Montini Catholic Bronco Express Fall 2019

FALL 2019

Champions! baseball makes history

Founder’s Day Highlights

alumni share their bronco pride

Page 8

Pages 4-5

Pages 10-11

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Bronco Express Fall 2019

upcoming events Bears Raffle Drawing - August 25 Hall of Fame Inductions - September 6 Homecoming Game - September 27 Harvest Moon Howl - October 26 Fashion Show - December 8

have a story?

Our Bronco Express editors are always looking for great stories about our students and alumni. If you have a story or update that you would like to share, we’d love to hear from you.

For student stories please contact Barbara Dawson, Print Media Coordinator at: bdawson@montini.org For alumni updates please contact alumni@montini.org

contact us @

Barbara Dawson, Editor bdawson@montini.org

19 W070 16th Street Lombard, IL 60148

“This year's senior class will be missed. They provided great leadership to our school community and were great examples to our underclassmen in embracing and engaging in the Lasallian Mission of Education” - Jim Segredo, President Dear Alumni and Friends, Our 53rd school year has come to a close. Once again it was a very successful and exciting school year in the areas of academics, extracurricular activities, athletic competition and community service.

Each year, our students continue to excel academically and this is made evident by the number of college academic scholarships offered to our seniors. Over 52% of the class received at least one scholarship this year and $15 million dollars in academic scholarship money was awarded to our class of 136 seniors. Stanford, Northwestern, Villanova, Boston University, University of Illinois, Marquette, Providence, California Polytechnic State and Rutgers are just some of the universities that our graduates will be attending in the fall.

Every May, we celebrate student success at our annual Founders Day Celebration (pages 4-5) and this year we very proud to celebrate and recognize two of our top academic extracurricular programs - our Math and Robotics Teams. For the 18th straight year our Math Team has qualified for the ICTM State Math Championships and for the 15th year they have placed in the top ten in Division 2A. ey consistently remain as one of the top two Catholic high schools in the 2A state division.

Our Robotics Team has made its mark in the western suburban area placing first in several local college competitions and finishing 2nd in the prestigious Argonne Autonomous Vehicle Competition held at the Museum of Science and Industry. I am very excited about the addition of the Kazma Family Innovation Center which will inspire growth and new possibilities for our STEM program (under the direction of Mr. Peter Farina ‘87).

For the second straight year, Montini concluded with one of our athletic teams claiming an IHSA State Championship. Last year it was our Girls Softball Team and this year, our Boys Baseball Team claimed Montini’s first baseball state championship (page 8) with a very exciting win over St. Laurence High School. We are very proud of Coach Rich Janor and team on a terrific season on the field and in the classroom. Several of our baseball athletes were high honor and honor students and the team, once again, qualified for the IHSA All Academic Team Award. It was very special to have Coach Bill Leeberg ‘70 and many of our alumni baseball players with us at the State Championship Game.

A special moment for the team, the school and our baseball program.

May is a time to say goodbye to graduating senior. is year's senior class will be missed. ey provided great leadership to our school community and were great examples to our underclassmen in embracing and engaging in the Lasallian Mission of Education. We also said goodbye to several faculty members who have decided to retire from their career's in education. We will miss Mrs. Hilda Castor, Mr. Peter Lewek, Dr. Michael Kisicki and Mr. Jim Izzo ’71. All four of these teachers were outstanding examples of Lasallian Educators.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

630-627-6930

2

*

@MontiniCatholic

Finally, congratulations to Glenn Shimkus ‘88 and Peter Cappetta ‘07 on being elected to our Hall of Fame. Please join us on September 6th as we induct Glenn and Peter at halftime of our home opener football game against Collins High School.

facebook.com/montinicatholic

As always, my sincere appreciation for all your support and generosity to our school community and our Lasallian mission of education. "May Jesus Live in Your Hearts...Forever"

#WeAreMontini To receive your Bronco Express Newsletter electronically please contact Michelle O’Connor ‘88 at: moconnor@montini.org

Fall 2019

Sincerely

Jim Segredo, President

Look for the * when reading this, and every issue of Bronco Express, - it indicates a ‘student of alumni.’

SCHOOL NEWS

50 th

Graduating Class

“We have been empowered to learn and make a difference in a variety of ways.” - Olivia Herrmann ‘19

136 Graduates

5

20 Illinois State Scholars

Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars

59 Academic All Stars and recipients of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence

2 Team State Championships 23 Athletic Commitments

"We all quickly realized that high school is nothing like 'High School Musical.' No Troy Bolton, no dancing on tables, no singing our way down the graduation aisle,” said Valedictorian, Olivia Herrmann in her address.

“Instead our focus was on our future - and where we go from here. We checked off all of the lists: last dance, last football game, last test - everything led up to this moment. (At Montini) we have been empowered to learn and make a difference in a variety of ways."

