Nazareth Academy Blueprint Spring 2022

A Publication of the NAZARETH

ACADEMY Community

Blueprint SPRING 2022

THE TIME IS

NOW

IN THIS ISSUE A League of Their Own Campaign for Student Endowment A Tribute to Jim Danko And more...

A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN On Saturday, November 13, Nazareth’s Girls Volleyball team won the IHSA Class 3A State Championship, marking a historic achievement for the program and for girls sports at Nazareth. While this is the first official IHSA State Title for a Nazareth girls program, Roadrunners have been “State Champs” for longer than that.

In 1956, despite an official IHSA ban on interscholastic athletics for girls, Nazareth’s Basketball team won the Illinois State Girls Basketball Shooting Championship. To our knowledge they were the first declared “State Champs” in school history. Ginny Karstens ’57, a player on that team, remembers it fondly.

‘‘

Since we couldn’t compete in IHSA, Sister Laurence, our P.E. teacher, arranged basketball and volleyball games against other Catholic high schools. We were always so grateful to her for giving us the opportunities to play other teams. I remember when we heard about the competition, we practiced for weeks shooting baskets before and after school. Sister Laurence had little pieces of tape on eight spots on the court for our training. We were so proud and ecstatic when we got the news we had won the State Title! Honestly, I’m just as proud today watching this year’s teams compete on my iPad! Such spirit.”

Volleyball and Basketball both have illustrious pasts according to Sr. Ethel Vaca’s History of Nazareth Academy. “By 1959 the Nazareth Girl Volleyball team won the championship title of the Chicago CYO (Chicago Youth Organization) tournament with decisive victories over Immaculata High School. It was the first of its kind in Naz history.

A taste of victory, the challenge of competition, and the desire to develop their skills led the girls to future victories. Competition with other schools grew stronger and again in 1963 and 1965 the girls were champions in basketball during the CYO tournaments.”

What we know for sure is that each generation stands on the shoulders of those who come before them. It is only because of the grit and determination of the 1956 student-athletes and the generations of girls and women who competed and fought for equality in sports, that today’s Roadrunners can excel at such high levels.

“The opportunity to excel in athletics is an important part of Nazareth’s commitment to educate the whole person,” said President Deborah Tracy. “We have had much to celebrate this school year with multiple state qualifiers and a state title, but we never lose sight of the legacy of hard work, resilience and determination that has brought us to this point. More important than any trophies, are the respectful, kind, faith-filled and service-oriented students who compete in Nazareth’s name at any level.”

Did you know that it wasn’t until 1973 (and Title IX legislation) that the IHSA allowed girls to participate in interscholastic basketball contests?

Our team records are incomplete, but we are proud to congratulate the following members of the 1956 State Champs: Annette Levato Cassettari ’57, Emilie Lockrem Endean ’59, Alice Twomey Hanna ’58, Ginny Karstens ’57, Bea Kysela ’57 (deceased), Barbara Laurence Serbick ’56, Sheila Brown Sullivan ’57.

Dear Nazareth Academy 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: Mrs. Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 Principal: Mrs. Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79 Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60 Director of Athletics and Maintenance: Mr. Dennis Moran Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Ms. Jessica Radogno 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.

Like us! facebook.com/NazarethAcademy Join us! facebook.com/NazarethLGP Alumni Tweet us! twitter.com/NazarethLGP Share us! instagram.com/NazarethLGP Watch us! youtube.com/NazarethLGP

When we attended Naz, we made our daily journeys from North Riverside and Berwyn. (Shout out to Mater Christi and St. Odilo!) We traveled via the Ogden Pace Bus, the Burlington Northern and carpools. We met classmates who lived anywhere from Chicago to Hinsdale and every town in between. It was a grand adventure back in the late 1970s and early 1980s which set the foundation and paved the way for our entire lives. Not only did our journeys bring us right back to our alma mater, many of our dearest friends remain those we met while at Naz. And so it still goes today. Students traveling to Naz from all directions, meeting classmates and making life-long friends. The barriers of neighborhood and economic differences fade to the background as the cornerstone Pillar of Unity remains the center of who we are as a school community. This diversity is intentional and in many ways has been one of our most treasured constants since the founding of Nazareth Academy in 1900.

This is a legacy we mean to ensure for generations to come.

It is no secret that the viability of a Catholic school education rests in our ability to plan for the future. It is imperative that we have the resources that will continue to assist families in affording the ever-rising cost of tuition.

