Bronco Express Summer 2017

SUMMER 2017

Founders Day Highlights

Graduation ‘17

Academic Accolades

Winter & Spring Sports Wrap-Ups

A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT “We have so many excellent and dedicated faculty & staff members working with & guiding our students.”

Bronco Express Summer 2017

upcoming events Bronco Classic Golf Outing - August 11, 2017 Homecoming GAME - September 29, 2017 HARVEST MOON HOWL - October 21, 2017

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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 Brian Casey, Alumni Director at: bcasey@montini.org

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Barbara Dawson, Editor bdawson@montini.org

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Montini Catholic Bronco Express

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

Summer 2017

- Jim Segredo, President

Dear Alumni and Friends, We concluded our 51st school year with an outstanding Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 21st. We were honored to have the Most Reverend Joseph M. Siegel, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of Joliet celebrate with us and are very proud of the 155 young Lasallians who made up our class of 2017. ese young men and women are now the newest members of our Alumni Association. ey were a wonderful class to work with and, as you will read in this issue of ‘Bronco Express,’ they were certainly an outstanding class academically and equally excelled in extracurricular participation.

During graduation we were proud to recognize that 23 members of the class were sons or daughters of Montini Catholic graduates. Each year this legacy tradition continues to grow in our school community. I am always honored to be able to witness the pride and joy of Montini Catholic alums as they watch their sons or daughters walk across the stage and receive their diplomas. Over the past three years, 52 alumni have had their children join them as members of the Montini Catholic Alumni Association. For this issue, we asked our legacy parents to provide their personal testimony and thoughts about having their child graduate from their alma mater. is school year was a first in many ways in the area of extracurricular success – first State Championship in Rugby, first State Championship in Hockey, first gold medal in Team Figure Skating, first GCAC Championship in Girls Soccer and our first CCL Championship in Boys Volleyball. Once again we were fortunate to have a successful winter and spring sports season (pp. 10-12) to compliment our successful fall season. Several of our students were also named Players of the Year in their respective sports.

We are especially proud of the 291 students who were named CCL or GCAC Academic All Conference and the 57 presented with the IHSA Academic Achievement Award this year. Fourteen of our teams received the Academic Achievement Recognition Award by the IHSA - an impressive 183 teams have received this recognition since the award was established in 2003.

At the conclusion of the year, we were honored to celebrate the long and successful careers of three outstanding Lasallian Educators, Chris Andriano, Wanda Drabik and Kathy Filipiak. On ursday, May 25th over 250 members of our school community gathered to celebrate the over 100 years of dedication and service that these fine educators provided to Montini Catholic students. It was a special night and it reminded all of us that it is people that make our high school exceptional.

Even though Chris, Wanda and Kathy are departing or reducing their time at Montini Catholic, I am confident that our future is still bright. We have so many excellent and dedicated faculty and staff members – such as Kim Richmond, ’81 our recent Distinguished Lasallian Educator recipient (p.5) – working with and guiding our students. Each day our faculty and staff mirror the hard work, dedication and care for our students that Chris, Wanda and Kathy exhibited throughout their careers.

All my best to you and your loved ones for a relaxing, enjoyable and safe summer break and as always “May Jesus Live In Your Hearts…Forever!”

Sincerely,

Jim Segredo President

SCHOOL NEWS

Celebration of over

100of service! years

It was a packed cafeteria on May 25th as Montini Catholic prepared to say goodbye to three very special faculty members. Coach Chris Andriano, Kathy Filipiak & Wanda Drabik cumulatively provided over 100 years of service to our students.

Amidst former students and families lining up to say their goodbyes, the humbled trio gathered on stage for a presentation, while memories and reminders of school days gone by faded in and out on an overhead screen.

Chris Andriano, joined Montini's Physical Education Department and coaching staff in 1974. roughout his 43 year career, ‘Coach A’ has been an Assistant Coach in football, basketball, baseball and track and field. He also served as the moderator of the hockey team in the late 90s. He was named the Bronco's second head football coach in 1979.

spoke to a tearful Kathy at the reception. "You have helped students to feel included, to find their voice and to make Montini Catholic their home. Under the guidance of St. John Baptist de La Salle, you have truly touched our hearts and we are better because of you."

Montini's Fine Art Department Chair and Art teacher, Wanda Drabik has been a valued member of the Montini family for 24 years. She began her career at Montini in 1993 when she accepted a position to teach from Brother Chris Kavanaugh who was principal at the time. "Under Wanda's leadership, we have seen the art offerings grow to include instruction in digital graphics and multi-media as well as pottery, design and art studio classes," informed Principal Maryann O'Neill. "She has supported our music program and has seen it expand in both the instrumental and vocal programs."

"I’m so sad you’re leaving, but I’m thrilled you get to retire and move onto other adventures," said teacher Estelle Soger as she addressed Wanda.

"You have done so much for this school. You always provided a special place for the students who didn’t fit into a mold. Your art classes became a favorite class to take-especially for those students who need a tangible way to express themselves. And even when there wasn’t a formal art club, you stayed after school to let your students work on projects."

Teacher and alumnus, Jim Izzo '71 gave a brief, but emotional, speech regarding his friend and colleague at the reception. "In the over 40 years that I have known Chris, I know that it is truly his presence in the school that we will miss the most. Not just because of his obvious coaching successes, but also his P.E., square dance calling and floor hockey play-by play. His physical presence in a room full of students that commands respect and his genuine warmth and caring, will be missed much more than the administration really knows yet. I am proud to call him a friend."