"One of the greatest gifts Montini has given us, though, is one another," she continued. "We have been given another family, and that is something that I am forever grateful for. Ahead of us stands life - the people we are to meet and the places we are to go. Learn from our time here, and the memories that have made us who we are."

Principal Kevin Beirne congratulated the excited seniors before they were announced as graduates. "Having had the privilege of working with you these past four years, I've no doubt that you are ready to cross over into this next phase of life."

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

2 AP Scholars w/Honor 1 AP Scholar w/Distinction 1 National Merit Commended Scholar

On May 19th, Montini Catholic said farewell to our 50th graduating class – and ‘Hello’ to the newest members of our alumni!

Fall 2019 3

SCHOOL NEWS

F ounder’s Day 1

3

2

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

4

4

Fall 2019

C

5

6

7

ongratulations to our seniors & Founder’s Day Award Recipients!

1 - Alisa Bitoy, (1 of 59 Academic All Stars and recipients of the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, PAAE); 2 - Samantha Mullins* (also an Academic All Star and recipient of the PAAE); 3 - Julie Dang, recipient of the Colleen H. Considine Memorial Scholarship (with Mr. Michael Considine ‘86); 4 - Lia Szilagyi and Megan Huff* smile after performing ‘Like an Eagle;’ 5 - Olivia Herrmann and Marissa VanDeVeer, recipients of the Mother Theresa Award for Campus Ministry (with Principal Beirne); 6 - Sarah Zimmerman ‘20, recipient of the Robert Huntoon Memorial Scholarship; 7 - Seniors Liam Casey* and Andrés Kaspari perform with the Chamber Choir (with Joey Knudtson ‘20*, Sarah Ernat ‘22 and Kyla Sherry ‘22*).

awards 2019

SCHOOL NEWS

Celebrating our Lasallian Heritage, Academic Excellence and Bronco Pride Valedictorian Olivia Herrmann Co-Salutatorians Andrew Bolisay & Marissa VanDeVeer Pope Paul VI Award Joslyn Boyer, Andrew Ernat & Isabella Reilley* St. John Baptist de La Salle Award Nico Alandy, Andrew Bolisay, Patrick Burke*, Julia Briggs, Liam Casey*, Kristian Paul Daarol, Isabella Florio, Olivia Herrmann, Justin Lazowski, Johanna Locher-Kingfield, Ian Kwit, Zoe MacKay Zacker, Grania O’Flaherty*, Cydnei Quinn, Kelan Scott & Marissa VanDeVeer

8

9

Mother Theresa Award for Campus Ministry Olivia Herrmann & Marissa VanDeVeer Kathleen Filipiak Female Scholar/Athlete Award Zoe MacKay Zacker & Isabella Reilley* James Kavanaugh Male Scholar/Athlete Award Andrew Bolisay & Frank Conforti III * Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award Marissa VanDeVeer Colleen H. Considine Memorial Scholarship Julie Dang

10

11

Brian Grigsby Memorial Scholarship Zoe MacKay Zacker Fr. John Guiney Scholarship Cydnei Quinn James & Dorothy Bell Memorial Scholarship Cecilia Moran* Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship Alyssa Filkowski Gerry Marcoux Memorial Scholarship David Batka

Br. Chris Kavanaugh Memorial Scholarship Dale Bacon

12 8 - Shannon Williams ‘20* received the Weisenburger Family Scholarship, (with l to r: Assistant Admissions Director and teacher, Andrew Weisenburger ‘05, Board of Directors Chair, Wally Weisenburger ’75 and Office Manager, Rita Weisenburger); 9 - Lauren Bartosz*; 10 - Andrew Ernat, Isabella Reilley* and Joslyn Boyer, recipients of the Pope Paul VI Award; 11 - Zoe MacKay Zacker receives her St. John Baptist De LaSalle medal from Dean of Students, Anne Westerkamp ‘84; 12 - Technology Director Pete Farina ‘87 and his Argonne Autonomous Vehicle Competition team (with their second place trophy) - Max Kramer ‘20 (in the back with Principal Kevin Beirne), Matt Hejny ‘20, Alex Walsh, Billy Cyze ‘20, Andrew Ernat and Sarah Zimmerman ‘20;

William Mueller Memorial Scholarship Megan Laughlin* John Nania Scholarship Emmanuel Corpuz Weisenburger Family Scholarship Shannon Williams*

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Robert Huntoon Memorial Scholarship Sarah Zimmerman

Fall 2019 5

SCHOOL NEWS

STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICERS

READY TO ROLL

15

Luke Morrill (left) and Michael Gergen

$ million in academic scholarship

Before leaving for a much anticipated summer break, students elected their Student Government leaders for the 2019-20 school year. e newly elected representatives are looking forward to taking the reins in August. Under the guidance of teacher and moderator, alumna Megan Steiner '10, the officers hope to make their own mark on their school with new ideas for fundraising and friendraising events. Congratulations to: President, Danny Canty* Secretary, Tyler Atkins

offers earned MATH TEAM Congratulations to our newest group of scholarship club members! In the last three years, Montini seniors have earned close to $50 million in college academic scholarship offers!

