December 2020 | Volume 71, Number 1
Bishop David Malloy ordains Fr. Theodore Haggerty OSB
A Message from the Office of the President Dear Friends,
MARMION The News Magazine of Marmion Abbey and Academy December 2020 | Vol. 71, No. 1 MARMION is published three times a year (December, April, August) by Marmion, 1000 Butterfield Road, Aurora IL, 60502. Publisher: Rt. Rev. John Brahill OSB ’67 Editor: Kathleen Hausmann Associate Editor: Terri Rios Contributing Writers: Brian Birch Rt. Rev. John Brahill OSB ’67 Paul Chabura Luke Coffman ’24 Lisa Dzuricsko Bill Fox ’74 Nancy E. Hansen Kathleen Hausmann Joe Large ’97 Jack Leuer ’21 Mark Malkowski ’08 Olivia Lyons Fr. Charles Reichenbacher OSB ’59 Terri Rios Anthony Tinerella ’84 Photographers: Paul Chabura, Brian Cole ’81, Bill Fox ’74, Mark Malkowski ’08, Jeanne McLean, Terri Rios Cover Photo: Brian Cole ’81 Send address changes to: MARMION Magazine Editor Marmion Academy 1000 Butterfield Road Aurora, IL 60502 Phone: (630) 897-6936 FAX: (630) 723-3072 E-mail: trios@marmion.org Web Site: marmion.org
2 - President’s Letter
This past year has certainly been a challenging one for all of us in our country and in our world. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives. Loved ones have become ill or worse yet, have passed away from the virus. The recent presidential election, civil unrest, and a host of other issues in our nation have challenged all of us during this past year. I think you would agree that we are looking forward to the new year and putting 2020 behind us. In this issue of the Marmion Magazine you will learn that, in spite of these many challenges, we have continued to remain faithful to our Catholic, Benedictine mission. The monks have continued their lives of prayer and work, the Academy has a strong enrollment and continues to provide a quality education to our students, Abbey Farms is prospering, and our Guatemala mission continues its life of prayer and work. As you will read in the lead article in this issue, 2020 has been a year of many blessings for us. A highlight for us this year was the ordination to the priesthood of Father Theodore Haggerty OSB, on September 5. We give thanks to God for Father Theodore’s ordination and I ask your prayers for him that his priestly ministry may bear much fruit in the coming years. Father Theodore’s ordination brings to mind that all of us need to foster and to pray for vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life in the Church. I especially ask you to pray for vocations to Marmion Abbey. Marmion Abbey has been blessed over the years with vocations, some of us graduates of the Academy. Nevertheless, the abbey, like many religious communities in the world, faces the very real challenge of continuing to attract faithful and talented young men to join the Abbey. If you are parents, I ask you to encourage your children to consider a religious vocation. I believe that God continues to call young people to consecrate their lives to God in this manner. I am also of the firm belief that there are some of our alumni and even current students called to become monks of Marmion Abbey. I ask all of you to encourage the young, to support them and to help them discover what God wants them to do with their lives. I am convinced that some are indeed called by God to serve as priests or religious leaders, including here at Marmion Abbey. Dear friends, in closing this message, I ask for your prayers for all of us here at Marmion. As we celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, I assure you of the prayers of the monks of Marmion for you and your families. May God bless you and your families this Christmas and in the New Year. Have a very Blessed and Merry Christmas! Sincerely,
Abbot John Brahill OSB ’67
Fr. Theodore prostrates during the singing of the Litany of the Saints.
Fr. Theodore Haggerty ordained to Priesthood by Abbot John Brahill OSB ’67
Father Theodore entered Marmion Abbey in 2012. He professed his Solemn Final Vows as a monk of Marmion Abbey on the Feast of St. Benedict, July 11, 2016. On May 25, 2019 he was ordained a deacon in preparation for the priesthood. From 2013 until May of 2020 he studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Indiana.
(l-r) Bishop David Malloy, Fr. Theodore Haggerty OSB, and Abbot John Brahill, OSB ‘67
Father Theodore Haggerty, OSB was ordained to the Priesthood on Saturday, September 5, 2020 by Bishop David J. Malloy, bishop of the Rockford Diocese. Although originally scheduled to be ordained in June, his ordination was delayed due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic restrictions in the abbey church, only the monks and his immediate family could be invited to personally attend the ordination. On Sunday, September 6, 11:00 a.m., Father Theodore celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving at Marmion Abbey. Both events were live-streamed on Marmion Abbey’s Facebook page and can be seen there (www.facebook.com/marmionvocations).
Father Theodore is teaching Junior year Theology at Marmion Academy this year. He is also active in helping the Abbey with its assistance for various parishes in the Fox River Valley. For the past two summers he has organized and presented the new Abbey program of “Summer of Seeking.” This program has offered weekly one-hour presentations and discussions for the public on various theological and spiritual topics such as the Mass and the Divine Office. Please join the monks of Marmion Abbey in rejoicing and giving thanks to God for the gift of Father Theodore’s ordination. We also ask you to join us in praying for God’s abundant blessings on his priestly ministry in service of the Church and of our own Marmion community.
During the ordination Mass, Bishop Malloy reflected on the gift and the nature of the priesthood in the service of the Church. He encouraged Father Theodore to be a true servant; a servant who takes on the actions and words of Christ in the celebration of the Eucharist and in his preaching each day; a servant who gives to others the true Bread of Life; a servant who dies to self in order to produce much fruit. The Bishop ended his reflections by encouraging Father Theodore to have a special devotion to Mary, especially on the first Saturday of each month, setting time apart for prayer and reparation through Mary.
Marmion student Michael Rauch ’21 recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout through his project of replacing the three wooden crosses at Marmion. The crosses, just off Butterfield Road, are a visible sign of Marmion’s Catholic roots and values. Michael Rauch and his team of volunteers extracted and replaced the original weathered crosses and their concrete bases (initially constructed by Jack Novotny ‘13).
Father Theodore was born in 1986, the son of Leo and Mary Haggerty. He was raised in Buffalo, NY. Before entering the Abbey, he earned a degree in Sports Management at Niagara University. He later was employed in the Athletic Department of Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI. While in Michigan, with the help of his parish’s pastor, he began to discern a monastic vocation and contacted Marmion Abbey.
To conclude the installation, the crosses were blessed by Fr. Michael Burrows OSB ’70. The Abbey and Academy are grateful to Michael, his parents, and his friends for restoring the shrine to the crucifixion.
Abbey - 3
A Reflection of Loyalty and Love by Anthony Tinerella ’84, Head of School and Principal
MARMATHON began in 2010 as a student-led fundraiser that combined raising money for the Academy with community and fun. The first MARMATHON fundraising goal was $25,000 and was to be used as part of the Capital Campaign being completed at that time, a campaign that included the building of the Regole Field House. The students met their goal back in 2010 and were treated to a half day and Marmion community picnic, and soon after the Academy was blessed with the Regole Field House! Fast forward to 2013, when we rebooted MARMATHON. The ‘reboot’ had a bit of a different feel, as fundraising incentive prizes were added for individual students as well as for the class who raised the largest amount of money. The all-school picnic remained, but we added the tradition of having competitions as part of the afternoon’s events. This particular year, the school community enjoyed an afternoon of fun at Abbey Farms including rides and a corn maze competition. The Student Council, led by Jacob Schmidt ’14, was determined to raise an all-time high amount, and they did so by raising over $50,000 to help ‘fill the gap’ between tuition and the actual cost to educate each student! Since then, the goal has remained at $50,000 each year. Year after year, the Student Council leads this annual fundraising event, assisting in the planning and execution of the event. We have enjoyed volleyball tournaments, inflatable rides, climbing walls, dodgeball tournaments, and a lot of community building and good old-fashioned fun!! Lots of prizes, pizza parties, and civies days have been awarded for individuals and classes, as well as the ultimate
prize I added many years ago – a day off of school for the class raising the most amount of money, or the entire school should we meet the fundraising goal set by the Student Council. This year, the Student Council had the difficult task of invigorating the student-led fundraiser during the pandemic. The idea was to have the students determine where the Academy would use the money raised. What a great idea! The students asked that we use the money raised to further the ongoing remodeling of the Academy’s physical education and athletic locker rooms. We approved their idea and away they went, determined to make this year the best MARMATHON to date – despite the difficult circumstances. It is my honor to report to you that our incredible 2020-2021 student body has broken the MARMATHON record and brought in a total of $70,067! A heartfelt “THANK YOU” to our students, Marmion families, and all who supported this year’s MARMATHON event. Congratulations to our Student Council and all of our students, the members of the Marmion Brotherhood, whose determination and hard work made the 2020 MARMATHON the most successful to date! Through nine MARMATHON events, the Marmion Academy student body has raised close to $500,000 – a reflection of the loyalty and love they have for one another as Marmion brothers and for the Academy - a legacy for future Marmion Cadets to follow!
