Montini Catholic High School Bronco Express Fall 2014

A MESSAGE

FROM THE

PRESIDENT

A

Dear Friends,

s you can see from this edition of Bronco Express, it has been a very exciting and busy time during this first quarter of the 2014-15 school year, in the areas of classroom instruction, extracurricular activities and community service learning.

The main focus of this school year, on the instruction side, has been the launch of our Digital Learning Initiative for the entire student body (pages 8 & 9). I am happy to report that the DLI program has gotten off to an excellent start.

Our students and teachers have adjusted well to the use of the iPad in the classroom instructional setting. Students have found the iPads to be very helpful in organizing their school activities and homework, note taking, reading assignments, etc. Teachers are very excited about the instruction and learning resources, beyond the classroom walls, that the iPad provides. Early on in the process, we are seeing our students and faculty members using the digital collaboration tools to facilitate project-based learning and problem solving.

Although we have placed a great deal of resources and time in utilizing technology in our classroom instruction, I assure you that the we have not lost focus on the personal attention, care and academic instruction that we provide our students. The use of the iPad is just another instructional tool that we provide our students, but our faculty continue to teach, instruct and work with our students everyday, in the traditional manner as well. The quality of our teachers, the quality of instruction, and the care and concern that they have provided over the years to our students, are the hallmarks of our school community.

At Montini Catholic the “Student is the Subject.” We have not forgotten this message from our founder, St. John Baptist De La Salle, “touch the hearts of your students, and to do this you must know your students.” Teachers and administrators in our school community, such as Kathy Filipiak and Jim Izzo (both celebrating their 40th year of teaching in our school community this year), have certainly embraced this message. I have a great deal of confidence that the five new members of our faculty and staff, who joined us this summer (page 6), will embrace this message as well.

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Bronco Express Fall 2014

“It has always been the people of the Montini Catholic school community who make our school a very special place.”

It has always been the people of the Montini Catholic school community who make our school a very special place. As one visiting grade school principal stated in a note of thanks, after our grade school teacher articulation workshop, “Montini Catholic is more than a high school.”

Finally, this is the time of the year when I reach out to the members of our school community to support our school mission by making a gift to the Annual Fund (pages 4 & 5).

Please consider making a gift to our school through the Annual Fund. Although our fund is thriving, our school community participation level is well below those of other area high schools. The continued growth of the Annual Fund is essential in moving our educational mission forward.

Your gift helps fund and support every academic, extracurricular and spiritual program of our school. The generosity of our donors has played a critical role in the growth of our school programs. People are always amazed at the amount of course offerings, programs, resources and equipment we provide our students while maintaining an average school wide class size of 20. When asked how this is possible, the answer is simple – the success of our Annual Fund. Each year, however, the financial challenge to maintain this level of excellence continues to grow.

During the upcoming months, you will be receiving information on the fund and a request for support. Please give this request careful and prayerful consideration.

As always, thank you very much for your continual support and generosity to Montini Catholic. Have a wonderful and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday, a blessed and joyful Christmas and New Year, and, “May Jesus Live In Your Hearts Forever.”

Sincerely,

Jim Segredo President

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BISHOP CONLON CELEBRATES MASS

SCHOOL NEWS

WITH STUDENTS

Montini Catholic welcomed Bishop R. Daniel Conlon for a special Mass on October 21st.

The Mass was celebrated in recognition of the Beatification of Pope Paul VI. The Beatification was made official by Pope Francis on Saturday, May 10, 2014, after a miracle was accredited to Paul's intercession. The beatification ceremony took place on Sunday, October 19th, 2014, in Rome.

HELPINGUNEXPECTED OTHERS The Joy of Giving

BRINGS REWARDS

Montini Catholic High School students, along with Campus Minister, Mr. Michael Blanchette, and teacher, Mrs. Wanda Drabik, traveled to Washington Illinois, on Saturday, September 6th, to volunteer with the 'Compassion Ministries/Tornado Relief' at Bethany Baptist Church.

Montini Catholic was devotedly named after Pope Paul VI, who was elected to the papacy in 1963, during the planning of our Catholic high school. Bishop Conlon told the students that he was in high school when Pope Paul VI was elected. He also recalled the three words spoken

by Pope Paul VI that made an impact on his life, "Jamais, jamais plus." (Translated from French - "Never, never again.") The Bishop explained to the students that the Pope was talking about the wars of the 20th Century. "We all want peace, especially spiritual peace," he said.