$200,000

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Patrick Burke* Colin Considine* Mariella Maduzia Nicole Pechacek Quincey Trojanowski

6

$300,000 Peyton Bogart Julia Briggs Matthew Coulter Kaitlyn Donaldson Alyssa Filkowski Olivia Herrmann Abraham Neil Husmillo Danielle Juco Eleanore Krick Fall 2019

$300,000 (cont.)

Ian Kwit Sam Mullins* Marissa VanDeVeer

$500,000 Lauren Bartosz* Kristian Paul Daarol Julie Dang Anthony Geraci Gabriella Lambesis Henry Lambesis Tien Nguyen Cydnei Quinn

$750,000 Michael Gergen Luke Morrill

Vice President, Aaron Stevenson Treasurer, Kylie Boyer

th

9 IN STATE!

Congratulations to our Bronco Mathletes for earning a 9th Place overall trophy at the ICTM (The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics) State Math Competition (2A) at the University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign on Saturday, May 5th. This year marked the 18th consecutive year the Montini’s full team qualified for State. (It is the 15th consecutive year that they have finished in the top 10 in Division 2A at State.)

Lasallian Educators Award Montini Catholic awarded teacher and alumnus, Jim Ryan '00 with the prestigious Lasallian Educators Award for 2019. Jim has been a member of the Montini Catholic faculty for thirteen years and currently serves as the Social Studies & Business Department Chair. He was also the Freshmen Class Moderator for many years (resigning this post this year). Jim was presented with the Lasallian Educator Award for his dedicated service and commitment to the Lasallian Mission.

of the

BRONCOS . . . Making Headlines

SCHOOL NEWS

artistS month ‘FOOT SOLDIER OF KINDNESS’ Joey Knudtson ‘20* was recently honored for his character of 'caring' at the John Egan Distinguished Service Awards.

"We told Montini about how Joey lost someone very special to him. Immediately (eology teacher and Lasallian Youth leader) Mr. (Denis) Block got the school's Peer Ministry team involved in painting the rocks," said mother, Lia Knudtson. "I’ve always known Joey chose the right school, but when these students got involved for someone they didn’t know personally, but knew she meant the world to Joey, my heart just melted."

T

he annual celebration recognizes the outstanding character of exceptional citizens who have positively influenced Lombard with their commitment to excellence. Since 1952, individuals who demonstrate the Pillars of Character - Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness, have been granted the honor of being nominated for the John Egan Distinguished Service Award.

Joey alerted his friends at Montini about McKenna and got them involved in painting pink rocks in her memory.

Angus

Jack ’21 credits his diligence in practicing his craft for his success in art. "My parents think that I have a gift in drawing and art and they believe that I should further my career in some type of art major," he said. "Being picked for Artist if the Month was surprising. I liked doing the different assignments and projects in the class, but I never thought I would win Artist of the Month with the amount of great artists in this school. It’s a great accomplishment and I’m glad that I was chosen."

"When McKenna came into this world she taught us 'caring' and I truly believe she shaped Joey's life and still does," added Lia. "is makes me so proud that someone saw in him what we see. Raising an good person that truly cares is the ultimate gift a child can give to their parents.

We are so grateful for this honor as well."

"Joey really took the time to connect with McKenna," said Nicole. "Not only during her lifetime did Joey carry her story of goodness to everyone he knew, he will continue to do so throughout his own lifetime. He truly connects with the person, the individual and their story. is is a rarity in the world today and deserves to be honored."

"I am honored to congratulate recipient Joseph Knudtson," concluded President Giagnorio. "Every time you make the choice to be truthful and honest, respectful and accepting, fair and compassionate, responsible and accountable, you show the rest of us what it means to be a good neighbor and noble citizen."

May- Ian

Kwit

Ian likes to keep it simple - his favorite mediums are pencil and water color. He especially loves creating portraits. "I enjoyed art and drawing a lot when I was younger but never really had that creative spark," he said. "I saw the creative side of me begin to emerge in high school." Ian has plans to carry his passion for art into his college career and beyond. He will be majoring in Marine Biology and Mandarin at Boston University in the fall. "e ability to express your feelings and emotions through art is an excellent experience. Watching my artistic abilities and thought process grow (at Montini) was incredible.”