"e impact you have made on my children can only be magnified when you think about the impact you have made on the 6,000 alumnae whose lives you have touched over the last 42 years," said Admissions Coordinator Kim Richmond who

Kathy Filipiak, Wanda Drabik and Chris Andriano

"It is the people who make Montini what it is," said President Jim Segredo. "Chris, Wanda and Kathy have lived out our Lasallian mission with spirit and passion and have truly touched the hearts of our students, faculty and families - each will be greatly missed."

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Kathleen Filipiak (a.k.a. Ms. Flip) has worn many, many hats throughout her years at Montini Catholic. She began her Montini journey in August of 1975. In the fall of 2009, Kathy assumed the role of Assistant Principal. "I really love being able to listen to the concerns of families, and to be in a position to help them out," she informed. "I believe the amount of time people spend at this school trying to help students is what really makes Montini great."

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SCHOOL NEWS

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ACADEMIC ALL STARS HONORED

Read more about Brennan’s and all of our students earning $100,000+ scholarship club offers at www.montini.org (Click ‘About’ and got to o School News’ page)

Montini rolled out the red carpet on May 4th as we honored members from their Class of 2017 as Academic All Stars. Each year we invite seniors, who have excelled academically throughout their high school years, to a celebratory banquet in their honor.

A total of 70 students achieved the honor of being named a Montini Catholic Academic All Star which involves attaining a 3.5+ GPA and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. Congratulations to:

GRADUATION 2017 155 Graduates; 22 Illinois State Scholars; 4 Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars; 1 AP Scholar with Honors; 1 AP Scholar with Distinction; 1 National Merit Commended Scholar; 1 National Merit Finalist; 70 Academic All Stars and recipients of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Montini’s faculty, students and families congratulated Valedictorian Brandon Sakas, and Salutatorian Mary O’Brien (both pictured above) during the school's 48th Annual Graduation ceremony on Sunday, May 21st. A graduate of Westchester Middle School, Brandon ranked an impressive first in his class of 155 seniors. Mary (from St. Pius X in Lombard) took the second highest ranking.

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"Besides the typical classroom subjects, we learned a multitude of life lessons at Montini," said Brandon in his address to his fellow classmates. "We have learned the value of giving service to others and we have come to appreciate and enjoy the happiness that comes from helping others. We have also learned the power of teamwork on the stage, on the field and in the classroom," he added.

"And, we have learned to accept everyone as our equals and to treat others fairly and with respect."

Kyle Acuna Dejah Amos Jessica Browne Zoe Burke-Schott Lucas Cabon Emily Crotty Andrea Dunning Michael Esposito Cecilia Falco Vivian Garcia David Harte Danielle Hull Michael Iavarone Kathryn Junior Marissa King Claudia Kunzer Patrick Ladd Mary Larson Elizabeth Laviste Jin (Vanessa) Liu Daniel Lopez Alex Luka James Madary III Rachel Maher Nicholas Malik Anna Martinello Ryan McGuire Matthew McIvor Catherine McNamara Alison Meifert Todd Meyer Lauren Mikolajczak Dominick Moran Robert Mrazek Elaine Nielsen

Mary O’Brien Martin O’Connell Daniel O’Connor Nicolette Oppenheimer Xiaoying (Cynthia) Pan Hongyi Qian Donald Reilley Nicholas Roferos Michael Ross Brandon Sakas Samantha Santay Nicholas Severin Thomas Shanahan Brandon Shilgalis Kristin Shotts Tia Sondej Will Smith Jr. Alyssa Spingola Joseph Spivak Brennan Springmire Yuanjun (Helen) Sun David Swider Christel Thompson Pakorn Urramporn Joseph Vogrin John Vosicky Jack Walsh Mary Watson Lauren Weglarz Jenna Weidacher Jade Whaley Margaret White Shing Hei (Allen) Wong Samantha Wynne Veet Zaveri

“Remember the past, live in the present, dream for the future.”

"I have learned that your friends will always be there for you. ey will help you, advise you, laugh with you, laugh at you, struggle with you and succeed with you. ey'll comfort you when you're at your lowest and they'll share your happiness when you're at your highest," he said. "Be that friend to others around you."

Summer 2017

Brandon concluded his inspiring speech with friendly advice for his classmates, "Go forth, fellow graduates, and learn. Learn from people. Learn from books.

Learn from experience. Learn from emotions.

Remember the past, live in the present, dream for the future. Congratulations Class of 2017!"

SCHOOL NEWS

‘17 ounder’s Day F Celebrating our Lasallian Heritage and Bronco Pride

Congratulations to all our broncos!

Kim RICHMOND AWARDED THe

LASALLIAN EDUCATORS AWARD

1985 was the year that Kim Caffarelli Richmond ‘81 became the second female graduate to join Montini’s faculty (Math Department). Since then her role has greatly expanded. Kim’s love and commitment as Admissions Coordinator is second to none, according to colleagues and parents who know her best. It is this sincere dedication that allows us to welcome new Broncos through our doors each year.

