Tolle Lege!

SPRING 2010
“Take Up
and Read”

The St. Rita of Cascia High School Alumni Magazine

Dinner, Dancing, Auctions, and more...

2 PRESIDENT's letter
21st Valentine Dinner Dance a Success

T
3 PRINCIPAL RETIRES
he St. Rita of Cascia High School
4 Advancement Valentine Dinner Dance was recent-
ly held on February 13th at The Four
5-6 in the news Seasons Hotel Grand Ballroom in Down-
town Chicago. This annual event, filled with
8-9 athletics socializing, dinner, dancing, special awards,
auctions, and fund-a-cause donations, once
10 Alumni News again proved to be a huge success for St. Rita
in its 21st year. This year’s Dinner Dance
11 in memoriam
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
Principal Sally Deenihan positively impacted his life.
Fundraising for the night then successfully
Announces Retirement began as fantastic items were put on the live
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-

A fter 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
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-
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 Principal Sally Deenihan

recently announced her retirement after 25 years of
dedicated service. Mrs. Deenihan was the first female
St. Rita of Cascia High School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Athletic Director/Valentine Dinner Dance Coordi-
principal of St. Rita and any Augustinian high school.
nator Mike Zunica (HON) present this year's Valentine Dinner Dance "Couple of the Year" Paul '58 and Doreen Petriekis.
 Tolle Lege! is a publication of
the St. Rita of Cascia High School
Office of Institutional Advancement From the Desk of the President
7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
Telephone: (773) 925-5029
Fax: (773) 925-6582 Spring 2010
E-mail: advancement@stritahs.com Dear Ritamen & Friends:
St. Rita High School is sponsored by the Pope Benedict XVI has declared that this year is the “Year of the
Augustinian Order and has been serving Priests.” When I heard this, it made me think of all the priests
the Chicagoland area since 1905. who have touched my heart during my life through their minis-
try. I am very grateful for them!
Administration
Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 | President It also made me pause and think of the 273 Augustinian priest
Mrs. Sally E. Deenihan | Principal and brothers who have served at St. Rita of Cascia High School
Mr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71 | Vice President 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-
Office of Institutional Advancement ries of the Augustinian friars who served you while you were at St. Rita.
Mr. Thomas J. Ramsden
Director of Institutional Advancement As I thought of the friars, I could not help but be very grateful for the hundreds and
Mr. Joshua R. Blaszak '02 | Director of Public Relations hundreds of dedicated lay people who have served St. Rita so well as administrators,
Mrs. Trisha A. Harrington | Administrative Assistant teachers, coaches, moderators, and staff. Where could we be without their faithful
Mr. Daniel A. Manzella '03 | Director of Alumni Relations service?
Mr. John Schmitt '84 | Director of Annual Appeal
Mr. Javier Solorio II '02 | Director of Graphic Design During our 100th year celebration five years ago, we established a permanent tribute
Mr. Robert Quinn (HON) | Director of Alumni Events 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
Board of Directors the tribute and see the names and pictures of the people who help shape our young
Mr. James J. Brasher '71
lives.
Mr. Sean J. Carney '74
Dr. John Donahue, Ed.D., J.D.
Mr. James Gagnard '64
Thanks to all the Augustinian and lay people who served us so well. Thanks also, to all
Mr. Thomas M. Harrington '74, Ex-officio of you who serve St. Rita so well by your dedication, generosity, and prayers. Because
Mr. Thomas J. Healy '83 of all of us, St. Rita is stronger than ever today.
Bro. Gary Hresil, O.S.A. '86, Ex-officio
Mr. Gregory J. Jania '89 God bless you all and may St. Rita powerfully intercede for all of us!
Mr. Mark A. Kelly '84
Alderman Lona Lane, 18th Ward Sincerely,
Very Rev. William Lego, O.S.A. , Ex-officio
Mr. Timothy I. McArdle (Hon.)
Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83, Ex-officio
Mr. Ernest J. Mrozek '71, Chairman
Mr. John O’Neill '79
The Honorable Noreen Daly Reilly
Rev. Thomas R. McCarthy, O.S.A. '83
Mr. Stephen M. Schaller '83 President
Rev. Bernard C. Scianna, O.S.A. '83
Mr. Terrance R. Stefanski

