Nazareth Academy Blueprint

Our Stories. Our Legacy.

The STATE of things at Naz

We are not exaggerating when we say that Roadrunner Athletics have taken excellence to a whole new level recently.

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current defending IHSA State Champions: Baseball, Football, Girls Basketball

State Qualifying Teams (2022-23): Girls Golf, Girls Tennis, Girls Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Football, Competitive Dance, Girls Basketball

Individual Student-Athlete State Qualifiers: Wrestling, Diving

School-wide clap outs, caravans of Freddie Fanatics heading down state, trophies, medals and celebratory Pep Rallies have become a welcome part of our school year.

“For 123 years, Nazareth has focused on educating the whole person. We are proud that athletics and healthy competition have been a strong part of that tradition,” said Principal Therese Hawkins. “We also recognize that the excellent win-loss records and State Titles earned over the past few years are the result of generations of Nazareth Roadrunners whose grit and determination paved the way for today’s student-athletes.”

The current STATE of Naz teams are thanks to every student-athlete who has worn a Nazareth jersey.

> Cross Country was one of 5 Girls teams to qualify for State competition this year (to-date). At the State Meet in Peoria, the team exceeded expectations, finishing in a tie for 16th Place, a Nazareth best.

> Football’s quest to reclaim the State Title (which they won in 2014, 2015 and 2018) culminated in an exciting 1-point victory at the IHSA 5A Football Championship Game at Memorial Stadium in November.

> Girls Basketball united with the words Seal the Deal all season. Words became reality with the program’s first IHSA State Title in March, making program and school history.

> Baseball celebrated their State Title with a ceremony to bless their championship rings in Alexine Chapel in September.

Jesus’ mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.

Dear Nazareth Academy Alumni, Families and Friends,

1209 W. Ogden Avenue

La Grange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708.354.0061

www.nazarethacademy.com

President: Mrs. Deborah Vondrasek Tracy ’82

Principal: Mrs. Therese Uphues Hawkins ’79

Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ ’60

Director of 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.

At Naz, we certainly enjoy the excitement of spring activities and programs! The fine arts showcases, spring sports, senior class celebrations and recognition of academic achievements … all round out a full and special season at Nazareth Academy. It’s a season rich in tradition including Ring Day, Living Stations of the Cross, Awards Day, Closing School Mass and Graduation … all of which tell the story of our school year.

This issue celebrates some of the unique stories that make up Nazareth’s legacy. We are proud to highlight the diverse ways alumni, faculty and students are “telling the story of our mission” by living out our Pillars of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity. The invisible thread that runs through each of these stories ties them all to the continual legacy created at Nazareth Academy, all of which, of course, remains rooted in our CSJ and Nazareth mission of unity.

How blessed and lucky we are to know that our mission is alive and well in the members of our Nazareth family who continue to bring hope and light to a world so much in need. We hope you enjoy this issue of Blueprint as much as we do!

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Happy Spring!

Deborah Tracy ’82 President

Therese Hawkins ’79 Principal

“Our stories … Our legacy … Our lips proclaim our pledge of loyalty to you, dear Nazareth!”

Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living

Sr. Mary Southard, CSJ

“When I pop back in memory to my years as a student at Nazareth, it’s to the way my small world suddenly became larger, forging relationships with classmates from all over, exploring ideas together, moving into our “new school” on Park Road, and feeling connected to the Sisters of St. Joseph.” Sr. Mary’s transition from her childhood in Cicero to high school was only the start of a lifetime of discovery and expansion.

Sr. Mary joined the convent upon graduation in 1954 and went on to earn a degree from Rosary College and Master’s in Art at Notre Dame before returning to Nazareth to teach in the 60’s and 70’s. “At the time, we were reinventing the way we ‘did’ education with new methods, modular scheduling and team teaching. I was part of the four-member team that created a Humanities course at Nazareth, a fantastic experience.” A lifelong learner, Sr. Mary also has a Certificate in Spirituality and Worship from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, CA and has taught at the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University.

Meanwhile, Sr. Mary continued to expand her world as an artist and worship leader. In the 1970’s she began creating and

writing a yearly reflection calendar with her original art, reflections and suggested practices. That work (which continues to today) gave birth to the CSJ Ministry of the Arts Department. She is also a sculptor of note, with works of art throughout the country (and beyond), including several on the La Grange Park campus.

Sr. Mary has been a lifetime champion for our shared planet and the interconnectedness of all creation.