This is not new. Generations have gone before us making sacrifices for their own children and also contributing to the greater good.

Nazareth’s Campaign for Student Endowment gives all of us an opportunity to step up to the plate. It’s an invitation to pay the goodness forward and to ensure that the mission of the Congregation of Saint Joseph and of Nazareth Academy continues to shine... “That All May Be One.” Thank you for prayerfully considering our invitation to make a pledge.

It’s our turn. The Time is Now...

Gratefully,

Deborah Tracy ’82 President

Therese Hawkins ’79 Principal pg / 3

THE TIME IS NOW On March 1, 2022, President Deborah Tracy, formally announced Nazareth Academy’s Campaign for Student Endowment – The Time Is Now, which seeks to institutionalize our school’s commitment to those who are both seeking an exemplary Catholic education for their children and also seeking financial assistance in order to make that dream a reality.

‘‘

As we’ve secured our physical footprint, we now turn to the very real financial strains many families face in making a Catholic high school education possible for their children. We have taken great care to provide financial support to families in an effort to offset the cost of tuition. While we know our families take great pride in making the sacrifices needed to ensure their children receive a Nazareth caliber education, we know that we must do more to help.” –Deborah Tracy, President

The initial goal is to raise $2.5 million, to be invested along with the school’s existing $5.2 million endowment – allowing Nazareth Academy to provide more significant financial support to current families receiving assistance as well as expanding its support to additional families. At its public launch, Mrs. Tracy was also thrilled to announce that the campaign had already raised $1.85 million in pledges. “It is because of our donors’ belief and dedication to our mission that Nazareth Academy stands in a position of strength amidst an ever changing landscape. For 122 years, donors have been consistently supportive and generous.”

The Endowment Campaign Committee includes current and alumni Nazareth families who are committed to the school’s long term success and accessibility to all students.

“As the parents of two graduates, we can attest to the whole-person education our daughters received over their four years of high school at Nazareth Academy. Students who attend Nazareth are well prepared for the college years and beyond. We are excited that the Student Endowment Campaign will give more students the same access to an education rooted in the values of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Four Pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity.” –Katie and Mike Herr, parents of Molly ’18 and Lizzy ’20

The truth is that the time has always been “now” for students who have required assistance to make their Nazareth education a reality. Nazareth has always provided support through both financial aid and scholarships in order to offset the cost of tuition, awarding $1,800,000 to qualified students in 2021-22. This support is another critical element to creating our legacy. On the following pages, a few of the many people whose lives have been enriched by the ability to attend Nazareth Academy share their thanks.

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HONORARY CHAIRS The Congregation of Saint Joseph Therese and Michael Rooney (Meghan ’17, Nora ’18, Michael ’20) Joyce and Matt Walsh (Matthew ’87) CHAIRS Donna Savino Mouw ’87 and Ron Mouw ’87 (Grace ’22, Faith ’24) COMMITTEE Katherine Banasiak Colleen Cook ’88 Rob Donat ’87 Courtney and Shea Fowler ( Jackson ’20, Joshua ’20, Andrew ’24) Katie and Mike Herr (Molly ’18, Lizzy ’20) Anne and Rob Metzger (Kyle ’15, Brian ’18, Kevin ’20, Danny ’21) Sister Marianne Race, CSJ ’59 Tonya and Philander Reed ( Jalen ’21) Mary Beth Ryan (Steve ’04, Colleen ’06) Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82 (Maya ’17) Lisa Turano ’85 (Gioia ’21, Rocco ’23) Learn more and support the campaign at www.nazarethacademy.com/thetimeisnow

In their own words

Jake Bartels

Alexis Hernandez NAZARETH ACADEMY SENIOR

’14 COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

From his speech at the 2021 Named Scholarship Breakfast I would like to say thank you to all the donors for your unwavering and profound generosity in supporting the Nazareth Academy family. The impact that you have had on my life and the lives of countless students is an embodiment of the Four Pillars.

My life would not be the same had it not been for Nazareth Academy where I had the privilege of playing for two of the greatest coaches in the state of Illinois: Coach Racki and Coach Milano each taught me life lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I was also pushed to my academic limits by some of the best teachers Illinois has to offer, teachers who provided me with the tools for success in college, law school, and the BAR exam. While at Naz I shared memories with friends that will last a lifetime. None of that would have occurred had it not been for donors like the RJ Sanders family.