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Joseph was nominated for the honor by Nicole Tyszkiewicz. Nicole is the mother of little McKenna, who was a 'micro-preemie' born 11 weeks early and was severely disabled with a rare chromosomal disorder. She tragically passed away at the young age of 11 during the summer of 2018 - but not before leaving an impact on every life she touched, especially Joseph's. "Our daughter could not walk, talk or see, but had a message to be shared," said Nicole in her letter nominating Joseph. "During his entire life, Joey, has seemed to have a special way of thinking of others and truly connecting with them. Personally, he acted as McKenna's foot soldier of kindness. eir souls of pure goodness were an even match."

"From the day he was born I always knew Joey had an old soul and the world needed him," added Lia. "When he was only 7 he saw a little boy with a little arm that was not developed. He walked right up to him and asked, 'what happened to your arm?' e boy responded, 'I was born this way,' and Joey said, 'well it would be boring if God made us all the same!' I guess that describes him the best."

April - Jack

Fall 2019 7

SPORTS WRAP-UP AT H L E T I C S

SPRING

Good to great!

BASEBALL Our 2019 varsity baseball team captured its first State Championship in the 50+ year history of the program, defeating the Vikings of St. Laurence 6-3 in front of a spirited crowd at Joliet Route 66 Stadium. e IHSA 3A State Championship victory capped off a 9-game win streak by the Broncos with the team finishing the historic season 23-11 overall.

Highlights this year included a 3-1 finish at Disney Baseball’s Spring Training in Orlando, a 2-1 finish in the prestigious Steven Bajenski Memorial Tournament, and a 10-0 mercy rule victory over Grayslake Central in the Super Sectionals to advance to the State Finals.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Congratulations to coaches Rich Janor (5th year) and assistant coaches Eric Scott, Tyler Wells, Rick Dudzinski and Wally Weisenburger ‘75 and the entire Bronco team! (Captains for the 2019 Broncos were seniors Ben Lah* (Southern Indiana) and Ryan Nelson (Eastern Kentucky), along with juniors Michael Koszewski and Nicholas Wind.)

8

Michael Sclafani ‘20 was recognized as an IHSBCA All-State Player and a Daily Herald All-Area Player. Sclafani, Wind, and fellow junior Nate Kremkow* were recognized by the Chicago Catholic League (CCL) as All-Conference players. Seniors Justin Lazowski and Lah represented the CCL in the annual ‘Catholic League /Public League’ All-Star Game. e Victory Tour for our State Champions included a stop at Impact Field, home of the Chicago Dogs, where team captain Michael Koszewski threw out the ceremonial first pitch. It continued to Guaranteed Rate Field where the boys were honored prior to the Chicago White Sox vs.

New York Yankees game, and concluded at Wrigley Field on July 15th, when the Chicago Cubs organization honored them on the field prior to a home game (vs. the Cincinnati Reds)!

Fall 2019

AT H L E T I C S

All Conference

BRONCOS CELEBRATE MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH

Spring 2019 BASEBALL Nate Kremkow, Junior* Mchael Sclafani, Junior Nicholas Wind, Junior

Soccer Eleanore Krick, Senior Mary Crotty, Junior* Shea Smith, Junior* Sawyer White, Freshman

Xavier Bello on his new bike!

With - front row l to r: Kiana Calkins, Franca Finch, Ellie Krick, Alivia Gianatasio; Back: Coach Barry Briggs, Coach Sue Brown, Mary Crotty*, Hailey Cabon & Sarah Zimmerman

Softball Emily Alexander, Senior Alyssa Filkowski, Senior Lauren Latoria, Senior Elyse Spaccapaniccia, Junior*

Tennis David Batka, Junior

TRACK Nicholas Fedanzo, Senior Jermari Harris, Senior Jonathan Ernest, Junior Swarnika Sampat, Junior

Volleyball Myles Marciniak, Junior Daniel Cyze, Sophomore

Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and in conjunction with May's Military Appreciation Month, members of our Girls Soccer Team happily took part in the Making a Difference On and Off the Field Campaign presented by Buddy's Helpers and the Pepsico Showdown. e campaign uses the power of sports to engage and educate student athletes about the importance of enhancing the lives of others. e girls visited Shroder Child Center in Lombard to present five year old Xavier Bello with a brand new bike. (Earlier in the year they donated money toward the purchase of the bike). Little Xavier's father, Nafiou, a marine currently deployed in Oregon, was in on the surprise and was able to view his son's reaction to the excitement via FaceTime. Xavier was thrilled with his new bike - and even more thrilled to have his father there with him to share in the joy.