Top: Math Team representatives Brandon Sakas (center) and Daniel Lopez (in purple) were recognized for taking the Broncos to a 9th Place State Finish (with them l to r: Principal Maryann O’Neill and coaches Christine McManus, Barry Briggs and Don Krystoff); Bottom L to R: Senior Jessica Browne accepts the Mother Theresa Award for Campus Ministry from Mr. Michael Blanchette; Tia Sondej accepts the Kathleen Filipiak Female Scholar/Athlete Award from Athletic Director, Tom Lentine; Mrs.O’Neill presented the Prudential Certificate of Merit to senior (and granddaughter), Elaine Nielsen.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Valedictorian: Brandon Sakas; Salutatorian: Mary O’Brien Pope Paul VI Award: Alex Luka and Samantha Santay St. John Baptist de La Salle Award: George Augustin, Jessica Browne, Yang Chen, Emily Crotty, Patricia Fischer, Claudia Kunzer, Mary Larson, Alison Meifert, Robert Mrazek, Elaine Nielsen, Christopher Parrilli, Michael Ross, Joseph Spivak, Brennan Springmire, Pakorn Urramporn, Jade Whaley, Margaret White & Veet Zaveri Mother eresa Award for Campus Ministry: Jessica Browne Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award: Veet Zaveri Kathleen Filipiak Female Scholar/Athlete Award: Tia Sondej James Kavanaugh Male Scholar/Athlete Award: Alex Luka & Joseph Spivak Bryan Grigsby Memorial Scholarship: Joseph Spivak Fr. John Guiney Scholarship: Jessica Davis James & Dorothy Bell Memorial Scholarship: Margaret White Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship: Michael Iavarone Colleen H. Considine Memorial Scholarship: Marissa King & Jenna Weidacher

Kim was this year’s recipient of the Lasallian Educators Award (presented on Founder’s Day). She also received the Faculty Dedication and Service Award in March at the Maroon and Gold Gala. Each award is presented to a member of Montini’s staff who has displayed the dedication and care of a true Lasallian educator.“No one works harder than Kim,” said President Segredo. “For 25 years she has directed numerous admissions events, helped design and develop hundreds of admission materials, scheduled thousands of shadow visits and had countless meetings with potential parents, all with great passion for carrying on our Bronco tradition of excellence.”

Summer 2017 5

SCHOOL NEWS

MILLION DOLLAR MAN Montini congratulates senior Brennan Springmire for joining its exclusive $1,000,000 Scholarship Club. Brennan has accumulated an impressive $1,171,000 in academic scholarship offers this year.

Downers Grove resident and member of St. Scholastica Parish (in Woodridge), Brennan was recently honored as an Academic All Star at Montini's Academic Awards Banquet.

He also received the Presidents Award for Academic Excellence and Academic All Conference recognition for the 2017 fall sports season. is spring, Brennan committed to play football at St. Norbert College in Wisconsin.

Read more about Brennan and all of our students earning $100,000+ in scholarship club offers at www.montini.org. (Click ‘About’ and go to our ‘ School News’ page.)

$14

million in Scholarship offers earned Congratulations to our Scholarship Club members on their impressive accomplishments!

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

$200,000 $500,000

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Jessica Browne Patrick Ladd Daniel Lopez Rebecca McManus Dominick Moran Mary O'Brien Kristin Shotts

Elaine Nielsen Brendan Rauen Jade Whaley

$750,000 Lauren Mikolajzak

$300,000 $1,000,000 Brennan Springmire

Zoe Burke-Schott Kathryn Junior Marissa King Samantha Santay Veet Zaveri Spring/Summer Summer 2017 2017

Photo above right, L to R: Brendan Rauen, Lauren Mikolajczak, Elaine Nielsen and Jade Whaley (all earned at least $500,000 in scholarship offers.

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STUDENTS INDUCTED INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGE HONOR SOCIETIES

Congratulations to the newest inductees into our Spanish and French Honor Societies.

Eligibility requires that students have a cumulative 3.5 GPA, including a 4.0 GPA in their specific language, as well as a commitment to taking the foreign language all four years at Montini. Congratulations to the following inductees: Spanish Honor Society Dominic Antonelli Maureen Barrett Andrew Bolisay Brianna Clifton Marie Corpuz Emily Detmers Raquel Dorado Renata Foerstel

Luke Gorogianis Eleazar Ibarra Jake Karczewski Lindsey Jarosinski William Lewan Zoe MacKay-Zacker Angelica Mendoza Alexa Mudd Andrea Muñoz

Rian O'Connor Nicholas Roferos Nicolette Sclafani Kelan Scott Caitlin Seegers Will Smith Paulina Torres Alexis Trippiedi MOnTInI.ORg

French Honor Society Isabella Angelo Margaret Chaffin Phallyn Habercoss Audrey Maloney Caeley O’Connor Samuel Stevenson

SCHOOL NEWS

BRONCOS . . .

Making Headlines

Our Class of 2017 completed their four years banking over 9,000 hours of service!

We’re Broncos by name,

community service is our game!

God SQuad

Quincey Trojanowski

Takes FIRST PlaCE AT the INternational chamber music competition In May, sophomore and talented bassoonist, Quincey Trojanowski, along with her musical group, KGT, brought home the First Place prize in the Junior Winds Competition at the highly prestigious International Chamber Music Competition (MPrize). e competition was held at the University of Michigan's School of Music, eatre and Dance. e team then advanced to the Fischoff Competition where they won the American Brass Quintet Wind prize.

GABRIELLA ROSSI

WINS Essay Contest

march for life In January, 25 passionate Montini students attended the 44th annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. ey joined thousands and remembered the more than 55 million Americans who have been lost to abortion. e students also march to remember the moms and dads who have suffered from the pain of abortion and to instill the idea of a world where every life is valued.