I feel that the greatest tragedy that can happen to anyone is that they pass on before they were able to give the gift that God gave them. I never had the opportunity to meet RJ but the gift and impact he has had on my life has been profound. All of the donors at Nazareth continue to give the gift that God gave them, which has changed lives and continues to change lives.

I speak on behalf of all past scholarship recipients and current scholarship recipients when I say thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the Nazareth family. Furthermore, I challenge all current scholarship recipients to find a way to give your gift and leave an everlasting mark as the scholarship donors have done.

From her speech at the 2021 Named Scholarship Breakfast Thank you to our families for constantly supporting our endeavors and thank you to our donors; it is because of kind and generous people like you that we can attend such an amazing school that provides us not only with endless opportunities, but also with an unfailingly supportive community.

When I started at Nazareth, I feared the idea of experiencing everything alone. I also feared being different. I have Alopecia, an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss. I entered Nazareth without a wig; but most importantly I entered as myself, holding onto the idea of change. I knew that there were questions from those around me. When seeing someone who is different, we tend to stare and react differently; this is just the innate curiosity that is within us. However, that is why I am truly grateful to be attending such an understanding and supportive community. Nazareth truly does value inclusivity and displays this perfectly by showing that growth can be achieved with education. Thanks to a variety of clubs, classes and teachers, I have been able to explore the things that I am most passionate about.

A special thanks to the Picerne Family. I know that my family would do anything to help me achieve my goals, but I also know that help can only go so far, which is why the amount of gratitude my family and I have for my scholarship is almost indescribable. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a community that I now consider my home and forever family.

’22

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The Time is Now

Erin Voss Mott EDUCATOR AND ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT FOR EVERYONE READING ILLINOIS

When my parents decided to send my four siblings and me to Nazareth Academy, it was a decision based on faith, education and our family morals. My parents have done a wonderful job of teaching me what it takes to be a good faithful person. So when I got to Naz, I felt right at home.

The faculty, staff and students lived out how I was raised. The financial aid that I received made a very big difference in my family’s decision. It allowed me to attend a wonderful school that reinforced my Catholic upbringing as well as provided me with an outstanding education.

Naz helped me discover my passion for working with children, especially through the opportunity to attend a mission trip in Belize. Not only did it open my eyes to the world around me, it helped me figure out who I was as a person and what I wanted to do with my future. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and make a difference in children’s lives.

The experiences I had at Nazareth and the education I received have now come full circle.

With having three children of my own, my husband and I are teaching them everything that was instilled in me at Naz. I try to pay it forward by participating in our children’s Catholic education and to continue to uphold the pillars that I was taught at Nazareth.

I would like to say thank you to the donors who made the financial aid and scholarships possible.

My life is forever changed because I had the opportunity to attend Nazareth. People like you are making a difference in children’s lives.

’08

David Sullivan

COMPUTER ENGINEERING MAJOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INTERN FOR MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS

’19 pg / 6

Financial aid was the deciding factor in my dad’s decision to send me to Nazareth. I’m very open about it when discussing where I went to high school and tell people that without financial aid, I would not be a Nazareth Academy alumnus today. All the teachers there inspired me to really do the best I could in all my classes, and I keep the lessons I learned from Naz with me to this day. I gained the necessary skills and confidence to tackle the higher-level math courses I need for my major. I learned how to write and communicate effectively, to better understand the world around me and apply critical thinking as to why things are the way they are. Cross Country was a huge part of developing my time management skills and learning how to hold myself accountable and make good on my commitments.

I have so much gratitude toward the Bell Family for supporting me throughout all four years of high school. Getting to talk with them every year at the Scholarship Breakfast was a highlight and inspired me to help the people around me in any way I can.

At UIUC I am the Co-Director of Kesem, a non-profit organization that provides through-and-beyond support to children affected by a parent’s cancer.

I am also the Chair of the NSBE Junior Committee for the National Society of Black Engineers. We help provide engineering opportunities to younger students in minority areas to grow the number of black engineers in higher education.

I’m proud of who I am as an adult today and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my teachers, the Bell Family and all the faculty and staff who supported my education and development.