Corrections from August 2020
In our August 2020 issue of the Marmion Magazine, we included an article entitled Departing Faculty & Staff, we wanted to provide corrections to two oversights that were made: • We did not provide Dan Heckle’s graduation year of 1992, which recognizes him as an alumnus. • In the paragraph about Vince Bellafiore, we did not mention the names of his two sons VJ ’93 and Anthony ’96 recognizing them as alumni. We also want to add that Vince started the LEAD Dual Credit Course with the University of St. Francis. We sincerely apologize for these unintentional oversights.
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Students Receive Academic Accolades Students Named in NMSC
National Hispanic Scholar
Senior Nicholas Wilson (National Merit Semifinalist pictured left) has also been named a 2021 National Hispanic Scholar by The College Board. The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) recognizes academically exceptional Hispanic and Latino students. Nicholas received this honor because he scored in the top 2.5% among Hispanic and Latino students who took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2019. Every year the NHRP recognizes only 5,000 of the 400,000 Hispanic/Latino students who take the test.
Advanced Placement Scholar Awards Ryan Bennett
Nicholas Wilson
Seniors Ryan Bennett, son of Kelly and Megan Bennett of Sugar Grove, and Nicholas Wilson, son of Thomas and Marisel Wilson of North Aurora, have been named Semifinalists in the 66th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented Marmion seniors will continue in the competition for one of 7,600 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $30 million that will be offered next spring. Semifinalist status is based on scores on the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). The nationwide pool of approximately 16,000 Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring students in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
Every fall, the College Board AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Thirty-four 2020 Advanced Placement Scholar Awards were given to Marmion students in recognition of their exceptional achievement on their AP Exams. AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5; the average score of these 34 award winners was 3.815. National AP Scholar Award: (Granted to students in the United States who receive an average score of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.) Maxwell Gorlich ’20 with an average score of 4.5 and Benjamin Riner ’20 with an average score of 5.0 AP Scholar with Distinction: (Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.) Jason Baker ’20, Patrick Desch ’20, Dominic Diederich ’20, Garrett Durian ’20, Maxwell Gorlich ’20, Aden Morvice ’20, Armande Naseem ’20, Zachary Pyle ’21, Michael Rauch ’21, Benjamin Riner ’20, Christopher Sowers ’20, Justin Suess ’20, and Alexander Yakisan ’20
Nicholas Coffman
Michael Rauch
Seniors Nicholas Coffman, son of Terry and Nicole Coffman ’89 of Aurora, and Michael Rauch, son of Samuel and Kathleen Rauch of Downers Grove, have been honored with Commended Student status in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Competition. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).
AP Scholar with Honor: (Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.) Jack Burke ’20, Thomas Conroy ’20, Jackson Malley ’20, and Charles Rogers ’20 AP Scholar: (Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.) Ryan Bennett ’21, Daniel Coxworth ’21, Patrick Donahoe ’20, Adam Eckardt ’20, Brady Everett ’21, Drew Hengesbaugh ’20, Wyatt Holtan ’20, Carlos Liz ’20, Bryce Riner ’21, Daniel Seraphin ’20, James Tews ’20, Nicholas Wilson ’21, Devin Wise ’21, Matthew Woodford ’20, and Anthony Zangler ’20
Academy - 5
Class of 2020 Excel in ACT Exam by Joe Large ’97, Assistant Principal of Academics
Additional highlights from the Class of 2020’s ACT scores:
• Four students scored a perfect 36: Armande Naseem, Aden Morvice, Benjamin Riner, and Alexander Yakisan
• The average score for the top 25% of the class was 33.2 • The average score for the top half of the class was 30.6 • 100% of the students in the top half of the class met
Class of 2020: Average Scores
29
28
24.7 24.1
24.1
23 23
ENGLISH
MATH
READING
SCIENCE
20.6
COMPOSITE
Marmion’s Class of 2020 had four students score a perfect 36* and 34 students score 30* or above.
ACADEMY
Nation
20.6
Illinois
MARMION
21.2
Nation
20.2
Nation
19 19
Note: Illinois public schools no longer require high school students to take the ACT. Only those interested in attending college elect to take the test.
19.9
Illinois
20 20
Illinois
21 21
MARMION
22 22
MARMION
COMPOSITE Marmion: 26.5 Illinois: 24.7 Nation: 20.6
25.1
24.9
24 24
Nation
SCIENCE Marmion: 26.0 Illinois: 24.1 Nation: 20.6
26.5 26.0
25.6
25 25
Illinois
READING Marmion: 27.4 Illinois: 25.1 Nation: 21.2
27.4 26.9
26 26
MARMION
MATH Marmion: 25.5 Illinois: 24.1 Nation: 20.2
27 27
Nation
ENGLISH Marmion: 26.9 Illinois: 24.9 Nation: 19.9
Illinois
We are proud to announce that Marmion’s Class of 2020 exceeded expectations in regard to their ACT scores. The average ACT score for the class was 26.5, which is 6 points above the national composite average of 20.6. In addition, 95% of all Marmion students met the ACT College Readiness Benchmark in English. The percentage of Marmion students meeting the benchmark in the other disciplines was 83% for Reading, 76% for Science, and 75% for Math.
ACT High School Profile
ACADEMY
MARMION
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admission decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc. The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student’s readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
*Based on ACT super-scores.
Marmion Class of 2020
ACT Scores
ACT Subjects Lower 50% Middle 50% Upper 50% Upper 25% Upper 10%
English
22.4
26.8
31.5
34.1
35.2
Math
21.7
25.6
29.5
32
34.7
Reading
23.2
27.3
31.6
33.8
35.1
Science
22.2
25.4
29.8
32.8
34.8
Composite
22.4
26.3
30.6
33.2
34.9
the standards for ALL of the ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks
A Catholic & Benedictine College-Preparatory High School for Young Men
Students Awarded for Christian Leadership by Mark Malkowski ’08, Director of Campus Ministry and Student Life
Marmion introduced the Blessed Columba Marmion Award in 2019 in a continued effort to honor and highlight our Benedictine tradition and recognize the good works, high character, and many accomplishments of our students. This award proudly acknowledges those who demonstrate exemplary Christian leadership by living out the values of Marmion Academy and the Benedictine Hallmarks of Love, Prayer, Stability, Conversatio, Obedience, Discipline, Humility, Stewardship, Hospitality, and Community. The October 2020 Blessed Columba Marmion Awards recipients are: • Aidan Barth ’21 for Stewardship: Aidan has shown courage by his commitment to stand up for what is right in terms of how people treat each other. Aidan helps, empowers, and inspires others and makes sure they get the respect they deserve. He continues to be a role model and an agent for positive change. • John (Charley) Reavley ’22 for Love: Charley has stepped up to be a true leader both in and outside of the classroom. His efforts and development do not go unnoticed! He is a good-hearted young man who builds up the Marmion community by the kind and gentle way he treats people. • JP Boerman ’23 for Love: JP promotes an environment where everyone has value. He shows great enthusiasm, is genuinely excited to hear what his peers have to share, and brings about excitement and joy. In short, JP makes everyone feel special and valued. • Tyler Sowers ’24 for Prayer: Tyler was integral to the prayer life of the cross country team. He volunteered to lead prayer for cross country practices and meets on a regular basis. He also started a “shared prayer” model before meets, inviting others to add to the prayer that he led. Additionally, Tyler has started a Christmas Card project for local nursing homes. He is actively engaged in his faith and is a role model for his peers.
6 - Academy
Barth
Reavley
Boerman
Sowers
Left: Battalion Executive Officer Nicholas Coffman; Center: Bravo Company Commander Geo’marco Grano accepts his sabre from his parents, Tony and Diana Grano; Right: Battalion Intelligence Officer, S-2 Zachary Houschouer
Cadets Promoted at 2020 Sabre Ceremony The JROTC program honored 42 cadets with military promotions at the 2020 Sabre Ceremonies on October 16 and October 19. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, two separate socially-distanced ceremonies took place so these seniors could be presented with a sabre (officers) or a sword (first sergeants) by their parents, as they were promoted to the highest ranks available in the JROTC program. The following are Marmion’s JROTC student leaders for the 2020-2021 school year:
Battalion
Commander Charles Schultz; Executive Officer Nicholas Coffman; Adjutant, S-1 Anthony Standish; Intelligence Officer, S-2 Zachary Houschouer; Operations Officer, S-3 Bryce Riner; Logistics Officer, S-4 Daniel Coxworth; Public Affairs Officer, S-5 Matthew Tomaszewski; Command Sergeant Major Nathaniel Gelsomino; Administrative NCO Joseph Lagman; Intelligence NCO Matthew Welch; Operations NCO Samuel Hapke; Logistics NCO William Nemechek; Public Affairs NCO Jack Leuer
Delta Company
Commander Michael Rauch; Executive Officer Ryan Conner; First Platoon Leader Andreas Noel; Second Platoon Leader Padraig Fitzgerald; Third Platoon Leader Jack Donovan; First Sergeant Drew Noecker
Headquarters Company
Commander Zachary Pyle; Executive Officer Andrew Hill; First Platoon Leader Devin Wise; Second Platoon Leader Jack Melcher; First Sergeant Ethan Bello
Alpha Company
Commander Nicholas Wilson; Executive Officer Ryan Fitzgerald; First Platoon Leader Logan May; Second Platoon Leader James Lawinger; Third Platoon Leader Jack Scales; First Sergeant Jack Moon
Battalion Commander Charles Schultz with his parents, William and Francesca Schultz.
