A Publication of the Nazareth academy Community

FALL 2012

IN thIs Issue:

Legacy Profiles

Meet the Class of 2016

return of Alumni updates

A tribute to John Michalek

Introducing Mothers Club

having Fun Doing Good

And much more…

Blueprint

www.nazarethacademy.com

nazareth:A LastingLegacy

Homecoming WeekendFriday evening - Alumni Homecoming Kickoff Cocktail Reception Springer HallSaturday - “Nazgate” and Homecoming Game Dining Hall and Valenta StadiumSunday - Family & Alumni Mass Congregation of St. Joseph ChapelFollowed by a Pancake Breakfast Dining Hall

Fall Musical – GodspellCome enjoy what’s sure to be an excellent production of this mini-musical in Nazareth’s state-of-the-art auditorium.

Open HousesOur Open Houses are the perfect opportunity for prospective students and parents to visit and tour Nazareth.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Join us as we take time to honor individuals who have contributed to Nazareth’s Athletic Legacy.

Call to the Heart Each year, we honor the generous supporters who impact Nazareth. During the Mass and subsequent reception, we thank those who hear the call and respond with time, talent and treasure.

Annual Mothers Club AuctionOur annual fundraiser continues to get better each year, with outstanding auction items in a great setting. This is a “don’t miss” evening of fun for a great cause.

Spring Musical – Legally BlondeThis modern musical take on a young woman’s determination is sure to sell out quickly. Get your seats early. Join us on April 25, 2013 as we induct several people instrumental in the success of our program into the Fine Arts Hall of Fame.

October 12-14 2012

October 26-28 2012

November 11 December 6 2012

January 19 2013

January 27 2013

February 23 2013

April 25-28 2013

Join us!2012/2013 calendar of events

Please visit our website at www.nazarethacademy.com for the most up-to-date information about these (and other) Naz events. Scan the QR code to keep the calendar at your fingertips throughout the year.

a letter from the president and principal

DeNNIs MorAN President

DeborAh trACy Principal Class of 1982

Dennis MoranPresident

Deborah TracyPrincipal

Nazareth Academy, sponsored by the Congregation of Saint Joseph, is a Catholic, coed, college preparatory high school dedicated to living Jesus’

mission of unity and committed to educating the whole person.

1209 W. Ogden Avenue LaGrange Park, Illinois 60526 Phone: 708-354-0061 Fax: 708-354-0109 www.nazarethacademy.com

President: Mr. Dennis Moran

Principal: Mrs. Deborah Tracy, ’82

Academic Dean: Sr. Terry Middendorf, CSJ, ’60

Director of Curriculum and Instruction: Dr. Karen Brown

Director of Finance: Mrs. Mary Callaghan

Dean of Students: Mr. Tim Racki

Editor: Ms. Alena Murguia, ’89

Graphic Design and Print: PGI Marketing & Communications

Please direct comments to: amurguia@nazarethacademy.com

View Blueprint online at: www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint

Contact the editor to help stop duplicate and undeliverable mail by updating addresses. Your help is appreciated.

On the cover: Dimitra Spandonidis ’13, Christopher Swade ’14, Sydney Stancik ’15 and Jack Stanton ’13 are just four of the many students who represent Nazareth legacy families this year.

@NazarethLGP

@NazarethLGP

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We have certainly been blessed in our positions as President and Principal of Nazareth Academy. We have the opportunity to meet wonderful families and to hear some of the most outstanding compliments about our school and our students. Our graduates come back to tell us what a difference Nazareth has made in their college studies and personal lives extending far into their adult years. These are the stories that make up the Nazareth legacy. Naturally, we love to hear the impact that our school has made on the future. What stands out for us even more are the graduates who choose to send their own children to Nazareth Academy when they are ready for high school. This is, by far, the greatest compliment. We are very proud of our legacy families who have chosen to maintain the Nazareth tradition through future generations of Roadrunners! We are extremely grateful for your commitment to our mission and for representing us so well in the community. We are equally blessed by the alumni who choose to return to Nazareth in their careers. Fully 15% of our faculty and staff are Naz graduates. Over 40% of our Class of 2016 have an older sibling, parent or grandparent who attend(ed) Nazareth. If we extend legacy to include cousins, aunts and uncles we would surely find many more significant connections in the Naz family! Happy students…..happy generations…..all being taught in the spirit and mission of Nazareth and the Congregation of Saint Joseph. Thanks to you, our legacy families, and to ALL who are a part of our 112 year history of SCHOLARSHIP, SERVICE, SPIRIT and UNITY!

