The St. Rita of Cascia High School Alumni MagazineTolle Lege! “Take Up

and Read”

SPRING 2010

Dinner, Dancing, Auctions, and more...21st Valentine Dinner Dance a Success2 PRESIDENT'S lETTER

3 PRINCIPAl RETIRES

4 ADVANCEmENT

5-6 IN ThE NEwS

8-9 AThlETICS

10 AlumNI NEwS

11 IN mEmoRIAm

St. Rita of Cascia High School Principal Sally Deenihan recently announced her retirement after 25 years of dedicated service. Mrs. Deenihan was the first female principal of St. Rita and any Augustinian high school.

Principal Sally Deenihan Announces Retirement

After a quarter of a century of dedi-cated service to the St. Rita of Cascia High School Family, Prin-

cipal Sally Deenihan has announced her intention to retire at the completion of the 2009-2010 academic year.

...Continue Reading on Page 3

The St. Rita of Cascia High School Valentine Dinner Dance was recent-ly held on February 13th at The Four

Seasons Hotel Grand Ballroom in Down-town Chicago. This annual event, filled with socializing, dinner, dancing, special awards, auctions, and fund-a-cause donations, once again proved to be a huge success for St. Rita in its 21st year. This year’s Dinner Dance brought in over $276,000 for St. Rita.

As dinner began guests were treated to an incredible speech given by senior Roberto Hernandez (Nativity BVM). In his speech, Roberto described how the St. Rita Family has positively impacted his life.

Fundraising for the night then successfully began as fantastic items were put on the live auction block. In addition, a silent auction was held and fund-a-cause donations were taken up in support of St. Rita Student Fi-nancial Aid and Scholarships. Those in atten-dance truly showed their support of St. Rita through their generosity. Paul ’58 and Doreen Petriekis even made a sizable donation to aid St. Rita in acquiring a new 14-Passenger Bus for the school.

St. Rita High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ’83 took the stage follow-

ing dinner to award this year’s special honor-ees. Fr. Tom paid special tribute to Principal Sally Deenihan in recognition of her 25 years of service to St. Rita and presented her with a bouquet of 25 roses as he offered up his con-gratulations on her retirement.

Don Mrozek ’65 was awarded the Tolle Lege Community Service Award. Mrozek who was at one time a St. Rita teacher has built an amazing career as a lawyer, earning himself many special distinctions. He is cur-rently Chairman of Hinshaw and Culbertson LLP. Since 1990, he has been a member of the Valentine Dinner Dance Committee.

The Petriekis’ were honored as the 2010 Couple of the Year. Together they actively support St. Rita to help assure the school’s con-tinued success in education. The Crest of St. Augustine Award was presented to Dan Leahy ’50, who after graduating from St. Rita went on to attend Villanova University and DePaul University to become a successful lawyer.

Another highlight of the evening was the great musical atmosphere created by the St. Rita Jazz Band and the group The Connexion. Guests were delighted with the evening and St. Rita is already looking forward to the 22nd Annual Valentine Dinner Dance.

St. Rita of Cascia High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Athletic Director/Valentine Dinner Dance Coordi-nator Mike Zunica (HON) present this year's Valentine Dinner Dance "Couple of the Year" Paul '58 and Doreen Petriekis.

Dear Ritamen & Friends:

Pope Benedict XVI has declared that this year is the “Year of the Priests.” When I heard this, it made me think of all the priests who have touched my heart during my life through their minis-try. I am very grateful for them!

It also made me pause and think of the 273 Augustinian priest and brothers who have served at St. Rita of Cascia High School in our 105th year history. I am so grateful for their ministry to the young men of St. Rita. I am sure you too have fond memo-ries of the Augustinian friars who served you while you were at St. Rita.

As I thought of the friars, I could not help but be very grateful for the hundreds and hundreds of dedicated lay people who have served St. Rita so well as administrators, teachers, coaches, moderators, and staff. Where could we be without their faithful service?

During our 100th year celebration five years ago, we established a permanent tribute to the Augustinians and lay people who have served St. Rita so well. It is located at the main entrance of the school. Next time you are here, please take a moment to peruse the tribute and see the names and pictures of the people who help shape our young lives.

Thanks to all the Augustinian and lay people who served us so well. Thanks also, to all of you who serve St. Rita so well by your dedication, generosity, and prayers. Because of all of us, St. Rita is stronger than ever today.

God bless you all and may St. Rita powerfully intercede for all of us!

Sincerely,

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

From the Desk oF the PresiDent

Calendar march 31 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m. April 4 Easter Sunrise Mass at North Avenue Beach | 5:59 a.m. April 14 Ritamen Luncheon April 16 74th Annual Alumni Banquet and Class Reunion | 6:00 p.m. may 6 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m. may 12 Ritamen Luncheon may 13-21 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m. may 16 Class of 2010 Commencement Exercises may 22 Feast of St. Rita of Cascia Mass | 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. June 3 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m. July 2 St. Rita Novena Mass | 7:00 p.m. July 14 Ritamen Luncheon July 23 35th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing | Gleneagles Country Club

Spring 2010

Tolle Lege! is a publication of the St. Rita of Cascia High School

Office of Institutional Advancement 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620

Telephone: (773) 925-5029Fax: (773) 925-6582

E-mail: advancement@stritahs.com

St. Rita High School is sponsored by the Augustinian Order and has been serving

the Chicagoland area since 1905.

