2023 Viewbook

ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL

Tradition Starts Here

TRUTH

UNITY

LOVE

AN AUGUSTINIAN COLLEGE PREP SCHOOL SINCE 1905

For 118 years, generations of families have entrusted the education of their sons to St. Rita High School.

Here, young men are challenged to grow as a whole person – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. Our tailored academic programming and variety of sports, clubs, and activities nurture each Ritaman as individuals, while our commitment to Faith, Family, Leadership, and Service cultivate the storied St. Rita community that has persisted for over a century.

Join the St. Rita Family. the tradition starts here.

“

We watch our Ritamen flourish every day in the classroom, on the field, out in the community, and within their own spirituality. As they grow, we grow as well – and we will continue to grow as we write the next phase of our story.”

Deacon John Donahue, J.D., Ed.D. President

OUR FOUR CORNERSTONES

FAMILY

FAITH

SERVICE

LEADERSHIP

Academics THREE RIGOROUS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS Each year, every student is placed into an academic program tailored to his needs.

They are: Augustinian Academy

• Serves gifted and motivated students • Opportunities for accelerated coursework • Courses include College Board approved Advanced Placement (AP) classes in most subject areas and Honors courses in nearly every academic department

Mendel Academic Program • Rigorous college preparatory program for dedicated students • Provides students with core skills and essential tools for success at the college level

Fr. Green, O.S.A. Academic Support Program • Customized learning resource program designed to meet the needs of students with documented learning differences who demonstrate the potential to succeed in a college prep program • Opportunity for students to receive individual attention, tutoring, mentoring, and help with studying

“

Our diversified curriculum ensures that each Ritaman is challenged – and supported – as an individual. Students are placed into classes based on their academic strengths and may take a combination of Advanced Placement, Honors, College Prep, and Foundational level courses in any given semester or year. –Mr. Josh Blaszak ’02, Principal

21

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

13:1

STUDENT TO TEACHER RATIO

57

ELECTIVE OFFERINGS

15

ADVANCED PLACEMENT OFFERINGS

3

DUAL COLLEGE CREDIT COURSES Offered through Benedictine University and Saint Xavier University

Faith Campus Ministry Center

The mission of St. Rita’s Campus Ministry Center is to build a strong, healthy, Christian community based upon Catholic ideals of the Gospel and the Order of St. Augustine. We strive to instill within each Ritaman the Augustinian core values of Truth, Unity, and Love. Campus Ministry helps each young Ritaman recognize and develop his own unique gifts and talents to their fullest potential. The student body is a faith community that seeks to grow in love of God and neighbor.

TRUTH

UNITY

LOVE

DAILY

MORNING AND AFTERNOON PRAYER

WEEKLY

NOVENA PRAYERS TO ST. RITA AND EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

BI-WEEKLY

ALL-SCHOOL MASSES INCLUDING HOLY DAYS

ANNUAL

STUDENT, FACULTY, AND STAFF RETREATS

Spiritual Life

The Campus Ministry Center encourages all members of the St. Rita Family to take an active role in our school faith community through a wide range of activities, including: • Daily all-school morning and afternoon prayers • Weekly Novena Prayers to St. Rita at the St. Rita of Cascia Shrine and Eucharistic Adoration • Optional daily Mass with the Augustinians before school, as well as bi-weekly All-School Masses, including all Holy Days • Active liturgical involvement for all students as Altar Servers, Hospitality Ministers, Lectors, and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion • Reconciliation during Advent, Lent, and by request • Annual retreats for all students, faculty, and staff, including a multi-day Freshmen retreat experience led by upperclassmen Big Brothers as well as a four day off-campus Kairos experience during each Ritaman’s junior or senior year • Sacramental preparation for those wishing to receive the Sacraments of Initiation to the Catholic Church • Awareness weeks for spiritual and social justice topics • Discernment opportunities for those feeling called to religious life

Service

$20,000+

As a part of an Augustinian Catholic community, Ritamen are called to actively live their Christian identity serving those most marginalized. St. Rita enables and encourages Ritamen to share their lives with others in a variety of ways, including:

