MATTERS MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

MARIANMattersA NEWSLETTER FOR MARIAN CATHOLIC ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS. . . BECAUSE MARIAN CATHOLIC REALLY DOES MATTERS P R I N G 2 0 0 4FORENSICS CONTINUES BRILLIANT STRIDESSophomores Nicole and Samantha Padulaare 2 of the 16 students who qualify forcompetition in Boston this Spring.Marian Catholic Forensic students havea foot in two worlds, competing in twoseparate leagues. Despite the pressure, theadvantages are tremendous. The ChicagoCatholic League leads to nationalcompetition; the Public School Invitationaland IHSA state have different events andrules that test student ability in the Stateof Illinois. MCHS ascended in both leagues.Undefeated in the Catholic League, MCHSswept all three novice tournaments withgainful margins and also mastered top scoresin the three Varsity qualifiers. The schoolsin this League are primarily intenselycompetitive private schools—although a fewnon-parochial schools do enter.In the Catholic League, sixteen studentsqualify for competition in Boston this spring.That number is amazing on a nationallevel—and in some categories, all of theentries are unstoppable. Champions includeSean Becker, Jean Phillip Brignol, AndyDeKruiff, Amy Dettmann, Larry Hickey,Joe Kasper, Alex Kuehr, Jim McGuire,Jon Mercado, Catherine Mitros, Matt Nix,Nicole Padula, Samantha Padula, JaimeSmith, Elaine Wilson and Nick Wilson.According to Forensics moderator TomSweeney, “The students learned how torecognize their own speaking habits,discovered their talent potentials andactualized them. Each of these studentslearned about standards, fairness, andharnessed the most difficult of resources—motivation to continue excellence when yousucceed,” Sweeney noted. “In this League,there are six events and we can send threestudents in each category. Basically, there areoral interpretation events, limited prepevents, and public address. Students learnhow to master performance skills, find andcompile evidence for argumentation, andtranslate the words of authors intoperformances that move audiences to thinkprofoundly about a subject or to share withthe reader compassionately to understandgreat selections from literary genre. It’s allvery competitive and fun. More importantly,it absolutely encourages students to examinetheir role as future, responsible leaders.”There is no doubt that prestigiousuniversities seek out students who areexperienced in the dual worlds of academicsand forensic competition. Continued on page 9PHONATHON RINGS SUCCESSFULFor seven evenings, over 200 students, current parents and alumni parents manned a temporarybank of phones in the library. Their goal was a chance to speak with alumni, current parents andalumni parents to fill them in on what’s going on at Marian Catholic and to extend an invitationto participate in this year’s Annual Fund. If you spoke with one of these many volunteers youprobably sensed the fun they were having during this important part of Marian’s fund-raisingto reach their goal of $72,500.This year’s Phonathon was spearheaded by veteran co-chairs Sue and Joe Beaudry ’67, ’67,Sue Dawson and Nancy Hathhorn, under the watchful eye of alumni parent and Phonathoncoordinator, Peg Massucci. With the ever present encouragement of Sister Mary Paul, down Parent callers, Herby Weathers, Jr. and Chris Hutterin the trenches were the callers. The first three nights were in making phone calls at this year’s Phonathon.the hands of the students as they called across the country toalumni. Volunteer parents placed calls on the final four nights, speaking with many current parents andalumni parents. A big thank you goes to all who spoke with us; and an even bigger thank you to those whomade a pledge—pledges surpassed $61,000. We’re confident that pledge payments and future decisions toinvest will surpass our goal.Bob McAvoy ’98 helps hand outraffle tickets and encouragestudent callers duringthis year’s Phonathon.Some people ask why a need for the Annual Fund and its accompanying Phonathon—this is the third andfinal year we are targeting funds raised to help pay for Dominican Way which includes eight new modernclassrooms, teacher resource center, wireless technology and resource computers. In recent past years, theAnnual Fund has provided the funding for wireless technology, development of athletic fields, software andequipment for science labs and lecture rooms, and much, much more.As pledge reminders go out in the mail, thank you in advance for your support. If you did not hear from usduring the Phonathon, please be assured we tried. It’s not too late for “your decision” to invest—yourparticipation is vital to the students of Marian Catholic High School.

MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLADMINISTRATION 2003-2004Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. ‘67President/PrincipalWilliam HoganChief Financial OfficerPeter RuhlVice President for Institutional AdvancementJohn F. HeneghanAssistant Principal, OperationsJohn F. KozojedAssistant Principal, Student ActivitiesDr. Shirley MorrisAssistant Principal, AcademicsSr. Katherine O’Connor, O.P.Dominican Sisters’ LiaisonADVISORY BOARD 2003-2004Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. ’67President/PrincipalWilliam HoganChief Financial OfficerPeter RuhlVice President for Institutional AdvancementSr. Katherine O’Connor, O.P.Dominican Sisters’ LiaisonPeg MassucciRecording SecretaryJoann LindholmChairpersonRobert Jones, III ’79Vice ChairpersonRamzi BahuAudrey Hudson-NeelyGenevieve BoesenPeter KronerMichael CarusoKevin LarsonChristopher Cummings ’76 Michael Murphy ’70Jeanne DeRaimoWilliam NoonePatrick Dolan ’72Philip PascarellaCharles Gallagher ’77 Sharon PopeSr. M. Janice Greenwood, O.P. Nicholas ZagottaJoseph Hamann ’79OFFICE FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENTSr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. ’67President/PrincipalPeter RuhlVice President for Institutional AdvancementCarol Burke Swanson ’81Director of DevelopmentMichael McQuade ’76Cindy DupczakDatabase CoordinatorsKevin Kelly ’80Public Relations CoordinatorJanet NothOffice ManagerPeg MassucciAssistant to the PresidentSr. Dorothy Marie Solak, O.P.Diana McDonnellShannon Reidy ’90RecruitmentErin DeBruin ’99Alumni Relations CoordinatorMary MoffattConsultantALUMNI ASSOCIATIONChristopher Cummings ’76ChairpersonColleen (O’Neill) Ranieri ’83Vice ChairpersonWRESTLING, WOMEN’S BASKETBALLADD TO SPARTAN STATE PRIDECollin McKillip, Brad Wisowaty and Steve Scrementi didn’t realize there was so muchwriting required when they got involved with wrestling. However, the three Marian seniorsspent plenty of time re-writing the school’srecord books during their final campaign.A two-time state qualifier, Scrementiconcluded his career with a stellar 106-49mark. Wisowaty captured fourth place at 189pounds in the IHSA State Tournament, whilemoving into third place all-time in victorieswith a career mark of 134-37.Senior, Collin McKillip takes down a Vikingopponent in the home contest on January 24versus Homewood-Flossmoor. McKillip qualifiedfor the state meet for the fourth straight season!McKillip, just the second Marian wrestler toqualify for state four times, surpassed former statechampion Mickey Griffin ’93 as the winningestwrestler in history with a 156-21 record.“Congratulations to Steve, Brad and Collin onthe conclusion of outstanding four-year varsitycareers,” said proud dad and wrestling coachDon McKillip. “Collin closed out his four year with distinction. He went out re-writing therecord book for Marian Catholic. Good luck to all three on their future endeavors.”Records weren’t the only good news for the Marian women’s basketball team. The Spartansadvanced to their third consecutive Class AA Elite Eight with some added excitement.Senior Lauren Lacey scored 18 points in a sectional semifinal win over Joliet Catholic tobecome the school’s all-time (men and women) leading scorer.Lacey (1,815 points) passed former leaderKathryn Gleason ’92, 2002 Hall of FameAthlete of the Year and assistant softballcoach at Purdue University.Marian brought home the sixth state trophyin the school’s history, as a 74-67quarterfinal win over Grayslake advanced itto the Final Four and an eventual fourthplace finish. With 60 points in three gamesat Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena,Lacey earned all-tournament team honors.The Spartans also improved their three-yearrecord to 87-14 behind outstandingleadership from seniors Lacey, Megan Cleary,Ashley Stanicek and Lauren Woods.Marian won its third straight supersectionalwith a 67-52 victory over Stagg at St. XavierUniversity on March 1. The win improvedthe Spartans to 17-2 during the last threepostseasons and ran their winning streakagainst SICA competition to 33 games.Marian added a pair of in-season titles thisyear, winning the Maine West Tipoff Classicand capturing its third straight HillcrestHoliday Classic championship.The men’s basketball squad had its ups anddowns this season under first-year coachMike Taylor, but did start the season in fine fashion by winning the Marian ThanksgivingTournament. Junior Ryan Owens earned Most Valuable Player honors. At Christmas,senior Mike Jedlicka scored a tournament-high 37 points in a Rich South Big Dippervictory over Rich East.Next year, Marian will combine with crosstown rival Bloom Township to co-host a neweight-team Thanksgiving Tournament.2Spartan 6’ 3” senior center, Lauren Lacey managesan inside shot over two defenders from Stagg at theSuper Sectional Championship at St. Xavier Universityon March 1, 2004. The Spartans won 67-52 to qualifyfor the Elite Eight and the state quarterfinals for thethird year in a row.