AdministrationRev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 | President

Mrs. Sally E. Deenihan | PrincipalMr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71 | Vice President

Office of Institutional AdvancementMr. Thomas J. Ramsden

Director of Institutional AdvancementMr. Joshua R. Blaszak '02 | Director of Public Relations

Mrs. Trisha A. Harrington | Administrative AssistantMr. Daniel A. Manzella '03 | Director of Alumni Relations

Mr. John Schmitt '84 | Director of Annual AppealMr. Javier Solorio II '02 | Director of Graphic DesignMr. Robert Quinn (HON) | Director of Alumni Events

Board of DirectorsMr. James J. Brasher '71Mr. Sean J. Carney '74

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

Very Rev. William Lego, O.S.A. , Ex-officioMr. Timothy I. McArdle (Hon.)

Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83, Ex-officioMr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71, Chairman

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

Mr. Stephen M. Schaller '83Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A. '83

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

Emeriti Members of the Board of DirectorsMr. Ronald M. Abramowicz '60

Mr. 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

Alumni Board of AdvisorsMr. Anthony J. Calarco '01Mr. Nicholas A. Calarco '73

Mr. Sean J. Carney '74Mr. Robert W. Gallagher '83Mr. Richard Hochgraver '71

Mr. Michael Jilek '97Mr. Sylvester Majka '64

Mr. Patrick J. O'Malley '77

Mustangs Making news

2

Contributed by Fr. Rich Young 82

outstanding Teacher and Administrator will Retire at End of Year...Continued from Page 1

Mustangs Making newsMUSTANG NEWS

3

TollE lEGE! - More than just a magazine title

As you read this, you have made a few choices. You chose to pick up this magazine, maybe leaf through the

contents, and ultimately start reading the various articles. You made choices about how to read it: front to back, back to front, according to interest, or even at random.

You didn’t really realize how much thought you put into reading this, did you? But why are you reading this magazine? Most would probably say to stay informed of the happen-ings at St. Rita of Cascia High School. That’s the primary reason we usually pick some-thing up and read it: to be informed.

Here at St. Rita we know of another rea-

son to pick something up and read it. That reason is to be transformed.

You may have heard the story of St. Au-gustine, who, at a critical point in his life, seemed drawn to something as simple as a children’s playground game and took its words to heart: TOLLE LEGE! Tolle Lege: words that mean “Take up and read.” Au-gustine picked up the Bible and his life was transformed by what he read. And, as it seems to be the case in our Christian life, the community and world were in turn trans-formed because of his choice.

Our magazine is not the Bible, but we hope that as you see its title, TOLLE LEGE!,

you come to realize that your choice to take up and read will hopefully not just inform you, but also transform you.

As this magazine informs you of various aspects of our life here at St. Rita, hopefully, with the spirit of St. Augustine in mind, you will experience that same willingness to take up and read, be affected by what you read, and in turn, affect those around you. That is the power of our Augustinian tradition: in-formation that brings about transformation. Thank you for being part of our Augustinian family. Know that your choice to “take up and read” will affect more than you will ever know.

VERITAS † uNITAS † CARITAS

Mrs. Deenihan joined St. Rita's faculty in 1985 as a Mathematics teacher. She went on to become Chair of the Mathematics and Sci-ence Department, Assistant Principal, and Director of Studies.

Within three years of her start, Mrs. Deenihan expanded the Mathematics course offerings to include two additional electives for seniors. She also adjusted the science curriculum in order for students to have a wider range of opportunities.

For the past 25 years, Mrs. Deenihan has committed herself to enhancing the education offered at St. Rita. She took part in mov-ing the campus from 63rd Street, and when the need to incorporate technology into education arose, she chaired the committee that determined the use of computers in the classroom. Mrs. Deenihan led St. Rita in the transition from having only 16 computers in the school one year, to having three classrooms with 38 computers in each the following year.

Over the years, she also made significant contributions as the Chair of the Curriculum Council, Secretary of the St. Rita Teach-

ers’ Association, and moderator of the National Honor Society, Scholastic Bowl Team, and Math Team.

Her amazing leadership is evident in the academic excellence present at St. Rita. St. Rita’s ACT scores continue to surpass the Illinois and National averages, merit-based college scholarship of-ferings are rising each year, and nearly 20% of St. Rita seniors have been named Illinois State Scholars.

"Mrs. Deenihan is a consummate educator who is truly Augus-tinian and Catholic in everything she does. Her care for students is second to none," said President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83.

In 2002, Mrs. Deenihan became St. Rita’s Vice President of Aca-demic Affairs and in 2007 was named Principal, the first-ever fe-male principal of St. Rita or any Augustinian high school.

"Teaching is a privilege, teaching at St. Rita has been a great privilege, and being Principal has been the ultimate privilege," said Mrs. Deenihan.

When asked about what she will miss most in retirement, Mrs. Deenihan replied, "I will miss the people of St. Rita. I will miss the spirit of cooperation that permeates through the faculty, staff, and students. I am proud of the excellence that exists in everything we do and of the people who are committed to that excellence."

No matter what her role at St. Rita has been, teacher, administra-tor, or even wife of Brian '60, and mother of Brian '88, Patrick '90, and Brendan '91, Mrs. Deenihan has worked each day to carry out the mission that was started by the Augustinians 105 years ago.

