Academic All Stars Honored at Annual Banquet

52 Seniors Celebrated! • May 12, 2023

52 Seniors Celebrated!

Montini Catholic High School in Lombard rolled out the red carpet on Thursday, May 11th to honor members from their Class of 2023 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. This year's event was held at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge.

A total of 52 seniors achieved the honor of being named a Montini Catholic Academic All Star which involves attaining a 3.95+ GPA and/or being named an Illinois State Scholar.

Congratulations to:

Jhett Acuna (Glendale Heights) St. Matthew School graduate
Maya Alikpala (Lombard) St. Mary of Gostyn School graduate
Angela Banov (Lombard) Glenn Westlake School graduate
Brighid Barratt (Lombard) Sacred Heart School graduate
Alexa Bauman (Lombard) Glenn Westlake School graduate
Shannon Blacher (Burr Ridge) Hinsdale Middle School graduate
Megan Blim (Bolingbrook) Brooks Middle School graduate
Nathan Camba (Burr Ridge) Pleasantdale Middle School graduate
Emma Canty (Hinsdale) St. Joseph School graduate
Carissa Collier (Lombard) St. Dominic School graduate
Sofia Corona Orozco (Aurora) St. James the Apostle School graduate
Michael Crowley Jr. (Downers Grove) O'Neill Middle School graduate
Luke Cushing (Downers Grove) O'Neill Middle School graduate
Thomas Cyze (Willowbrook) Holy Trinity School graduate
Annabella D'Anca (Wheaton) St. Michael School graduate
Nadyarelis Delgado (Melrose Park) Roosevelt Middle School graduate
John DiSimone (Bensenville) Blackhawk Middle School graduate
Matthew DiSimone (Bensenville) Blackhawk Middle School graduate
Adam Garza (Forest Park) Forest Park Middle School graduate
Mary Catherine Gaughan (Downers Grove) St. Mary of Gostyn graduate
Katherine Gertsen (Plainfield) Bethany Lutheran School graduate
Ava Rose Giannini (Wood Dale) Immaculate Conception graduate
Willa Gramann (Burr Ridge) St. Isaac Jogues graduate
Eleanor Helm (Arlington Heights) F.E. Peacock Middle School graduate
Luke Hemmersmeier (Elmhurst) Visitation graduate
Maren Hoovel (Glen Ellyn) Hadley Junior High graduate
Gabrielle Husmillo (Roselle) St. Walter School graduate
Hailey Larcker (Naperville) Scullen Middle School graduate
Isaiah Lusk (Westchester) Westchester Middle School graduate
Mario May (Western Springs) St. John of the Cross School graduate
Randi Moraga (Wood Dale) St. Pius X Parish School graduate
Andrew Miller (Lisle) St. Joseph School graduate
Thira Minauskas (Lombard) Sacred Heart School graduate
Amanda Mrazek (Lombard) Glenn Westlake School graduate
Carla Osorio Palomino (Carol Stream) St. Pius X Parish School graduate
Luke Pacelli (Downers Grove) St. Joseph School graduate
William Prater (Naperville) Jefferson Junior High graduate
Samuel Ruddy (Downers Grove) St. Mary of Gostyn graduate
Natalia Sandoval (Westchester) Westchester Middle School graduate
Sara Severin (Downers Grove) St. Joseph School graduate
Alexander Silveyra (Carol Stream) St. Isidore School graduate
John Sipchen (Downers Grove) St. Joseph School graduate
Kenneth Sledzinski (Westmont) Holy Trinity School graduate
Kevin Snyder (Downers Grove) O'Neill Middle School graduate
Joseph Spaccapaniccia (Bolingbrook) Jane Addams Middle School graduate
Francesca Spizzirri (Oak Brook) Immaculate Conception graduate
Grace Tierney (Downers Grove) St. Mary of Gostyn graduate
Lillian Townsend (Lombard) Sacred Heart graduate
Dominick Trippiedi (Naperville) St. Raphael School graduate
Jacob Velazquez (Downers Grove) O'Neill Middle School graduate
Peter Vreeland (Lombard) Sandburg Middle School graduate

Michael Wind (Downers Grove) St. Joseph School graduate

So far, Montini Catholic's Class of 2023 has earned over $16,000,000 in academic scholarship offers. "You have worked hard, sacrificed other pursuits and avoided the many distractions that surround you to put your studies first," said Principal Kevin Beirne. "You have set and exceeded goals and earned this night and all that it means for your future, I am heartened by the doors you have opened for yourselves."