CLASS OF 2008 ARRIVES AS SCHOLARSMarian Catholic High School continues to be in the enviable, yet difficult position of turning away young people who take the entrance exam.While test scores are a factor, some students were accepted conditionally on the basis of Catholic school attendance and legacies. The test this year provedto be extremely competitive, with 244 of the testers scoring above the 90 percentile nationally. Of those, 60 scored in the 99 percentile nationally.Fourteen of these top scorers (those with the local scores also in the 99%) will be awarded one-time $1,000 academic scholarships as MarianScholars, and receive recognition from their school. The remainder of the high achievers will also receive recognition with their junior highschool and a smaller cash award.“While test scores are not the only indicator of academic performance, students entering Marian will be challenged to make a smooth transitioninto Marian’s school culture,” Vice-Principal of Academics Dr. Shirley Morris said.“Those accepted on a conditional basis may enroll in the ‘Marian Way’ summer course. Marian has in place a study-skills program to assist all incomingfreshmen, if needed. Administrators and teachers observed on the day of testing that students seemed enthusiastic and eager to attend Marian.”These high achieving eighth grade students include:J ESSICA A LSTONCornerstone ChristianA NN M ARIE A NDERSONWolcott ElementaryR AINA B AHUInfant Jesus of PragueC ARLY B LUEKahler MiddleB RYAN B ROWNSouthwood Junior HighT HOMAS B UCKISt. AnnK ARI-LYNN B URROUGHSMcKinley Junior HighK ELLY B UTLERSt. Lawrence O'TooleE MILY C ANNATASt. AgnesC ELINA C ANTUGreenbriarM ARISSA C ARUSOSt. LiboriusJ OHN C IFELLIInfant Jesus of PragueC HRISTA C LARKEMcKinley Junior HighA LEXANDRA C ORBETTSt. LiboriusA MANDA C OUGHLINSt. Lawrence O'TooleS EAN D ALEYG. Kerkstra MiddleS IERRA D ONALDSONInfant Jesus of PragueE AMON D RISCOLLInfant Jesus of PragueM ATTHEW E ISENBARTInfant Jesus of PragueR AJELIN E SCONDOSt. AnnZ ACHARIAH F ERANECSt. JosephM ELINDA F RIEDParker Junior HighB RYANNA G UYSt. Lawrence O'TooleM ELANIE H ALLDeer Creek ChristianJ OSEPH H ALPINArbor Park MiddleM ATTHEW H ENNESSYSt. Lawrence O'TooleT HOMAS H IRSCHCentral Junior HighM EGAN H OHENSTEINTrinity LutheranA MANDA J OHNSONSt. DamianM ARTHA J UAREZSt. StanislausR AMZY K HABBAZInfant Jesus of PragueJ ON L ADNERParker Junior HighL ANA L ARCHERSt. Paul LutheranK ELLEN L EEMarya YatesN ICK L E R OSEWolcott ElementaryE LIZABETH M ASONHeritage MiddleJ USTIN M ICHALOWSKILincolnC ASEY N OVAKSt. AndrewPATRICK O’MALLEYSt. GeorgeD OMINIC O RTIGARASt. GeorgeZ ACHARY PARSONSO.W. Huth MiddleJ OSEPH PASQUINELLISt. JosephM ICHAEL R EARDONClifford Pierce MiddleT HOMAS S CHOENHOFENSummitt Hill Junior HighA SHLEE S CHULTZSt. AnnR YAN S IMUTISInfant Jesus of PragueS AMANTHA S LOANSt. AnnT IMOTHY S TANISOur Lady of KnockK RISTA S UFIEMemorial Junior HighA MELIAH TAWLKSWolcott ElementaryJ USTIN T HIRSTRUPSt. GeorgeA LEX T OLISHInfant Jesus of PragueE LIZABETH T ORTORELLOSt. GeorgeM ICHAEL T UTTLESt. KieranJ OHN A NTHONY VALLESt. AnnM EGHAN VANV URENKahler MiddleJ ACK V ON A LBADEMokena Junior HighA LICIA WALTERSt. DamianJ OANNA W OJNARKahler MiddleK RISTEN Y EAGERSt. AnnFATHER/ DAUGHTERMOTHER/SON DANCESenior, Meghan Smosna and father Edward Smosna dance to themusic of a 50’s/60’s band that performed at the Father/DaughterMother/Son Dance.Sophomore, Anthony Entsminger and mother, Mary Kay Entsminger,dance the night away at the Mother/Son Father/Daughter Dance onFebruary 28 in the East Gym.53

HARRISON, PABST SUPER BOWL STANDOUTSWhen the New England Patriots defeatedthe Carolina Panthers, 32-29, on Feb. 1 towin Super Bowl XXXVIII, it was a great dayfor those in the Boston area.On the field and behind the scenes, it wasn’ta bad day for Marian Catholic either.Rodney Harrison ’91 had been to a SuperBowl before with the San Diego Chargers,but on this occasion he played a major role inmaking sure the Patriots won the Super Bowl.Known for years as one of the NFL’s bestsafeties and hardest hitters, Harrison led thePatriots in tackles against the Panthers witheight solos and one assist, while alsorecording a sack.Marian is hopeful that Harrison finds hisway back to Marian-Chicago ties in the nearfuture. Marian would like to see Harrisonjoin former NFL players Mike Prior ’81and John Holecek ’90 as the lone Spartansto have their jerseys retired.Harrison had his share of ups and downsthe week of helping the Patriots win theSuper Bowl. He sustained a broken arm inthe second half of the contest, but great newscame later in the week when Rodney and hiswife Erica had their first child.The three-time Pro Bowler and four-timeSan Diego Chargers Defensive Player of theYear has done his share of deeds behind thescenes as well. Harrison helps run summercamps for youngsters in his native Markhamand is still heavily involved with BigBrothers/Big Sisters of San Diego.At Marian, Harrison gained a reputationas being a huge hitter in the defensivebackfield. He also ran track and led theMarian men’s basketball team to its onlyIHSA regional title. However, he’ll be thefirst to tell you the NFL is a different world.“I would tell high school football playersthat no matter how hard you hit in yourgames now, just multiply that ten timesover and you’re in the NFL,” Harrison said.“There’s so much preparation for eachgame—lifting in the weight room, watchingfilms over and over and attending all themeetings. You have to play at such a highlevel on game day, or they’ll just run youover. The intensity and pressure are so high.You have to do so much to prepare yourselffor each game.”Although new father Harrison is on top ofthe world with a Super Bowl championship,he tries to keep things in perspective.Paul Pabst ’87 stands with comedian Chris Rock and ESPN anchor Dan Patrick at Super BowlXXXVIII. Pabst currently works for ESPN as a producer.“It’s so important to be able to share thesemoments with family and friends,” Harrisonsaid. “Being with them helps me calm mynerves and gets me away from all the hypeof the Super Bowl. These people have beenwith me during the tough times and thegood times. I love all of them. It’s awesometo share this experience with them.”Meanwhile, Paul Pabst ’87 also playeda large role in much of the Super Bowlcoverage that week. Pabst serves as producerfor ESPN’s Dan Patrick Show, which alsofeatures former Major League Baseballpitcher Rob Dibble.“The Super Bowl is the ultimate; it’s becomea national holiday,” Pabst said. “I’m still asports fan and down in Houston this year,I was lucky enough to meet Jerry Rice,Joe Montana, Dan Marino, among others...on the same day on the same show.It’s something that never gets old.“I hope I never become jaded,” says Pabst,“where meeting some of the greatest athletesin the world becomes old-hat. I doubt thatwill ever happen. The show is a challenge,mostly because every media outlet is intown competing for the top names andbiggest stories. However, that’s what getsme fired up, trying to have a better showthan the competition.”The passion that Pabst has for sportsand his profession has existed for a longtime, including dating back to his daysat Marian Catholic.“Senior year at Marian I took an electivejournalism class and started working onthe school paper,” said Pabst, whoproduces the show aired daily in theChicago area on ESPN Radio AM-1000from 1 to 3 p.m. “That’s when I knewwhat I wanted to do. I still have a fewpieces that I wrote for the paper, theyare funny to look at from time-to-time.“The journalism class and school paper werethe start of where I am now. I was never indanger of getting straight A’s at Marian,but the thing I liked most about the schoolwas the fact that we had elective classes suchas journalism. I’m sure many schools at thetime offered no such course. If I would havegone to such a school, instead of Marian,I may not have found what I wanted to doat a young age.”Much of Pabst’s work has brought him backto Chicago ties, including one of hisfunniest memories.“We were at spring training and SammySosa agreed to a TV interview with DanPatrick,” he said. “We had to hustle tomake it to Sammy’s Scottsdale home,right after finishing our radio show.Dan had no time to change and when wepulled up to Sosa’s home, Dan went intoSosa’s garage, dropped his casual clothesand hurriedly put on a suit and tie.“I’m standing guard at Sammy’s door soneither he nor his agent could come out tosee the man about to interview him, in abarely-dressed state. I just paused for a secondand thought, ‘If you told me a decade agothat I would be in Sammy Sosa’s garage,trying to keep him from seeing a half-nakedDan Patrick,’ I would have thought youwere insane.”Marian Catholic would also like to take Paulup on his offer to be back in the halls someday to share more stories and mentor students.4

