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Thirty-three Marmion Academy juniors were inducted into the Marmion chapter of the National Honors Society on April 29. These students were presented their society pin by their parents, signed their name into record and received their certificate of membership. Marmion juniors selected for induction include: Ryan Boone of Geneva, David Brouch of Aurora, Daniel Conlin of Aurora, Austin Cox of St. Charles, Thomas Currie of Batavia, Michael Duhig of St. Charles, Christopher Dukes of Elburn, Andrew Ferrer of Plano, Salvatore Filardi of North Aurora, Benedict Fischer of Batavia, Luke Friedman of Geneva, Joseph Fuja of St. Charles, Jeffrey Gerold of St. Charles, Colin Hirsch of Genoa, Ryan Hoffman of Sugar Grove, Matthew Jacobs of Geneva, Kevin Kavanaugh of Yorkville, Colin King of Geneva, Matthew Kramer of Sugar Grove, Kevin Lill of Yorkville, Gregory Liske of Bristol, Brett Loehmann of Big Rock, Nicholas Matsie of Aurora, Nathan McGinn of DeKalb, Jared Meyer of Batavia, Jacob Moore of North Aurora, Mitchell Ruble of Aurora, Nicholas Scanlan of Sugar Grove, Michael Shay of Aurora, Nathaniel Valaik of Naperville, Samuel VanDyck of St. Charles, Brian Vasquez of North Aurora and James Wollwert of Aurora. With induction, a member assumes certain obligations and must maintain and encourage high standards of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. The chapter conducts a service project for the school or community, and sees to the development of an individual service project for each member. In addition, regular meetings of the chapter are held to conduct chapter business and communicate with members. All active NHS chapter members are expected to support these and other chapter activities. Member’s projects include a Battle of the Bands competition and "Adopt a Highway" project which they share with Student Council. The Marmion Academy chapter of the National Honor Society is moderated by Marmion instructor Rita Bergeron of Batavia. Additional photos from the ceremony can be viewed and purchased online at www.marmionacademy.smugmug.com. # # # #
(* denotes Highest Average Award winners – students that earn a minimum average of 4.0 in all subjects) Superior (3.80 GPA or above) Seniors: Brian Bakala, Andrew Canning, Henry Carlson*, Robert Cesario*, Nicholas Daly*, Robert Fortier*, Daniel Garofalo*, Timothy Handell*, Christopher Heuman*, Ryan Hunt*, Thomas Hymel*, David Iozzo*, Edward Leonard, Justin Lovelace*, Mark Malkowski, Matthew McHugh*, Jonathan Medernach*, Maxwell Mickey, Garrett Morales, Michael O'Brien*, Richard Peck*, Graeme Quinn*, Michael Rios*, Robert Rodriguez*, William Rosenfelder*, William Simon*, Joshua Stein, Peter Studlo, Paul Tkach, Thomas Vant*, Taylor Weis*, Brian Weltzer*, Christopher West* Juniors: Ryan Boone*, David Brouch*, Daniel Conlin*, Thomas Currie*, Christopher Dukes*, Salvatore Filardi, Benedict Fischer*, Luke Friedman*, Joseph Fuja*, Jeffrey Gerold*, Michael Gruesen*, Colin Hirsch*, Ryan Hoffman*, Brian Hoss, Matthew Jacobs*, Colin King*, John Ledvora, Brett Loehmann*, Nicholas Matsie*, Nathan McGinn, Jared Meyer*, David Rocha, Mitchell Ruble*, Nathaniel Valaik*, Brian Vasquez* Sophomores: Brian A'Hearn*, Elliot Anderson*, Daniel Brankin*, Matthew Brengman*, Joseph Burroughs*, Thomas Cruger*, Mauricio Dominguez*, Samuel Duffield*, Ian Duncan*, Daniel Emanuel*, Kevin Filip*, Kevin Garofalo, Jack Gunderson, John Heneghan, Daniel Hillis, Aaron Horwitz*, Mitchell Hymel*, Nicholas Knudtson*, Ryan Lifka*, Ryan Lovelace*, Jeffrey Martin*, John Mason*, Jeffrey McLean*, William Parkhurst*, Sanjay Prakadan*, Paul Reyna*, Maxwell Rosenfelder, Joseph Schaeffer*, Eric Schwendner*, Russell Semmler*, Andrew Slade*, William Sterne*, Jeffrey Voss*, Matthew Wenzel, Matthew West*, Zachary Young* Freshmen: George Bardenheier*, Trevor Boone, Spencer Buyansky*, Alexander Caton*, Michael Currie, David Garza, Michael Gerold*, Cole Gleason*, Edward Grahovec*, Andrew Gray*, Charles Greener, Christopher Hebert*, Sean Howard, Benjamin Kanute*, Henry Patrick Kinane*, Evan Kline-Wedeen*, Ryan Kolka*, Evan Lefelstein*, Charles Leonard, Mitchell Loehmann, Eric Lutz*, Edward Malnar*, Bennett Marsh*, Nathan O'Brien*, Connor O'Dea*, Nathan Pacer, Samuel Rebenstorf*, Timothy Roche*, Colin Smith*, Michael Tavierne, Jake Winkel, Michael Zolfo* Distinguished (3.40 -3.79) Seniors: Robert Baker, Jeffrey Bakken, Thomas Biles, Ian Christian, Matthew Cyr, Sean Dant, Alexander Dransoff, Matthew Grange, Jacob Graves, Michael Halles, Alexander Heinen, Luke Kolquist, Allen Kus, Daniel Linden, Ryan Lutz, Luke Martinez, Conor McDonnell, Michael Meszaros, Joseph Minardi, Paul Mueller, Zachary Nickels, James Polek, Robert Reder, Alex Rich, Jack Spirou, Thomas Stoecker, Alexander Vlakancic, Mitchell Weiler, Thomas Weiler, Nicholas Zuccarini Juniors: Christopher Antolak, John Baron, Timothy Benoit, William Butzke, Julian Cammarano, Tyler Capen, Austin Cox, Michael DiGiovanna, Michael Duhig, Andrew Ferrer, Kyle Fischer, Patrick Gannon, Joseph Jimenez, Jr., Michael Kocour, Matthew Kramer, Kevin Lill, Gregory Liske, Robert Miles, Matthew Milroy, Ralph Palmeri, Alexander Richardson, Johnny Runzel, Reid Schmidt, Michael Shay, Jonathan Silva, David Tobey, Bryan Vanco, Samuel VanDyck, James Wollwert Sophomores: Stephen Anderson, Lucas Brandt, Nicholas Brennan, Ryan Brisson, Alonso Cisneros, Michael Deufel, James Duhig, Pasquale Greco, Sean-Patrick Kalisz, Lucas Magee, Nolan McKanna, Alan Medina, Ryan Novack, Andrew Oesterlin, Edward Randerson, William Rickard, Nicholas Searles, Samuel Soliz, Christopher Soris, Jacob Strickland, Brian Strohmaier, Anthony Vecchiolla, Andrew Voelsch, Nicholas Weis, Ryan Whittington Freshmen: John Duguay, Michael Duy, William Evensen, Douglas Feltz, Matthew Ferrer, Matthew Frost, Graham Glasgow, Tyler Heinen, Taylor Kanute, William Kelley, Philip Kloc, Matthew Kluber, Andrew Koch, Dennis Koranda, Steven Lill, Kelan McDonnell, Joseph Munder, IV, Antonio Ortiz, Thomas Rogers, Collin Rowley, Nicholas Scoliere, Nathan Shorr, Travis Siwiec, Timothy Tarter, Connor Vass, James Weiler, Grant Wilson, John York Honor (3.00 – 3.39) Seniors: Brian Adams, Matthew Bauman, Skylar Bergl, Alexander Cook, Andrew Feliciano, Peter Flight, Gregory Foote, Keith Ginn, Reid Gundrum, Armando Hermosillo, Jr., Daniel Housh, Stephen Johnson, Emmanuel Juarez, Joseph Kalina, Steven Kluber, Kyle Kralka, Timothy Milroy, Jr., Frank Monzo, Nelson Oelker, Andrew Palacios, Joseph Phelan, Benjamin Pointer, Tyler Schmidt, Tyler Smith, Robert Stevenson, Zachary Strong, Peter Tate, Noel VanScoit, Mark Waitkus, Mark Weiss, Andrew Wynykoski Juniors: Oscar Aguinaga, David Aquino, Stephen Ausman, Juan Carlos Avila, Roberto Del Toro, Thomas Delves, David DeSimone, Marco Diaz, Bryce Emory, Charles Foster, Joseph Gregorio, Anthony Gurbal, Timothy Hagerty, Thomas Heffernan, Kevin Kavanaugh, Justin Kolka, Zachary Korstick, Jacob Moore, Michael Olson, Brent Pesel, Pedro Rodriguez, Michael Rubino, Nicholas Scanlan, Mitchell Thar, Kyle Thompson, Josef Weber, Michael Weiler, Yuto Yamanaka Sophomores: Gregory Askwith, Scott Bauman, William Callahan, Alexander Dela Cruz, Brian Freda, James Gabel, Dugan Gallina, Tyler Hlavac, Timothy Johnson, David Klug, Henry Konen, Juliocesar Landivar, Roy Logan, David Lopez, Michael Lopez, Peter Naughton, Mark Peters, Felipe Rangel, John Riordan, Michael Roth, Connor Rudny, Zachary Stefanski, Trevor Stein, Brian Thornton, Christopher Tydd, Aldo Vacco, Casey White, Charles Zidek Freshmen: Mario Avila, Joshua Beltz, Kevin Carlston, David Cesario, Joseph Colucci, Michael Colucci, Michael Conway, Benjamin de Garcia, Alec DeCaro, Benjamin Faunce, Tyler Friel, John George, Andrew Healy, Lucas Hughes, Rehan Kapadia, Tyler Kramer, Terrence Lally, Peter Lappin, Matthew Lochmueller, Zachary Metrou, Robert Peters, Michael Rawls, Nicholas Richardson, Emmanuel Rodriguez, Joseph Ruddy, Nicholas Runge, Dennis Sheehan, Evan Tentinger, Kyle Vogt, John Wascher, Kevin Weltzer, Brendan Whiting, Benjamin Wilkinson, Daniel Wycklendt # # # #