“As the story of the origin and nature of the universe began coming into our western consciousness in the late 1970’s, it called for a whole re-thinking of who we are, who God is, where we are and why we’re here.” With the dedication to service and ministry that are at her core, Sr. Mary has worked to help people understand this sacred story. “My passion is Unity in terms of “Oneness.” That All May Be One is at the heart of Creation, the Natural World, and the Charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph. It is that for which I live and work, through my art, and through the many years of interpersonal ministries.”

Mike Queroz

Mike Queroz has always found his niche in telling stories. At Nazareth that meant working on The Announcer, student directing plays and really digging into English classes. In his professional life, that has meant a career in public relations and his current role as Senior VP of Digital at Public Communications Inc. (PCI). “I will never forget sitting with my Guidance Counselor Mr. Milos and trying to narrow down what to do after high school because I wanted to do everything. He guided me to the College Board website to explore career paths, which is where I first discovered the possibility of public relations.”

For Sr. Mary, only semi-retired, the work of engagement and expansion never ends. “In light of the global warming crisis, I continue through blogs and email to inform others of this pivotal time in which we are privileged to be alive. We are the ones who must make the difference. We must be the compassionate healers Earth needs today. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

He majored in Communications at UIC where every class and internship opportunity confirmed his choice. In fact, his internship with Shedd Aquarium led him directly to a job with their agency (PCI). He started in media relations, but as the digital landscape changed, he found an area where he could let his leadership shine and was instrumental in helping to establish that communications arm at PCI.

“Ultimately we all want to feel good about what we do. I am proud to work for a company that chooses to represent clients who serve a greater purpose.” Mike relished the chance to help his alma mater UIC with their branding when they ended up being

“We are the ones who must make the difference.”

Tim Stafford

“I didn’t even like poetry,” remembers Tim Stafford of his high school self. Ironic, considering the legacy he’s built as a poet who’s performed in poetry slams all over the world, appeared on television’s Def Poetry Jam and published a collection of his work. He credits the start of that growth to his senior year at Nazareth.

“That is the year I made the decision to start fresh and give everyone a chance. I opened myself up and decided to try to make each person think their day was a little bit better than before they saw me.” Tim did this largely through humor, but he also started doing this through writing. Even with his doubts about poetry, he took Ms. Paliatka’s Creative Writing class and contributed to Goulash magazine. He opened himself up to new possibilities and found a passion that’s lasted his entire life.

In fact, opening himself to possibilities has been a recurring theme. After beginning college studying graphic design, he eventually earned his Poetry Degree from Columbia College and worked in the printing industry. “Some friends from college asked if I wanted to volunteer to

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teach poetry to kids. I thought that sounded cool so said, ‘sure’.” That willingness brought Tim to a CPS alternative school and the idea he might want to teach as a career. An AmeriCorps program made it financially possible for him to get his teaching certificate through Northwestern and he has since taught in Englewood and the District 40 Alternative School where he started a Creative Writing program.

“Working in West 40 was so different from my initial teaching experience, needing to reach kids who weren’t able to succeed in their home schools. Reading and writing were, and are, a way to connect.” Tim works to keep books on hand that will appeal to students in age-appropriate ways, but has also never let go of poetry. In fact, he has edited two anthologies of age-appropriate poetry called Learn Then Burn for teachers to use. Plus, he continues to write and perform.

Tim reminds the young people in his life, “Your story is going to be told regardless. You want to be the one holding the pen. Tell your own story.”

At a recent performance, he looked out at the crowd and realized he was surrounded by Nazareth connections, both on stage and in the audience. “Time marches on and some of those people and experiences are lost, but it hit me that I was more connected than I would have ever guessed because I attended Nazareth.” Those years are an essential part of his story.

his client. “My college choice was not an accident or a fallback. I was seeking a good program in a place with more diversity. It felt great to be able to help tell that story years later.”

In fact, Mike has returned to both UIC and Nazareth to educate the next generation of storytellers about career possibilities. “My industry is very white. Systemically, if people don’t know about a realistic career path, they can’t pursue it. We have to open it up as a possibility.” Mike has been active in promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion both in creating a more inclusive work environment and in terms of mentorship.

“At PCI we work with Dominican University, a designated hispanic-serving institution. We piloted a paid internship program so that college students don’t have to choose a summer job over an internship. We are providing opportunities to make students from more diverse backgrounds more marketable coming out of college.” That sense of Unity is something he traces back to his time at Naz.