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Hello from Nazareth Academy! My name is Katherine Fernholz and I am the new Alumni Relations Coordinator. I am thrilled to be working here at Nazareth and look forward to meeting and working with this great network of Roadrunner Alumni. It is always our goal to keep the lines of communication open between Nazareth and its graduates. We will provide you with monthly e-newsletters (The Roadrunner Report) and we are working to make the Alumni portion of our website easily accessible and user-friendly. Through these various facets, we aim to keep you informed and current with the happenings at your high school. We also ask that you do the same for us; let us know of all the great happenings in your life! Do not hesitate to contact me at kfernholz@nazarethacademy.com or 708-387-8508. We always love to hear from our Alumni and the wonderful accomplishments they have made. As Alumni, you all have paved the way for success for our current students. Although buildings and locations have changed throughout the years at Naz, you all share a history that as Alumni you can relate to firsthand. Though I have been here for only a short time, I have already heard countless stories of the numerous ways Alumni continue to touch this community. Whether it is through scholarship, service, spirit or unity, the pillars of Nazareth Academy remain constant in your life long after you graduate, continuing your school’s legacy.

Volunteers from Nazareth Academy have been donating their time and talents at Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach since October of 2010. Mission Outreach is a not-for-profit organization that addresses the seri-ous unmet medical needs of people in developing countries and promotes a more green-friendly environment through a medical recovery and responsible redistribution program. “Over these months, your group

has become an indispensable part of our mission to be a healing presence in the life of the world. Your consistent Saturday groups have tackled tough sorts, and have stepped up to any challenge, including identifying and testing medical equipment,” said Betsy Johnson, Volunteer Associate at the Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach. Thirty-four volunteers from Nazareth Academy have donated a total of 246 hours of work since 2010. The next Mission Outreach dates are November 10, January 12 and March 9, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 5213 W. 65th in Bedford Park ( just south of Midway Airport). If you are interested in volunteering or learning more about the opportunity, please contact Debbie Soldato ’72 at 312-590-2997 or dsoldato@comcast.net.

come home to nazarethA New Face in Alumni Relations

Volunteer Opportunities

myWhen I reflect on the word “legacy,” what comes to mind is leaving behind something valuable, not so much a gift of money or property, but something so valuable that no monetary value could ever be affixed to it. I mean handing down to my children the opportunity to experience the values and lessons of life learned at Nazareth, to lay a foundation for continued growth and greater development as a person. What you leave behind is not measured so much by what you give, but what is woven into the lives you touch. What better legacy to leave your children than being well-educated? Being a family legacy at Nazareth is about continuing to instill the beliefs, actions and values you’ve learned and adapting them to make your life meaningful and fruitful.

- Meg (Malek) Duranty, ’80, current staff

NAzAreth

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For more reflections from students, alumni and staff, please visit “My Nazareth” at www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint.

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In Memoriam May - August 2012

Homecoming/Alumni Reunion Weekend

12-14October

Gerald Browne, Coach

Mary Ann Chaplicki Devoe, 1955

Michael Haraus Father of Natalie (2010), Nicholas (2012) and Mark (2014)

John Michalek, Faculty and Coach

Veronica Clinkert Onzick, 1955

Susan Ryan, 1961

Arlene Stafford, 1952

Joan Maiers Thiel, 1950

Linda Yoshioka, 1970

We prayerfully remember all those in the Nazareth community who have passed away. Please notify Nazareth Academy of the death of an alumnus. We apologize for any errors that occur in this In Memoriam section.

We are pleased to announce the return of Alumni Updates in Blueprint. We believe that in sharing the achieve-ments and milestones in our lives, we enrich the legacy of Nazareth Academy. Due to space constraints we won’t be able to run every update in its entirety in print, but we will strive to include everyone on our new alumni website, www.nazarethacademyalumni.org, to be unveiled later this year. We invite you to share with us.

Alumni Updates

Come home to Nazareth! Mark your calendars; October 12-14 is our Alumni Reunion Weekend. Friday, October 12, Nazareth will be hosting a cocktail reception and class kickoff parties on campus in Springer Hall from 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, October 13, will feature a “Nazgate” Tailgate Party at 12 p.m. before our football game as our Roadrunners take on the Bulldogs of Riverside-Brookfield.

Lastly, on Sunday, October 14, we hope you will join us at our Alumni and Family Mass at the Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel at 11 a.m. followed by a compli-mentary brunch. All alumni are welcome!

If you have a significant reunion year (with a graduating year ending in a “2” or “7”), there are special celebrations. The Class of 1962 is celebrating their Golden Jubilee!

Lisa Hable Urzen ’84 posing with Olympic Gold medalist swimmer Matt Grevers.

Kathleen richards ’59 is blessed with two great-grandchildren, Connor and Seth, who live in Montana.

Carol McCarthy LaChapelle ’61 is presently working on her second book, On the Geezer Beat: Tales from Elderville, “a serious, if slightly irreverent, collection of personal stories from people over the age of 55. These stories will show how the experience of aging is being transformed in the 21st century. More importantly, they will offer a vision of aging that moves beyond dreading, denying, or patronizing it.”