Senior artist, Elizabeth Laviste (left), designed this year’s Pro-Life sweatshirts!

habitat for humanity is year eight students spent their Spring Break on the Campus Ministry sponsored Habitat for Humanity trip to Logan, Ohio. (Top L to R: Mark Zheng, Marissa King, Ben Kirch, Jake Oostdyk, Marissa Van De Veer; Sitting: Emeka Nkuku, Justin Stauder and Yousuf Mitchell. eology teacher and Lasallian Youth Director, Mr. Denis Block is humbled by the drive and dedication of his students. "Logan is the largest city in Hocking County, yet only has a population of 7,000," he informed. "Our students worked at two different build sites and worked two mornings packing boxes of food at the local food bank."

Montini Catholic students have been participating in Habitat for Humanity during spring break since 2004.

As we go to print, a Bronco/Habitat team is preparing to travel to Winona, MN on July 11-15th to aid in the building of homes for families in need. We also have a team of nine traveling for the third consecutive year to Nicaragua to serve families living in the Garbage Dump area (June 11-18th).

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Junior Gabriella Rossi was recently recognized for putting pen to paper and her voice to video and entering the Voice of Democracy Patriotic Essay Competition sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Rossi was the winner representing Post 503 in Downers Grove and was presented with a monetary award of $500 for her exceptional work at a special banquet recognizing local winners.

"Never fear - God Squad it Here!" - If Montini Catholic's small team of enthusiastic student volunteers had a motto - this could be it. e God Squad has been preparing the gym for Masses and prayer services for three years and counting. e group was founded by eology teacher, Dr. Joseph Mordente. "Our Campus Ministry team needed help in setting up the gym for Mass so they asked me if I could help out," he explained. "I got some kids together that I knew would love to be of service and, 'Voila', the "God Squad" was born!" (L to R: Mrs. Barb Caruso, Jack Hammersmeier, Mia Gramann, Justin Lazowski and Dr. Joseph Mordente.)

Summer 2017 7

COVER STORY

Celebrating

(Joe Martinello ‘86 is also the proud father of graduates, William ‘13 and Kathryn ‘14, all pictured above with Anna ‘17 on her big day!

tradition

What’s it like to see Joe martinello ‘86 Nicholas Chiaramonti ‘84 Anna Martinello ‘17 Connor Chiaramonti ‘17 your own child It’s exciting to watch as your children gradu- I enjoyed my time as a student at Montini. I graduate from your

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

alma mater? is

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year we asked our alumni mothers and fathers to share their thoughts and reflections.

Summer 2017

ate from your alma mater. You know where their lockers are, their classrooms, where they eat lunch and go to gym. It’s exciting to watch and experience the changes to Montini just the same as it is exciting to watch and experience the familiarity. You get to talk about how things were different and how much has changed over the years yet how many things have stayed the same.

You talk about having the same teachers and sitting in the same classrooms and you talk about how we actually had to go outside to get to art classes and the library. I have really enjoyed watching as my kids have made their way through the same halls that I did and maybe twenty or thirty years from now hopefully there will be grandchildren making their own way through.

was well prepared academically for the next phase of my life and I successfully received two bachelors degrees, a doctorate and (because I just love school too much) I went back for a masters degree. Just as importantly, I participated in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including sports, clubs, music & theater. Lastly, I made lifelong friends that I am still in contact with today. When it came time for my wife and I to decide where our children would attend high school, Montini was an easy decision.

When my oldest son (Brent ‘13) enrolled, my wife and I were nervous to send ‘our baby’ to high school, but when we attended those first events with him it felt like coming home. Not only did the school feel comfort-

able, it was great to see that teachers I learned from were still there and taught my son. He enjoyed his time and was well prepared for college and I am happy to say he successfully completed a rigorous bachelors program and successfully graduated on time this spring.

Conner is now graduating from Montini and he enjoyed his high school experience even more than my oldest. He is set up for success next year as he enters the next phase of his academic life. My third son (Devin ‘21) enters Montini this fall and he cannot wait.

Not only is he excited about the opportunities ahead of him, but because he has been to so many camps, games and events at Montini, he will be more prepared for his first day of school than any other incoming Freshman. I appreciate what the Montini experience did for me personally and my wife and I are pleased with what it has done for our children.

took over (as it always does), 25 years later our son Sean was approaching a high school decision and when he announced to us that he was going to go to Montini, I could not have been happier. I knew what he was in for and I was so excited to be able to share the “little things” with him. As Montini has certainly changed and grown for the better, there are still little bits and pieces of the place that I remember and we now can share together. We were both given a foundation at Montini to build from and I know that Sean will leverage that base to do great things in the future. We (as well as thousands of alumni) are lucky to be part of the Bronco family and I am proud that my son (and in two years, another one, Patrick ‘20) and I will always have this bond.

Congratulations to the rest of the members of the Class of 2017 who now share that lifelong “Bronco Pride” connection to their alma mater with their parent(s).

You will always have a part of Montini teachings inside you. ey have touched your heart, as they touched mine back in 1989. Jim, your father and I are very proud of you Madison Rae Smith, and love you very, very much.’

God Bless the Montini Catholic High School Class of 2017.

BEVERLY (ALMAsSEY) BARGER ‘78

Ashley barger ‘17 Montini is an excellent high school that prepares students academically and emotionally for college or a future career path. As a former student and as a Montini parent, this aspect has not changed throughout the years. e faculty and staff are devoted to developing the student as a whole and want all to succeed to their fullest potential. e world is constantly changing and technological advances are constantly occurring everyday.