“Whether it was in my World Studies program as a senior or with the close group of friends I made there, I feel so

lucky for my Nazareth experience. It shaped my formative years and my world view. It armed me to succeed in college writing, and it established a pattern of extra-curricular involvement which is how networks are built.”

Mike’s advice to young people is to find something to do that makes you both happy and proud. “Whether at school or at work, when you believe in what you do, you feel more empowered to look back and help give a leg up to the next group.”

“Tell your own story.”

“Find something to do that makes you both happy and proud.”

Manpreet Kaur Teji

Nazareth may not have seemed an obvious choice for the Teji family, practicing Sikhs, but they were looking for a school where their son (Upneet ’00) and daughter (Manpreet ’08) would be safe and welcome. Manpreet recalls, “I was so nervous as a non-Catholic girl of color coming from a public-school, but what I remember most of my first days at Nazareth is making friends in Señora Pascual’s class right away. The atmosphere of Unity at Nazareth was nurtured at all levels. My religious practice was recognized openly and I was encouraged to share it with my classmates. In hindsight, Nazareth was a tremendously progressive environment to learn in, especially in light of being a Catholic school in the suburbs of Chicago.”

As her appreciation for her inclusive high school environment has matured, so too has Manpreet’s appreciation of her immersion in service, extracurriculars and intensive writing at Nazareth. “I learned such good life skills at Nazareth, all cemented in solid values. That time set me up to succeed in college and pursue a career in public service.”

Her career began with an Economics degree from Saint Louis University (2012). Internships with Senator Dick Durbin in Washington, D.C. and the Sikh Coalition in New York further developed Manpreet’s interest in public policy. She pursued a Law Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago (2017) during which she had the opportunity to intern in the Federal Defender’s Office where she worked on three presidential commutation cases.

After graduating from law school, Manpreet worked as an Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies fellow in the office of Congresswoman Judy Chu. This experience further inspired her to engage in policies that affect the greater Pan Asian community. In April 2018, she started working for Senator Durbin as a legislative correspondent and has remained with that office for five years, rising as Associate Counsel and now as Counsel with the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, which Sen. Durbin chairs. Manpreet remains dedicated to working on behalf of policies related to immigration.

And, once in a while, her work intersects with the people and experiences of her past. “I was honored to meet with Sr. Jackie [Schmitz] to hear about the work she and other Sisters of St. Joseph had done on our Texas border with Catholic Charities.” Manpreet is grateful for the impact Sr. Jackie and Nazareth had on helping her pursue her own personal story.

“I wish I could go back and encourage my 18-year-old self to be even more open to possibility. Our uniqueness can only shine when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, when we keep ourselves open to paths that we might not even know exist yet. If I had only allowed myself to follow my 10-year plan I had written in 2008, I would never have experienced this busy and fulfilling career.”

“ Our uniqueness can only shine when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, when we keep ourselves open to paths that we might not even know exist yet.”

ALUMNI UPDATES

Class Notes

Sara Ereio ’21 accepted an offer to attend The Fund for American Studies’ Summer Academic Internship Program in Washington D.C in her first choice program track, Public Policy and Economics. She was selected as a Liberty and Learning Fellow with a full scholarship and housing, the opportunity to take six credit hours in Economics and Government courses, and the opportunity to attend professional development and networking events.

Julian Love ’16 was the winner of the 22nd annual George Young-Ernie Accorsi Media Good Guy Award as voted on by the New York Giants Chapter of Professional Football Writers Association for his professionalism and availability. In March, Julian announced a contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Maura Johnson Foley ’11 graduated with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from DePaul University.

Sara Maslar-Donar ’11 anchors a 5 p.m. newscast and produces the station’s brand new, hour-long 4 p.m. show at WKOW 27 Madison, Wisconsin. She couldn’t pass up the opportunity to help launch a new show and anchor an evening newscast.

Courtney White Alvarez ’07 and her family moved to Plano, Texas where she is now a 911 officer.

Steve Ryan ’04 and his wife Beth Warmuth Ryan were recognized by Marquette University’s Klinger College of Arts & Sciences as the recipients of the 2023 Young Alumni of the Year Award! This award recognizes significant professional achievement, personal responsibility, and service to Marquette and the community before age 40.

