
By Barb Dawson
•
May 6, 2025
Under the direction of Alumni Relations Officer, Mary Albert, Montini Catholic High School was proud to wrap up their fourth year of hosting their popular career focused Lunch & Learn series. The alumni led sessions provided an opportunity for Bronco juniors and seniors to learn more about potential careers. Through Montini's Lunch & Learn, Bronco alumni serve as mentors, offering guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. These alumni connections can also provide an outlet for Montini students to build relationships for potential future internships and job opportunities. The last two Lunch & Learn sessions of the 2024-25 school year were held on Monday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 20th. Monday's session featured Former Secret Service Agent, Richard (RG) Starmann '89, whose remarkable career with the Secret Service began in 1997 and continued for 25 years as he served during the Clinton, Bush and Obama presidencies. Wednesday's sessions included Guy Papa J.D., M.A., B.A., ‘94 (Law Enforcement Bureau Chief, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and former Deputy Chief of the Berwyn Police Department for over 21 years), 2019 graduate, Mariella Maduzia RN, (Registered Nurse, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Level IV NICU) and Dan Lowery, PE, '08 who is Assistant Vice President & Construction Services Team Leader at Gannett Fleming TranSystems (speaking on Civil Engineering). "We are so happy to conclude our Lunch and Learns this year knowing that our students walked away with valuable career advice and help with exploring their options and making more informed decisions," said Miss Albert. "And we are so thankful to our alumni for taking the time to visit with and share their knowledge and experience with our students." Photo above: Mary Albert, Mariella Maduzia ‘19, Guy Papa ‘94, Dan Lowery ‘08, Anne Marie Lowery, Montini Development Director and President Kevin Beirne;
By Barb Dawson
•
May 6, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard announced their 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian on Thursday, May 1st at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's 28th Annual Academic Awards Banquet held at Montini Catholic. Matthew Silveyra of Carol Stream earned Valedictorian honors and Conor Kaefer of Lombard earned Salutatorian accolades. Both young men have been very academically accomplished students throughout their four years at Montini Catholic, with each receiving the President's Award for Academic Excellence and Illinois State Scholar honors during their senior year. Earlier in the school year, both Matthew and Conor were named Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction (scoring a 3.5 or higher on all AP Exams taken) and both earned National Merit Commended Student honors. Conor was also named a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Both seniors are members of Montini's National Honor Society (NHS) with Conor serving as President and Matthew, Treasurer of the 2024-25 chapter. Both also dedicate their service to fellow students as NHS Peer Tutors. Matthew and Conor are members of the Spanish Honor Society and Matthew earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award this spring. Both men achieved admission into Montini Catholic's Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society - Matthew is President and Conor is Vice President of the society. Both are also members of Montini's Math Team, helping her Broncos secure their impressive 6th Place State finish this spring. Matthew is a member of Montini's Robotics team and Conor was a member up until his senior year. Both Matthew and Conor traveled to Dallas, Texas last spring to represent Montini at the VEX Worlds Robotics Championship. Conor, a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic grade school in Lombard, earned Academic All Conference honors and the IHSA Scholastic Recognition Award for his participation in Cross Country and Track and Field. He also serves his fellow students as a Peer Minister and is a member of the Spanish Club, History Club and Lasallian Youth. Matthew, a graduate of St. Isidore Parish School in Bloomingdale, is also a member of the Spanish Club. He also is or has been a member of Montini's Chess Club, Flight Club, Computer Club and History Club during his time at Montini. Matthew will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University in the fall and Conor will be majoring in Mathematics at Marquette University. Montini Catholic will honor Matthew and Conor at their 56th Annual commencement Mass and celebration on Sunday, May 18th at their Field House.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 22, 2025