Laura Mazzuca toops ’73 has published five books and works as an editor for a trade magazine, and this fall will teach fiction-writing workshops to seventh and eighth grade students at St. Leonard’s in Berwyn.

Alena Murguia ’89 is thrilled to return to Nazareth Academy as a member of the staff. She is now the Public Relations Coordinator, proud to share all the great news about Naz.

sean Pearson ’91, who accumulated numerous basketball honors at Nazareth and then played four successful seasons at the University of Kansas, ran a youth basketball clinic at the Community Center in La Grange this summer, which mostly consisted of children from The Caring Place, a non- denominational, faith-based outreach effort for underprivileged children and children with special needs. Pearson lives in Missouri and started Pearson Basketball Basics, which is a camp for children.

Peggy Murphy hasenauer ’92 serves as Executive Director of the Kovler Diabetes Center and coordinates all aspects of the Center’s clinical, research, outreach and educational activities. Peggy is a registered nurse with a master’s degree in health care leadership and management. Her experience in diabetes management, research and education includes management of the kidney/pancreas transplant program and collaboration to establish the First Islet Cell Transplantation program at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

erin Mcbride ’00 opened Fetch! Pet Care franchise in March 2012 to serve the western suburbs’ pet needs.

Preston Purchase ’01 graduated Cum Laude from Columbia College this past May, with a BA in Film. He was then selected to participate in a special program titled Summer in LA Directing Program, which is a program for talented filmmakers who learn the intricacies of working in Hollywood. Preston recently was appointed to a position working in Pre-Production and Development for HBO in Hollywood, CA.

Jason soble ’03 attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he earned his BS in Psychology with Highest University Honors/Bronze Table Distinction in 2006. He then earned his Master of Science in 2008 and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in 2012. He is currently completing a specialized postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the James A. Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, FL.

Kristian Marincus ’10 and Abbriella straziota ’10 were wed on August 8, 2012 in Cabo San

Lucas. They are high school sweethearts who met at Nazareth.

nazareth academy: a lasting

door collecting donations to construct a new building “For a Better Nazareth…A Better Woman…A Better World.” Every time we cheer at a game or applaud at a Naz show, we are grateful for the Capital Campaign donations that make our physical structures match our high academic standards. With each school year, our legacy grows. The Nazareth com-munity, especially its leadership, alumni and the Congregation of St. Joseph all stand ready, with time, treasure and faith, to protect the legacy of the past and ensure excellence for future generations.

Legacy means the tradition of scholarship, service, spirit and unity passed on for over 100 years. We celebrate legacy families, who return to Nazareth as siblings, cousins, children and grandchildren of alumni. We cherish the alumni who choose to continue the Nazareth legacy by returning as members of the faculty and staff. Every day and every way, we treasure the generous donor gifts that have made our legacy possible. We can look back to the early 20th century when Sisters of St. Joseph literally rolled up their sleeves to get the bricks laid. We acknowledge the Men’s Auxiliary, who, after WWII, went door to

whether you are a student, parent, alumni or friend, any visit to Nazareth

likely takes you through our Legacy Garden. but for Nazareth Academy,

“legacy” means much more than engraved paver bricks.

“In my day, no one asked me where I wanted to go to high school. My parents decided. Nazareth was just where the girls from St. Francis Xavier went,” admits Kathleen “Kaye” Kuhle Flynn ’45, “but I’ve never regretted their decision.” Kaye, who will receive an Alumni Recognition Award during Homecoming Weekend this year, remembers her years at Nazareth as a student, parent and employee as very happy times. “I have such fond memories of my student days in the early 40’s, when we wore black jumpers and had to sew our own blouses as freshmen. My first one ended up in the rag bag, but I did wear two others I made.” In Kaye’s day, lay faculty were the exception, but, like today, some teachers were tougher than others. Her daughter Katherine Flynn ’71 followed in her mother’s footsteps at Nazareth, but in the summer after her freshman year, blazed a trail of her own. She was one of the first students to have a parent employed by Nazareth. Then Principal, Sr. Ethel Vaca ’45, called Kaye, her high school friend, at first asking her to teach Chemistry, which Kaye declined. Next, she asked her to fill in for the school

secretary “for a few weeks.” Kaye Flynn ended up working in the school office from 1968-1996. Kaye witnessed monumental changes during her years as school secretary, including the move to the current campus, the increase in lay teachers and, of course, the transition to a coeducational high school. But one of her fondest memories lies with technology. “I was the first staff member at Naz to get a computer. I was supposed to input the school records that first summer. The woman who sold us the computer dropped it off and handed me a book. That was my computer education.” Of course, being the smart Naz alumna she is, she read that book, and figured the rest out as she went along. Looking back now, Kaye reflects on the lasting legacy of Nazareth Academy. “The Sisters of St. Joseph prepared us for the future that lay ahead of most of us but they also saw into the distant future and prepared us for that. In addition to sewing, we all took two years of Latin and then usually took four more years of French or Spanish. Very few of us went on to college but, as one of the lucky ones, I was well prepared for that too.”