RAISED ANNUALLY FOR CHARITIES

• Regular trips to local shelters/food pantries to assist with the distribution of food and clothing

35

• Voluntary mission collections that annually raise over $20,000 for various charities • Education about social justice issues, including programs designed to promote racial equity • Required service hours through our Reflective Outward Service Experience • Integrating responsibility, respect, and tolerance as a part of daily life at St. Rita

SERVICE HOURS REQUIRED

Student Involvement There is something for each student here at St. Rita to engage in and find their passion – from Student Government, to our prestigious Chess Club, to our Black Student Union.

RITAMEN CREATE. RITAMEN LEAD. RITAMEN CONNECT.

“

Over the past three years, I’ve learned so much about my interests, my passions, and my identity because of the clubs, sports, and student involvement here. St. Rita has helped me grow confident in myself as well as my leadership skills.”

Raymone Saffold ’24 Student Government, President Football, Captain Black Student Union Bowling Track & Field

95%

OF ST. RITA STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

35+

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The Broadcasting Club visited WGN Morning News on a field trip to take a look behind the scenes.

Advice Beyond the Classroom Aviation Club Band / Jazz Band / Pep Band Big Brothers Billiards & Ping-Pong Club Black Student Union Broadcasting Club Chess Club Creative Writing Club Esports Jazz Band Knights of St. Augustine Latin Club Model UN Movie Club Mustang Blackjack Club Mustang Scholars Club

National Honor Society NATIR Satirical Newspaper Outdoors Club Praise Band Respect Life Club Ritamen Weep Improv Troupe Scholastic Bowl Seinfeld Club Social Justice Club Spanish Club Spikeball Club Sports Fantasy League Sports Journalism Club Student Government Table-Top Games Club Theater The Cascian Yearbook

Athletics St. Rita High School Athletic Department Mission Statement The goal of St. Rita is not to simply have a great season, but to develop great young men. St. Rita students are encouraged to participate in a variety of sports. Hard work, perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership are the cornerstones of our athletic programs. Our programs are designed to lead young men to discover and surpass their physical and mental limits, while learning life lessons as a result of a competitive program.

2022-23 Athletic Accomplishments CHICAGO CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAMPS Football, Basketball REGIONAL CHAMPS Basketball, Volleyball, Baseball LAWLESS AWARD STUDENT RECIPIENTS Football LAWLESS AWARD COACH RECIPIENTS Football, Basketball, Bowling

St. Rita competes in the Chicago Catholic League and is a member of the Illinois High School Association. In support of IHSA policies, St. Rita High School may not promise or offer athletic scholarships of any kind. Violations may result in loss of eligibility for the student, coach, and/or school.

Photo by Sam Balkansky

Baseball Basketball Bowling Cross Country Football Golf Hockey Lacrosse Rugby Soccer Swimming Track & Field Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling

Technology 1:1 iPad Program Students and faculty alike benefit from a wide range of uses this technology offers. The goal of 1:1 iPad Program is to ensure Ritamen are smart, ethical users and to see it as a learning tool that will never replace student-teacher interaction.

Technology in the Classroom Classrooms are equipped with hardware and software that facilitates collaboration between teachers and students. Together, they can share screens and ideas with one another, increasing classroom engagement and learning.

VLC & STEM Labs The Van Leuven Center (VLC) and the STEM Labs provide students with access to Macs and PCs for coursework, research, and printing.

These resources are available to students throughout the day, as well as before and after school.

STEM Technology & Innovation Labs Students have access to our new STEM Technology & Innovation Labs, which host courses aimed at developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Courses hosted in the STEM Technology & Innovation Labs include: • Honors Engineering - Immerses students into multiple fields of engineering, with a focus on electrical engineering. Some of the units studied in the course are 3D modeling, biomedical engineering, material engineering, civil engineering, and environmental engineering and sustainability. The electrical engineering coursework includes a partnership with Local 134.