SUMMER ACTIVITIES OFFER GRAND VARIETYExpansion at Marian Catholic. The last decade has seen some fantastic physicalexpansion at 700 Ashland, including the Fine Arts wing, the West Gym complex andbeautiful Dominican Way.However, expansion of programs ranks just as significant as the physical plant. Summercamps and programs have been turning out record numbers in recent years. Camps forsports alone number an annual registration of nearly 700... and the plans are to offer morevariety and creative angles.“Summer camps at Marian provide the opportunity for our coaching staffs and currentathletes to teach and motivate the younger athletes in the community,” women’s basketballcoach Shannon Reidy ’90 explained. “The relationships that are built bring moreexcitement to upcoming seasons at Marian and get the youth excited about the possibilitiesof playing for Marian Catholic in the future.“The summer camps also help the coaches set higher expectations within their athleticprograms by getting kids athletically and mentally prepared for competing at the highschool level one day,” Reidy said.Virtually every Marian interscholastic sport offers a summer camp, and Theater was addedto the mix in the the summer of 2003. Expectations are to expand into several other areasfor camps and seminars in the near future.“Previously, our program included mostly athletics for elementary school students andincoming freshmen,” Recruitment Assistant Diana McDonnell said.“However, last year we had a very successful Summer Theater Camp Program. On thebasis of this experience, we decided to expand our program by offering junior high studentsa variety of academics and fine arts along with the athletic camps. These would be moreinteractive for the purpose of academic enrichment as well as giving students theopportunity to realize that learning can also be fun.”The following camps are possibilities this summer: Band, Field Biology, CreativeWriting, Technology (which would include Power Point and designing a web page),Equestrian Experiences, Art, Speech, Math and, once again, Theater.“These camps will give junior high students a taste of the excellence and the manyopportunities Marian Catholic has to offer,” McDonnell explained.In terms of technology, the potential is unlimited. Because of its computer labs, wirelessenvironment, advanced learning through technology and web site, Marian Catholic is wellahead of most high schools in Illinois in bringing the latest technology to the classroom.Many of these advantages could also be brought to the community while offering moreindividuals an opportunity to view and learn at Marian. From one-day seminars to weeklysummer classes, diverse learning experiences at Marian could be offered to all ages.Please be sure to visit our website to view all summer schedules.KEVIN LARSONOCCUPATION:Currently transitioning from corporateworld to business ownership.START OF TERM: 2001FAMILY: Wife, Diane; daughtersJill (’98) and Dawn (’01).COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:St. Kieran School Board (President),St. Kieran Facilities PlanningCommittee (Chairperson).HOBBIES: Golf, Reading.VISION FOR MCHS FUTURE:“I see Marian Catholic continuing to bea beacon of hope and opportunity forkids growing up with big dreams in theSouth Suburbs. Marian will continue tobe a place where they can build their selfesteemand confidence, and come toknow that they are capable to achievewhatever it is they take aim at. Marianwill continue to help them appreciatethat God is at their side on life’s journey.”2004 HALL OF FAME AWARDEESThis year’s honorees at the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner at Olympia Fields Country Club on February 26.From Left to Right John Lustig ’84 Fine Arts Distinguished Achievement, Mary Margaret FlanaganSpirit of Marian Award, Judge Derek Mosley ’88 Alumnus of the Year, Lyndon “Stretch” WallerLifetime Achievement, and Richard Klupchak ’70 Athlete of the Year.5

TEACHER ROCKAITIS EXPERIENCES ‘GOLDEN’ MOMENTSitting in classroom, Ryan Rockaitis switches roles with the students and lets senior, John Bonato ’04lead the class in discussion. Rockaitis was nominated for a 2004 Golden Apple Award.¡Felicidades, Señor Rockaitis!An upbeat enthusiasm from Room 202 atMarian Catholic High School tumbles outthe door.Ryan Rockaitis’ classroom is filled withbright colored posters, signs ofencouragement and upbeat Latin music.As students enter the Spanish class, theirenthusiasm and light chatter are evidenceof the fun educational experience to come.Rockaitis, in his sixth year of teaching[at Marian Catholic] is a Golden Applefinalist. The Golden Apple Foundationrecently announced the names of 32Chicago-area finalists for the 2004 GoldenApple Awards for Excellence in Teaching ingrades 9 through 12.A total of 681 teachers from Cook, Lake andDuPage counties were nominated for theaward, which was first presented in 1986.“Rockaitis is a dynamic teacher full of energyand great ideas to share with students,”according to top administrator Sister MaryPaul. Rockaitis appreciates the sentiment,acknowledging that he is a teacher who triesto get all his students involved throughcreative teaching methods. He was told earlyon that learning occurs when the mind is ina state of joy. A philosophy that Rockaitishas taken to heart.Rockaitis said teaching also has beencompared to acting. “Almost anyone can act,reading word for word from a script, butwho will be interested? It’s filling the scriptwith energy and effort that makes an actor’swork worth watching.”“I put energy and life into my teaching,so they will watch my show,” said Rockaitis,who turns 28 next month and lives in Worth.Rockaitis calls Marian his first officialteaching job, but he has taught summerschool at Loyola Academy, classes inMinnesota and Pennsylvania and some nightcourses. Rockaitis has known since secondgrade that he wanted to be a teacher. It washis freshman year in high school that he knewhe wanted to teach Spanish.Rockaitis still e-mails his second grade teacher,Sister Anne Frances, daily. In high school,Rockaitis planned to take Latin, but opted forSpanish when the Latin class was full.He loved the language.“Buenos dias,” Rockaitis tells his studentswho respond enthusiastically to a 10:10 a.m.class on Tuesday. After they get settled, thestudents offer names of friends and families— in Spanish and English — for whom theywould like to pray. Then the group joins inthe Spanish version of the Hail Mary.After the prayer, Rockaitis tossed a smallbeach ball of the earth out to the students.A handful of students have an opportunityto share their “braggage or baggage,”comments about positives and negatives thatare affecting them at the moment.One student complains about a lot ofhomework in her English class, whileanother student shares her exciting weekendplans. After some thoughtful comments,Rockaitis says its time for a vocabulary quiz.Without groans, the students get out theirpens to get the job done. The rest of theclass is then spent discussing “los verbos concambio radical,” or stem-changing verbs.Rockaitis, who graduated from Marist HighSchool in 1994, received his bachelor ofscience degree in education fromNorthwestern University in 1998.He received his master’s degree in educationfrom California State in Sacramento.Now, Rockaitis is plugging away at anothermaster’s degree in administration atGovernors State University.Rockaitis said it is wonderful to benominated as a Golden Apple finalist.“It’s nice to be recognized,” Rockaitis said.“There are lots of great teachers here whocare about students and give the extra effort.It’s nice for people to see how important it isfor me to teach,” he said. The best part ofthe job, according to Rockaitis, is getting toknow a student as a “full person.”As “dynamite” and “nice” as Rockaitis is,he is also quite demanding of his students,Sister Mary Paul said. The students knowhe’s fair and respect him for it, she said.Sr. Paul said Rockaitis’ efforts extend wellpast the classroom. He participates in schoolretreats, has chaperoned dances, is a memberof the Faculty Council, volunteers with aRotary Club and goes on class trips.According to Sr. Paul, “The three things thatmake a great teacher are: first, a solidgrounding in content; second, a love ofstudents and third, a craft or pedagogy toreview, present, integrate and invite studentsto respond to the information.”Under Department Chair, Nancy Holmes,the Foreign Language Department atMarian has a “nice alignment ofcurriculum, Sr. Paul said. “They are greatat working together.”To narrow the finalists to 10 winners, anobservation team came to Marian to observeRockaitis in the classroom setting, interviewhis peers, his students and even some of theirparents. Each of the 10 Golden Apple Awardwinners will receive a tuition-free fall-termsabbatical at Northwestern University;$2,500; a personal computer from Apple;and induction into the Golden AppleAcademy, which now numbers 180 teachers.Rockaitis said he really appreciates thatthe Golden Apple awards’ focus is onencouraging more people to join theeducation field. Teachers have encouragedhim along the way, including anotherSpanish teacher at Marian. Irene Vara-Pohlman was a mentor during his senioryear at Marist.“Teaching is rewarding,” Rockaitis said.“I’d really like to share that with othersand encourage them to try teaching.”The StarThursday, February 5, 2004By LYNDA WELCH HEMMERLING ’856

