Blueprint Spring 2018

A Publication of the NAZARETH

ACADEMY Community

Blueprint SPRING 2018

IMPACT

IMPACTING OUR STUDENTS... IMPACTING THE WORLD

IN THIS ISSUE New Leadership Basketball Makes Naz History Impacting Today’s Students Class Notes And much more...

The program felt the support of the Freddie Fanatics, the Naz Family and generations of alumni along the way, including messages of support via social media.

Beth Ann Saracco ’05 As a retired #LadyRoadrunner, it makes me so proud to hear about this year’s @NazarethGBB’s clinching of the @IHSA_IL Sectional title. Good luck downstate, ladies! And, Go Roadrunners!

Marita Hillig Varnes ’56 Very excited for them! Basketball for women has come a long way since I played at Nazareth! But thanks to our coach, Sr. Laurence, we were lucky enough to play other Catholic schools, unlike our public school counterparts starting in 1954! Good luck to them!

Pam Dunn ’81 Wow, how awesome!! Good luck from a Naz Basketball alum, Class of 81.

BASKETBALL MAKES HISTORY Nazareth’s Girls Basketball program finished the 2018 season as IHSA Class 3A Runners-Up. Along their way to making school history for the program’s best finish, the Roadrunners won the Regional, Sectional and Super-Sectional Championships. Junior Annie Stritzel scored her 1000th point and became Nazareth’s all-time leading scorer. Senior Alyssa Geary broke the State Title game block record, writing her name in the State record book. In the IHSA Class 3A State Final game, Nazareth’s Roadrunners played with heart but ultimately fell to a very talented Peoria Richwoods team.

The program’s conduct on and off the court made Nazareth incredibly proud and set a new mark of excellence for Girls Basketball.

“

Our Roadrunners fought hard as they crushed Nazareth records throughout their incredible season,” said Mrs. Tracy.

“Their grit and determination was a sight to behold each time they took the court. Hats off to them, their coaches and their families.”

Samantha Ballou Zielinski ’97 Great season girls! Please know you’ve all made your alumni so proud! You’ve been a joy to watch, and making Naz history is a bonus!

Jacqueline Schmitz ’64 Congrats from a basketball alum from 1964! Yes, we did play b-ball that far back! So proud of you. Go get ‘em! Bring home a first ever trophy!

Rosa M. Delgado ’97 Well done Lady Roadrunners!

I know a former varsity head coach who would be more than proud of you, rest his soul!

Grace Sbrissa, CSJ ’56 Good Luck Roadrunners!

Carry it all home! What a remarkable moment in Nazareth’s long legacy! #GoNaz

Dear Nazareth Alumni, Families and Friends,

Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living Jesus’ mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.

1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708.354.0061 Fax: 708.354.0109 www.nazarethacademy.com President: Mr. Dennis Moran Principal: Mrs. Deborah Tracy ’82 Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Mrs. Therese Hawkins ’79 Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia ’89 Graphic Design and Print: The Stevens Group Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint Contact the editor to help stop duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating your address. Your help is appreciated.

NEWTON’S THIRD LAW OF MOTION tells us that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. In physics, this means that when an object collides with a target, there is an equal force going into and away from the target at the same time. We can thank our science teachers for imparting this wisdom on us during our high school years. As we have aged, we have been able to experience the fullness of this lesson in many different ways. Every interaction has a reaction. Every act has a potential consequence. At Nazareth, we hope to lead our students to an understanding that their actions, big and small, can have a direct impact at school, in our communities and in our world.

This issue of Blueprint focuses on some of our alums who have made an immediate impact on the world in terms of our four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity. Their stories are not only great sources of Naz pride but also serve as continued inspiration for all of us. We offer our gratitude to those among us who stretch our minds and hearts so that we can aspire to become even better versions of our own selves. And, in doing so, we too can have a direct and positive impact on the world around us. Just imagine if we all took this challenge to heart. What a palpable force for goodness we would be.

In gratitude,

Like us! facebook.com/NazarethAcademy Tweet us! twitter.com/NazarethLGP Share us! instagram.com/NazarethLGP

Dennis Moran President

Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 Principal

Watch us! youtube.com/NazarethLGP pg / 3

LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEXT CHAPTER IN NAZARETH’S LEGACY

FAMILIAR FACES in New Roles

W

hile Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 and Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 are familiar faces to several generations of Roadrunners, starting on July 1, 2018, each will take on a new role at Nazareth.