• Freshmen Technology - Students explore Digital Citizenship and responsible use of technology. They learn to use blocks, scripts, Swift and basic Java Script to program drones and robots.

• Swift Programming - Students learn how to make apps for Apple devices with Swift programming language.

• Computer Science Principles Students explore the foundational concepts of computer science and examine how technology can be used to solve real world problems.

• Graphic Design / 2D-3D Animation Students create graphic and multimedia projects and designs using the Adobe Creative Suite.

Guidance COLLEGE PLANNING & STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER College & Career Advising

• Dual enrollment opportunities

• Comprehensive testing program to help prepare for the PSAT, ACT, and AP tests

• Career Week presentations • Career exploration in the trades, presentations, and tours

• Practice and official ACT tests available to students to enhance performance

• Assist students with hands-on opportunities in career pathways

• Introduction to a college search program during Freshmen year, Naviance • Additional on-site test prep classes for ACT • Over 70 college representative recruitment visits during lunch periods and a college fair each year • Personalized college advising appointments for students and parents preceding senior year

• Assist with NCAA and NAIA eligibility

Academic Support • Assist with the adjustment to high school • Identify individual academic goals and strategies to meet them • Recommend individual course and level placement • Interpret standardized test results

• College Seminar Series offering juniors and their parents an overview of the college application process as well as presentations given by college admissions representatives

• Collaborate with teachers and parents

• Resume preparation and college essay writing in junior English classes • Additional workshop offerings for college essay writing, college applications, financial fit, and FAFSA

All St. Rita counselors are professionally trained to assist students and offer: • Individual support through one-on-one appointments

• Assistance in securing merit-based college scholarships

• Coping and conflict resolution skills

• Guidance in pursuing selective college scholarship opportunities

• Crisis counseling

• Host parent-teacher conferences

Personal Support

• Referral to community agencies

100% GRADUATION RATE

$141,000,000+ IN MERIT-BASED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS OVER PAST FIVE YEARS

25,149 ALUMNI

Opportunities to Explore Future Careers PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE CAREER READINESS Aviation Program St. Rita students have had a unique opportunity to learn about careers in the aviation industry. Last year, Ritamen were able to meet airline industry pilots and support staff to learn about all the varied careers involved in aviation through our collaboration with Southwest Airlines.

This year, our collaboration will expand to include Lewis University,

which operates a renowned Aviation Program. In addition, many St. Rita alumni who are pilots are offering their skills and planes so that the young men in our program get hands-on experiences. This is a great start to reestablishing St. Rita’s historic aviation program that taught many Ritamen how to fly and build planes on our 63rd Street campus in the 50s and 60s.

Electrical Program Last year, St. Rita began an initial program to gauge interest of Ritamen in careers in the electrical construction industry. Already, three of our recent graduates have started working in the industry. This year, St. Rita will offer a 10-week class to our young men to introduce them to basic electrical skills. In addition, we will expand our existing engineering class collaboration that we have with the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (IN-Tech) to include this new electrical construction opportunity. This new program will offer off-campus hands-on experiences, field trips, and industry shadow days.

In-Tech, located in Alsip, is the premier electrical construction training school in the country.

Advice Beyond the Classroom Ritamen have the opportunity to participate in Advice Beyond the Classroom (ABC) to lay the foundation of their future professional success through a career prep curriculum.

Through ABC, students can access the program’s extensive network of alumni and professional mentors who are driven to empower and guide our future leaders to success.

Our 2023 Graduates

40%

WITH A 4.0 OR HIGHER GPA

18%

WITH A 4.4 OR HIGHER GPA

17%

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

40%

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY

20%

ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS

In the last two years over one-third of our students have been admitted into the nation’s best 100 universities according to US News and World Report.

$31,196,772 EARNED IN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS

80%

94% CONTINUED ON TO COLLEGE

PURSUING COLLEGE ATHLETICS

25%

1%

2%

EARNED ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

EARNED ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY

22%

ENROLLED IN TRADE PROGRAMS

Our Campus Students take advantage of numerous facilities on our expansive 37-acre campus.

