learning. The the independently.
Montessori are children. classroom redirection, encouragement of paramount to at their and subject areas.
Montessori children from 3
For over 35 years, WSMS has provided an authentic AMI accredited Montessori education in Oak Park.
We offer half day, extended day, and full day programs for children ages 3 to 12.
Join us for a tour and ignite your child’s curiosity for learning.
RSVP today at www.wsms.org/tour
1039 S. East Ave., Oak Park, Illinois | 708.848.2662
(Austin), or 6:30p.m.
Monday Catherine-St. The only willingness ability to check. orientation 6:30p.m. Church Park 6:30p.m. Church Park application at https://learningedgetutoring.org/enroll/. If contact Kara kara@learningedgetutoring.org or
Please join us for one of our upcoming in-person orientation events:
September 14th, 2023, 6:30p.m. First United Church 848 Lake Street, Oak Park
September 18th, 2023, 6:30p.m. Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church 744 Fair Oaks, Oak Park
You can submit a volunteer application at learningedgetutoring.org/enroll/. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Kalnitz at kara@learningedgetutoring.org or 773-378-5530 for more information.
West Suburban Montessori School has been providing an exceptional Montessori education in Oak Park for over 35 years. We value kindness, hard work, and the spark or enthusiasm required for real learning to take place. The children who attend WSMS are on a path toward independence. Our graduates are confident, strong minded, outside of the box thinkers. They are kind, respectful, and curious.
West Suburban Montessori School embodies the educational principles established by Dr. Maria Montessori (18701952), an Italian physician who dedicated her career to the study of children. Following Dr. Montessori’s guidance, we focus on the whole child at WSMS, including the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual development of the child.
• Montessori environments have mixed ages: Primary (ages 3-6), Lower Elementary (ages 6-9), and Upper Elementary (ages 9-12)
• Children actively engage in their learning. The guide gives lessons to the student, and the student continues the work independently.
• Hands on learning happens in Montessori environments. The Montessori materials are made to be touched and manipulated.
• Montessori students have freedom of movement. Movement is vital for all children.
• An AMI credentialed guide in each classroom is key. Montessori guides focus on redirection, honest conversation, and encouragement of their students.
• Uninterrupted work cycles are paramount to Montessori classrooms. Students work at their own pace, learn to concentrate deeply, and develop interests in a full range of subject areas.
West Suburban Montessori School is accredited by the Association Montessori International (AMI) to educate children from 3 to 12 years of age.
For over 30 years, Learning Edge Tutoring has been providing tutoring to students who come from the Austin neighborhood. Our mission is to contribute to the lives of Chicago-area students through free one-to-one tutoring and academic enrichment opportunities enhanced by caring, mentoring relationships. We strive to help our students improve their foundational reading and math skills, provide homework help, and foster enduring relationships. We are currently recruiting new volunteers who are interested in becoming a tutor. Tutors are assigned to work with the same student for 30 weeks throughout the school year. They attend tutoring one night per week on either
a Monday (Oak Park), Tuesday (Austin), or Thursday (Oak Park) evening from 6:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. or participate in our Monday after-school program at St. Catherine-St. Lucy School (3:15p.m. to 4:15p.m.). The only requirements to volunteer are a willingness to help a young person and the ability to pass a criminal background check. Please join us for one of our upcoming in-person orientation events:
September 14th, 2023, 6:30p.m. First United Church 848 Lake Street, Oak Park September 18th, 2023, 6:30p.m. Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church 744 Fair Oaks Ave., Oak Park
You can submit a volunteer application at https://learningedgetutoring.org/enroll/. If you have any questions, please contact Kara Kalnitz at kara@learningedgetutoring.org or 773-378-5530 for more information
Our school can be best described as a ‘Homeschool in School’ style program. We have a full dynamic Spanish Immersion curriculum and are listed by MENSA as a recommended program for gifted students.
We are a small school with only 30 students total between Preschool and 8th grade. What sets us apart?
- Fluency in Spanish Achieved within one year during Preschool years, or within two years during Elementary School years. The Spanish language is spoken throughout as the target immersion language. Academic classes are
Current subjects, but not limited to, are:
• Penmanship
• Reading/writing
• Math
• Science
• Geography/history
• Logic/coding
• Theater (improv, superhero stage combat, musical theatre)
• Martial arts
all taught in English and/or Spanish and English. If weather permits, many of our academic classes are done outdoors.