The dinner was attended by recipients and their families.

Image Above: . Front Row (sitting)l to r: Katheine Gertsen, Maren Hoovel, Kiki Gaughan, Megan Blim, Amanda Mrazek, Sofia Corona Orozco, Carissa Collier, Sara Severin, Nadyarelis Delgado, Gabrielle Husmillo, Maya Alikpala and Lillian Townsend; . Second Row l to r: Thira Minauskas, Jhett Acuna, Jacob Velazquez, Michael Wind, Luke Cushing, Andrew Miller, Kevin Snyder, Dominick Trippiedi, Mario May, Peter Vreeland, Eleanor Helm and Nathan Camba; Third Row l to r: Natalia Sandoval, GraceTierney, Emma Canty, Shannon Blacher, Joseph Spaccapaniccia, John DiSimone, Sam Ruddy, John Sipchen, Hailey Larcker, Anna D'Anca and Brighid Barratt; . Back Row: Angela Banov, Isaiah Lusk, Michael Crowley, Matthew DiSimone, Will Prater, Francesca Spizzirri, Thomas Cyze, Kenneth Sledzinski and Alexander Silveyra;

Academic All Stars not pictured: Luke Hemmersmeier, Ava Rose Giannini, Randi Moraga, Alexa Bauman, Adam Garza, Willa Gramann, Luke Pacelli, Carla Osorio Palomini,

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Montini Welcomes DeAndre McCamey as Head Coach for Boys Varsity Basketball

By Barb Dawson • April 2, 2025

Montini Catholic is proud to announce the addition of DeAndre McCamey to their award winning coaching staff. The former Assistant Basketball Coach at Montini Catholic has been selected as the new Head Coach of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team. Coach McCamey played an integral role this past season in coaching the team to their 20-win plateau and their 4th consecutive regional championship. (The announcement followed that of former Head Coach Adam DeMong stating that he was going to be stepping away from High School basketball to pursue greater opportunities in his professional career.) "We set out to find the best individual who can build upon our recent success and continue to grow and move our program forward," said Athletic Director, Brian Casey. "We knew we wanted to find a high character individual who can not only teach the game of basketball, but can positively impact the lives of our young people. After a number of conversations with area 'basketball people', college coaches, opposing basketball coaches, school administration, faculty and staff and many of our current Montini players & families, it was very clear that our next coach was already in our building." Coach McCamey's promotion comes after serving as an Assistant Coach at Montini for the last four seasons. Prior to Montini, Coach McCamey served as an Assistant Coach at St. Joseph High School in Westchester, under the tutelage of legendary basketball coach, Gene Pingatore. Coach McCamey has also coached at Glenbard East High School, as well as on the AAU Circuit with the Illinois Wolves. "DeAndre will bring a passionate, enthusiastic energy and a vision to enhance and grow the program for even more success in future seasons," added Casey. "Being a full-time member of our Math Department, Coach McCamey will have full access to the student-athletes in our program, year round, to ensure their day-to-day development in the classroom, on the court, and in their lives. I am excited to watch Coach turn his vision into a reality!" Coach McCamey has made it evident in the way he coaches and teaches that he is passionate about building a program at Montini Catholic that instills character, teamwork and resilience. "I am genuinely thrilled about this opportunity and the chance to work with our kids. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Montini students, faculty and staff for their congratulations and support as I step into the role of Head Varsity Boys Basketball Coach. Building a basketball program has always been a dream of mine. As I step into this role, I am filled with excitement and passion for the journey ahead. My goal is to not only build and develop the skills of our young athletes on the court but also to instill values that will serve them well in life beyond basketball. I believe that through hard work, dedication, and teamwork, we can build not just great players, but great young men. I firmly believe that a strong program is defined by the continued involvement and support of its community, including former players and their families." Image above: Coach DeAndre McCamey and Montini Athletic Director Brian Casey

