inc. and Greg & Mary Underwood Congress Asset Management Company LLP CS McKee Asset Management James Fuehrmeyer Family Kennedy Capital Management, Inc LSV Asset Morgan Stanley Samuel A. Sesto '78 Peter Shannon & Co. Ryan and Juraska The Cary Company

Hole Sponsor $750 Jim '80 & Cathy Dee Family Flossmoor Animal Hospital Carlo Gozzi '00 / Gozzi Family Alumni Denny & Cathy (Schulze '68) Coll Segall Bryant & Hamill Tee Sponsor $500 American Sale Arnie Bauer Buick GMC Cadillac Bloom Township Center Bridgeview Mfg Country Financial Tim Perchinski Dan & Kelly Murray Greg & Mary Underwood HHH Inc. Mike '80 & Jackie Kennedy Proven IT - Phil Faso '79 Southland Smiles Summit Animal Hospital Dr. Tracee L. Friederich '97 Driving Range Sponsor $250 Giselle Beebe '14 Geraldine Burke Homewood Dairy Queen HUB International Al Inwood Ryan D. Brothers Scholarship Sportsfield, Inc. Sandy & Torrie '05 Sweeney

THE ENDOWMENT CLASSIC GOLF COMMITTEE Thomas Beebe Eileen (Gallagher '78) Daw Tim Daw '78 Dillon Domke '12 Robert Gromala '97 Paul Jenkins Chris Lilek '04 Colleen Peabody '05 Tim Perchinski Crystal (Redmond '94) Phillips-Pierce Mark Piefer '81 Carol (Burke '81) Swanson Sandy Sweeney Greg Underwood Joe Zagone '74

Pictured left 1 / Ben Hart, Casey Lilek '09, Chris Lilek '04, and Adam Zebrowski 2 / Susan Van Etten '80 with her son Jack Ziltz '12 3 / Tony Lenhart, Mike Decorte, Faye Johnson, Kevin Johnson, and Larry Fairris 4 / Michelle McManus and Vince Krydynski '81

IN 1,958 MINUTES WE RAISED $83,000+ Thanks to the generosity of the more than 340 donors who made a gift to 4Marian, we raised over $83,000 to benefit our Scholars with a Soul! Because we exceeded our goal of $75,000, Principal Steve Tortorello '04 spent a day in May working on the roof of the school!

Scan the QR code to watch Mr. Tortorello make his way to the roof.

A special thanks to our challenge sponsors who helped inspire others to make gifts in celebration of Marian Catholic: Anonymous Jim Beese '81 John Bracha '79 Jay Carr '65 Joe '67 & Kathy D’Amico Mary Jane Doerr '70 Dan Donahue '82 Joe Hamann '79 Chris Hanson '81 Jeff & Kathy (Slattery '85) Keith Tony Zagotta '84

Top Influencers for the day were: Dan Murray John Melone '85 Hannah Krydynski '10 We’re also grateful to all of our alumni who stepped up to show their Spartan Spirit!

Top honors go to: Class of 1967 $8,267 Class of 1984 $8,170 Class of 1986 $4,950 Leaders in the team challenges were: Women’s Basketball Speech Team Men’s Volleyball

SAVE THE DATE

Day of Giving and Service • April 17, 2023 MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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LET’S GO, GO-GO WHITE SOX!

Over 1,200 members of the Marian Catholic Community gathered on August 28 for the fourth annual Marian Catholic Night with the White Sox to watch the South Siders take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Before the game, more than 300 Marian Catholic enthusiasts met at The Patio to share good food and reconnect with friends! The entire stadium was treated to a special performance by the Marian Catholic Marching Band as it paraded around the warning track to their signature “Hey Baby” before taking center field to play the National Anthem.

Kendell Greer '07 showed off his Spartan pride as he took to the mound to deliver the first pitch! He was joined on the field by his mother, Glenda, Marian Catholic’s Vice President of Advancement, Colleen Peabody '05, and Southpaw.