Marmion Academy junior Jeffrey Gerold of St. Charles scored a perfect 36 on his ACT taken in December 2007. He is one of only four students in Illinois (12,000 testers) to achieve this mark. Only 39 students of 370,000 testers nation-wide achieved a perfect score on this test date. Jeffrey is president of the Latin Club, co-captain of the Math Team and a member of the Varsity Tennis Team. Jeffrey attended Haines Middle School in St. Charles. Marmion Academy, a Catholic-Benedictine college preparatory high school for young men, is a community dedicated to spiritual formation, academic excellence and leadership development. # # # #
Monsignor Robert Hoffman, a 1953 Marmion Academy graduate, was presented with the Academy’s Ad Regnum Dei award at an All-School Mass on March 10. This award is given to an alumnus in recognition of exceptional public witness and service of Gospel values for the Kingdom of God. “Msgr. Hoffmann has dedicated his life to the people of the Rockford Diocese and is a great example of humble service,” stated Faculty/Staff Chaplain Fr. Joel Rippinger OSB as he presented the award. Msgr. Hoffman was ordained a priest in 1962 and was first assigned to St. Peter in Spring Grove. He has taught at Marian Central, St. Edward and Madonna. He also served as Director of Religious Education for Aurora Central Catholic High School. For 12 years he served as pastor at Christ the Teacher Parish, a university parish and home of the Newman Catholic Center of Northern Illinois University. He was a campus minister at NIU and directed campus ministry for the entire diocese. He also was chairman of the Department of Campus Ministry for the Catholic Conference of Illinois. In 1982 he was honored by the NIU Alumni Association with the Francis R. Geigle Award for outstanding service at the University - the first time a priest had been so honored. From 1989 through 2007, Msgr. Hoffman served as pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in St. Charles. During that time he also served as dean of the Elgin Deanery, which includes 10 area parishes. He received the title of Monsignor in 1998 by Pope John Paul II and invested into the papal household by Bishop Thomas Doran. Marmion Academy, a Catholic-Benedictine college preparatory high school for young men, is a community dedicated to spiritual formation, academic excellence and leadership development. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s JROTC Drill Team competed in Ft. Wayne, Indiana at Concordia Lutheran High School’s 37th Annual Cpt. Homer L. Clendenden Summit City Classic Drill Meet on March 15. Sixteen teams competed at the meet which gave the Cadets one more chance to square off against national powerhouse Fern Creek as the teams continue to prepare to compete at the National JROTC Drill Meet in Daytona Beach, FL in May. Marmion won the Unarmed Division by earning first place finishes in both the Exhibition Squad and Platoon competitions. The squad is lead by Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove and the Platoon is lead by Ryan Lutz of North Aurora. Marmion earned second and third place trophies in the Unarmed IDR squad event lead by Michael Lopez and Michael Shay, both of Aurora. In the Armed Division both Marmion’s Exhibition squad lead by Thomas Stoecker of Aurora and the Platoon led by Nick Zuccarini of Geneva took first place honors. The Armed IDR A squad, led by Nathan Valaik of Naperville also placed first, followed closely by Marmion’s B Squad which is led by Andrew Schroeder of Batavia. Valaik’s squad won the Armed Inspection competition which earned him the T. Borg Commander’s Cup as the best commander at the meet. Valaik finished the day by winning the unarmed knock-out competition. In solo and duet competition Marmion’s duet of Nick Zuccarini and Peter Tate of St. Charles took first place honors narrowly defeating the 2007 National Duet Champion team from Fern Creek. Michael Meszaros of Batavia won the solo competition with a score of 399 out of 400. Zach Nickels of Montgomery placed third. Flannigan Rifles is directed by John Gissel, SGM, USA (Ret) a 1969 graduate of Marmion Academy. For more information please visit the Flannigan Rifle website at www.marmion.org/academy/drill.html. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s Schroeder Sniper Rifle Team continues their winning season. In March team captain, senior Ian Christian of Yorkville, was invited to attend the Junior Olympic International Air Rifle event in Colorado Springs, CO. The top junior shooters in the nation will compete in this all standing event in April. On February 9, Marmion Blue and Red teams competed at Chebanse, IL to attend the 3 position Junior Olympic Air Rifle event in Alabama this summer. Ian Christian was the Match Winner with a score of 586 earning him a gold medal and an invitation to Alabama. Sophomore Jeffrey Voss of Batavia, placed 3rd overall with a score of 578 earning him a bronze medal. Lucas Brandt of Batavia, placed 2nd in his age group earning him a silver medal with a score of 562 and Joe Munder of Somonauk, a freshman placed 3rd in his age group with a score of 544 earning him a bronze medal. Marmion’s Schroeder Snipers Blue also took the 1st place trophy for JROTC teams in Illinois with a score of 2220. Christian, Brandt, Ryan Novack of Aurora, and Alex Hardison of St. Charles, competed against other JROTC teams from around the state. Christian was awarded the gold medal for 1st place JROTC individual precision shooter and Voss received the silver 2nd place medal. # # # #
Marmion Academy senior Christopher Heuman of Aurora has received Finalist recognition in the 2008 National Merit Scholarship Competition. These academically talented high school seniors are eligible to compete for some 8,000 Merit Scholarship awards with over $32 million. Heuman joins 110 Marmion Academy graduates that have received the honor of being named a National Merit Finalist throughout the competitions fifty year history. For more information on Marmion Academy visit www.marmion.org. # # # #
A week after hosting the Colonel Earl K. Buchan Invitational Drill Meet, Marmion Academy’s Flannigan Rifles JROTC Military Drill Team competed in their second drill meet of the 2008 season at Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio. The team was named Honor Company for earning first place finishes in five events and one second place trophy. In the Armed Exhibition competition, both Marmion’s squad led by senior Thomas Stoecker of Aurora and the platoon led by senior Nick Zuccarini of Geneva earned first place honors. In IDR (Infantry Drill Regulation) competition, junior Nathan Valaik of Naperville led his platoon to a first place finish. Valaik’s platoon also earned the top score in the Inspection competition. Senior Michael Meszaros of Batavia placed third in the Solo Armed Exhibition event and the duet of Zuccarini and Pete Tate of St. Charles took second place honors. In the Unarmed Exhibition division, Marmion took the two top spots with senior Ryan Lutz of North Aurora directing the platoon and Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove directing the squad. In the Knockout competitions, Marmion placed two Cadets in the top ten in the unarmed division with junior Jared Meyer of Batavia winning the event junior Greg Liske of Bristol placing 4th. In the armed knockout competition Zack Nickels of Montgomery won the event and Liske placed second. The spring competition schedule continues at Concordia and Romeoville High Schools before ending their season at the National Drill Meet in Daytona Beach, Florida May 3-4. For more information please visit the Flannigan Rifle website www.marmion.org/academy/drill.html # # # #