Mrs. Tracy will serve as Nazareth’s new President, succeeding Dennis Moran, who announced he would transition away from the role of school president and into the role of Athletic Director.

Deborah Tracy has served as Principal for the past eighteen years. Under her leadership, Nazareth implemented a 1:1 iPad program for all students, introduced innovative academic programs, and continually focused on advancing academic offerings. Prior to becoming principal, Tracy spent six years as a teacher and campus minister. She also has the unique perspective as the daughter of and mother of a Nazareth alum - Marilyn Greco Vondrasek ’58 and Maya Vondrasek ’17.

“It is a natural transition for Debbie to assume the role of president. As an alum of our school and natural leader, Debbie is committed to the mission of Nazareth Academy, our students, families, and alumni,” said Marianne Race, CSJ ’59.

“Nazareth Academy is a thriving place and I’m humbled and honored to serve as its President.

We are experiencing exciting times with our recent physical improvements and know there are many great opportunities on the horizon for the school.”

Mrs. Hawkins will succeed Mrs. Tracy as the school’s new Principal.

In making the announcement, Board Chair Mark Doyle said, “We looked carefully at input from students, parents and faculty in terms of what qualities our principal should possess.

All stakeholders agree that a principal should lead with integrity, trust and professionalism while also building community among faculty, staff and students. We are supremely confident that Therese Hawkins will bring these qualities to her new position.”

Hawkins currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and has been a member of the Administration team since 2015. Other leadership roles at Nazareth include Director of Student Activities, Assistant Dean of Students and Chair of the History Department, a subject she has taught since 2001. In her roles she has been honored with the Educator of the Year Award, the Christian Values Award and the Patricia Behring National History Day Illinois High School Teacher of the Year Award. Her three daughters Sara Hawkins Pendergrass ’07, Allison Hawkins ’09 and Megan Hawkins ’10 are also alumni.

“Therese is committed to the mission of Nazareth Academy, our students, families and alumni.

I look forward to the energy and integrity she will bring to the principal’s office,” said Tracy.

Moran added, “I have had the pleasure of working with Therese in a number of roles for over 20 years. She has met each challenge with professionalism and care. I expect her career as principal to be her best role yet.”

“Since I started as a student in 1975, many things about Nazareth have changed, but the most important and essential ideals have not. Driven by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Nazareth remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence, educating the whole person and striving for unity in all that it does.

I am honored to be chosen as the next Principal. I pledge to continue building unity while advancing Nazareth’s legacy as an outstanding academic institution.” pg / 4

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MINI-NAZ REUNIONS Around the Country (5)

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You just never know where you’ll bump into a fellow Roadrunner.

What we do know is that Nazareth is forever.

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(1) Gameday opponents, but forever teammates, when Yale hosted Dartmouth.

Christian LeVan Sampleton ’17, Patrick Kilcommons ’15 and John Kilcommons ’15 will always be family.

(2) Brandon Bossard ’16, playing at Heartland Community College, visited with Coach Milano.

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(3) Julia Veome ’15 and Mr. Gonzalez got together for a selfie during the State Football Championship game in DeKalb.

(4) During a Guidance visit to the University of Tampa, Alec Podock ’16 played host to Melissa Dudak Byram ’01.

(5) Brendan Green ’02 and Shane Gipson ’16 reunited on April 1st to enjoy the LA Dodgers game!

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(6) Naz Alum Girls Cross Country members from Classes ’11-’15 gathered together during the holiday season to catch up with each other.

(7) Lindsey Torphy ’14, Christiana Romano ’14, Matt Serafin ’13 and Jocelyn Rios ’13 stopped by campus to visit and see the new facilities.

(8) Gina Conti ’11, Nora Stanton ’11, Kelly McCarthy ’11, Mary Ellen McGann ’11 and Megan Pelino ’11 were having lunch during a girls weekend in NYC and bumped into alum Megan Dolan ’12.

(9) Megan Dolan ’12, Nancy Payne ’12, Laura Hill ’13 and Mark Patterson ’13 caught up at the Football State Championship Game.

(10) Tania Richard Gaul ’87 and Jeff DeLong ’84 met up at the 2018 Corona Awards.