"Be servants, not masters and you will find peace among yourselves, in your family, your church, wherever you go."

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The school's representatives were there to assist with relief efforts in Washington, which are still necessary due to the tornado that ripped its way through the town and surrounding communities in November of 2013. Blanchette and his team helped at two sites during their visit.

They helped an elderly woman clean up her yard and around her house, and assisted a couple who lost their entire house in the storm.

Blanchette and his team came to the realization that the victims received much more than just manual assistance. "I think that they were comforted, not only by the help, but also by having someone l isten to their story." He added, "My students received much from them as well. They were affected by the stories. They learned what is really important in life, and were able to witness that people really do care, and do reach out to help in time of need."

Students agreed that the trip benefited them as well. "Going through Washington, my heart broke seeing all the peoples' lives that were taken away from them. It felt amazing to go out and help, and to see the smile on their faces as I helped, made me feel great inside," said senior, Lauren Trojnar. "This trip was a life changer for me," she c ontinued. "I learned to be grateful for what I have."

Bronco Express Fall 2014 3

Create a connection . . .

Annual Fund 2014

HELP uS TO CONTINuE OuR MISSION OF CHALLENGING AND ENCOuRAGING THE SPIRITuAL, INTELLECTuAL, PERSONAL, CuLTuRAL, SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF EACH STuDENT.

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Bronco Express Fall 2014

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A gift to the Annual Fund ensures that the Montini Catholic tradition of small class sizes, faith based education, and individualized attention for all students, will continue well into the future.

Your gift provides:

• for the availability of appropriate educational technology to all of our faculty and students.

• for the continuous enhancement of our Retreat Program and Pastoral Ministry.

• opportunities for all academic and extracurricular activities.

• competitive faculty salaries to attract and retain exceptional teachers.

Additionally, gifts to the Montini Catholic Annual Fund helps support the Financial Aid program.

Each year, approximately 17% of students will need financial assistance to attend Montini Catholic.

BECAuSE ANNuAL FuND GIFTS ARE TYPICALLY uNRESTRICTED, THEY CAN BE DIRECTED TO AREAS WITH THE GREATEST NEED & THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT.

In the most recent school year, due to the generosity of our donors, our school awarded over $300,000 to those students and families with demonstrated need. We are able to guarantee that no qualified applicant is ever denied enrollment for financial reasons.

Ways to give…

MAIL Checks to Montini Catholic High School, 19W070 16th St. Lombard IL 60148

CREDIT CARD Visa, MasterCard or Discover, either online @www.montinialumni.org/annualfund1415 or call 630.627.6930 (Extension 177)

DIGITALLY Online @www.montinialumni.org/annualfund1415

MATCHING GIFTS Double the impact of your gift with a Matching Gift from your company. Over 15,000 companies match charitable donations. Check with your HR department to see if your company participates in this program or visit www.montinialumni.org/matchinggift to access an online database of matching gift companies.

RECURRING (SCHEDULED) GIFTS You can set up monthly, quarterly or semi-annual gifts to Montini Catholic via the online donation form.

Can’t give $100 now, how about $10 per month?

Annual Fund donations are accepted yearly from July 1 – June 30.

All alumni, current parents, past parents & friends of the school are asked to make a gift to the Montini Catholic Annual Fund.

Gifts to the fund create one of 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.

Each gift, regardless of size, strengthens the school's participation rate and demonstrates a vote of confidence in a Montini Catholic education.

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We truly thank you.

Bronco Express Fall 2014 5

SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED FIRST EVER JOHNATHAN WEIGER

On behalf of the Karl Weiger Family, Montini Catholic presented the first ever Johnathan Weiger "Johnny Always Wins" Memorial Scholarship on August 15th. This year, the honor went to freshman, Emily Samp from Bensenville, Illinois. Emily attended Blackhawk Middle School and is a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

Members of Montini's incoming freshman class were the first class to be invited to submit an essay to receive the scholarship. Each year, the Weiger Family plans to select a student displaying high moral character and a deep commitment to their faith, while achieving academic excellence at the grade school level, to receive the scholarship.

Johnny Weiger joined Montini's school community for the 2011-12 school year as a member of the Class of 2015. He passed away on November 4, 2012. "We felt very blessed as we became part of the Montini family with Johnny," wrote Johnny's family in a special tribute published in the school's 2013 yearbook. "What we did not know, however, was that he was also going to bless and change the lives of many of the people of Montini as well."

