Spring 2011 Tolle Lege

The ST. RiTa of CaSCia high SChool MagazineTolle Lege! “Take Up

and Read”

SPRING 2011PrinciPal's letter 2

Mustang news 3

athletics 4-5

aluMni news 6-7

advanceMent 8-9

news BrieFs 10

in MeMoriaM 11

The St. Rita of Cascia High School Family recently mourned the loss of one

the school's most iconic legends in the past half century. Fr. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A. who served at St. Rita High School for the ma-jority of his 58 years in the priest-hood, passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.

Fr. McNicholas was a proud

graduate of St. Rita's Class of 1944. Following graduation he entered the United States Navy. However, Fr. McNicholas soon heard his calling to a life of ministry and pro-fessed his vows as an Augustinian on December 13, 1947.

In 1949, Fr. McNicholas earned his bachelor’s degree in philoso-phy from Villanova University and went on to study in Rome where he earned a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology. He was ordained to the priesthood on October 26, 1952 and later returned to school to earn his master’s degree and study psychology.

Fr. McNicholas began his first of many assignments at St. Rita High School in 1954. While he spent years away from St. Rita working in other areas such as parish ministry, St. Rita was always Fr. McNick's home.

During his 58 years as a priest, he spent more than 40 years in ministering to the students of St. Rita. Throughout the years, he taught and nurtured Ritamen as a theology teacher, coach, counselor, campus minister, alumni chaplain, role model and friend.

Over the years, Fr. McNick was a strong presence in the school as

he personally greeted students by name throughout the entire day. He was also a huge fan of St. Rita sports. No matter the sport, Fr. McNick would show up to watch games, often times cheering St. Rita to victory while he enjoyed his pipe.

The young men of St. Rita also knew if they were ever in need, whether it was a belt, a pencil, a pair of shoes or even some money, they could stop by Fr. McNick’s office and he would be more than willing to help out. During the homily he gave at Fr. McNicholas' funeral, St. Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 spoke of how Fr. McNick would travel regularly to the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop to purchase belts just in case students needed one. His generos-ity was endless, and it is impossible to truly know how many Ritamen Fr. McNicholas aided in some way over the years.

Generosity was only one way Fr. McNicholas exemplified life as an Augustinian. Fr. McNick would also reach out to students, alumni and St. Rita families during often difficult times by attending wakes for the deceased and he was always willing to administer the sacrament

of reconciliation. Fr. McNick lived his life by example in hopes that other Ritamen would hear God’s calling to live a life of Augustinian ministry.

Fr. McNick’s calm voice, friendly smile and encouraging utterances are legendary amongst generations of Ritamen. His presence at St. Rita will truly be missed, but his memory will live on.

st. rita remembers rev. walter F. Mcnicholas, o.s.a. '44 (1926-2011)

st. rita scores Big with Freshman entrance exam

The annual recruiting season once again proved to be very successful for St. Rita of Cascia High School as it saw an increase

in its Entrance Exam attendance for the third consecutive year. On Saturday, January 8, 2011, a total of 277 eighth grade boys made St. Rita their choice for testing, an increase of 5% over last year. In fact, St. Rita is the only all-boys school in the area to increase its testing number the past three years in a row. This was also St. Rita's best attend-ed Entrance Exam in the past 7 years!

An additional five young men who could not

make the original test date attended St. Rita's make-up exam session the following Saturday to bring the total number to 282. The eighth grade boys who tested came from 124 different gram-mar schools, including double digit turnouts from schools such as: Central Junior High, Mt. Greenwood Elementary, St. Cajetan, St. Cath-erine of Alexandria, St. John Fisher and Queen of Martyrs.

With registration currently underway, St. Rita is on pace to have its largest freshman class in the past five years.

upcoming events april 13 Ritamen Luncheon | 12:00 p.m.

april 29 75th Annual Alumni Banquet & Class Reunion

May 5 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m.

May 11 Ritamen Luncheon | 12:00 p.m.

May 13-21 St. Rita Solemn Nine Day Novena | 7:00 p.m.

May 22 St. Rita Feast Day Mass | 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

July 13 Summer Ritamen BBQ Luncheon | 12:00 p.m.

July 22 36th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing | Gleneagles Country Club

Dear Ritamen, Families and Friends:

In the last several weeks numerous conversations have been heard among students about how they feel the need to know about the academic offerings and admission requirements of various colleges. If I closed my eyes, I might think it is a senior in the throes of his college decision, but very often these comments were overheard among sophomores and juniors. Why? We have made a bold decision to change our schedule to a 7-period day beginning next year, and this has opened up possibilities for

exciting new classes for our juniors and seniors. They will be able to take about a dozen new elective courses—including AP Government, Forensic Science, Athletic Training and various literature classes—and they are thinking about and planning for their futures. It is exciting to hear and to see these young men who are so hopeful about their prospects and active in ensuring their own success.

One of the driving forces behind the schedule change is a mandate from the U.S. Catholic Bishops that all Catholic high schools offer 8 semesters of Theology, which we will do beginning in 2011-2012. At St. Rita of Cascia High School, where our spirituality is an integral part of our daily lives, strengthening our Theology offerings will, I think, feel very natural to our students and will bolster their spiritual lives. One way that is already happening is in the inspiring generosity they have shown this school year, particularly in regard to helping those causes about which they feel passionately. In the past couple of weeks they have raised over $27,000 for cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Day and other activities, and many of the funds they raised have been earmarked for the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, established in the memory and honor of their fellow Ritaman of the Class of 2013. The spirit of Caritas lives!