(11) Jordan ’04 and Marie Lorenzi Hanson ’04, Julie Ryan ’87, Beth and Steve Ryan ’04 shared some laughs and supported Nazareth at the annual Mothers Club Auction, the Gatsby Gala.

(12) Terri Herzog ’84, Janeane Tobolski Hanus ’85, Carey Stasukewicz Lewandowski ’84, and Lisa Hable Urzen ’84 had a great time during their mini-reunion over the holidays.

(13) Five Nazareth friends from the Class of 1968, Debbie Svitak Heidecke, Pia Marchetti Molloy, Gail Pernicka Zink, Diane Pulte Fulton and Margarite Primozich Loew met for lunch in Oak Brook last summer. pg / 5

IMPACTING TODAY’S STUDENTS With a mission to educate the whole person, Nazareth’s faculty strives to impact students each and every day in our classrooms.

Whether that’s through building relationships, challenging students perceptions, adding new classes or restructuring lessons, teachers across departments are creating lifelong learners.

“My worldview and style of thinking have been altered for the better thanks to the courses and teachers at Naz... To someone who is passionate about learning, these classes have been a dream come true.”

JAMES MOSTER ’18

Honors Anatomy & Physiology The Science Department added this new course for the 2017-18 school year to great success. Anatomy & Physiology provides another honors credit option for scienceminded students and has especially impacted those who might pursue a future in medical related fields. Students have done their fair share of animal dissections and even had the opportunity to attend an autopsy.

“Our Anatomy teacher, Mr. Tassone, has gone above and beyond to help students succeed in this new course. I will definitely be able to take anatomy courses in college with a little more ease due to this class.”

SAMANTHA WEIDNER ’18

History in depth Students in both Honors and AP US History were challenged to think critically and deeply about our country’s history. Continuing a rich tradition of History Fair success, juniors at the honors level produced papers, exhibits and documentaries which impressed judges at the Regionals, City Finals and State competition. At the AP level, Mr. Jurasas has encouraged students to look for what’s most important in researching and forming opinions on topics.

These lessons in looking at history thoughtfully and carefully create, not only engaged students, but engaged citizens of the world.

“Nazareth Social Studies classes are a chance to reflect on history, engage in insightful discussion, and learn all of the discrepancies between actual history and history through a biased lens.”

GRACE BRADY ’19

pg / 6

Integrated Technology While nothing has replaced well marked and dog-eared paperback novels for English students, teachers have found ways to integrate technology to further enhance learning.

As sophomores began reading Montana 1948, Ms. Radogno introduced the setting of the novel by assigning a title analysis using the program, Nearpod. The Nearpod lesson included a virtual field trip to a ranch in Montana. Students analyzed the benefits and challenges of living in rural Montana while gaining insight into what was happening in the United States during the year 1948.

“I have absolutely loved the engaging and inquisitive nature of my English classes, which have provided me with the opportunity to grow as a writer and develop crucial critical thinking skills. My experience in AP Language and Composition has specifically inspired me to pursue Secondary Education with a focus in English as my college major beginning in the fall.”

GRACE CALABRIA ’18

French is more than just a language The World Language Department doesn’t just embrace vocabulary and verb tense; teachers strive to impart knowledge about different cultures. Ms. Balge is known for engaging students in the French experience by introducing them to a variety of foods. From cheese tastings for freshmen to AP students’ attempts at souffles, French students are learning more than simple sentences.

French students also organized a “Love Wall” in the fall to mimic the one in Paris. Nazareth’s wall included messages of love and support in many languages.

“The study of the French language and culture challenged me to bring all of my knowledge of the language together by engaging in projects such as writing and presenting speeches, debating in the classroom, and reading French literature. The World Language curriculum prepared me for my future endeavors.”

EMILY WILLIAMS ’17

“I know the teachers at Nazareth care just as much about my success as I do. It’s more than just a place where I can get the best education; it’s a place where I can pursue all of my interests and expand my horizons.”