Calendar
Mr. J. J. Wilczewski '92

Emeriti Members of the Board of Directors

Mr. Ronald M. Abramowicz '60
Mr. Patrick E. Mahoney '54
Mr. Michael J. McArdle '54
Mr. James C. Miller '47
Mr. Donald A. Petkus '58
Mr. Edward J. Schmit '63
Mr. Michael Schneider '46
Mr. Arthur R. Velasquez '56
Alumni Board of Advisors
Mr. Anthony J. Calarco '01
Mr. Nicholas A. Calarco '73
Mr. Sean J. Carney '74
Mr. Robert W. Gallagher '83
Mr. Richard Hochgraver '71
Mr. Michael Jilek '97
Mr. Sylvester Majka '64
Mr. Patrick J. O'Malley '77
2
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
MUSTANG NEWS
Mustangs Making News
Outstanding Teacher and Administrator Will Retire at End of Year
...Continued from Page 1
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-
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.
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."

TOLLE LEGE! - More than just a magazine title Contributed by Fr. Rich Young 82

A s 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 3

 ADVANCEMENT
2009-2010 Annual Appeal Many Ways to
Making a Difference Make a Difference
T hank 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
Direct Gifts – Check, Credit Card, etc.
Matching Gifts
Stock
United Way
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- Planned Gifts
osity of our proud alumni to help these young men. Please Remember St. Rita in Your Will
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 For more information regarding ways to assist
our goal of educating young men in the Augustinian tradition, enabling them St. Rita of Cascia High School,
to make a difference after graduation. please contact:
Please consider making a difference in the life of a young Ritaman by using the
Tom Ramsden
enclosed envelope to make a gift to the 2009 – 2010 Annual Appeal. Director of Institutional Advancement
For more information, please contact: (773) 925-5029
John Schmitt ’84 - Director of the Annual Appeal tramsden@stritahs.com
(773) 925-5029 | jschmitt@stritahs.com

Alumni Ritamen Attend Special Gathering Held in Naples, Florida

O n Thursday, February 11th alumni representing St. Rita of Lege! magazine. If you are living in Florida or Arizona (either per-
Cascia High School classes ranging from 1941 to 1983 manently or seasonally) please contact the Director of Institution-
gathered in Naples, Florida at the home of Art '56 and al Advancement Tom Ramsden at (773) 925-5029 or tramsden@
Joanne Velasquez. stritahs.com to make sure that you are added to the guest list for
Everyone in attendance enjoyed reliving memories of their time these events.
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- St. Rita of Cascia High School alumni representing classes from 1941 to 1983 and their spouses were recently joined
lished in the Fall 2010 edition of the Tolle by President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 and Director of Institutional Advancement Tom Ramsden in Naples, FL.

Band, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Lacrosse, Math,

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

at St. Rita For Full Schedules, Questions, and to Register

Call Craig Ferguson, Director of Admissions, at (773) 925-RITA or visit www.stritahs.com/camps

4 TOLLE LEGE! SPRING 2010

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

T he 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
“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.”
out of a total of 168 senior students. Therefore, 16 percent of the The following students (listed alphabetically) from St. Rita’s Class
students in St. Rita's senior class are Illinois State Scholars. of 2010 were honored with this special recognition: Austin Bilotto
Illinois State Scholars rank in the top ten percent of high school se- (Century Junior High), Terrence Brennan (St. Bernadette), Joseph
niors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT and/or Prairie State Achieve- Cairo (St. Cajetan), Daniel Dillon (Most Holy Redeemer), Rob-
ment Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. 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
Twenty-seven members or 16 percent of St. Rita of Cascia High School's Class of 2010 have been recognized as Illinois State the King), Benjamin Velazquez (Kin-
Scholars, ranking them in the top 10 percent of senior statewide. The State Scholars are joined by Principal Sally Deenihan. zie), and Kevin Yerkes (Lenart).

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

T he 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 Eighth graders are welcomed by St. Rita of Cascia High
past academic year, St. Rita has provided School President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. ’83 to St. Ri-
students with over $925,000 in financial ta’s Entrance Exam. A total of 274 students tested at St.
aid and scholarships. Rita this year, an increase of 10% over last year.

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.

