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Freshman Brooke Holtquist Finds Joy in Helping Others Every Christmas
Barb Dawson • December 18, 2024
During Lombard's Shop With a Cop Event
Montini Catholic freshman, Brooke Holtquist (Lombard) finds great joy in helping others. In fact, it is a family tradition. On Saturday, December 7th, (and every December since she was very young) Brooke (with her mother, Elizabeth and brother Blake '24) joined Lombard police (and the Lombard Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association) at their 26th Annual Shop With a Cop event . 'Shop with a Cop' is a Lombard community outreach program where police officers take children shopping for holiday gifts with the goal of providing a unique opportunity for them to shop for their families while building positive relationships between law enforcement and the community. (While the children are busy shopping for their families, volunteer shoppers select special gifts for the children.)
Brooke has been participating in this event with her mom and brother, Blake '24 since she was very little. "We arrive (at the Village Hall) at 7AM to help decorate the room, place wrapping paper, tape, and scissors at each of the tables, and the officers go pick up the children and bring them back to the village.The officers and their designated volunteer hop in the squad cars and they all caravan with lights and sirens to Dicks Sporting Goods and Target where the children have an opportunity to shop for their families with funds raised throughout the year. After shopping is completed, everyone meets back at the Village Hall to wrap presents, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and eat lunch."
Volunteering is something that Brooke takes very seriously - for the "good feelings" she experiences knowing she is helping others. "My advice for my peers is to get involved with your community and make it a tradition around the holidays or make it a monthly goal to volunteer. Volunteering is both rewarding to the volunteer and to those who you are helping. It's a win-win situation!"
Brooke and her family also help out with the Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser every year when Law enforcement officers "stake out" on local Dunkin' rooftops to raise awareness and donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.
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Montini Catholic's World Language and international students celebrated Chinese New Year on Friday, February 7th. The Lasallian college preparatory students get together every year at this time to participate in a talent show and make, share and enjoy international cuisine. The event is planned and organized by Chinese Language teacher, Mrs. Sumin Xu and Montini's International Student Program Director, Mr. Art Stuart. During the program Mr. Stuart acknowledged all of Montini's International students saying, "Thank you for your trust in Montini and for the sacrifices you make to be a part of our faith community! We are here for you always." Mr. Stuart is proud to work with Cambridge Network to ensure the success of Montini's International Student Program. Founded in 2009, Cambridge Network is a one-stop turnkey service for international students seeking a high school education in the USA with a mission to expand Human Perspectives and World Harmony Through Education. Each year they work with Montini to secure passionate and caring host families for international students. While at Montini, International students are encouraged to assimilate to their new high school environment by getting involved in student life while at Montini. They look forward to Montini's Chinese New Year celebration each year to share a bit of their own culture with their new American friends. Chinese New Year is celebrated this year from January 29-February 12th - the year of the snake!
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard congratulated eleven senior Broncos on their commitments to continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the collegiate level. A celebration of the first official National Sports Signing Day of the school season was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at Montini. Broncos committing were (as pictured in photo): Front l to r: Matteo Barrett, from Woodridge (Football) St. Ambrose University Lily Spanos from Glen Ellyn (Basketball/Golf) Dickinson College Ariana Macias from Elgin (Softball) Edgewood College Sophia Fountain from Berkeley (Lacrosse) Lewis University Owen Berberich from Lombard (Football) University of DuBuque Back l to r: Jonathan Hayes from Woodridge (Football) Upper Iowa University Max Bell from Westchester (Football) Upper Iowa University Josiah James from Oak Park (Football) University of Wisconsin - Stout Thomas Stacy from Downers Grove (Football) University of Indianapolis Gaetano Carbonara from Downers Grove (Football) University of DuBuque Ryan Andres from Bartlett (Lacrosse) Wheeling University
Montini Catholic High School, Lombard, recognizes and congratulates three outstanding athletes achieving Girls Catholic Athletics Conference (GCAC) All Conference in girls basketball: Peyton Farrell '26 (Downers (Grove) Nikki Kerstein '25 (Naperville) Lily Spanos '25 (Glen Ellyn) The Broncos are currently celebrating a 17-8 season after their win over Marian Catholic on January 28.
Montini Catholic High School
A Lasallian College Preparatory High School
19W070 16th Street, Lombard, IL 60148