KEVIN QUINN ’18

pg / 7

ALUMNI PROFILES

’14

Kiley Roache

IN HER 2014 VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH, KILEY ROACHE SAID, “AT NAZ, I FOUND ME, AND THE PASSION TO BECOME THE FIRST-RATE VERSION OF MYSELF.” WHAT MOST OF HER CLASSMATES DIDN’T KNOW AT THE TIME WAS THAT KILEY HAD ALSO FOUND A LITERARY AGENT AND WAS ALREADY ON HER WAY TO BECOMING A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. HER DEBUT NOVEL FRAT GIRL WAS PUBLISHED IN APRIL 2018, JUST A FEW WEEKS SHY OF HER GRADUATION FROM STANFORD UNIVERSITY. She wrote the novel during her first two summers in college. “In the spring of my freshman year at Stanford, I got the idea for the book. I started writing and couldn’t stop – the characters were so clear in my mind, and I needed to know what happened to them next.”

Her insatiable appetite to both read and write doesn’t surprise those who knew her at Naz and Kiley is quick to acknowledge the influence her high school experience has had.

“In the book’s acknowledgments, I thank a number of teachers who have impacted my life, including Ms. Garcia, Ms. Waz and Ms. Radogno. I wanted to express my thanks to them, not just for teaching me grammar and syntax rules, but also for showing me the power of literature. In my dorm room I still have my well-loved copy of The House on Mango Street, a book that I first read in Ms. Garcia’s class, which touched my heart.” Kiley returned to Naz in April to thank those teachers in person and to address current Creative Writing students and answer their questions.

pg / 8

College graduation and the publication of her first novel aren’t the only 2018 milestones for Kiley.

The Political Science major who has concentrations in Justice and Law and International Relations also continues to work as a journalist. Upon graduation, Kiley heads to London to report for the Wall Street Journal as the 2018 Daniel Pearl Memorial Intern.

The internship is awarded annually to a Stanford student journalist, and commemorates the work of Daniel Pearl, a Stanford graduate who was kidnapped and murdered while working as a Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent in 2002. “Through the internship, I hope to further develop my reporting skills, and learn more about how international storytelling can foster understanding across cultures.”

After California and London, it’s a quick move to New York where Kiley will pursue her graduate degree in Journalism at Columbia. She already has a second book in the editing stages at Harlequin TEEN so there’s no slowing down for this young alum, but that’s just how she wants it.

“I am a strong believer in the potential for writing to connect individuals and build compassion. As a reader, when I pick up a newspaper or a book, I may encounter stories and experience of people who I have never met and will never meet, and yet I find myself feeling deeply and caring about their journey. I think that is quite a special thing.”

As father to “the raddest son in the world,” Tim balances performing, writing and teaching in order to be home as often as possible. He is currently teaching at the West 40 Safe School, an alternative middle school in Hillside.

“Performing is fun, but teaching is far more rewarding.

Teaching allows me to work with students who need a little extra attention and help them find their passion in life.

This way I can do poetry on my own terms, not because I have to.”

Tim Stafford

Tim Stafford graduated from Nazareth and expected to pursue a career as a graphic designer. That’s what he was studying at Columbia University when he took a poetry workshop to fulfill an English requirement and fell in love.

“I already had some experience with writing workshops thanks to Ms. Pailiatka’s first-ever Creative Writing class.

Soon I discovered Poetry Slam, which allowed me to blend those writing skills as well as the performance skills I had developed with Mrs. White. I began winning competitions and eventually landed a spot on the HBO series Def Poetry Jam. That opportunity opened doors that led me to theatres across the United States and Europe.”

TIM IS NOW AN EDUCATOR, POET, STORYTELLER AND THE CREATOR OF THE EDUCATIONAL POETRY ANTHOLOGY SERIES, LEARN THEN BURN. HE HAS PERFORMED AT UNIVERSITIES AND FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING THE 2011 ZURICH POETRY SLAM INVITATIONAL, THE 2012 GERMAN NATIONAL POETRY SLAM, THE 2013 COPENHAGEN POETRY SLAM, THE 2014 WORDZ FESTIVAL IN SWITZERLAND, AND THE 2014 MOTH GRAND SLAM FINALS IN CHICAGO.

His current schedule also allows for breaks to focus on writing and freelance projects, such as books which can reach those students he can’t meet in person. “The balance between work and art can be delicate. It is tricky figuring out how to perform at a festival in Germany during the school year. Luckily I’ve landed in a good spot professionally and I’m surrounded by coworkers who are supportive and understanding.”

His schedule has even left time for the occasional visit to Nazareth. Tim recently returned to Creative Writing class to speak to this generation of Ms. Paliatka’s students.