Bravo Company
Commander Geo’marco Grano; Executive Officer Andrew Galle; First Platoon Leader Sean McDonald; Second Platoon Leader Jack Fischer; Third Platoon Leader Anthony Boule; First Sergeant Tristan Burtner
Charlie Company
Commander Samuel Greco; Executive Officer Diego Sotelo; First Platoon Leader Nathan Huggins; Second Platoon Leader Harrison Tobin; Third Platoon Leader Michael Glavin; First Sergeant Christopher Cedeno Bravo Company First Sergeant Tristan Burtner with his parents, Noreen and MSgt. Michael Burtner, USMC.
Academy - 7
Outreach Ministry at Marmion Academy: “Reaching Out” during COVID-19 by Olivia Lyons, Director of Outreach Ministry Although it has been quite the transition from our regular, retreat-based, in-person events, we in Outreach Ministry have learned to adapt and overcome! God’s love and spirit penetrates through all restrictions, of that we can be certain. Schools and parishes have been overrun with standards and protocols that we must follow- to be able to run their own curriculum has proven trying. That’s where Outreach Ministry comes in! We aim to provide school principals and parish Directors of Religious Education with resources for their students so that during times of normalcy and times of difficulty, our students spread the Gospel message- something that is forever relevant. Two ways that our Marmion junior and senior students have been able to continue to “reach out” to middle school students is through our virtual retreats and Outreach Ministry Newsletter. We have worked alongside St. Peter’s in Aurora and Annunciation’s 8th grade classes virtually through evening retreats led by our team of student ministers, discussing the importance of Confirmation. We look forward to many more events we have planned for the school year. Another way we have been able to stay in touch with our schools and religious education programs is our monthly newsletter that Marmion students write and create content for based on a monthly religious topic. This is a way for our students to stay in touch and feel like they are still serving their community and benefitting from sharing the Gospel message. We send this out to many parishes and schools in our community to keep in touch and allow for the students to share their thoughts and feelings on why our Catholic faith is so important. (Please visit marmion.org/outreach to view the newsletters.) Please pray for Outreach Ministry so that we can continue to reach the hearts, minds and spirits of our middle school community!
Marmion Mentors show the MA Way by Mark Malkowski ’08, Director of Campus Ministry and Student Life
The Marmion community was thrilled to officially welcome the 135plus members of the Class of 2024 as well as our transfer students during MA Way, Marmion’s New Student Orientation program! MA Way is an interactive, informative, and engaging program designed to welcome and support the newest members of our school community as they transition into their first year at Marmion. Throughout the program, our incoming students had the opportunity to celebrate Mass together, partake in in-person and virtual discussions, participate in team building activities and competitions, develop an understanding of what it means to be a Marmion Cadet, and most importantly, begin to build friendships and community by enjoying the camaraderie of their new Marmion brothers. The Mentors, who led MA Way, are a team of junior and senior student leaders selected to work with and support our new students throughout their first year. Each new student is placed on a Mentor Team consisting of several fellow new students and two or three Mentor leaders. By participating in the various orientation activities together and meeting on a regular basis throughout the school year, each Mentor Team evolves into a group that our new students can turn to for support and a true sense of community. Mentors are always available to give advice, answer questions, provide a dose of encouragement, and set an example as Christian leaders and “Men of Marmion.”
8 - Academy
Left: Brady Everett ’21 organized a thank you letter campaign for first responders. Center: Sophomores offer up intentions as part of a prayer experience during one of four class retreats. Right: Nick Coffman ’21 raised over $7,000 for the Aurora and Batavia Interfaith Food Pantries.
Keeping the Faith by Mark Malkowski ’08, Director of Campus Ministry and Student Life Ora et Labora. This phrase, meaning prayer and work, is the motto of the Benedictine Order and it has been a guiding principle of Marmion Academy since its founding. It is a mantra that helps us to recognize the fundamental importance that prayer and faith have within the context of our daily lives. This message of keeping our spiritual lives at the center of all we do has become even more significant as we’ve navigated the challenges of the pandemic these past seven months. Likewise, Marmion’s primary mission of spiritual development remains unchanged. Though our Campus Ministry programming currently looks a bit different, our goals of guiding students to connect with and deepen their faith, helping them to recognize the reality of God’s presence, and maintaining a sense of Christian community are all aspects of our spiritual life that we have preserved. We have been able to offer daily and class Masses, hold class retreats, continue to give through service, and facilitate our Marmion Mentor program for new students. Many of the elements that have been central to our retreat program have remained, albeit in adapted formats. Our junior class retreat, which encourages students to understand the role God has played in their lives and challenges them to deepen their relationship with Him, was held over four Wednesdays in October and November led by a team of faculty and senior leaders. The first of four sophomore retreats was also held in October, with additional dates for the remaining sophomores scheduled in the second semester. Our sophomores typically travel to La Salle Manor (Plano, IL) for a retreat experience led by their staff. This year, we have made arrangements for the team to facilitate the day here on campus while still maintaining the same focus on personal values. We are currently in the planning stages of the freshman retreat, which has always been an opportunity for our new students to grow together, to be further welcomed into the Marmion community, and to better understand how God may be calling them to use their unique gifts over their high school journey. Preparations for our senior Kairos retreat are underway as well, as we are prayerfully hopeful we will
be able to host four of them in the second semester. We have a team of ten committed and faith-filled senior leaders who have been working since September to prepare for Kairos and to develop as faith leaders for our school. Through communal prayer, small group discussion, witness talks, team building experiences, and celebrating sacraments, our retreats allow our students to take a step back from the pervasive uncertainty we face and to focus on their growth as young Christian men. This growth is also fostered by Marmion’s strong tradition of answering the Gospel’s call to serve others. Through various community opportunities: volunteering at Abbey Farms, serving in parishes, giving back to the Academy, and developing their own service projects; our students have kept this tradition alive. Some of our student-developed projects have included a virtual food drive that raised over $7,000 for the Aurora and Batavia Interfaith Food Pantries (Nicholas Coffman ’21), a non-perishable goods collection for Hesed House (anonymous), a pen-pal program with an area nursing home in place of our usual bingo/visitation program (Ryan Fitzgerald ’21), a thank you letter campaign for first responders (Brady Everett ’21), and a Christmas card campaign for local nursing homes (Nathan Sowers ’22 and Tyler Sowers ’24). We also have students who are leading a fundraising project for the Illinois Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (Jack Schokora ’22, Heath Powers ’22, and Daniel Cooper ’23) and several others who are creating care packages for our military during the upcoming holiday season. Additionally, our Outreach Ministry team, under the direction of Mrs. Olivia Lyons and Deacon Bill Johnson ’64, continues to offer faith-based programming for youth in area parishes and Catholic schools. This is just a small snapshot of the self-giving spirit that so many have shown during this time of unprecedented difficulty. As our lives continue to be altered and tested, Marmion will continue to be a community that walks together in faith, driven by our commitment to Ora et Labora.
Academy - 9
ILMEA District Festival by Brian Birch, Fine Arts Department Chair
In October, 23 students from the Marmion-Rosary Band and the Marmion Men’s Chorus auditioned for the Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) district festival. Each year students from suburban schools in the area send well prepared students to audition for the privilege and honor of performing in ensembles that represent the best high school musicians in the State. Students who perform well enough in these auditions have the opportunity to go on to perform in the All State Band, Orchestra, or Choir at the ILMEA Convention in January. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all of the students had to submit their auditions virtually. They worked independently in order to complete videos which were uploaded to YouTube and presented to judges who then determined which students were best qualified to go on to the ILMEA District Festival. This year, the festival will be conducted in an online virtual masterclass format instead of a large festival.