Marmion Academy’s Math Team had its first competition of the season on February 2 at the 41st annual Chicago Archdiocesan Math Contest, held at the Lakeshore campus of Loyola University. Marmion took 1st Place overall in Division A over Brother Rice, DeLaSalle, Marian Catholic, Mother McAuley, Queen of Peace, Regina Dominican, St. Laurence and St. Rita. Individual awards went to Jeffrey Gerold of St. Charles (1st) and Rich Peck of St. Charles (3rd). Gerold's score was higher than any student in Division AA as well. The team went on to place second overall, taking 1st or 2nd place in 9 out of 11 events, at the Marmion Invitational Math Contest on February 12. Individual awards went to Bennett Marsh of Batavia (1st) and Trevor Boone of Geneva (2nd) in Algebra 1; Eric Schwendner of St. Charles - 3rd in Geometry; Jeffrey Gerold and Joe Schubert of Glen Ellyn tied for 1st in Algebra 2; and CJ Heuman of Aurora and Thomas Hymel of Batavia tied for 1st in PreCalculus. The following day they traveled to Lemont High School to compete against sixteen schools. They finished 2nd overall, placing in the top three in 8 of 11 events, including 1st Place finishes by the Jr-Sr 8-Man team led by Thomas Hymel and the Jr-Sr 2-Man team of Ryan Boone of Geneva and Jeff Gerold. Placing second were the Geometry team led by Eric Schwendner, the Fr-So 8-Man team led by Sanjay Prakadan of Aurora and the Fr-So 2-Man team of Paul Reyna of Aurora and Trevor Boone. Jeff Gerold, Bennett Marsh, Mitch Hymel of Batavia and Jeff McLean of Batavia all had perfect scores. On February 23, Marmion competed in the Illinios Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) Regional Math Competition. The team finished in 3rd Place in Regionals and is ranked 5th among all schools in the State in Division 2A. The team has earned spot in the State Finals in Champaign on April 26th. Team award winners include Jeffrey Gerold and Eric Schwendner, (1st) in the Oral Presentation event; the Jr/Sr 8-Man Team of Thomas Hymel, Rich Peck, CJ Heuman, Matt McHugh of Batavia, Jeff Gerold, Ryan Boone, Luke Friedman of Geneva and Colin King of Geneva (1st); the Jr/Sr 2-Man Team of Rich Peck and Thomas Hymel (2nd); the PreCalculus team of Thomas Hymel, Rich Peck, CJ Heuman, Taylor Weis of Batavia, David Iozzo of Batavia and Bill Simon of LaGrange (2nd); the Algebra 1 Team of Bennett Marsh, Trevor Boone, Edward Malnar of Wasco, Josh Beltz of Aurora, Spencer Buyansky of Yorkville and Michael Conway of Naperville (2nd); the Algebra 2 Team of Jeffrey Gerold, Ryan Boone, Nathan McGinn of DeKalb, Chris Schmalzer of Batavia, Sam Van Dyck of St. Charles and Matt Kramer of Sugar Grove (3rd). Individually, Bennett Marsh placed 2nd in Algebra 1, Jeff McLean placed 3rd in Geometry and Thomas Hymel placed 3rd in PreCalculus. The Math Team is led by captains Rich Peck, CJ Heuman, Thomas Hymel and Jeffrey Gerold, and is supervised by Marmion instructors Joe Large and assistant coach Rita Bergeron. For additional information on Marmion visit www.marmion.org. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s JROTC Cadet Corps held its annual Military Night on February 24, 2008. The program included honoring exemplary cadets, guest speaker and Marmion graduate class of 1974 MG Dan Bolger, USA and performances by the Marmion-Rosary Jazz Band, Flannigan Rifles Drill Team and the Cadet Marching Band. There was standing room only in the gym which was filled with relatives and friends of the Marmion. MAJ Mark Emerson, director of the JROTC program, announced that thirteen seniors have received an appointment or nomination to a service academy or have received or are finalists for an ROTC scholarship. Those recognized include: Matthew Grange of Wheaton and Michael Meszaros of Batavia have received appointments to the United States Military Academy and will be joining the West Point class of 2012 this summer; Ryan Lutz of North Aurora has received a 4-year Air Force ROTC scholarship as well as an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy where he will be joining the class of 2012 this summer; Gordon Scott of Aurora has been accepted and will attend The Citadel where he will be taking Army ROTC as part of his studies; Edward Leonard of Geneva has been awarded a 4-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and plans on attending Georgia Tech University; Alexander Dransoff of Batavia has received a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and will be attending North Georgia College and State University; Michael Halles of Oswego has received a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and will be attending the University of Indiana; Nicholas Daly of Winfield has received a congressional nomination to attend the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and is also a finalist for a 4-year Navy ROTC scholarship; Matthew Cyr of Somonauk is a finalist for a 4-year Air Force ROTC scholarship and plans on attending Southern Illinois University; Matthew Gibson of Batavia is a finalist for a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and plans on attending Iowa State University; Zachary Nickels of Montgomery is a finalist for a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and will be attending the University of Indiana; Tyler Schmidt of Elburn is a finalist for a 4-year army ROTC scholarship and will be attending Northern Michigan University; Nicholas Zuccarini of Geneva is a finalist for a 4-year Army ROTC scholarship and will be attending Norwich University. Nineteen cadets recognized with individual awards were: Timothy Handell of Aurora, DAR ROTC Medal; Christopher West of Montgomery, DAC ROTC Medal; Henry Carlson of Batavia, SAR ROTC Medal; Joshua Stein of Aurora, SAR Citizenship Medal; Jonathan Medernach of Aurora, MOAA Medal; Michael Meszaros of Batavia, Ian Christian of Yorkville and Thomas Hymel of Batavia, COL Joe Day Memorial Award; Joseph Minardi of Yorkville, James Polek of St. Charles and Sean Dant of Batavia, COL Joe Day Remembrance Award; Nicholas Daly of Winfield, Christopher Heuman of Aurora and Matthew Jacobs of Geneva, Bugles Across America Award; Mitchell Loehmann of Big Rock, Best Plebe; Nicholas Zuccarini of Geneva, Senior Fr. Martin Witting Award; Daniel Conlin of Aurora, Junior Fr. Martin Witting Award; Sam Duffield of Aurora, Sophomore Fr. Martin Witting Award; and Benjamin Kanute of Geneva, Freshman Fr. Martin Witting Award. This year’s guest speaker was MG Dan Bolger, USA was promoted to the rank of Major General in the U.S. Army on September 2, 2007 and is currently serving as the Commanding General for the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk in Louisiana. Bolger is the first Marmion graduate to achieve the rank of a two-star General. A graduate of The Citadel, he has commanded forces in Korea and Iraq. After his speech, Bolger was presented with the Marmion Alumni Centurion Award, given in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in one’s career as well as loyalty, constancy and service to Marmion Academy and the Marmion Alumni Association. The students at Marmion can choose to participate in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, a U.S. Army high school program. In the program, cadets learn to become better citizens through classes which focus on such topics as history, leadership, and oral communication. They take part in military drill, inspections, and parades. As they advance through the ranks, they assume increasing responsibility for leadership among other cadets in their company. The JROTC program supports competitive Rifle and Drill teams and can participate in an Adventure Platoon and a one week JROTC Summer Camp. For more information about Marmion Academy’s JROTC program visit www.marmion.org. # # # #