We have just concluded the last of our winter athletic seasons with the hockey team’s 4th straight Kennedy Cup championship and semifinal finish in the state playoffs. Several of our wrestlers competed in the state finals, and our young basketball team advanced to the regional championship game. Now, our attention turns to spring sports, where great things are expected from all our teams.

It is your generosity that is crucial for the faculty, staff and administration to carry out the mission of St. Rita of Cascia High School. You are partners with us for a future that looks very bright, and for that I am incredibly grateful. The accomplishments of our current students—scholarships, academic honors and athletic achievements—are your accomplishments, too.

Sincerely,

Brendan J. ConroyPrincipal

From the Desk oF the PrinciPalSpring 2011

St. Rita of CaSCia HigH SCHoolOffice of Institutional Advancement

7740 S. Western Ave. | Chicago, Illinois 60620773.925.5029 | www.stritahs.com

adminiStRationPresident

Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83PrinciPal

Mr. Brendan J. ConroyVice President

Mr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71

offiCe of inStitutional advanCementdirector of institutional adVancement

Mr. Thomas J. Ramsdendirector of alumni & Public relations

Mr. Joshua R. Blaszak '02administratiVe assistantMrs. Trisha A. Harrington

adVancement officerMr. Daniel A. Manzella '03

director of the annual aPPealMr. John Schmitt '84

director of GraPhic desiGnMr. Javier Solorio II '02

BoaRd of diReCtoRSMr. James J. Brasher '71

Mr. Nicholas A. Calarco '73Mr. Sean J. Carney '74Mr. Michael Clarke '75

Dr. John Donahue, Ed.D., J.D.Mr. James Gagnard '64

Mr. Thomas M. Harrington '74, Ex-officioMr. Thomas J. Healy '83

Bro. Gary Hresil, O.S.A. '86, Ex-officioMr. Gregory J. Jania '89

Mr. Mark A. Kelly '84Alderman Lona Lane, 18th Ward

Mr. Timothy I. McArdle (Hon.)Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83, Ex-officio

Mr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71, ChairmanMr. Charles F. Nash '71

Mr. John O’Neill '79The Honorable Noreen Daly Reilly

Mr. Stephen M. Schaller '83Very. Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A. '83, Ex-officio

Mr. Terrance R. Stefanski Mr. J. J. Wilczewski '92

emeRiti BoaRd of diReCtoRSMr. Ronald M. Abramowicz '60

Mr. Anthony Colosimo '63Mr. Patrick E. Mahoney '54Mr. Michael J. McArdle '54

Mr. James C. Miller '47Mr. Donald A. Petkus '58Mr. Edward J. Schmit '63

Mr. Michael Schneider '46Mr. Arthur R. Velasquez '56

The Tolle Lege! Magazine is a publication of the St. Rita of Cascia High School Office of Institutional Advancement.2

Mustangs Making news

twenty rita seniors rank amongst top students in illinois

Mustangs Making newsM U S T A N G N E W S

3More Mustang news is available online @ www.stritahs.coM

two ritamen awarded scholarship in Memory of John leonard, Jr. '68

St. Rita of Cascia High School junior Craig Sabath (Bridgeport Cathloic Academy) and sophomore Tom Moran (St. Germaine)

were recently awarded the Leonard Scholarship in memory of St. Rita alum, John Leonard, Jr. '68.

The Leonard Family established this scholarship, which they plan to award annually, to recognize current St. Rita students who excel in writing.

The topic of this year’s essay was, “What influ-ence, if any, should a political candidate’s religious beliefs contribute toward that person’s political platform when running for office?”

In his essay, Moran gave several examples of his-torical and modern political leaders who have made difficult decisions based on the law and citizens' civil liberties. Sabath wrote about the importance of the first amendment and Thomas Jefferson's defense of it. He stated that a political candidate should always remain loyal to his interests of the citizens who voted him into office.

st. rita names 4th annual Jasica art recipients

St. Rita of Cascia High School recently announced the winners of the 4th An-nual Joseph J. Jasica Art Scholarship.

The program was founded by St. Rita alumni Mr. Raymond Jasica ’55 and Mr. Robert Jasica ’57, in memory of their brother, Joseph, who was a 1952 graduate, now deceased. Each winner was awarded a $500 grant that goes toward the current school year’s tuition.

The Joseph J. Jasica Art Scholarship Com-petition encourages art students and the entire student body to create a piece of art. There were eight entries this year, which in some way relate to St. Rita’s mission and tra-dition. While all demonstrated the talents and perspective of the artists, two were se-lected as scholarship winners. The winning entries were submitted by sophomore Nick Henrichs (St. Gerald) and his younger broth-er, freshman Charles Henrichs (St. Gerald).

Nick’s drawing was titled “Mustang Pride.” Nick said, “I chose to draw a Mustang be-cause it is truly a symbolic figure of our school’s pride, in not only who we are, but in everything we do.”

Charles depicted the Augustinian cross. “I chose to draw this cross because it represents

our Augustinian community. Each freshman receives an Augustinian cross, and ever since I received my cross I have felt a sense of pride every time I wear it. It makes me feel closer to everyone in the school, like we are all one family,” said Charles.

The winners were announced at an all-school Mass on January 7, 2011 and the awards presented by St. Rita Principal Mr. Brendan Conroy, President Fr. Tom Mc-Carthy, O.S.A. ’83, art teacher Mrs. Robyn Kurnat, and scholarship coordinator Ms. Martha Dion. Also present for the ceremony were Mr. Raymond Jasica, his wife Jeanine, Mr. Robert Jasica and Mrs. Karen Omastiak, daughter of Joseph and mother to Ritamen Mark ’08 and Brian ’11 (St. Bede the Vener-able).