SERVICE AWARDS ALLTraveling east on Joe Orr, we see some of the last farm land left in thearea. If we turn left on Stony Island, we soon come to sign saying “PAWS‘Critter Crossings’ est. 1958,” the same year the first freshman classentered Marian Catholic. Turning into the drive, you see why this farm isso special.Dwight and Darlene, the owners, love animals. From the time he was 18years old, Dwight has had a knack for nursing injured and ill animals backto health. When Dwight retired, he gave his land to this effort. CritterCrossings is so popular with Service Club students that we had to extendour service there from once a week to twice a week. But Critter Crossings isjust one of the many activities in which Service Club students participate.Service Club students also prepare meals and feed the homeless at St. AgnesParish once a month, walk a Miracle Mile that raises money for St. JudeResearch Hospital, have fun with Bowl Down Cancer, sell shamrocks forMercy Home for Children, visit senior citizen homes such as Tolentine andThe Park in Olympia Fields and Holland House in South Holland.They also bake pumpkin bread at Thanksgiving and make candy atValentine’s Day for senior citizens, support Make a Wish Foundation, assistKnights of Columbus and Misericordia on their tag days, help decoratehomes for senior citizens for Christmas and much more.Students, Stephanie Kuersten (Homewood), Max Kaim (Chicago East side),Katie Lynch Chicago (Beverly), Scott Eckel (Mokena), Tom Connelly(Mokena), Chad Lesczynski(Crete), Anthony Entsminger (Orland Park),Maricay Mauro (Crete), gather to get picture taken with Lucy the baby goat.The students regularly go to Critter Crossings to help take care ofanimals just like Lucy.The variety and flexibility (students participate when they can fit it into their schedule) keep students coming back for more. That’s why more than 85percent of Marian students voluntarily participate in some type of service activity. There’s great benefit to the people and animals they serve, yet there’splenty of reward for the students as well.The following article was written by two freshmen who fell in love with Lucy, a baby goat that was at birth abandoned by its mother.Meet Lucy, an adorable, extremely lovable young goat. Along with many other animals, Lucy makes her home at Critter Crossings. There are deer,geese, foxes, doves, horses and many other animals that take shelter here, and not all are native to America.Critter Crossings takes care of rejected and orphaned babies, allowing them to grow to adulthood to be released back into the wild. Every animal heregets its own special attention and love.Of course, what Critters Crossings does is only possible with the support of people like us. If Critter Crossings accepted money from the government,then if the animals do not get a new home, they get put down after a period of time. We do not want to kill the animals, do we? These animals are soloving, so lovable, how can anyone turn their backs on them? We know we cannot.We have not missed a single trip to Critter Crossings since our first time there. We have found it impossible to resist the animals. Help Lucy and theother animals, and you will feel good about it. We know we do.FRESHMEN, MARISSA BACKLIN AND STEPHANIE BACKLIN MCHS Service Club MembersBLACHOWICZ TEACHING HONOREEC AMILLE L.Z. BLACHOWICZ, PH. D.National College of EducationNational Louis UniversityEvanston, IllinoisCamille (Zarantonello) Blachowicz,a 1962 graduate of Marian Catholic Highschool, was named Outstanding TeacherEducator in Reading by the InternationalReading Association. Dr. Blachowicz isProfessor of Education at National Collegeof Education of National Louis Universitywhere she is director of the Reading Centerand Reading Program. In her long career asan educator, Dr. Blachowicz has been aclassroom teacher, team leader and readingspecialist as well as university educator andstaff developer.Her research has been supported by grantsfrom the Spencer Foundation, the FulbrightCouncil, The Chicago Community Trustand the International Reading Association.Dr. Blachowicz’s many articles have beenpublished in journals ranging from ReadingTeacher to Reading Research Quarterly andshe is also the co-author of Reading Diagnosis:87An Instructional Approach and alsoof Teaching Vocabulary in All Classroomsand Celebrate Reading along with numerousbook chapters and the recent ReadingComprehension: Strategies for IndependentLearners. She is co-author of the chapter onvocabulary research for the third Handbookof Reading Research (2001).As a staff developer, she is a frequent speakerat national, local and international conferencesand at meetings of the International ReadingAssociation where she is a member of thePublication Committee.Currently, along with her teaching andwriting, Dr. Blachowicz is co-directing theproject to develop K-1 literacy assessmentfor the State of Illinois, The IllinoisSnapshot of Early Literacy. She also directstwo projects in urban and suburban schools,“Literacy Partners,” and the “EverybodyReads” Fluency Project.

Seniors, Rachel Kowalczyk and SammyScrementi were steppin’ out in styleat the Mothers Club Fashion Show onMarch 20 at Georgio’s Banquets.SAVE-THE-DATEG UYS & DOLLSSpring MusicalFriday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m.Saturday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.Sunday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m.Bob Gromala ’97 reading the First Readingat the Young Alumni Memorial Mass, whichtook place on January 10, 2004 in theMarian Catholic student chapel. This Masswas held to commemorate the lives ofthose young alums who have died in thepast year. Those especially rememberedwere Kevin Beukema ’97, Ryan Brothers ’98,Michele Salin ’01, Dean Perozzi ’94,Lisa Dangoia ’94, and Philip Schmitz ’99.MARIAN “EXPERTS” PLANEXCELLENCE WELL INTO THE FUTUREThis is what we are about:We plant the seeds that will one day grow,We water seeds already planted,knowing that they hold future promise....We are prophets of a future not our own.Archbishop Oscar RomeroDynamic institutions plan. The solidfoundation which has left Marian Catholicin a position of strength when many schoolsare struggling was laid through the visionand work of those who brought their giftsto Marian Catholic. The first of these plansfor the 21st Century, “The Courage toLead,” unfolded in February.With an Open Forum inviting all currentMarian Catholic parents, students, andteachers followed by intense focus group workby key leaders, the newest Long-Range Planwill plot priorities for the next five years.Sr. Dorothy Marie, Sharon and Jeff Stillmanbrainstorm ideas for the Recruitment FocusGroup at the second Long Range Planningmeeting held on March 8.The conversation centered on questions in a variety of areas of school life. A sample of thetopics and questions follow; the final focus group recommendations will be made a part ofthe 2003-2004 Annual Report.1 ALUMNI: How can MCHS alumni bonds be strengthened? How can more alums bere-engaged and/or invested in MCHS?2 FINE ARTS A. Overview: How can excellence in all the Arts be sustained? Whatresources and structures will be needed to assure access to the Arts for each student?B. Architecture and CAD: With CAD currently running cooperatively with Prairie state, shouldMCHS offer its own comprehensive program in a science-based college prep curriculum?C. Forensics: With a rapidly growing and successful forensics program, the broad-castingsegment requires more physical resources than current resources can meet. How can this beaccomplished in a way that ties it into other school priorities?3 FAITH AND LIFE: MCHS exists so that faith can be known and lived by youngpeople. How can we help reconnect students in the faith life of their local parishes? Howcan we engage more of our students in existing service opportunities in their ownneighborhoods and on a more national or international level? How can we be certain weare teaching sound doctrine? How can peer ministry serve to reconnect students to the faithwhile here at Marian Catholic?4 ATHLETICS: Existing sports have a place within the total school program to assure aquality experience for students. Which programs would best serve the needs of our students?How can MCHS attract and retain the highest caliber of coaches? What equipment andfacilities would have the most impact on the most student athletes?5 PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MARKETING: What are the best methods forgetting the word out—and what “word” should be highlighted (e.g., validated “good news,”including excellent writing skills and scores)?6 STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM: Design a school-wide program that callsevery student to leadership. What are the various types of leadership? What types of trainingshould be offered so that each student develops his/her call to lead? What impact will peerleadership have on academics and faith?7 FACULTY AND STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Ongoingprofessional development that impacts the quality of instruction and provide for personaland systemic growth. How can we be sure professional opportunities both enrich the teacherand impact the quality of classroom teaching including new technology?8 FINANCIAL AID: We know that families of Catholic students who are academicallyqualified have said they are not attending Marian Catholic purely because of finances—what would it take to reach those most in need? Could aid have a good faith “pay-back”provision, especially given the current reliance on the Dominican Sisters and limitedendowments for tuition aid?8