Spartan fans walked away with a co-branded jersey styled after the White Sox road jersey with the Marian “M” displayed proudly on the sleeve.

Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on the White Sox! For more information on upcoming events like this one, visit alumni.marianchs.com.

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LOOKING AHEAD

Huddle Up! MARIAN CATHOLIC 2001-2002 WOMEN’S VARSITY BASKETBALL TEAM Save the Date for a Reunion Friday, January 13 | 6:30 p.m.

Marian Catholic High School Calendar of Events December 2 Class of 2027 Applications Due December 3 Class of 2027 Entrance Exam December 8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception All-School Mass December 21 - January 4, 2023 Christmas Break January 6 College Day January 24-27 Women’s Kairos January 29 - February 4 Catholic Schools Week January 30 All-School Mass February 4 Winter Ball February 14 - 17 Men’s Kairos February 20 7th Grade Super Shadow Day February 22 Ash Wednesday Prayer Service

Players and their families are invited to cheer on the 2022 Women’s Varsity Basketball Team vs. Andrean at 7:00 p.m. followed by dinner immediately after the game.

For more information contact Coach Dan Murray at dmurray@marianchs.com/ 708-755-7565 x1448 or Carol (Burke '81) Swanson at cswanson@marianchs.com/ 708-756-9775.

February 24 Veritas VII Gala March 25 Marian Madness March 28 - 31 Women’s Kairos April 3 - 10 Spring Break April 17 4Marian Day of Giving Visit www.marianchs.com for details.

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Alumni Notes

1969 1976

Rita (Stanfa ‘69) Rohn traveled to Sicily in June where she visited with some of her wonderful relatives.

Rita is pictured with her cousin, Maria (Baratta '76) Baldanza.

1977

After four decades in marketing and public relations, serving clients ranging from McDonald’s Corporation, JCPenney, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kathleen (Murphy '77) Bradley has embarked on a journey to help others find the perfect balance between work and leisure.

An award-winning writer, her stories about mental health, relationships, and aging appear regularly on the online publishing platform Medium. Past posts include “Want to Live Long and Prosper?” highlighting the characteristics of the oldest living person and all the things about her that contribute to her longevity, “Eulogy to My Shopping Mall,” and “7 Lessons Learned from Queen Elizabeth II.”

1988

Milwaukee Municipal Court Judge Derek Mosley '88, was recently named the director of Marquette University Law School’s Lubar Center for Public Policy Research and Civic Education. Mosley received the Robert H. Friebert Social Justice Award in June 2022.

1992

Kathryn Gleason '92 has been a softball coach for 26 years and is entering her 7th year as the Head Softball Coach at Northern Kentucky University. She also completed the 2022 Chicago Marathon, making that her 7th marathon. Gleason is pictured with her cousin, Cristin Clifford '88 .

1994

Jeremy Guler '94 was inducted into the Butler University Athletic Hall of Fame, along with his 1998 Baseball Team. Guler was a 4-year starting pitcher and part of the 1998 staff that was ranked 4th in the nation in Team ERA.

1995

Jason Williams '95 and his wife, EJ, star in the new, Dallas based,HGTV show, “Flip To A Million.” EJ and Jason own the Ultimate Real Estate Group, a brokerage firm, and Ultimate Homes Chicago, an investment and development company.

They focus their renovations on “affordable luxury” and have flipped over 200 homes together.

Marian Catholic invites the Classes of 2021 & 2022 for

COLLEGE DAY January 6, 2023 • 10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

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Come back and share college experiences with Marian Catholic students, catch up with teachers, and see old classmates!

Lunch will be provided from 12:45 p.m.–2 p.m.

Register at bit.ly/collegeday2023

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1997

Crain’s Chicago Business recently named Gia (Fonte '97) Colunga as one of the 2022 Notable Women in Law. The honor recognizes senior-level female law firm attorneys who have demonstrated professional success and notable accomplishments during the last 18 months.

Gia completed her legal studies at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, and is a partner at Freeborn & Peters LLC based in Chicago providing legal services for issues involving business litigation and employment and labor.