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard will roll out the red carpet on Thursday, May 1st to honor members from their Class of 2025 as Academic All Stars. Each year the Lasallian college preparatory school invites seniors who have excelled academically throughout their high school years to a celebratory banquet in their honor. A total of fifty seniors achieved the honor this year of being named a Montini Catholic Academic All Star which involves attaining a 3.95+ GPA and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. Congratulations to: Ryan Andres (Bartlett, Kenyon Woods Middle School graduate) Payton Atkins (Downers Grove, St. Scholastica graduate) Liliana Aumann (Bolingbrook, St. Dominic graduate) Zachary Baka (Naperville, All Saints Catholic Academy graduate) John Barrett (Villa Park, St. Pius X graduate) Annika Bartell (Downers Grove, Forest Park Middle School graduate) Maria Bednarczyk (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Joshua Brunke (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Hannah Bushati (Downers Grove, St. Joseph graduate) Gaetano Carbonara (Downers Grove, St. Isaac Jogues graduate) Liliana Cruz (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Julian D’Anca (Wheaton, St. Michael School graduate) Annalee DeFeo (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Isabel Evenson (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Peyton Farrell (Downers Grove, St. Mary of Gostyn graduate) Jimmy Fitzpatrick (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Santino Florio (Oak Brook, Butler Junior High School graduate) Julia Gergen (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Naomy Gonzalez (Wayne, Indian Trail Junior High graduate) Isabella Greco (Oak Brook, Butler Junior High School graduate) Tyiance Haney (Aurora, Sacred Heart graduate) Alexandra Hernandez (Westchester, Divine Providence graduate) Sean Hubeny (Westmont, St. Mary of Gostyn graduate) Isabella Jaojoco (Bolingbrook, St. Scholastica graduate) Lauren Jaskier (Lombard, Jackson Middle School graduate) Conor Kaefer (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Nicolette Kerstein (Naperville, Wilmot Elementary School graduate) Audrey Kinney (Glen Ellyn, St. Petronille School graduate) Jaxon Lane (Carol Stream, Monroe Middle School) Ruikun Ray Li (Oak Brook, St. John of the Cross graduate) Jamie Loftus (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Margaret Nielsen (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Seoyeon Park (Lombard, International Student) Gianna Parrilli (Westchester, Ascension Catholic School graduate) Adrian Polazewski (Lombard, Glenn Westlake graduate) Wyatt Prater (Naperville, Jefferson Jr. High graduate) Christopher Reyes (Bolingbrook, St. Dominic School graduate) Brielle Rowgalo (Wood Dale, St. Philip the Apostle graduate) Valentina Serna (Addison, St. Isidore School graduate) Nicholas Sheeran (Downers Grove, Herrick Middle School graduate) Daniel Sherman (Bolingbrook, St. Scholastica graduate) Matthew Silveyra (Carol Stream, St. Isidore graduate) Jackson Simek (LaGrange/LaGrange Highlands graduate) Sienna Skarda (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Roberto Soto (Addison Trail, Indian Trail Jr. High graduate) Lily Spanos (Glen Ellyn, St. Petronille graduate) Hayden Surrette (Downers Grove, Herrick Middle School graduate) Sierra Urban (Westchester, Westchester Middle School graduate) Collins Whitfield III (Downers Grove, St. Joseph School graduate) Christopher Zayed (Lombard, Glenn Westlake Middle School graduate) Image above: Students listed l to r in alphabetical order as listed.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 14, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard is proud to announce the senior members of their 2025 Prom Court. The king and queen will be announced and crowned during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Prom Night on Friday, April 25th. The evening, themed - The Roaring 2020s - will be held at Bolingbrook Country Club. Class of 2025 Prom Court Members Queen Liliana Cruz Peyton Farrell Natalie Gartlan Autumn Schumerth Sienna Skarda King Nicky Castaldo Jonathan Hayes Sean Hubeny Matthew Silveyra Collins Whitfield Image above l to r: Peyton Farrell, Collins Whitfield, Natalie Gartlan, Sean Hubeny, Liliana Cruz, Nicky Castaldo, Autumn Schumerth, Matthew Silveyra, Sienna Skarda and Jonathan Hayes

By Barb Dawson
•
April 7, 2025
We were honored to be joined at Mass on Monday, April 7th 2025 by Father Jeff Stoneberg of Christ the King Parish and Brothers Rob Veselsky, Chuck Gregor, Joel McGraw, Richard Merkel, James Gaffney, Phil Jones, Brother Kotek, Dr. Steven Torres and Brother Br. Michael Fehrenbach (with Principal Chris Tiritilli (left) and President Kevin Beirne (far right)) to celebrate the Feast Day of our Founder St. John Baptist De LaSalle. Students commemorated the 306th Anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of our Lasallian Mission. He was a man of deep prayer, unwavering faith, and boundless compassion, devoting his life to God through service and education. "St. John Baptist De Lasalle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts, forever."