Kaye Flynn ’45

legacy

$50/year

$300/year

FUN FACt:

Nazareth tuition when Kaye was a student.

tuition for her daughter Katherine.

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Pat concurs, crediting the relationships her son forged while playing basketball at Naz, with helping him find his way as a manager of the team at University of Illinois. “Having a place with the U of I team opened up a world of possibilities. The friendships all of my kids made at Nazareth have lasted these many years, which I think is typical of the Naz experience.” (In fact, two of Pat’s kids also met their spouses in high school, ensuring the Martin Nazareth family tree continues to grow new branches.) Margie has particularly special memories of being part of the Nazareth musicals and of Sr. Oliver encouraging her to sing in French since that was another area of study. Her own experiences on stage made watching her niece Maria’s similar journey 40 years later even more special. Now Maria is the one returning to Naz as an alumna to applaud the next generation of Nazareth actors.

For all the changes to the school since Betty’s time in the 1930’s, some aspects of a Nazareth education have remained constant. In an era when women were not automati-cally expected to pursue any type of higher learning, Betty went on to earn a Master’s Degree. Nazareth prepared students for a college education then and now. “Students leave ready for college,” says Sue, “in particular ready for a lifetime of writing.” No matter the discipline – English, history, religion – writing remains at the core. The many branches of the Martin family tree are a proud example of the continuing legacy of scholarship, service, spirit and unity at Nazareth Academy. “I know my roots are there,” concludes Margie. “Nazareth is where I began to reach out, where I first discovered how to be a leader.”

the Martin Family

A Legacy Moment

The many branches of the Martin family tree are testament to the long reach of Nazareth’s legacy. Betty Doonan Martin ’34 graduated from Nazareth when it was still all-girls, which is also the reason her sons didn’t attend the school, but her daughter Margaret (Margie) Martin ’65, is a proud alum and Betty’s sons went on to send their own children to Nazareth. According to Pat Martin, who not only sent her three children to Nazareth, but also worked for the school, her mother-in-law found the Sisters of St. Joseph to be remarkable women. “They were very forward thinking, which has changed the direction of Nazareth. It’s so rare for a school to success-fully transition from all-girls to coed. I am grateful for the mutual support between the nuns and the school that enabled me to send, not just my daughter, Maria Martin Shields ’99, but also my sons, Thomas Martin ’94 and James Patrick Martin ’97 to Nazareth.” Margie agrees, saying, “Nazareth laid a wonderful foundation for my moral life. In school, from the Sisters, and in my mother’s example, I saw the way in which I could take a faith-filled life into the greater community.” Margie went on to work in a public school system, but remains connected to Nazareth through her family and the friendships that have lasted 50 years. Their sister-in-law, Sue Martin, currently the Chair of Nazareth’s Religion Department, has a similar view of Nazareth’s legacy. “Nazareth helped shape my mother-in-law into a fine lady, a strong Catholic and someone who acted on her concern for the world around her. That’s what we all want for our children.” Nazareth’s strong history of commu-nity service is a legacy Sue is proud to continue. “What we can do here is expose students to the benefit of service, both what it can bring to others and what it can do in our own lives.” All of the Martin women also agree that Nazareth is about relationships – between peers, with faculty, and with God. “The size of Nazareth makes it a great place for kids to find themselves” says Sue. “My son Jerry still credits (former English teacher) Diane Kirtley with inspiring his career in journalism, some-thing he never would have pursued had she not opened that possibility to him.”

ring night has been an important ceremony in Nazareth’s long history. It’s the evening when juniors receive a blessing over the physical symbol of their student days. For Maria Martin shields ’99, the evening took on extra meaning as she chose to wear her aunt’s Nazareth ring. Margaret Martin ’65 shared more than her initials with her niece. she proudly shared a piece of her own legacy.