His visit was a way to give back to a place that helped him find his way creatively. “It was a welcome walk down memory lane. What I told those kids is the same thing I tell all the kids I work with: do good work and be a good person.”

Excellent advice from a #foreverroadrunner who’s shared his voice all over the world.

’96 pg / 9

ALUMNI PROFILES continued

Meghan McAuliffe

MEGHAN MCAULIFFE GRADUATED FROM NAZARETH ALREADY INSPIRED TO BROADEN HER WORLD PERSPECTIVE. SHE WENT ON TO THE UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON TO STUDY EDUCATION AND TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES. IN SPRING 2014 SHE WAS A PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA SEMESTER AT SEA. MEGHAN LIVED ON A SHIP, TOOK COLLEGE COURSES FOCUSED ON GLOBAL VIEWS WITH PROFESSORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, AND TRAVELED TO 14 COUNTRIES THROUGHOUT ASIA AND AFRICA.

’12 “I was fortunate to visit places that I learned about in my senior year Contemporary World Issues class with Mr. Gonzalez. This class had a huge impact on me and my world perspective. Semester At Sea then gave me the unique opportunity to become a global citizen and visit places I never thought were possible.”

Meghan’s global citizenship didn’t end with that exciting semester.

After graduating from Dayton she served as a Fulbright Grantee in South Korea for 14 months as an English Teaching Assistant and Cultural Ambassador. “Although my purpose was to be the Conversational English teacher, the main focus of my class was offering my students an insight into western culture and way of thinking. I was also very involved in my community. I led a weekly cultural exchange class for students at Chonnam National University where we discussed and debated topics ranging from politics, educational systems around the world, and LGBTQ rights.”

Her conversational classroom and collaborative communication style found their roots at Nazareth. “I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn and grow at Nazareth Academy. I am especially fortunate to have had an education that focused on a world education my senior year with classes like CWI and World Literature. I will forever be thankful for all the memories and opportunities that began there.”

She is also grateful for the ways international travel has revealed more similarities between cultures than differences. “Not only did I find growth and clarity while learning about myself, but I learned about my own country’s culture in a way you can only by immersing yourself into another’s.” She would certainly encourage other Naz grads to get out of their comfort zones and explore the wider world.

While Meghan is now home teaching many English language learners at Chicago Math and Science Academy, she has no plans to slow down. She begins graduate school in the fall. “It is my goal to help improve the world through international education and cultural exchange.

I hope to continue to travel. I want to see as much of the world as possible and leave a kind impression on the people and environments I encounter along the way.”

Safe travels to Meghan as she continues to make a positive global impact.

pg / 10

Jeannie Klisiewicz Stathis

Best known for her work on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Jeannie Klisiewicz now has a show of her own, Life’s First Evers, on ellentube.com. “Ellen inspires me. She could do anything with the platform she’s worked so hard to create, yet giving back and shining a light on inspirational people is the most important thing to her. The fact that Ellen, the show and Ford are now allowing me to have the opportunity to pay it forward is incredibly special and, more importantly, an honor. So much of our world is filled with sadness, anger and hostility, I’m proud to be a part of a team that is putting something positive into our beautiful world.”

Jeannie counts herself as incredibly blessed to have been supported in her dreams throughout her life. “The biggest lesson I learned at Nazareth is the importance of surrounding yourself with a loving group of people who believe in you.

A supportive community leads to success! The unity and support from the faculty, staff and students helped me to explore the many different interests I had and created a strong foundation that prepared me for the things that were to come in my life.”

She credits her career path to her four-year involvement in the Nazareth Drama program. “I learned how to not let my failures, like not making a show my freshman year, define me and to keep marching forward. I was made to feel proud and valued to be a part of the team. From ‘walking with a purpose’ to staying quiet and focused throughout rehearsals - even when it’s not your part, the fundamentals that Mrs. White taught me are a mirror image of what I experience daily in my job.”

After Nazareth, Jeannie earned her elementary education degree of the University of Illinois Urbana, but, instead of teaching, in October 2008 she moved to Los Angeles to work for Ellen. It was there she met her husband, Nick Stathis, whom she married in July 2017 attended by “the best gifts Nazareth gave me, my four best friends – Jessica Schroeder Rusch, Tricia Hermanek Eifler, Alissa Klein Derza and Brooke Trudeau Stover.”