Tobias Ortega '98 and his wife, Yukun, welcomed their second daughter, Scarlet Rachel, on March 12, 2022.

1999

Dr. Lauren Hecht '99 was named the winner of the Edgar M. Carlson Award for Distinguished Teaching for her work in Psychological Sciences at Gustavas Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

The award is the College’s highest award for teaching excellence. Hecht majored in psychology (with honors) and philosophy during her undergraduate experience at Albion College in Michigan. She holds a PhD in Psychology from the University of Iowa. A member of the Gustavus community since 2010, Hecht previously taught courses at Grinnell College and the University of Iowa.

2002

Mike Van Camp '02 was elected as the 42nd National President of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity at the University of Central Missouri.

He credits this honor to the education and leadership opportunities that Marian Catholic provided to him.

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2003

Lindsay (Vrab '03) Hansen was awarded the Disney Legacy Award in September 2022. She now joins the one percent of Disney employees that are presented with the award. She was recently promoted to the role of Principal, Technical Resources at the Walt Disney Company.

2004

Lauren Lacy Austin '04 was recently inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

During her time at Marian Catholic, Lauren scored a record 1,815 points including school bests of 697 points in a season and 39 in a game. She was a three-time all-conference player, conference player of the year, three-time all-state pick, and two-time Street and Smith All-American section. After leading Marian Catholic to second and fourth place IHSA finishes, Lauren helped the University of Minnesota reach the NCAA Sweet Sixteen, then transferred to Arizona State, where she was second-team all-Pac 10 on a 2009 NCAA Elite Eight team.

2005

In July, 2022, Lewis University announced the hiring of Keisha (Collins '05) Newell as the new women’s basketball coach for the Flyers. Newell had been the assistant athletic director and head girls basketball coach at Mother McAuley High School since 2019. She has an extensive coaching history in the Chicago area including head women’s basketball coach at Roosevelt University, student athlete recruiter in Undergraduate Admissions at North Park University, and assistant women’s basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Loyola UniversityChicago. Newell competed at the Division I level at Loyola where she graduated in 2010 with a degree in business administration. She added a master’s degree in organizational development in 2018 at Roosevelt.

Marian Catholic English teacher, Dr. Cindy (McGirr '97) Rousseau, recently completed her doctoral studies in reading, language, and literacy through Concordia University Chicago after successfully defending her dissertation: Reading Engagement in Online and Hybrid Secondary Literacy Instruction during COVID-19.

1998

ALUMNI NOTES

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

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ALUMNI NOTES

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2004 2006

2011

Brooke (Hershberger '11) Krog graduated from the University of Iowa with a master’s degree in business administration in the spring of 2022.

2012

True Lacrosse has announced that Shelby Cosman '12 will serve as the Director of True Lacrosse Chicago Girls Division. Cosman has an extensive background in lacrosse, earning significant achievements as both a coach and a player. She earned an undergraduate degree in biology and secondary education at Augustana College and received her master’s degree in exercise science with a dual concentration in sports performance training and strength and conditioning from Concordia University Chicago. In addition to her work with True Lacross, Cosman is a science teacher, lacrosse coach, and stock exchange moderator at DePaul College Prep.

2013

Stephen Daw '13 is a New York City based journalist who has written for many notable publications including Rolling Stone Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, and Billboard, which in August, showcased Daw’s first cover story featuring Sam Smith.

Colin McKillip '04 and Jackie (Stillman '06) McKillip were blessed with their 4th child in April. Son Deacon joined big sisters Reagan, Ashland, and Kenndy!

2008

Brian Iggins '08 and his wife, Beth, welcomed their second child, Louise, on May 22, 2022.

Dennis Kelly '08 signed with the Indianapolis Colts as a free agent on May 10.

2009

2010

Eric Federico '09 married Lexi Wozny on September 17, 2022 at Holy Name Cathedral with Bishop Ron Hicks officiating.