ILMEA District Festival Qualifiers: (l-r) Sam Hoying ’21, Andrew Hill ’21, Diego Gutierrez ’21, Brandon Escobedo ’22
Of the 23 students who auditioned, 11 will be representing Marmion in the District Festival this year! We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of all our music students in their pursuit of this high honor: • Orchestra: Alex Koc ’23 Double Bass, Diego Gutierrez ’21 Trombone • Choir: Sam Hoying ’21, Brandon Escobedo ’22, Evan Dant ’22, Andrew Hill ’21; Tyler Rea ’23, Joe Patzer ’23, Collin Roin ’21, Andreas Noel ’21, Levi Thompson ’23
ILMEA District Festival Qualifiers: (l-r) Tyler Rea ’23, Andreas Noel ’21, Joe Patzer ’23, Levi Thompson ’23, and Collin Roin ’21
Hybrid Choir - A Freshman’s Perspective by Luke Coffman ’24
Singing in a hybrid choir may not seem that much different than a normal choir. Having been a member of a choral group for six years, I have never quite had an experience like this year. When you’re in class on campus, even with half the amount of students, it still feels very normal. There are enough people in each section to sound like a great choir. That all changes when you switch roles and are behind a computer screen. Through Zoom, it is a completely different feeling than before. It is difficult to hear your part and you don’t exactly feel part of the group. You have to rely on your own ability to know your part and not lean on others in your section for help. As with any class under a hybrid learning environment, you feel somewhat secluded and do not feel fully part of the class at all times. Sadly, you just cannot embrace the full “brotherhood” experience via Zoom as you do when you are on campus together. Despite some of these unfortunate downsides, there are also countless positives to a hybrid choir environment. As our guest speaker, Dr. Sinclair mentioned, “When you are home alone and do not have other members of the choir to rely on, you are forced to develop your own talent and solo singing ability.” In turn, this experience will make each of us better singers individually, so that when we can come together as a whole, we will be even stronger than ever.
10 - Academy
Marmion Ceramics by Jack Leuer ’21
While spinning just a lump of clay on the wheel, I start by formulating a unique idea for the design of a pot. I then envision something that could make this pot special extruding intricate floral designs around it! I am Jack Leuer, a third generation student here at Marmion and a current senior. My father and I recently visited a potential university, where I would like to attend following Marmion. The dean of the mechanical engineering program toured us through labs and classrooms, and what was evident was how students primarily applied math to their work and studies. I hope to be an engineer, however I hope to incorporate an artistic perspective to my study and future career choice. The Marmion Ceramics program under Mrs. McLean has been a valuable Marmion experience for me because it has allowed me to experiment in taking my creativity and potential designs into a concrete form. Ceramics has challenged me to take ideas and thoughts and turn them into art pieces. I have then been able to incorporate this form of creativity into my work in engineering courses within the CPARC program here at Marmion.
Dr. Scholl Exhibit Mezzanine Goes Virtual by Lisa Dzuricsko, Marmion Art Teacher
Since the public is not allowed in Marmon’s Dr. Scholl Exhibit Mezzanine art gallery due to COVID-19 restrictions (only Marmion students, faculty and staff can view the artwork in person at this time), videos featuring showcased artwork have been added to the gallery’s webpage:
www.marmion.org/gallery The work of artist Mary Kay Bakken (nee Milot) is currently on display both in the gallery and on the website through January 2021. “The Marmion connection started for me when Father Michael Burrows, OSB ‘70 and I were born in St. Joseph’s hospital in Wichita, KS in January of the same year. Fast forward 42 years and we (husband Jon, aka Luke) moved to Batavia. Luke taught AP Physics every morning for 8 years and our son JJ graduated from Marmion in 2008. I started to study art in the State of Washington and continued wherever I lived. I’ve had a mentor, teacher and friend in the artist David Hettinger ‘64. David’s mother worked for Abbot David Cyr, OSB ’44. I thank God for my talents and perseverance, and my Marmion connections,” stated Mary Kay.
Also on display in Marmion’s virtual gallery is a video featuring the ceramic work of Marmion graduates Joe ’54 and Manny ’55 Hernandez. Joe Hernandez, a life-long Auroran, has spent the past 60 years sharing his art and the love of art making with many local art teachers and students, including Marmion Cadets. He has assisted Jeanne McLean with Raku firings and initiated the Homecoming Bonfire Ceramics project in 2007. Joe is known for his tremendous talent and willingness to share his skill with students from our community and throughout the world. In 2016 he was inducted into the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. Manny Hernandez worked for 12 years as an industrial designer for studios in Chicago before getting a master of fine arts degree for ceramics at Northern Illinois University. Working his way up from lecturer to associate professor, Manny has been at NIU for over 30 years. From 1992-2006, he worked for Potters for Peace, a non-profit organization devoted to socially responsible development amongst craftsmen. He has since become freelance, working with different NGO’s and dividing his time between teaching at NIU and setting up ceramic workshops in developing countries.
Academy - 11
The Varsity “7’”after competing in the Benet Quad! (l-r) Joseph Fuchser ’21, John Schokora ’22, Anthony Standish ’21, Nicholas Coffman ’21, Charles Schultz ’21, Mitchell Gratz ’23, Niraj Abraham ’22
Cadets Fall Season Update by Paul Chabura, Athletic Director Despite not having the ability to compete in our full Fall athletic offerings this year, we are grateful for the two sports (Golf & Cross-Country) that were able to represent Marmion Academy in competition.
Golf
The Golf season kicked off on the right foot when our Cadets took home Second place at the annual St. Laurence invitational in early August. For the second consecutive year, Aaron Munson ’21 was the medalist shooting a 74. Despite the restrictions we were very fortunate to schedule a full slate of matches. Our Varsity Cadets went 4-3 overall in Dual meets throughout the season. They competed in a few invitationals as well. They finished in Second place at St. Laurence; Fourth at our Second Annual Cadet Invitational; Third at the Aurora City Meet; and First at the Montini Invitational. Overall, it was a very good regular season for our Cadets. At our conference meet for the Chicago Catholic League at Cog Hill our boys did a great job and finished in Second place overall. Charlie Burke ’22, Aaron Munson ’21 and Barry O’Neill ’23 earned All-Catholic League honors. Our
Charlie Burke ’22 getting ready to tee off.
Junior Varsity Cadets also took Second place at Conference. The future of our Cadet Golf program is very bright! They then competed in a very tough IHSA Regional Invite and finished in Second place, again to a very strong Kaneland High School. To wrap up the season they traveled to Freeport to compete in the IHSA Sectional. They finished Fourth at Sectionals. This was the last round of the State series as a State Finals tournament was not permitted this year.
Cross Country
Our Cross Country Cadets worked very hard throughout the summer in preparation of the fall season. The season was very different this year. Traditional large invitationals were substituted with smaller Dual and Tri Meets in order to stay within the COVID-19 guidelines. Despite the uniqueness of the season, our boys competed to the best of their ability. We were fortunate to schedule a full slate of competitions this Fall. Golfers (l-r) John Kaindl ’21, Barry O’Neill ’23, Ethan Czerwinski ’22, Aaron Munson ’21, Anthony Sleezer ’21, Charlie Burke ’22
12 - Athletics
Our season started with a dual meet against Oswego East. The Cadets fell to a tough Wolves team to open the season,
but gained some confidence in the process. Next up was a tri-meet with local rivals St. Francis and Aurora Central Catholic. Our Cadets defeated both St. Francis and ACC. We actually tied with St. Francis but won on a six-runner tiebreaker. A great overall team win for the Cadets! Our Cadets did not shy away from competition, scheduling defending State champ Kaneland High School and 3A power Benet Academy. They fared well against the defending State champs and followed up the next weekend by finishing Second at a quad meet hosted by Benet Academy. We were able to host a tri-meet on our beautiful campus against Brother Rice and St. Rita. A special thanks to our Cross Country parents for volunteering to help conduct our races. Many compliments were given. More importantly, our Cadets were able to come away with victories over both the Crusaders and Mustangs. The regular season wrapped up with a strong showing at Harvest Christian, where the Cadets finished in Third place, and concluded with a nice win over St. Laurence in a dual meet. Next up, was our Conference Championship for the Chicago Catholic League which was hosted by Loyola Academy. Our boys finished in Fourth place with Anthony Standish ’21 earning All-Catholic League honors for finishing in the top twenty. Under COVID restrictions, the IHSA limited the State series to Regional and Sectional rounds only. We were grateful to to compete and our boys worked hard in preparation
Senior Cross Country Runners (l-r) Joseph Fuscher, Anthony Standish, Nicholas Coffman, Michael Rauch, Samuel Phipps, Nathan Huggins, Daniel Cella, Ryan Bennett
for the IHSA Regionals. Last year four of the qualifying schools from our region finished in the top ten at State. Our Regional competition, year in and year out, is one of the toughest regions in the State, something the Cadets Cross Country program can take great pride in. Our boys were ready for the challenge taking Fifth overall and qualifying for Sectionals. Sectionals were also very tough, but once again, the team rose to the occasion and finished their season in Fifth place. Overall, it was a great year for our Cadet runners. The future is bright with many underclassmen showing exciting potential, as we prayerfully look forward to putting the virus behind us before next season.