betty Doonan Martin ‘34

Margaret Martin ’65

James Martin ’97

Mary beth Martin zannelli ’98

Gerald Martin ’02

Josiane umuhoza ’12

Nicole Martin wouk

George Martin ’06

Julienne uwingabire ‘12

Gerald t. Martin

Maria Martin shields ’99 married

Jeff shields ’96

sue MartinJames Martin

thomas Martin ’94 married

beth hamilton Martin ’94

Pat Martin

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myI was the fourth of four daughters to attend Nazareth Academy. Both of my parents believed deeply in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and found multiple ways to be involved with the congregation throughout their entire lives. Three of the four O’Hara girls worked at Nazareth Academy: Sue O’Hara taught French, History, and served as Director of Guidance in the late 60’s, Peg Cain taught English and served as English Department Chair in the 80’s, and I have been a member of the Guidance Department since 1975. There has been an O’Hara on the Nazareth staff for more than 40 years! Attending Nazareth in the late 60’s was a true blessing for me. The world was changing.  Vietnam was raging; protests abounded; values questioned. Nazareth offered refuge to me, a

questioning teenager. My teachers allowed us to question and allowed us expression. My classmates were some of the brightest young people I encountered throughout out all of my education, and certainly my teachers, particularly the CSJs, were some of the best teachers I ever had the privilege of learning from. Nazareth provided such a nurturing richness to my life at a time when the world was in turmoil. I graduated as a confident young woman hoping to make a difference in the world. When I received my Masters in Counseling in 1975, I applied for just one job. Nazareth. Sr. Marianne Race hired me as a counselor, and I have been here ever since. There is no place I would rather be. There was never any question where my son was going to attend high school. He, with several

close friends from grammar school, entered Nazareth and enjoyed four wonderful years here before going off to different colleges. They will remain lifelong friends, I am sure. Nazareth will always be the place where they were challenged to become all that they could be. My son graduated from Nazareth and went on to graduate from University of Missouri at Columbia. He, too, looks back on Nazareth with great fondness and appreciation.

- Kathy (O’Hara) Gurney, ’69, current staff

NAzAreth

For Maryterese Pazzali Smith ’82 her Nazareth legacy began before she even became a student. In 1973, her sister Kaye, a senior at Nazareth, passed away after a surgery. “My parents were left with a huge medical bill. The student body organized a Walk-a-thon to raise money to help my family. That’s how the WALK was born.” It’s no wonder that Nazareth holds such a

special place in Maryterese’s heart, and, in fact, her entire family’s heart. Her parents were very active at Nazareth, serving as Presidents of the Parents Club from 1980-81. “They set the tone for how to stay connected. I love to volunteer as a Naz parent,” she said. No surprise, she has already signed on for WALK 2012. Standing on the corner, watching 100’s of students walk past,

laughing and representing Nazareth, is now an annual tradition for her. In fact, Maryterese feels that watching her own children go through their high school journey makes Nazareth even more mean-ingful. “Watching my children blossom, each in his or her own individual way, is incredibly special.” Her oldest three have all taken to the Naz stage, just as Maryterese did. Maggie ’12, a freshman at Marquette and Patrick ’10, a junior at University of Illinois, share their mom’s conviction that Nazareth faculty go above and beyond expectations, often refer-encing things they learned at Naz in the context of college courses. Naturally she also notices the ways in which Nazareth has changed since her days. “I specifically remember having classes in D Building. That was a pretty cold walk between classes some days!” She also recalls singing along to REO Speedwagon back in the days when the cafeteria (pre-Dining Hall) had a juke box. Still, for Maryterese, any visit to Nazareth is like “coming home.” Whether it’s mass in the Congregation of Saint Joseph chapel, or sitting next to her former classmate Deborah Vondrasek Tracy, ’82 at an event, Maryterese Smith hopes her Nazareth legacy continues.