Ten eighth grade students have been awarded academic scholarships to Marmion’s class of 2012, based on their performance on the scholarship qualifying entrance exam last December and their academic achievements. John Donnelly, son of Tom and Joan Donnelly of Geneva, received the Maurice L. Regole, Jr. ‘52 Memorial Scholarship. He attends Geneva Middle School South in Geneva. Luke Currie, son of Kirsten and Christopher Currie of Aurora, received the Rev. Barnabas Lundergan OSB and Michael Fitz-enz Honor Scholarship. He attends Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora. Michael Currie, son of Kirsten and Christopher Currie of Aurora, received the Rev. Joseph Battaglia OSB Memorial Scholarship. He attends Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora. Michael Eberth, son of Michael and Kathleen Eberth of Aurora, received the LT Thomas A. Rippinger USN ‘68 Memorial Scholarship. He attends Annunciation BVM Catholic School in Aurora. Christian Fitzsimmons, son of Robert and Sheila Fitzsimmons of Geneva, received the Rev. Alcuin Deck OSB Memorial Alumni Association Scholarship. He attends St. Patrick’s Catholic School in St. Charles. Fitzsimmons’ father, brother and uncles are Marmion graduates. Joseph Glemkowski, son of James and Deborah Glemkowski of Batavia, received the Edwin and Laurina Witting Memorial Honor Scholarship. He attends Geneva Middle School North in Geneva. Kyle Kozak, son of Jay and Tracey Kozak of Batavia, received the Dr. Alfred G. ‘32 and Mary A. Chione Scholarship. He attends Rotolo Middle School in Batavia. Alexander Purcell, son of Brian and Sandra Purcell of Batavia, received the Edwin and Laurina Witting Memorial Honor Scholarship. He attends Rotolo Middle School in Batavia. Stuart Quinn, son of John and Kathryn Quinn of Sugar Grove, received the Rev. Peter Enderlin OSB Memorial Alumni Association Scholarship. He attends Holy Angels Catholic School in Aurora. Quinn’s brother Graeme is a senior at Marmion. Jonathan Rios, son of Juan and Terri Rios of North Aurora received the Rev. Sebastian Crow OSB Memorial Alumni Association Scholarship. He attends Annunciation CBVM Catholic School in Aurora. His brother Michael is a senior and his uncles are Marmion graduates. The scholarships have a total value of $123,600 over four years. The three Alumni Association Scholarships are awarded based on exam performance but are restricted to sons, grandsons, nephews or brothers of Marmion alumni. For more information on Marmion’s admissions process or to download an application, visit marmion.org or call the Admissions Office at 630/897-6936, Ext. 227. # # # #
Three men were inducted into the Marmion Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony on January 26. At the ceremony, held prior to the Cadet’s varsity basketball game, Cadet fans, family members and past inductees celebrated the induction of new members: Gerald Driessen (class of 1953) of San Diego CA, the late Coach Glenn Gilbert (class of 1945) and Marty Laurich (class of 1989) of Yorkville. Gerry Driessen grew up in St. Charles and played football for Coach Joe Nardone, earning the nicknames big train and the 60 minute man. Gerry earned five varsity letters during his distinguished career on the football, track, baseball and basketball teams. The highlight of his athletic career at Marmion was winning the Amby Geib MVP trophy his senior football season. He played fullback on offense, linebacker on defense, was the punter and played all special teams. After graduating from Marmion, He earned his bachelor’s degree cum laude from Loyola University, Chicago. He attended Harvard University and returned to Loyola to receive his Ph.D in behavioral psychology in 1965. Marty Laurich was selected MVP by his teammates in both basketball and football. He was named to the All-Suburban Catholic Conference team in both basketball and football in his junior and senior year. He was a member of the Beacon News All-Area team in both basketball and football and was named captain of the All-Area football team. In Marty’s senior season he led his team with 27 receptions including 8 touchdowns and ranks fifth on the all time Marmion receiving list. He led the basketball team in scoring and rebounding. Marty earned a football scholarship at Iowa State University. During his freshman year he sustained a career ending injury – he continued at Iowa State and graduated in 1993. Glenn Gilbert was a standout athlete for the cadets as a running back on the football team. He fit in perfectly as running back in Coach Joe Nardone’s single wing offense and was noted for his passing skills as well. Glenn also starred in track and was the top sprinter in the 100 and 220yds sprints and ran the relays as well. His talents as a running back earned him a football scholarship to Fresno State University, where he was in the starting backfield for three years. Glenn graduated in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. Shortly after graduation, Glenn returned to Marmion, where he taught, coached and was the athletic director from the mid 1950s until 1967. As athletic director, Glenn was instrumental in developing the aurora catholic grade school league – providing direction, facilities and organization that has benefited thousand of young athletes in Aurora to this day. Marmion’s MVP track award is named in his honor. Glenn died on July 25, 1993. He children were all in attendance and accepted the award on his behalf. The Athletic Hall of Fame honors outstanding individual alumni athletes of Marmion. All varsity athletes (living or deceased) become eligible for induction once they have reached the tenth anniversary of their graduation from Marmion. For a full membership list of the Marmion Athletic Hall of Fame visit the Alumni section of www.marmion.org. # # # #
Kurt Becker of Aurora, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl Champions Chicago Bears, is joining the Marmion Academy varsity football coaching staff for the 08-09 season. “I am dedicated to helping Head Coach Dan Thorpe take Marmion’s football program to the next level,” explains Becker. “The Cadets are in a tough conference, but I believe they can be a top tier team. This is an exciting challenge for me, and I am eager to work with Coach Thorpe. Marmion is lucky to have him.” Becker is a 1977 graduate of East Aurora High School and 1981 graduate of the University of Michigan, where he was a four-year letter winner and team captain. He was recognized as an All Big Ten All American and was a Lombardi trophy finalist. In 1981, Becker was drafted by the Chicago Bears and played with the team for eight seasons, after which he played one season with the Los Angeles Rams. Over the past fifteen years, Becker has worked to develop local youth football programs including the Aurora Catholic League and a summer Park District football camp. The position as Marmion’s offensive line coach will be his first high school coaching experience. Becker has begun learning the ropes at Marmion by volunteering with the school’s open gym athlete training. “His intensity and love of the game is really going to be an asset for us,” says Marmion’s head football coach Dan Thorpe. “Having been a member of the University of Michigan and Bears teams, Kurt will bring a new dimension of knowledge and passion for the game to our players.” Becker joins an already deep Marmion coaching staff, which includes Dan Thorpe of Aurora, Marmion’s head coach for three seasons and this year led the Cadets to their first State playoff game in ten years; Tim Betustak of Sugar Grove, college level coaching experience at Concordia University and Aurora University; Steven Gregory of Aurora, founder of BC Quarterback Farm and Blue Chips For Life; Dave Rakow of Batavia, All-State athlete from Batavia High School, played and coached football at the University of Wisconsin Platteville; and Tony Tinerella of North Aurora, Marmion Dean of Students and senior member of the coaching staff. Another exciting development for the 08-09 football season will be the addition of a field lighting system. The installation is being paid for in part by a donation from the Marmion Alumni Association. All varsity football games next fall will be under the lights on Friday evenings, except for the Homecoming game on Saturday, October 11. Marmion is a four-year all-boys private Catholic high school located on a 325-acre campus in Aurora, IL. Its mission is the education of young men in leadership skills and a value-based liberal arts education, founded on the Roman Catholic faith and the Benedictine tradition of a desire for God and a love for learning. For more information about Marmion Academy, visit www.marmion.org. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s Flannigan Rifles JROTC Military Drill Team kicked off the 2008 drill team season with an impressive win at the Purdue University Army ROTC Drill Meet on February 2. Led by seniors Commander Thomas Stoecker of Aurora and Executive Officer Jon Medernach of Aurora, the 61 member team won the coveted “Commander’s Cup” for the eighth consecutive year. The team participated in sixteen events during the day long competition earning six first-place trophies, three second-place trophies and four third-place trophies. Marmion started the day in the Color Guard event. Marmion’s Color Guard lead by senior Ryan Lutz of North Aurora took third place honors. In the Armed IDR events, cadets perform rifle and marching drill in accordance with Army Drill Manual 3-21.5. In the armed IDR squad division Marmion’s squad under the command of sophomore Andrew Schroeder of Batavia earned a first place trophy. Squads under the command of Michael Shay of Aurora and Kurt Peterson of Naperville placed second and third respectively. Peterson’s squad was awarded the trophy for the best squad inspection. In the platoon division, the platoon lead by junior Joe Schubert of Glen Ellyn placed first followed by platoons directed by junior Nathan Valaik of Naperville and sophomore Michael Lopez of Aurora. Lopez’s unit earned the trophy for best platoon inspection. The Exhibition events include both armed and unarmed competitions. In the Unarmed Platoon division, senior Ryan Lutz of North Aurora led his platoon to a first place finish.Marmion’s Unarmed Exhibition Squad led by senior Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove earned first place honors. In the armed competition the platoon led by senior Nick Zuccarini of Geneva took the first place trophy and Stoecker’s squad placed third. In individual events, Zach Nickels of Montgomery took third place honors in the Exhibition competition and Michael Meszaros of Batavia earned a second place trophy. Nick Zuccarini of Geneva and Peter Tate of St. Charles placed second in duet competition. In addition to the team events, Purdue’s Army ROTC concluded the day’s competition with an exercise commonly known as “Knockout”. This type of competition tests a cadet’s ability to execute commands given in rapid succession by a drill sergeant. Several hundred cadets competed against each other in what always proves to be an exciting event. In the IDR Armed Knockout, Marmion juniors Ryan Hoffman of Sugar Grove, Jared Meyers of Batavia and Ralph Palmeri of St. Charles placed 4th, 5th and10th. Sophomores Andrew Slade of St. Charles and Ryan Roth of Sugar Grove placed 2nd and 6th respectively. In the Unarmed IDR Knockout, Slade earned a 7th place finish. Flannigan Rifles, in its 60th year of existence, is directed by John Gissel, SGM, USA (Ret) a 1969 graduate of Marmion Academy. On February 23 the team will host its annual drill meet, the Earl K. Buchan Drill Meet at Marmion Academy, 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora. This meet is open to the public. For more information please visit the Flannigan Rifle website www.marmion.org/academy/drill.html # # # #
The Marmion-Rosary Jazz Band competed with 66 jazz ensembles and combos at the North Shore Jazz Festival at Glenbrook South High School on January 19, 2008. The Marmion-Rosary Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo both received the first place trophy in Class A competition. The Marmion-Rosary Jazz Ensemble is made up of eighteen students from Marmion Academy and Rosary High School and is directed by Steven Thurlow. Members of the ensemble are Terance Vant of St. Charles and Evan Kline-Wedeen of Big Rock on Alto Sax; Chris Dukes of Elburn and Christine Funk of St. Charles on Tenor Sax; Dan Conlin of Aurora on Bari Sax; Matt Jacobs of Geneva, Nick Daly of Winfield, Dan Brankin of Montgomery, Ed Randerson of Sandwich and Nathan Shorr of Geneva on Trumpet; Tim Handell of Aurora, Steve Kluber of Aurora, Joseph Burroughs of Elburn, Paul Tkach of Geneva, Brendan Whiting of Aurora on Trombone; Rachel Maley of Aurora on Piano; Julian Cammarano of Aurora on Bass and Peter Naughton of St. Charles on drums. Members of the jazz combo are Tim Handell, Dan Conlin, Rachel Maley, Julian Cammerano and Peter Naughton. The Jazz Ensemble will be performing next at the Marmion-Rosary Pancake Breakfast on February 10 at Marmion Academy. # # # #
Marmion Academy senior Luke Martinez of Sugar Grove signed his National Letter of Intent on November 14 to swim for the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames next year. Martinez, an IHSA State qualifier in 2007, is one of four high school seniors signing with the UIC Men’s swimming and diving program. Martinez is a member of the Marmion Academy Swim team and set a school record in the 500-yard freestyle last season. He also holds two age-group records for his club team, Academy Bullets Swim Club. His personal-best times include 4:43.23 in the 500-yard freestyle and 16.06.82 in the 1650-yard freestyle events. Marmion Head Swim Coach Bill Schalz (also coach of the Academy Swim Bullets Club) is looking forward to his last season with Martinez and is confident in his future at UIC. “It is a great fit for him,” affirms Coach Schalz. “During the summer (Academy Swim Bullets) often practice at UIC, so he is very familiar with their pool. They have a lot of great swimmers, including recent Marmion graduate Mike Hare, and they will really challenge Martinez. In turn he will be a great asset to the Flames team.” Paul Moniak, Head Coach of the UIC Swim team, is also excited about Martinez’s future with the Flames. “Martinez is a rapidly improving athlete,” states Coach Moniak. “We can’t wait for him to represent UIC.” # # # #
