The Darien District 61 Educational Foundation recognized Montini Catholic's Mike Bukovsky '83 as their 2024 Starts in District 61 Honoree. This award recognizes students of District 61 who 'had a great start in District 61 and are on exciting paths of learning, service, employment and adventure in their lives.' The program is designed to provide inspiration to current District 61 students.

Mike attended Hinsbrook School (now Mark DeLay) and Eisenhower Junior High School (EJH) for grades K-8, graduating in 1979 before moving on to high school at Montini Catholic. He is a graduate of North Central College in Naperville. It was at EJH that he began his passion for wrestling, but was involved with many activities. "At Hinsbrook I was involved in band and football, and at EJH I ran cross country in 7th grade and played football in 8th grade. I wrestled in 7th and 8th grade and also played softball both years. I was in the marching band in 7th grade and was also in the musical."

This fall Mike celebrated his 36th year in education, 31 of those years have been with Montini Catholic where he currently serves as the Admissions and Development Ambassador, Head Football Coach, Head Wrestling Coach and Assistant Softball Coach. He has coached 16 High School State Championship teams and has been recognized with numerous coaching awards (listed below). Earlier this year he was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Mike Bukovsky's Accomplishments

– Won the LaSallian Educator of the Year Award (2009)
– Won the Faculty, Staff Dedication Award (2024)
– Three-time Illinois High School Wrestling Coach of the Year
– Named National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year (2009)
– Named Chicago Bears High School Football Coach of the Week (2018)
– Two-time Illinois High School Softball Coach of the Year
– Named Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association “Man of the Year” (2010)
– Presented with the Lifetime Service Award to Wrestling (2020)
– Inducted into Montini Catholic High School Hall of Fame
– Inducted into Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Hall of Fame (2008)
– Inducted into National Wrestling Coaches Hall of Fame in Stillwater, OK (2024)
– Inducted into Chicagoland 16” Softball Hall of Fame (Team Induction)

Mike visited District 61 in October to speak to the students at Lace and Eisenhower and provide advice for a future full of success. "I am very fortunate and humbled to be receiving this award," said Mike. "I realize that I had a great childhood and was given the gift of an awesome foundation from so many impactful teachers and administrators in District 61. I am truly blessed!"

Read Mike's memories of his grade school days in District 61 here.