In their own words

Aidan Walton

Cathy and Dan Letcher

PRECISION CONSERVATION SPECIALIST FOR ILLINOIS CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION

PARENTS OF RYAN ’03, ELIZABETH ’05, ADAM ’07, MATTHEW ’09, JUSTIN ’11 AND REBECCA ’15

ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY, BACHELOR’S AND MASTER’S IN AGRIBUSINESS

’16

I am honored to have received various scholarships and aid which supported me throughout high school. I cannot thank the donors and individuals behind this financial support enough, as they are a large part of the reason I was able to attend Nazareth and receive the wonderful education that I did.

The Band program and Band Director Mike Sliwinski inspired me to pursue music and I spent three years of undergrad performing with the Illinois State University Big Red Marching Machine.

I try to pay this generosity forward in my everyday life by simply working hard and giving back to both Nazareth Academy and Illinois State University. I am grateful to be in the position that I am in, thanks to some wonderful educators over the years.

Cathy and Dan Letcher knew they wanted Catholic education for their six children but were not sure they could manage it financially. “We couldn’t very well send Ryan to Nazareth and then not afford it for the other five.” That is why they are so grateful to the donors who continue to fund scholarships at every level.

“We all made sacrifices along the way, especially in terms of material goods … a bigger house, a newer car. I remember Elizabeth doing work-study in the school office to offset tuition. Still, there were many points along the way, especially when we had kids in college, high school and grade school that I wasn’t sure we would be able to continue paying the tuition bills. But, we had faith and God provided.”

Cathy was moved to tears at the memory of getting a phone call from Nazareth that the Rocco Family was starting a new scholarship and that Matthew fit the requirements to be its first recipient. “Not only were we grateful for the financial assistance, we were proud to know that Matthew (like each of our children) was seen and recognized at Naz for his unique gifts.”

In fact, Cathy points out that the investment in a Nazareth education is not just from the donors and parents, but from the students as well. “Our sons and daughters recognized what we all sacrificed to make education the priority.

We encouraged them to conduct themselves in ways that would merit not only scholarships, but opportunities to grow. Thanks to that investment from them, they’ve all grown into good-hearted adults who have had God and faith intertwined in their lives. They were prepared to succeed in college and beyond, and they all live with gratitude.”

Not only does the Letcher Family pay their Nazareth education forward by living good full lives, they are in the process of coming together as one to fund a scholarship in the Letcher name. “We know first-hand the impact these scholarships have on families and we want so much to give to another family what was given to us. The opportunities and people and faith that are alive at Nazareth are larger than a high school education; they are the foundation of what students will carry into the larger world.”

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ALUMNI NEWS Young Alum Izzy Decker ’21 was named Women’s

Ariana Thome ’16 received the Presidential

Award for Social Justice (2021) from Roosevelt University for Unforgotten Project.

Brian Salcedo ’15 has been selected as a

Graduate Health Professions Scholar (GPS) through A.T. Still University’s Office of Diversity. This is a distinct recognition for his commitment to service in his community.

Ashlee Davis Knuckey ’02 was featured in

Crain’s Chicago Business in September for “Notable 2021 Rising Stars in Law.” She is a partner at Locke-Lord and is also a member of the firm’s Board of Directors.

In November, Carolyn Kras ’02 made Coverfly’s “The Red List” for horror projects for her script CUTTHROAT.

Volleyball A10 Rookie of the Week in September for D1 Davidson. Izzy was also named to the Atlantic 10 All Rookie Team at the end of her freshman season.

Hard to believe, but Kiley Roach ’14 had her third novel published in November.

Killer Content is a murder mystery set in a TikTok content house.

Congrats to Kristan Jones Scales ’02 who was named Director of Brand Management at Boys & Girls Clubs of America in June.

Cindy Hernandez ’20 will be the Fellow

Madeline Bonaguro ’13 graduated Summa

Porter’s Government Contracts practice as a partner.

Speaker at the America Needs You (ANY) Annual Gala in April. She was invited to share her own college journey as an ANY Fellow and shed light on how this organization helps first generation students achieve all their dreams.

Danielle Ardizzone ’19 celebrated a

significant milestone in September when she participated in the University of Iowa College of Nursing’s biannual white coat ceremony.

Christian Cano ’19,

a University of Illinois junior majoring in Accountancy and Information Systems, is also the VP of Diversity and Inclusion for Hedge UIUC. He works to provide a rewarding experience for students of all backgrounds, as well as identify career opportunities for those groups historically underrepresented in finance.

Christian is Co-Chair of Internal Events for Alpha Kappa Psi and a member of the Luso-Brazilian Association.

Louis Stec ’19, University of Iowa, was named

to the 2021 fall Academic All-Big Ten team.