Future Cadets Enjoy Fall Skills Camps Youth Football Camp
Our football staff hosted a free football camp on Friday, October 24. Despite the cold weather, we had nearly 50 5th-8th grade future Cadets (pictured right) take part in football related drills under the lights of Fichtel Field. Our Cadets and coaches did a great job guiding our campers, and our boys did developed excellent drills and provided positive instruction and feedback.
Baseball Fall Skills Camp
The Marmion Baseball program hosted a free skills and drills camp on Saturday, November 7. Mother Nature blessed us with a beautiful fall day for the 60+ future Cadets (pictured below) that arrived on our campus. Campers participated in seven competitive instructional drill stations run by the baseball coaching staff. Our varsity and sophomore student-athletes did an outstanding job creating a fun and energetic environment while assisting our coaching staff at each drill station. Campers at each camp received a Marmion Cadets hoodie, and other giveaways. Overall, both camps were huge successes!
Athletics - 13
Abbot Marmion Society Recognition by Kathleen Hausmann, Executive Director of Advancement
Because of the restrictions in place due to the pandemic, we were unable to host our annual Abbot Marmion Society Mass & Dinner event this year. Instead, we produced a pre-recorded program (www.marmion.org/ams2020) that was shared with all AMS members in which the names of new members, those who moved up to higher giving levels, and those members who passed away this last fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), were recognized. We are grateful to celebrate the kind support and generous gifts this group of individuals and organizations have provided.
New Gift Recognition Levels
There are 37 current Life Members of the Abbot Marmion Society who have now moved up to higher Gift Recognition Levels. NEW GUARANTORS ($750,000 - $999,999): +Thomas T. and +Janet Montiegel NEW ASSOCIATES ($250,000 - $499,999): Carl T. ’77 and Kelly Deufel John ‘50 and Muriel Fenzel NEW INVESTORS ($100,000 - $249,999): Richard M.’64 and Jean Cibulskis Brian P. ‘04 and Christina Greviskes Dr. Scott M. and Elizabeth O’Connor John A., Jr. ’70 and Dorothy O’Dwyer +John and +Janice Trilla. Wheaton Bank & Trust Company NEW SPONSORS ($50,000 - $99,999): Boeing Corporation Foundation Geneva Construction Company Holy Cross Church, Batavia Kevin P. ’74 and Mary Beth Kamraczewski Michael S. O’Leary ’83 and Dr. Karen Ridge PowerSeal Corporation +Robert A. and +Roberta Schiltz Mary Streit In memory of her husband +Gerald Streit ‘64 Scott A. and Lynda Wehrli NEW PATRONS ($25,000 - $49,999): Stephen J. and Kim Auchstetter Robert F. Berry and Maggie Brizzolara LT GEN Daniel P., USA ’74 and Joy Bolger Dr. Robert W. ’67 and Margo Brenart Cadet Construction Corporation Peter and Michelle Carlson James E. Dowling ‘ 52 In memory of his wife +Mary Ann Dowling Dr. Jon A. ’75 and Shelley Hupp +Robert E. Letherman ’89 Edward J. ‘86 and Elizabeth O’Reilly Vi Pho In memory of her husband +Binh Pho Donald J. Reese, Jr. ’67 In memory of his wife +Patricia Reese Gary A. and Mary Ruth Roberts Seager Family Foundation Adriana Streicher In memory of her husband +Donald Streicher
14 - Advancement
David J. ’91 and Cindy Stumm Edward J. ’88 and Cristie Walker Kenneth S. ‘89 and Regina Witkowski Helen Wittry In memory of her husband +Frank Wittry ’54
New Life Members
Life Membership is a special category of membership in the Society. There are now 1,014 living and deceased Life Members (couples counted as one), with 15 new Life Members added this year. Life Membership indicates a cumulative level of support of $10,000 or more for the Marmion causes. Thomas and Roxanne Collins Daniel R. ‘04 and Christine Dalton Fred W. Denk ’48 In memory of his wife +Jane Denk Donald P. and Bonita Devale Wes W. and Donna Frangul Dr. Kenneth C. Kaleta ’62 In memory of his wife +Jane Kaleta Steven E. and Joan Kavanaugh Kirkland and Ellis, LLP Stefan, Jr. ‘74 and Cynthia Koczo Peter A. ‘ 91 and Suzanne Letherman Mark A. Olsen ’84 +Marilyn J. Schindlbeck Gregory S. and Julie Thomas Gabrielle Wallace In memory of her husband +Michael Wallace James D. Weiland ’62
New Sustaining Members
Sustaining Membership is conferred on couples or individuals, companies or foundations, whose gifts total $1,500 or more in our fiscal year. There are currently 80 Sustaining Members, with 8 more added.
+Edward A., Sr. and +Shirlyn Grzesik Marc and Kathleen Hausmann LTD Commodities, LLC John and Julie Loftus Family Foundation Michael R. Mallerdino ‘ 69 +John L. ’45 and +Marilyn Orso Phillip P., Jr. ‘74 and Mayra Stanley Sharp Electronics Corp.
Guardian Angel Fund Secures Solid Enrollment for 2020-2021 Academic School Year by Nancy E. Hansen, Associate Director of Advancement
Guardian NGEL
When the pandemic started to shut down much of our country, we were, and still are, concerned about our Marmion families and their ability to make tuition payments. In May we knew we had to do something proactive, so we initiated an “all-team effort” to secure additional scholarship funds for the 2020-21 academic year. Gratefully, our donors responded in a big way. Our goal was $243,000 and we raised just over $300,000! $305,455.70 to be exact.
our Cadets as possible could continue their education at Marmion - - - and to ensure we would have a strong freshman class.
It truly was an all-team effort. Our monks and advancement staff made phone calls. Many of our trustees gave an additional gift on top of what they had already given. Even the Class of 2020 chipped in, as many donated back the balances in their accounts after graduation. In addition, current families donated their “Cadet Cash” dollars to the Guardian Angel Fund. All to help ensure as many of
And the end result? We were grateful to be able to open the 2020-2021 year with 531 Cadets, just 4 students shy of our 2019-2020 enrollment. In times of trouble, we lean on those closest to us. We are so blessed to have so many people who believe in, and invest their charitable dollars in, our mission. We are blessed and we are grateful. THANK YOU!
Our donors really stepped up to help Marmion families during this difficult time. With these extra funds in hand, we were able to award $1,143,800 in academic and financial aid scholarships this year. 241 Cadets, which is 27 more than last year, received financial assistance to attend Marmion this year. In addition, many of them received a significant increase in their assistance.
Gerard and Robyn Dempsey ’61 Financial Aid Fund by Fr. Charles Reichenbacher OSB ’59, Director of Planned Giving
The Gerard and Robyn Dempsey ’61 Financial Aid Fund received a most generous stock gift valued at over $175,000 from Gerry and Robyn of Elburn in September 2020 to increase their student assistance fund to over $230,000. They and their family began this Fund in 2012 on the occasion of Gerry’s 70th birthday. They are the parents of Brian ’90, Brent ’92, and Austin ’97, and daughter Ashley (RHS ’01), and grandparents of Beckham ’23. With this gift Gerry and Robyn are now in the FOUNDERS Gift Category of the Abbot Marmion Society, the highest gift level with accumulative gifts over $1 Million for various Marmion causes. Gerry has been an Active Trustee since 1990 and a past chairperson of the Board, and a past chairman of the Alumni Board of Directors. Robyn is a past chairperson of the Mothers’ Club, and served for years on the Abbot Marmion Society Dinner Committee. As an Investment Fund, the goal of the Dempsey Financial Aid Fund is to use only annual interest earned to support the Guardian Angel program to assist deserving students to attend Marmion Academy. This is the second Investment Fund begun by Gerry and Robyn. In 1999 they began the Gerard Dempsey ’61 Family JROTC Fund to assist the military department with its programs, such as grants to help send the Flannigan Rifles Drill Team to the National Meets in Florida and some new competition rifles for the Schroeder Rifle Team. The Dempsey JROTC Fund is now valued at over $150,000. They have also contributed to the Dorothy and Larry Dempsey Memorial Scholarship Fund. For information on gifts for the Guardian Angel Fund to assist students with financial aid, or to set up your own Financial Aid Fund, please contact Fr. Charles Reichenbacher, OSB ’59 at creichenbacher@marmion.org.
Advancement - 15
In the News ..................................................................... Bryce Emory ’09 Wins Illinois Open Entering the final round of the 71st Illinois Open at White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville with a four stroke lead, our own Bryce Emory ’09 knew what needed to be done. “I’ve worked hard the last couple of years and had times I put some good rounds together but just never finished it off,” Emory said. In last year’s Open, he was in the hunt but struggled to a final round 79, tied for 40th. This year Bryce rallied from a pair of bogeys on par 5’s on the first six holes with back to back birdies at #9 and #10. He added another birdie at 14 and cruised to a four stroke win. Bryce sandwiched rounds of 1-under-par-71’s around his course record tying 66 in the second round to finish 8 under at 208. “Especially after last year, it’s kind of a little redemption. This is my biggest win so far”, he said. “I’ve been playing in this tournament since I was a freshman in college (NIU). I’m happy to get my name on that trophy. And I get a parking spot next year too!” Bryce’s dad, Bob, continued a tradition by serving as his caddie at the event for the 10th time. “One thing I’ve learned is the less I say, the better,” Bob said. “I just try to keep him relaxed.”