Christopher Fultz '10 and Arsela Labi were married June 11, 2022 on the campus of Butler University. The couple resides in Noblesville, Indiana.

2014

Chris Baker '14 of the Northwest Indiana Oilmen was named to the Northern League All-Stars East Team. He was also unanimously selected as the Northern League Player of the Week in June 2022.

Disney recently announced the addition of Regina Hoyles '14 to the writing team. She will be working on a variety of shows that will air on Disney’s children’s network, Disney Junior.

MARIAN CATHOLIC CLASS OF 2022

Yearbook Pickup Day

January 6, 2023 • 10:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m. • West Gym Lobby 30 MARIAN MATTERS FALL 2022

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2016

Takayla Al-Amin '16 was one of eight University of Iowa students who were able to play a role in managing the fan transportation system for Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. Takayla graduated from the University of Iowa in December with a master’s degree in sports and recreation management.

2018

[

Named to the 2022 Dean’s List, Ryan Dee '18 graduated with a degree in management from the University of Iowa in Spring 2022.

Victoria Frazier '18 graduated from Bradley University in Spring 2022 with a degree in communication and television arts.

The University of Iowa named Janina Laskowiecki '18 to the 2022 President’s List. She graduated last Spring with a degree in chemical engineering.

Matt Mulhern '16 was traded from the Gateway Grizzlies to the Lake Erie Crushers. After graduating from Marian Catholic, Mulhern went on to attend Webster University in Missouri before entering the Frontier League of Major League Baseball.

2017

ALUMNI NOTES

McKendree University awarded Darrwin Perkins, II '18 with a degree in business administration in the Spring of 2022.

Charlie Schenck '18 graduated from Miami University with a business degree in marketing in the Spring of 2022.

Jenna Vondrak '18 recently announced her re-enlistment in the U.S. Army.

Mae Van Beest '17 graduated from Carthage College with a degree in graphic design.

Joshua Blair '17 graduated from Saint Francis University in May 2022 with a degree in business administration.

The inaugural episode of season two of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield’s weekly podcast F.L.O.W.cast featured interviews with three graduates of Springfield Dominican high schools including Amir Gazaleh '17.

Listen to the impact their Dominican education and their participation in the Dominican High School Preaching program had on their lives.

2019

Northwestern Volleyball player, Temi Thomas-Ailara '19, was recently recognized as a 2022 CHISOX Athlete.

The program aims to help collegiate athletes increase their potential to receive endorsement deals. She was also named a Big Ten Woman’s Volleyball Player of the week for the week of September 19. An article in the NWI Times on September 19, 2022 shared, “Thomas-Ailara averaged 4.75 kills, 1.67 digs and 0.67 blocks per set and had a .311 hitting percentage as the Wildcats won three matches en route to capturing the Chicago Cup title.

Northwestern is 11-1, its best start since 2012.” Temi also had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at the Chicago White Sox game on September 21, 2022.

2021

Millikin University College of Fine Arts awarded Emma McManus '21 the Dorothy Sellers Art Award as part of the 2022 Honors Convocation. She was also named to the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 Dean’s List.

Alexiss Gilmore '17 graduated from Bradley University with a degree in the music and entertainment industry.

Joshua Jones '17 graduated from McKendree University with a degree in sports management and a minor in leadership studies.

2018

Tarik Al-Amin II '18 was recognized for making the Dean’s List in Spring 2022 at the University of Iowa where he earned a degree in enterprise leadership.

The University of Iowa named Nicholas Dee '18 to the 2022 Dean’s List. He graduated from the University of Iowa in Spring 2022 with a degree in sports and recreation management.