Abby Legner ’18, a senior majoring in

Illustration at Ringling College of Art & Design, had an illustration published in an anniversary edition of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue.

Abby also returned to Naz in March to share her experiences with Art Club students.

Krystal Levitske ’17 graduated from the

University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Fine and Applied Arts with a major in Architectural Studies plus an Art + Design Minor.

Kyle Norbut ’16 and Evan Sellas ’17

continue to act together. They both appeared in the short film JUNK & Its Connection to What’s Unknown, which was released by DaVinci Street Production in September.

In March, Kyle was cast as the Beast for the Disney Dream cruise production of Beauty and the Beast.

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Cum Laude from Clemson University in 2017, then received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2021.

Dr. Madeline Bonaguro is now a pediatric resident at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon was back in action in October and included a number of Naz Alum finishers, including Maeve Roach ’17, Katie King ’15, Brooke Donnelly ’14, Elly Harrell ’13, Maggie Long ’13, Mike Gragnani ’07 and Chris DiBraccio ’91.

Class Notes Cassandra Levitske ’11

received her Doctorate of Medicine Degree from Ross University School of Medicine in May 2021.

Sara Maslar-Donar ’11 started a new position

as WKOW’s 11 a.m. anchor and 5 p.m. producer Monday through Friday. Reporting will now largely take a backseat as she spends the majority of her time and energy working on her producing and anchoring skills.

Andrea Campos ’08 is the illustrator of

Con Pollo, a bilingual children’s book written

by Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez which was released in February.

In August, Dr. John Polivka ’03 was inducted as Vice President into the West Side Branch of the Chicago Dental Society.

In March he was at Naz, talking about careers in Dentistry with the Future Healthcare Professionals Club.

Michael Barnicle ’00 has joined Arnold &

Christopher Kwak ’00 was promoted from

Firefighter to Lieutenant with the Bartlett Fire Department where he has worked for the last 15 years.

Colleen McGrath Yoo ’99 completed the

London Marathon in October.

Kate Mannix Hall ’97 recently received the

Illinois Librarian of the Year award. She has been the director of the Northbrook Public Library for the last five years which is now one of the top libraries in the country. She has co-authored one book on how to run a library and is writing another on Human Resources for library directors.

Congratulations to

Tim Stafford ’96

on the publication of his poetry collection, The Patron Saint of Making Curfew, by Chicago’s Haymarket Books.

Tess Hutchinson Denton ’79 will serve

as the Director of CSJ Ministries effective June 2022.

While in Rome for a meeting of the Global Solidarity Fund, CSJ Leadership Team member Sister Kathy Brazda ’74 was honored to meet Pope Francis. Sister Kathy is a member of the Advisory Board for the Global Solidarity Fund, an alliance of Catholic entities that fosters connections and acts as a catalyst in finding solutions to meet the needs of marginalized people.

Births

Weddings

AUGUST

JULY 2021

Char Halek ’98 and husband Brian Kurtz

Kathy Rossi Evanina ’68 married

welcomed baby boy Desmond.

SEPTEMBER

Ike Presley. In attendance was her sister Vicki Rossi Janoski ’66.

OCTOBER 2021 Sarah Radford ’13 married Dominic Pastor,

surrounded by Class of 2013 alumni, including Megan Tobin Bivin, Maddy Bonaguro, Maureen Culligan, Sara D’Onofrio, Sally Garvey and Kathleen Tannura.

Michael Spartz ’03 and wife Ariela

welcomed their son Benjamin Robert. Big sister Sadie is thrilled to have a little brother.

OCTOBER Pat Cawley ’08 and his wife Mackenzie

welcomed their first baby, Cooper Michael.

Justin Hanson ’01 and wife Lindsay

welcomed twin boys Henry Maxwell and Luke Alexander. Big sister Lily and brother Owen are thrilled.

AUGUST 2021 Johnny Gross ’12 married Taylor Gaffney.

Groomsmen included fellow Roadrunners from the Class of 2012 Sean Kelly, Danny Callaghan, Eddie Gengo, Bobby McGivney and Nicki Tolitano. The mother of the groom is School Nurse Kathy Gross.

Tyler Van Dahm ’13 married Alexandra Klein.

Tyler’s groomsmen included Kevin Curtin ’12, Tom Gray ’13, Nick Murphy ’13 and Michael Straface ’13.