Maryterese Pazzali Smith ’82

On June 29, 2012, the Nazareth family received the sad news that beloved teacher, John Michalek, had passed away. Immediately, faculty and alumni came together to offer prayers and share memories. In his 35 years at Nazareth, Mr. Mike touched the lives of hundreds of students, athletes and co-workers. His colleague and friend Nan Garside explained, “John awakened students to the knowledge that history was full of interesting, obscure facts that made the ‘characters’ come alive. He humanized them...King Henry became someone students recognized in politics today. He also humanized the teaching profession. He knew how to make students feel as though he really ‘saw’ them.” Mr. Mike was fond of saying that he never consid-ered teaching to be “work” because he loved it so much. “Mr. Mike is one of the few teachers I’ve had who I can tell truly cared about each and every student,” wrote Cat Usher, ‘12. “He could always bring a smile to anyone’s face, whether it was from his daily stories about his childhood or just with his own smile. He stood out as a person who represents everything that Nazareth strives to be.“ Beyond sharing his love of learning, Mr. Mike also shared his Naz spirit. For almost 10 years, he would graciously and enthusiastically agree to play the role of Energizer Bunny at the Homecoming Pep Rally. On July 10, 2012, the Nazareth community gathered together to pay tribute to Mr. Michalek’s life with a Memorial Prayer Service at the Congregation of St. Joseph Chapel. Hundreds of people celebrated Mr. Mike as a friend, colleague, teacher, mentor and coach. Ms. Garside was among those who spoke. “John, as a colleague, was always generous...with his books and his knowledge. The years we worked on our Masters degrees John spent a great deal of time sharing what he learned with the people who started a year behind us. He was always offering them tips on what he saw worked in our consortium, or what didn’t, thereby saving them time and effort. He particularly loved to discuss books he was reading, especially historical fiction. Often he would share his copy or buy additional copies so people who expressed an interest could gain as much enjoyment as he did from the reading.” Over his 35 years in these many roles, Mr. Michalek planted seeds of learning that have spread world-wide. As a coach, he inspired young female athletes to excel in softball, basketball and, most recently, Powder Puff football. As a colleague and mentor, he expected and encouraged our best selves. Many students, alumni and faculty shared their favorite memories of Mr. Mike in writing. Those notes were collected and shared with his family, a tribute to the specific ways in which he touched lives and encouraged growth. In turn, everyone who attended the Prayer Service received a packet of Forget-Me-Not seeds to plant and nurture in Mr. Michalek’s honor. Whether experiencing “Thankful Thursdays” in the classroom, encouragement during a game, or cheerful career advice, multiple generations of Nazareth alumni have been touched by his wisdom, generosity, humor and spirit. In commemoration of his many contributions to Nazareth’s legacy, the new girls softball field will be named in John Michalek’s honor. Thanks to the generosity of Mr. Michalek’s family we will also offer multiple scholarships in John Michalek’s name. “These scholarships will carry John’s name as a further way to honor his commitment to students and love of education,” said Dennis Moran, President. Mr. Mike will truly be missed. It is now our privilege to carry on his legacy by embracing life, educating the students of Nazareth, and continuing to inspire excellence. The Nazareth community will plant a tree near the John Michalek Softball Field. As it takes root at Nazareth, so too did John Michalek.

A tribute to John Michalek

teacher, 1977-2012

Taught Social Studies, Humanities, Sociology, Economics, Government and Consumerism

Chairman of the Social Studies Department, Educator of the Year

Coach

Girls Softball, Girls Basketball, Baseball, Football, Track, Tennis, and Powder Puff Football

Recognized at the Leaders, Legends, Legacy Gala, 2003

Inducted into Nazareth’s Athletic Hall of Fame, 2010

MILestoNes

teachercoachfriend

mentor

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Dorothy Walsh Pokorny ’37 loved Nazareth. In fact, her daughter Dale Pokorny Petrishe ’61, credits two sources for Dorothy’s balance of “true lady and fiery live wire” – a strong role model in her own mother and four amazing years at Nazareth. For all the changes Dorothy witnessed at Nazareth (a new building, lay teachers, boys), one thing remained constant, according to Dale, “The underlying nuance of the school is what guides its future. When you walk into Nazareth, something more is expected of you. That sense of expectation also means the sky is the limit.” Known for her sparkling blue eyes and bright smile, Dorothy remained connected to Nazareth from her admission in 1933 until her death in 2010. “She was so proud to have gone to school in a place where women were not just a pretty fixture. They were expected to use their brains and to contribute to society.” Dorothy continued to live those ideals as a college student, a wife and as a mother. When she and her husband William did their estate planning, the couple was determined to make sure Nazareth continues that legacy. “My parents were both grounded in faith. We were taught to be grateful for what we have, but to also share our blessings with the greater community.” By including Nazareth in their will, William and Dorothy have helped sustain the legacy they loved, one of community and belonging. They have ensured that another generation of students will be encouraged to seek their full potential.

We are extremely proud of the legacy that so many generations of Nazareth students, alumni and friends have built over 112 years. This issue of Blueprint is a celebration of that legacy and its impact on our children, our families and our community. Growing that legacy takes the efforts of not only our faculty and staff, but the part-nership of our many donors and friends. In compiling the data for our annual Donor Report, we recognize the importance of gifts large and small. You are the philanthropists who breathe life into Nazareth Academy, whether through investments in capital improvements, scholarships or planned gifts.

Planned giving is a meaningful opportu-nity for you to ensure Nazareth’s future legacy. When considering your long-term financial plans, please consider naming Nazareth in your will. You might be surprised at the impact your bequest can have on the life of a student, and the life of our school.These types of gifts and bequests allow us to continue our mission of educating young women and men, not just to strive for higher learning, but to truly live our principles of Scholarship, Service, Spirit and Unity. There is nothing binding or legal about a legacy commitment. In fact, you can remain anonymous, but we hope you will allow us to recognize you as an eternal member of the St. Joseph Society. The St. Joseph Society honors and provides special recognition to those who lay a strong foundation for the future of Nazareth Academy through their estate plans. Please visit the Nazareth website to view planned gift options or contact Angela Broucek at 708-387-8547 or Carey Harrington at 708-387-8542. We can provide sample bequest language to assist you.