Veritas † Unitas † Caritas 5

 IN THE NEWS
Dedication Held for Donald A. '58 and Nancy C. Petkus Laboratories

S t. 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
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
through in- Krystof, Physics teacher Mr. Don Krystof
volvement in and their AP Chemistry and Honors Phys-
many not-for- ics students.
profit boards, Several features of the new laboratories
and currently include rear vents, new water, gas, and elec-
focuses much tricity lines, a new fume hood, new emer-
of his efforts gency showers and eye-wash stations, new
on education. equipment storage drawers, and all new
The labs cabinetry. The old floor tiles made from
were com- asbestos were also properly removed and
pleted in the replaced with modern materials.
Fall of 2008, Additionally, a grant of $50,000 from the
however the Helen Brach Foundation was also applied
official dedi- to complete this renovation.
The administration of St. Rita of Cascia High School is joined by Donald ’58 and Nancy Petkus cation recent- Successful development projects such as
and students during the recent dedication of the Petkus Laboratories. Back row left to right: ly took place the Petkus Science Laboratories increase
St. Rita Vice President Ernie Mrozek ’71, Physics teacher Don Krystof, Nancy Petkus, Principal when both the intrinsic value of a student’s education
Sally Deenihan, Don Petkus ’58, Chemistry teacher Susan Krystof, and President Fr. Tom Mc- Mr. and Mrs. at St. Rita, and will ensure the future pros-
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
Petkus could perity of the school by sending well-trained
of Martyrs), Dan Dillon ’10 (Most Holy Redeemer), and Bobby Gallagher ’11 (St. Damian). be present. graduates out into the working world.

Jasica Art Recipients Announced

Perpetual Novena to St. Rita
Wife, Mother, Widow, Augustinian Nun, Peacemaker
S t. 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
Solemn Nine Day Novena in front of trees and grassy hills. Esterhammer-Fic completed a
Tuesday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 21 painting that depicted a close-up flower with a bee.
The judges – Raymond Jasica, his wife Jeanine, and Karen
Feast Day Mass Omastiak, daughter of Joseph and mother to Ritamen Mark ’08
Thursday, May 22nd and Brian ’11 (St. Bede the Venerable) – were highly impressed by
these submissions. The other two nominees – were presented with
All Masses Start at 7:00 p.m. | Confessions 6:00 p.m. a commemorative glass keepsake. Those students were Austin
Blessed Roses Will Be Distributed at Feast Day Mass Kingsley '13 (Christ the King) and Sean Esposito '12 (Fierke).

6 TOLLE LEGE! SPRING 2010

St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel
 St. Rita Alumni Banqu
et
& Class Reunions
“Coming Home”

2010 74th Annual St. Rita High School Alumni Banquet

$100 Bonanza Tickets Friday, April 16, 2010

St. Rita of Cascia High School
Includes dinner, drinks, and a chance to win Gymnasium
Grand Prize - $2,500 or Second Prize - $500
Cocktails – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner – 7:30 p.m.
Tickets $60 in Advance 7740 S. Western Ave.
This event is expected to sell out. Chicago, IL 60620
We recommend purchasing tickets soon.
• Top Shelf Open Bar
with Premium Beer •

Order Tickets Online • 4 Course Gourmet Dinner •

All Major Credit Cards Online: www.stritahs.com/alumni
Visa or MasterCard by Phone: Call (773) 925-5029 • Hot and Cold Hors d’oeuvres •

For More Information...

Bob Quinn (HON) John Schmitt ’84 Dan Manzella ’03
(773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6679 (773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6629 (773) 925-5029 | Ext. 6661
rquinn@stritahs.com jschmitt@stritahs.com dmanzella@stritahs.com

Name Class Year

Address City / State / Zip

Phone Email
Seating by class year, unless otherwise requested:
# of Bonanza Tickets: x $100 each = $

# of Standard Tickets: x $60 each = $

Total Amount Enclosed $ Please make check payable to

St. Rita Alumni Banquet
74th Annual St. Rita of Cascia High School Alumni Banquet Mail to 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60620
 Winter Sports Reca
Wrestling
The Wrestling season fin
by junior Jahwon Akui.
Championship for the 1
giving up an offensive p
complied a 24-1 season r
(130), sophomore John A
Mike O'Connor (103)
Tournament.