By Barb Dawson
•
April 3, 2025
Under the direction of Fine Arts Department Chair and Music Director, Donnie Glowinski and Art Teacher Christiana Blatchley, Montini Catholic students were invited to participate in the creation of a beautiful mosaic of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's founder, St. John Baptist De Lasalle. St. John Baptiste De Lasalle was designated the Patron Saint of teachers by the Catholic Church in 1950. The artistic endeavor was an activity created as a part of Montini's celebration of Belongingness Week (March 24-28, 2025). "Belongingness Week is designed to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. During this week, we seek to provide several experiences and activities to celebrate the things that make us each unique and special, such as the backgrounds, experiences and traditions that we come from, all while also realizing that we come together and belong as one Montini community and family." Throughout the week, each department wwas asked to organize an activity to align with one of the three main goals of the week: Building Positive Relationships, Promoting Inclusion, Increasing Self-Esteem and Emotional Well-Being. The mural was a way for Montini students to come together through a fun and artistic activity. Each piece of the mosaic symbolized an individual, with its unique shape, color, and position contributing to the overall 'masterpiece.' The final piece will be unveiled during Montini's upcoming Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Baptist De Lasalle which is April 7th.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 3, 2025
Under the direction of Alumni Relations Officer, Mary Albert, Montini Catholic High School is proud to continue their Lunch & Learn series throughout their spring semester as an opportunity for Bronco juniors and seniors to learn more about potential careers. This program, now in its 4th year, offers students a unique opportunity to connect with Montini alumni who have built successful careers in various fields. The informal sessions, each held during lunch periods, were developed to provide the opportunity for Montini students to explore career paths, ask questions, and gain valuable real-world advice as they plan for their futures. The first of four sessions was held on Wednesday, March 26 and featured alumni Sarah Sniegowski '14 (Senior Manager, Customer Story Development, Product Marketing at Salesforce Chicago), Alexandra Briggs '12 (Elementary School Teacher, Naper Elementary) and Mike Sullivan '94 (Managing Director & Wealth Advisor, The Wealth Management Group). Earlier in the year, students were asked to complete a career interest survey to help Lunch and Learn organizers to tailor the series to the most sought after careers. Among the careers most listed were those involving Sales/Marketing/Advertising, Banking/Accounting, Medical, Nursing, Public Service, Education, Engineering, IT/Computer Science, Political Science/Legal and Entrepreneurship/Business. Once preference information was received, Miss Albert invited those alumni holding careers in these specific areas to present at the Lunch & Learns. Montini Catholic juniors and seniors are able to register for the Lunch & Learn presentations online. The presentations are held from 12:15-1:15 PM on the designated days with pizza being served to the students as they 'listen and learn.' There is also an opportunity for students to ask questions and make connections for their future career goals. "Our first day of presentations was very successful," said Miss Albert. "Students were truly enthused and engaged to learn about their chosen careers. We are so appreciative to our alumni for graciously giving their time and for teaming up with us on this project." Upcoming Montini Lunch & Learn presentations/presenters are as follows: April 16, 2025 Finance Tom Wasilowski CFA, CPA, ‘05 – Financial Manager, Amazon Medical Dr. Megan Muscia, DO, ‘01 – Pediatrician April 28, 2025 Government & Law Enforcement Richard Starmann ‘89 –Former U.S. Secret Service April 30, 2025 Law Enforcement Guy Papa ‘94 – Law Enforcement Bureau Chief, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Nursing Mariella Maduzia RN, ‘19- Registered Nurse, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Level IV NICU. Civil Engineering Dan Lowery, PE, ‘08 – Assistant Vice President & Construction Services Team Leader, Gannett Fleming TranSystems Image above: From L to R: Mike Sullivan '94, Alexandra Briggs '12 and Sarah Sniegowski '14 - pictured here with President Kevin Beirne (far left in blue) and Alumni Coordinator Mary Albert (far right)

By Barb Dawson
•
May 6, 2025