Through the generous support of loyal alumni and benefactors, we offer the best facilities, including newly constructed and renovated spaces.

ST. RITA OF CASCIA SHRINE CHAPEL

28 CLASSROOMS INCLUDING AN ART STUDIO & STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER STEM TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION LABS (NEW-2021) BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS LABS

MROZEK FAMILY FITNESS CENTER

JOHN MCNICHOLAS BASEBALL CLUBHOUSE

VAN LEUVEN FAMILY RESEARCH CENTER

BAND WING AND AUDITORIUM

MCCARTHY STUDENT CENTER

ATHLETIC FACILITIES INCLUDING DOYLE STADIUM, BASEBALL FIELDS, POOL, AND RENOVATED GYM

Shadow at St. Rita St. Rita’s Shadow Program will provide you with a first-hand experience on what a typical day is like for a Ritaman.

A day in which you will truly get to see an education that inspires, a community that cares!

Who Can Shadow?

All 8th grade boys are encouraged to schedule a day throughout the entire school year. Interested 7th and 6th graders can schedule beginning in January.

What Do You Need To Bring?

We will provide you with an informational folder and a writing utensil. Students are allowed to bring a phone but are asked to not use it during school hours.

What Occurs?

You will be hosted by a current Ritaman throughout the entire school day. A pizza special or Mustang Special of the Day will be provided for lunch. You may want to bring an extra dollar or two.

Your host for the day will be either a freshman or sophomore who has similar interests and academic goals to yours. If you would like to request a student, we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

When Can You Shadow?

Students can shadow any day that St. Rita has a full day of school. Please arrive between 7:55 a.m. - 8:10 a.m. and enter through our Main Entrance (Door 15) which is located at the West back parking lot. A member of the Admissions Staff will meet you and introduce you to your host. Pick up will be at 2:35 p.m. at the same entrance.

What Is The Shadow Dress Code?

Dress code is a collared shirt and dress pants or grade school uniform.

How Do I Schedule A Shadow Day? Please contact Mr. Bill Heaney ‘05, Director of Admissions at bheaney@stritahs.com or 773-925-7482. You can also sign up online at stritahs.com/shadow-days.

A minimum of two full days in advance is required to schedule your visit.

PERSONAL FAMILY TOURS Personal Family Tours are available weekdays and designated Saturdays. Tours average about one hour. To schedule an appointment contact Mr. Bill Heaney ’05, Director of Admissions at bheaney@stritahs.com or 773-925-7482. You can also sign up online at stritahs.com/private-tour.

Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships TUITION 2023-24 Tuition: $13,900 Registration Fee: $500

FINANCIAL AID All St. Rita students are welcome to apply online for financial aid. Financial aid and scholarships award an average of $2,800 per student. To receive aid a family must demonstrate need and the student must be able to make a positive contribution to the St. Rita Family and community through academics, activities, or both.

Through the generosity of St. Rita alumni, donors, and benefactors, St. Rita students currently receive more than $1.3 million in scholarships and financial aid.

SCHOLARSHIPS Academic Scholarships Young men in the 8th grade may be awarded academic scholarships based on their scores on the St. Rita Entrance Exam (HSPT-High School Placement Test) held in December.

Students will be tested in (3) subject areas: Math, English, and Reading, and their National Percentile (NP) score will determine the amount of academic scholarship.

99+ National Percentile (NP) Score = $5,000 (Renewable by maintaining a 4.5+ GPA)

95-98 (NP) Score = $2,500 90-94 (NP) Score = $1,500 85-89 (NP) Score = $1,000 To qualify for an academic scholarship, students must test at St. Rita.

Academic Scholarships for Sophomore, Junior and Senior Year Updated for the Class of 2026 and beyond 4.5+ GPA = $2,500 4.4-4.49 GPA = $1,500 4.2-4.39 GPA = $1,250 4.0-4.19 GPA = $1,000

GUARANTEED SCHOLARSHIPS Catholic School Graduate Scholarship $8,000 Award ($2,000 per year) Incoming freshmen who graduate from a Catholic grammar school.