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT

OFFICERS ELECTED

L to R: Klarque Scott, Sarah Stahelin, Anthony Vosicky and Tacia Mesina

The brand new school year brought on new responsibilities to four ambitious students elected to the school's Student Government.

The new officers were elected at the end of the 2013-14 school year last May. Together, under the leadership of moderator, Jennifer Voogd, they hope to make their mark at school. Student Government is in charge of organizing and planning student activities and events throughout the school year. The group is also in charge of the school’s annual food drive at Thanksgiving (the Golden Gobbler), as well as the creation and organization of many other fundraisers. Their most recent project was teaming up with Montini’s National Honor Society aiding a local animal shelter as part of their Homecoming Week celebration. Congratulations to Anthony Vosicky (Lombard) President, Sarah Stahelin (Woodridge), Vice President, Tacia Mesina (Lombard), Treasurer and Klarque Scott (Oak Park), Secretary.

Welcome . . .

to the five new members of our faculty: L to R: Matthew Loeb (Fine Arts Department/Pep Band Leader), Melanie Bava (English Department) (Principal, Maryann O’Neill); Yin Han Thompson (Foreign Language Department); Timothy Egan (Social Studies/Business and Foreign Language Departments); Steven Nye (Social Studies/Business Department and Dean of Students).

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NATIONAL MERIT SCHOOL NEWS

HONORED

COMMENDED STUDENTS

FILIPIAK & IZZO

Celebrate 40 YEARS! Montini Catholic proudly congratulates two very special faculty members this year for their forty years of service to the students and school.

Ms. Kathleen Filipiak, Assistant Principal for Student Services and Mr. James Izzo, Social Studies and Business teacher, have each served four decades with lots of spirit and passion.

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, Ms. Filipiak 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."

Principal Maryann O’Neill congratulates Joseph Palasek (left) and Joseph Zabinski.

Montini Catholic Principal, Maryann O'Neill recently announced that seniors, Joseph Palasek (Wheaton) and Joseph Zabinski (Downers Grove) have been named Commended Students in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program. Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2015 competition by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Congratulations to both of these young men.

HOMECOMING COURT ‘14 Congratulations . . .

Mr. James James Izzo's history with Montini began when he was a young Bronco student and athlete. He graduated from Montini Catholic in May of 1971, and started teaching at Montini in October of 1975. " I have also been a student, a parent of a student, I am an alumni, and a parent of an alumni!"

He was very honored to be the LaSallian Educator of the year in 1994 and was inducted into the Montini High School Hall of Fame in 2001.

1975 was a great year in our school’s history!

Congratulations to Ms. Filipiak and Mr. Izzo!

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Queen Abby Sarah Kelsey Callie Taylor Thomas

Stahelin

Bogdan

Hopkins

Scavone

Bronco Express Fall 2014 7

ith only two months of the school year under way, the Digital Learning Initiative is already transforming Montini Catholic classrooms.

Everyday, teachers and students alike, are discovering new and innovative ways to put their iPads to use. From creating video projects using iMovie, to collaborating in Google drive for inclass assignments, the iPads are revolutionizing the way Montini Catholic students are learning.

W W

Having an iPad as a tool is presenting numerous opportunities for teachers to customize their lessons to suit their particular teaching style.

Notability is one app that is being put to good use. The app allows students to easily handwrite their notes, sketch out ideas, and even record class lectures. Another frequently used app, contributing to a paperless school day, is Schoology. The useful app allows teachers to create assignments and due dates as well as post handouts. “When I post an in-class assignment on Schoology, my students are able to open it and move it into Notability and complete it there,” informed English teacher, Melanie Bava. Her students also use their iPads for presentations, using Keynote and iMovie. “I use the iPads pretty much every class period, unless the kids are taking a test.”

Math teacher, Catherine Marchese, is also a fan of Schoology.

“We do not need to make tons of copies anymore,” she said in a special table discussion among teachers and Technology Team members in September. “More students are doing their homework since they do not need to bring a book home.

iPADS FOR

“opening up a wh

According to Mrs. Marchese, the timeless excuses of ‘I lost my homework or forgot my book’ are quickly becoming obsolete. She also recognized that students with special needs are able to take notes easier, and slower note takers can take pictures of the board with their iPads to help them with their studies.