After nearly 13 rewarding years at Locke Lord LLP, Ashlee Davis Knuckey ’02 began a new journey as SVP, Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer for Centene Corporation.

Ryan Evans ’00 was chosen as the new District 95 Superintendent after serving as Principal of S.E. Gross Middle School in Brookfield for the past nine years.

Senior Trial Attorney Kristin Atherton Kladis ’99 has been named Partner at Walner Law.

In September La Grange Park Chief of Police Tim Contois ’96 was sworn in as the President of the West Suburban Chiefs of Police. Chief Contois will serve as President until September 2023.

Gregory Pacyga ’85 retired from the FBI Miami Division after 33 years at the end of September. He spent the first part of his career in the FBI Chicago Division and did temporary duty assignments in Honolulu, Los Angeles and Atlanta before spending the last eight years in Miami.

TEACH will present Sr. Carol Crepeau ’57 with the Cultural Unity Award at this year’s Cultural Unity Gala in May. The award honors Sr. Carol for her inspiring foresight and commitment to the creation of TEACH 30 years ago.

Janet Stone Mullen ’61 Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, recently completed certification in the Safe and Sound Protocol developed by Stephen Porges Ph.D. to treat a variety of nervous system disorders by means of sound therapy.

Some of the ladies from the Class of 1961 met up with former teacher, Mary Fran Schenk (Sr. Lawrence) for lunch. Included are Carol McCarthy LaChapelle, Mary Ingevalden Van Eekeren, Kathy Hyde Schremp and Judy Nix

Alumni Career Day tells a story of success

On January 19, eighteen alumni from various backgrounds and professions returned to campus (or Zoomed in) to share their professional voices and perspectives with current students. They reflected on how their life experiences have informed the professional work they do and answered students’ questions. Alumni speakers were matched with student clubs based on areas of interest, but all Nazareth students were welcome to attend the session of their choice. Career Day was part of the annual Multicultural Festival, Which celebrates the ways in which Nazareth Academy is Many Cultures, One Family.

Weddings

JUNE 2022

Claire McCracken ’13 married Andrew Vitek. Alum in the wedding party included Ali McCracken ’08, Pat McCracken ’06, Jack McCracken ’10, Kevin McCracken ’11, Missy Doyle ’13, Meg Herr ’13, Lauren Dore ’13, Michelle Lozier ’13, Maureen Culligan ’13 and Stephanie Janus ’12.

Dan Lee ’06 married Kiki Ulick. Pictured are Class of 2006’s Mike Ditore, John Doyle, Tom Sargent, Mike Ryan, Kevin Duranty, Brandon Keag, Joseph Saraceno, Greg McNulty and Katie Bomher, plus Joe Horan ’07 and Bobby Lee ’08 .

Nora Masterson ’10 married Ryan Kalck.

SEPTEMBER

Brittany Bossard ’09 married Christopher Chang. In attendance were Brandon Bossard ’16, Kailyn Hmura ’09, Jessica Robbins ’09 and Deanna Williams ’09.

Bridget Cascio ’14 married Cameron Simak. The wedding party included Paige Cascio Cox ’10, Gianna Pascua ’14 and Daniella DeFalco ’14.

Colleen McGivney ’14 married Matt Bidali. Victoria Vasquez ’14 and Bob McGivney ’12 were in the wedding party. Alum in attendance included Megan O’Kane ’14, Alissa Rangel ’14 and Katelyn Cahill ’14

AJ Ryan ’11 wed Christiana Romano ’14. Pictured are Matthew Serafin ’13, Emily Ayala ’14, Ryan Leslie ’11, Gabrielle Romano ’09, Jack Ryan ’11, Anthony Baldassano ’11, Sarah Ryan Arnold ’09, Ryan Powers ’11, Daniel Clarke ’11, Robert Petrak ’11, Florence Ann Romano ’04 and Patrick Kelly ’11 .

OCTOBER

Sarah Bomher ’08 married Giovanni Giacone. Wedding party included Mary Pat Bomher Campbell ’97, Katie Bomher Genaze ’06, Rachel Bomher ’09, Francis Bomher ’99, Michael Bomher ’01, Gianna Urgo Jurisevic ’08, Gina DiMuzio Fratto ’08, Marissa Dellacroce Hilding ’08 and Julie Spidale Schiffler ’08

Tiffani Brescia ’13 wed Tommy Gray ’13 In attendance were Tiana Brescia ’12, Gabriella Gofis ’13, Michelle Lozier ’13, Francesca Citro ’14, Steve Gray ’06, Chris Gray ’09, Mike Gray ’11, Tyler Van Dahm ’13, Mike Straface ’13 and Nick Murphy ’13.