The other contest participants were pre-sented with a commemorative glass keep-sake. Those students were seniors Dan Clan-cy (Mt. Greenwood), Rudy Comeaux (St. Dorothy) and Nick Zych (Peotone Junior High); juniors Maximilian Esterhammer-Fic (Clissold) and Sean Esposito (Fierke) and sophomore Jeries Nino (Oak Lawn-Home-town Middle School).

St. Rita of Cascia High School junior Craig Sabath (Bridgeport Cathloic Academy) and sophomore Tom Moran (St. Germaine) were awarded the Leonard Scholarship in memory of St. Rita alum, John Leonard, Jr. '68 for their outstanding essay submissions. Pictured (left to right); Meg Leonard, Donna Leonard, Craig Sabath, Tom Moran, President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Principal Mr. Brendan Conroy.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) recently announced its recognition of

17,335 high school students as “2011 Il-linois State Scholars.” The students hail from 749 schools from all across the State of Illinois.

St. Rita's Class of 2011 has 20 Illinois State Scholars out of a total of 173 senior students.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of high school seniors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year.

“Excellent high school grades are tre-mendously important for laying the groundwork for future college success,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis. “Illinois State Scholars are the best and the brightest in our state's high schools, and we salute them, their families and their teachers on this achievement.”

4 tolle lege! sPring 2011

ATHLETICS

st. rita senior Brian lurquin earns nFF scholar-athlete award

St. Rita of Cascia High School senior Brian Lurquin (Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School) was recently one

of three recipients in the Chicago area for the National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athlete Award.

With the NFF Award, Brian earned a college tuition scholarship of $6,000 to the college of his choice, which he has chosen to be the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Todd Kuska, Head Coach of St. Rita’s Varsity Football Team, nominated Brian for this award and each scholarship nomination was reviewed by Teddy Greenstein, Chicago Tribune’s lead college football sportswriter.

Brian and the other NFF Scholar-Athlete Award were honored at a special ceremony at Halas Hall on Monday, February 21, 2011. Coach Kuska had the privilege of introducing Brian at the ceremony.

Brian currently ranks in the top 10% of his class, is a Gold Honor Roll student for 4.0 or higher GPA, is a member of the St. Rita Chapter of the National Honor Society and was Captain of the 2010 St. Rita Varsity Mustang Football Team that won the

Chicago Catholic League Blue Championship and made it to the IHSA 7A State Semi-Finals. As Center, Brian was a two year starter and developed into one of the best offensive linemen St. Rita has had in recent years. For the 2010 season, Brian was also 1st Team All-Conference, part of the SouthtownStar All-Area Team, an IHSA All-State Honorable Mention and named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association All-State Academic Team. Following the football season, St. Rita awarded Brian with the Kevin Kehoe Award, which is given to a senior athlete who exemplifies the Sportsmanship and Excellence of Kevin Kehoe through his performance and dedication.

As a Team Captain, Brian was a part of the Football Senior Leadership Council that helped raise over $7,000 in October for The Cancer Center at at Little Company of

Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park with the “Ritamen Wear Pink” campaign.

“Brian is a great example of the type of student athlete that we have at St. Rita. He is dedicated to his academics, athletics and also his community. I am very proud to say that Brian was one of our captains and senior leaders this past season,” said Coach Kuska.

St. Rita of Cascia High School senior Brian Lurquin (Oak Lawn-Home-town Middle School was recently awarded the National Football Foun-dation Scholar-Athlete Award. He is pictured with Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith, who congratulated him at the award ceremony.

st. rita hockey wins 4th straight Kennedy cup championship

For the 4th straight year, St. Rita of Cascia High School's Varsi-ty Hockey team has brought home the prestigious Kennedy Cup Championship.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Craig Ferguson, many of the seniors will now be graduating in May having won four hockey championships, including last year's Blackhawk Cup State Cham-pionship. Senior Mike Tisoncik (St. Michael) is graduating having been a part of all four championship teams.

The Mustangs defeated Fenwick 4-2 on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 in Game 3 of the Kennedy Cup finals. Sophomore Marty Napleton (St. Francis Xavier) was named the Kennedy Cup Most Valuable Player.

Other special honors for the Varsity Skating Mustangs came when senior Alex Roman (St. Bede the Venerable) was named to the All-State Team, and he along with seniors Mike Ferguson (St. Damian), Tisoncik, Dan Foley (Homer Junior High) and sophomore Keith Burchett (St. Isaac Jogues) were named to the All-Catholic Team.

solid 2010-2011 season for Basketball and wrestling teams

St. Rita of Cascia High School's Varsity Mustang Basketball and Wrestling

teams did not come away with the championships they had hoped for, however, both teams

had a solid 2010-2011 season.Head Basketball Coach Gary

DeCesare continued to build up St. Rita's program, guiding the Mustangs all the way to the IHSA 4A Regional Championship

game versus Mount Carmel. While the season just ended, Coach DeCesare the Mustangs are already looking forward to next year, with their sights sets on a championship.

The Wrestling team had success with a state high of seven state qualifiers, including three two-time state qualifiers. Next year looks bright as six of the qualifiers will be returning.

Photo courtesy of Ralf Lipp, owner and lead photographer, FotoGraf Imaging.