“The iPads have opened a whole new world of content for our students. We do immediate research on any and all terms, topics, settings, or authors that we read and study in British Literature class,” said Dr. Michael Kisiki. English teacher, Rita Keogh is also putting the iPads to work. “I am able to have students learn grammar and literature on the iPads from the free books we downloaded,” she said. Her students are watching videos relating to literature and taking practice grammar quizzes on their iPads. “ We find these free quizzes very useful as a review,” she said. Mrs. Keogh’s students are also finding the website, Turnitin.com, a cloud based plagarism prevention service, very useful with their writing assignments.

8 Bronco Express Fall 2014

With their new iPads, students are now able to conduct their research using the Gale Database, according to English instructor, Joe Voss. The company provides a full text magazine and newspaper database access to schools and libraries. Mr. Voss shared his discovery of a unique app, Socrative, which allows him to receive immediate feedback from students on what they learned in the day’s lesson.

“iPads have made all this and so much more possible for our students to learn and grow academically,” said Dr. Kisiki. With an infinite selection of apps, interactive textbooks, videos and podcasts, at their fingertips, there is no doubt that Montini Catholic students and teachers will continue to be pioneers in finding new and innovative ways to use their iPads to research, create, learn and grow.

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A freshman student utilizes his iPad in Miss Bava’s English class; Below: Students use their iPads to take a photo of Bishop Conlon during his recent visit.

‘STaRT’ KEEPING IPAD PROGRAM

MOVING FORWARD Technology Director, Peter Farina, hosted the school year's first Student Technology Resource Team (STaRT) meeting on Tuesday, October 21st.

STarRT’s mission is to help sustain and improve upon the school's Digital Learning Initiative, the school-wide 1-to-1 iPad Program embracing the writing, thinking and design tools of the digital age.

R ALL

hole new world ”

"We focused on inviting students who were part of the iPad Pilot Program last school year," informed Farina. "Some were already computer club members that I knew and trusted," he added. " I also asked a number of teachers to recommend students as well."

The team met twice during the last school year. At the meetings, students were surveyed and their help was sought in fine-tuning plans for the 2014-15 roll out. Farina and his Digital Learning Initiative team also trained the members on the skills necessary to aid in the roll out for the new school year.

"In July and August, STaRT members helped us unpack the iPads, test them, and case them up," said Farina. "They also received their iPads a week before all the other students and helped us troubleshoot our roll out plans." The students also assisted with the development of the training instructions and procedures used with the rest of the student body.

On the day of the roll out, August 14, 2014, the STaRT students helped peers who were having difficulties with setting up their new iPads in classrooms and in the computer labs. "We could not have gotten through the day as successfully as we did without the STaRT members,” recalls Farina.

Since day one, STaRT students have been keeping Farina informed about all of the issues their peers are experiencing with their iPads, and helping devise solutions. Members also help out at the iPad Help Desk during their study hall time. The Help Desk is available throughout the school week to students needing assistance with their new iPads.

"I am very thankful to our new team," said Farina.

"The STaRT students are keeping our Digital Learning Initiative moving forward."

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Bronco Express Fall 2014 9

New BASEBALL ATHLETIC NEWS

COACH WELCOMED

BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

ENJOYING WINNING SEASON

Rich Janor was recently welcomed as Montini Catholic’s new baseball coach. Mr. Janor has been in Catholic schools for 22 consecutive years, and has served as Head Varsity Baseball Coach at St. Francis High School in Wheaton for the past 12 seasons.

Janor has over 200 wins as a Head Varsity Baseball Coach, and was recognized by the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association with Area Coach of the Year honors in 2011 and 2013. He has coached numerous collegiate prospects, and two MLB draft picks, including Eric Stout, who was drafted in the thirteenth round by the Kansas City Royals in 2014.

A proponent of teaching life lessons through athletics, Janor’s coaching mantra is "we, not me®."

He strives to create a culture where individual accomplishments and statistics are secondary to team goals and successes, and being a good teammate is more important than being a star athlete.

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The Boys’ Varsity Cross Country Team is enjoying a very successful fall season.

The boys won their first ever invitational on September 13th, at the Immaculate Conception Knights Invitational in Elmhurst. The Broncos were led to victory with a second place finish by senior, Tyler Pacana (Bolingbrook). "Our team showed some very strong pack running," said Assistant Cross Country Coach, Eric Brechtel. Coach Brechtel also proudly recognized runners Matt Fisch (Woodridge), Cameron Casey (Villa Park), and Jacob Mondschean (Oak Brook), who finished their runs within two seconds of one other. Bronco team members Justin Stauder (Downers Grove), Adam Kaloczi (Naperville) and Dominic Moran (Elmhurst) were congratulated for running personal bests during the invitational. "This was a big first step in our season," said captain, Cameron Casey. "Almost everyone got a new personal best which really shows that our hard work is paying off."