"Through it all, every single day I have been grateful. I have been able to laugh, smile, and appreciate every single day," said Mrs. Deenihan.

As Mrs. Deenihan prepares to begin her retirement and a nation-wide principal search occurs, Fr. Tom spoke of her uniqueness in saying, "We are not replacing Mrs. Deenihan, we cannot replace her, we are simply finding a new principal."

After 25 years of dedicated service to St. Rita of Cascia High School as a teacher and administrator, Mrs. Sally Deenihan will retire at the end of the 2009-2010 year.

many Ways to

make a DiFFerenceDirect GiFts – check, creDit carD, etc.

matchinG GiFts

stock

UniteD Way

PlanneD GiFts Please RemembeR st. Rita in YouR Will

For more information regarding ways to assist St. Rita of Cascia High School,

please contact:

Tom RamsdenDirector of Institutional Advancement

(773) 925-5029tramsden@stritahs.com

4

Alumni Ritamen Attend Special Gathering held in Naples, Florida

On Thursday, February 11th alumni representing St. Rita of Cascia High School classes ranging from 1941 to 1983 gathered in Naples, Florida at the home of Art '56 and

Joanne Velasquez. Everyone in attendance enjoyed reliving memories of their time

at St. Rita, making connections with fellow Ritamen in the Naples area, and being up-dated on the excellence that continues to exist at St. Rita today.

St. Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 reminded all those in attendance, that though they were wise in escaping the Chicago winters, no matter where they re-side they are always considered a part of the St. Rita Family. St. Rita offers a special thanks to Art and Joanne for hosting this great group of alumni and friends.

The Office of Institutional Advancement is already planning alumni gatherings to be held in Florida and Arizona next winter. Dates for these future events will be pub-lished in the Fall 2010 edition of the Tolle

Lege! magazine. If you are living in Florida or Arizona (either per-manently or seasonally) please contact the Director of Institution-al Advancement Tom Ramsden at (773) 925-5029 or tramsden@stritahs.com to make sure that you are added to the guest list for these events.

St. Rita of Cascia High School alumni representing classes from 1941 to 1983 and their spouses were recently joined by President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Director of Institutional Advancement Tom Ramsden in Naples, FL.

2009-2010 annUal aPPeal

makinG a DiFFerence

Thank you to everyone that has supported the 2009 - 2010 Annual Appeal. If you have not made a gift yet, there is still time to assist our outstanding young Ritamen this year.

As each of you know, each dollar raised in the Annual Appeal directly makes a difference by helping fund the Financial Aid program at St. Rita of Cascia High School. In order to make sure that any young man who wishes to attend St. Rita is able – regardless of his family’s financial situation – the school relies on the gener-osity of our proud alumni to help these young men.

As of March 1, 2010, over 65% of our student body is receiving some type of financial assistance totaling over $925,000. Your gift insures us of meeting our goal of educating young men in the Augustinian tradition, enabling them to make a difference after graduation.

Please consider making a difference in the life of a young Ritaman by using the enclosed envelope to make a gift to the 2009 – 2010 Annual Appeal.

For more information, please contact: John Schmitt ’84 - Director of the Annual Appeal

(773) 925-5029 | jschmitt@stritahs.com

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010

ADVANCEMENT

Band, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Math,Recreation, Soccer, and Volleyball

St. Rita's 2010 Summer Camps are an opportunity for youth to learn from some of themost successful, knowledgeable, and dedicated coaches and teachers in the state.

For Full Schedules, Questions, and to RegisterCall Craig Ferguson, Director of Admissions, at (773) 925-RITA or visit www.stritahs.com/camps

Summer Campsat St. Rita

St. Rita Admissions Scores Big with Turnout for 2010 Entrance Exam

5

IN THE NEWS

VERITAS † uNITAS † CARITASTollE lEGE! SPRING 2010

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.

The annual recruiting season proved to be very successful for St. Rita of Cascia High School as it scored big

with its Entrance Exam turnout. On Sat-urday, January 9th, 265 eighth graders from over 120 different grammar schools showed up to take the High School Entrance Exam at St. Rita. An additional nine young men who could not make the original test date attended St. Rita’s make-up exam session the following Saturday.

The attendance of these 274 young men gave St. Rita a 10% increase in test takers over last year. This is a significant achieve-ment for St. Rita, which worked hard to in-form potential students of all St. Rita has to offer.

This year, St. Rita let young men know

that at St. Rita “Every Student Matters,” and provided them with knowledge of the strong academic programs offered, which are tailored to meet each individual stu-dent’s needs. St. Rita offers a competitive, well-rounded academic, athletic, extra-curricular, and spiritual experience for all students.

This success was not only personal for St. Rita but for Catholic School education. In an economy, where the costs associated with a private education is often difficult for families, St. Rita remains committed to providing students with an excellent and affordable Catholic School education. This past academic year, St. Rita has provided students with over $925,000 in financial aid and scholarships.

Eighth graders are welcomed by St. Rita of Cascia High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ’83 to St. Ri-ta’s Entrance Exam. A total of 274 students tested at St. Rita this year, an increase of 10% over last year.

Twenty-seven members from Class of 2010 Named Illinois State Scholars

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) re-cently announced its recognition of 19,345 high school students as “2010 Illinois State Scholars.” The students

hail from 752 schools from all across the State of Illinois. St. Rita of Cascia High School’s Class of 2010 has 27 Illinois State Scholars out of a total of 168 senior students. Therefore, 16 percent of the students in St. Rita's senior class are Illinois State Scholars.