Sam Citro ’13 wed Natalie Spetter ’12 .

Ariana Galvan ’13 wed Dominic Pedota ’13. The wedding party included Class of 2013’s Aileen O’Carroll, Courtney Mocklow, Michael Smietana, Kyle Piotrowski and Eric Diaz, plus Nicole Pedota Steinhouse ’02, Frank Pedota ’01, Philip Pedota ’07 and Michael Saraceno ’10.

Cara Stewart ’13 married Eric LeCoure Jr. Naz alum in the wedding included Traci Jennings ’13, Gianna Milaro ’13, Yexenia Galindo Vasquez ’13 and Erin Stewart ’17.

Alysa Straub ’13 married Jared Matchette. Alexia Petrovic ’14, Sami Siepak ’13 and Ariana Gonzales ’13 were all bridesmaids.

Stephanie Suchy ’10 married Benjamin Williams. The bridal party included Katie Saladino ’11, Stephen Suchy ’15, Spencer Suchy ’17, Jen Milligan ’10, Stephanie Rokicki ’10 and Rebecca Lenz Rader ’10.

Kaitlyn Yarka ’14 married Andrew Pipik.

Sofia Yotis ’12 married Andrew Wilson.

Michael Stomberg ’13 married Jenni Rogers.

NOVEMBER

Nicholas Cozzi ’12 married Meredith Bailey. Sheila Burns Cozzi ’84 is mother-of-the-groom and the wedding party included Cullen Doyle ’12 .

Gabrielle Lesnicki ’15 married Pawel Bogdal.

Dan O’Connor ’98 married Lorena Bejarano Pineda in Cartagena, Columbia with several Naz alumni present including Dan Tzoumas ’98, Tania O’Connor ’94, Karen Iversen ’98, Chris Sagan ’98, Lacey Buidosik Hatfield ’98 and Ross Sciacca ’98

Births

MAY 2022

Jane Schiffler Sexton ’10 and husband Phil had their first baby, Luke Michael.

JULY

Louis Pruger ’02 and wife Caitlin welcomed their first child, Peyton.

SEPTEMBER

Stew Brase ’07 and wife Lauren welcomed baby boy #2, Lincoln Lewis.

Michelle Gajkowski Daniels ’07 welcomed baby #3, Michael Scott “Scottie,” to the family. Big sister Kate and brother CJ are thrilled.

Bridget Palmitier England ’12 and husband Patrick welcomed twins Elizabeth and Joseph to start their new family.

Anna Moskos Marske ’10 and Adam Marske ’10 welcomed their first baby, Lucy Marie.

Peter Zavagnin ’05 and wife Rhana welcomed baby boy, Miles Mark. Big sister Cami is thrilled.

DECEMBER

Amber Alonzo Saraceno ’02 and John Saraceno ’02 were excited to introduce Francesca Elizabeth.

JANUARY 2023

DECEMBER

Maura Johnson ’11 married Patrick Foley surrounded by alumni including Jorie Johnson ’06, Dana Hillsman

Ryan ’11, Kayleigh

Ryan Kelly ’11, Danielle Scaletta

Krull ’11, Julie

Maline ’11, Anna

Tassi ’11, Kevin Johnson ’08, Brian Duranty ’11, Grant Ellington ’11, Margaret Lewis Griedl ’09 and Mary Lewis Harrington ’10

JANUARY 2023

Molly Gros ’14 married Garrett Nekic. Billy Gros ’06 was part of the wedding party.

Sarah Furjanic Peterson ’08 and husband Valerian welcomed baby girl Violet Rosemary to join her big brother.

Matthew Schiffler ’05 and Julie Spidale Schiffler ’08 welcomed Olivia Jane who joins big brother Jimmy.

OCTOBER

Emily Hajduk Matthews ’03 and husband Ian welcomed Elle Clare, who joined big brother Owen.

Ryan Molek ’02 and wife Maggie welcomed their first baby, Blakely Lynn.

NOVEMBER

Chris Kwak ’00 and his wife Michela, welcomed their second daughter, Sienna Teresa.

Rachel Janus Donnelly ’07 and husband Nick welcomed their first baby, Jack Shawn. Meagan Gallagher ’99 and husband David Coutant welcomed their first baby, Olive Lynn.