The boys continued their winning ways on September 19th at the Riverside Brookfield Bulldog Invitational. Pacana's second place finish helped lead the team to their second invitational win in a row. Head Coach Joe Mordente emphasized pack running was again necessary to take home the top spot. Freshman standout, Mondschean, led the pack of seniors, Fisch and Casey, to fast times on a very difficult course. The team finished 3rd at the SCC Championships on October 18th where Pacana earned SCC All Conference honors. They began their road to state on October 25 at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora where they placed second. They continue at the Sectional Championships at Lisle Community Park on November 1st where they will try to be the first boys’ cross country team in school history to qualify for the State Finals (held in Peoria on November 8th).

C ongratulations ISRAEL MARTINEZ (WRESTLING) & JASON NICHOLS (GIRLS’ BASKETBALL)

ISHA COACHES OF THE YEAR

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ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY LOFTUS SETS HER SIGHT ON

Montini senior, Monica Loftus, was recently congratulated on her verbal commitment to play volleyball at St. Louis university during her 2015-16 school year. Loftus, is very passionate about volleyball. She made the All-Tournament team at the Wheaton North Tournament this past August.

Last season, she was the MVP of the Wheaton North Tournament, All-Conference Player, and All-Academic Conference. To date, the outside hitter, Loftus, has 584 kills and 98 blocks on her impressive record. Her talent, hard work and dedication to the game have earned her the title of captain of Montini's Varsity Volleyball Team this year, and she is thrilled to be continuing her aspirations at St. Louis next year. Congratulations, Monica!

ATHLETIC NEWS

Monca Loftus is congratulated by Varsity Volleyball Coach, Steve Dowjotas.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY

THORNTON COMMITS TO Montini Catholic extended a congratulations to senior, and three star wide receiver, Leon Thorton III, on his decision and commitment to play football next year at Indiana university. Thornton became the first wide receiver on Indiana university's 2015-16 roster when he committed earlier this summer (June 11th). Thornton is excited about his future at Iu, but first hopes to continue his successful run during his last year at Montini. Last season he impressively completed 59 receptions for 1,031 yards and 13 touchdowns. Good luck and congratulations, Leon!

VOLLEY FOR THE CURE NETS OVER $1,140!

Leon Thornton III with Varsity Football Coach Chris Adriano.

“The overwhelming response to the Volley for the Cure was beautiful - everyone stepped forward,” said Varsity Volleyball Coach Steve Dowjotas, after a successful Volley for the Cure event held at the school on Monday, October 6th. In addition to the game, the girls and their mothers sold baked goods during lunchtime before the big game.

under the leadership of the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball Team, and the assistance of dedicated parents and friends, the school netted (pun intended) over $1,140.00 for breast cancer research. The proceeds will be going to Mercy Hospital’s Sr. Sheila Breast Cancer Center in Chicago. Coach Dowjotas expressed his thanks on behalf of the team to all supporters, “The Montini family is a special place to be because of all of you!”

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Senior members of Montini Catholic’s Varsity Volleyball Team

Bronco Express Fall 2014 11

ALUMNI NEWS

ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD Keeping the Connection

Montini Catholic High School's 2014-2015 Alumni Advisory Board met for the first time this school year on Wednesday September 24, 2014. This year’s members are very enthusiastic about their role of promoting Montini Catholic School and assisting in enriching the relationship between the school and alumni.

One of their most recent projects was the 2014 Bronco Classic Golf Outing which was, once again, a huge success. “These fun events provide not only a time for relaxation for our alumni and friends,” said President Jim Segredo, “they also provide the opportunity for our current parents and graduates to form new friendships and business relationships with people they may have otherwise never met.”

"I am very excited to be working with the Alumni Advisory Board," said Tom Rachubinski, Montini Catholic's Alumni Relations Coordinator. "Our main goal is to support the school by creating new and exciting ways to increase alumni involvement!"

Teacher and alumnus, James Izzo (‘71), is enthusiastic about working with the board this year too. "Montini has given so much to me and my family, that I am happy to do anything that can be of service.” Jim also hopes to enable alumni to reconnect. "It is in reconnecting that people begin to realize what a big part this school has played in so many lives."