Illinois State Scholars rank in the top ten percent of high school se-niors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achieve-ment Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year.

“Excellent high school grades are tremendously important for lay-ing 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 fami-lies and their teachers on this achievement.”

The following students (listed alphabetically) from St. Rita’s Class of 2010 were honored with this special recognition: Austin Bilotto (Century Junior High), Terrence Brennan (St. Bernadette), Joseph Cairo (St. Cajetan), Daniel Dillon (Most Holy Redeemer), Rob-ert Gallik (St. Christina), Ronald Garcia (Marya Yates), Matthew

Goosherst (St. John Fisher), Rober-to Hernadez (Nativity BVM), John Howard (St. John Fisher), Joseph Jasas (St. Barbara), Thomas Kelly (St. Bernadette), Joseph Loconte (Central Junior High), Mike Lopez (St. Benedict), Matthew McGowan (Most Holy Redeemer), William McGrenera (Queen of Martyrs), Zachary Moore (St. Barnabas), Mat-thew Murawski (St. Turibius), Bryan Przepiora (St. Daniel the Prophet), David Schrader (Hamlin UGC), John Sheedy (St. Gerald), Kyle Sheehan (St. Linus), Christopher Simms (St. Walter), John Starcevich (Century Junior High), Kyle Stearns (Orland Junior High), Thomas Sujack (Christ the King), Benjamin Velazquez (Kin-zie), and Kevin Yerkes (Lenart).

Twenty-seven members or 16 percent of St. Rita of Cascia High School's Class of 2010 have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars, ranking them in the top 10 percent of senior statewide. The State Scholars are joined by Principal Sally Deenihan.

Dedication held for Donald A. '58 and Nancy C. Petkus laboratories

St. Rita of Cascia High School official-ly dedicated the Donald A. '58 and Nancy C. Petkus Science Laborato-

ries recently. These chemistry and physics labs were named in honor of Mr. Petkus for

his dedication to the field of science and his alma mater, St. Rita.

Throughout his distinguished careers at ComEd and DAMP Associates, Inc., Mr. Petkus has given back to the community

through in-volvement in many not-for-profit boards, and currently focuses much of his efforts on education.

The labs were com-pleted in the Fall of 2008, however the official dedi-cation recent-ly took place when both Mr. and Mrs. Petkus could be present.

They were joined by St. Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ’83, who blessed the new labs, Vice President Mr. Ernie Mrozek ’71, Principal Mrs. Sally Deenihan, as well as Chemistry teacher Mrs. Susan Krystof, Physics teacher Mr. Don Krystof and their AP Chemistry and Honors Phys-ics students.

Several features of the new laboratories include rear vents, new water, gas, and elec-tricity lines, a new fume hood, new emer-gency showers and eye-wash stations, new equipment storage drawers, and all new cabinetry. The old floor tiles made from asbestos were also properly removed and replaced with modern materials.

Additionally, a grant of $50,000 from the Helen Brach Foundation was also applied to complete this renovation.

Successful development projects such as the Petkus Science Laboratories increase the intrinsic value of a student’s education at St. Rita, and will ensure the future pros-perity of the school by sending well-trained graduates out into the working world.

The administration of St. Rita of Cascia High School is joined by Donald ’58 and Nancy Petkus and students during the recent dedication of the Petkus Laboratories. Back row left to right: St. Rita Vice President Ernie Mrozek ’71, Physics teacher Don Krystof, Nancy Petkus, Principal Sally Deenihan, Don Petkus ’58, Chemistry teacher Susan Krystof, and President Fr. Tom Mc-Carthy, O.S.A. ’83. Front row left to right: Ryan McGowan ’11 (Most Holy Redeemer), Kevin Yerkes ’10 (Lenart), Jaime Viramontes ’10 (Queen of the Universe), Kevin Handler ’10 (Queen of Martyrs), Dan Dillon ’10 (Most Holy Redeemer), and Bobby Gallagher ’11 (St. Damian).

Jasica Art Recipients Announced

IN THE NEWS

6

Perpetual Novena to St. RitaWife, Mother, Widow, Augustinian Nun, Peacemaker

Solemn Nine Day NovenaTuesday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 21

Feast Day Mass� ursday, May 22nd

All Masses Start at 7:00 p.m. | Confessions 6:00 p.m.Blessed Roses Will Be Distributed at Feast Day Mass

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine ChapelTollE lEGE! SPRING 2010

St. Rita of Cascia High School recently announced the win-ners of the 3rd Annual Joseph J. Jasica Art Scholarship. The program was founded by Raymond Jasica ’55 and Robert

Jascia ’57, in memory of their brother, Joseph, a 1952 graduate. Each winner was awarded a $500 grant toward their tuition.

The Joseph J. Jasica Art Scholarship Competition encourages the entire student body to create a piece of art. There were five entries this year, and while all demonstrated the talents and per-spective of the artists, the three that were chosen as scholarship winners were submitted by Nick Henrichs '13 (St. Gerald), Max Esterhammer-Fic '12 (Clissold), and Sean McCormick '11 (St. Bede the Venerable).

