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| Marian offers 50th Anniversary Banner Sponsorships | ||||||
Beginning in August of this year, Marian Catholic will feature $500 value sponsorship banners (PDF brochure) on lightposts on school property and on selected lightposts on Joe Orr Road and Ashland Avenue surrounding the Marian campus. Sponsorships are open to Marian Catholic families, organizations and area businesses. The banners will: SOLD OUT!!! * Feature Marian’s 50th Anniversary logo and the name/logo of a company, individual or family. * Be hung one banner per lightpole on heavy duty brackets made of rust-proof cast aluminum with cantilevered rods to hold the banners taut. * Be made of heavy duty vinyl that will easily weather the twelve month Anniversary celebration. * Be installed in August, remain posted for twelve months, and then be gifted back to the sponsor. For more information, or to Sponsor a 50th Anniversary Banner, please call the Advancement Office at (708) 755-6579. |
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| Ninth Period Emmaus returns for third year of comedy, charity | ||||||
Back for its third summer, Marian Catholic High School’s very own comedy troupe Ninth Period Emmaus – made up of MCHS students and alumni - will be performing to benefit many charities associated with Marian Catholic and the South Suburbs. During the past two summers, the troupe has raised more than $8,000 for different community charitable organizations, including The Marian Catholic Sr. Simeon Hardship Fund and Respond Now. Ninth Period Emmaus is planning three more shows this summer, taking place at Marian Catholic High School, 700 Ashland Ave, Chicago Heights. Performances are at 8 p.m. on July 10, July 24 and Aug. 7. Admission is $5 and all ticket sales benefit the specific charity for that evening. Attendees can enjoy all-ages comedy while helping support a good cause. Please contact Abigail at Abigail.E.Sullivan@gmail.com with any questions or to find out how you can help.
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| Sr. Judine Hilbing appointed as next President at Marian Catholic | ||||||
Sr. Rose Marie Riley, O.P., Prioress General of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, along with fellow members of the leadership team, recently announced that Sr. Judine Hilbing, O.P. will succeed longtime president Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, as President of Marian Catholic High School. The appointment, “Sr. Judine has more than 20 years experience in elementary school administration, with 17 in the Chicago Archdiocese,” Sr. Rose Marie said. “Her experience in planning, her collaborative leadership style, her focus on communication, and her organizational skills will be strong assets for Marian Catholic. She will provide a depth of expertise and professionalism that will allow teachers and students to achieve their academic and spiritual goals." Marian Catholic has such a wonderful reputation for excellence that I am truly excited about the opportunity to become a part of this outstanding high school,” Sr. Judine explained. “As a life-time educator, I continue to find joy in witnessing the success and development of our youth. “Recruitment efforts have been very successful in attracting high quality students. I believe that sustained efforts in this regard will ensure that Marian Catholic High School will continue to project itself as an educational environment that fosters excellence in the academic advancement, spiritual growth, and extra-curricular activities of its students. Committed to Catholic education, Sr. Judine holds a Master of Arts degree in elementary education with a concentration in administration from the University of Illinois in Champaign, as well as of Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. Currently, Sister Judine serves as Administrative Assistant to the Principal at Immaculate Conception School in Chicago. Her former positions include Principal at St. Michael School in Chicago, 1996-2007; Principal at St. Christina School in Chicago, 1990-1996; and Principal at St. John Neumann School in Maryville, Ill., 1984-1990. “I feel this is a great opportunity to serve a community need and work in an educational environment that is strong and vibrant,” Sr. Judine said. “I will put all my efforts into continuing the strong educational programs and services already in place and work to further the mission of Marian Catholic.” As President of Marian Catholic High School, Sr. Judine will:
“Sr. Judine is a gracious and perceptive woman who will bring her own warmth and intelligence to bear on the mission of Marian Catholic,” said Sister M. Paul McCaughey who will, at the end of this academic year, become Superintendent of Chicago’s Catholic Schools. “The Marian Catholic community will find Sr. Judine an able listener, a fine conciliator and imaginative leader.” Sister Judine’s appointment will begin on July 1, 2008 and she arrives at a very exciting time for Marian Catholic, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary during the 2008-09 school year. Marian is also in process of winding up its Courage to Lead Capital Campaign, which hopes to succeed $6 million used toward a new state-of-the-art Leadership Center, artificial turf for Spartan Stadium, broadcast enhancements and Endowment. “The capital campaign, the new Leadership Center, and plans for the 50th anniversary are initiatives that have been highly successful and are nearing the final stages of development,” Sr. Judine said. “I think it is important for the new president to become well acquainted with these efforts and to give support and encouragement to the persons who have worked so hard with Sr. Mary Paul to achieve this success to date." |
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| Marian President Sr. M. Paul to move to Supt. of Catholic Schools in Chicago Archdiocese | ||||||
Chicago Tribune story Chicago Sun-Times story Southtown/Star story McCaughey accepted the position at the urging of Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago, and with the blessing of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.