SOCCER Regional Champs! Our Broncos captured the IHSA Class 1A regional championship on May 10th. e girls defeated the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School Cristeras (5-1) in the final, in Chicago. e girls lost to Benedictine (1-7) in the Sectionals. Overall season record - 9-6-2!

TENNIS David Batka ‘20 (left with Coaches Don Krystoff and Denis Block) finished 4th place in State!

Congratulations to our state qualifiers, Maggie Connelly ‘20 (100 Hurdles), Julianne Billote ‘20 (Triple Jump) and Christine Jarvas ‘20 (200 Dash); On the boys side it was Jayden Gertsen ‘19 (3200), Johnny Palumbo ‘20 and Nick Fedanzo ‘19 (100), Jackson McWhinney ‘22 (Discus), and Johnny Ernest ‘20, Nick Gerbasi ‘21, Nick Fedanzo and Johnny Palumbo (4x100).

VOLLEYBALL Our boys had a great season but lost in the Regional to Metea (1-2).

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

TRACK

Fall 2019 9

ALUMNI

They’ve got

bronco pride

Montini alumni with graduates share their thoughts & reflections on Commencement Day

Ed, Patrick and Sean Burke ‘17

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

ED BURKE ‘88 PATRICK BURKE ‘19

10

“ Michael Considine ‘86 and Colin Considine at Montini’s 50th Graduation on Sunday, May 19th.

Fall 2019

As the saying goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” I truly feel this phrase personifies Montini Catholic. While the students, faculty (most of them), facilities, uniforms, etc. are a lot different than when I started at Montini, the ‘feeling’ is still the same. I am grateful that I have the opportunity to share that feeling with my son, Patrick. e same feeling of family and comfort that were prevalent in my time are present today. Whether it is something as significant as a group of students embarking on a service project or as simple as a young student opening a door for you with a kind ‘good morning,’ Montini’s commitment to producing quality, well rounded young adults is still second to none. Patrick, as you embark on your next phase (Marquette University), I ask that you remember what you learned at Montini. While the academic side continues to be top tier, you learned so much more - to be a good teammate, a good friend, a young Catholic, a leader, how to laugh, how to cry, how to fail, and how to succeed. ese are all things that have now formed your foundation and I ask that you take them with you for the rest of your life. You have been given a gift to have the opportunity to be able to attend Montini, so please do your part to now share that present with the rest of the world, so they cannot only see how special you are, but how special Montini is as well.

Having Frankie graduate from Montini just feels right to me. It was a given that he would go here, not only following me, but also his older siblings, Mario ‘13 and Christina ‘15. I knew what a great school Montini was for me, but seeing how well Mario did at Marquette and how well Christina is doing at Purdue - two very tough schools - I knew that Frankie would really benefit from the Montini experience.

It really makes me proud that all my kids, not only graduated, but they all graduated with top honors! is year was a great ending to this chapter of their education.

Linda and I couldn’t be any prouder of our children and we couldn’t be and more supportive of Montini!

treacherous. Colin’s mother and I wanted to find a soft landing for him. As a graduate of Montini, I knew, as did my mother Joan Considine (long-serving faculty member and English Department Chair), that Montini would offer Colin the sense of home he needed to ease his transition and regain his footing. Montini immediately embraced Colin as a member of the family - he responded by thriving inside and outside the classroom. My mother absolutely loved that Colin had the privilege of attending Montini, a source of great pride and joy for her.

We would frequently bond over our three generations of Montini experience. Colin’s graduation was bittersweet because his grandmother didn’t get to see the final product, she passed away last September. She didn’t get to see him start at center in the 5A IHSA State Football Championship game, sweat out finals, attend Prom or accept an offer to attend Providence College this fall, but she always knew that Montini would lift him up and he would do great things. My mother was always touched by the Montini graduation song, Like an Eagle, because it so poignantly describes how the graduate is now ready to soar. To her it meant that the Montini family had “taught them well, gave them strength, showed the way” and all they ask in return is that we remember them always. As an alumni parent, I recognize even more that those of us fortunate enough to have called themselves Montini Broncos have been granted a lifetime gift. We will always be a part of this family. And what greater gift is there than a loving family.

Come let us cheer for you!

MICHAEL CONSIDINE ‘86 COLIN CONSIDINE ‘19

DAN O’CONNOR ‘88 riley O’Connor ‘19

My son Colin, transferred to Montini as a junior after we relocated back to Illinois from Texas. Making such a transition at that age, and in the middle of high school, can be

I believe that Riley found the same thing that I did at Montini. e people at Montini (all MCHS staff) truly care about the students and their success. I am certain that

FRANK CONFORTI ‘86 frank conforti iii ‘19

there are more lucrative positions available in the public school system or in the private sector for the Montini staff but they choose to stay at Montini. It is rare for me to walk into any Montini event and not be greeted by a smile and a warm greeting from a MCHS staff member. In today’s fast paced secular world, a smile and warm greeting matter. Montini students eventually reflect the attitude of the staff which was re-confirmed to me as we welcomed Riley and all other Kairos retreatants back……a very moving time for my wife, Karrie, and myself.