Henrichs drawing portrays Our Mother of Good Counsel. “I chose to draw Our Mother of Good Counsel because she has a lot to do with St. Rita. In spirit she is here by all our sides keeping us from harm and giving us wisdom and right-judgment through our days at St. Rita,” said Henrichs. McCormick’s work completed in pencil, titled Vox Clamantis in Deserto, portrays an angel statue in front of trees and grassy hills. Esterhammer-Fic completed a painting that depicted a close-up flower with a bee.

The judges – Raymond Jasica, his wife Jeanine, and Karen Omastiak, daughter of Joseph and mother to Ritamen Mark ’08 and Brian ’11 (St. Bede the Venerable) – were highly impressed by these submissions. The other two nominees – were presented with a commemorative glass keepsake. Those students were Austin Kingsley '13 (Christ the King) and Sean Esposito '12 (Fierke).

Name

Please make check payable toSt. Rita Alumni Banquet

Mail to 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620

Address

Phone

# of Bonanza Tickets:

# of Standard Tickets:

Total Amount Enclosed

Seating by class year, unless otherwise requested:

74th Annual St. Rita of Cascia High School Alumni Banquet

x $100 each = $

x $60 each = $

$

Email

Class Year

City / State / Zip

74Th ANNuAl ST. RITA hIGh SChool AlumNI BANquET2010

For More Information...Bob Quinn (HON)

(773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6679rquinn@stritahs.com

John Schmitt ’84 (773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6629

jschmitt@stritahs.com

Dan Manzella ’03(773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6661

dmanzella@stritahs.com

Friday, April 16, 2010St. Rita of Cascia High School

Gymnasium

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

7740 S. Western Ave.Chicago, IL 60620

• Top Shelf Open Bar with Premium Beer •

• 4 Course Gourmet Dinner •

• Hot and Cold Hors d’oeuvres •

“Coming Home”St. Rita Alumni Banquet

& Class Reunions

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

Tickets $60 in Advance This event is expected to sell out.

We recommend purchasing tickets soon.

Order Tickets OnlineAll Major Credit Cards Online: www.stritahs.com/alumni

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

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010

Six members of the Fighting Mustangs, St. Rita of Cascia High School’s football team, signed national letters of intent. These Ritamen helped St. Rita obtain its most recent Prep Bowl Cham-pionship and look forward to the opportunity to play college football.

Joe Campagna (LB) - Ferris State University Dan Connolly (DE) - Northwood University Bruce Gaston, Jr. (DT) - Purdue UniversityKyle Jachim (WR/P) - Butler University Tim Ladd (OT) - St. Xavier UniversityRon McNamara (LB) - Northwood University

Five of the players who signed letters of intent on National Signing Day are pictured with their parents, Principal Sally Deenihan, Head Football Coach Todd Kuska '90 and Athletic Director Mike Zunica (HON). (Seated left to right): Bruce Gaston Jr., Joe Cam-pagna, Dan Connolly, Tim Ladd, and Ron McNamara.

SwimmingThe Swimming Mustangs had a rather up-and-down season this year. The team led by seniors Jeremie Bradford, Sean Kurth, Steve Scheide, and Ben Velazquez finished 5th out of 13 at Sectionals. The team con-gratulates it graduating swimmers and the returning underclassmen look forward to what next season holds.

BowlingIn Head Coach Dan Carroll’s first season with St. Rita's Mustang Bowlers, the team went 14-6. A highlight of the season was the Mustangs victory over rival Mt. Carmel. Senior Bill McGrenera was named to the Chicago Catho-lic League All-Conference Team.

wrestlingThe Wrestling season finished with a great performance by junior Jahwon Akui. Akui won the Individual State Championship for the 171 pound weight class without giving up an offensive point the entire season, and he complied a 24-1 season record. Junior Kyle McGovern (130), sophomore John Anderson (112), and freshman Mike O'Connor (103) also qualified for the State Tournament.

WinteR SpoRtS ReCAp

Junior Jahwon Akuirecently won the

State Championship.

Junior Neil Ehmig works to outswim the competition.

CheerleadingSt. Rita's Varsity Cheerleaders have not only been cheering Ritamen on to victory, but have been celebrating many accomplishments of their own. The Varsity Cheerleaders are 2010 NCA High School Open National Champions. They also recently became back-to-back National Champions at the American Open that was held in Florida.

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010 8

hockeyFor the third consecutive year, under the leadership of Head Coach Craig Ferguson (HON), St. Rita's Varsity Hockey team won the prestigious Kennedy Cup Championship. The Mustangs were once again paired up against the Fenwick Friars in the Kennedy Cup Finals and finished them off after only two games. Senior Henry Capouch was named the Kennedy Cup MVP. Capouch along with other se-niors Sean Gerich and Jack McDonnell were named to the All-State Team, and they with senior Tan-ner Panazzo and junior Michael Tisoncik were named to the All-Catholic team. McDonnell was also named the Most Valuable Defenseman in the Catholic League and chosen for the Illinois Showcase Team and All Scholastic Team, which is comprised of the six best players in the state. The Mustangs finished the regular season in the Catholic League 19-3-2.

wrestlingThe Wrestling season finished with a great performance by junior Jahwon Akui. Akui won the Individual State Championship for the 171 pound weight class without giving up an offensive point the entire season, and he complied a 24-1 season record. Junior Kyle McGovern (130), sophomore John Anderson (112), and freshman Mike O'Connor (103) also qualified for the State Tournament.