Under the direction of Alumni Relations Officer, Mary Albert, Montini Catholic High School was proud to wrap up their fourth year of hosting their popular career focused Lunch & Learn series. The alumni led sessions provided an opportunity for Bronco juniors and seniors to learn more about potential careers. Through Montini's Lunch & Learn, Bronco alumni serve as mentors, offering guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. These alumni connections can also provide an outlet for Montini students to build relationships for potential future internships and job opportunities. The last two Lunch & Learn sessions of the 2024-25 school year were held on Monday, April 28th and Wednesday, April 20th. Monday's session featured Former Secret Service Agent, Richard (RG) Starmann '89, whose remarkable career with the Secret Service began in 1997 and continued for 25 years as he served during the Clinton, Bush and Obama presidencies. Wednesday's sessions included Guy Papa J.D., M.A., B.A., ‘94 (Law Enforcement Bureau Chief, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office and former Deputy Chief of the Berwyn Police Department for over 21 years), 2019 graduate, Mariella Maduzia RN, (Registered Nurse, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Level IV NICU) and Dan Lowery, PE, '08 who is Assistant Vice President & Construction Services Team Leader at Gannett Fleming TranSystems (speaking on Civil Engineering). "We are so happy to conclude our Lunch and Learns this year knowing that our students walked away with valuable career advice and help with exploring their options and making more informed decisions," said Miss Albert. "And we are so thankful to our alumni for taking the time to visit with and share their knowledge and experience with our students." Photo above: Mary Albert, Mariella Maduzia ‘19, Guy Papa ‘94, Dan Lowery ‘08, Anne Marie Lowery, Montini Development Director and President Kevin Beirne;
By Barb Dawson
•
May 6, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard announced their 2025 Valedictorian and Salutatorian on Thursday, May 1st at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's 28th Annual Academic Awards Banquet held at Montini Catholic. Matthew Silveyra of Carol Stream earned Valedictorian honors and Conor Kaefer of Lombard earned Salutatorian accolades. Both young men have been very academically accomplished students throughout their four years at Montini Catholic, with each receiving the President's Award for Academic Excellence and Illinois State Scholar honors during their senior year. Earlier in the school year, both Matthew and Conor were named Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction (scoring a 3.5 or higher on all AP Exams taken) and both earned National Merit Commended Student honors. Conor was also named a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist. Both seniors are members of Montini's National Honor Society (NHS) with Conor serving as President and Matthew, Treasurer of the 2024-25 chapter. Both also dedicate their service to fellow students as NHS Peer Tutors. Matthew and Conor are members of the Spanish Honor Society and Matthew earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award this spring. Both men achieved admission into Montini Catholic's Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society - Matthew is President and Conor is Vice President of the society. Both are also members of Montini's Math Team, helping her Broncos secure their impressive 6th Place State finish this spring. Matthew is a member of Montini's Robotics team and Conor was a member up until his senior year. Both Matthew and Conor traveled to Dallas, Texas last spring to represent Montini at the VEX Worlds Robotics Championship. Conor, a graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic grade school in Lombard, earned Academic All Conference honors and the IHSA Scholastic Recognition Award for his participation in Cross Country and Track and Field. He also serves his fellow students as a Peer Minister and is a member of the Spanish Club, History Club and Lasallian Youth. Matthew, a graduate of St. Isidore Parish School in Bloomingdale, is also a member of the Spanish Club. He also is or has been a member of Montini's Chess Club, Flight Club, Computer Club and History Club during his time at Montini. Matthew will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at Northwestern University in the fall and Conor will be majoring in Mathematics at Marquette University. Montini Catholic will honor Matthew and Conor at their 56th Annual commencement Mass and celebration on Sunday, May 18th at their Field House.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 22, 2025