Montini truly keeps the Catholic in Catholic school. When people are evaluating different Catholic high school options and ask me about Montini, I let them know that Montini and the Christian Brothers educate all, not just the elite students. Montini let’s all levels of students find their niche. I am truly proud to be a part of a fine Catholic High School family.

”

Congratulations

to all of our alumni and their 2019 graduates!

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Jeannette (Workman) Bartosz '85 • Lauren Bartosz '19 David Casey '79 • Liam Casey '19 Leonard Grimsley '85 • Brookelle Grimsley '19 Larry Huff '84† • Megan Huff '19 Susie (Jaros) Lah '92 • Benjamin Lah '19 William Moran '82 • Cecilia Moran '19 Mary (Mack) Morgan '80 • Brooke Morgan '19 Thomas Mullins '82 • Samantha Mullins '19 Margaret (Batten) O'Flaherty '87 • Grania O'Flaherty '19 Michael Reilley '78 • Isabella Reilley '19 Michael Rigor '82 • Jacob Rigor '19 Thomas Ryan '86 • Kailey Ryan '19 Eugenia (Wasson) Scavone '84 • Tori Scavone '19

Fall 2019 11

ALUMNI NEWS During our 18-19 school year, a total of 70 students carried on their parents' legacy, representing 12% of our student body.

is year's senior class will be missed. ey provide great leadership to our school community this year and were great examples to our underclassmen in embracing engaging in the Lasallian Mission of Education

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

* Some legacy students were not present for photo.

12

Lauren Bartosz ‘19 - Jeannette (Workman) Bartosz ‘85 Jacob Blim ‘21 - Kelly (Kramer) Blim ‘86 Connor Breck ‘20 - Christopher Breck ‘85 Katie Bukovsky ‘20 - Jeffrey Bukovsky ‘88 & Kim (Gary) Bukovsky ‘88 Patrick Burke ‘19 - Edmund Burke ‘88 Daniel Canty ‘20, Megan Canty ‘22 - Amy Caveney ‘94 & Mark Canty ‘94 Liam Casey ‘19 - David Casey ‘79 Devin Chiaramonti ‘21 - Nicholas Chiaramonti ‘84 Frank Conforti ‘19 - Frank Conforti ‘86 Colin Considine ‘19 - Michael Considine ‘86 Madeline Crosse ‘21 - Michael Crosse ‘87 & Deanna (Flerlage) Crosse ‘87 Maggie Crotty ‘20 - William Crotty ‘82 Cal Doucet ‘21 - Melissa (Bonomo) Doucet ‘94 Brookelle Grimsley ‘19 - Leonard Grimsley ‘85 Matthew Hejny ‘20 - Jeffrey Hejny ‘85

Fall 2019

Jimmy Hubeny ‘21, Ryan Hubeny ‘18 - Jim Hubeny ‘96 & Katie (Doll) Hubeny ‘96 Megan Huff ‘19 - Larry Huff ‘84† Madalyn Kasallis ‘22, Max Kasallis ‘21 - Kimberly (Kellogg) Kasallis ‘85 Joey Knudtson ‘20 - Rosalia (Badalamenti) Knudtson ‘89 Nate Kremkow ‘20 - Margaret (Young) Kremkow ‘84 Ben Lah ‘19, Henry Lah ‘21, Mary Ann Lah ‘22 - Susan (Jaros) Lah ‘92 Daniel Lansdon ‘21 - Gayle (Aeschliman) Lansdon ‘88 Megan Laughlin ‘20 - Daniel Laughlin ‘86 Tyler Leeberg ‘22 - William Leeberg ‘70 & Regina (O’Malley) Leeberg ‘95 Josephine Lloyd ‘20 - Helen Fitzpatrick ‘87 John McManus ‘20, Tom McManus ‘22 - Christine (O’Neill) McManus ‘88 John McNamara ‘22 - Bryan McNamara ‘86 & Bridget (Moriarty) McNamara ‘86 Joe Melarkey ‘20 - Kelly (Wilson) Melarkey ‘86