“After an extensive search, we believe that our Search Committee identified the best possible person for this important position in the Archdiocese of Chicago,” noted Cardinal George. “Sr. Mary Paul has both the professional experience and leadership qualities that are necessary to take responsibility for the future of our Catholic elementary and high schools.” Although the 1967 graduate of Marian Catholic certainly has no intention of leaving the Marian “family,” she certainly vacates the building having left several indelible marks under her leadership. Through Partnership 2000 and The Courage to Lead capital campaigns, McCaughey has been a primary guiding force in the building a new fine arts wing, a primary competition gymnasium and newly built Leadership Center/Student Union. Tremendous progress has also been witnessed with additions of a new college room, greenhouse, Campus Ministry area, two science labs and the $1.9 million Dominican Way classroom addition. Under her leadership, Marian earned a U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon in 1995-96 and Marian has twice been named to the Catholic High School Honor Roll (2004, 2006), which recognizes the Top 50 secondary schools in America. “The whole thing began, quite truly, as a favor to a wonderful local pastor last November to go and talk to a search committee,” said McCaughey, who has degrees from Quincy, St. Louis, Notre Dame and DePaul. “Talk I did, expressing my feelings about education in the Archdiocese, stressing that, while I was grateful for this opportunity to ‘speak my piece,’ I may not be the one they wanted for their job - and I already had a job I loved. “It is critical that the Marian community knows that things are being put in place here so that we will not miss a beat in ‘teaching scholars with a soul.’ While this move still leaves me a bit in shock, I am humbled by it and aware of the challenges and the tremendous possibilities.” The Dominican Sisters of Springfield, who have sponsored Marian since it opened in 1958, have set a priority to seek a replacement among the Dominican Sisters. “It is an honor for the whole congregation that Sister M. Paul’s gifts and organizational skills are being recognized by the Archdiocese of Chicago,” Dominican Sisters of Springfield Prioress General Sister Rose Marie Riley, O.P. said. “Her vision and foresight will bring the educational community together for the good of the children and the church.” McCaughey, who tentatively plans to complete her duties at Marian on June 12, plans to leave Marian with the excellence she has been so instrumental in achieving. “I am energized to really cap off The Courage to Lead campaign through the goodness of so many- and to complete as many of its priorities as possible with the help of the Advisory Board, TC2L Campaign Leadership, and the MCHS community, with the construction being led by Maintenance Supervisor Harvey Mazur,” McCaughey explained. “My love for this place, the constraints on my time, and the need to keep a focus on both roles does not allow for any long goodbyes, but I will be always just around the corner to join the Marian constituency for pieces of our 50th Anniversary Celebration next year.” Along with dozens of appointments to significant committees and associations, McCaughey’s path to the Archdiocese of Chicago follows a career of excellence in education since 1970. Serving as Marian’s principal for all but two years from 1992-2004, McCaughey also served as principal at Springfield Sacred Heart and Sacred Heart-Griffin from 1985-1991. She taught at her alma mater in 1993-94 and held teaching/administrative roles as well at Rosary High School and Routt High School in Jacksonville, Ill. Along with her successor, McCaughey will leave Marian in extremely able hands led by Principal Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait and Chief Financial Officer Bill Hogan. Meanwhile, Mary Moffatt, currently serving as a consultant, has accepted the role of Vice-President of Institutional Advancement. Sr. Kathleen Anne will serve as spokesperson for the school should there be an interim time prior to the appointment of a President. “The position of principal truly ministers to the very heart of the school - to its students, its staff, its teachers, and its parents,” McCaughey said. “The complex and awesome work of education that is only achieved in the classroom, activities, and guidance is the provenance of the principal. We are blessed to have someone with the competencies, confidence, and care who is willing to cement the ‘center’ of Marian