5veritas † unitas † caritas

ATHLETICS

Don't Miss a Minute of the action!St. Rita Spring Sports Schedules, Photos, Videos and More

Are Available Online @ www.stritahs.com

ST RITA

CAMPS 2011

BAND

BASEBALL

BASKETBALL

FOOTBALLFUNDAMENTALS

FOOTBALL

QUARTERBACK

LACROSSE

LANGUAGE ARTS

MATH

RECREATION

RUGBY

SOCCER

SPEED/TRACK

VOLLEYBALL

WATER POLO

Visitwww.stritahs.com/camps

for dates, details and to register.

Questions?Call 773/925.7482

ST. RITA of Cascia High School

7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620

For kids in grades 1 thru 9

seniors sign to Play college Football

Five St. Rita of Cascia High School Varsity Mustang Football players signed letters of intent to play college football on Friday, February 4, 2011. This season, they helped their team obtain the Catholic

League Championship and advanced to the IHSA Class 7A semi-finals.

The Ritamen from the Class of 2011 will attend and play at the following:Tim Gorski (Tight End) - Western Kentucky UniversityTom Hitz (Offensive Lineman) - Saint Xavier UniversityBrian Luquin (Offensive Lineman) - University of Wisconsin, PlattevilleJack Sheahan (Offensive Guard) - Yale UniversityTravis Starks (Running Back/Defensive Back) - Indiana State University

Five members of the St. Rita of Cascia High School Varsity Mustang Football team recently signed national letters of intent on Friday, February 4, 2011. Pictured (standing, left to right); Athletic Director Mike Zunica, Head Coach Todd Kuska, and Principal Brendan Conroy. (Sitting left to right): Jack Sheahan (Sutherland), Brian Lurquin (Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School), Travis Starks (Emmanuel Christian), Tim Gorski (St. Alexander) and Tom Hitz (St. Cajetan).

two class of 2011 varsity Mustangs sign to Play division i Baseball

Two members of St. Rita of Cascia High School's Varsity Baseball team signed national letters of intent to the Division I colleges of their choice.

These two players were members of the 2010 Baseball team that made it to the IHSA State Finals.

The Ritamen will attend and play at the following:Joe Filomeno (P/1B) - University of Louisville Brian Sicher (C/LF) - United States Air Force Academy

St. Rita of Cascia High School Var-sity Baseball players, seniors Joe Filomeno (St. Odilo) and Brian Sicher (Jerling Junior High) have signed to play Division I Baseball at the University of Louisville and the United States Air Force Acad-emy, respectfully. Pictured (left to right); Joe Filomeno and Brian Sicher.

aluMni sPotlightdr. eric whitaker '83 Featured

in crain's chicago Business

Dr. Eric Whitaker '83 was the subject of the "Info Junkie"

column in the March 21, 2011 edition of Crain's Chi-cago Business.

An excerpt from the ar-ticle: Eric Whitaker's friends Barack and Michelle Obama staged a mock intervention for this political junkie, 45, while campaigning together in 2008, attempting to confiscate his BlackBerry and laptop. But the executive vice-president of strategic affiliations and associate dean of community-based research at the University of Chicago Medical Cen-ter stayed hooked.

Please visit www.chicagobusiness.com to read the remainder of the article about Dr. Whitaker, including a mention of St. Rita of Cascia High School!


ALUMNI NEWS

st. rita hits the road across the country to connect ritamen

This winter St. Rita of Cascia High School Presi-dent Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and staff from the Office of Institutional Advancement

visited alumni in Los Angeles, CA, Las Vegas, NV, Scottsdale, AZ, Naples, FL and West Palm Beach, FL. In all over 100 members of the St. Rita family attended one of these events.

A great time was had by all as they relived memories of their days at St. Rita, and received updates on how the school’s mission to provide the best college prep education in the Chicagoland area is alive and well. A special thanks goes to Hank '62 & Valerie Szopinski for hosting the Scottsdale Gathering, to Art ’56 & Joanne Velasquez for hosting the Naples Gathering, and to Bet-ty Napleton (widow of Fran '43) for hosting the West Palm Beach Gathering.

Plans are already in the works for regional gatherings during the 2011 – 2012 academic year. Details will be announced in the fall edition of the Tolle Lege! If you are an alumnus that splits time between Chicago and another location please contact the Office of Institu-tional Advancement so that we can set up a ‘seasonal address’ for you to be invited to an event next year.

Over 100 members of the St. Rita of Cascia Family recently attended several regional events held throughout the country. These great events allowed time for alumni to relive old memories and to get updates on the school. Above are pictures for the Scottsdale, AZ gathering held in February.

Become a member of the 1905 Guild. Remember St. Rita of Cascia High School in your Estate Planning.For information on assisting St. Rita through your estate plan and becoming a member of the 1905 Guild, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 773.925.5029.

two legendary st. rita teachers honored with Fidelitas award

Two of St. Rita of Cascia High School's retired legends, Mr. Flory Dodge and Mr. Gus Jeffery, were recently honored with the Fidelitas Award, an Augustinian loyalty award,

in recognition of their 40 years of service to St. Rita.Mr. Jeffery (pictured middle) taught economics, typing,

shorthand, accounting and English during his 35 years. He also chaired the business department, was involved with curriculum and physical plant development and established a resource cen-ter. In addition, he helped to establish the Mustang Award.

Mr. Dodge (pictured on left) taught woodshop, metalshop and mechanical and architectural drawing.

Name

Please make check payable toSt. Rita High School

Mail to: St. Rita Alumni Banquet7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620

Address

Phone

# of Bonanza Tickets:

# of Standard Tickets:

Total Amount Enclosed

Seating by class year, unless otherwise requested:

75th Annual St. Rita of Cascia High School Alumni Banquet

x $100 each = $

x $65 each = $

$

Email

Class Year

City / State / Zip

Includes Dinner & Ra�e Entry

We invite you to visit the Alumni Banquet webpage at www.stritahs.com/alumni to view this year’s full

list of Alumni Banquet Honorees!