ALUMNI NEWS

our legacy Alexis Ream ‘21 - Joseph Ream ‘86 & Vicki (Jaloszynski) Ream ‘88 Isabella Reilley ‘19 - Michael Reilley ‘78 Jacob Rigor ‘19 - Michael Rigor ‘82 Olivia Rovansek ‘21 - Christopher Rovansek ‘88 Hannah Ruddy ‘20 - Brian Ruddy ‘88 Kailey Ryan ‘19 - omas Ryan ‘86 Tori Scavone ‘19 - Eugenia (Wasson) Scavone ‘84 Jack Sebben ‘21 - Patricia (Gary) Sebben ‘90 Kyla Sherry ‘22 - Shaun Sherry ‘97 Aerin Sidler ‘22, Jack Sidler ‘20 - Norman Sidler ‘87 Shea Smith ‘20 - Shannon (Mullins) Smith ‘89 Elyse Spaccapaniccia ‘20 - John Spaccapaniccia ‘89 Nora Sypkens ‘21 - Maureen (Barry) Sypkens ‘86 Peter Vosicky ‘21 - John Vosicky ‘89 Shannon Williams ‘20 - Jay Williams ‘76

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Ethan Miller ‘20 - Laura (Gradishar) Miller ‘86 Cece Moran ‘19, Julia Moran ‘22 - William Moran ‘82 Brooke Morgan ‘19 - Mary (Mack) Morgan ‘80 Samantha Mullins ‘19 - omas Mullins ‘82 James Musil ‘20 - Julia (Whalen) Musil ‘77 Charlie Nielsen ‘22, Garrick Nielsen Jr. ‘20 - Maureen (O’Neill) Nielsen ‘87 Nathaniel Nowak ‘22 - Melinda (Bayro) Nowak ‘89 Patrick O’Connor ‘21 - Patrick O’Connor ‘81 & Michelle (Ptak) O’Connor ‘88 Aidan O’Connor ‘16 - Timothy O’Connor ‘87 Mary Kate O’Connor ‘21, Riley O’Connor ‘19 - Daniel O’Connor ‘88 Cilian O’Flaherty ‘22, Enya O’Flaherty ‘20, Grania O’Flaherty ‘19 - Margaret (Batten) O’Flaherty ‘87 Ethan Peska ‘20, Evan Peska ‘22 - Catherine (Murphy) Peska ‘86 Kathryn Peters ‘22, Patrick Peters ‘20 - Carrie (Fricano) Peters ‘86

Fall 2019 13

ALUMNI NEWS

A

fter the last class bell rang in May, Montini bid a fond farewell to teacher & friend, Mr. Jim Izzo.

A 1971 graduate of Montini Catholic, Jim returned in 1975 and became a member of the Social Studies Department. To say that Jim was very involved in Montini’s extracurricular activities is an understatement. His favorite? Wrestling, of course! He served as Assistant Coach for three years before assuming the role of Head Wrestling Coach (1978-1994). He became our 2nd Athletic Director in 1995 and has also served as our Alumni Director and Social Studies Department Chair. During this outstanding and distinguished career, Jim considered Montini 'his second home.'

A Bronco Hall of Famer (inducted in 2001), Jim is also a member of the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame (2016) and, just this year, was named Social Studies Teacher of the Year by the Lombard VFW (nominated by friend and colleague, Mr. James Ryan ’00). "I have been a classroom teacher, class moderator, student government moderator, alumni director, athletic director, student, alumni, parent, alumni parent, assistant coach (14 years) and head coach (16 years)," said Jim, upon reflection of his 44 years. "I have been blessed to have met my wife here (Joan (Beverley) Izzo '71 (Montini's first Homecoming queen), and to have been able to send my two children (Katie '00 and Jesse '98) to Montini as well."

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

history was made!

14

Jim will always be fondly remembered as 'Montini's token historian.' During our 50th anniversary celebration (2015-16), he was lovingly referred to as the 'go to guy' for all things involving Bronco history. "He was like an information slot machine," said former Admissions Director, Kim (Caffarelli) Richmond '81. “We would joke that you could put a quarter in him and out would pop some tidbit of our history that only he remembered. If you needed information, you would go to Jim!" Jim proudly donated tons of memorabilia to be used for Montini's next anniversary celebration. And, in commemoration of the faculty's long-standing tradition of ‘Wacky Tie Wednesdays’- he presented a boxful of his notorious ‘wacky' ties for the taking.

"My most cherished memories are meeting my wife and having the honor of seeing my children grow up to be fine people with Lasallian values," added Jim. "I will carry with me many coaching memories and having so many great teaching and learning experiences with students - many of whom still stay in contact with me."

"Over his 44 year career, Jim has been a proud member of this school community and a great ambassador for our school," said President Jim Segredo. "His name is synonymous with Montini Catholic. He is truly a great example of a teacher, dedicated and committed to our mission of education. He will be greatly missed."

Fall 2019

“I would like to thank all of the people who have reached out to me as I retire. Your kind words and thoughts humble me. It has been the honor of a lifetime to have been a part of your journey. God bless you and yours.”