9 COLLEGE COUNSELING: What current college counseling initiatives andmodels should be strengthened or adjusted to help all of our students find an appropriate“fit”? How do we have our students think more creatively and “stretch” their collegechoices? How can college counseling work more effectively with parents?10 FACILITIES: Chart a cycle of preventative maintenance for the next 10 to 15years. How can we best project for future capital needs?11 CAFETERIA/KITCHEN/FOOD SERVICE: Examine the options with regardto the (currently dated) kitchen and cafeteria. Should the cafeteria and kitchen beremodeled, gutted and newly built, or simply maintained? What are other options for foodservices (e.g., franchises) and use of the space?12 RECRUITMENT AND ADMISSIONS: To assure continued quality candidatesfor Marian Catholic, should MCHS consider more extended service to areas for whichsurveys reveal a wish for Catholic secondary education but not the necessary financialbacking? Are current recruitment and admission policies supporting our efforts to recruitand admit the most qualified candidates?13 DISTANCE LEARNING/DUAL CREDIT PROGRAMS: Should the use ofselected distance satellite learning be expanded to provide curriculum opportunities ininterest areas (i.e., Japanese) not now offered? If we agree to use distance learning beyondour immediate geographic area, how can we best meet the needs of students and retainMCHS’ integrity with regard to scholarship and faith? How could dual credit programswith colleges accomplish the same goals as distance learning and what would be the impacton our huge nineteen course A.P. Program?John Irwin, Sr. Janice Greenwood and Margie Pelino, members of the Long Range PlanningFoundation Committee, discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a foundation.14 INTEGRAL LEARNING: Learning experiences that will make MCHSoutstanding in the cross-curricular areas of math, science and writing are key to continuedexcellence. What direction should curriculum take to ensure a future-centered integrallearning program that captures top scholars and enriches the lives of all MCHS students?15 SECURITY: Examine current efforts being made for the safety of our students, staffand property. What steps can/should be taken with regard to policies, equipment andpersonnel relative to security?16 FOUNDATION: Study the implications of establishing a separate foundation forthe investment and distribution of restricted monies. What are the advantages/disadvantagesof establishing a foundation? At what point and in what format would a foundation bebeneficial to MCHS for its restricted investments?17 SUMMER PROGRAMS: Summer programs hold tremendous potential forenrichment, recruitment and involvement. How can we make quality summer programsavailable to both MCHS students and junior high students? What types of programs arepossibilities? What kinds of funding and staffing are available?18 TECHNOLOGY: What impact would an integrated system using portal technologyhave on security, finance, curriculum and administrative procedures and student learning?What are the nature and advantages of this type of system for teachers, students, parentsand what is the cost?FORENSICS continued from page 1Another aspect of the MCHS Program andequally enriching is the competition in theIllinois Public School Invitational. Many timesthis year, coaches from well known, powerfulforensic schools have mentioned that MarianCatholic High School is on the map in thisregard. The public school competitions areequally fun and rewarding. Sweeney said,“I like to refer to them as ‘the monsters.’Quite frankly, a few of our students weren’tsure at first that they wanted to compete insuch a huge program. But we did, and theresults were amazing. In three toughtournaments, Marian Catholic did very well!At the Thornwood Tournament, MarianCatholic placed eleventh in the final round andreceived a third place. At the Stagg ChargerTournament, we placed first; we co-hosted atournament and placed at the top. Few MarianCatholic students are hesitant—they wantmore. They recognize that great competition isavailable to well-practiced students. And, ofcourse, we benefited immensely. Suddenly, ourPublic Address Program emerged in a powerfulway. We mastered Radio Speaking (MichellePritchett), Oratory (Louis Packard), SpecialOccasion Speaking (Elaine Wilson)–and ourabove-named crew form the Catholic Leaguegave us a unique position of strength.”Sweeney believes MCHS is in the early stagesof this program—students are benefiting fromdifferent perspectives and applying their newfoundknowledge, challenging their creativity,and learning incredible research skills.A strong Forensic/Speech Program supportsand complements Marian Catholic’s mission.In describing the power of forensics withMarian Catholic High School, Sweeney notes,“Forensic competition is about audileintelligence—we can hear the thoughts ofothers and ourselves brought into a masterylevel. The neatest aspect is the growth:students learn about one of the pillars of theDominican Order through challenging andrewarding experiences. Some students learnthat the funniest comedy selection can bringthe same dignity as a very seriouscommentary. All the speech events arethoughtfulness, grace, and the voices of theHoly Spirit. In the long run, these are interiorgifts that lead to responsible behaviors, selfconfidence,and very fond team memories.”The challenge of competition in both leaguesmaximizes opportunities for students andcarries high the Marian Catholic banner ofstudent achievement.9

SPANISH TEACHERS BRING SERVICE TO PERUSpanish teacher, Tanya Wallace, talking with studentsin her class. Wallace will be going on a MissionTrip with fellow Spanish teacher, Ryan Rockaitis,this summer. ¡Buen viaje, Señorita Wallace!Several groups, and Marian Catholic in particular, take advantage of the Lenten season to getmore involved with service and mission work for others. However large or small thecontribution, these efforts can be far-reaching.In the case of Marian Foreign Language teachers Tanya Wallace and Ryan Rockaitis, currentefforts coordinated with the Homewood Rotary Club will be far-reaching and far-traveling.With the contact initiated by Rotarians and Alumni parents Rick and Donna Thiernau, the twoMarian teachers got involved with teaching Spanish to Rotarians planning to make a mission tripto Cusco, Peru in May. They’ve also involved Marian students with donating supplies for the trip.“For 14 days, the medical team takes on as many patients as possible, literally hundreds ofpatients,” Wallace said. “The volunteers help with unpacking medical supplies, visiting withpatients and delivering school supplies to a local school.“The conditions of the area where the mission takes place are quite poor. The hospital isoutdated and lacks proper facilities to care for patients, although medical treatment does go ondaily without the Americans present. Medical equipment is in short supply. Hygiene knowledgeis a problem. Basic conveniences like diapers, stethoscopes, rubber gloves and soap are lacking.”Better news for the two Marian teachers eventually arrived, as there were two openings to travelin the mission group of 12. Wallace and Rockaitis volunteered without hesitation.“When Sr. Paul contacted me about the possibility of teaching Spanish to the Rotary Club members who will be venturing to Peru, I jumped at theopportunity,” Rockaitis said. “How could I say no to such a dedicated group? When I found out that I would be able to travel with them to Peru,I was ecstatic. For years it has been my dream to travel to Peru and explore Machu Picchu and other Incan treasures. Knowing that the entire tripis being organized in the spirit of service makes it all the more exciting.“I showed my classes a video on the Rotary Club’s last visit to Peru and we were all moved. Students are bringing in medical supplies, toys for thechildren in the hospital, and school supplies. I reminded them of a quotation from Gandhi: ‘You must be the change you wish to see in the world.’I am proud to say, that in the true Marian spirit, they have already begun to be that change!”“I am very excited to participate in such an important medical mission trip,” Wallace said. “In the past I have taken several trips in the US to buildand repair homes, but nothing like the Peru trip. I really don’t know what to expect. I also can’t believe the support that friends and family (evenfriends of friends of friends) have shown in donating items and cheering us on.”Along with making the trip, the Rotary Club is also responsible for collecting donations of Band-Aids, medications, toys, school supplies, diapers,hygiene products and sunglasses, among other items. Through Service Club, Spanish students, friends and family, the Marian community hasbecome a strong assistant in this effort.MARIAN MADNESS EVENT GROWSTeams don’t make it to the Men’s NCAAChampionship game without establishingsome challenging goals for themselves. Justask Syracuse, who upset Kansas in front of agood crowd at the First Annual “MarianMadness” last spring.Marian Madness II takes place on Monday,April 5. Another successful Marian AlumniAssociation event, the evening includessomething for everyone with great food,friendship, games of skill and chanceand, of course, NCAA Basketball onthree 12’ x 12’ screens.The primary goal for Marian Madness isto serve as a fund-raiser for the AthleticInitiative at Marian (AIM), as the schoolstrives to upgrade the current stadium andthe west campus to serve Spartans well intothe future.However, the evening goes well beyond raisingthe championship trophy in San Antonio andraising a few dollars for Marian Catholic.“It’s a great event to watch and a nice time toget together with friends and family,” explainedMadness committee member John Benish ’84.“It’s an event where you can meet friends andclassmates you haven’t seen in a long time. Younever know who you may bump into at MarianMadness night. It should become one of thosealumni events that people really look forward togoing to every year.”At just a $25 inclusive admission, Marian ishoping to keep the Madness event one that’saffordable and one that’s very appealing toyoung alum. Through a silent auction andother raffle/chance opportunities, Marianhopes to raise some necessary funds to helpsend west campus projects well on their way.Despite two successful Marian Madness eventsthat provided fun and friendship for hundredsin attendance, the NCAA Championshipevent remains one of the best-kept secrets onthe Alumni Association calendar.“The first couple of years have been fun andwere really something to build on for thefuture,” Benish said. “As more people beginto come, it can turn into the major event wereally want it to be. Hopefully, it will10Ray Murphy, Shannon Reidy ’90, Margaret Murphyand Pat Murphy enjoying the NCAA Championshipgame at Marian Madness held in Marian’s East Gym.become a major annual event for a lot ofpeople, like a Super Bowl party.“It’s always a game that’s fun to watch. Butit’s also great to be with friends and to havean opportunity to help Marian Catholic atthe same time.”More information about Marian Madness isavailable by calling the Office for InstitutionalAdvancement at 708.755.6579.