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) has named twenty-eight Marmion Academy seniors (25% of the class) Illinois State Scholars. Students from nearly every high school in Illinois competed in this year’s program. The following Marmion students ranked in the top ten percent of the state’s 147,000 high school graduating seniors to receive this honor: Andrew Canning of St. Charles, Henry Carlson of Batavia, Robert Cesario of Aurora, Nicholas Daly of Winfield, Robert Fortier of Geneva, Daniel Garofalo of Aurora, Timothy Handell of Aurora, Christopher Heuman of Aurora. Ryan Hunt of Aurora, Thomas Hymel of Batavia, David Iozzo of Batavia, Edward Leonard of Geneva, Justin Lovelace of North Aurora, Matt McHugh of Batavia, Michael Meszaros of Batavia, Joseph Minardi of Yorkville, Garrett Morales of St. Charles, Michael O’Brien of St. Charles, Richard Peck of St. Charles, Michael Rios of North Aurora, Robert Rodriquez of North Aurora, Gordon Scott of Aurora, William Simon of LaGrange, Joshua Stein of Aurora, Paul Tkach of Geneva, Taylor Weis of Batavia, Brian Weltzer of Sugar Grove and Christopher West of Montgomery. Marmion Academy is a college preparatory school in Aurora, IL. Its mission is the education of young men in leadership skills and a value-based liberal arts education, founded on the Roman Catholic Faith and the Benedictine tradition of a desire for God and a love for learning. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s JROTC Adventure Platoon has provided ten Kane and Kendall County families with the makings for a Thanksgiving feast. On Tuesday, November 20 each family, selected by DayOne Network in Geneva, was presented with a 19-lb. frozen turkey and all of the trimmings expected for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. In addition, the families were each given a $50 gift certificate to Meijer for any additional needs. To provide these dinners, the cadets raise money by holding a “Turkey Raffle” with $5 chances to win one of four turkeys and by collecting canned goods from the local communities. “The cadets and I would like to thank the community for donating canned food and purchasing the turkey raffle tickets,” says Adventure Platoon Moderator Sergeant Wayne Dotson. “Without their generous donations we would not have been able to provide for these ten deserving families.” This is the eleventh year that Marmion has teamed up with DayOne for their Thanksgiving Drive. DayOne Network, Inc. is a community based nonprofit that has been providing service coordination and advocacy services to developmentally disabled and delayed individuals of all ages in Kane and Kendall Counties, and in Hanover Township since 1989. Marmion Academy is a college preparatory school in Aurora, IL. Its mission is the education of young men in leadership skills and a value-based liberal arts education, founded on the Roman Catholic Faith and the Benedictine tradition of a desire for God and a love for learning. For more information on Marmion Academy visit www.marmion.org. # # # #
The Marmion Academy Board of Trustees welcomed three new members at the October Board meeting: John Diederich of Aurora, Dr. Christine Sobek of Geneva and Joseph Vecchiolla of St. Charles. John Diederich, Marmion class of 1987, is a third generation Marmion graduate. He is the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. He and his wife Joanne are members of the Abbot Marmion Society and have three sons. Diederich is also a member of the Marmion Alumni Board of Directors. He will serve on the Board’s Development Committee. Dr. Christine Sobek is the President of Waubonsee Community College. She and husband, Dr. Paul Anderson, have three children, the eldest, is a sophomore at Marmion. Dr. Sobek will serve on the Finance Committee Joseph Vecchiolla is the Managing Director of 3 Seasons Capital of St. Charles. He and wife Cory are members of the Abbot Marmion Society. They have three sons, the youngest, is a sophomore at Marmion. Vecchiolla will also serve on the Finance Committee. Marmion’s Board of Trustees consists of twenty-five life members and thirty-one elected members. Elected members serve a three-year term and are eligible for life membership after actively serving three terms. The Board meets three times a year and its five committees meet regularly throughout the year. # # # #
Tony Tinerella of North Aurora was honored with Marmion Academy’s Fr. Alcuin Deck OSB Distinguished Service Award for the first semester of the 2007-08 academic year. Tony is a 1984 graduate of Marmion. He returned to the Academy in 1990 as an instructor in the Science Department and as a baseball coach. He served as a dormitory prefect (1991-94) in the resident program and was resident Dean of Students in 1993-94. He began teaching biology in 1992 and in the time since has served as Department Chair of the Science Department, Moderator of the Biology Club and instructor of A.P. Biology classes. In the Marmion athletic program Tony served as a baseball coach for freshmen, sophomore and varsity teams from 1990-2001. He was the first director of the weightlifting club. He began coaching in the football program in 1991 and served as head coach of the varsity football team from 2001-2004. He served as assistant Dean of Students from 1994-2001 and since 2001 has been the Dean of Students for the Academy. He has his B.S. Degree from Illinois State University and received his M.A. in Education from North Central College in 2007. The Fr. Alcuin Deck OSB Distinguished Service Award is presented to an Academy faculty or staff member each semester during the school year in recognition of outstanding contributions and faithful service to Marmion Academy and in gratitude for exemplifying a spirit of charity and dedication. Marmion’s faculty, which includes 34 lay teachers and 11 Benedictines, has an average of more than 17 years of teaching experience at Marmion. Approximately 12% of the faculty hold Ph.D’s and nearly 65% have a master’s degree. For more information on the faculty and staff members at Marmion Academy, visit www.marmion.org/academy/faculty.html. # # # #
Marmion Academy art teacher Elisabeth Dzuricsko was awarded first place at the juried Electronic Gallery Show held during the 59th Annual Illinois Art Education Association Conference in Chicago on October 26-27. The winning piece titled “Alex” is an oil pastel. She was inspired by a clinic that pastel artist George Shipperly of Aurora held with her studio class two years ago. Dzuriscko enjoys working with oil pastels because it allows the artist to continue to rework it. Dzuriscko’s drawings are a focused response to experiences in her life. When she is faced with a problem, she draws in hopes that in the visual representation things will become clearer. This piece and many more will be on display when Marmion hosts an exhibit of her work this December. For additional information contact Elisabeth Dzuricsko at (630) 897-6936, ext. 219. # # # #
Marmion began the 2007-08 school year with an opening day enrollment of 520 students, the highest in the history of the Butterfield campus. Not since the 1970-71 school year at the Lake Street Campus has the current day enrollment been at this level. The Academy welcomed ten new faculty and staff for the 2007-08 school year. Dan Billish - English I. Dan earned a B.A. Degree in English from Indiana University and had previously taught and coached at Lincoln-Way High School in New Lenox and Glenbard East High School in Lombard. He is also an assistant cross country and track coach. Rashon Burno - American Government and Head Basketball Coach. He earned a B.A. Degree from DePaul University while also filling a lead role on the Blue Demon men’s basketball team. Rashon has the distinction of being the only Blue Demon to serve as a team captain for three years. Stephen Bush - Chemistry. He most recently taught at Evanston Township High School. He earned a B.S. Degree from the University of Delaware and a M.A. Degree from National-Louis University. Prior to teaching, he was a senior research scientist with Abbot Laboratories and a research chemist at Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Carmen Freda - Associate Director of Development. He is the father of Adam Freda ‘01. Carmen has over thirty-five years of professional experience, most notably at Mooseheart Child City and School, where he was employed for twenty-seven years. He served as Elementary School Principal, Director of Athletics and the facility’s Superintendent. Carmen more recently worked as the Director of Training and Documentation at