World Language Inductees Celebrated

By Barb Dawson • March 27, 2025

Montini Catholic in Lombard congratulated the newest inductees into their Spanish, Chinese and French Honor Societies. This year's ceremony was held on Wednesday, March 26th in the lLasallian college preparatory high school's auditorium. Members and families were welcomed by Montini's Foreign Language Department Chair, Mrs. Jennifer Block along with French teacher, Mrs. Beth DiMarco, Chinese teacher Mrs. Sumin Xu and Spanish teacher, Mrs. Makenzie Long. The ceremony began with select language students reciting the 'Hail Mary' prayer in Chinese, French, and Spanish. "Tonight, we recognize an extraordinary group of students - young scholars who have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also perseverance, curiosity, and a deep commitment to language learning," said Mrs. Block. "Over the past three or four years, they have risen to the challenges of mastering a new language all while navigating its complexities with determination and enthusiasm. More than just excelling in their studies, they have embraced the beauty of communication across cultures: fostering connections that extend far beyond the classroom. Their dedication to linguistic and cultural understanding is both inspiring and commendable, and we are so proud to celebrate their achievements tonight. We as their teachers get to see them taking risks every day in class, and putting in the hard work to excel- we are so glad that they are being celebrated this evening." French Honor Society: The French Honor Society is a nationally recognized organization that honors students who have excelled not only in their French courses but in all of their courses at Montini. Additionally, these students must take French 4 or 4H next year to finish out their four years of French, or be a graduating senior who elected to take level 3 their senior year. They must be members of our French club and have an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in their French courses over the course of three years. Chinese Honor Society: The National Chinese Honor Society (NCHS) was established in 1993 to recognize those accomplished high school students who study Chinese as a world language. To be eligible for induction, students must maintain an average of 93 or higher and commit to pursuing language study throughout their four years at Montini. Eligibility requires that students have a cumulative 3.5 GPA, including a 4.0 GPA in their specific language, as well as a commitment to taking the foreign language all four years at Montini. This year 18 students were inducted into their respective language honor society. Spanish Honor Society: The Spanish Honor Society was founded by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in 1953, for the students of North American secondary schools; The name of Montini Catholic's chapter is San Juan Butista de la Salle with the motto, “Todos a una”, “All together.” Students must maintain a 95 or higher in three prior semesters for Spanish to be eligible for Honor Society status. Congratulations to: Chinese Honor Society Inductees Michael May '26 Thomas Healy '26 French Honor Society Inductees Julia Ciaccio '26 Harry (Harold) Hall '26 Aubrey Podojil '26 Sophia Torres '26 Spanish Honor Society Inductees Sofia Flores '26 Savannah Gutierrez '26 Blake Heyer '26 Karissa Jones '26 Jonathan Kosinski '26 Ashlynn Lindt '26 Nicole Navarro '26 Yeon (Seoyeon) Park '26 Gabby (Mary Gabrielle) Paulino '26 Valentina Serna '25 Jackson Simek '25 Mia (Maria) Torres '26 Image above: Spanish Honor Society Inductees l to r: Sofia Flores, Savannah Gutierrez, Blake Heyer, Karissa Jones, Jonathan Kosinski, Ashlynn Lindt, Nicole Navarro, Gabby Paulino, Valentina Serna and Mia Torres;

Spring Musical Leaves Audiences Amazed!

By Barb Dawson • March 26, 2025

Montini Catholic High School drama students are basking in the glow of their rave reviews after the success of the Spring Musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Andrew Lloyd Webber's sung-through musical, directed by Ms. Jackie Martin, absolutely captivated audiences with a total of five performances from March 13 through the 17th (Opening Night - Friday, March 14th). "The production process for this show involved over sixty students all coming together to create a very special experience for our audience," said Ms. Martin who is enjoying her 6th play as director and her 3rd year directing Montini Catholic theatre. "Their dedication and enthusiasm shined as brightly as Joseph's coat! " The students were thrilled to be able to participate in a special Faculty/Staff performance on March 13th as well as a performance for grade school students from St. Pius X Parish School and St. Mary of Gostyn School (Friday, November 14th) followed by a 'talkback' - answering questions and describing what it takes to bring a musical production to life. "The kids really rose to the challenge," added Music Director Donnie Glowinski. "You could tell from the table read, they were invested and prepared to make this one of the best productions in Montini Theater history. I was so happy with their performances. They worked very hard to convey the story through music and pulled it off! Every year, they seem to take the goals and expectations that we have and completely blow them out of the water!" In addition to her talented cast and crew, Ms. Martin was grateful to be able to lean on the expertise of Montini's Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Mr. Donnie Glowinski and costume designer (and teacher) Mrs. Beth DiMarco. She also thanked set designers, Mr. Charlie Brewick and Mr. Jeff Nowicki. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's retelling of the biblical story of Joseph reminds us that dreams can shape our destiny, and kindness and forgiveness triumph over hardship.