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard will roll out the red carpet on Thursday, May 1st to honor members from their Class of 2025 as Academic All Stars. Each year the Lasallian college preparatory school invites seniors who have excelled academically throughout their high school years to a celebratory banquet in their honor. A total of fifty seniors achieved the honor this year of being named a Montini Catholic Academic All Star which involves attaining a 3.95+ GPA and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. Congratulations to: Ryan Andres (Bartlett, Kenyon Woods Middle School graduate) Payton Atkins (Downers Grove, St. Scholastica graduate) Liliana Aumann (Bolingbrook, St. Dominic graduate) Zachary Baka (Naperville, All Saints Catholic Academy graduate) John Barrett (Villa Park, St. Pius X graduate) Annika Bartell (Downers Grove, Forest Park Middle School graduate) Maria Bednarczyk (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Joshua Brunke (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Hannah Bushati (Downers Grove, St. Joseph graduate) Gaetano Carbonara (Downers Grove, St. Isaac Jogues graduate) Liliana Cruz (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Julian D’Anca (Wheaton, St. Michael School graduate) Annalee DeFeo (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Isabel Evenson (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Peyton Farrell (Downers Grove, St. Mary of Gostyn graduate) Jimmy Fitzpatrick (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Santino Florio (Oak Brook, Butler Junior High School graduate) Julia Gergen (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Naomy Gonzalez (Wayne, Indian Trail Junior High graduate) Isabella Greco (Oak Brook, Butler Junior High School graduate) Tyiance Haney (Aurora, Sacred Heart graduate) Alexandra Hernandez (Westchester, Divine Providence graduate) Sean Hubeny (Westmont, St. Mary of Gostyn graduate) Isabella Jaojoco (Bolingbrook, St. Scholastica graduate) Lauren Jaskier (Lombard, Jackson Middle School graduate) Conor Kaefer (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Nicolette Kerstein (Naperville, Wilmot Elementary School graduate) Audrey Kinney (Glen Ellyn, St. Petronille School graduate) Jaxon Lane (Carol Stream, Monroe Middle School) Ruikun Ray Li (Oak Brook, St. John of the Cross graduate) Jamie Loftus (Lombard, St. Pius X graduate) Margaret Nielsen (Lombard, Sacred Heart graduate) Seoyeon Park (Lombard, International Student) Gianna Parrilli (Westchester, Ascension Catholic School graduate) Adrian Polazewski (Lombard, Glenn Westlake graduate) Wyatt Prater (Naperville, Jefferson Jr. High graduate) Christopher Reyes (Bolingbrook, St. Dominic School graduate) Brielle Rowgalo (Wood Dale, St. Philip the Apostle graduate) Valentina Serna (Addison, St. Isidore School graduate) Nicholas Sheeran (Downers Grove, Herrick Middle School graduate) Daniel Sherman (Bolingbrook, St. Scholastica graduate) Matthew Silveyra (Carol Stream, St. Isidore graduate) Jackson Simek (LaGrange/LaGrange Highlands graduate) Sienna Skarda (Elmhurst, Immaculate Conception graduate) Roberto Soto (Addison Trail, Indian Trail Jr. High graduate) Lily Spanos (Glen Ellyn, St. Petronille graduate) Hayden Surrette (Downers Grove, Herrick Middle School graduate) Sierra Urban (Westchester, Westchester Middle School graduate) Collins Whitfield III (Downers Grove, St. Joseph School graduate) Christopher Zayed (Lombard, Glenn Westlake Middle School graduate) Image above: Students listed l to r in alphabetical order as listed.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 14, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard is proud to announce the senior members of their 2025 Prom Court. The king and queen will be announced and crowned during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Prom Night on Friday, April 25th. The evening, themed - The Roaring 2020s - will be held at Bolingbrook Country Club. Class of 2025 Prom Court Members Queen Liliana Cruz Peyton Farrell Natalie Gartlan Autumn Schumerth Sienna Skarda King Nicky Castaldo Jonathan Hayes Sean Hubeny Matthew Silveyra Collins Whitfield Image above l to r: Peyton Farrell, Collins Whitfield, Natalie Gartlan, Sean Hubeny, Liliana Cruz, Nicky Castaldo, Autumn Schumerth, Matthew Silveyra, Sienna Skarda and Jonathan Hayes

By Barb Dawson
•
April 7, 2025
We were honored to be joined at Mass on Monday, April 7th 2025 by Father Jeff Stoneberg of Christ the King Parish and Brothers Rob Veselsky, Chuck Gregor, Joel McGraw, Richard Merkel, James Gaffney, Phil Jones, Brother Kotek, Dr. Steven Torres and Brother Br. Michael Fehrenbach (with Principal Chris Tiritilli (left) and President Kevin Beirne (far right)) to celebrate the Feast Day of our Founder St. John Baptist De LaSalle. Students commemorated the 306th Anniversary of St. John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of our Lasallian Mission. He was a man of deep prayer, unwavering faith, and boundless compassion, devoting his life to God through service and education. "St. John Baptist De Lasalle, pray for us. Live, Jesus, in our hearts, forever."