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

31

Remembered Celebrating the lives of alumni, family, and friends James Abby Marle Anderson Genevieve Atkenson Dale Baikauskas Rose Baikauskas William Baikauskas Arthur Barabasz William Barth '67 Frances Beck Leo Bednarczyk Loretta Beresh Gregory Berk Kevin E. Beukema '97 Ryan Blackstone '96 Robert J. Bonea Thomas Brancky '75 Harry Braun Jack Brown Noreen Marie Buchmeier Rev. Richard Bulwith Thomas Bussey Richard G. Campbell Daniel Caniff Dale Capretti Ralph Carl Barbara A. Champlain Ann M. Chung Rosemary Ciaccio James Clarke Barbara Colletz John Concialdi Thomas Connelly, Sr. James Corrado, Jr. Julianne Cotton David Cox Donald Curran '62 James Cwik Mary Danaher Anna M. Davia John Day William F. Deady, Jr. Victor DeGuilio Anna DeLuca Lawrence Derhake Sally Des Marais Robert Deutsch James Di Santo Sharon DiGiovanni Jackie Ditzler James A. Doyle Mary Durkin Philip Egan '70 Phillip M. Farrington Rose Fitzgerald Patricia (LeRose '64) Flanagan Joanne Follenweider Richard Frain '62

32 MARIAN MATTERS FALL 2022

Robert R. Fuesel Edward Furey Joan Galen Frank Galzin Georjean Gautsch Dolores George Barbara Golletz Debbie Gossen Daniel Greer '78 Patricia A. Hamann Carie Hardesty Mary D. Harrison Dane Hartmann Frank J. Hartmann Janet Hickey Dennis P. Higgins '70 Janice ( Fryer '70 ) Hopkins Clinton Horan Tom Hudon Thomas Huidobro '73 Leonard Ignelzi '65 John Ippolito Bernadette Janus Mary Juraska Tony Kaniecki Ed Kasper '74 Marikay (King '72) Kaszubski James Klutcharch Patricia Kmak Walter Kowalski '65 Mary Kracik Jean-Marc Krikorian Josef Krozel Betty Kubancek Michael Kwasigroch '78 Robert LaFond Michael LaMonte Michael Livers Darlene M. LoBue '72 Rosemary J. Longo Thadeusz Lukaszow Leonard Lula '83 Barbara Maine Mary A. Maloney Joseph Mantoan Grace Marchigiani Vince Martello Connie Marziole Robert McCabe Patrick McCann '89 Patrick McCormack James McDonald '66 Sr. Mary Ellen McDonald Nancy L. McGinley John W. McNolty, Jr. Alexa R. Messina Maureen Milard

Maureen E. Milford Anna C. Mitchell Stephen Mitchell Marie Mittelstaedt John Mohan Judy Mohan Richard Moutvic Katherine (Woodward '74) Mrozek Robert Mrozek '71 Christopher Murray Lorretta Nacius Thomas Nykiel '92 Robert E. O’Connor '68 Kathleen “Kay” O’Donnell John “Jay” O’Hara Anne V. Olszta Patricia Fares-O’Malley Peter Onate, Jr. William J. Onofrio Bobb Opyt James Pacholski Debra Sue Page Marian Parus Glenn Paulok Nancy Pavich Margaret Pavlovich Gerald Pelczar Josephine Perez Dean Perozzi, Jr. '94 Kathleen Peters '71 Francine Petrarca Thomas S. Piscitiello Maureen (Murphy '70) Prombo Dandridge Rayford Timothy Reid '83 Theresa Richards Mary Kay Riley '66 Katherine Riordan Miller Ristich James Rizzo Michael Ross Tom Roughan John Rowan John “Jack” Ryan Carl Saccomando Dolores Saia Victoria Salinas Sylvia Sarmiento Antoinette Savickis Robert Schmidt Georgia Schroeder Karen Scott-Leonard '67 JoAnn Simonetti Louis Simonetti James M. Sinopoli '66 Carole Hamann Smith Howard Smith

Mary Ellen Spear Thomas Stallings Br. Lawrence Stewart Fairace Stewart Rosemary Reio Stewart Geraldine Stupay George Sundona Helen Surjan Antonyammal Maria Susai William Svancarek '62 Victoria (Budzinski '71) Tavallo Suzanne Taylor Mary Ann Ustian Joe Verta Joan Vignassi David Villaven Anastasia Waller James Walsh Florence Walters Robert Ward Rosemary Warner Alan John Weller Molly Widing Thomas Winder Judith Witkowski Isaiah Woods '09 Maribeth Woodward Alan Zeller '64

May 1, 2022 - November 1, 2022

Do you pay income taxes to the State of Illinois?