All-American Swimmer Ty Spillane ’21
Ty Spillane ’21, a NISCA All-American and USA Swimming Scholastic All-American from Sugar Grove, has announced his verbal commitment to the University of Missouri for 20212022. “Extremely blessed to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at the University of Missouri! I’d like to thank my coaches, teammates, teachers, friends and parents for their endless support. I am super excited to be a part of such a great family! Go Tigers!” stated Ty on Instagram regarding his commitment to Mizzou. Ty placed 3rd in the 100 breast (54.99) at the 2020 IHSA Boys’ State Swimming and Diving Championships. He also swam breast (24.57) on the 8th-place 200 medley relay and finished 16th in the 200 individual medley (only 12 make finals in Illinois). Prior to the State meet, Ty was the 100 breast
16 - In the News
champion at both the IHSA Sectional Championships, as well as the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference Championships, where his time broke an 18-year-old meet record. In club swimming, where he represents Academy Bullets Swim Club, Spillane won the 200 breast at the 2020 Illinois Swimming Senior Short Course Championships in March. His 2:02.63 was a lifetime best and an improvement of over 5 seconds from the same meet in 2019. In 2019, Spillane competed at the NCSA Summer Championship in the 50 breast (8th), 100 breast (28th), 200 breast, and 200 individual medley.
Doc Holinger “Returns” Our longtime, now retired, English instructor Dr. Rick Holinger has released his first book of poetry. North of Crivitz is now available on Amazon. Most of the poems are set in the North Woods and Upper Midwest. They have been written over several decades originating in Rick’s personal past but, as Rick states, they will “hopefully progress to encompass the universal.” Kevin Stein, former Illinois Poet Laureate, writes, “Holinger’s naturalist’s eye for redemptive detail confronts the realist’s doggedness for cold-eyed fact. Within these lines, one hears Emerson and Frost wrestling in verdant woods north of Crivitz, the former erecting his spire of ‘spiritual facts’ while the latter’s muddy boot kicks at footings bracing the whole façade. Amid this fervent tussle, the poet hankers for what might ‘redeem’ both himself and the beloved topography he inhabits.” Doc Holinger’s book is available on Amazon - along with a chance to review it! To get your Amazon copy personalized, simply email Rick at rholinger@att.net to request a unique book plate (designed by his daughter Molly, and signed by Rick). For a personalized signature and/or salutation written directly on the book’s title page, simply send your request via snail mail to: Richard Holinger, 335 Colonial Circle, Geneva, IL 60134-3640. Include a check or money order for $20.00 per book made out to Richard Holinger ($16/book plus $4 S/H). He will mail the book(s) to whatever address in the US you indicate.
Athletes Sign Letters of Intent
On November 11th Marmion Academy recognized five seniors who took advantage of the early signing period to announce their commitment to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level. They are: • Luke Childers ’21 – Football – St. Norbert College • Cole Green ’21 – Baseball – Augustana College • Nick Reid ’21 – Basketball – Central College • Diego Sotelo ’21 – Wrestling – Harvard University • Ty Spillane ’21 – Swimming – Missouri University Congratulations to these great student-athletes. May they do well at the collegiate level! GO CADETS!
by Bill Fox ’74, Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations
Cadet Classic Golf Outing
Our annual Cadet Classic Golf Outing was postponed in July due to the pandemic and Illinois’ restrictions. We were able to host the event on October 9 at Bliss Creek Golf Course in Sugar Grove. Almost 150 golfers enjoyed a magnificent fall day with clear skies and an 80-degree temperature. Everyone had a great time on the course and a delicious steak dinner after golf. There were plenty of games and raffles to keep players engaged. A big thank you to all those who joined at this year’s Classic as well as to our sponsors who went above and beyond in this crazy year to make our event a great success.
We anticipate that on Friday, June 4 and Saturday, June 5, 2021 we’ll host the largest gathering of our Alumni in the history of our campus! We’ll be celebrating all of those from the Classes ending in “0” and “5” who missed out in June 2020 as well as those years ending in “1” and “6”! Friday we’ll host both Jubilee years of 1970 and 1971 for our annual Pre-Reunion Cocktail Party. Invitations to those alumni celebrating milestone years will be mailed in the early Spring. Our Steak Fry/Lobster Boil will follow the Pre-Reunion Cocktail Party on Friday, June 4 and we’ll provide more seating than ever before, both inside and out. Our raffles and Silent Auction will also be bigger and better than ever. On Saturday, June 5 we’ll host a campus tour followed by Mass in our Abbey Church. Then we’ll gather in the Leonard Lux Dining Hall for our Marmion Reunion - a fun-filled evening of food, drink and fellowship as we celebrate all of our returning Alumni and their significant others.
Dave Sommers, Joe Large ’97, Fr. Kenneth Theisen OSB ’59, LongGiang Le ’97
BIG TICKET Raffle XXX
Mike Deufel ’10, Matt Pircon ’10, Bill Callahan ’10, Nick Knudtson ’10
Reunion Weekend & Steak Fry/Lobster Boil
BIG TICKET
06042021
I know you’re thinking, “That’s all well and good, but what about the BIG TICKET Raffle?” Worry not! 2021 marks our 30th Annual BIG TICKET Raffle! With COVID restrictions possibly remaining in place, we’ll make every effort to expand our online sales and encourage everyone to make their 2021 BIG TICKET purchases online at marmion.org/raffle. We’ll activate our online sales around midJanuary 2021.
As many of you know, the BIG TICKET Raffle is the primary fund-raising activity of our Alumni Association. Your support of the BIG TICKET Raffle enables us to continue to make our $100,000 annual donation to the Marmion Academy Financial Aid Fund. As you can imagine, the need from our families for financial assistance continues to increase every year. THANK YOU for supporting the Marmion Alumni Association and our 30th Annual BIG TICKET Raffle. Best of luck to all!
Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony What about next year’s Reunion Weekend and Steak Fry/ Lobster Boil? That’s a question that we can’t quite answer completely today. However, we have faith that this pandemic will be firmly in the rearview mirror by June and we’re planning now for ‘business as usual’ for June events on campus.
Due to our inability to properly honor any new Hall of Fame inductees and the current travel restrictions, there will be no Marmion Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony or Inductees this year. We look forward to next season’s basketball schedule to select an appropriate date in 2022.
Alumni - 17
+Dr. Joseph Kutz ’46 – Hand Transplant Pioneer +Dr. Joseph Kutz ’46, a member of the Marmion Athletic Hall of Fame and a Marmion Centurion Award recipient, died on October 10, 2020. Kutz was part of the team that performed the world’s first hand transplant with prolonged success in January 1999. The 15-hour surgery changed the course of hand transplantation. Not one to rest on his laurels, in 2010 Kutz led the University of Louisville’s
hand surgery training program when a team completed the region’s first double hand transplant. In 2014 Kutz led a clinical trial that looked at using a patient’s fat to fight rejection during the transplanting process. Kutz pioneered treatments that are now regularly used by doctors across the world. His willingness to share his knowledge with others was among his greatest gifts, according to those who knew and worked with him. He inspired new generations of surgeons and trained hundreds of medical professionals at the University of Louisville School of Medicine while serving as clinical professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Hand Surgery.
Class News & Notes ...
Let us know what is happening in your life! Go to marmion.org/update or email your class notes to trios@marmion.org. Class News & Notes appear (as space allows) in the December & April issues of the Marmion Magazine.
80
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
After Lou Drendel ’55 published 60 titles with Squadron/Signal Publications, he has now begun publishing on Amazon.com. His The Illustrated Series of aviation publications has grown to include 22 titles about military aircraft, ranging from WWII to present day. Lou is the writer, illustrator and editor.
Classes of 1940 & 1941
All members of the Class of 1940 & 1941 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
Class of 1944
Chief Bob Mangers of Aurora, retired Fire Chief, celebrated his 95th birthday in 2020, and was featured in a front-page Beacon-News article on Sunday, August 30, 2020
75
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1945 & 1946
All members of the Class of 1945 & 1946 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
70
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Class of 1950 & 1951
All members of the Class of 1950 & 1951 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
65
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1955 & 1956
All members of the Class of 1955 & 1956 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
18 - Alumni Class Notes
Class of 1959
Dave and Sally Weddige of Naperville celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a subdued family gathering on June 15, 2020.