’04 IN FACT, SO MANY DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE FOR JEANNIE THESE PAST TEN YEARS, INCLUDING AN EMMY AWARD AND A WALK-ON ROLE IN WICKED ON BROADWAY, THAT SHE IS MORE COMMITTED THAN EVER TO BOTH PAYING IT FORWARD THROUGH HER SHOW, AND PAYING IT BACK BY HONORING THE PEOPLE AND PLACES WHO PAVED HER WAY. In 2016, Jeannie returned to Naz to assist with the summer Drama Camp. “The Naz Drama department did so much for me that I wanted to give back in a tangible way. In coming back, I was hoping to show the campers the importance of taking the time to give back to the places and people that have supported you.”

Keep up the great work Jeannie!

pg / 11

ALUMNI NEWS

Class Notes Elaine Gralak ’16

was named president of her sorority, Alpha Gamma Delta, at the University of Illinois.

Concordia Enterprise Group-Concordia School of Business received a $1,000 sponsorship from Northwestern Mutual for their business pitch.

Tom Harrington ’14 interned for

Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson in Washington, D.C.

Julian Love ’16 was

Matthew Serafin ’13 graduated from

Marquette University one day and was off to Rome the next, joining Up with People for a special performance for Pope Francis at the Vatican. The Pope greeted them and took Matthew’s hand. A once in a lifetime experience!

Sara Maslar Donar ’11 accepted an

award for Excellence in Legal Journalism.

Her award-winning story highlighted the importance of mandated reporting and the perils of being named in a probable cause statement.

Domenica Manfredini ’10 graduated

named Sports Illustrated Second Team All American.

from The John Marshall Law School in June 2017 and received her Juris Doctorate.

Kiley Roache ’14 has

Josie Suter ’16 was

interviewed by The Courier, the College of DuPage’s student newspaper, about her involvement in the Engineering and Technology club and her love for STEM. Raven Gant ’15 was

crowned Miss Black EIU 2018 at Eastern University Illinois.

Raven is a biological sciences major.

Mia Grassano ’15 announced her

acceptance into her second Disney College Program and will be returning to Florida from May - January for the Fall Advantage Program! The program combines a typical summer job and the Fall semester all in one.

Olivia Pach’15 is a member of the John

Carroll University Model Arab League team which participated in the Ohio Valley Model Arab League competition.

Every member of the John Carroll delegation won an award. The JCU team also won the “Best Delegation Award,” the regional program’s highest honor. As a result, the team traveled to Georgetown University to participate in the National University Model Arab League. pg / 12

Jorge Palacios ’15 and the rest of the

been named Stanford’s 2018 Daniel Pearl Memorial Journalism Intern. Read more about Kiley on page 8.

Felicia David ’13 ran

her first marathon in October, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon (photo).

Other alum who ran the marathon include: Nicki Pedersen ’15, Kaitlyn Ryczek ’14,

Brooke Donnelly ’14, Elly Harrell ’13, Katie Callaghan ’11, Natalie Salata ’11, Anne Marie DeMatteo ’11, Grace Rafferty ’12, Dan Voss ’10, Lee Michaels ’98, Lore Ambrose ’91, Scott Ehling ’88.

Aileen O’Carroll ’13 was cast in a

lead role in the Philip Lynch Theatre production of 13 in April.

Emma Saunders ’13 is heading to

Kodiak, Alaska after graduation from the U.S Coast Guard Academy where she will take on the arctic on the Alex Haley.

John Doyle ’06 treated his dad, John P’03, P’06, P’08, P’09, P’13 to

the experience of a lifetime when he won Ticket Galaxy’s College Basketball Finals Experience. John Sr. graduated from Loyola, and the pair have been attending Loyola men’s basketball games since he was a little kid. They carried their deep-rooted fandom to San Antonio for the 2018 Final Four.® “It was an amazing experience and a dream come true for my dad and I to be able to see our team in the Final Four.”

Carolyn Kras’ ’02 play Magnetic was

chosen for the Dream Ago - 2018 Plume & Pellicule screenwriters workshop.

Plume & Pellicule is an international screenwriting atelier where selected scripts are workshopped on a deep, structural level and screenwriters from different horizons participate in an enriching exchange, all under the guidance of well-known, experienced, and supportive consultants. Four reading panels (in France, Switzerland, Spain and USA) select ten projects from all over the world.