- Jim Izzo ‘71

BRONCOS

KEEPING UP WITH THE

ALUMNI NEWS

SYMPATHIES e Jalosznyski Family on the passing of Mark Jaloszynski, brother of Lynn (Jaloszynski) Cilella ‘78 and Vicki (Jaloszynski) Ream ‘86.

Mark is also the brother-in-law of Joe Ream ‘86 and uncle of Jake Ream ‘18 & Alexis Ream ‘21. e Simoncelli Family on the passing of Mrs. Patricia Simoncelli, mother of Charesse (Simoncelli) Manganiello ‘87, Shannon (Simoncelli) Schloneger ‘89, Dino ‘90, Nicole (Simoncelli) Turek ‘92, Claudine(Simoncelli) David ‘94, Dominic ‘05 & Angela (Simoncelli) Dunda ‘08. e Mason Family on the passing of Arlene Mason, mother of Stacey (Mason) Cooper ‘88, Sandra Mason‘89 & Melissa (Mason) Conner ‘94. e Davis Family on the passing of Mrs. Rita Davis, mother of Don ‘70, Richard ‘71, Sharon (Davis) Carroll‘74 & Steve ‘76. Mrs. Davis is also the mother-in-law of Eileen (Finn) Davis ‘70. e Franklin Family on the passing of Mrs. Jill Franklin, mother of Neena ‘18, John ‘21 & Ava ‘22.

IN MEMORIAM Melinda (Himert) Bates ‘78. Melinda is the niece of Gary Himert ‘79 & Brian Himert ‘82. Please keep the Himert & Bates families in your prayers.

MarriagES, FuTurE BronCoS, updaTES & SYMpaTHiES

Please e-mail your Bronco updates and/or photos to alumni@montini.org.

UPDATES

Jack Beverley ‘12 earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of WisconsinWhitewater in December, 2018.

Kevin Deiber ’15 was the recipient of the Outstanding Major in English Award and graduated Magna Cum Laude from North Central College.

Kerry Desmond ‘14 graduated from the University of Dayton with a Master in Professional Accountancy.

Eric Frontzak ’14 received a Bachelor of Arts degree Cum Laude in Political Science.

Nicholas Gravina ’14 was recently named to the Castleton University Dean’s List for the spring semester of the 2018-19 academic year.

Taylor McCarthy ’16 was named to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Dean’s List for the 2019 spring semester.

births Danielle Wyncott ’99 welcomed Tristan Timothy in November of 2018.

Peter Cappetta ‘07 Ashley Lentine ’15 a softball player for Loras College, was named second team all conference in 2017, NFCA ird Team All-Region, 2017, and First Team All-conference 2019. During her senior year she hit .395 with 47 hits.

Stephanie Lipira ’09 received her Master of Science in Applied Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Child Development/Child Life from Northern Illinois University.

She is currently a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) in the Pediatric Emergency Department at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Park Ridge.

ENGAGEMENTS & Marriages Sarah Birdsall ‘04 married Joe Kulick on June 8, 2019.

Mike Norton ‘01 recently became engaged to Vanessa Hernandez.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Senior Vice President and Board Member of Relativity, Glenn is being inducted for his exceptional positive impact through his leadership in his business, professional and civic community.

Emma Makowski ’16 was named to the Bradley University Spring 2019 Dean’s List. Emma is majoring in Family and Consumer Science Hospitality Leadership. Emma also seta personal record in the 1500 meter race at the Kip Janvrin Open.

Rylee Kibbey ‘16, a Management major, was named to the Dean’s List at Coastal Carolina University.

Friday, September 6, 2019

Glenn Shimkus ‘88

Yuhan Liu ’15 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from the University of Vermont.

Quentin Iozzo ‘14 graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.

hall of FAME InductionS Senior Financial Analyst at Walton Street Capital, Peter is being inducted for his exceptional athletic achievement in baseball throughout his high school career and beyond.

Photographer, director and producer, Kevin Kuster ’86 will be a keynote speaker and photography instructor at Clickcon in Chicago in August.

Summer 2019 15

BRONCO EXPRESS Montini Catholic High School 19W070 16th Street Lombard, IL 60148

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Parents: if this newsletter is addressed to your son or daughter and he/she no longer resides with you, please email changes/corrections to our alumni team at: alumni@montini.org. ank you!

SEASON TICKET RAFFLE Win Two (2) Bears Season Tickets to all 8 home regular season games!

Section 214, Row 16, Seats 17-18 (PSL 200 Level)

$100 Tickets on sale now through noon (CST) Sunday, August 25th.

WIN BIG THIS SEASON

(Drawing at 2:00pm on August 25, 2019 @ Montini’s Bronco Jamboree)

St. Andrews Golf & Country Club, West Chicago Visit: tomontini.org/bearsraffle Register.