Che
St. Ri
not on
Five of the players who signed letters of intent on National Signing Day are pictured
victory
with their parents, Principal Sally Deenihan, Head Football Coach Todd Kuska '90 and accomp
Athletic Director Mike Zunica (HON). (Seated left to right): Bruce Gaston Jr., Joe Cam- Cheerl
pagna, Dan Connolly, Tim Ladd, and Ron McNamara. Junior Jahwon Akui Open
recently won the recentl
State Championship. Champ
Six members of the Fighting Mustangs, St. Rita of Cascia High was he
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 University
Kyle Jachim (WR/P) - Butler University
Tim Ladd (OT) - St. Xavier University
Ron McNamara (LB) - Northwood University

Junior Neil Ehmig works to outswim the competition.

Swimming
The 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.

Bowling
In 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.

8 TOLLE LEGE! SPRING 2010

cap
nished with a great performance
Akui won the Individual State
171 pound weight class without
point the entire season, and he
record. Junior Kyle McGovern
Anderson (112), and freshman
also qualified for the State
St. Rita of Cascia High School's Varsity Mustang Hockey team won its
3rd Consecutive Kennedy Cup Championship on March 11th.

eerleading
ita's Varsity Cheerleaders have
nly been cheering Ritamen on to
y, but have been celebrating many
plishments of their own. The Varsity
leaders are 2010 NCA High School
National Champions. They also
ly became back-to-back National
pions at the American Open that
eld in Florida.
Hockey
For 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.

Basketball
The 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.

Band
The 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 Senior Lane Barlow
competition, which places bands according to the difficulty of their selections. The scored 450 points this season.
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 CHECK OUT
received an "Excellent" rating in this contest. The Jazz Band also performed at the SPRING SCHEDULES
Valentine Dinner Dance and has upcoming performances at the Mothers' Club Fash- ON THE WEB!
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. www.stritahs.com/athletics.htm

VERITAS UNITAS CARITAS 9

 ALUMNI NEWS
St. Rita Alumni Serve as Augustinian Volunteers ATE
!
D

T
E
he Augustinian Volunteers is a pro- the chance is great. Thus far I enjoy living as TH
VE
gram where men and women between a community most about my time as an AV," SA
the ages of 21 and 29 devote of year of said Shanahan.
their lives to serving others at a various sites in "I have tried to follow example from the AVs
a variety of roles. All the while, these men and I encountered at St. Rita. They were friendly
women live with fellow volunteers as a com- and got to know a lot of students. I am trying
munity following the Augustinian way of life. to do that at my school," said Knibbs.
For the past six years, St. Rita of Cascia High "I decided I wanted to be an AV after being St. Rita’s 35th Annual
School has had AVs serving as Campus Minis- around the volunteers at St. Rita. I went on
ters to students. This year, St. Rita has its first Kairos with an AV and not only got to know
Scholarship Golf Outing
two alumni taking part in the program who him but about the program," said Shanahan.
were served by AVs while they were students. Knibbs and Shanahan will both complete Friday, July 23, 2010
Charlie Knibbs '05 and Mike Shanahan '05 their year of service at the end of June. Gleneagles Country Club
are currently AVs in Lawrence, Massachusetts To learn more about the Augustinian Volun-
and San Diego, California respectively. teers please visit www.osavol.org or contact St. 13070 McCarthy Road
Knibbs is working as a Pre-K teacher's aide Rita President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83. Lemont, IL 60439
at a St. Mary Elementary School
in Lawrence.
"I enjoy having the opportuni-
ty to live in a different part of the Call 773-925-5029 to
country and work with various Register your Foursome!
types of people. The kids in my
class are very diverse and funny," For Details Visit
said Knibbs. www.stritahs.com/alumni
Shanahan is currently a Physi-
cal Education teacher at Holy
Family School in San Diego.
"I think having the opportu- ALUMNI BRIEFS
nity to do things and live where Mike Shanahan '05 (left) and Charlie Knibbs '05 (right) are now Augustinian
Norbert Wierzbicki '46 recently earned
I otherwise would not have had Volunteers. They are pictured with President Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83 top honors in a "Senior Idol Talent Com-
petition" for playing the harmonica in a
Jim Connolly '72 Saluted by Seminary for Labor duo performance. Wierzbicki has been
playing since his days at St. Rita and has
Alumnus Jim Connolly '72 been spreading joy to seniors and aged for
was recently honored by the over 20 years.
St. Joseph College Seminary
at the 19th Annual Seminary Terence MacCarthy '51 was awarded by
Salutes to Labor, Business, the Federal Bar Association its most pres-
and Government. Saluted tigious Frank J. McGarr Award honoring
for Labor, Connolly is the his outstanding service as a lawyer serv-
Business Manager for Con- ing the Federal Courts. The Chicago Bar
struction & General Laborers Association also presented him its Annual
District Council of Chicago Justice John Paul Stevens Award for ex-
and Vicinity. He was joined emplifying commitment to public service
at the Salute by several and integrity while prosecuting law.
Augustinians from St. Rita.
From left: Bro. Jerome Sysko, Tim Mingey '68 was recently named the
O.S.A., Bro. Gary Hresil, O.S.A. NFL "Scout of the Year." Mingey has spent
'86, Jim Connolly '72, and Fr. the last 16 years scouting college football
Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. '83. for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