- Student to teacher ratio: some classes are one on one, two to one, with a maximum of six students to one instructor.
- Daily schedule is customized and flexible.
- Professional and passionate instructors.
- Guest tutors with real life experience.
- No test to enter, no traditional testing.
- Students paired by interest, in mixed age setting.
- Weekly reports sent to parents.
• Art (including painting, clay art, comic book art and more)
• Music (Rock band, intro to most instrument, harmony, chorus)
• Social emotional discussions/Life skills
• Spanish immersion spoken through out the day and taught in lesson format. Russian immersion taught in lesson format.
Sponsored Content
• Intro to Foreign languages (Hebrew, Italian, chinese, japanese, korean, etc.)
• Physical education: Archery/Ice Skating/ Soccer, and more.
• Chess and board games.
• Architectural design
For over 110 years, Ascension has provided an excellent Catholic education in the spirit of love, kindness, respect, and inclusion. The strength and support of our Ascension community is notably present in the students’ academic, social, and spiritual education. Our goal is to create a positive atmosphere where students can grow in a safe, challenging and faith-filled learning environment.
With an average student to teacher ratio of 13:1, our faculty recognizes the individuality of each child’s development and has the opportunity to work with our students one on one to help them achieve their academic goals. Our students experience a well-rounded, Catholic education that enriches their minds, bodies and souls.
This year Ascension is one of only 15 Chicago schools entering its second year school partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry. Beginning in
preschool, every classroom has access to iPads, chrome books and students are exposed to comprehensive STEM opportunities throughout the year.
We offer both full and half-day programs for our preschool children. Our preschooler’s day focuses on independent learning, socialization, reading readiness and literacy skills, fine motor and gross motor development. Ascension School also has an Extended Day Program which offers before school and after school care for our preschool to grade 8 students.
Ascension provides outstanding fine and performing arts programs, extracurricular athletic programs and a number of clubs that promote teamwork, community and inclusion.
Learn about what Ascension School can offer your child with a private tour at school.ascensionoakpark.com
Forest Park School District 91 is abuzz with excitement as the start of the new academic year approaches. With the first day of school on August 21st, just around the corner, educators and leaders are eagerly anticipating the beginning of a thrilling journey filled with growth, learning, and exploration.
This year, Forest Park School District 91 is proud to introduce several exciting new programs aimed at enriching the educational experience of its students. Among the highlights is the much-anticipated STEAM program, set to engage students from 3rd to 8th grade. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics will come alive in hands-on and innovative ways, sparking a passion for critical thinking and problemsolving across various disciplines. The district is committed to equipping
its students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Superintendent Alvarez, school board members, local officials, community members, parents, and staff will gather for the ribbon-cutting event to celebrate this significant milestone scheduled to take place at 5:30 pm on August 23rd. They will express their gratitude to the community for its support in making this innovative project a reality and highlight the importance of STEM education in shaping the future.These labs will serve as hubs for innovative projects and experiments, engaging students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The district aims to create an immersive and dynamic learning environment that nurtures creativity and curiosity.
Forest Park School District 91 is
also eagerly welcoming its new staff members, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the district. Alongside them, the district is excited to have its dedicated returning staff members back, ready to nurture students’ growth and guide them on their educational journey. The commitment of the staff to the well-being and development of their students is a driving force behind the district’s success.
To ensure a smooth start to the academic year, all families are encouraged to complete the registration process as soon as possible. Visit fpsd91.org to get started today. This helps schools adequately prepare for the arrival of students and ensures a seamless transition into the new school year. The administration is actively working to streamline the registration
process, providing online support and resources for parents to access easily. If you have questions email register@ fpsd91.org.
Adding to the excitement, Forest Park School District 91 is organizing a Back-to-School Picnic at the park district on August 15th, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Families can look forward to a fun-filled evening with a range of activities, fostering a strong sense of community among students, families, and staff. The event will also offer valuable resources and support for families during the registration process, including assistance with online registration.
As the first day of school draws near, the entire community stands united, and ready to embark on this educational adventure together.
District 90 students will begin the 2023-24 school year on August 24, which also starts the District’s full-day Kindergarten program. Five current District 90 teachers -- Tammy Brenneman, Amy Driscoll, Barb Garvey, Kathryn Stasys, and Lori Suzuki -- worked throughout the end of the prior school year and during the summer to transform the kindergarten program.