both Lucent Public Safety Systems and Intrado. Jeanne McLean - Art Appreciation. Jeanne is the wife of Tim ‘79 and mother of Joe ‘06 and Jeff ‘10. She earned a B.F.A. Degree in Industrial Design from the University of Notre Dame and has taught on a part-time basis (both music and art) at several area Catholic grade schools. Mike Mitchell - Director of Transportation. Mike organizes the transportation needs of the students from train pickups to sporting events. Mike is the father of Matt ‘02, Joe ‘06; the son of Mark ‘33; brother of Tim ‘58, Jack ‘60 and Bob ‘63; and the uncle of Brian ‘83. David Sexauer ‘02 - Integrated Science. He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Illinois where he earned a B.S. Degree in Animal Sciences, Bio-technology and pre-veterinary medicine. He most recently served as a veterinarian’s assistant. Robert Szorc - Geometry. He is a recent graduate of Saint John’s University where he earned a B.S. Degree in Mathematics with a minor in Secondary Education. A graduate of Benet Academy, Robert will also serve as an assistant football and basketball coach. Brother Kevin Tidd - Western Civ., AP European History and Theology III. Br. Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree (European History) from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master’s Degree (Theology) from LaSalle University and an Ed.D. in school administration from the University of San Francisco. He has extensive experience as both an instructor and school administrator, most recently serving as the Academic Dean at Salesianum School in Wilmington DE. Gerald Wojtko - Algebra II, AP Statistics, Trig/Pre-Calculus. Gerald recently retired from Proviso East High School in Maywood where he had taught since 1974. He also served as the Mathematics Department Chairman at Proviso East for over eighteen years. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Illinois-Chicago and an M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership, also from U.I.C. For more information on the faculty and staff of Marmion visit www.marmion.org/academy/faculty.html. # # # #
The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program has named sixteen Marmion Academy students AP Scholars. This title is given in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. Only 18 percent of the more than one million students who took AP Exams in May 2007 performed at a sufficiently high level to merit such recognition. Scholar with Distinction Awards, for students earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of their exams, went to Peter Anderson of Aurora, Sean Boone of Geneva, Quinton Champer of Geneva and Karl Eckberg of Batavia, all members of Marmion’s graduating class of 2007. Scholar with Honor Awards, for students earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of his exams, went to seniors Thomas Hymel of Batavia and Richard Peck of St. Charles and 2007 graduates Charles Duncan of Batavia and Spencer Maynes of St. Charles. AP Scholar Awards, for students completing three or more AP Exams with grades of 3 or higher went to seniors Dan Garofalo of Aurora, Timothy Handell of Aurora, Christopher Heuman of Aurora, Michael O’Brien of St. Charles, William Simon of LaGrange, Joshua Stein of Batavia and Taylor Weis of Batavia as well as 2007 graduate Eric Wehrli of Oswego. Most of the nation’s colleges and universities award credit, advanced placement, or both based on successful performance on the AP exams, some Marmion graduates have been able to enter college at the sophomore level due to their achievement on AP exams. Marmion offers students Advanced Placement classes in biology, chemistry, physics, statistics, English literature, Spanish, French, Latin (Vergil), music theory, calculus, European history and U.S. history. # # # #
Fifteen Marmion Academy senior students were commissioned as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion during an All-School Mass in September. The following students will serve as Eucharistic Ministers at daily Mass in the Student Chapel and at each All-School Mass throughout the 2007-08 school year: Thomas Biles of Sugar Grove, Douglas Conroy of Geneva, Nicholas Daly of Winfield, Timothy Handell of Aurora, Keith Harris of Aurora, Daniel Housh of Aurora, Mark Malkowski of Batavia, Jonathan Medernach of Aurora, Joseph Minardi of Yorkville, Joseph Phelan of Geneva, Joshua Stein of Aurora, Peter Studlo of Batavia, Alexander Vlakancic of Batavia, Mark Waitkus of North Aurora and Taylor Weis of Batavia. # # # #
Six Marmion Academy students received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Seniors Edward Leonard of Geneva, Michael O’Brien of St. Charles, Richard Peck of St. Charles, Gordon Scott of Aurora, William Simon of LaGrange and Taylor Weis of Batavia are recognized for their exceptional academic promise along with a total of about 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation. They are placed among the top five percent of more than one million students who entered the 2008 competition. Marmion Academy is a college preparatory school in Aurora, IL. Its mission is the education of young men in leadership skills and a value-based liberal arts education, founded on the Roman Catholic Faith and the Benedictine tradition of a desire for God and a love for learning. # # # #
Marmion Academy’s JROTC program honored 40 cadets with military promotions at the annual Sabre Ceremony held September 7, 2007. These senior cadets were presented with a sabre (officers) or a sword (sergeants) by their parents, as they were promoted to the highest ranks in available in the JROTC program. The following are Marmion’s JROTC student leaders for the 2007-08 school year. BATTALION HEADQUARTERS: Battalion Commander Timothy Handell of Aurora, Executive Officer Michael Halles of Oswego, Adjutant Christopher M. West of Montgomery, Information Officer Zachary Nickels of Montgomery, Operations Officer Daniel Garofalo of Aurora, Supply Officer Gordon Scott of Aurora, Command Sergeant Major Jonathan Medernach of Aurora, Personnel Sergeant Brian Weltzer of Sugar Grove, Information Sergeant Thomas Stoecker of Aurora, Operations Sergeant Michael O’Brien of St. Charles and Supply Sergeant Daniel Housh of Aurora. COMPANIES: Headquarters Company Commander Thomas Vant of St. Charles, Company Executive Officer Nicholas Daly of Winfield, 1st Platoon Leader Richard Peck of St. Charles, 2nd Platoon Leader Nelson Oelker of Aurora and First Sergeant James Polek of St. Charles. Alpha Company Commander Ryan Lutz of North Aurora, Company Executive Officer Thomas Hymel of Batavia, 1st Platoon Leader Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove, 2nd Platoon Leader Andrew Canning of St. Charles, 3rd Platoon Leader Alexander Vlakancic of Batavia and First Sergeant Joseph Minardi of Yorkville. Bravo Company Commander Mark Malkowski of Batavia, Company Executive Officer Joshua Stein of Aurora, 1st Platoon Leader Robert Cesario of Aurora, 2nd Platoon Leader Robert Fortier of Geneva, 3rd Platoon Leader Peter Studlo of Batavia and First Sergeant Daniel Linden of Aurora. Charlie Company Commander Michael Meszaros of Batavia, Company Executive Officer Henry Carlson of Batavia, 1st Platoon Leader Ian Christian of Yorkville, 2nd Platoon Leader Brian Bakala of Sugar Grove, 3rd Platoon Leader Matthew Grange of Wheaton and First Sergeant Jeffrey Bakken of Batavia. Delta Company Commander Nicholas Zuccarini of Geneva, Company Executive Officer Michael Rios of North Aurora, 1st Platoon Leader Luke Martinez of Sugar Grove, 2nd Platoon Leader Mitchell Weiler of Hinckley, 3rd Platoon Leader Emmanuel Juarez of Aurora and First Sergeant Luke Kolquist of Geneva. Marmion’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is a U.S. Army high school program. In the program, cadets learn to become better citizens through classes which focus on such topics as history, leadership, and oral communication. They take part in military drill, inspections, and parades. As they advance through the ranks, they assume increasing responsibility for leadership among other cadets in their company. The JROTC program supports a competitive Rifle Team and Drill team. In addition cadets can participate in an Adventure Platoon and a one week JROTC Summer Camp. # # # #