We want to hear from you! Do you have any news you would like to share in a future publication

Alumni 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.

Updates St. Rita of Cascia High School Office of Institutional Advancement

7740 S. Western Ave. | Chicago, IL 60620 (773) 925-5029 | advancement@stritahs.com

10 TOLLE LEGE! SPRING 2010

In Memoriam MASS CARDS
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:
and
Charles Boy 1930 John Owens 1951 John Slosowski 1960
John Milosovic 1935 Arthur J. LeBlanc 1951
Nephew of Joseph '32 and cousin of Raymond '51
Fred Gadzinski 1961 SPECIAL INTENTIONS
Edwin Liebner 1939 John Czech 1961
Joseph Cline 1941 Tom Lazarz 1952 Brother of Tom '66
Harry Dietz 1943 Michael A. Stevans 1952 Richard Orth 1962 Mass cards and special
George Kedzie 1953 Terry O'Neill 1963
Francis Napleton 1943
Grandfather of Marty '13 Richard Maier 1953 Gerald Woloszyn 1963
intentions are available
Eugene J. Kinder 1943 Mathias E. Dusik 1956 Richard Osacky 1964 through the
Frank Feigl 1947 Thomas C. Quigley 1956 Michael "Larry" Crotty 1966
John Norman 1947 Michael Schofield 1956 Tom Maloney 1966 St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel
Richard J. Gallagher 1947 Larry Mirabella 1957 Thomas A. Wehlus 1968
Brother of Bill '50 Sam Kuizin 1957 Fred Infelise 1975
Joseph Alexander Joslin 1948 Father of Andy '88 Brother of Gene '67 and father of Brandon '99 For Information Contact
Robert Gombas 1949 Roger Lacny 1958 Daniel Sheridan 1981 Sr. Ardis Cloutier, O.S.F.
Larry O'Connor 1950 Ron Sierzega 1958 Joseph Guadry 1986
Luke T. O'Toole 1950 Charles Joseph Augustine 1958 Shawn P. Spain 1986 (773) 925-6600 ext. 6650
George Kinsella 1950 Brother of John '61 Edwin Ryl-Kuchar 1992
Grandfather of Ryne '08 Dan Jarosz 1959 Andrew S. Smialek 2008