Montini has made great strides to keep up with the changes and have kept the facilities and equipment up to date with the current times. I am proud to have graduated from Montini and feel equally proud that I am a parent of two montini graduates who are prepared for their future!

Melinda Bayro Nowak ‘89 Madison Smith NOWAK ‘17

edMUND Burke ‘88 Sean Burke ‘17

As she prepares for graduation, it has been an emotional week for me too. I watch her study for exams, take in all the ‘last’ events of the week with her friends and go through an array of emotions within herself. Graduating from high school is an extremely powerful experience that one prepares for over four years, but the actual day sneaks up on you in the last week.

My advice and reflection to Madison is ‘Montini will forever serve you. I have never not felt welcomed when returning to campus way after graduation day. It is with honor and a blessing to watch you graduate from Montini.

amy THARP georgitsis ‘84 theodore georgitsis ‘17 Making the decision to send our three boys (Manny ‘13, Ryley ‘15) to Montini was an easy choice for my husband, Nick, and me eight years ago. Although it had been 24 years since I had graduated, as we walked through the open house that fall evening of 2008, I understood that despite the physical changes to the campus, the most important aspect of the school had not changed - there - continued on page 12

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

I vividly remember walking through the doors for the first time as a freshmen in the summer of 1984 and wasn’t quite sure what to make of this place and the people that comprised it. It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was home, and after a short period of time, I figured out that Montini was special. As my four years flew by, the times kept getting better and suddenly it was time to move on. As I walked out the doors in May, 1988 as a graduate of Montini, the last thing that was on my mind was “would I ever have a child go here?” However, as life

Being a grateful alumni of Montini Catholic, and now getting the pleasure to witness my daughter graduate from Montini, is just purely amazing. We have experienced similar high school moments and will now share these precious memories together.

Summer 2017 9

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

WINTER/SPRING

RUGBY Our boys took to the season to beat their impressive 2nd place Division 2 finish last year and this year became the Boys U19 Division 2 Champions after defeating the South Suburban Cobras at the State Championship match-up 31-27!

BASKETBALL Our Lady Broncos knocked off Fremd (35-22) to capture third place at the Class 4A State Finals on March 4, 2017 at Redbird Arena. e Broncos attempted to win their fifth state title – their first attempt in Class 4A. e 3rd place title was the end of a great season (33-2). Our ladies took first place in the 8th Annual Christmas Tournament (hosted at Montini) and were GCAC Red Division Champions!

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Our Bronco Boys finished their season 11-16. After defeating Marmion 87-83 in the Class 3A Regional Quarterfinal, our Broncos succumbed to Burlington Central to end the run to the state championship.

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FIGURE SKATING New this year, at the request of skating enthusiast, junior Gabriella Rossi, Montini started a Figure Skating Team. e team (which also includes Abby Wasierski and McAllister Carson) won the gold medal at the High School Nationals Figure Skating Competition in April.

Summer 2017

Christian Pirog

our Bronco Cheerleaders were IHSA State Qualifiers for their 3rd Consecutive Year!

Top - Montini Rugby takes first place in Boys U19 Division 2 Championship on Memorial Day; Above left - Lady Bronco starter Claudia Kunzer; Above right - Cheerleader Alexa Mudd performs at State.

Broncettes

IHSA SECTIONAL CHAMPIONS

&4

TH in State

Pictured: Broncette, Tori Scavone

AT H L E T I C S

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All Conference Athletes

HOCKEY

Renegades High School Hockey is a combined school team that fields players from Addison Trail, Fenton, Montini Catholic and Willowbrook High Congratulations to our Broncos achieving Schools. e team won the U18 Big All Conference status for the Winter and Chill Tournament in Michigan and Spring Sports Seasons. were named IHSL Suburban Varsity Division Cougar Cup Champions. ey were 30-1 going into the playoff season where they won their first ever State High School Combined Varsity Championship (after a 4-1 victory over Glenbard), played at the United Center.

WRESTLING Players of the Year in their divisions: Kaylee Bambule (Basketball), Nicole Cuchran (Softball), Anna Martinello (Soccer), Alex Luka (Baseball) and Mitchell West (Track)

Basketball

Softball

Kaylee Bambule, Senior Claudia Kunzer, Senior Aaliyah Patty, Junior

Serena Almodovar, Senior Naomi Alonzo, Senior Brianna Clifton, Junior Nicole Cuchran, Junior

BASEBALL

Track

Cooper Hynes, Senior Alex Luka, Senior Anthony Rogers, Senior Jake Karczewski, Junior

Wrestling William Lewan Jr., Junior Joseph Melendez Jr., Junior Real Woods, Junior Matthew Ortiz, Sophomore Fidel Mayora, Freshman Dylan Ragusin, Freshman

Soccer (Girls) Andrea Dunning, Senior Anna Martinello, Senior Katherine Crotty, Junior Sonia Finch, Junior Neena Franklin, Junior Alondra Holler, Junior

Dejah Amos, Senior Lauren Mikolacjak, Senior Mitchell West, Senior Max Hanzlik, Junior Jacob Mondschean, Junior Andrea Munoz, Junior Matthew Quaglia, Junior Jalen Slater, Junior Joslyn Boyer, Sophomore Nicholas Fedanzo, Sophomore Erica Holloway, Sophomore Zachary Olson, Sophomore Margaret Connelly, Freshman

Montini wrestlers claimed second place in the IHSA Class 3A Dual Meet Tournament. Our boys won two dual meets before losing 33-20 to Lockport in the State Championship Dual and finished the season with a dual-meet record of 22-3. Joseph Melendez, Jr., Real Woods and William Lewan, Jr. won individual state championships at the IHSA Individual meet. Dylan Ragusin earned a second place finish while Matthew Ortiz captured 5th Place honors.