With nearly 50 years of experience teaching kindergarten, the teachers expect the beginning of the school year will focus on helping young learners acclimate to a full-day program, build their stamina for learning, and adhere to classroom and school routines. “There’ll be more time for everything that happens in school –more time for cooperative learning and developing friendships,” said Amy Driscoll. Lori Suzuki added, “There’ll be more time to devote to both academic and socialemotional learning development.”
All five teachers expressed a common goal regarding their students. They strive to instill a love of learning in each student. Tammy Brenneman said it’s simply magical watching kindergarten students become independent learners. “Kindergarteners go from not knowing letters to reading books, from not knowing numbers to adding and subtracting,” Barb Garvey added. Further, it’s such a joy to see their delight as they learn new things, said Kathryn Stasys.
This transition to a full-day kindergarten program reflects District 90’s commitment to equity, social-emotional learning, incorporating teacher-facilitated, playbased instruction, and adequate time for student interventions and support during the school day. A full-day kindergarten program ensures that District 90 provides a strong academic foundation for all students.
Welcome back to school!
The Day Nursery welcomed Charles when he was 3 years old, he spent most of his young life at home with his family during the pandemic, like so many other children. He joined his teacher and new friends with a lot of distrust of grown-ups from past trauma, and was very shy with other children. His challenges with being in a new place and selfregulation interfered with his ability to learn his letters and numbers, and grow socially and emotionally from a toddler to a preschooler. As an accredited and Gold Circle rated program, The Day Nursery is one of the only year-long, full-day programs that provides working families affordable and top-rated early childhood education. Our teachers build curriculum based on the IL Early Learning
A Tradition of Excellence and Equity
A Tradition of Excellence and Equity
Full-Day Kindergarten
Standards, assesses progress, and engages with parents to practice skills at home. We are committed to each child’s educational path, that ensures they are kindergarten ready. The Day Nursery builds an equitable foundation for a successful future - for all children.
Charles practices his numbers, letters, and is an amazing artist!
The Day Nursery worked with his mother, a single mom of two, to find resources for the family and empowered them to actively stay involved with Charles’ learning process. The Day Nursery’s mission is to provide exceptional early childhood education in an environment that welcomes all children, enhances individual strengths and fosters the academic, socialemotional and physical development that leads to school readiness.
95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success.
Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Full-Day Kindergarten
82% of Faculty/Instructors with Masters Degrees or Higher
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Inclusion Preschool
82% of Faculty/Instructors with Masters Degrees or Higher
Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc.
Full-Day Kindergarten
Inclusion Preschool
Evidence-Based Curriculum
Many Extracurricular Activities
Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc.
After-School Program with West Cook YMCA
Many Extracurricular Activities
82% of Faculty/Instructors with Masters Degrees or Higher
Inclusion Preschool
After-School Program with West Cook YMCA
Art, Music, Library, STEM, etc.
The 2023-24 School Year
Starts August 24, 2023
Many Extracurricular Activities
The 2023-24 School Year
After-School Program with West Cook YMCA
www.district90.org // 708-771-8282
Starts August 24, 2023
www.district90.org // 708-771-8282
The 2023-24 School Year
Starts August 24, 2023
www.district90.org // 708-771-8282
95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success.
95%
Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.
Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.
Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success.
95% of Day Nursery children transition into Kindergarten with the skills for school success.
Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.
Since 1912, we've been providing quality early childhood care and education for children of working families.
Service for the common good is a longstanding value of Concordia University Chicago—giving back to the community is an important part of who we are.
One way we seek to live out that principle is by providing employees of local businesses with discounted access to our nationally recognized online degrees as well as customized
professional development opportunities. Employees who feel invested in are more likely to stay and contribute better to their organization. When you or your staff members are looking for more enrichment, take the next step by enrolling at ConcordiaChicago.
Employees of local businesses within 10 miles of Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL, receive a 10% tuition discount on any of our online accelerated bachelor’s degrees (ADP), master’s degrees, doctoral degrees or professional certificates. Take advantage of this opportunity to build your own expertise or that of your workforce, which can lead to better employee retention and overall staff satisfaction.