Kevin Reardon ’11 married Katie Lucas in

NOVEMBER Chris Sulla ’16 and wife Cari welcomed

Theodore ”Teddy” Michael.

Cincinnati. The wedding party included Fred Colmery ’11, Bobby Patterson ’11, Pat Reardon ’08, Mary Clare Reardon McNally ’07 and Jim Reardon ’05.

DECEMBER Lisamarie Scardino Burke ’06 and husband

John welcomed baby #2, John “Jack” Joseph.

Alexandra Lombardo Burns ’10 and

NOVEMBER 2021

husband Darin welcomed their first baby, Philip Joseph, aka PJ.

Suzanne Bares ’90 and Matt Anselmo ’90

were married surrounded with lots of Naz representation and love.

Jillian Green Wiegel ’09 and husband

Trevor welcomed their first bundle of blue joy, Arthur Eldon.

SEPTEMBER 2021 Katie Durnell ’12 married Donald Kirk.

Raquel Lopez Medrano ’12, Julia Durnell ’16 and Aiden Walton ’16

were all members of the wedding party.

JANUARY Jim Lynch ’00 and wife Kerry welcomed

JANUARY 2022 Rachel Janus ’07 married Nick Donnelly.

baby #3, Eleanor Rose. Big brother Emmett and big sister Helen are very excited.

FEBRUARY Janette Waksmanski Krzeczkowski ’09

and husband Roman welcomed their first baby, Malina Rose.

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

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In Memoriam

August 2021 - February 2022

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

Joseph Kupiszewski, father of Deanne Kupiszewski ’85 and Theresa Kupiszewski Haley ’88

Kip Anderson, father of Emily ’22 and Stella ’24

Stephen Lombardi, father of Stefanie Lombardi Garcia ’88

Natalie Anderson, mother of Marjorie Anderson Iniguez ’77 and Kurt Anderson ’83 Mary Rose Morello Brown ’70 David Clark, father of Briana Clark Lueders ’10 Jim Danko, former faculty and coach; father of Jim Danko ’93 and Jennifer Danko Fenske ’96 Mildred Mary Vrtis Emery ’54 Sandra Ericksen, mother of Chad Ericksen ’85 and Traci Ericksen Stewart ’88 Fundador Figueroa, father of Tonya Figueroa ’88 Ed Flowers ’81, son of Rita Alexa Flowers ’61; brother of Jim Flowers ’82 (Sandy Falco Flowers ’85) and Tom Flowers ’83; uncle of Trenton Mitchell ’13, Mackenzie Mitchell ’14 and Madison Flowers ’17 Penny Paige Geisler ’59 Tim Healy, father of LE Healy ’22 Alexander “Babe” Kuhn, husband of Shirley Larson Kuhn ’49

Kathleen Mahoney, mother of Susan Mahoney Szymczak ’94 and Karen Mahoney Donoho ’98 Linda Marczewski, mother of Julie Marczewski Meloy ’91 Jim Martin, husband of Pat Martin (former staff ), father of Tom ’94 (Beth Hamilton Martin ’94), Jim ’97 and Maria Martin Shields ’99 ( Jeff Shields ’96); brother of Margaret Martin ’65 and brother-in-law of Sue Martin (former faculty); uncle of Mary Beth Martin Zannelli ’98, Gerald ’02, George ’04, Josiane Umuhoza ’12 and Julienne Uwingabire ’12; grandfather of Rachel Thoms Malone ’98, Emily Thoms ’02 and Graham Thoms ’05 Richard “Dick” T. Middendorf, father of Sr. Terry Middendorf CSJ ’60, Nancy Middendorf Gibbons ’65 and Joan Middendorf Thoms ’70 Marlene Francel O’Meara ’51

Mary Catherine O’Rourke ’79 Andrew Pluta ’85, brother of Paula Pluta Hajakian ’84, Greg Pluta ’87, Mark Pluta ’90 and Andrea Pluta Tarble ’92 Heather Santiago, wife of Patrick ’89 Marie Harazin Scheive ’41 Joan Souhrada Sebek ’47, mother of Kathy Sebek Nelson ’78 and Lynn Sebek ’81, sister of Jeanne Souhrada Frenz ’48, aunt of Julie Frenz Close ’75 and Amy Frenz ’76, Jonathan Frenz ’87 Carol Mahoney Smith ’56 Ed Swain, father of Patti Swain Stark ’85 Renato “Ron” Turano, father of Lisa Turano ’85, Renee Turano Novelle ’88; grandfather of Gioia Solano ’21 and Rocco Solano ’23; uncle of Gena Turano Buonavolanto ’88, Jennifer Turano ’92, Jessica Turano ’96, Matthew Gragnani ’07, Michael Gragnani ’07 and Marri Gragnani ’14 Pamela Tvrdik ’68 Jennifer Zajda ’95