GIRLS SOCCER Our Lady Bronco Soccer Team ended their successful season as Regional Champions as well as a first ever GCAC Conference Championship title.

GIRLS LACROSSE In an exciting overtime game vs. St. Charles, it was our Lady Broncos who took home the Sectional Championship title on May 22nd! Sophomore Johanna Kingsfield-Locher made the All State Team, with teammates Mary Larson, Luma Medina and Audrey Maloney making Honorable Mentions.

BASEBALL

Michael Orr, Senior Joseph Vogrin, Senior Anthony Vogrin, Junior Charles Woods, Junior

Our boys capped off the season with their fourth consecutive Regional Championship when they defeated Elmwood Park 9-4 on May 28th. eir run for the title ended on May 31st with a loss against the Roadrunners of Nazareth.

BUKOVSKY GRAND MARSHAL @IHSA STATE "e Grand March of finalists that takes place before the Individual State Wrestling Championship matches every year in Champaign is an unbelievable display of pageantry that rates among the best high school traditions in the country. Being selected as a Grand Marshal among the many wrestlers, coaches, and officials who have influenced wrestling in the state of Illinois, is the biggest honor of my professional career." - Coach Michael Bukovsky

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Volleyball (BOYS)

Summer 2017 11

AT H L E T I C S

- continued from page 9

TRACK

was still that sense of ‘family’ that I had always felt when I attended. Maybe seeing that Ms. ‘Flip’ was still there helped a bit…

Our Lady Broncos Track Team headed to state in mid-May and it was seniors Lauren Mikolajzak and Jenna Weidacher who brought home the medals - Lauren for discus and Jenna for the 800m!

My kids’ experiences, of course, have been very different from mine in many ways. ey have had state-of-the-art science labs and technology courses. ey use iPads instead of textbooks. ey have had the chance to be part of state championship football teams, baseball, basketball, wrestling, and rugby teams and a growing music program. However, when I ask them what they value the most from their years at Montini, our feelings are the same - they value the friends that they made while here and that same sense of ‘family.’

Our boys track athletes traveled to State Finals at Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Illinois over the Memorial Day Weekend to compete in four events.

Montini’s 4x100M Relay team of Zach Olson, Nick Fedanzo, Matt Quaglia and Mitch West ran a season best of 42.58, the 3rd fastest time in Montini history and finished second in state. In the 100M Dash, Mitch West was second place by a razor thin margin and he completed his Bronco track career by finishing 8th place in the 200M Dash.

As our last child, Ted, prepares to graduate, the nostalgia I feel is bittersweet, to say the least. I have enjoyed watching my kids make their own memories at ‘our’ school now, but it is also the end of a long era for my family (43 years)! I am proud to be part of the Montini family, and I am so grateful that my own children are now part of that same legacy.

"As a team we finished in 14th place," said Coach Eric Brechtel. "It is our highest finish since 2005 and 3rd highest finish ever!" (highest in 2A in Montini history). "Mitch West finishes his Montini Track career as a 9 time State finalist and a 7 time state medalist which is more than anyone in Montini Boys Track & Field history," said Coach Brechtel. "He is, to date, our most decorated Bronco Track athlete!"

WEST’S Career Track Accomplishments: SCC Athlete of the Meet 2015 CCL 60M Dash Record Holder 7X State Medalist 9X State Finalist 2017 State Runner up in 100M Dash 2017 State Runner up in 4x100M

2X 100M DuPage County Champion 2X 200M DuPage County Champion 4x100M DuPage County Champion 4x200M DuPage County Champion 4x100M School Record Holder 2X 100M Sectional Champion

Mitch West

200M Sectional Champion 2X 4x100M Sectional Champion SCC 100M, 200M & 400M Champion 3X Team Captain 3X Team MVP

SOFTBALL Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Our Lady Broncos were GCAC Tournament Champs/Red Division this spring and rounded out a great season by securing a 5th straight Regional Championship with a 5-0 victory over Benet Academy on May 28th. e girls went on to become Sectional Champions vs. Fenwick, but succumbed to Nazareth in the Class 3A Super Sectional on June 5th.

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BOYS VOLLEYBALL

John Vosicky ‘89 John Vosicky ‘17

Making Montini history, our Bronco Volleyball Team earned the 2017 CCL Conference Championship/White Division title for the first time ever!

I have feelings of both great joy and sadness as I think about John’s upcoming graduation. e joy is from seeing what an awesome person that he has become, the many accomplishments and all the hard work that he put in to make them happen, as well as the many wonderful friends that he has made. Sadness comes from something ending, of knowing that your son will be leaving for college in 3

BOYS TENNIS Our boys Tennis Team, under the guidance of 2017’s Tennis Coach of the Year, Mr. Don Krystoff, won their first ever Sectional this season. Earlier in April the boys were congratulated for winning the West Chicago Open. Our boys sent three athletes to state this year: David Batka, omas Batka and David Harte.

Summer 2017

short months and knowing that it is has been 26 years since my graduation. Where does the time go? My time at Montini both as a student and coach have been some of the best experiences of my life. I hope that when John looks back he feels the same way. ank you to all the teachers and staff at Montini who have helped move John along on his journey through life. Your efforts and hard work have really made a difference!

in the early 80s. And, we of course, reconnected with Montini when Julia entered as a freshman in 2010. Alex's graduation will mark the fourth generation of Luka males who will have been educated by Christian Brothers. His great grandfather, Harry, graduated from St. Pats, his grandfather, Jack, from St. Mel's, myself from Montini.