Catholic High School. Without Sr. Kathleen’s effective leadership, any change could not even be contemplated. “Bill’s accounts are handled with tremendous integrity. His eye on our financial health and honest cautions have helped us to more clearly define our priorities and reach our goals. Mary’s passion for the mission and loyalty to the Dominican Sisters is matched only by her gracious warmth and ability to marshal the resources needed with honesty and energy.” While McCaughey moves on near the completion of the Courage to Lead capital campaign, she looks forward to being a familiar face and contributor as Marian Catholic plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in the 2008-09 school year. |
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| Marian Band named 'Honor Band' at University of Illinois contest | ||||||
The Marian Catholic High School Symphonic Band was named “Honor Band” in Class AA on Saturday at the University of Illinois Superstate Band contest. Marian was one of 25 bands selected to perform this year from a field of more than 60 audition tape applications. With the Honor Band award comes an automatic invitation to perform in exhibition at Superstate again next year. The previous weekend, Marian Catholic competed in the Illinois State University Band contest, where the Symphonic Band earned first place in its class and was named overall Grand Champion. The Marian Concert Band earned second place in its class. |
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| Marian honors 81 students for Academic perfection | ||||||
Marian Catholic honored 81 seniors, juniors and sophomores on April 23 for achieving a 4.0 grade-point average or better in at least two consecutive semesters at Marian Catholic. The recognition included breakfast for the following: Seniors: Jessica Alston, Tim Blewitt, Christopher Bozzetti, Emily Cannata, Courtney Cooper, Alexandra Corbett, Amanda Coughlin, Sean Daley, Rajelin Escondo, Melanie Hall, Brian Iggins, Tracey Johnson, Martha Juarez, Lana Larcher, Tiffany Lewis, Ryan Merriman, Dominic Ortigara, Timothy Stanis, Justin Thirstrup, Alex Tolish, Elizabeth Tortorello, Michael Tuttle, Alexandra Udchitz and Joanna Wojnar. Juniors: Daniel Anderson, Teresa Banks, Ryann Bardwell, Christina Brow, Laura DiLuia, Roseann Drosos, Mario Earnest, Joan Furjanic, Matthew Goedke, Bryan Golubski, Olivia Jackson, Neal Jacobsma, Ashley Kirner, Daniel Klipper, Dana Kuehr, Jonathan Lamano, Kelly Liesse, Casey Lilek, Melinda Markert, Teronse Miller, Enyinnaya Okebugwu, Erin O'Shea, Jessica Peterson, Katie Pietraszak, Angela Quatrini, Julie Rzesutko, Daniel Schramm, Noeli Serna and Christopher Skurka. Sophomores: Margaret Andres, Haley Boblink, Megan Burke, Jonathon Caffarelli, Katelyn Campbell, Mia Cleary, Aaron Cook, Ronald Dymerski, Jr., Daniel Eckel, Jillian Fata, Michelle Hroma, Stephen Hudson, James Jackson, Kimberly Karlin, Samuel Kirschenheiter, Evan Kordys, Jamie Laski, Keegan Marz, Justine Meyer, Anne O'Shea, Jaime Patriarca, Jessica Siegert, Sarah Smith, Thomas Sullivan, Jennifer Szotek, Jori Walan, Katherine Watson and Sean Woods. |
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| Marian students take action vs. cancer through St. Baldrick's, Color Guard | ||||||
Through participation with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and Marian Catholic High School’s nationally renowned Color Guard, students are taking the fight against cancer into their own hands in the early stages of the second semester. After raising more than $15,000 with about 20 participants last year, Marian is hoping to eclipse that total when it conducts another St. Baldrick’s event on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m. Students will shave their heads in solidarity with children fighting cancer and help raise critical funds for childhood cancer research. Marian began involvement with the event through the South Suburban Police and Fire. “It was fun and inspirational seeing our students shave their heads for children with cancer,” said Sr. Teresa Marron, Marian’s faculty representative for the event. On-air talent Patrick Elwood of Fox News Chicago has also sent out a challenge to other Chicago area schools, targeting a goal of more than $1,000,000 raised this year. Elwood and his camera crew visited Marian last week to publicize the event, as he also found time to visit basketball practice and learn more about the Marian Color Guard’s emphasis on cancer awareness. A senior member of the guard has watched her mother wage a successful fight against cancer, which has