Bishop McNamara honors service

KANKAKEE—On Jan. 28, four Bishop McNamara staff members were honored for their years of service to the Kankakee high school.

Dave Raiche has been at Bishop McNamara for 35 years, during which time he has served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and most recently a guidance counselor. Sarah Kutilek has been teaching for 20 years and is head of the English Department. Nancy Prince has been serving lunches to McNamara students for 26 years. Jack Roney has been at McNamara for 15 years, coaching, teaching and serving as dean of students.

Driscoll students test out voices

ADDISON—“Tiptoe through the Tulips” was sung with gusto as Driscoll Catholic High School’s St. Thomas More Chapter of the National Honor Society hosted a karaoke party Jan. 22 at Abbington Rehab and Nursing Center in Roselle.

The sing-along brightened the days of residents and students alike. The large screen TV was the center of attention as the words flashed in tune with the music beginning with songs familiar to the teen-age junior and senior NHS members and ending with some of the golden oldies.

During the party, 35 NHS members sat with the residents to socialize, sing and snack. Students brought treats of candies and cookies for the party goers. The students introduced themselves and talked about Driscoll happenings. Junior Tylar Jozefczyk focused on her part in Driscoll’s spring musical, West Side Story. Senior and NHS President Lauren White, was excited about plans being made for Driscoll’s prom.

The residents were introduced by, Marie Bendig, activity director. The residents gave advice about the importance of education and celebrated milestones such as a 101st birthday.

The students mingled with former teachers, artists, dancers and veterans. They also met one resident, whose favorite music is heavy metal.

Montini yearbook receives high marks

LOMBARD—Last year Montini Catholic High School in Lombard submitted the yearbook for the American Scholastic Press Association annual yearbook competition. “Echoes,” Montini’s yearbook, took first place.

“The Montini yearbook shows excellence in the fields of writing, photography and page design. Congratulations to the editors, writers, photographers, layout designers, staff and advisor who have made this publication possible,” stated the judges from the American Scholastic Press Association in a letter that accompanied the award.

Last year’s editors included Seniors Erin McGregor, Ainsley Barker and Montini Graduate Stephanie Biernat. Yearbook moderator Estelle Soger stated, “I am so proud of our staff and editors, it is really an amazing accomplishment especially since last year was our first year that we used the new online technologies.”

St. Francis students are among Illinois’ best

WHEATON—Raeann Huhn, principal of St. Francis High School in Wheaton, announced 38 of her students were cited as 2008 Illinois State Scholars.

The prestigious award is given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. This year 18,178 high school students from across the state were recognized. Illinois State Scholars rank in the top 10 percent of the state’s high school seniors from 711 high schools in all 102 counties.

“It is with genuine pleasure that we honor these students,” said Huhn. “They represent 21% of the St. Francis Class of 2008.”

“These students personify excellence,” said ISAC Executive Director Andrew Davis. “Illinois State Scholars are among the best and the brightest in our state’s high schools.”

St. Francis High School scholars include Wheaton residents Razna Ahmad, Phillip Diamond, Amy Feehan, Caitlin Hamrin, Matthew Kaiser, David Lynch, Joey Murnane, Mary Murray, Daniel Sufranski, Meredith Thomas, Jeffrey Tibble and Melanie Zumm. Naperville winners include Cara DiBona, Alyssa Hach, Jonathan Hayes, Ryan Kaminky, Eric McKee and Kelly Rupkey. Those named from Winfield include Kailey Ackermann, Julia Bongiorno, Clement Charly, Kate Dorman, Mary Dreisilker and Crossley Simmons. Winners also include Peter Brynes and Garrett McKnight, who live in St. Charles. Residing in Glen Ellyn are Jack Purdom and Colleen White. Kaitlin Kwiatkowski and Arianna Rubio are from Carol Stream. Illinois State Scholars Lindsay Pyrcik and Tim Zientek are from Lisle.

Additional St. Francis High School winners named are Alexander Seraphin (Bloomingdale), Joseph Rysavy (North Aurora), Patrick Buranicz (Roselle), Thomas Kenealy (Warrenville), Jami Jurich (Wayne) and Traci Bauer (West Chicago).