The authors convene at a castle in Sierre, Switzerland. Carolyn’s play was one of two chosen from the US. Antonette Minniti ’96 was honored by

her School District 211 and the Illinois State Board of Education with a “Those who Excel” Award this past fall.

At their annual meeting in April, the Congregation of St. Joseph elected a new leadership team. Congratulations to Sisters Marie Hogan, Sallie Latkovich, Pat Warbritton, Jacqueline Goodin and Kathy Brazda ’74!

Sallie currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Kathy Brazda is a proud alum, former faculty member and former Board member. Talk about #NazPride.

Future Roadrunners Abriella and Kristian Marincus ’10

welcomed their first child, a son named Gabriel, in September.

Julianne Nelson Pedi ’07 and

husband Matthew welcomed their first baby, daughter Gabriella Lauretta in February.

Bridget Marthaler ’06 and Pat Caragher ’06

proudly announced the birth of Evan Thomas in November.

Sr. Pat Borchardt ’50, Sr. Dorothy Lynch and Sr. Pat Bergan ’63

recently attended the 20th annual Founders Day Banquet for Davis Memorial Episcopal Church in La Grange. They received, on behalf of the CSJs, the Richard Allen Achievement Award which honors local residents and groups active in the community who focus on issues related to social justice.

Darci DiBuono Pinello ’06

and Phil Pinello welcomed their second daughter, Francesca Nicholle, in December.

Michael Kaiser ’04 and Lauren Brozyna ’04 welcomed daughter

Annabelle last July.

Matt Matkovich ’04 and his wife

Bridget welcomed their first child Benjamin in February.

Ariela and Michael Spartz ’03 welcomed

their first child, a girl, Sadie Ann in December.

Heather Weber Green ’02

welcomed her first child Joshua in December.

Congratulations to Nora Ryan Taylor ’98 and husband Al on the birth of their fourth child, Rose Noreen.

Finally, a little girl to bless their clan of boys!

Marissa Brija Bresnahan ’96,

husband Tom and big brother PJ welcomed Brendan into the world in January.

Laura Moran Claxton ’96 and

husband Keith welcomed a third girl, Hazel, in February. Hazel has already visited Naz with her mom!

Stacia Williams Jowett ’96 and

husband Colin welcomed baby Lillian to the world in January. Lillian joins big brother Connor to make this a family of four.

Tony Manno ’96 and wife Cara

Lacey Buidosik Hatfield ’98 and

husband Justin welcomed their first child, Dorothy Elaine, just before the New Year.

Chris Sagan ’98 and his wife Sarah

added a second addition to their family, Cameron Jacob. His brother Connor James and parents are in love with their new family member and future Roadrunner.

welcomed Declan Anthony to the world this April. Declan joins his big sis Francesca. Can’t wait until little Declan picks up his first guitar!

Paul Marin ’96 and wife Noreen

welcomed Paul Romeo in October.

Little Paul makes it a “table for 6” for this family.

Antonette Minniti ’96 and

husband Andy welcomed baby Stefano to their family. Big brother JonPaolo is anxiously awaiting all the “fun” things he can teach his little brother!

Andrea Hill Vela ’96 and husband

Victor welcomed little Sloane Amaia in April.

Steve Maviano ’93 and wife

Jennifer, welcomed their first son, London Kordell in December.

Athletic Hall of Fame This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Induction ceremony celebrated well-deserving alumni who made many contributions to the Roadrunner athletic program. The induction ceremony was held during half-time of a Roadrunner Boys Basketball game to a packed house. Congratulations to all of these Roadrunners; we wish you continued success.

The 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: COACHES Kristen Driscoll Stojetz ’89 - Girls Softball* and

Doug Hunt - Boys Soccer ATHLETES Julie Schiffler ’08, Kelley Dunne Herman ’04, Lawrence

Cannon ’03, Bill Broderick ’96 and Kristen Driscoll Stojetz ’89* FRIEND OF ATHLETICS Bob Driscoll

*Kristen was inducted as a coach and an athlete, a Nazareth first. pg / 13

ALUMNI NEWS continued

In Memoriam October 2017 - March 2018

Weddings The fall and winter months had love in the air as we celebrated the marriages of many wonderful alums. Congratulations to all of our Roadrunner newlyweds.

We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away.