M E M O R I A L SOctober 15, 2003 through February 19, 2004Margaret AhernJim AndrelichJames R. AngioMago ArellanoDomenica ArgentoWilbur BackusRobert BarlageRay BaroneRobert W. BartlettEleanor BarzAnne BasileGilbert Britt BatesTimothy Benker ’90John BergeraKevin Beukema ’97Raymond BiegelCatherine BijakMariellen BlidyEstelle BojanowskiJohn BricksRyan Brothers ’98Beatrice BrownFlorence BrunettePat BryantElizabeth ByrneBrian Cahill ’94Mary CalderoneAngelo B. CandrevaDonna CarlomangoKanehra CastonPaul CentanniGeorge ChamberWilliam ChapmanCarmel CiscatoMarion Ruhl ClearyVal DaldeganLisa Dangoia ’94Edward DankoAldo DeAngelisJohn DeBerghConstance “Sandy” DeFrankJoseph DeProsperisDorothy L. DesmondJosephine DiMaggioMilton DubczakRobert EdwardsKay EhrmantrautJoseph ElamTony FalvoJerry FaresBobbie FewkesJohn FlemingMary FormanIan FrankBetty GeorgeViolet GianettiSharon GianottiThelma GibsonAgnes GoldenSandee GomezWilliam GraceDr. James GrahamFlorence GrakowskiEleanor GrayBarbara Ann GruppMargaret HamannVincent HattimerFrank HefeliStephen W. Helsel ’66Eileen C. HeniffFrances HerreraRita HoerntleinAnn HoffmanRichard HofkampLeo T. HoganEloise HughesJames R. Huyler, Sr.Duke IafalloEthyl IronsidesBarbara JacksonMichelle JacksonNancy JadenJerome JanowickVitaut JanulisBernard JazdzewskiRaymond L. JenkinsWaldemar JohansenHarold G. JohnsonGeorge JostesFrank A. KamanCharles KeatingDaniel Kelly, IIIFrank KeresDr. Joseph KetayGeorge KlupchakDonna KlyczekGene KnoerzerDaniel KoehlerDorothy KolczynskiEdward KozlowskiGenevieve KristovieMary KrygierJoseph LaGrecoGeorge LaPorteRose LauJames LeeJohn L. LeliJacqueline LesterMary LispisaRoy E. LittnerVerbal “Pete” LogrisRichard W. Lorenz, Sr.Kathy LutherMary MacalusoAnn MaliziaAnthony MarazasDonna MarinovicIda MartinKaren MartinDan Mazar, Sr.James McCammackJoyce McCarronMichael J. McCaughey, Jr.Andrew MedanskyVeronica MezzichVirginia MianiViola MillerFrank MinellaStell MisniakiewiczJoseph L. MulvilleSean Murray ’88Kelly Nagle ’03Lawrence NewlingPhyllis P. NewrenMary Ann NolanJoanne NowakCatherine O’ConnorRev. William O’ConnorGeraldine O’DonnellGeorge O’HeaJohn O’NeillCharles G. O’SheaRobert C. OlsenLydia OnofrioMary OpiolaRaymond PalerinoRichard PansaRon PappMark Paredes ’74Dean Perozzi ’94Albert PetrarcaDonna PetrovichLottie PiazzaJudy PiuntiMary PlacekFather of Casey PlackettRaymond PlaneraMeg PlattaVeregene PokornyMary Ann PolleyLew PorrecaMargaret PotocnyPauline C. PotocnyNancy Molander Price ’71Marie PrinzhornHelen J. PrzybylinskiWilma QuigleyMarvin QunellConnie D. RabyakFilomena RanieriZorka RapauchFrank Rauch Jr.William J. “Billy” RedicanStanley Reindl ’82Peg ReindlArlene S. RiechelAl RitchieWilliam “Wally” RolniakRichard RomeroJoe RoqueCelia RozekLouis RuggeriMarge SaakMartina SaindonMichelle Salin ’01Edward SarnaDr. Frank ScacullaEileen ScanlanSheila Petrarca Schau ’69Florence SchlueterFrancis “Smitty” SchmittPhilip Schmitz ’99Ann J. SchreiberJohn M. SchreiberLena SchwabLaura SegalaJerry SheehanDorothy ShineHelen ShiversJames ShutowskiRobert D. SieronAnthony SimonettiBaby Thomas Edward SimutisJoseph SkarvanJean SkorzynskiGerie SkowronskiRichard SlatteryThomas R. SmallWilliam H. Smith, Jr.William H. Smith, Sr.Nancy SoltisMichael & Violet SominRichard SpeakerRoy & Alice SpoonhourLucy StefaniJohn W. StephensElizabeth J. StephensonJean StewartHelen StiegelmanHelen SturChristine SudeticJoanne SupilowskiJoseph SzawarsPete TalaricoRose TerracinaGrace TerriquezMary ThomasAnna TislerLois ToepferRichard TuckerFrank VaccoAddison Grace VazquezBill VenlosKaren Lyman WagnerAileen WalczakAlfred W. WelkerEwalt “Eddie” WelshJosephine WesolowskiPaul Wilczynski ’80Ida Mae WilliamsMargie WohlerBarbara WojciakOlga WoodfordPamela WorleyAnn WydraIrene ZaffinoRichard ZagoneAbundio Zaragoza, Sr.Lorraine ZebrowskiAudrey ZieskeEdmund Zumbahlen13 11

ALUMNI NOTESLinda (Peppers) Spoleti ’66 is still teachingEnglish at Maine South High School.She spent three weeks last summer teachingteachers in Lithuania through a program calledthe American Professional Partnership forLithuanian Education. Linda keeps busy withher three grandchildren; Jessica (6), Callie (4),and Ryan (8 months).Linda Steinbart ’67 writes from sunnyArizona where husband Paul is a professor atArizona State University, W.P. Carey School ofBusiness, Department of Information Systems.Their daughter Stephanie was married toAnthony Johnson in April, daughter Elizabethwas accepted into the Barrett Honors College,Arizona State University, this fall.Mary McTigue ’76has been electedSecretary/Treasurer ofthe 2004 Associationof Women’s Health,Obstetric andNeonatal NursesBoard of Directors.Mary holds a Masterof Arts degree inNursingAdministration fromMary McTigue ’76New York University and a Bachelor of Sciencein Nursing from Kean University. She alsoholds an Associate’s degree in Science fromUnion County College and a Diploma inNursing from the Elizabeth General Hospitaland Dispensary School of Nursing.Donna (Lux) Partl ’77 married Douglas Partlon June 20, 2003. The ceremony took placeon a beautiful sunset beach in St. Lucia.Donna’s three daughters, Amy, Jessica andLauren were among the guests who witnessedthe exchange of vows.Jim Thompson ’78 lives in Lincoln, NEwhere he has been working for RanzaRestaurants as Director of Catering for thepast five years.Ralph Bremigan ’80 and wife Elizabethannounce the adoption of their son ThomasIvan Bremigan. Thomas was born December31, 2002 in Kamensk-Shakhtinsky, Russia,and arrived home with Mom and Dad inMuncie, IN on October 11, 2003. Beth &Ralph are both faculty members in theDepartment of Mathematical Sciences at BallState University.Maureen (Smyth) Daughtery ’81 andhusband Tim welcomed the birth of their thirdchild, Liam Donovan, on October 5, 2003.Liam joins big brothers Sean Patrick (5) andBrendan Christopher (3).John Hemmerling ’81 and Lynda (Welch)Hemmerling ’85 have five wonderful children,Kristina (12), John (10), Bobby (8), Michael(6), and Ann Marie (3). The whole familyplays soccer. John and Lynda are on an indoor,adult co-rec soccer team. Lynda is a full-timemom who loves scrapbooking. She also workspart-time as a reporter for Star Newspapers.John is an academic advisor for DePaulUniversity’s School for New Learning.He received his master’s in math educationand teaches several classes at DePaul.Rev. David Straub ’81 is currently onsabbatical, living on the south side. He istaking the time to promote his new fictionalnovel, Playground, which is a novel thatexplores moral choices. Rev. Straub is workingon another book and already has written asequel to Playground. His book is availableonline and will be available in someindependent bookstores by the end of May.Joyce Bozacki-Rae ’83 and her husband JeffRae recently returned home from a three weekstay in Moscow, Russia, where they completedthe adoption of their daughter, TeganElizabeth Rae. Tegan, born August 9, 2002,joins older brother, Colin Michael, whoturned two in December.Kathleen Bewley ’85 received her medicaldegree from Midwestern University, College ofOsteopathic Medicine. She completed herresidency at University of Illinois at Chicago andis Board Certified in Family Medicine. She hasan office in the new Franciscan Medical Pavilionat the Olympia Fields Campus of St. James.Mary Pat (Donahue) Griswold ’85 andhusband William welcomed baby girl, KerryElizabeth, on September 24, 2003. Kerry joinssiblings Katie (5), Charlie (3) and Michael (2).Danelle (Morford) Bernas ’86 and herhusband David welcomed their new son,Michael David, born on July 1, 2003. Michaeljoins big sister Lauren (5).Randy Boisvert ’86 and his wife Dawn wereblessed with their first child, a son, RomanJoseph, on November 6, 2003. Randyrecently earned his MS from Illinois Instituteof Technology.A.J. Palmisano ’86 recently received hisfourth patent. In 1995 he received his MBAfrom DePaul University in Finance and in1990 his B.S. from University of Illinois inMechanical Engineering. A.J and his wifeStacey have a 4 year old son, Joey and a 2year old daughter, Courtney.Julie (Mazzocca) Connors ’87 and husbandBob welcomed the birth of their fifth child,Ryan Kelsey on September 1, 2003. Ryan’ssiblings are Sean (8), Tyler (6), Megan (4),and Ian (2).Rhonda (Bolda) Divine ’88 and husbandMike welcomed the birth of their seconddaughter, Natalie Noel, Born on September 16,2003. She joins her big sister, Livie who is now2 years old. Rhonda still works part time as aradiologic technologist in the OR departmentat St. Anthony’s Hospital in Crown Point, IN.13 12Debra (Zagotta) Gum ’88 and husband Seanrecently finalized the adoption of Carlos RemizeGum on October 26, 2003. They are happy tohave Carlos as a new member of their family.Debra took a sabbatical from teaching to stay athome and is working on her Master’s Degree inElementary Education from Central Michigan.Linda Ann Wurtz Witek ’88 is living inNaperville and engaged to Brian Dziewinski.They are planning a July wedding. Linda is amanger in the Health InformationManagement Department at the University ofIllinois Medical Center. Brian is a police officerfor the Village of Franklin Park. Linda has twochildren, Billy (10) and Emily (8).Ed Franczyk ’89 and wife Beth were recentlyblessed with the arrival of their first daughterOlivia Elise. Olivia arrived September 28,2003 weighing in at 7 pounds, 15 ounces, and21 inches long. Ed is currently VP/Foremanfor Hytone Concrete and Beth is thePom/Dance Director for Providence CatholicHigh School.Colleen (O’Brien) King ’89 and husband Jonwelcomed the birth of their son, JustinNicholas, on April 17, 2003. He is little brotherto his half-brother, Brice, who is 9 years old.John and Lynda (Welch) Hemmerling’81 ’85 with their five beautifulchildren Kristina 12, John 10, Bobby8, Michael 6, and AnnMarie 3.Desma (Ciaglia) Rozovics ’89 and husbandMichael welcomed the birth of their first child,Soren Michael, on July 30, 2003.Jeff Segebarth ’89 was married November 1,2003 to Mary Ann Myers at St. Michael’sChurch in Chicago. Groomsmen includedChad Kramer ’89 and best man DaveSegebarth ’87. Bridesmaids included Susan(Segebarth) Hughes ’86. Jeff & Mary Ann reside inthe Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago.Christine (Albrecht) Cagwin ’90 and husbandMark were blessed with their first child, RachelLynn, on September 9, 2003. Rachel weighedin at 9 pounds 1 ounce and 21 inches long. Shejoins her cousins Lynn, Bobby and Tammy andmakes the 4th grandchild for Carol Albrecht(MCHS Office Secretary 1981-1991).