Jordan Maloney Yacinich ’12 and husband Jake welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Michael Patrick, to join sister Ellie.

FEBRUARY

Anthony Baldasanno ’11 and wife Ashley welcomed their first baby, Anthony Thomas.

Alyssa Hudik Evans ’12 and husband

Jake welcomed their first baby, Isla Marie.

Kate Vondrak Scheck ’12 and husband Ryan welcomed their first baby, Rhett James. Mary Rita Soldat Thunander ’06 and John Thunander ’06 welcomed their first baby, Amelia (Millie) Maureen.

In Memoriam

Joseph Abruzzo, father of Christine Abruzzo Sebranek ’86 and John Abruzzo ’89

Mark S. Arnashus ’83

Laura King Baines ’58

Gina Battaglia, sister of Lucy Battaglia Robles ’19 and Sarah Battaglia ’22

Kay Berger, mother of Jeanne Berger Witz ’87 and Anne Berger Deis ’92

Carol Bianco, mother of Missie Ward Ferraro ’87

Donna Schmutzler Billie ’83

Joanne LaFlaur Brieske ’48, sister of Sr. Rosie LaFlaur ’51 and the late Margie LaFlaur ’55

Mary Callaghan (former staff), mother of Patrick Callaghan ’10 and Katie Callaghan ’11

Nancy Cihlar, mother of Debbie Cihlar Trznadel ’86; grandmother of Jessica Trznadel ’11, Hayley Trznadel ’15 and Nicole Trznadel ’19

Bill Dionesotes, father of Linda Dionesotes Lalley ’70, Marcia Dionesotes Payne ’71, Rebecca Dionesotes Fasse ’72, Pamela Dionesotes Thompson ’74 and Elaine Dionesotes Skoglund ’79

Judy D’Isa, mother of Kathleen D’Isa ’87 and Maureen D’Isa Carlson ’89

Rosemary Fanta, mother of Liz Fanta Torrisi ’88 and Catherine Fanta Stich ’92

Gennaro Finizio, husband of Sally Enright Finizio ’73

Rita “Molly” Alexa Flowers ’61, mother of the late Edward ’81, Jim ’82 (Sandy Falco Flowers ’85) and Tom ’83; grandmother of Marissa Flowers ’08, Trent Mitchell ’13, Mackenzie Mitchell Klein ’14, Madison Flowers ’17 and Alexa Flowers ’26

Dave Gawel, father of Brooke Gawel ’17

September 2022 - March 2023

Flavio Gentile, brother of Michelle Gentile Bucaro ’86, Marsha Gentile Racki ’87 and brother-in-law of Tim Racki (current staff)

Joyce Balek Gentile ’52, mother of Patricia Gentile Fitzgerald ’73; grandmother of Jimmy Fitzgerald ’08

Virginia (Ginny) Cerutti Glover ’57

Phil Hiestand, father of Mike Hiestand ’86 and Phil Hiestand ’87

Bonnie Horn ’65

Ryan Keeler, brother of Matthew Keeler ’19

Patricia Kirk ’71

Rita Grill Kramer ’59

Patricia Gorman Krueger ’58

Doris Kunkel, mother of Marianne Kunkel Frederick ’83

Bill Lapacek, father of Jennifer Lapacek Smith ’87, Bill Lapacek ’89 and Jacob Lapacek ’00

Ryan Letcher ’03, brother of Liz Letcher Marsh ’05, Adam Letcher ’07, Matthew Letcher ’09, Justin Letcher ’11 and Becca Letcher ’15

Joe Mankiewicz ’96, brother of Erin Mankiewicz McLaughlin ’98 and Max Mankiewicz ’04

Faylene Peters McDowell ’48, grandmother of Nick Hanna ’04 and Joe Hanna ’06 Mary Mugg, mother of Rita Mugg Riedler ’82, Bill Mugg ’83 and Mary Mugg Seely ’85

Patrick Myers, father of Amanda Myers ’21 and Megan Myers ’23

Tim O’Connell, father of Kathleen

O’Connell Kirley ’75 and Maureen

O’Connell Schroeder ’89

Irene O’Connor ’44, sister of the late Eleanor O’Connor ’43

Arlene Slota Olson ’52

Barbara Ann Olszewski, mother of Laura Olszewski Giebel ’88

Mario Ortiz, father of Andrew Ortiz ’20

Kathleen Peters ’66

Sandra Sotka Polis ’58, mother of Mary Polis Christensen ’80, Patricia Polis Polakowski ’82 and the late Tom Polis ’82