We could not be more proud.

ing many of our family parties through the years. Montini has continued that rich tradition with Kairos Retreats, Masses and service projects. On behalf of our family, thank you Montini for all the new and old memories.

To this day, 36 years later, I am still connected to my buddies from the class of 1981. I know 36 years from now Alex will have that same connection. It's a special place here at Montini.

william MORAN ‘82 DOMINICK MORAN ‘17 John Luka ‘81 Alex Luka ‘17 Graduation for Alex marks a few memorable and somewhat emotional points in time for me and my family.

First, both my children were given the opportunity to attend ANY high school in the area they wanted, whether it be in LaGrange Park, Lisle or Downers Grove. ey both chose Montini. Of course I could not have been happier. Alex and his sister have excelled academically and with extra curriculars during their four years, reaching GPA levels I never achieved. I believe the education here has grown both of my kids academically, spiritually and emotionally.

Alex's graduation will mark the end of a 40 year legacy that the Luka Family has had with Montini. My sisters started here in the 70s, my father, Jack, has continued following Montini Football ever since my brother left

Gosh, it has been fun having our son attend Montini these past four years. It was like a trip down memory lane for my husband Gregg (Class of 1979) and me (Class of 1978). Conor was interested in our homecoming traditions (bonfires, floats and class walls) and football traditions (“Down by the River” cheer and NOT having pre-game meals for the teams). We loved seeing how much better Montini has become over the years, with its academic, theater and sports programs. We especially love the addition of all of the club sports – like Rugby – that really enhanced Conor’s experience at Montini. And, it was certainly fun to be football parents for a state championship team. Back in the late 70s and early 80s Montini did quite well with spirituality.

Gregg and I both enjoyed our retreats. Fr. Richard Prodehl, our school chaplain, married us in 1984. And Brother Mark Wagner literally “became part of our family,” attend-

I’m proud of Dominick. My sincere wish is that in the future he looks back on his time at Montini and is proud to say he was a Bronco.

We sincerely thank all of our alumni who shared their stories and congratulate and thank all of our Legacy Families for helping to continue our Bronco tradition.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

Alex will be attending Babson College, a very competitive and well known business school in the Boston area. Montini helped set that stage for him. Julia will be a senior next fall at Indiana University's Kelly School of Business.

Gregg Williams ‘79 Susan Reedy Williams ‘78 CONOR WILLIAMS ‘17

My time at Montini Catholic profoundly affected my development as a person. At the time that I graduated, I realized that effect in small ways. As the years went on, time and distance allowed me to better understand Montini’s effect on me more fully. When I became a husband and father, I knew that I wanted my children to have the opportunity to learn and grow at Montini. My son has graduated and now embarks on his adult journey. He has had experiences in the classroom and on the athletic fields that I never had. He has made his mark at Montini. I hope he has also been changed for the better.

Summer 2017 13

ALUMNI

Write

Their story

OUR SYMPATHIES To the Rodi Family, on the death of Mr. Ron Rodi, Sr. Ron is the father of John Rodi '88, Ken Rodi '88 and Ron Rodi, Jr. '95.

To the Da Silva Family, on the death of Mrs. Yolanda Da Silva.

Yolanda is the mother of Anders Da Silva '88.

To the Fratantion Family, on the death of Mrs. Terri Fratantion.

Terri is the mother of Lizabeth Fratantion '09.

To the O’Connor Family, on the death of Mrs. Patricia O’Connor. Patricia is the mother of Kerry (O’Connor) Blasgen '86, Tim O’Connor '87 and Dan O’Connor '88. Mrs. O’Connor is also the grandmother of Maille O’Connor '16, Rian O’Connor '18, Riley O’Connor '19, Aiden O’Connor '20 and Mary Kate O’Connor '21.

To the Rapsys Family, on the death of Mr. Vidmantas Rapsys.

Mr. Rapsys is the father of Vid Rapsys '86 and Ryan Rapsys '92.

To the Galiano Family on the death of Mr. Eric Goll. Mr. Goll is the husband of Maribel (Galiano) Goll '83. He is also an in-law to Rommy Galiano '85, Robert Galiano '86, Evelyn (Galiano) Putman '87 and Vlad Galiano '89.

To the Lemense Family on the passing of Mrs. Kathleen Lemense. Mrs. Lemense is the mother of Dan Lemense '96 and Christine (Lemense) Howard '98.

M

To the Orseske Family, on the passing of Mrs. Carol Orseske.

Mrs. Orseske is the mother of Eugene Frenzel '89, Heather (Orseske) Ignoffo '97, Bob Orseske '99 and Matt Orseske '01.

ontini Catholic’s Annual Fund is our yearly (July 1 – June 30) campaign to support our academic and athletic programs as well as our extra-curricular activities and service projects. All alumni, current parents past parents & friends of the school are invited to make a gift to the Annual Fund. Gifts to our Annual Fund create one of

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

the school’s most significant sources of support. Because Annual Fund gifts are typically unrestricted, they can be directed to areas with the greatest need — and the greatest potential for impact. Help write the story of future generations of Broncos with a gift to the Annual Fund.

To make a donation visit: www.montini.org/annualfund.