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

Remembering Mr. Jim Danko It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Mr. Jim Danko who passed away in January. For 35 years, Mr. Danko taught and coached at Nazareth Academy; he was a 2012 Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee and a larger-than-life presence at Naz. He was a Naz parent to James ’93 and Jennifer ’96. When he retired from teaching in 2014, he left a legacy of enthusiasm, empathy, success and optimism. He will certainly be missed.

In his own words: “I sincerely hope all of my students have learned about lifetime health and have enjoyed the physical education activities. I have enjoyed teaching them... It has been a great run and it’s time to play the back nine. I look forward to spending quality time with my wife Penny, my children and our grandchildren.

Thanks to everyone at Nazareth for making every day a great day.”

The outpouring of love and affection from former students, players and colleagues was overwhelming.

‘‘

Mr. Danko, during my freshman year while I was trying to shy away from being a “sporty girl,” you saw my strength in PE and, even though you probably didn’t realize you were doing it, you urged me not to be afraid to lean into that talent and that side of me that loves sports. It was always a great day to be a Roadrunner in PE.” –Samantha Garcia ’10

“ I loved having Jim as a teacher, but even more as a colleague.

He lightened the mood no matter what the circumstances were and helped me to put the rough days in perspective.” –Bridget Bradt ’94

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“ Such sad news...both of my sons were fortunate to play for Coach Danko on the Naz golf team.

He was a fine man who imparted many solid life lessons to his players that they’ll appreciate as they make their way through life, whether they realize it or not. Coach Danko got it right.”

–Kevin Owens, father of Sean ’10 and Patrick ’11

“ I will never forget him starting every class saying, “it’s a great day to be a Roadrunner!” And every day it sure was. He’ll be missed and I will always remember him! Prayers to his loved ones.” –Florence Ann Romano ’04 “ One of the nicest people around.

I can still hear him singing Positive K’s “I got a man” when we were in gym. Thoughts go out to his family!” –Tony Zielinski ’96

NAZ BY THE NUMBERS 30

Nazareth seniors were recognized as 2022 Illinois State Scholars, representing the top 10% of high school seniors from across the state

11

$4,000+

174

lives can be saved thanks to the NHS Blood Drive on campus this February

Alumni honored during Reunion Weekend, April 1-3. Congratulations to all of the new inductees in the Four Pillars, Fine Arts and Athletic Halls of Fame

Sunflowers of Support, our Lenten almsgiving drive to benefit Ukrainian refugees, raised over $4,000

4, 1, 20 4 CSJ Sisters and 1 Associate helped us celebrate St. Joseph’s Day by serving as Guest Lecturers in 20 different classes

2021-22

2nd Place in State for Girls Basketball and freshman Wrestler Gabe Kaminiski. #NazSpirit is high

1

Golden Apple Finalist for Excellence in Teaching.

Congratulations Amelia García

$408,000+

Gatorade Illinois Volleyball Player of the Year. Congratulations to Katie Hurta ’22, the first Nazareth student-athlete to earn this honor

raised at NazBash 2022 thanks to the amazing generosity of the Naz Family

709

bags of food were distributed among St. Cletus, St. Francis Xavier and Westchester Food Pantries thanks to our record breaking Thanksgiving Food Drive

5 Nazareth’s Parent Speaker Series offered five conversations with experts on academic, social and emotional wellness

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juniors and seniors have been chosen for the fourth annual Young Community Changemakers program

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Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

Blueprint

PAID

Crystal Lake, IL Permit No. 174

SPRING 2022

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

Yes, I am interested in participating in Nazareth’s Campaign for Student Endowment:

 I can make a pledge made payable over five years.

Please send me an official Pledge Form.

 I would appreciate more conversation before making a decision.

 I cannot make a pledge commitment, but am pleased to make a one-time donation of $ enclosed here.

Name:

Class Year:

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Responses can be sent to Nazareth Academy, ATTN: Deborah Tracy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park, IL 60526 Or emailed to dtracy@nazarethacademy.com

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.