Ronald Prankus, father of Becky Prankus White ’08

Irene Rich Przeklasa ’60, grandmother of Julia Olander ’20 and Teddy Olander ’20

Joyce Rabas ’88, sister of Jerry Rabas ’90 and the late Julie Rabas ’92

Anne Stella Randell ’46

Sally Rafferty Rolfe ’51

Ron Rossi, father of Erin Rossi ’08

Mary Kim Schuler Rudman ’80

Mickey Ryan, father of Beth Ryan Wangelin ’92 and Allison Ryan ’93

Diane Shea-Trevino ’67

Sr. Rita Stalzer, CSJ ’42

Jay Steinbach ’90, brother of Jonathan Steinbach ’93

Louise Stella ’44

Betsy Stiles, mother of Mark Shields ’94, Jeff Shields ’96 (Maria Martin Shields ’99) and Colleen Stiles-Shields ’03

Nancy Patricia Ziegler Sundal ’61

James Thompson, father of Jill Thompson ’84 and Steve Thompson ’87 (Debbie Francis Thompson ’90)

Patricia Collins Walker ’57

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

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

Naz By the Numbers

$435,000+ raised at NazBash 2023 in direct support of Nazareth students. THANK YOU!

3rd Place

8

U.S. History Honors History Day documentaries qualified for Chicago Metro History Day

30 guests

80 57 units 170+ lives

Our Christmas Giving Drive partners included St. Cletus Giving Tree Marillac St. Vincent and Caring Place for Kids in La Grange

(73 tags) (17 children & families)

100 volunteers

and over enjoyed a magical night with the return of FISH Prom for Teens with Disabilities

overall and Best Percussion at the 2023 State of the Arts Competition for the Naz Band appointments were scheduled at The Peer Tutoring Center in the First Semester and it was wonderful to see the Pillars of Scholarship and Service in action every day!

1st time

Naz officially offered Bowling as a Winter Sport. Congrats to both the boys and girls teams on a successful debut

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5 student-artists had their artwork recognized with Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, the country’s longest-running and most prestigious competition

7th Place

in State is a best finish for a male Naz Diver. Congratulations Cooper Kosanovich ’25

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2 new scholars from the Class of 2023 continue the Chick Evans legacy

(100s of new toys) qualified donors generously donated during the NHS Blood Drive. Nazareth donated of blood. That’s that can be saved!

juniors and seniors were chosen for the 5th annual Young Community Changemakers program, designed to educate and empower local youth to become the next generation of philanthropists

Blueprint

SPRING 2023

NAZARETH ACADEMY

1209 W. Ogden Avenue

La Grange Park, Illinois 60526

www.nazarethacademy.com

THANK

Dr. Michelle Alexandre ’88 Physician & Medical Director

Lauren Anderson Bradley ’02 Global Customer Experience Director, Dober

Tony Calles ’15 Field Engineer, Turner Construction

Andrea Campos ’08 Creative Storyteller, Visual Artist, Illustrator

Gina Delgado ’10 Occupational Therapist, Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Citlaly Gonzalez ’02 Clinical Psychologist, Easterseals

Dr. Victoria Hansen ’00 Superintendent, Bellwood School District 88

Kevin Jackson ’15 Senior Investment Associate, Northern Trust Corporation

Alena Murguia ’89 Communications Manager, Nazareth Academy

Erika Davis Owen ’04 Director of Leadership Programs, Leadership Greater Chicago

Roberto Paniagua ’07 Healthcare at Google, Nonprofit Board Member, ERG Leader

Michael Queroz ’10 Senior Vice President of Digital, Public Communications Inc.

Jocelyn Rios ’13 Outreach Coordinator, Fair Housing Advocate

Kiley Roache ’14 Content Strategist, Author, Journalist

Dante Royster ’98 Mortgage Broker

Shannon Swilley ’95 Associate Principal, Homewood-Flossmoor High School

Angela Terry ’90 Author

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.

“We were proud and thrilled to welcome so many diverse voices to Career Day. The success of our alumni in their professional lives is a point of pride for all of us. The opportunity to show our current students so many career paths and provide a way for multiple generations to connect was incredibly rewarding.”

–President Deborah Tracy