The University’s faculty comprises experts in a wide variety of subject areas relevant to both small and large businesses. Meet with our team to tailor a custom workshop or training to meet your organization’s specific needs.
Contact Kathryn Wozniak, Associate
Employees of businesses within 10 miles of Concordia-Chicago are eligible to receive a 10% tuition discount on our online bachelor’s, graduate and certificate programs.
We also offer customized training workshops for businesses.
Terra Incognito is a community of potters ranging from novices to artists-in-residence and has been part of the Oak Park community for over forty years. Numerous national ceramic artists started at Terra. The legacy of our studio is something they take great pride in, continuing with current and future potters.
One advantage of joining the community at Terra Incognito is that working with clay can be a type of meditation, some people even use it as a form of therapy. When creating, people can experience mindfulness or a mini vacation from the world. Calming one’s mind and body from current happenings and circumstances, being conscious of the present and worrying about nothing else. The community at Terra is strong and flourishes because members say they feel a sense of peace and get a much-needed break from the chaos of life at the studio.
Terra Incognito has classes for everyone’s schedule and ability from beginners up to professional artists. Evening classes are offered MondayThursday, morning classes are on Tuesday and Friday. Classes run for 8 weeks, 3 hours per class, and are open to any skill level. Students are taught throwing on the wheel, glazing techniques etc. The experienced teachers at Terra make sure to work with each person individually to help bring out each student’s potential.
The Taste of Elmwood Park is returning this week. Experience the best of Elmwood Park at the family-friendly event, Aug. 1013, in Central Park at the corner of Fullerton and 75th Avenues. The festival has it all – beer, wine, arts and crafts, rides, games and, of course, plenty of food from some of Elmwood Park’s finest restaurants. All together and you know why it’s been an unmissable event for over 30 years.
“The Taste of Elmwood Park is an iconic summer festival, and we are happy to welcome people from all over the Chicago region to celebrate all of the delicious food that our village has to offer,” said Lauren Gruber, Elmwood Park special events coordinator.
Providing all that delicious food are 23 different restaurants and vendors, includ-
ing several from Elmwood Park’s famous Restaurant Row along North Avenue. Come hungry and grab a slice of pizza from Armand’s then head over to the Café Cubano booth for an authentic Cuban sandwich. Don’t forget to top it all off with some of Grecian Kitchen’s loukoumades, Greek donut holes garnished with chopped walnuts, drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. If you’re looking for an insider tip, pair the loukoumades with a side of gelato from Massa Café Italiano, another of the festival’s exciting food vendors. It’s a Mediterranean fusion treat you don’t want to miss.
It’s not just about the food though. There will be live music throughout the festival, so attendees can dance the days and nights away in between all of the good food Elmwood Park restaurants offer. The performing acts play a wide variety of tunes across decades and musical genres, from classic rock and ‘70s disco to soul, country western and swing – something for everyone
to groove out to. Over at the Taste Lounge, the festival’s premium cocktail bar sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, local dj’s will be spinning records, so the dance party never has to stop. Stop by the lounge throughout the four-day festival.
Dancing isn’t the only way to get blood pumping during the festival. Roll into a fun, food and fitness-filled good time with the Taste of Elmwood Park’s bocce tournament, which starts at 5 p.m., Aug. 10. Take part in “Fitness at the Festival” to jumpstart the body, mind and fun. Join the owners of ReNew Studio at 11:30 a.m., Saturday morning, for a full-body and high-energy workout. Tennis shoes are a must. Don’t forget your yoga mat Sunday morning! Head over to the festival for mats and mimosas, a blend of yoga and barre exercises, with the Barre Studio at 9:30 a.m., Sunday morning.
Of course, no Taste of Elmwood Park festival is complete without its now annual meatball eating contest. The meat-
ball consumption competition made its festival debut last year, with ESPN 1000’s Carmen DeFalco serving in the venerable role of contest host. The contest was an instant success as 12 randomly selected contestants scarfed down meatballs from Rosebud Restaurants, vying for first, second and third place prizes. This year, one of those contestants might just be you, so save some space in your stomach at 4 p.m., Saturday, in case you are the one to go down in history as the meatball eating champion.