David Casey (‘79) was honored to have been invited to the board. “ I have seen great things at Montini Catholic firsthand, as my son Cameron, is beginning his senior year,” said David, who also has two more children in line to become Broncos. “I have been thoroughly impressed at what a great job the administration and faculty have done in preparing my son for the next chapter in his young life.” It is because of this that David was eager to jump in and get involved. “I look at Montini as a meaningful investment in my childrens’ futures - so I want to be a part of the school’s successful future.”

2014-15 Alumni Board Members Front Row L to R: Jim Hubeny (‘96), Lucia Maffei (‘90), Mike Sullivan (‘94), Maureen Callahan (‘93), Katie Doll Hubeny (‘96), Montini Alumni Relations Coordinator, Tom Rachubinski (‘95); Back Row: James Izzo (‘71), Mary Cesaretti Traficanti (‘70), Tim Ogan (‘90), Shannon Herold Spanos (‘99), John Vosicky (‘89), Kathy Holller Tumpane (‘82), Jim Tumpane (‘72), Beth Clynch (‘82), and Julie Kocher Zinkus (‘89) Not Pictured: Tom Young ('70), Denise Termunde Headrick ('75), David Casey ('79), Judy Mullins Lucas ('79), James Beverly ('81), Dean Sharkey ('84), Jeannette Workman Bartosz ("85), Jeff Bukovsky ('88) and Mike Russo ('97)

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MEET TOM!

ALUMNI RELATIONS COORDINATOR

“My name is Tom Rachubinski and I am a 1995 graduate of Montini Catholic. I grew up in Lombard and lived here for 32 years! upon graduating from Montini, I went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in Communications from Elmhurst College, and a Masters Degree in Education from National -Louis university. While spending time in the business world in sales, training, and education, I always kept my eye on schools and specifically Montini Catholic, which has always held a special place in my heart.

The faculty, administration, parents, students and alumni make Montini Catholic a special place and great educational community. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to work at Montini Catholic in Alumni Relations. I jumped at this opportunity to engage once again with not only the Montini Catholic community but more specifically the alumni.

Alumni of Montini Catholic are a huge part of our past and play an even bigger part in our future! As Alumni Relations Director, I look forward to meeting and working with all members of the Montini family, working with alumni, and increasing involvement with many new and exciting opportunities and events!”

Please direct your alumni news to Tom at: trachubinski@montini.org (Megan Pauley Crotty is now our new Digital Media Coordinator.)

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HOMECOMING HIGHLIGHTS 2014 ALUMNI NEWS

Clockwise (from top): 2004 Varsity Football Team members (and 2004 State Champions) were our special guests at the Homecoming Football game on Friday, October 3rd; (L to R): Barry Tharp ‘78, Joe Capparelli ‘80 and Ray Scavone (husband of Eugena Wasson Scavone ’84) at our post-game alumni reception; Lori Allen ‘83 and Jim Izzo ‘70 at the reception; Melissa Neustadt ‘02 (left) and Mo McInerney ‘02 also stopped by to catch up with classmates after the game. 2014 Homecoming Queen, Kelsey Bogdan, received her crown and flowers from 2013 Queen and Montini alumna, Sarah Sniegowski (right).

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Bronco Express Fall 2014 13

ALUMNI NEWS

KEEPING UP WITH THE BRONCOS

Lindsay (Bava) '06 and KC Leeberg '06 were married May 24, 2014 at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, IL. They are now living in Rhode Island, while KC is getting his Master's in Nurse Anesthesia, and Lindsay is working as a preschool teacher.

Broncos in the wedding included: Megan Breen '06, Greg Bava '04, Eddie Bava '14, Melanie Bava '10, Cootie Leeberg '08, Trinity (Leeberg) Foster'00, Aaron Westerkamp '13, Tony Payne '06, Jordan Westerkamp '12 and Christian Westerkamp '10.

OUR SYMPATHIES…

To the Zielinski Family, on the death of their mother, Carmelita, in May 2014. Mrs. Zielinski is the mother of Laurie (Zielinski) Grim '77, Steve Zielinski '79 and Valerie (Zielinski) Butcher '80.

To the Aeschliman Family, on the passing of Mrs. Barbara Aeschliman.

Mrs. Aeschliman is the mother of Karen (Aeschliman) Hurley ’85 and Gayle (Aeschliman) Lansdon ’88.