Dr. Christian Albano ’89 Helen Lusk Bartunek ’45

October 2017 Rob Klaus ’10 and Mary Leigh Hayes ’10

Tom Manno ’99 and Becky Andersen

Maria “Terry” Bogdalek, mother of Rebecca Bogdalek O’Keefe ’94 and Allyson Bogdalek Gofron ’98 Anya Alexis Boisvert ’98 Patricia DiBraccio, mother of Debbie DiBraccio Milosovic ’87, Frank ’89, Chris ’91, Joe ’97 and mother-in-law of Renee Brixie DiBraccio ’91 Kathy Gros, mother of William ’06 and Molly ’14 Sr. Margaret Halligan, CSJ ’45

Matt Schiffler ’05 and Julie Spidale ’08

Dan Hull, father of Daniel ’99 and former coach

December 2017 Kaitlan Fron ’10 and Tyler Willis Michael Siffermann ’05 and Sameera Guttikonda

January 2018 Jessica Janus ’09 and Westin Stahl

Margaret Filip Konigsfeld ’49 Judy Burg Lungo ’62 Leslie Maly, mother of Danny ’05 Sr. Lorraine Mark (Sr. Kateri), CSJ ’53 Peter May, father of Kathleen ’85, Susan ’86 and Melissa ’94 Cynthia Churchill Ryan ’72

Katie Maietta ’99 and Philip Regan

Joanne Freda Sartori ’56, mother of Lesly Sartori Mazzarella ’82 and sister-in-law of Dolores Sartori Salituro ’58 MaryEllen Shannon ’70 Marian Smith, former staff and mother of Laura Beth Smith ’85 Joy Pollastrini Stastny ’59 Elaine Martin Stednitz ‘39 Barbara Ann Schemmel Van Natta ’49 Kathleen Wutz ’58 Adrienne Rusniak Zickus ’73 Matthew Zuro, father of Devyn ’17

SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! Alumni news and photos can be sent to lpayne@nazarethacademy.com

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Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.

NAZ BY THE NUMBERS 101

new voters registered during lunch periods in February

2nd

500

notes written, dollars raised and toys collected by Gracy Heery ’20 and Girls Soccer as part of the Pepsico Showdown Service Challenge

in State for both Football and Girls Basketball in 17-18 #GoNaz

36

7th

$9,575

Honors and AP courses offered in 2017-18 to stretch students’ minds

in State finish for Nazareth Diver, Eva Kelly ’19

210

donated by World Lit students over the past 10 years via the Kiva microloan program

peer tutoring sessions conducted in Nazareth’s new Tutoring Center during First Semester

70

pints of blood donated during the NHS Blood Drive

48,168 meals packed by Roadrunners Baseball at Feed My Starving Children

39

Illinois State Scholars in the Class of 2018

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

Blueprint

PAID Crystal Lake, IL Permit No. 174

SPRING 2018

Forwarding Service Requested

NAZARETH ACADEMY 1209 W. Ogden Avenue La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 www.nazarethacademy.com

ALUMNI ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US! JULY 7, 2018

Boys Alumni Soccer Game/ Gathering

AUGUST 9, 2018

Alumni Topgolf Outing

SEPTEMBER 17, 2018

Jack Wheeler Golf Outing

OCTOBER 12, 2018

NOVEMBER 6, 2018

6-7:30 p.m. // Alumni Tailgate in Walsh Gym

JANUARY 12, 2019

Annual WALK and Homecoming

7 p.m. // Homecoming Football Game in Valenta Stadium • Celebration of 40 Years of Football at Naz • Alumni Pom & Cheer Gathering • Alumni Band Gathering

Mothers Club Boutique Night

Mothers Club Trivia Night

JANUARY 2019

Naz on the Road to Naples, FL

FEBRUARY 23, 2019

Mothers Club Auction

OCTOBER 13, 2018

Four Pillars Mass and Reception Reunions for classes ending in 3 & 8

MARCH 23-24, 2019

Naz on the Road to Scottsdale, AZ

We welcome alumni to all of our Nazareth events. For more information, or to save your place, please contact Colleen Cook ’88 at ccook@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8506.

If you receive duplicate copies of Blueprint, please contact Alena Murguia at amurguia@nazarethacademy.com or 708.387.8536 with your current address. Thank you in advance for helping conserve our resources.