Plan for Nazareth’s Future Legacy

William and Dorothy Pokorny

The St. Joseph SocietyIn grateful recognition of those who remembered Nazareth Academy in their estates.

Rose Dulik

Marie Kelly ’29

Joan L. Koza ’59

Laura Martini ’41

John Michalek

Sharon Moore ’67

Gilbert O. Petterson

Dorothy Walsh Pokorny ’37

Eugene T. & Mary L. Schuler

Joan Valenta

Margaret Bluma Zindrick ’41

And all the Anonymous donors who did not wish to be named.

For a look at the impact of planned gifts, please visit the Fall and Winter 2009 editions of Blueprint at www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint

For a full Donor Report for 2011-2012, please visit: www.nazarethacademy.com/donorreport

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Introducing Mothers Club

After existing as the Parents Club for over 40 years, moving forward, the Nazareth orga-nization will be known as Mothers Club. Why the name change, you may wonder? “This is actually a change that has been evolving over the past few years,” says Candida Fiermonte, club President for 2012-2013. “We are so glad that Nazareth has a strong Fathers Club, which continues to grow. We wanted a name that better reflects our group.”

Whether offering hospitality for current and prospective parents at school events, organiz-ing a Candlelight Bowl, or hosting the ever-popular Spring Fashion Show, Mothers Club members can share their experiences and commitment to Nazareth. Fiermonte does reveal some new facets to the organization for 2012-2013. “We are really looking to achieve a ‘club’ setting with our off-campus activities. Often times, moms are unsure or even intimidated about getting involved at the high school level. We’d like to provide an entryway, a place for parents to meet each other and meet members of the administration.” Each year the club hosts an auction, Nazareth’s single biggest fundraising event, and a crucial part of the school’s continued success. The Mothers Club is already planning for a fantastic 2013 event, scheduled for February 23, 2013. “I can’t give away too much,” says Fiermonte, “but I will say that we’ll be honoring the Parents Club legacy in a special way.” The Mothers Club is dedicated to pro-viding the best experience for you and your students. There is no membership fee. All parents are welcome to attend events.

while the name might be new, the mission is not. the organization provides fundraising support, social networking, service opportunities and “spirit” during the school year.

Parents Club Presidents 1970-present

$305,000the amount raised for student educational needs

at the 2012 “Nazzapalooza” Auction.

70-71 Anne & Robert Orgler 71-72 Lynn & James Sullivan 72-73 Frances & John Corrigan 73-74 Frances & John Corrigan 74-75 Patricia & Lawrence Suffredin 75-76 Natalie & Robert Pomorski 76-77 Natalie & Robert Pomorski 77-78 Virginia & Robert Uphues 78-79 Virginia & Robert Uphues 79-80 Jay & Robert O’Hagan 80-81 Maria & Raymond Pazzali 81-82 Barbara & Robert Joyce 82-83 Marian & Robert McNulty 83-84 Jeanne & Dominic Tallarico 84-85 Mildred & Jay Sabath 85-86 Patricia & Jack Impens 86-87 Thea & Paul Marhoul 87-88 Thea & Paul Marhoul 88-89 Rosemarie Kolomijcew 89-90 Irene & Anthony Adolf 90-91 Irene & Anthony Adolf 91-92 Christine Stragula 92-93 Christine Stragula 93-94 Mary Alice & Jack Wheeler 94-95 Patricia & Michael Krueger 95-96 Patricia & Michael Krueger 96-97 Josephine & Thomas Boyle 97-98 Sheila & Mike Grogan 98-99 Pat & Jim Green 99-00 Ellen & Jim Lynch

00-01 Maryann Polivka 01-02 Sharon & Terry Keogh 02-03 Mary Beth Ryan 03-04 Tess & Anthony Bezouska 04-05 Sheila & Larry Schiffler 05-06 Ruth & Ted Lorenzi and Patty& Jeff Patterson06-07 Ellen & Shawn Janus 07-08 Mary & Mark Heuer and Grace & Rick Battistoni08-09 Mary Heuer and Karen Lang09-10 Mary Alice & Steve Radford 10-11 Liz & Gene Payne 11-12 Mary & Brian Borkovec

Mothers Club membership information can be found at www.nazarethacademy.com by clicking “Parent Organizations” under the “Quick Links” tab.