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2016-17 annual fund DONOR BREAKDOWN Goal $205,000 Total Collected $203,000 Summer 2017

Alumni 46% Matching Gifts - 2%

To the Flood Family, on the death of Mr. Emmett Flood. Mr. Flood was a former faculty member at Montini Catholic from 1991-2006.

To the Parisi Family on the death of Mrs. Vikki Parisi in February of 2017. Mrs. Parisi is the mother of Stephanie Parisi '17 and Alyssa Parisi '20.

To the Versaci Family, on the passing of Mr. omas Versaci. omas is the grandfather of Vincent Versaci Jr. '05, Mary Beth Versaci ’08, Joseph Versaci '12, and eresa Versaci '13. Mr. Versaci is also the father-in-law of Jean (Runge) Versaci '78.

To the arp Family on the passing of Mr. Eugene arp on May 29th. Mr. arp is the father of Barry arp '78, Gene Tharp '79, Laura (arp) Henkel '80, Paul arp '82, Amy (arp) Georgitsis '84, Julie (arp) Hendricks '85 and Ted arp '88; the father-in-law of Tim Hendricks '85; and the grandfather of Manny Georgitsis ‘13, Ryley Georgitsis '15 and Ted Georgitsis '17.

in memoriam

Friends - 5%

Our prayers are with all of the families, friends and classmates of:

Current Parents 10%

Alumni Parents 37%

Thank you to all of our donors!

Jeff Farnell '05 who passed away in April of 2017.

Helene (Brade) Engleman '74 who passed away in December of 2016. Helene is the sister of Linda (Brade) Brady '79 and wife of former faculty member, Rob Engleman.

BRONCOS

KEEPING UP WITH THE

ALUMNI NEWS

Updates

Debby (Manna) Hill '72 graduated from the University of St. Francis (IL) in May with a Masters in Nursing Administration.

Nancy Economou '84 appeared on ABC7’s Windy City Live as a weekly 4-star Chicagoan for her work as the Founder of ‘Watts of Love’, a global solar lighting nonprofit bringing people the power to raise themselves out of the darkness of poverty. In addition, Economou was also honored by Citibank US and American Airlines in their most recent ‘Influencer’ campaign.

MArriAGES, FuturE BrONCOS, uPDAtES & SyMPAtHiES

Please e-mail your Bronco updates to Brian Casey, Alumni Director: bcasey@montini.org.

future broncos

Richard Starmann '89 was the 2017recipient of the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) Distinguished Alumni Award. e award is given annually by the NCEA to honor graduates of Catholic elementary schools who have made a significant contribution to the Catholic Church and American Life. Starmann works for the United States Secret Service.

Anthony Pauley '03 recently joined Target Data as the Director of Business Development. His primary responsibilities include developing and expanding the data- driven marketing firm’s strategic partners.

Ashley Carlevato '05 recently opened a new salon and spa in downtown Hinsdale, Levato Salon and Skin Lab. e salon offers everything from hair services to manicures, makeup application, waxing, as well as skin care treatments. In addition, Levato Salon offers various beauty classes held monthly.

Laura (Verstat) '98 and Jason Mottl '98 welcomed Nathan omas into the world on June 7, 2016.

Laura Guertler '07 married Adam Burkhart on May 20, 2016 at St. Alexander Church in Villa Park. Fellow alums Matthew Guertler '05, Stephanie Biernat '07 and Allison Guertler '09 were all members of the wedding party.

Derek Zaba '94 was recently promoted to Partner at CamberView Partners, LLC. e company is the leading source of independent, investor-led advice for public companies on shareholder activism and engagement. Zaba joined the company in 2014.

WEDDINGS Kristin Garvey '87 married Scott Graves on May 27, 2017. Nancy (Dusek) Regan '87, Erin O'Connor '87, Lisa Furey '87, Sue Crackel '87, Maureen (Hyland) Bair '87, Helen (Fitzpatrick) Lloyd '87, Anne (Green) Lesinski '87 served as bridesmaids.

Brad Summers '04 and his wife Megan welcomed their first child, Lilah Mae on March 16, 2017.

Heather Moy '96 and Steven Stein were married in October of 2016 at Tamarack Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois.

Marie Ventura '99 and Tim Peterson were married on March 25, 2017 at Ascension of our Lord Church in Oakbrook Terrace .

Vincent Versaci Jr. '05, son of Vince and Jean (Runge) Versaci '78, married Margaret ornton at Sacred Heart Church in June of last year.

Vincent’s brother Joseph Versaci '12 was the best man and sisters Mary Beth Versaci '08 and Matt Browne '08 and his wife Lauren welcomed eresa Versaci '13 were bridesmaids. Friend and fellow alum Dan Summins '03 was also a Charlotte Rae on February 20, 2017. Charlotte weighed 6 lbs. and 15 oz. and was 21 in. long. groomsman.

Montini Catholic Bronco Express

In June the Minnesota Vikings selected Jaleel Johnson '12, with the 109th pick of the 2017 NFL Draft (4th Round). Johnson now joins Tim Fugger '07, as the only two players in Montini school history to be drafted in the National Football League. Johnson, a 6'3", 315lb. defensive tackle from the University of Iowa, started all 13games as a fifth-year senior for the Hawkeyes, registering 55 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks. In his collegiate career, he played in 47 games, tallying 113 tackle.s

Robert Kalal '04 and wife Brandea were thrilled to welcome their second child, Kameron Jay on May 22, 2017. Brother Caleb is loving his new little brother.

Summer 2017 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. î Žank you!