75TH ANNUAL ST. RITA HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI BANQUET2011

For More Information...Josh Blaszak ’02

Director of Alumni & Public Relations(773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6626

[email protected]

Friday, April 29 2011St. Rita of Cascia High School

Gymnasium

Cocktails – 6:00 p.m.Dinner – 7:30 p.m.

7740 S. Western Ave.Chicago, IL 60620

$100 Bonanza Tickets Includes dinner, drinks and a chance to winGrand Prize - $2,500 or Second Prize - $500

Tickets $65 in Advance �is event will sell out.

We recommend purchasing tickets soon.

Order Your Ticket Today!All Major Credit Cards Accepted Online: www.stritahs.com/alumni

Visa or MasterCard Accepted by Phone: Call (773) 925-5029

Please send the form below with cash or check to order your ticket by mail.

ADVANCEMENTDinner, Dancing, auctions, and more...dinner dance a success

St. Rita of Cascia High School’s Valentine Dinner Dance proved yet again to be a huge fundraising success for the school. The event, held on Satur-

day, February 12th at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Grand Ballroom, boasted its biggest turnout yet with a sellout crowd of 548. This year’s success was also shown by the over $230,000 raised for programs at St. Rita.

As dinner began guests heard an incredible speech given by senior Dan Foley. Dan described how the St. Rita Family has positively impacted his life over the past four years. He spoke of the various choices he had for attending high school, but how the choice he made to attend St. Rita has been one of the greatest decisions in his life thus far.

St. Rita High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 took the stage following dinner to award this year’s special honorees. Mr. Kevin Healy was awarded the Tolle Lege Community Service Award. Mr. Healy, a graduate of Quigley South Preparatory Seminary, has been a true Southsider his entire life. One of his main goals in life has been to make a difference in the lives of others. He has been an instrumental figure in coordi-nating over 150 events and fundraisers in the area.

Mr. and Mrs. Bill '73 and Ayleen Abramowicz were honored as the 2011 Couple of the Year. Mr. Abramowicz is a proud alumnus who has supported St. Rita in numerous ways over the past 37 years. He was part of the original Valentine Dinner Dance Committee.

The Crest of St. Augustine Award was presented to Mr. Jim Miller '47. Mr. Miller's association with the administration of St. Rita began in the late 1970s. He was the first Chairman of the Board of Advi-sors, and is now the Chairman Emeritus. In 2010, he established the JKM fund to provide the school with a steady and increasing flow of cash to help meet future financial needs.

Thanks to you, our generous Alumni and Benefactors, St. Rita of Cascia High School has been able to

provide $1.1 million in Financial Aid and scholarships to current, deserving families. St. Rita prides itself on not letting a family's financial situation be the reason that a young man is unable to pursue his dream of becoming a Ritaman and benefitting from the Augustinian Experience. The school would not be able to provide this amount of assistance if it were not for our alumni, friends and organizations such as Big Shoulders and Food 4 Less.

The largest source of funding is our Annual Appeal, which covers over two thirds of the Financial Aid and Scholarships provided to students each year. “It is humbling to see our Annual Appeal continue to grow as you hear of other organizations not having the same success. This is thanks to the extreme generosity of our incredible alumni and friends,” said Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83.

Each year our Annual Appeal continues to grow in response to the needs of our families. As Fr. Tom said of the late Fr. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A. '44 during his homily at Fr. McNicholas’ funeral, he was always doing something to make a difference in “that one student.” Fr. McNicholas would provide a belt or a pair of shoes or even a few dollars in the cafeteria to a student in need. Acts of generosity that were not a big deal, but they made a difference to “that one student.” Please know that your gift, regardless of size, will make a difference in the life of “that one student”, and the entire St. Rita community is grateful.

If you have not been able to make a gift to the Annual Appeal yet this year we ask that you consider making a difference in the life of a young Ritaman by making your gift today.

To donate to the 2010-2011 Annual Appeal, you can either use the enclosed envelope or visit www.stritahs.com/donate to donate by credit card.

Call 773-925-5029 to Register your Foursome!

SAVE THE DATE!

St. Rita’s 36th AnnualScholarship Golf Outing

For Details Visit www.stritahs.com/alumni

Friday, July 22, 2011Gleneagles Country Club

13070 McCarthy RoadLemont, IL 60439


level of scholarship & Financial aid offerings for st. rita students Breaks $1,000,000 Mark

St. Rita of Cascia High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Athletic Director/Valentine Dinner Dance Coordinator Mike Zunica (Hon.) present this year's Valentine Dinner Dance "Couple of the Year" Mr. and Mrs. Bill '73 and Ayleen Abramowicz.


Ways to Give to st. RitaDirect Gifts Direct monetary gifts are accepted in the form of checks, charges or money orders. Payments can be made to the Office of Institutional Advancement at St. Rita of Cascia High School. You can also visit www.stritahs.com to make a gift online using a credit card. Please contact a member of the Office of Institutional Advancement for more information on giving or making a pledge.

Gifts-in-Kind Another way benefactors may choose to help the students of St. Rita of Cascia High School is through gifts-in-kind. The value of these gifts is included in the respective individuals’ total giving during a respective fiscal year. Following is a small sampling of these types of gifts that were received in the past includes:

Sporting event tickets to be auctioned at the Annual Valentine •Dinner Dance, Winterfest or Golf OutingLegal Services•Construction Services•Electrical Services•

Please contact a member of the Office of Institutional Advancement if you have questions about what types of services are needed, and how to give an in-kind gift.