By Barb Dawson
•
April 3, 2025
Under the direction of Fine Arts Department Chair and Music Director, Donnie Glowinski and Art Teacher Christiana Blatchley, Montini Catholic students were invited to participate in the creation of a beautiful mosaic of the Lasallian college preparatory high school's founder, St. John Baptist De Lasalle. St. John Baptiste De Lasalle was designated the Patron Saint of teachers by the Catholic Church in 1950. The artistic endeavor was an activity created as a part of Montini's celebration of Belongingness Week (March 24-28, 2025). "Belongingness Week is designed to promote a sense of inclusion, connection, and community among students and throughout the school," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "The purpose of this week is to enhance and emphasize an environment where each student feels known, accepted, valued and supported, regardless of their background, identity, or differences. During this week, we seek to provide several experiences and activities to celebrate the things that make us each unique and special, such as the backgrounds, experiences and traditions that we come from, all while also realizing that we come together and belong as one Montini community and family." Throughout the week, each department wwas asked to organize an activity to align with one of the three main goals of the week: Building Positive Relationships, Promoting Inclusion, Increasing Self-Esteem and Emotional Well-Being. The mural was a way for Montini students to come together through a fun and artistic activity. Each piece of the mosaic symbolized an individual, with its unique shape, color, and position contributing to the overall 'masterpiece.' The final piece will be unveiled during Montini's upcoming Mass to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John Baptist De Lasalle which is April 7th.

By Barb Dawson
•
April 3, 2025
Under the direction of Alumni Relations Officer, Mary Albert, Montini Catholic High School is proud to continue their Lunch & Learn series throughout their spring semester as an opportunity for Bronco juniors and seniors to learn more about potential careers. This program, now in its 4th year, offers students a unique opportunity to connect with Montini alumni who have built successful careers in various fields. The informal sessions, each held during lunch periods, were developed to provide the opportunity for Montini students to explore career paths, ask questions, and gain valuable real-world advice as they plan for their futures. The first of four sessions was held on Wednesday, March 26 and featured alumni Sarah Sniegowski '14 (Senior Manager, Customer Story Development, Product Marketing at Salesforce Chicago), Alexandra Briggs '12 (Elementary School Teacher, Naper Elementary) and Mike Sullivan '94 (Managing Director & Wealth Advisor, The Wealth Management Group). Earlier in the year, students were asked to complete a career interest survey to help Lunch and Learn organizers to tailor the series to the most sought after careers. Among the careers most listed were those involving Sales/Marketing/Advertising, Banking/Accounting, Medical, Nursing, Public Service, Education, Engineering, IT/Computer Science, Political Science/Legal and Entrepreneurship/Business. Once preference information was received, Miss Albert invited those alumni holding careers in these specific areas to present at the Lunch & Learns. Montini Catholic juniors and seniors are able to register for the Lunch & Learn presentations online. The presentations are held from 12:15-1:15 PM on the designated days with pizza being served to the students as they 'listen and learn.' There is also an opportunity for students to ask questions and make connections for their future career goals. "Our first day of presentations was very successful," said Miss Albert. "Students were truly enthused and engaged to learn about their chosen careers. We are so appreciative to our alumni for graciously giving their time and for teaming up with us on this project." Upcoming Montini Lunch & Learn presentations/presenters are as follows: April 16, 2025 Finance Tom Wasilowski CFA, CPA, ‘05 – Financial Manager, Amazon Medical Dr. Megan Muscia, DO, ‘01 – Pediatrician April 28, 2025 Government & Law Enforcement Richard Starmann ‘89 –Former U.S. Secret Service April 30, 2025 Law Enforcement Guy Papa ‘94 – Law Enforcement Bureau Chief, DuPage County Sheriff’s Office Nursing Mariella Maduzia RN, ‘19- Registered Nurse, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Level IV NICU. Civil Engineering Dan Lowery, PE, ‘08 – Assistant Vice President & Construction Services Team Leader, Gannett Fleming TranSystems Image above: From L to R: Mike Sullivan '94, Alexandra Briggs '12 and Sarah Sniegowski '14 - pictured here with President Kevin Beirne (far left in blue) and Alumni Coordinator Mary Albert (far right)