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myThe Nazareth Academy community truly believes they are a “family.” Likewise, my family truly believes in Nazareth Academy. My mom and all my aunts graduated from Nazareth and can remember having classes on the old campus, at a time when Nazareth was an all-girls school. To my family and me, being a part of the Nazareth Academy legacy means carrying out the four pillars of scholarship, service, spirit and unity in our everyday lives.- Molly Meehan, ’13

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2016welcome class of

On August 16, 2012, Nazareth proudly welcomed 209 freshmen to our Class of 2016. During two days of Orientation, these newcomers heard from key faculty and staff, found and tested their lockers, made their way from K to M to S using their class schedules and, most importantly, met the classmates with whom they’ll share the next four years. Some came with a little background knowledge. “My brother graduated from here last year and loved it, so I knew I wanted to come here too. I just feel so welcomed already,” said Natalie Cozzi. In fact, of the 209 incoming freshmen, over 40% have older siblings, parents or grandparents who attend or did attend Nazareth Academy. Other students are blazing trails as the first in their families to attend Nazareth. “It’s so different to come to Nazareth after a big public grammar school, but I really wanted that smaller feel,” said Grace Brown. Jake Hansen agreed, “I visited some other Catholic schools too, but Nazareth had the best feel. Plus, I wanted the good baseball and golf programs.”

Interestingly, members of the Class of 2016 cited a variety of reasons for choosing Nazareth. “I really wanted to find a school that wasn’t all about sports,” said Daniel Hawkins, who participated in the 8th grade Math contest last year. “I really liked the people I met during that, which made Nazareth the right decision.” Likewise, Richard Kiernicki had participated in the Baseball summer camp, familiarizing him-self with coaches and future teammates. “It was a great experience and made me feel good about coming here,” he said. From academics to athletics, from family tradition to a new chance, these youngsters agree on one thing – Nazareth just felt right.

209Incoming freshmen

38Communities

56Grammar schools

85Family legacies

For more reflections from students, alumni and staff, please visit “My Nazareth” at www.nazarethacademy.com/blueprint.

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Nazareth Athletics hold an important place in the school’s legacy. Even before Title IX recognition, the ladies of Nazareth Academy were achieving success on the field and court. For instance, in 1971, the Girls’ Varsity Basketball team won the championship title as an undefeated team in the Amateur Athletic Union Tournament in Chicago. Those athletes laid the foundation for what has become a successful and healthy program for young women and men. With 23 sports covering 3 seasons, Nazareth Athletics offers many options for students to participate. This past year over 550 student athletes competed in Nazareth’s name. That level of participation and dedication brought many successes to the Nazareth Athletic Department in 2011-2012. Individuals and teams merited conference, regional, sectional and super-sectional championships, as well as state championship recognition.

IHSA State RecognitionBaseball-3rd Place

Boys Golf-5th Place

Girls Tennis-2nd Place Doubles

Wrestling-220 lb. Champion

IHSA Regional, Sectional & Super Sectional RecognitionBaseball-Regional, Sectional & Super Sectional Champions

Boys Golf-Regional Champions

Boys Track-Sectional Champion

Girls Golf-Regional Champions

Girls Soccer-Regional Champions

Girls Track-Sectional Champion

Girls Volleyball-Regional Champions

Softball-Regional Champions

Wrestling-Sectional Champion

hIGhLIGhts INCLuDe:

IHSA Regional & Sectional MedalistsBoys Golf-Regional & Sectional Medalists

Boys Track-Sectional Medalist

Girls Cross Country-Regional Medalists

Girls Golf-Regional Medalist

Girls Track-Sectional Medalist

Gymnastics-Regional Medalist

Wrestling-Regional & Sectional Medalists

East Suburban Catholic Conference Recognition

Boys Track-Shot Put Champion

Football-Co-Champions

Girls Soccer-Champions

Girls Tennis-Singles Champion

Wrestling-220 lb. Champion

Nazareth Athletics

Autism Walk

serving our neighbors...

having fun doing it.

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Circle the City

Relay for Life

A.B.L.E.

Peacebuilders

New Orleans

Solsberry Hill

numbersnaz by the

3

75

150+14

93

$160,200

$1,150,000

$15,000,000+

$15 million

45

100%National Merit Scholars

in the Class of 2012

New laptops this year

New families at Nazareth this year

Total money raised in support of Nazareth last year

Nazareth alumni who are currently members of the faculty or staff

New iPads this year

Merit based scholarships and awards earned by the Class of 2012

Goal for the 2012 WALK

Capital improvements since 2000

Illinois State Scholars in the Class of 2012

College bound members of the Class of 2012

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connect with nazareth myWhile I’ve only been a student at Nazareth Academy for two semesters, the small, loving school has taught me more than trigonometry, World War II tactics, or the literary symbolism in Beloved. Most importantly, it has taught me how to be a person representing Nazareth when I graduate. Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve taken from this experience is to embrace change with open arms and allow God to set me in the right direction. The once intimidating hand of Saint Joseph conveys an entirely new message to me today – welcome home.

- Excerpted from a college essay by Caroline Comstock, ’12

Please look in this issue or visit our website for more reflections on Nazareth’s legacy.

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