helped provide motivation for a couple Color Guard projects. “Our 2008 program is entitled "Can I... Change the World?," according to guard director Jamie Oakley. “It is an emotional program designed to inspire people to find a cause that they believe in and to do something to help. The program is told from a teenager's point of view, and tries to show that everyone has a voice, and that no matter what age you are, your actions can matter. We highlight programs such as Habitat for Humanity, The Walk for Breast Cancer, Action Against Hunger and UNICEF.” In addition to the 2008 competitive program, the Winter Guard is working on two community projects. First is the Pajama Project, a program that collects new pajamas and donates them to orphanages, foster care, and battered and abused shelters. The second project will be a benefit performance night where the proceeds will go to Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network to sponsor families in New Orleans that are trying to rebuild their homes. The Marian Catholic Winter Guard began in 1997 and since then, has been the Midwest Color Guard Circuit Scholastic Open Champions from 1997-1999, 2001-2003, and 2007. Marian was also the Midwest Color Guard Circuit Scholastic World Champion from 2004-2006. Nationally, the winter guard has traveled to numerous regional competitions and has been a finalist at Winter Guard International World Championships in 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2007. |
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| Marian Catholic parents share opinions on drug testing | ||||||
Marian Catholic Parents who attended recent information sessions about drug testing echoed the question: Why would a school consider mandatory drug testing when its drugs use, according to the University of Michigan's "Monitoring the Future" research, is far less than the national and local averages? The University of Michigan Survey is conducted across the country and states that 40 percent of high school students have used an illicit drug by graduation. Meanwhile, Marian Catholic students show a 10 percent experimentation rate prior to graduation. With that differential, why mandate drug testing for the entire student body at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year? "I have my own conflicted feelings about testing most of our kids who have made great choices, but this can be a tool for prevention and intervention" notes MCHS President Sr. M. Paul McCaughey. Parents at meetings were comfortable with the hair sample approach after a presentation by Bill Dausey of Psychomedics Corporate Testing. Other questions included the cost factor for a generally drug-free community and school and parental responsibilities. “Youngsters today are growing up in an increasingly complicated society,” according to Advisory Board member and sophomore parent Vince Krydynski ’81. “What was taboo when I was in high school is now the common themes in music videos, television, the Internet and tabloids. The popular images today tend to pull kids away from the values responsible parents are working so hard to instill.” “Marian is taking a leadership role in helping students and families navigate the difficult waters of teen drug use/prevention. The drug-testing program gives me, as a parent, comfort knowing that Marian Catholic actively supports my decision to keep my daughter free from drugs. It gives my daughter another reason to say “no.” It provides early intervention and counseling in a safe environment for any student struggling with drug use. This is another example of Marian Catholic High School working with parents to instill positive influences in the lives of young adults and enforcing the values and beliefs we have in our home.” Marian Catholic has recently introduced a copyrighted Leadership program to benefit all students. Having each student live a drug-free life is a part of that program. “Marian is aware that students are faced with a culture of drugs and alcohol from the media and society,” Marian Principal Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait explained. “Often that makes it more difficult for students to be proud of being drug free. A testing program, as well as concepts of our Leadership program, helps diffuse the culture outside and supports the pride students can take in positive choices.” Marian's published materials to be made available prior to student registration for 2008-2009, detail the process, including method, confidentiality notification, referral format and retesting. |