ALUMNI NOTESSoren Michael Rozovics, son ofDesma (Ciaglia) Rozovics ’89.Rarick Witvoet ’90 and his wife Tressawelcomed the birth of their second daughter,Charlotte Denise, born on September 3, 2003.She weighed 9 pounds. Her older sister Alyssa(2), is very excited!Corina (McCarty) Davis ’91 and husbandMike will celebrate their first child’s birthdayon November 5, 2003. Joshua Michael will beone year old. The Davis’ are building a house inChannahon, IL. Corina is a stay at home mom.Matt Gaughan ’91 and his wife Mildred arehappy in Homewood with their three little onesMatthew, Santiago and Alana.Carrie Lentz ’91, daughter of August andKathleen (Schultz) Lentz ’64 recently passedthe Colorado State Bar Exam. Carrie is a 1999graduate of Creighton University, School ofLaw. She resides in Colorado Springs and is aSenior Legal Editor for the publishingcompany, Lexis-Nexis.Karen (Bolde) Nichols ’91 is living in Chicagowith her husband and two sons Jake & Jimmy,and is currently working towards her master’s asa family nurse practitioner.Kerry (Reidy) Paris ’91 and husband Martywelcomed the birth of their twin sons on February17, 2004. F. Martin arrived at 7:03 am weighing 6pounds 1 ounce and little brother, Conor, followedat 7:05 am weighing 5 pounds 9 ounces.Antonietta (Femminella) Scalzo ’91 andhusband, Giuseppe, welcomed the birth of theirson, Gianluca, born on December 23, 2003.He joins big sister, Isabella (1 1/2).Amber Lucsay ’92 earned her law degree fromUniversity of Wisconsin in December 2003.Dawn (Johnson) Beres ’93 and husbandJames welcomed the birth of their daughter,Mia Kathleen on April 9, 2003.Erik Markov ’93 currently a staff photographerfor the Kokomo Tribune was recently awardedfirst place in the photo story category of theIndiana News Photographer’s Associationmonthly contest. The story documented aKokomo man’s struggle as he waited to receivea lung transplant and his subsequent recoveryafter the transplant. Erik has been with theKokomo Tribune since May 2001.Robert McLaughlin ’93 married Carla Medinaon August 16, 2003.Geoff McNeil ’93 is currently a Ph.D. studentin English Literature at University ofCalifornia, Santa Barbara.Peter Rubinas ’93 and wife Tara welcomed thebirth of their son, Patrick Leonard, onSeptember 26, 2003. Patrick weighed 6 pounds10 ounces and was 20 inches long.Kevin Coy ’94 married Theresa in June 2003 andthey are expecting their first child in April 2004.Mary (Majda) Lynch ’94, updates she is happilymarried to Michael a carpenter/firefighter.She is busy with her job as a social worker andson Kevin Michael who celebrated his firstbirthday in November. Prayers for youngerbrother Marty Majda ’99 serving in Iraq.Cheri Dangoy ’94 married MatthewNiemiec in October 2003. They currentlyreside in Homewood, IL along with herdaughter Adira who is in 1st grade at St.Joseph School.Kelly Rae Scott ’94 married Jacob Gannon ofPeoria, IL on October 18, 2003. Kelly is aregistered nurse at St. Vincent Hospital and agraduate student at Indiana University. Jacob, isthe facility manager for the Chemical CoatingDivision of Sherwin Williams. They live inFishers, IN.Jodie (Resedean) Stein ’94 and husbandMitch are expecting their first child (a boyrumor has it) in January. They met aftergraduating from Eastern Illinois University.Mitch went on at North Eastern to earnhis masters and is a special educationteacher at Parker Junior High in Flossmoor.Jodie is a contract manger for SBC Midwest.They have a new home in Mokena.Kevin Walery ’94is engaged to marryTanya Wallace.Kevin is a Dean atCrete Monee HighSchool and Tanya isa teacher at MarianCatholic. They areplanning a July2004 wedding.Olivia Franczyk, daughterof Ed Franczyk ’89.Melanie (Bertrand) Koreman ’95 and husbandPaul welcomed the birth of their second child,Gabriella Pamela, on March 8, 2003.Ed Lechner ’95 lives in Cordova, TN(a suburb of Memphis) and works as a chemicalengineer for Cargill, Inc. Ed is halfway to hisMBA from Christian Brothers UniversityinMemphis. Ed is engaged to April Pairmore,who works in the Information ManagementDepartment of Methodist Hospital in Memphis.The couple plans a May 2004 wedding.Dan Komer ’96 is a manager for AldiCorporation. In May 2004, he will marry BolieKrisch, whom he met while attending theUniversity of Wisconsin-Stout. Dan is a 2000graduate of the University.13Fred Wix ’96 graduated from Loras College inDecember 2000 with a major in marketing anda minor in history. He worked for the ChicagoWhite Sox in Sales and Marketing in 2001 andthan worked for the Quad City River Bandits assales director in 2002. In the spring of 2003 hemoved to Myrtle Beach, SC and has begun asecond undergraduate course in Marine Scienceat Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC.He also joined the Army Reserves.Mary Linder ’97 graduated in 2002 fromLoyola University with a B.A. in PoliticalScience. She is working for De La Salle Instituteas a Development Associate. Mary recentlybecame engaged to Dan Aske of Mundelein, IL,who is a graduate of DePaul University.Jack and new baby Gianna Zampillo, son anddaughter of Joe ’89 and Dana Zampillo.Sarah Lopez ’97 is engaged to Andrew Ruehl ofWhitefish Bay, WI. They met at the Universityof Iowa where Sarah graduated with a B.A. inSociology. Sarah works for the Social SecurityAdministration in Milwaukee. Andrew has hisB.A. in Communication Studies and does PRfor the Milwaukee Fair Housing Council.A wedding date is set for October 23, 2004.Leslie Spires ’97 graduated from ColumbiaCollege in Multi-Media in June, 2003. He iscurrently enrolled in a master’s program atOlivert College in Education.Andrea Monte Turner ’97 is currently earningher MBA from the University of Phoenix, andsays “all the long papers” helped her prepare forcollege and graduate school. Andrea andhusband Scott are busy raising their three littleones Miguel, Raymond and Gabriella. Andrea isproject coordinator for the University of Illinoisat Chicago, Department of Anesthesiology.Patrick Leonard Rubinas,son of Peter Rubinas ’93.