BasketballThe St. Rita's Varsity Basketball team had a very successful first season under new Head Coach Gary DeCesare. The Mustangs, which were a young team with only two returning players having varsity experience finished with an overall record of 14-13. Senior Lane Barlow led the team in scoring with 450 points this season. Barlow was named to the CCL All Conference Team and Sophomore Tony Hicks was a CCL Honorable Mention. With the addition of quality personnel and some physical facility improvements that have been made, the future looks great for the Mustangs. The team won five out of their last seven games and the Mustangs are looking forward to returning many starters next year. This season's starting lineup consisted of two sophomores and two juniors.

ChECK ouT SPRING SChEDulES

oN ThE wEB! www.stritahs.com/athletics.htm

WinteR SpoRtS ReCAp

BandThe St. Rita Band has been very busy recently. During "Catholic Schools Week" the Jazz Band and Drum Line performed at eight local grammar schools. In addition, they have been leading the school in spirit at athletic events and recently took part in two major competitions. The first was the State of the Art Catholic High School competition, which places bands according to the difficulty of their selections. The Mustangs received a Division I Superior Rating and placed 3rd. They also took home the Esprit De Corps award and Best Percussion Award. The second event was the Midwest Music Festival hosted at Lemont High School on February 27th. The band received an "Excellent" rating in this contest. The Jazz Band also performed at the Valentine Dinner Dance and has upcoming performances at the Mothers' Club Fash-ion Show and Alumni Banquet. The Spring Band Concert will take place in St. Rita's Auditorium on Wednesday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m.

St. Rita of Cascia High School's Varsity Mustang Hockey team won its 3rd Consecutive Kennedy Cup Championship on March 11th.

Senior Lane Barlowscored 450 points this season.

CheerleadingSt. Rita's Varsity Cheerleaders have not only been cheering Ritamen on to victory, but have been celebrating many accomplishments of their own. The Varsity Cheerleaders are 2010 NCA High School Open National Champions. They also recently became back-to-back National Champions at the American Open that was held in Florida.

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010 VERITAS uNITAS CARITAS 9

We want to hear from you! Do you have any news you would like to share in a future publication about a recent marriage or birth, special honor, retirement, etc? Please send us updates and pictures.

Also, please update us with any changes in your contact information.

St. Rita of Cascia High School Office of Institutional Advancement7740 S. Western Ave. | Chicago, IL 60620 (773) 925-5029 | advancement@stritahs.com

AlumniUpdates

ALUMNI NEWS

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010 10

Norbert Wierzbicki '46 recently earned top honors in a "Senior Idol Talent Com-petition" for playing the harmonica in a duo performance. Wierzbicki has been playing since his days at St. Rita and has been spreading joy to seniors and aged for over 20 years.

Terence MacCarthy '51 was awarded by the Federal Bar Association its most pres-tigious Frank J. McGarr Award honoring his outstanding service as a lawyer serv-ing the Federal Courts. The Chicago Bar Association also presented him its Annual Justice John Paul Stevens Award for ex-emplifying commitment to public service and integrity while prosecuting law.

Tim Mingey '68 was recently named the NFL "Scout of the Year." Mingey has spent the last 16 years scouting college football for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jim Connolly '72 Saluted by Seminary for labor

St. Rita Alumni Serve as Augustinian Volunteers

Call 773-925-5029 to Register your Foursome!

SAVE THE DATE!

St. Rita’s 35th AnnualScholarship Golf Outing

For Details Visit www.stritahs.com/alumni

Friday, July 23, 2010Gleneagles Country Club

13070 McCarthy RoadLemont, IL 60439

The Augustinian Volunteers is a pro-gram where men and women between the ages of 21 and 29 devote of year of

their lives to serving others at a various sites in a variety of roles. All the while, these men and women live with fellow volunteers as a com-munity following the Augustinian way of life.

For the past six years, St. Rita of Cascia High School has had AVs serving as Campus Minis-ters to students. This year, St. Rita has its first two alumni taking part in the program who were served by AVs while they were students.

Charlie Knibbs '05 and Mike Shanahan '05 are currently AVs in Lawrence, Massachusetts and San Diego, California respectively.

Knibbs is working as a Pre-K teacher's aide at a St. Mary Elementary School in Lawrence.

"I enjoy having the opportuni-ty to live in a different part of the country and work with various types of people. The kids in my class are very diverse and funny," said Knibbs.

Shanahan is currently a Physi-cal Education teacher at Holy Family School in San Diego.

"I think having the opportu-nity to do things and live where I otherwise would not have had

the chance is great. Thus far I enjoy living as a community most about my time as an AV," said Shanahan.

"I have tried to follow example from the AVs I encountered at St. Rita. They were friendly and got to know a lot of students. I am trying to do that at my school," said Knibbs.

"I decided I wanted to be an AV after being around the volunteers at St. Rita. I went on Kairos with an AV and not only got to know him but about the program," said Shanahan.

Knibbs and Shanahan will both complete their year of service at the end of June.

To learn more about the Augustinian Volun-teers please visit www.osavol.org or contact St. Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83.

ALUMNI BRIEFSMike Shanahan '05 (left) and Charlie Knibbs '05 (right) are now Augustinian Volunteers. They are pictured with President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83

Alumnus Jim Connolly '72 was recently honored by the St. Joseph College Seminary at the 19th Annual Seminary Salutes to Labor, Business, and Government. Saluted for Labor, Connolly is the Business Manager for Con-struction & General Laborers District Council of Chicago and Vicinity. He was joined at the Salute by several Augustinians from St. Rita. From left: Bro. Jerome Sysko, O.S.A., Bro. Gary Hresil, O.S.A. '86, Jim Connolly '72, and Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83.