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| Marian Band wins Class AA (5th overall), 3 captions at BOA Grand Nationals | ||||||
The Marian Catholic Marching Band captured first place in Class AA and was fifth overall on Saturday night at the Bands of America Grand National Championship at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Along with advancing to the BOA Grand National Finals round for the 24th consecutive year, Marian Catholic swept all three captions in Class AA, winning Outstanding Music Performance, Outstanding Visual Performance and Outstanding General Effect. The Marian Band found success at the Grand Nationals while juggling a grueling practice schedule in preparation to march in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Earlier, the Marian Marching Band earned first place in Class AA at the BOA Regionals in Indianapolis and won its 28th consecutive Illinois state championship in class at Illinois State University. Marian was seeking its record eighth Grand National Championship at Indianapolis. The Spartan Marching Band has been the top Illinois band in BOA Nationals for the last decade and has been the top finishing Catholic Band every year in which it’s participated. Marian won Grand National Championships in 1985, 1987-89, 1994, 1997 and 2000. |
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| Eight Marian athletes make NLI college commitments | ||||||
The room was filled with the greatest number of early commitments in several years, as eight members from the Marian Catholic Class of 2008 signed National Letters of Intent on the early signing day on Wednesday. Five different sports were represented, as student-athletes committed to continue their playing careers at the collegiate level. The group was led by standout golfer Samantha Sloan. After back-to-back Top 5 individual finishes at the IHSA state meet, Sloan will take her talents to the University of Illinois. Teammate Ann Vrdolyak, who also helped Marian to two state trophies in the last three years, will continue her golfing career at the University of Iowa. Marian spring success on the diamond translated to scholarship offers as well. Following in his brother Chris’ footsteps (Miami of Ohio), baseball infielder Andres Rodriguez committed to Eastern Kentucky University. Softball standouts Ashley Cann (Northern Illinois University) and Katie Healy (Lewis University) will move on to the next level as well. A consistent force in the early signing period, women’s basketball will send Alysha Ferry to St. Xavier University and Jen Szala to St. Joseph-Rensselaer. Gymnast Rachel Montoya signed a NLI to attend the University of Illinois-Chicago. While not part of the early-signing period, football tight end Dennis Kelly recently made a verbal commitment to attend Purdue University. |
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| For Marian seniors named to Army All-American Band, Bowl Game | ||||||
Marian Catholic High School Band seniors Corinne Jones (Steger), Brandon Johnson (Dolton), Kevin Ortiz (Hammond, Ind.) and Amanda Johnson (Alsip) have been chosen as just 91 students from throughout the country as members of the United States Army Honor Band. The four Marian Band members will travel to San Antonio in January for four days of rehearsal, then play at the Army All-American Bowl televised on NBC on Jan. 5. Marian Band Directors Greg Bimm and Bobby Lambert have been selected to work the Honor Band in January as well. The U.S. Army All-American Bowl, produced by SportsLink, is the premier high school football game in the nation. It features the nation's top 80 high school senior football players and starting this year, the 91 finest high school senior marching musicians. The U.S. Army All-American Marching Band is the ultimate validation of their accomplishments. The All-American Band members will also eventually be featured on the official web site: www.menc.org/allamerican/2008/2008students.html. The Marian Catholic Marching Band has won an unprecedented seven Bands of America Grand National championships and will play in the 2007 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. On Friday (Oct. 19), the Marian Band will travel to Illinois State University, seeking its record 28th consecutive Illinois State Championship in class. |
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| Marian's Daley attends Illinois Aerospace Institute | ||||||