60
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1960 & 1961
All members of the Class of 1960 & 1961 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2020. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Dr. Jim and Nancy Kucienski ’60 of Lincolnwood observed their 50th Wedding Anniversary in early April; the celebration will come later. Their son is Andrew ’90. Jim is a former Dads’ Club President and Nancy is a Life Trustee of the Academy.
55
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2020 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1965 & 1966
All members of the Class of 1965 & 1966 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
Dr. Steve Gonczy ’65 and Teri Verscheiden were married in March 2020.
50
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1970 & 1971
All members of the Class of 1970 & 1971 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
Members of the Class of 1987 participated in a Toys for Tots Fundraising Golf Outing at Hughes Creek Golf Club in Elburn on Oct. 16, 2020. (pictured l-r: Wayne Hoover, Steve Ruddy, Pat Kackert, Tim Weber, and Joel Riley) Dr. Casey Mulligan of Flossmoor, a Marmion Trustee, recently authored You’re Hired: Untold Successes and Failures of a Populist President. Casey completed a one-year term as Chief Economist of the White House Council of Economic Advisors, and has now returned to his position as a professor of economics at the University of Chicago
30
YEARS
1971 classmates Joe Parisi, Igor Trutenko, Don Olson, and Bill Loring got together in Scottsdale, AZ for a ‘minireunion’. “We are all planning to attend our 50th reunion June 2021. We shared great memories and had lots of laughs!”
45
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1975 & 1976
All members of the Class of 1975 & 1976 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
40
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1980 & 1981
All members of the Class of 1980 & 1981 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
35
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1985 & 1986
All members of the Class of 1985 & 1986 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
Class of 1987
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2020 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1990 & 1991
All members of the Class of 1990 & 1991 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion.
Class of 1994
Brad Snead of Aurora is the varsity basketball coach at the Illinois Math and Science Academy (IMSA).
25
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 1995 & 1996
All members of the Class of 1995 & 1996 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Dr. Michael Schindlbeck ’96 of Chicago, an Emergency Room physician at Stroger Hospital, Chicago, was interviewed by WGN-TV in April as a “front-line health care provider” at a major public hospital. Dr. Mike is the son of Jerry ’61 and Rosemary Schindlbeck of Aurora, the husband of Jessica, the father of three small children, and a graduate of Northwestern Medical School. On February 2, 2020 Jason Burzynski ’96 was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant for the Algonquin Police Department. He is pictured with his wife Stephanie and daughters Breonna and Grace. LTC Peter V. Schmitt, USA ’96 is still flying helicopters for the Army. He is currently the Battalion Commander of a AH-64 Apache unit stationed in Korea.
Alumni Class Notes - 19
20
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 2000 & 2001
All members of the Class of 2000 & 2001 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Javier and Sally Hernandez ’00 of Evanston welcomed their second daughter, Abigail Ofelia, on April 15, 2020. Javier is a member of the Marmion Alumni Association. Dr. Matthew McKnight ’01 just opened his own Oral Surgery practice in St. Charles, IL. Unfortunately, the office has been forced to shut down due to COVID-19 but will hopefully reopen soon. Matt was the first doctor in Illinois to graduate in the 6-year program for Oral Surgery. As a result, Matt is a medical doctor, oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and dentist. He attended Washington University in St Louis for undergrad and University of Illinois at Chicago for dental and oral surgery. Sean Eshaghy ’01 graduated with a Master’s this spring from the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. Sean’s focus is education policy and currently works as a teacher, teacher coach, and curriculum expert for the Archdiocese of Chicago. He also worked with the COVID-19 response leadership team to develop plans for the 2020-2021 school year.
Class of 2004
James and Cindy Rangel of Bolingbrook welcomed their second child, Gabriel Wolfe on September 8, 2020. James graduated from Lewis University with a Masters Degree in Information Security on December 15, 2019.
Online Hammes Campus Store Shop for your new Marmion Spirit Wear and Accessories from the comfort of your own home! Visit the online Hammes Campus Store today at:
www.marmion.org/hammes 20 - Alumni Class Notes
Tony and Tina Martinez of Aurora welcomed their son Austin Cristano on May 27, 2020. Tony is the Director of Public Relations for the DuPage County Forest Preserve.
15
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 2005 & 2006
All members of the Class of 2005 & 2006 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Sean and Kristin Powers ’05 of North Aurora welcomed their son, Nash Bradley, in early July 2020. Michael Mutersbaugh ’06 is a mathematics teacher at Northern Illinois University. Mike and wife Gianna have two children.
Class of 2007
Ricky LaBerge of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI is married (Kristin) and the father of a daughter and son. He and Kristin met at Loyola University. Ricky is a Senior Accountant for Decko Global in the Detroit area. Jason Richmond was promoted from Captain to Major (USA) in July by BG Quander, 98th CMDT of the Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, and pinned by his wife Captain (USA) Kalyn Richmond and their son Augustus. MAJ Richmond’s next assignment will be a student at the Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, AL.
Class of 2009
Jared Meyer of Arlington, VA is now the Senior Policy Advisor at The Cicero Institute of Washington DC, which advocates for “entrepreneurial solutions to public problems.”
Nick Scanlan of Aurora is president-elect (2020-21) of the Aurora Rotary Club. Nick is a former member of the Alumni Board of Directors.
10
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Classes of 2010 & 2011
All members of the Class of 2010 & 2011 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Bennett Marsh ’11 received his Ph.D in Physics from the University of California Santa Barbara in May 2020. Bennett’s dissertation is entitled, “Search for new physics using the MT2 variable in all-hadronic final state produced in 13 TeV proton-proton collisions at the CMS detector.” Bennett is married and resides in Austin, TX where he is working in the data science field. Steve Bryant ’11 of Aurora was recently promoted to Vice President at Progressive Business Solutions. PBS is an Aurora based company involved in Energy Procurement and Consulting. Steve was also recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce and serves in a leadership role in the Fox Valley Park District‘s Golf for Kids annual golf outing. John and Nicole York ’11 of West Chester, OH welcomed son Cooper on April 26, 2020. (pictured left) John is a Senior Data Scientist for Proctor and Gamble, Inc. in Cincinnati.
5
YEARS
Save the Dates: June 4-5 Reunion 2021 (marmion.org/reunion)
Class of 2015 & 2016
All members of the Class of 2015 & 2016 are invited to our Reunion Weekend 2021. Additional details will soon be available at marmion.org/reunion. Jordan Glasgow ’15 of DeKalb was drafted by the NFL Indianapolis Colts as linebacker and special teams, positions he played for four years at the University of Michigan. He joins his brothers in the NFL: Graham ’11 (was Detroit Lions, now Denver Broncos and Ryan ’12 (formerly Cincinnati Bengals). Three brothers in the NFL, that might just be some kind of a record! Luke Juriga ’15 of Batavia signed as a free agent to play for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Luke’s dad is a former NFL player. Luke played as an offensive lineman for four years at Western Michigan University. Gabe Groom ’15 of Batavia graduated from the U.S. Army Field Artillery Basic Combat Training in May 2020. Nathan Traxler ’16 of St. Charles was named an AllAmerican Wrestler at the end of his senior year season at Stanford University, where he received an NCAA athletic scholarship and wrested for four years. Nathan is the first Marmion wrestler to earn the prestigious honor of AllAmerican.
Class of 2018
T.J. and Abbi Lally ’11 of Downers Grove welcomed their son Max on September 4, 2020.
Class of 2012
Jon and Megan Rios of Norwood, MA welcomed their first child, Joseph William on August 25, 2020. Jon is a Senior Analyst at Latitude, a marketing research consultancy in Boston. Joseph is the greatgrandson of Sal Rios ’61. Jack Walsworth married Sarah Cornwell on October 12, 2019 at Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church in Detroit, MI. Classmate Scott Horvath was a groomsman. Jack is a reporter for Automotive News in Detroit.