Matching Gifts Check with the human resources office at your place of employment for a matching gift form, and enclose it with your contribution. Your annual total giving record in the annual report will be soft credited for the amount of your company’s matching gift.

United WayMany corporations take part in a annual United Way giving program. Did you know that you can designate your contributions to be sent to St. Rita of Cascia High School? Contact the Office of Institution-al Advancement for more information or contact your company’s United Way Coordinator.

Planned GiftsThere are various types of Planned Gifts that you can use to assist St. Rita of Cascia High School including, bequests and life insurance. Some Planned Gift additional options that St. Rita is working to ac-cept include:

Charitable Gift Annuities - payments to donors begin as soon •as the gift is made, and donors receive immediate tax deduc-tions.Deferred Gift Annuities - the donor has flexibility in determin-•ing the start date of payments. For example, if the gift is made at age 50, the donor may choose the starting date of the pay-ments anytime between the ages of 55 and 80. Charitable de-ductions are available immediately.Real Estate – generous benefactors have used various vehicles •to donate appreciated real estate to St. Rita High School in the past. Please contact the Advancement Office to learn more about how you can assist our students through a gift of real estate.

Stock Gifts When considering a gift to St. Rita of Cascia High School, donors often think of giving cash. However, because of the enhanced tax benefits, other kinds of assets (stock and real estate) are used to make gifts. If you gift St. Rita with stock, please be sure to include your name, the name of the stock, the number of shares and the date of the transfer. Please notify Tom Ramsden or John Schmitt when considering a stock transfer to St. Rita so that you have the proper account information.

If you gift St. Rita with a stock certificate that is already in your name, please contact your broker for a stock power document. Your stock certificate will have to be signed and dated by those whose names are on the certificate, and we will need a brief note indicating your intentions of transferring the stock to St. Rita.

In Memory or Honor of Someone Special Many families have chosen to make gifts to St. Rita of Cascia High School In Memory of (IMO) a loved one, or to send gifts In Honor of (IHO) an individual. The Office of Institutional Advancement can assist in establishing either IMO or IHO funds.

1905 GuildWe invite your partnership in continuing St. Rita of Cascia High School’s heritage. Generous benefactors who have remembered St. Rita in their wills and estate plans during their lives are members of the 1905 Guild. The purpose of the 1905 Guild is to strengthen the mission of St. Rita by involving its alumni, parents and friends with the contemporary work of the school.

For more information on any type of planned gift please contact:Tom RamsdenDirector of Institutional [email protected]

WE'VE JOINED TIX4CAUSE.COM!If you are looking to buy or sell event tickets, please visit tix4cause.com. 100% of the proceeds from your transaction can benefit St. Rita of Cascia High School.

tolle lege! Fall 2010 10

NEWS BRIEFS


Kenneth Ucho'60 recently retired as principal from St. Daniel the Prophet School. Ucho was with the Archdiocese of Chicago for 42 years.

Bill Roscoe '63 retired from Allstate Insurance Co., Northbrook, IL after 37 years. Roscoe and his wife Rae now reside in southwest Wisconsin. They have six children and 10 grandchildren. Mike Eckert '65 is Executive Chairman of Atlanta Technology Angel Investors and a Fellow for Georgia Tech Venture Lab.

Tom Winski '67 has achieved Master Journalism Educator status from the Jour-nalism Education Association. Winski currently teaches at Winchester High School, Winchester, IL.

John Koch '82 presently holds the rank of Commander at the Lansing Police Department. Koch, who has served Lansing since 1995, oversees the Support Services Division, and is responsible for Department purchasing and finances, as well as building, property and fleet management, the 911 Center, the Records Department and Community Policing.

Jose Orozco '89 is currently the architect and construction manager for Wight and Company in Darien. Orozco has been married to his wife Grace for 14 years and they have two daughers.

David Novak '95 has taken a job teaching at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Sean Johnston '01 and his wife Amber married in 2007 are now the proud par-ents of 5lb 3oz., 18 in. Sean M. Johnston, Jr. born on February 23, 2011. Though a month early baby and mother are doing wonderful. Connie Johnston (Hon.) is the proud grandma.

Kevin Hicks '03 married his wife Camille this past October. Pictured above are the Hicks at their wedding with their St. Rita Alumni guests. (Back row, left to right); Bob Stalley '03, Bob Pentek '03, Ed Velasquez, Sr. '68, Kevin Hicks '03, Mark Fennell '02, Tom Darwin '96, Steve Parker '03 and Tom Stalley '04. (Front row, left to right); Ed Velasquez, Jr. '95, Bob Fangerow '03, Camille Hicks, Dan Gleich '03 and Jim Stalley '03.

Mike Justich '04 is currently living the dream in China. Following his graduation from his college's Chinese program, Justich accepted a position as Assistant Man-ager with a new American company in China called Color-Me, which is a subsid-iary of S&S worldwide. He is is responsible for business development, marketing and training teachers on how to use the products.

Joey Famera '05 and his wife Danielle welcomed their first child Joseph John, Jr.

Martin Hopkins '09 has accepted membership into the National Society of Col-legiate Scholars. Hopkins currently attends the University of Iowa.

KeePing tracK

Ritamen

Luncheons

Ritamen Luncheons are the second Wednesday of every month, with the exception of June and August. They are designed to celebrate Ritamen who graduated 40 plus years ago. These luncheons are held in the St. Rita Chapel Foyer. Lunch is served at Noon followed by a guest speaker. This gathering provides Ritamen the opportunity to refresh and renew their bond with St. Rita of Cascia High School. Memories are shared, stories are told and current happenings around St. Rita are discussed. Please call 773.925.5029 to RSVP by the Monday prior to the Luncheon.