| Sean Daley, an Oak Forest resident and senior at Marian Catholic High School, attended the 16th annual Illinois Aerospace Institute held at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), July 8-14, 2007. Daley was one of 33 high school students from across the country to attend the institute. Through lectures, labs, projects, and presentations, participants explored such topics as the theory of flight, propulsion, aircraft and spacecraft design. Each students "flew" in a state-of -the art computerized flight simulator at the Beckman Institute. There was also time for an actual flight through the UIUC Institute of Aviation. Robert B. Powers, of the Old Dominion University Research Foundation and a UIUC alumnus, met with the students and shared details about his career as an aerospace engineer, and discussed the NASA Vision for Space Exploration. A local radio-controlled model plane club provided a plane demonstration with participants assisting in operating the plane controls. To cap off the week, participants flight-tested model gliders and model rockets that they had designed and built at the Institute. The Illinois Aerospace Institute was co-sponsored by the Department of Aerospace Engineering at UIUC and NASA's Illinois Space Grant Consortium. |
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| 9th Period Emmaus raises more than $3,200 for Marian-related charities | ||||||
"9th Period Emmaus," a comedy group made up of Marian Catholic alumni and current students, performed its fourth and final show of the summer on Thursday, August 2 and raised more than $1,200 for the Hardship Fund, which provides tuition assistance for MCHS students. This summer, 9PE has raised more than $3,200 for Marian-related charities. The cast and crew of 9th Period Emmaus would like to thank everyone who came out and supported them!
Founded by Steve Tortorello ('04), 9th Period Emmaus features several alumni and current students such as Eric Hamilton, Sarah Jo Ritchie, Katie Ubik, Sam Sullivan, Abby Sullivan, Bob Solorio, Chris Skurka, Tim Blewitt, Anna Ceragioli, Tim Jarzombek, Pat Murphy, Zac Bachlin, Joe Blewitt, Amy Dettman, Katie Payne, Laura Curtis, Jessic Hartl, Elizabeth O’Brien-Penney, Paul Obaggy, Katie Obaggy, Emiy Joria, Mike Auz, Caitlin Padula and Liz Tortorello. 9th Period Emmaus gives Marian alumni and students a chance to showcase their talents in a unique and entertaining manner. Current Marian students interested in the performing arts get the chance to work alongside Marian alums with similar interests and experiences, which gives them insights into their craft and fosters relationships for the future. The group debuted in summer 2006. It has raised more than $6,200 for Marian-related charities through ticket sales and concession sales during the past two summers. Because they feature both skits and improvisational comedy, 9th Period Emmaus shows are somewhat of a combination of "Saturday Night Live" meets "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" with a Marian twist. The humor is clean and fun for the whole family. For more information about "9th Period Emmaus,"
please contact Steve Tortorello at tortorello.1@nd.edu. |
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| Marian's Rodey a Golden Apple Teacher with Distinction honoree | ||||||
Marian Catholic Social Studies teacher Bob Rodey has been named one of 10 first-time recipients of the Golden Apple Foundation Teachers of Distinction honor from the Chicago area. Along with 10 Golden Apple Award winners from the Chicago Area, the Teachers of Distinction were selected from 803 teachers nominated for the awards from Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake and Will counties. Rodey, a longtime educator at Rich East High School and teacher at Marian for 13 years, is currently teaching AP U.S. History, American Government and American Studies. He has also been invited to participate on several national historical/governmental workshops and committees. “I owe much of my success to the total support I receive from the Marian community, including administration, students, parents and colleagues,” explained Rodey, a favorite of many students. “Perhaps the biggest reason why I continue to be enthusiastic about teaching is the stimulation I get from summer institutes, workshops and travel.” The Award winners and Teachers of Distinction will be honored at an award ceremony on May 12 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, which subsequently will be aired as a one-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11. The Teachers of Distinction will be recognized for their distinguished contribution to teaching and asked to participate in Golden Apple programs. |