Then you have the ability to change a student’s future...while lowering your tax liability.

Many Marian Catholic alumni, parents, and friends do not see themselves as donors. They assume they are not in a position to give enough to make a meaningful impact. The fact is, that’s not true!

First of all, every dollar matters. Second, if you or your business pays income taxes to the State of Illinois, you have the ability to quadruple your gift while reducing and possibly eliminating your state income tax liability.

The Invest in Kids Act, passed in 2017, allows individuals and businesses to receive a 75% state tax credit for scholarship donations.

The donations are made to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), like Empower Illinois and the Big Shoulders Fund, and can be designated for middle- and low-income families at Marian Catholic.

This program has been transformational for other schools, driving enrollment and investment.

It could do the same for Marian Catholic.

Currently, only 14 Marian Catholic students receive scholarships through this program, but over 200 qualified students are on the waitlist.

More and more students from our Catholic grade schools are receiving this scholarship and are eligible to continue doing so in high school, provided we have the funding available.

HOW DO YOU GIVE TO THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM? We ask that you follow the steps using the QR code below or on our website. Empower Illinois (empowerillinois.org) and the Big Shoulders Fund (bigshouldersfund.org) have helpful resources, including step-by-step guides and FAQs. We also recommend that you consult with your tax advisor, as gifts to this program are not tax deductible at the federal level.

HOW CAN YOU QUADRUPLE YOUR GIFT? Let’s take for example an individual – we will call him John – with a $3,000 state income tax liability. Typically, John makes a $1,000 donation to Marian Catholic; but this year he decided to donate $4,000 to Marian Catholic through Empower Illinois or the Big Shoulders Fund. By doing so, John gets a $3,000 state tax credit ($4,000 x 75%).

John is still out of pocket $1,000 but he has reduced his state income tax liability to $0 and increased his giving to $4,000.

$ 75%

ILLINOIS STATE INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR SCHOLARSHIP DONATIONS

14

MARIAN CATHOLIC STUDENTS CURRENTLY RECEIVE SCHOLARSHIPS THROUGH THE PROGRAM

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROGRAM? ■ Individuals and businesses earning taxable income in the State of Illinois ■ Individuals who take the standard deduction on their federal income tax ■ Individuals and businesses who would benefit more from a 75% state tax credit than an additional deduction at the federal level (consult your tax advisor)

DECEMBER 31 IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. MAKE YOUR DONATION NOW TO HAVE IT COUNT TOWARD YOUR 2022 TAXES! Please contact your tax advisor or Colleen Peabody '05, Vice President of Advancement, at cpeabody@marianchs.com with questions.

200+

QUALIFIED MARIAN CATHOLIC STUDENTS ARE ON THE WAITLIST

Marian Catholic High School Advancement Office

700 Ashland Avenue Chicago Heights, IL 60411 708-755-7565 www.marianchs.com

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Savethe the Date Save Date

A Virtual Gala andBENEFITING Auction A GALA AND AUCTION MARIAN CATHOLIC’S A SOUL To Benefit MarianSCHOLARS CatholicWITH Students Featuring the Recognition of Marian Catholic’s 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

February ~21, 2021 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023

Sister M. Paul McCaughey, OP Leadership Center

Help us go green!

If you would like to receive Marian Matters via email instead of being mailed a paper copy, please call 708-756-9745.

Contributing Writers Ariel Anderson '13 Kathy Guarino Julia Kapocius '16 Sr. Judine Hilbing, OP Sr. Judith Hilbing, OP Kevin Kelly '80 Allen Marazas '64

Editor, Marian Matters

Cecily Fultz / cfultz@marianchs.com Vice President for Advancement

Colleen Peabody '05 / 708-996-4652 / cpeabody@marianchs.com