The St. Rita Grammar School Class of 1961 is planning to hold its 50th Anniversary Reunion on Friday, September 16, 2011 at Georgio's Banquets in Orland Park, IL. Approximately 60% of the class has already been located. However, If you have not yet been contacted or know of someone (like a sister or cousin) within this class, please contact Joseph Raftery '65 by phone or email at 708.633.7964 or [email protected] with a name, phone number and e-mail address.

While in London, ENG for last summer's 10th International Augustinian Youth Encounter, St. Rita of Cascia High School's group ran into Sean Ford from the Class of 1986 while they were in Westminster Abbey. Pictured (back row, left to right); Dan McGrath '11, Neil Spore '12, Ryan Mulcahy '11, Sean Ford '86, Augustinian Prior Bro. Gary Hresil, O.S.A. '86 and Bro. Jack Hibbard, O.S.A. (Hon.). (Front row, left to right); Bob McGeever '12, Matt Turner '12, St. Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Bobby Carroll '11.

The St. Rita of Cascia High School Family truly comes together in support of one other, and this has been shown in numerous ways over the past year. With so many students and families being affected by cancer, so far, this academic year fundraisers led by the students have brought in over $35,000 for charities fighting cancer. Following the death of their fellow Ritaman John McNicholas '13 in January from cancer, the St. Rita Family raised funds for the John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. John's classmates presented a check for $2,410.64 to his parents Amy and Ed '83 McNicholas. As the Ritamen presented the check they pledged that this would only be the one of many contributions made to John's Foundation. They plan to continue doing all they can to raise more money and awareness for the fight against cancer.


Solemn NovenaFriday, May 13, 2011

throughSaturday, May 21, 2011

6:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation 7:00 p.m. Mass and Novena Prayers

Feast Day MassesSunday, May 22, 2011

9:30 a.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation10:00 a.m. Mass and Novena Prayers

6:00 p.m. Sacrament of Reconciliation7:00 p.m. Mass and Novena Prayers

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel7740 S. Western Ave. | Chicago, Illinois 60620

St. Rita of Cascia: A Saint for Our DayW i f e , M o t h e r , W i d o w , A u g u s t i n i a n N u n , P e a c e m a k e r

Blessed Roses will be distributed at the Feast Day Masses

IN MEMORIAM

Teresa Alonso, grandmother of Armando Alonso '14Rev. Robert Andrews, O.S.A.Margarita Arteaga, grandmother of Bob '84, Mark '85, Kevin '88, Mike '90 and Eric '97Dennis Baker, grandfather of Zak Bernicky '12Clara Barton, mother of Joe '52Michael Bitter, cousin of Ryan Rusch '11Kathy Bowden, friend of Greg Cozzi '72Sheila Brennan, friend of Rev. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83, SR PresidentPhilip Broderick, father of Phil '66, Kevin '68, Michael '70, Steven '75 and Robert '83, father-in-law of Michael Callaghan '69, Terrance Schlyer '70, Paul Tebo '70 and grandfather of Michael '96 and Terrance '00 Schlyer, Daniel '06 and Mitchell '08Mike Callahan, father of Michael '13Peach Carlson, mother of Michael '06, Matthew '10 & Marty '13Patricia Carroll, grandmother of Quinn Sweeney '11Gloria Christensen, grandmother of Sam Dereiko '14Tom Collins, father of Sean '99Elipidia Coronado, grandmother of Javier Solorio II '02, SR StaffJames Crotty, father of Dave '77 and grandfather of John '07Joseph Daley, grandfather of Kat O'Neill, former SR StaffJack Dalton, grandfather of John Kelly '14Katie Dillig, sister-in-law of Brendan Conroy, SR PrincipalFrank DiNovella, brother of Anthony '51, Dominic '53, father of John '85 and grandfather of John '13Catherine Doyle, grandmother of Katie Curran, SR FacultyRev. John Driscoll, O.S.A.Cyrett Edwards, grandfather of Phillip '12Ray Estand, grandfather of Sean '07Michael Flisk, CPD, father of Brian '11Chris Gannon, aunt of Brian '80, John '84, Brian '94, and Jim '91 BonnettJoe Godinez, uncle of Michael Prado '12Wyatt Grenno, cousin of the Valkenburg Family

George Hollendoner, father of Dan '93 and Jason '96Grover Howard, grandfather of Malcolm Carter '11Ellen Howe, mother of Rev. Chris Howe, O.S.A.Kay Jilek, mother of Bob '72, Ray '78 and grandmother of Michael '97and Dan '07Tom Joyce, father-in-law of Bob Murphy '81Rosemary Kellam, grandmother of Bob '92 and Kieran '98Laraine Kienzle, grandmother of Joe '06 and Dan '09 DispensaRose Klenn, mother of Bill '74, Jim '76 and Charles '78 Rev. Edwin Kuczynski, O.S.A., former SR FacultyJohn Lacny, cousin of Joe '64Josephine Latronico, mother of Glen '74, Gary '76, mother-in-law of Wally Langolf '70 and grandmother of Matt Kukulski '06Richard Lebold, grandfather of James Markvart '14Victoria Ledwon, great-aunt of Zach '00 and Josh '02 Blaszak, SR FacultyMary Lucas, sister of Sally Deenihan (Hon.), former SR Principal, sister-in-law of Brian Deenihan '60 and aunt of Katie Palmer, SR Faculty, Brian '88, Patrick '90 and Brendan '91 DeenihanJoe Maggio, friend of Brendan Conroy, SR PrincipalSharon Markham, wife of James '59Joey McDonnell, uncle of Mike Welin '14Patricia McGeehan, grandmother of Matt Bailey '07Skip McGuinnessBarbara McMahon, mother-in-law of Herbie Johnson '76 and grandmother of Pat Connelly '01 and Tom '04 and Mickey '11 JohnsonJohn Meggs, grandfather of Erik Meggs-Ruckes '14Dale Mitchell, grandfather of Zach '13John Morelock, father of John '73 and grandfather of Kevin '01Maureen Mulryan, aunt of Dylan Dineen '09Catherine Nieciak, mother of Joe '85Chase Niemeier, cousin of Mike O'Connor '13George Nowak, grandfather of Will Keefer '13Alex Ocampo, father-in-law of Tony Miranda, SR Faculty