In December 2019, the Nuclear Reactor Laboratory at MIT announced that Keith Mokry (pictured above, far right) was one of five MIT students who passed the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Reactor Operator (RO) Licensing Exam.
marmion.org/update Alumni Class Notes - 21
Alumni Taps ........................ +Dr. Joseph Kutz ’46 of Louisville, KY; brother of +Leonard ’45; October 10, 2020 +Dean DeGeeter ’49 of Naperville; brother of +Dale ’49, +Darrell ’56, +Robert ’56, and Albert ’58; October 25, 2020 +Ronald Juneau ’49 of Hopkinsville, KY; August 28, 2020 +Bernard “Bud” Skaja ’48 of Park Ridge, IL; brother of Life Trustee Mickey ’52, Tom ’54, Jack ’58, Jim ’60, +Jerry ’61 (former Br. Jerome), and Deacon Larry ’64; August 30, 2020 +Richard Sherman ’50 of Fort Collins, CO; cousin of George ’50; August 13, 2020 +Jack Griffis ’51 of Las Vegas, NV; October 5, 2020 +Rich Groesch ’53 of Ft. Atkinson, WI; September 21, 2020 +Earl Newton ’53 September 29, 2020
of
Aurora;
+James Theisen ’53 of DeKalb; brother of +Robert ’42, Richard ’48, +Harry ’50, Raymond ’55, +Gerald ’58, and Fr. Kenneth, OSB ’59; uncle of Jeffrey ’77, Timothy ’78, Brian ’82, Michael ’83 and Christopher ’85; great uncle of Alexander ’13; August 25, 2020 +Frank Nemechek ’54 of Batavia; grandfather of F. Zachary ’21 and William ’21; October 7, 2020 +Dr. James Trompeter ’57 of Franktown, CO; brother Gerald ’60; December 6, 2019 +LeGrand “Lee” Ferree ’58 of Des Moines, IA; brother of Greg ’70; January 10, 2020 +C. Alan Martner ’58 of Montgomery; AMS Life Member; October 28, 2020 +Gerald Theisen ’58 of North Aurora; father of Michael ’83 and Christopher ’85; brother of +Robert ’42, Richard ’48, +Harry ’50, +James ’53, Raymond ’55, and Fr. Kenneth OSB ’59; grandfather of Alexander ’13; uncle of Jeffrey ’77, Timothy ’78, and
In Loving Memory of .......... +William Awe of St. Charles; father of Terrence ’90; August 21, 2020
Tyler Hlavac ’10; AMS Life Member; November 7, 2020
+Ed Beamish of Yorkville; father of David ’81 and Michael ’85; former Academy instructor (math, science and Latin); November 9, 2020
+Kevin Frieders of Aurora; brother of Gary ’64; August 22, 2020
+Margaret Ryan of Aurora; wife of +James ’48; brother of +Robert Spritzer ’51; grandmother of Michael Shay ’09, Andrew Healy ’11, Henry King ’20, and Oliver King ’22; November 8, 2020 +Marykay Pflum Burch of Rancho Santa Fe, CA; mother of Barry ’67 and Timothy Pflum ’68; August 21, 2020 +Edward DeGeeter of Naperville; former faculty and coach; son of Albert ’58; nephew of +Dean ’49, +Dale ’49, +Robert ’56, and +Darrell ’56; October 15, 2020 +Emerson Dotson, Sr. of Shreveport, LA; brother of Academy JROTC instructor SFC (Ret) Wayne Dotson, USA; April 15, 2020 +Joan Ferrelli of Aurora; wife of former Academy JROTC instructor +SGM Antony Ferrelli, USA; October 6, 2020 +Susanna “Sue” Flynn of Lutz, FL; wife of +Patrick Flynn ’58; mother of Michael ’84; sister of Tom ’65 and Steve Bohler ’71; aunt of Aaron Bohler ’04, Eric Bohler ’05, and
22 - Prayers
+Judy Gramme of Aurora; wife of +Ron ’56; November 2, 2020 +Cliff Hermanson of Mt. Prospect; father of Bob ’73; August 29, 2020 +Marilyn Hess of Montgomery; wife of +Carl ’45; September 28, 2020 +Kim Hirner of Plano; brother of James ’65; uncle of Steven ’88, David ’93, Jeffery ’94; October 6, 2020 +Virginia Johnson of Lafayette, CO; mother of Garland ’65; May 4, 2020 +Grace Koehler of North Aurora (formerly St. Charles); wife of Peter ’69; mother of Michael ’97 and Terrence ’03; Abbey Oblate; cantor at Abbey Masses; November 11, 2020 +Joseph and +Ellen Mangano of Fishers, IN; brother and sister-in-law of +Br. Anselm Mangano, OSB; Joseph on August 5, 2020; Ellen in April 2020 +William Miller of Olympia Fields; grandfather of Caeden ’20 and Collin Ayres ’19; July 8, 2016 +Margaret Mary Murphy of Ft. Myers, FL; mother-in-law of Steve (Peggy) Kramer ’64; September 7, 2020 +Cecilia Nass of Batavia; wife of Jim, Jr. ’56; June 12, 2020
+Art Decio ’48 of Elkhart, IN died at his home, under Hospice care, on November 6, 2020. Art was an Abbey Affiliate Member (1991), a Life Trustee of the Academy (1966-longest tenure), and an Alumni Centurion awardee (1979). He and his late wife, Pat, were quite generous to Marmion: the Academy’s Decio Library, the Decio Bell Tower of the Abbey Church, and, recently, the Patricia Decio Memorial Financial Aid Fund. Art was chairman of the board of the Skyline Corporation of Elkhart and its former CEO. He was a longtenured trustee of the University of Notre Dame and an active philanthropist in the South Bend-Elkhart area, and throughout the country. Brian ’82; brother-in-law of +Paul ’67, John ’68, and Michael Sauber ’70; son-in-law of +Charles Sauber ’38; September 8, 2020 +Joseph Rausch ’60 of Aurora; September 15, 2020 +Robert Bentley ’63 of Shelbyville, IL; October 4, 2020 +Joseph C. Zilly ’63 of Davenport, IA; brother of Fred ’59, +David ’61 and Robert ’69; September 23, 2020
Clement ’68; November 8, 2020 +John McGray ’65 of Oswego; brother of James ’61; March 22, 2020 +Thomas H. Baer ’68 of Rocklin, CA; September 11, 2020 +Timothy Theis ’72 of North Aurora; brother of +Dave ’60, +Tom ’61, John ’63, and Al ’70; October 9, 2020 +Austin James “AJ” Bank ’15 of Bristol; October 2, 2020
+Michael McCabe ’64 of Fredericksburg, VA; brother-in-law of +Wayne
+Marge Bryan of Aurora on October 15, 2020; widow of +John ’50; mother of John Patrick ’81, Michael ’82, and Dr. Kevin ’85; grandmother of August ’21. Marge was to be honored with Marmion Abbey’s St. Scholastica Award at the Salute to Youth Dinner in April 2020, but, due to the pandemic, this never happened. She will be honored posthumously at a future Salute to Youth. She and John were Life Members of the Abbot Marmion Society, and good friends of the monks of Marmion. +Adriana Padovini of Rome, Italy; mother-in-law of Thomas Weiler ’76; grandmother of Michael Weiler ’09; October 7, 2020 +Rita Polek of Batavia; mother of James ’08; August 30, 2020 +Robert “Bob” Robinson of Aurora; father of Rob ’70; brother-in-law of +Neal Fichtel ’45; father-in-law of Brad Childress ’73; September 14, 2020 +Sarah Schuler of Batavia; wife of Jack ’66; mother of Michael ’00; sister of Dr. Dan Mack ’61; sister-in-law of +John Smith ’55 and William Utley ’57; October 17, 2020 +Richard “Dick” Sheppard of Roselle, IL; father of Michael ’02; September 12, 2020 +Rita Smith of South Euclid, OH; wife of David ’50; February 11, 2019 +Donald Snobel of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; grandfather of Adam ’98 and Austin ’17 Rullo; July 14, 2020
+Mary Stanton of Lemont; grandmother of Jack Novotny ’13; October 27, 2012 +John Tillman of Shreveport, LA; brother of Academy JROTC instructor SFC (Ret) Wayne Dotson, USA; May 29, 2020 +Loretta Tretter of Henderson, NV; mother of Robert ’74; November 7, 2020 +Attila Vig of Aurora; stepfather of Jim Riedl ’71; September 15, 2020 +Elmer Weber of Aurora; father of Norb ’76; brother of Ted ’57 and Don ’58; August 19, 2020 +Dr. James Willey of Elburn; father of Andrew ’02 and David ’02 (covaledictorians); former mayor of Elburn; August 23, 2020 +Carol Wood of Sugar Grove; wife of Kenneth “Buzz” ’51; mother of Kevin ’85 and Timothy ’86; AMS Life Member; September 12, 2020
We are MARMION!
Stronger than ever.
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As parents, alumni and friends of Marmion Academy, we are acutely aware of the differences that make Marmion unique -- differences that go beyond success in the classroom and include the installation of values, spiritual growth, and the leadership skills that enable our students to achieve their full potential. Under the guidance of the monks and the lay administration, faculty and staff, Marmion strives to provide an affordable, faith-based education to every student who seeks it. To achieve this, Marmion sets its tuition below the actual cost of educating the students. Despite prudently managing its costs, the school needs to annually address this gap, which currently stands at approximately $2,400 per student. Since the school receives no funding from the Diocese or local parishes, it relies on voluntary funds to help fill that gap and keep tuition as low as possible.
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U-CUT & PRE-CUT CHRISTMAS TREES Wreaths • Garland • Cider Donuts • Pine Tree Cafe Gifts in-store or online at AbbeyFarms.org/store SOCIALLY DISTANCED VISIT WITH SANTA You must have an appointment to get your tree this year! Or you may purchase your tree online for delivery or no-contact drop-off !
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