Participating restaurants and vendors:
75th Avenue Market featuring Sergio’s Seafood
Armand’s Pizzeria
Café Cubano
Caputo’s Fresh Markets
Caruso’s
Circle Tavern
Donny G’s Elmcrest Banquets
Fit to be Fried
Grecian Kitchen
Gringo & Blondie Taqueria
Jimmy’s Red Hots
Johnnie’s Italian Beef
Maria’s Mexican Restaurant
Massa Café Italiano
New Star
Rosebud Restaurants
Russell’s Barbecue
Spizzico Pizza & Pasta
Strawberry Slushies
Top Butcher
Tri Café
Union Tap
Sponsored by: Wintrust Bank Chicago
Metro Paramedic Services Inc.
Power Parking
Pan American Bank & Trust
Harlem Irving Plaza
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
George Gullo Development Corporation
H&H Electric Company
Bath Planet of Chicagoland
Laborers’ International Union of North America
Storino, Ramello & Durkin Attorneys at Law
Allstate
Provant Insurance
Christopher B. Burke Engineering Ltd.
D&P Construction Co. Inc.
Jim and Pete’s Italian Standard Fencing Company
First Security Trust & Savings Bank
Byline Bank
Lakeshore Recycling Systems
Utility Dynamics Corp.
John Neri Construction
Calumet City Plumbing
Westway Coach
In August 2022, the Village of Oak Park adopted Climate Ready Oak Park, a comprehensive and long-range plan meant to address the global climate crisis.
Among the commitments embraced were a pledge to decrease communitywide greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, to achieve community-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to establish 30% of Oak Park’s land as green infrastructure or enhanced park management.
On June 20, the Oak Park Village Board voted to approve an electrification ordinance, following the recommendations of
the Environment and Energy Commission and the Building Code Advisory Commission, which makes all-electric new construction part of the building code.
With this change, Oak Park becomes the first town in the Midwest to ban fossil fuels in new residential and commercial buildings.
The ordinance takes effect in January 2024 and was one of the steps identified as needed to help the village achieve the goal of having net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050.
Marcella Bondie Keenan, Oak Park’s chief sustainability officer, says that instead of using natural gas for stoves or heating, anything that would require gas will now be required to be all-electric in both new homes and in commercial construction.
At this point, she says that the ordinance only covers new construction and
not renovations to existing homes, but she states that it is possible that the village will eventually require that gas-fueled appliances and mechanicals be swapped out with electric in older buildings undergoing major renovations.
Another part of achieving the goal of increasing Oak Park’s green infrastructure is a goal of having 30% of plantings to be native plants.
“In addition to being in a climate change emergency, we’re also in a biodiversity emergency,” Bondie Keenan said.
Most of the green space in Oak Park is owned privately or by the Park District of Oak Park. The parkways, which are public property located between the sidewalk and the curb of the streets, are the primary opportunity for the village to reach its biodiversity goal by 2030.
On Aug. 1, the Oak Park Environment
and Energy Commission considered draft language that would amend village code to allow residents to plant on the parkways throughout the village and to promote the placement of native and pollinator plants in the parkway. The commission had several questions for village staf f, so the vote was tabled until village staf f could provide more infor mation.
As the draft language is finalized and before the issue goes to the village board, residents can weigh in by responding to an online survey at engageoakpark.com/ parkway-planting-ordinance.
While the language of the proposed ordinance was not available as of press time, the FAQs accompanying the survey lay out a few parameters of the plan.
The planting of “designated exotic weeds” or “noxious weeds” will not be permitted. The homeowners adjacent to the parkway will be responsible for the upkeep of the plantings in the parkway. Plantings near intersections will not be permitted to exceed 30 inches in height, and in other areas, the height should not exceed 36 inches.
See CLIMATE on pa ge B15
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
Now safely moving new residents to our small, wooded campus.
A safe & smart choice.
A safe & smart choice.
A safe & smart choice.
Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.
Choosing a community you can trust has never been more important.
Choosing a community you can trust has never been more difficult.
Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.
Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.
Our community has an impeccable record of safety during the COVID-19 crisis and we will stop at nothing to make sure it continues.
We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
We would be honored for your family to be part of ours.
Immediate availability in our Memory Care Assisted Living Small House
from page B13
The village would be permitted to disturb the plantings for any necessary utility or other work and, except in cases of emergency, will attempt to notify the homeowners adjacent to the parkway of the planned work two weeks in advance.
Bondie Keenan says that at this time, the ordinance will give homeowners permission to plant in the parkways but will not require replacing turf with plantings.