To the Laudani Family, including Rosemary Laudani ’78, on the passing of Mrs. Gloria Laudani in September 2014.

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Jack Daluga '01 married Susan Francis on August 31, 2014, in Lake Geneva, WI at the Geneva National Golf Club. Broncos in attendance were Ryan McGady '01, Dena (Morano) McGady '01, Ryan O'Connor '01, Ryan Green '01, Jason Stratta '01, Adam Grubbs '01, Christian St. John '01, Anthony Petrozza '01, and sisters Noreen (Daluga) Brennan '99 and Joan Daluga '05.

The Hennessy Family, on the passing of Mrs. Stella Hennessy, on August 21, 2014. Mrs. Hennessy is the mother of Joe ’80, Nina Hennessy-Tamburo ’81, John ’84, Amy ’85 and Catherine (Hennessy) Price ’89 and grandmother to Patrick Hennessy ’14.

IN MEMORIAM...

Robert Capparelli '76, who passed away on September 11, 2014. Our sympathies go out to Bob's family including siblings Cindy (Capparelli) Sciortino '78, Joe '80 and Rich '85.

Bob is uncle to Gianna Capparelli '09 and Joe Capparelli '12.

Michelle (Trenkamp) '00 married Ryan LeWan on September 13, 2014 at Christ the King Church in Lombard, followed by a reception at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Broncos in the wedding included: Julie Ceithaml '00, Gina Trenkamp '96, Nicole (Piper) Trenkamp '99, and Craig Trenkamp '02. Michelle is working as a physical therapist in OakBrook at Athletico and Ryan is a pharmacist and is currently completing a residency at Hines VA Hospital. They live in Lombard.

Trinity (Leeberg) '00 and Dennis Foster were married on December 21, 2013 at Holy Trinity Church in Chicago, IL. They are currently living in Atlanta where Trinity is working as a Registered Nurse and gymnastics coach and Dennis is a senior project manager at AT&T while working toward his MBA. Broncos in the wedding included: KC Leeberg '06, Cootie Leeberg '08, Lindsay (Bava) Leeberg '06, Christian Westerkamp '10, Jordan Westerkamp '12, Aaron Westerkamp '13, Kasia (Serio) Giblin '00 and Ring Bearer Tommy Westerkamp - son of Chris Westerkamp '90.

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Ryan Neill ’01 and wife Kendra welcomed their second daughter, Caroline Rose, on April 29, 2014 at 10:43 a.m. Caroline weighed 6 lbs., 1 oz. and was 19 in. long.

MARRIAGES, FuTuRE BRONCOS, uPDATES & SYMPATHIES Jill (Guido) Gauss '00, and husband Brandon, are happy to announce the birth of their son, Ryan Joseph, on July 25, 2014.

Ryan was 8 lbs., 10 ozs. and 20 in. long. Big sister, Lauren, is loving her little brother.

KEEPING UP WITH THE ALUMNI NEWS

BRONCOS Tom Rachubinski ‘95, and wife Elizabeth, welcomed Thomas, on August 19, 2014 at 7:39 p.m.

Tommy joined the family a little early, weighing 4 lbs., 7 ozs.

Rob Frytz ‘03 and wife, Megan, welcomed Jeana Jane on May 5, 2014 at 9:35 a.m. Jeana joined the family weighing 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and was 20 in. long. Big brother Joey loves his baby sister!

Anne (Kuzmanich) Walker ‘00 and husband Jeff are happy to announce the birth of their son, Jack Robert, on August 14, 2014. Jack joined the family weighing 6 lbs., 14 ozs. and was 21 in. long.

MONTINI.ORG

Mike Zessemos ‘03, and fiancee Olivia, welcomed their daughter, Madelyn Rose, on September 14, 2014 at 3:10 a.m. Madelyn weighed 6 lbs., 12 ozs. and was 19 in. long.

Ashley (Dennis) Aragones ‘04 married Dominick J. Aragones on September 13, 2014, at St. Joseph Church in Downers Grove, IL. Ashley is a Certified Medical Assistant at Advocate Healthcare.

Dominick is a chef. The couple are postponing their honeymoon until December. They are residing in Naperville, IL.

Bronco Express Fall 2014 15

BRONCO EXPRESS MONTINI CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 19 W 070 16TH STREET LOMBARD, IL 60148 630-627-6930 ADDRESS SERVICE REQuESTED