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| Marian Band to perform in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade | ||||||
Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade last on Thursday, you see floats, balloons, stars and great marching bands. The only thing missing was the award winning Marian Catholic High School Band. Next year, that will be remedied. Marian’s Band has been invited to march in the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. While in New York the band plans to do some sightseeing as well. They plan to visit “Ground Zero” and the Statue of Liberty, perform on the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier and attend a Broadway show. |
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| Marian sends 19 to All-District Music Ensembles | ||||||
Nineteen students from Marian Catholic’s Music Program traveled to Oak Park-River Forest High School to participate in the Illinois Music Educators All-District Ensembles. Hundreds of students from as far north as the Chicago Public Schools and York High School to the Rich and Lincoln-Way Schools in the south auditioned for the chance to perform with the ensembles. Ross Kellen, retired band director from Glenbard East High School, conducted the band, Diane Hires, retired choir director from Downers Grove South, conducted choir while the orchestra was lead by Bruce Ichimura of Western Michigan University. Several of these students will qualify for the opportunity to audition for the Illinois All-State Ensembles held in Peoria each January. Marian Catholic students included: Tom Connelly, Mokena; Alison DeLuca, St. John, Ind.; Ariana Dymerski, Beecher; Briana Engelbert, Hammond, Ind.; Joey Halpin, Tinley Park; Emily Hansen, Lansing; Tom Hirsch, Tinley Park; Amanda Johnson, Alsip; Tracy Johnson, Richton Park; Kate Lesniak, Chicago Heights; Kevin Ortiz, Hammond, Ind.; Kelly O’Shea, Munster, Ind.; Eric Pedone, Tinley Park; Julie Popelka, Tinley Park; Angela Quatrini, Tinley Park; Ryan Reid, Dyer, Ind.; Chris Smith, Matteson; Tim Spear, Mokena; Josh Wagner, Crete. |
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| Marian Band excels at Stagg, St. Rita competitions | ||||||
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The Marian Catholic High School Band completed a very successful weekend in competitions at Stagg and St. Rita High Schools. On Saturday, Sept. 23 among 18 bands from across the state, the Marian Band won the Overall Champion Award, along with other awards- including Outstanding Percussion, Outstanding Colorguard and Outstanding Music. Marian continued its winning streak by competing at St. Rita on Sunday and winning all captions, including Outstanding Drum Major and Outstanding Visual honors along with the Overall Championship. Over the weekend, Marian saw 36 total bands, including Lincoln-Way Central, Brother Rice/St. Laurence, Lockport, Providence and Elk Grove. The Marian Band will next travel to Lincoln-Way Central on October 14 to compete in its next show before traveling to Illinois State University for the Illinois State Marching Competition to defend its 26 consecutive state championships. |
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| Marian mourns the loss of Superfan Lyndon "Stretch" Waller | ||||||
 The Marian Catholic community mourns the loss of Lyndon "Stretch" Waller, who passed away on Sunday, Sept. 10. The husband of Marian Dean Ann Waller, Stretch is a former Marian parent and a "superfan" for many Marian athletic teams and organizations.Marian extends its continued prayers for Stretch and his family. |
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| Marian alums Purcell, Calvi earn Dominican Awards | ||||||
Marian Catholic graduates Jennifer Purcell ’02 and Jason Calvi ‘99 (now Brother Anthony Joseph Calvi, O.P.) received the St. Catherine of Siena and St. Dominic Award, respectively, at the Annual Dominican High School Preaching Conference that was held at Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich. Purcell is a graduate of Dominican University in River Forest and will begin her first year of teaching at Roosevelt grade school in Chicago Heights. Calvi is a graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa and joined the Dominican Order in 2004. He is presently studying at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis. |
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| Dave Mattio part of inaugural ESCC Hall of Fame Class | ||||||