“Even urban areas can have an impact,” Bondie Keenan said. “This opens up all that parkway land, which is mostly turf.”
Details are still being worked out and responses to the community survey will be considered in determining what percentage of plantings should be native plantings and what kind of educational materials will be provided to the
community.
Looking ahead, Bondie Keenan says that the village is considering other initiatives to help meet its climate goals. The Oak Park Environment and Energy Commission is beginning to discuss night-sky pollution and rates for trash, recycling and composting that might encourage more residents to compost.
“These conversations are just starting,” Bondie Keenan said.
“In addition to being in a climate change emergenc y, we’re also in a biodiversity emergenc y.”
MARCELLA BONDIE KEENAN
Oak Park chief sustainability coordinator
The road to a spot on the University of Illinois football team has been unique for Joep Engbers, a recent graduate of Fenwick High School.
Engbers was born in Singapore, but his parents are from the Netherlands, where he grew up and has citizenship. He then moved to Indonesia, then Papua New Guinea.
After moving to the Netherlands so his parents could marry, Engbers came with his family, which includes three sisters, to the United States, settling in Pennsylvania for two years. After a short return to Indonesia, they came back to the U.S. to stay.
The family moved to Waco, Texas, in time for Engbers’ high school freshman year. It was at Bosqueville High School that he got introduced to American football. Engbers immediately fell in love with the sport and decided it was something he wanted to pursue.
“I made varsity my freshman year,” said Engbers, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound lineman. “My mother told the coach I wouldn’t play varsity. It took about three weeks to convince her to let me play. I missed one game and eventually started that season.”
But Engbers wanted to improve his game in order to attract collegiate offers, and after his sophomore season at Bosqueville, he transfer red to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. There he faced top-quality competition that helped to hone his skills.
While at IMG, Engbers and his parents made another life-changing move
“When I was at IMG, my parents were still in Texas when my dad got a job offer in the Chicago area,” he said. “They were ready to leave Texas, and we moved to Oak Park. They told me about Fenwick, and I thought it was a good school.”
After talking with Fenwick player Mirko Jaksic (a University of Dayton signee) and meeting with head coach Matt Battaglia, Engbers opted to join the Friars for his senior season.
He made all-conference in the Chicago Catholic League/ East Suburban Catholic Conference and was named the White Division Lineman of the Year. He also got honorable mentions on the Chicago Sun-Times All-Area Team and the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 5A All-State Team.
Moreover, Engbers did great in the classroom, meriting honors for both the CCL/ESCC White Division and IHSFCA Class 5A All-Academic teams.
“I bonded with the team and never looked back,” he said. “It was an adjustment being a Catholic school, and I had to catch up on my theolo gy courses. But I loved [Fenwick]; it was like a family.”
“I’m really grateful I had the opportunity to coach Joep,” said Battaglia after the season on Twitter. “As good of a football player he is, he’s an even better person and teammate. Wherever Joep goes, I know he’s going to dominate on and of f the field and be a great representative of what Fenwick High School and Friar football are all about.”
Engbers, who played in the U.S. Ar my All-American Bowl in Frisco, Texas, after the season, received several NCAA Division I offers, including from Ball State, Brown,
Dartmouth, East Carolina and Kent State. But he opted to become a preferred walk-on player at Illinois, because he had more than football in mind.
“I can see myself growing at Illinois,” said Engbers. “I talked with [defensive line] coach [Terrance] Jamison, and he said there was a chance of earning an eventual scholarship. Also, academics is a big thing. I’m going into business, and Illinois is such a great business school. It was a no-brainer and being close to home and my family being able to come here is a plus.”
Last year, Engbers initially started exclusively on offense, but became a two-way star by the end of the Friars’ season. He’s working as a defensive tackle as Illinois started fall camp Aug. 3, and he knows he’ll need to continue to put in the work in order to eventually make a contribution to the Fighting Illini.
“I need to buy into the program, take everything to heart and be coachable,” Engbers said. “I need to look at film and study plays and be the most physical person on the field and not let up.”
Engbers already has a supporter on the team in wide receiver Eian Pugh, a member of Fenwick’s 2021 IHSA Class 5A state championship team.
“There’s one locker between his and mine,” he said. “We see each other daily, and we’ve talked about our experiences at Fenwick.”