The Benedictine monks of Marmion Abbey in Aurora celebrated as six of their members took the next step in their monastic life. Brother Andre Charron and Brother Damien Daprai professed Solemn Vows as permanent members of Marmion Abbey on July 11, 2007, the Feast of St. Benedict. Brother Marcos Rivas and Brother Kevin Tidd professed their first vows as junior monks on July 10. Novices Frederick Devett and Robert Switalski received their Benedictine habits also on July 10 and began their novice year of religious training. Br. Andre Charron transferred to Marmion from the Little Brothers of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque, NM in July 2004. On January 16, 2005, he was invested in the Benedictine habit as a Brother of Marmion Abbey. His experience in geriatric health care has been a blessing for the aging members of the Abbey community. He is also a freshman theology teacher at Marmion Academy. Br. Damien Daprai was a seminarian for the Diocese of Fargo, ND from 1998-2001. In that time he attended Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. He entered Marmion Abbey as a postulant on January 30, 2002 and was invested with the Benedictine habit, beginning his novice year on July 10, 2003. He professed his first vows as a junior monk on July 11, 2004. Br. Daprai will finish his studies for the priesthood this school year at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. Br. Marcos Rivas was born in Medellin, Columbia and studied at a Catholic high school run by the Franciscans. He attended the University of Saint Bonaventure in Medellin and received a degree in psychology. He worked as a clinical psychologist at Catalejo Center and Saint Raphael Hospital, where he gave workshops, conferences and did psychological evaluations for high school students. In 2004, Br. Rivas was invited by the Priests of the Sacred Heart to come to the United States to discern his vocation to the priesthood. During this time he was attracted to the monastic life and moved to Marmion Abbey. He will continue his studies for the priesthood at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL. Br. Kevin Tidd grew up in Norristown, PA. He graduated from La Salle College High School in Springfield, PA and earned his Bachelor’s degree in European History from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1995 he earned an M. A. in Theology from La Salle University and in 2001 he completed an Ed.D. in Private School Administration from the University of San Francisco, CA. From 1992-2003, Br. Tidd taught at Catholic boys’ schools in Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Jersey City. Prior to coming to Marmion, from 2003-06, he served as the Academic Dean at Salesianum School in Wilmington, DE. Br. Tidd will be teaching in the social studies department at Marmion Academy this school year. Novice Frederick Devett comes from Middleton, WI where he has lived for the last twenty years and has been in private practice in nearby Madison as a marriage and family therapist. He holds a M.A. in English and a M.S. in Social Work, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also a Master of Divinity degree. After visiting several Benedictine monasteries, and several visits to Marmion Abbey since 2004, the size, location, and observance of the monastic life as lived at Marmion Abbey kept drawing him back. Novice Robert Switalski came to Marmion from Norfolk, VA after retiring from a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy. He has a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology from Norfolk State University. The prayer and work ethics of the Benedictine monks drew him to his vocation at Marmion Abbey. Anyone interested in entering Benedictine life at Marmion Abbey must go through a formation program headed by vocation director Abbot Vincent Bataille OSB and Novice Master Father Michael Burrows OSB. Those interesting in receiving vocation information about Marmion Abbey can contact Abbot Bataille at vbataille@marmion.org or (630) 897-7215 ext. 334. Additional information about Marmion Abbey can be found online at Marmion.org. # # #
The earth is moving at the Marmion Academy campus in Aurora as the all-boys high school expands its infrastructure and playing fields to accommodate a growing population. Dirt started to fly on June 25, as the crews from the Geneva Construction Company of Aurora rolled in to begin work on a new storm water management system, campus roads and expanded parking, and new playing fields (as former fields will be displaced by the infrastructure work): new varsity and sophomore baseball fields, eight new tennis courts, two new soccer practice fields and reconstructed football practice areas. The new roads and parking lots will be ready in time for the new school year. The newly seeded fields will be playable in August 2008. The site plan was designed by the Aurora architectural firm of Cordogan, Clark and Associates and the engineering work by Engineering Enterprises, Inc. of Sugar Grove. The prime contractor is Geneva Construction Company of Aurora, along with V3 Companies of Illinois. The cost of the project is $4.1 million. The current construction addresses two long-standing needs -- sufficient parking space, especially for athletic and school events, and a road system that is separate and distinct from the parking area. With an enrollment reaching a campus record high of 530 for the 2007-08 school year and many students commuting ten plus miles to school each day it was paramount to ensure a safe and structured roadway and larger parking lots. The plans include expanding parking from the present 330 spaces to more than 700 spaces. Current parking along Stadium Drive will be eliminated and replaced with a new Stadium Entrance Drive off of Raddant Road. The new lighted road system and separate parking will make all events safer and more pedestrian friendly. The project is part of a larger strategic plan for the Academy and includes site work for a future Field House, Welcome Center and Music Center which will be built when funds become available. “Marmion Academy is a very dynamic and vibrant community; with the construction that has recently started – and all that is planned – we are entering a very exciting phase in our history,” states Headmaster John Milroy. “The work that is underway now is setting the foundation for the further development of the campus. Within this next year, we will be adding eight new tennis courts and two soccer fields to go along with a new dedicated varsity baseball diamond field and additional parking. Ultimately, a new Field House and Music Center, along with new science laboratories, math classrooms and additional athletic facilities in a renovated Benkert Hall, our former dormitory building, will be constructed. It is a very exciting time to be at Marmion!” Marmion Academy is a college preparatory school run by the Benedictine monks of Marmion Abbey. Its mission is the education of young men in leadership skills and a value-based liberal arts education, founded on the Roman Catholic Faith and the Benedictine tradition of a desire for God and a love for learning. For more information visit www.marmion.org. # # # # |
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