Joan O'Malley, former SR Mothers' Club President, mother of Pat '77 and grandmother of Pat '07Eugene O'Neill, grandfather of Chris '14Annie O'Rourke, mother of Bill '75John O'Sullivan, grandfather of Brendan '13Joan Petrie, aunt of Brendan Conroy, SR Principal, and Sr. Ardis Cloutier, O.S.F., Augustinian Vocations StaffAnn Placentra, friend of Sr. Ardis Cloutier, O.S.F., Augustinian Vocations StaffJames Ramos, father of John '91Mike Rehfeld, uncle of Marty '11, Billy '12 and Johnny '14Kenneth Robillard, father of Jeff '12Jakob Sabath, grandfather of Craig '12Eleanore Segredo, mother of John '70 and Jim '73Laura Shurna, grandmother of John Dixey '07Carmela Smiley, grandmother of Dan Selko '12William Smith, father of Kevin '87, Michael '89, and father-in-law Steve Schaller '83Alex Stanik, cousin of Harry Zelek '11Philomena Stiso, aunt of Michael '91 and Steven '97Kristin Taty, daughter of Richard Witt '51Hugo Theodule, grandfather of Mike Brackee '11Maggie Tindall, grandmother of Jason '07 and Josh '10 DePueBernadette Tucker, grandmother of Terry '00Mary Kay Tunney, sister of Bob '79, sister-in-law of Jerry Popek '72 and aunt of Brian '08 and Kevin Popek '10, TJ '12 and Tony Hayes '14Jeanne Vohasek, mother of Ed '75, Terry '79, Gerald '80, Dan '83 and grandmother of Dan '02Ralph Wantroba, father-in-law of Steven Broderick '75 and grandfather of Daniel '06 and Mitchell '08 BroderickKay Windle, friend of Martha Dion, SR FacultyElvina Zeplin, aunt of Katie Curran, SR FacultyMary Zielinski, grandmother of Peter Schiable '14Doreen Zilligen, wife of Tom '77 and mother of Scott '03

Joseph Kirby – 1937Frank Magnan – 1941Walter McNicholas, O.S.A. – 1944Walter Bock – 1945Louis Skwarek – 1945

father of Ron ’70

Bill Smith – 1945Donald Reilly – 1946Jim Igoe – 1947John Nolan – 1950

grandfather of Brendan ’10 and Sean ’11

Eugene Dengler - 1951Chester Haraf - 1951David Kasha – 1951Bob Kulovitz – 1951George Schranz – 1951

Frank Marsillo – 1953Joseph Lenard – 1956John Amonino – 1957Barry Sullivan – 1958Thomas Zych – 1958Bruno Janis – 1959James Markham – 1959Walter Bozek – 1961Bill Koehler – 1961Bernard Kordell – 1962Anthony Radzukinas – 1962William Wegreke - 1962Fred Ehrl – 1963John Hopper – 1963Michael Pusateri – 1963John Gumbaragis – 1965

James Maksym – 1965brother of Ed ’58

John Leonard – 1968Francisco Coronado – 1971Keith Pacini – 1971Randy Fedro – 1973

brother of Dave '69 and Steve '74

William Dvorak – 1976brother of George ’81

Tom Smikoski – 1983Richard Jaskierski – 1985Byron Jackson – 1993John Keevers – 2001Mike Rauen – 2005John McNicholas -2013

The St. Rita of Cascia High School Office of Institutional Advancement has been notified of the following deaths of alumni, family and friends. Sympathies are expressed to the family members and friends of the following:

All attempts at accuracy for these lists are made prior to publication. We apologize for any errors in listings or omissions. If there is an error with a listing or an omission, please contact Josh Blaszak '02, Director of Alumni & Public Relations, in the Office of Institutional Advancement at 773.925.5029 or [email protected].

LOYALTY AWARDS

Jim Brasher ’71

Joe Donzelli ’61

Greg Pawlowski ’61

Sco� Smolik ’86

HONORARY ALUMNUS

Ray Fendler

HONORING THE CLASSES OF 1951, 1961, 1971, 1986, and 2001 FRIDAY, APRIL 29TH

“Coming Home”2011 Alumni Banquet

Cocktails – 6:00 p.m.

Dinner – 7:30 p.m.

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Tom Arundel ’80

Nick Calarco ’73

Fr. Bernie Danber, O.S.A. ’68

Sally Deenihan, Honorary

Brian Hamilton ’90

Bill Obrochta ’52

Tony Simmons ’93

Bud Sloup ’54

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Denis Bartz ’71

Jason Cegielski ’86

John Foley ’86

Donald Maher ’71

John Reuther ’61

Robert Wirtz ’86

John Zaleski ’86

2011 MAN OF THE YEAR

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