First Responder Award $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent serving or retired as a police officer or firefighter in the City of Chicago or its neighboring suburbs. Limit one First Responder/Four Star/ Veteran Scholarship per student.

Four Star Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent living in and working full-time for the City of Chicago will receive this award.

Limit one First Responder/Four Star/Veteran Scholarship per student.

Veteran Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who have a parent who is an active or retired member of the United States Armed Forces.

Limit one First Responder/Four Star/Veteran Scholarship per student.

Legacy Scholarship $4,000 Award ($1,000 per year) Incoming freshmen whose father or grandfather graduated from St. Rita High School will receive a Legacy Scholarship.

Catholic School Teachers Scholarship $2,000 Award ($500 per year) Incoming freshmen whose parent is a teacher employed full-time by the Archdiocese of Chicago, Diocese of Joliet, or Diocese of Gary will receive this award.

Brother Scholarship $1,500 Per Son Annually Families with multiple sons enrolled at St. Rita at the same time.

MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS St. Augustine Scholarship $8,000 Award ($2,000 per year) Incoming freshmen who demonstrate excellence in service, leadership, and character.

Lou Ricci ’53 Fine Arts Scholarship $6,000 Award ($1,500 per year) Incoming freshmen who demonstrate interest and ability in the fine arts – music or visual art. Recipients must enroll and remain enrolled in the fine arts program to maintain this scholarship.

For complete information on St. Rita Scholarships & Financial Aid visit stritahs.com.

Transportation St. Rita High School is committed to providing students with the most efficient, affordable, and safest transportation possible.

BUS ROUTES Our privately-owned shuttle buses allow students to have a convenient commute at a lower cost. All bus routes have morning, after school (2:45 p.m.), and after extracurricular activities (5:45 p.m.) availability.

For the 2023-24 School Year St. Rita plans to offer bus routes with pick-up and drop-off locations (at local grammar schools or other stops) along each of the routes. Students/Parents will be responsible for getting to one of the designated stops each morning to meet the St. Rita shuttle bus.

St. Rita plans to offer service in the following areas: Beverly, Mt. Greenwood, Oak Lawn, Evergreen Park, Blue Island, Alsip, Crestwood, Garfield Ridge, Clearing, Midway, Bridgeport, Canaryville, Lansing, Calumet City, Matteson, Lemont, Bolingbrook, Darien, LaGrange, and more.

METRA SHUTTLE SERVICE Metra’s Southwest Service Line (SWS) from Chicago Ridge, Homer Glen, Lockport, Manhattan, Frankfort, New Lenox, Mokena, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Palos, and Worth are a short train ride to the Wrightwood Station (79th & Kedzie) where a St. Rita shuttle bus transports students before and after school.

DON’T SEE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? LET US KNOW! We base our pick-up and drop-off locations on students’ needs each year.

N

CHICAGO

290

294

55

LaGrange

Bridgeport

Garfield Ridge

Canaryville

Midway

355 Darien

94

Clearing

55 294

90

Evergreen Park Oak Lawn Beverly

Bolingbrook

Mt. Greenwood

57

Lemont

Alsip

94 Crestwood

90

Blue Island

Calumet City

294 Lansing

80

Matteson

ADMISSIONS EVENTS Ritaman Experience Day 1

Mother’s Shadow Day

Friday, October 6, 2023 8:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Friday, October 27, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Open House

Discover St. Rita

Sunday, October 8, 2023 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, November 16, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Ritaman Experience Day 2

Class of 2028 Entrance Exam

Monday, October 9, 2023 8:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.

Saturday, December 2, 2023 8:00 a.m.

Academic Programs Night Tuesday, October 24, 2023 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

stritahs.com ST. RITA OF CASCIA HIGH SCHOOL 7740 S. Western Avenue | Chicago, IL | 773.925.RITA