TollE lEGE! SPRING 2010

11

MASS CARDSand

SPECIAL INTENTIONS

Mass cards and specialintentions are available

through theSt. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel

For Information ContactSr. Ardis Cloutier, O.S.F.

(773) 925-6600 ext. 6650

IN MEMORIAM

Angel Bacarella, former Mothers' Club President and mother of Mark '80Barbara Baker, aunt of Brad Dorng '12Leda Benedetti, mother-in-law of board member Terry Stefanski and grandmother of Joe '93, Dave '96, and Ken '02 StefanskiTyrone Boyd, father of Mike '01Mamie Bradford, grandmother of Russell Williams '12Dawn Brancheau, aunt of Mario LoVerde '12Marianne Brongiel, mother of Bob '72Jeannette Broniewicz, mother of Alan '82Mary Brzezicki, mother of Charles '71 and Daniel '72Charles Buche, father of Charlie '11Donald Caddigan, brother of Joe '42Marian Callinan, former Mothers' Club President and mother of Dennis '66 and Kevin '70John Carney, father of Sean '74Patricia Carroll, grandmother of Quinn Sweeney '11Lois Clark, mother of Jim '67William J. Cooper Sr., father of William Jr. '61Constance Crivellone, mother of Tom '61 and grandmother of Tom '97Francis Crofton, grandmother of Tom Spratte '06Bernice Davis, grandmother of Javier Green '10Carol DeBall, wife of Leonard '58Lance Del Goebel, sister-in-law of the Murphy familyNancy DeMatteo, grandmother of Sean Scaduto '10Nancy DeRoeck, mother of band alumnus Emily DeRoeckJohn Downs, father of Mike '73 and Dennis '79Maureen Driebergen, sister of Tom Callopy (HON)Norbert Fiedler, father of Bob '73Mary Forde, grandmother of Liam '13Rita Forrest, wife of Jim '42Joseph & Audrey Fortunato, grandparents of Pat '06 & Joe '11 NashCarolyn Gainer, grandmother of Mike Hall '09Genevieve Galica, mother of Joseph '60 and Gregory '61James Garrett, father of St. Rita staff member Brendan Garrett and grandfather of Brendan '10Phil Gavin, uncle of Terry '11Frank Golick, son of Ed '50Margaret Gonzalez, mother of Joe '92, sister of former St. Rita staff member Joan Straple, and aunt of Robert '75, Dennis '78, David '09, and Stephen '11 StrapleRobert Gonzalez, grandfather of Anthony Andres '10Francis Gordan, grandfather of Kyle '06

Jimmy Griffin, nephew of Mike '73 and Dennis '79 DownsJohn Griffin, uncle of the Goosherst FamilyBeuhla Ter Her, grandmother-in-law of St. Rita staff member Tom RamsdenMary Horan, mother of Pat '10Mary Hoyt, mother of John '75 and aunt of Joe Madden '83Rita Hudec, mother of Bruce '75, Curtis '77, and Roger '82Megan Hurckes, cousin of Mike '02 and Nick '09 ArdolinoStanley Janasek, father of Robert '73 and Lawrence '75Howard Kaplan, grandfather of St. Rita teacher Katie PalmerJulia Kurth, grandmother of Sean '10Scott Leitz, uncle of Joe Maes '11Theresa Longino, mother of Matt '90Fr. Richard Macelay, uncle of Daniel '09 and Brian '11 MooreJesus Madera, grandfather of Jaime Delgado '96John Manzella, father of Dan '03Judy Marach, sister of St. Rita teacher Linda MarachArthur Mark, father-in-law of Bob Fitzgibbon '68 and grandfather of Tim '99, Dan '01, and Bill '02 FitzgibbonLeroy Martin, father of Mike '09Eileen McAuliffe, mother of Tim '73, Dan '76, grandmother of Dan '10, and mother-in-law of Ted Tuzik '69William McGrenera, grandfather of Alex Roman '11Robert McGuire, father of John '84Stacee McHale, mother of Steve '14Raymond McInerney, father of Jimmy '77, Kevin '78, Brian '79, and Ray '81James McKeever, grandfather of Jimmy '13 & Daniel Doohan '14Fr. Ray McNicholas, brother of Fr. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A. '44Martin Metzger, grandfather of Kevin '09 and Josh '13 KiehnAnne Michalowski, grandmother of Alex Cesarinis '05Dorothy Mitchell, grandmother of Martin Trevino '12Patricia Moerbeck, aunt of Neil Spore '12Brian Monahan, uncle of Dirk Jarvis '04Steve Mucha, father of Mike'75 and David '86Susanne Murphy, sister of Mike '78 and sister-in-law of Frank Salvatori '66Jane O'Brien, mother of Bill '92 and sister of Thomas Byrne '77Sharon O'Donovan, mother of Jim '92Diana O'Neill, grandmother of Ryne Kinsella '08Anne Orr, great grandmother of Zach Moore '10 & Brad Dorng '12Evelyn O'Toole, mother-in-law of Pat Mahoney '54Frank Panaricci, relative of St. Rita Assistant Principal Joe PartaczIrene Paprzyca, mother of Mark '70, Bruce '74, and grandmother