Dave Mattio, a 1966 graduate and athletic director at Marian Catholic for the last 31 years, will be one of the 16 in the inaugural class of the East Suburban Catholic Conference Hall of Fame. The ESCC honored the group on Thursday, March 9 at the Crystal Sky Banquet Hall in McCook, Ill. Selected from the current 13 ESCC schools, the inaugural class of 16 includes NBA Executive and former national and world champion Isiah Thomas, legendary Joliet Catholic football coach Gordie Gillespie, current NFL standouts Jeff Zgonina and Mike Alstott, and current St. Joseph basketball coach and movie Hoop Dreams star Gene Pingatore. The list also includes several athletes who have excelled on the college or professional level, as well as some of the ESCC’s prominent coaches and administrators through a history that began in 1974. A committee will select new men and women each year for the Hall of Fame of the ESCC, one of the state’s strongest leagues and many sports. Mattio has also been Marian’s football coach for the last 30 years, leading the Spartans to 219 victories, the 1993 Class 4A state championship and a runner-up finish in Class 5A in 1999. He has led his teams to 16 IHSA playoff appearances and produced NFL standouts Mike Prior ’81, John Holecek ’90 and Rodney Harrison ’91. Mattio is also a previous member of the Marian Catholic Alumni Association Hall of Fame and the Illinois Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame. |
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Marian dedications include Bracha Resource Center, Amos Tree/Garden |
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Marian Catholic High School is proud to announce that MCHS has been gifted by Mr. Frank Bracha with a gift to support faculty development. Recognizing this commitment, the Faculty Resource Center in the recently built Dominican Way wing will be dedicated "The Helen W. Bracha Faculty Resource Center." |
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Morning Mass is offered twice a week at 7:05 a.m. in the Marian Catholic Chapel. Mass will be celebrated every Tuesday and Thursday during the school year. All parents and students are welcome to join chaplain Rev. Bill O'Mara in a beautiful way to get your day started by 7:30 a.m. |
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Bands of America, Inc. (BOA) recently inducted four individuals into the 2005 Bands of America Hall of Fame. The Bands of America Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have greatly impacted Bands of America, the nation's band activity and music education. Hall of Fame recipients will be recognized permanently in the Bands of America "Hall of Fame" in its corporate headquarters in Indianapolis. |
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Marian welcomes new VP/Principal Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P. |
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The arrival on July 1, 2004 of Vice-President for Instructional and Student Activities, Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait, O.P., "brings energy and expertise to the Principal's Office," noted Marian Catholic High School President Sr. M. Paul McCaughey, O.P. "Having Sr. Kathleen at Marian Catholic is a strong sign of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield support of the mission of MCHS." |
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Through food drives, hunger walks, feeding the homeless, tending to injured and abandoned animals and several other activities, Marian Catholic High School and its Service Club have always provided much for others in the South Suburbs. |
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Marian Catholic Science Department Chair Vince Zerante was recently recognized by the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-8). |
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By Emily Taffe |
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A tribute to a dedicated father, hero and friend, Marian Catholic dedicated the flag pole in its outdoor stadium to the memory of Navy Lt. Cmdr. Patrick J. Murphy '81 on Friday, Sept. 20, 2002 when Marian hosted Benet Academy for its homecoming football game at 7:30 p.m. |
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Has it been 20 years since you walked the halls of Marian Catholic High School as a student, or only two? |
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effective July, 1, 2008, is part of the congregation's commitment to provide high quality leadership at their schools so students can seek truth, exhibit personal responsibility, cultivate their individual talents and demonstrate Christian service and leadership.