ALUMNI NOTESEdward Goff, son of Adam’98 and Jennifer(Linko) Goff ’97.Adam ’98 and Jennifer (Linko) Goff ’97welcomed the birth of their son, EdwardMichael, on October 22, 2003. He weighed6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20 inches.Adam Heun ’98 married Maureen Spizziri ata holiday wedding December 27, 2003.Richard Lutkus ’98 is completing his final yearof law school at Creighton University School ofLaw in their accelerated 3/3 Business/LawProgram. He will graduate in May ’04 andhopes to take the bar exam in July.John Moore ’98 graduated from Kent StateUniversity with a B.S. in Marketing. He iscurrently living in Newbury, OH.This past holiday season, Patrick Sheehan’98, a music major at Northern IllinoisUniversity, performed at NIU’s Recital Hall.Patrick just passed his one-year mark atNorthern Public Radio in DeKalb where he isan announcer during the week, and host forThe Saturday Night Blues each weekend.He invites everyone to tune in through thewebsite at www.NorthernPublicRadio.org,click on the 89.5 WNIJ button and then clickon WNIJ News.Jack Chavez ’99 graduated from NorthernIllinois University on December 14, 2003with a history degree. He hopes to attendLaw School.Jocelyn Delk ’99 graduated from ClarkAtlanta University with a degree in MassCommunications. While at CAU she obtainedDeans List Honors and was a member ofGolden Key International Honor Society,was active in productions and performance,volunteered as a mentor and tutor.She currently continues as CAU AlumniAssociation Publicist, and is an active memberin the NAACP and the United Negro CollegeFund. Jocelyn is a Production Assistant for“The Judge Mathis Show” and does otherfreelance TV and film work.Lauren Dixon ’99 graduated from BradleyUniversity where she was active in NAACP,Black Student Alliance and the ActivitiesCouncil of Bradley University.Lauren Hecht ’99 updates from theUniversity of Iowa where she is pursuing herPh.D. Lauren graduated with honors inpsychology from Albion College.Erin Hurtubise ’99 is currently a preschoolteacher for Bright Start after graduatingCum Laude from Winona State University.In the fall Erin plans to pursue a degree inschool counseling.Ann Mizwicki ’99 graduated from IllinoisState University with a degree in social work.Ann earned Dean’s List honors and studied inCanterbury, England for a semester.Kevin Whittingham ’99 and Colleen Savage’99 were married on March 13, 2004.Steven Zencka ’99 has joined the MarineCorp. He is looking forward to boot camp.Sean Hightower ’00 will be graduating fromLoyola University in the spring of 2004 with amajor in psychology and minor marketing.Nicholas McDonnell ’00 has been awardedthe Knights of St. Patrick Award from theCollege of Engineering at the University ofIllinois. This highest honor is given based onleadership, academics and exceptionalcontribution to the School of Engineering.Nick will graduate in May 2004, in the top1% of his class. He will continue hiseducation at the University of Illinois workingtoward a masters degree in ElectricalEngineering with a specialization in semiconductor materials and devices.Matt Bartolini ’01 was offensive and defensiveline coach for Don Pirkle as their FrankfortSquare Wildcats Pop Warner football Teamwent 14-0 and won the Youth Metro LeagueChampionship in the state of Illinois. Theywent on to win the Winston-Salem NationalChampionship tournament in North Carolina.Matt is also a full time student majoring incriminal justice with a 3.5 GPA.Ashley Caridine ’01 made Lewis UniversityDean’s List for the fall 2003 semester.Kelly (Scott) ’94 and Jacob Gannenmarried on October 18, 2003.Gina DiCarlo ’01 moved to Arizona and iscurrently attending Arizona State University,majoring in political science. She finished herfirst semester on the Dean’s Honor List and isactive in her honors fraternity Sigma AlphaLambda. She is currently working on her listof law school applications.Melissa Fedora ’01 is a producer/co-host at88.1 WCRX radio morning show.F. Martin and twin brother, Conor Paris, sonsof Marty and Kerry (Reidy) ’91 Paris.Samantha Schreiber ’01 is working as apharmacy technician while earning her degreein nursing from South Suburban College.Following graduation she and fiancé RyanStaley plan a June ’05 wedding.Kathleen Hickey ’01 made the Dean’s List atPurdue and will be honored at a ceremony inApril. She is also featured in the MarchPurdue alumni magazine as a dancer.Michael James Myette, son of Erika (Fuehrmeyer)’95 and Michael-John Myette, prays for a FightingIrish victory at the Notre Dame grotto last fall.Christine Drankiewicz ’03 made the Dean’s Listher first semester at Western Illinois University.Christine is part of the ROTC program.Elita Hohner ’03, a National Merit Scholarmajoring in psychology has been selected asone of 15 Presidential Scholars amongIllinois Wesleyan’s class of 585 first-yearstudents. This award recognizes first-yearstudents who have shown excellence both inand out of the classroom.Kathryn Vallis ’03 achievements have meritedher being named to the College of Arts andSciences Dean’s List at Loyola University.Stephen Zahradnik ’03 is president of hisdormitory at Loyola University. The dormhouses over 600 students and he leads theresident hall government.14

WANT YOUR NEXT MARIAN MATTERS SENT TO YOU VIA EMAIL?You can receive your next issue of Marian Matters electronically. It will be sent in a file format through Adobe Acrobat PDF(compatible with both Mac and PC). If you do not have Adobe Acrobat PDF don’t fret, in your email we can also send you thelink to download Adobe Acrobat absolutely free. All we need is your name and email address. Fill out the attached form, or log onto www.marianchs.com, fill out the Alumni Survey form and check the appropriate box.Name______________________________________________________________________________Class of _____________Email Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________✁WHAT’S THE NEWS WITH YOU, ALUM?Tell us any interesting news, events, or milestones in your life (marriage, children, promotions, service, career moves, etc.)that you would like to share with your fellow alumni. Also, please be sure to use this form to update information.Name(s) ____________________________________________________________________________________Class of _____________Address ___________________________________________________________________________ Is this a new address? Yes NoCity ____________________ State________ Zip________________ E-Mail ________________________________________________Home Phone _____________________________________________ Work Phone ____________________________________________NEWS __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Occupation/Position ______________________________________________________________________________________________send to: Marian Catholic High School, Alumni Relations Director700 Ashland Avenue, Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411fax: 708.756.9759 • e-mail: alumni@marianchs.com✁❑ My name / address on reverse is correct.WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE?❑ Please make corrections as needed.Email:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________Best phone to reach me: ____________________________________________________________________________________________Career Day❑ I would be willing to place my name on the Career Day’s Speakers’ Bureau list.(A time commitment from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. one day in the spring is necessary.)My specific focus would be __________________________________________________________________________________________Career Mentor❑ I would be willing to host a student to “shadow” me at my work placeat a mutually agreeable time.Job / Career / Field: __________________________________________________________________________________________________Business Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________Business Phone: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________Email: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________❑ I live out of town (or have a career where job “shadow” is difficult) but would be willing to serve as a resource by phone / email to the MCHSGuidance Department should a student wish to explore my field of expertise which is:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________✁15

MARIAN CATHOLICALUMNIA S S O C I A T I O NU PCOMING E VENTSCAREER DAYThis year’s Alumni Career Day will takeplace Monday, May 10, 2004. If you areinterested in talking to Marian Studentsabout your career, please contact theAlumni Office.ENDOWMENT CLASSICThe annual Marian Catholic HighSchool Endowment Classic will takeplace at Idlewild and Ravisloe CountryClubs on August 16, 2004. If you wouldlike to golf or take advantage of oursponsorship opportunities, please contactthe Advancement Office.CAREER MENTOR PROGRAMThe Career Mentor Program is a yearround program, which brings togetherMarian Catholic High School Alumniand Students. If you would like to shareyour career by having a Marian studentshadow you at your place of business, orperhaps serve as a Mentor via email orphone, please contact Erin DeBruin ’99in the Alumni Office.Office for Institutional AdvancementMARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL700 Ashland AvenueChicago Heights, IL 60411708.755.6579www.marianchs.comADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDNon-Profit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 274Tinley Park, ILREUNIONSClass of 1999 – October 9, 2004Class of 1994 – October 9, 2004Class of 1984 – TBDClass of 1979 – August 28, 2004Class of 1974 – TBDClass of 1969 – TBDClass of 1964 – TBDALUMNI ASSOCIATION OFFICERSCHRISTOPHER CUMMINGS ’76ChairpersonCOLLEEN (O’NEIL) RANIERI ’83Vice ChairpersonOUR MISSION AT MARIAN CATHOLICMarian Catholic, under the sponsorship of the Springfield Dominicans, is a coeducational, college preparatory high school where studentsseek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents, and demonstrate Christian service and leadership.