of Marc-Louis '01Eleanor Passarello, mother of Jack '72 and grandmother of Dan '00 and Brian '03Tony Piantek, cousin of St. Rita staff member Kitty TurkowskiAnne Piotrowski, great grandmother of Mikey Zunica '12Neil Pomerenke, friend of St. Rita staff member Julie ChuickJack Quinn, grandfather of Sean Kurth '10William Ramsden, uncle of St. Rita staff member Tom RamsdenDennis Rayl, father of Murphy '89Ed Reid, father of Ed '13Lorraine Roodey, grandmother of Kevin Flaherty '11Anna Ryba, grandmother of Greg Jania '89Mary Jean Seaman, wife of Edward '56George Seperich, father of George '62Virginia Sharko, wife of George '44Joan Sodoma, mother of Marc '89Alejandrina Solis, mother-in-law of Jim Scannell '75 and grandmother of Seamus '00 and Dan '02 ScannellPaul Sopron, father of John '81 and grandfather of Geoff '03, Steven '05, and Robert '08 GlowackiJoseph Sosnowski, father of St. Rita teacher Tony '04Adelle Staszak, mother of Bob '65 and James '70Mary Stenson, grandmother of Dan '00 and Brian '03 PassarelloGeorge Stiksel, father-in-law Ed Schmit '90Tom Sullivan, grandfather of Jim Mlynarski '07Maureen Sullivan, grandmother of John '07Mildred Svoboba, mother-in-law of Michael Vinci '59 and Thomas Koniarz '60Kathy Swoope, aunt of former St. Rita teacher Lauren CondonJimmie Thompson, uncle of Jason Holmes '11Mary Rose Torres, grandmother of James Butler '13Jim Tracy, grandfather of Joe Rossi '05Charles Tucker, grandfather of Terry '00Kenneth Tuftedal, grandfather of Mark Robinson '13Adam Valentine, father-in-law of Steve Angiollo '71 and grandfather of Dominic '98Ester Van Hecke, grandmother of Bernie '94, Joe '98, and Phil '00 DalcamoBetty Vanswal, grandmother of Jack Warren '12Dorothy Williams, aunt of St. Rita teacher Jodi McLawhornSean Wrobels, cousin of Alex Roman '11Mondo Zeledon, grandfather of Matt Lang '97, and Mike '96 and Tom '12 KacorChester Zubrzycki, father of James '68

Charles Boy 1930John Milosovic 1935Edwin Liebner 1939Joseph Cline 1941Harry Dietz 1943Francis Napleton 1943Grandfather of Marty '13Eugene J. Kinder 1943Frank Feigl 1947John Norman 1947Richard J. Gallagher 1947Brother of Bill '50Joseph Alexander Joslin 1948Robert Gombas 1949Larry O'Connor 1950Luke T. O'Toole 1950George Kinsella 1950Grandfather of Ryne '08

John Owens 1951Arthur J. LeBlanc 1951Nephew of Joseph '32 and cousin of Raymond '51Tom Lazarz 1952Michael A. Stevans 1952George Kedzie 1953Richard Maier 1953Mathias E. Dusik 1956Thomas C. Quigley 1956Michael Schofield 1956Larry Mirabella 1957Sam Kuizin 1957Father of Andy '88Roger Lacny 1958Ron Sierzega 1958Charles Joseph Augustine 1958Brother of John '61Dan Jarosz 1959

John Slosowski 1960Fred Gadzinski 1961John Czech 1961Brother of Tom '66Richard Orth 1962Terry O'Neill 1963Gerald Woloszyn 1963Richard Osacky 1964Michael "Larry" Crotty 1966Tom Maloney 1966Thomas A. Wehlus 1968Fred Infelise 1975Brother of Gene '67 and father of Brandon '99Daniel Sheridan 1981Joseph Guadry 1986Shawn P. Spain 1986Edwin Ryl-Kuchar 1992Andrew S. Smialek 2008

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

All attempts at accuracy 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 the Office of Institutional Advancement at (773) 925-5029 or advancement@stritahs.com.

HONORING THE CLASSES OF 1950, 1960, 1970, 1985, and 2000 FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH

“Coming Home”2010 Alumni Banquet

Cocktails – 6:00 p.m.

Dinner – 7:30 p.m. 2010 MAN OF THE YEAR

Donald A. Petkus ’58

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Dan Carroll (HON)

Stuart Dybek ’59

Richard J. Josepher ’89

Lt. Patrick J. Harrington ’63

David A. Kamm ’54

Dave Moritz ’80

Andrew Smialek ’08

ATHLETIC AWARDS

Tim Dydo ’70

John Egan ’60

John Flanagan ’85

Jack Gri�n ’60

Jimmy Johnson ’85

Je� Prestinario ’70

LOYALTY AWARDS

Ron Abramowicz ’60

Don Allelujka ’70

John Flaherty ’70

Tim McCarthy ’85

HONORARY ALUMNUS

Gary Gallik

�omas Hopkins

Fr. Bill McFarlane

PAGE 7FORCOMPLETEDETAILS

Ticket Order Form On Page 7

(773) 925-5029 | www.stritahs.com

st. rita oF cascia hiGh school7740 S. western Avenue

Chicago, Il 60620ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Organization

Chicago, IllinoisPermit No. 2955

uS PoSTAGE

PAID