Angel Bacarella, former Mothers' Club President and mother of
Mark '80
Barbara Baker, aunt of Brad Dorng '12
Leda Benedetti, mother-in-law of board member Terry Stefanski
and grandmother of Joe '93, Dave '96, and Ken '02 Stefanski
Tyrone Boyd, father of Mike '01
Mamie Bradford, grandmother of Russell Williams '12
Dawn Brancheau, aunt of Mario LoVerde '12
Marianne Brongiel, mother of Bob '72
Jeannette Broniewicz, mother of Alan '82
Mary Brzezicki, mother of Charles '71 and Daniel '72
Charles Buche, father of Charlie '11
Donald Caddigan, brother of Joe '42
Marian Callinan, former Mothers' Club President and mother of
Dennis '66 and Kevin '70
John Carney, father of Sean '74
Patricia Carroll, grandmother of Quinn Sweeney '11
Lois Clark, mother of Jim '67
William J. Cooper Sr., father of William Jr. '61
Constance Crivellone, mother of Tom '61 and grandmother of
Tom '97
Francis Crofton, grandmother of Tom Spratte '06
Bernice Davis, grandmother of Javier Green '10
Carol DeBall, wife of Leonard '58
Lance Del Goebel, sister-in-law of the Murphy family
Nancy DeMatteo, grandmother of Sean Scaduto '10
Nancy DeRoeck, mother of band alumnus Emily DeRoeck
John Downs, father of Mike '73 and Dennis '79
Maureen Driebergen, sister of Tom Callopy (HON)
Norbert Fiedler, father of Bob '73
Mary Forde, grandmother of Liam '13
Rita Forrest, wife of Jim '42
Joseph & Audrey Fortunato, grandparents of Pat '06 & Joe '11 Nash
Carolyn Gainer, grandmother of Mike Hall '09
Genevieve Galica, mother of Joseph '60 and Gregory '61
James Garrett, father of St. Rita staff member Brendan Garrett
and grandfather of Brendan '10
Phil Gavin, uncle of Terry '11
Frank Golick, son of Ed '50
Margaret 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 Straple
Robert Gonzalez, grandfather of Anthony Andres '10
Francis Gordan, grandfather of Kyle '06
Jimmy Griffin, nephew of Mike '73 and Dennis '79 Downs
John Griffin, uncle of the Goosherst Family
Beuhla Ter Her, grandmother-in-law of St. Rita staff member
Tom Ramsden
Mary Horan, mother of Pat '10
Mary Hoyt, mother of John '75 and aunt of Joe Madden '83
Rita Hudec, mother of Bruce '75, Curtis '77, and Roger '82
Megan Hurckes, cousin of Mike '02 and Nick '09 Ardolino
Stanley Janasek, father of Robert '73 and Lawrence '75
Howard Kaplan, grandfather of St. Rita teacher Katie Palmer
Julia Kurth, grandmother of Sean '10
Scott Leitz, uncle of Joe Maes '11
Theresa Longino, mother of Matt '90
Fr. Richard Macelay, uncle of Daniel '09 and Brian '11 Moore
Jesus Madera, grandfather of Jaime Delgado '96
John Manzella, father of Dan '03
Judy Marach, sister of St. Rita teacher Linda Marach
Arthur Mark, father-in-law of Bob Fitzgibbon '68 and grandfather
of Tim '99, Dan '01, and Bill '02 Fitzgibbon
Leroy Martin, father of Mike '09
Eileen McAuliffe, mother of Tim '73, Dan '76, grandmother of
Dan '10, and mother-in-law of Ted Tuzik '69
William McGrenera, grandfather of Alex Roman '11
Robert McGuire, father of John '84
Stacee McHale, mother of Steve '14
Raymond McInerney, father of Jimmy '77, Kevin '78, Brian '79,
and Ray '81
James McKeever, grandfather of Jimmy '13 & Daniel Doohan '14
Fr. Ray McNicholas, brother of Fr. Walter McNicholas, O.S.A. '44
Martin Metzger, grandfather of Kevin '09 and Josh '13 Kiehn
Anne Michalowski, grandmother of Alex Cesarinis '05
Dorothy Mitchell, grandmother of Martin Trevino '12
Patricia Moerbeck, aunt of Neil Spore '12
Brian Monahan, uncle of Dirk Jarvis '04
Steve Mucha, father of Mike'75 and David '86
Susanne Murphy, sister of Mike '78 and sister-in-law of Frank
Salvatori '66
Jane O'Brien, mother of Bill '92 and sister of Thomas Byrne '77
Sharon O'Donovan, mother of Jim '92
Diana O'Neill, grandmother of Ryne Kinsella '08
Anne Orr, great grandmother of Zach Moore '10 & Brad Dorng '12
Evelyn O'Toole, mother-in-law of Pat Mahoney '54
Frank Panaricci, relative of St. Rita Assistant Principal Joe Partacz
Irene Paprzyca, mother of Mark '70, Bruce '74, and grandmother
of Marc-Louis '01
Eleanor Passarello, mother of Jack '72 and grandmother of
Dan '00 and Brian '03
Tony Piantek, cousin of St. Rita staff member Kitty Turkowski
Anne Piotrowski, great grandmother of Mikey Zunica '12
Neil Pomerenke, friend of St. Rita staff member Julie Chuick
Jack Quinn, grandfather of Sean Kurth '10
William Ramsden, uncle of St. Rita staff member Tom Ramsden
Dennis Rayl, father of Murphy '89
Ed Reid, father of Ed '13
Lorraine Roodey, grandmother of Kevin Flaherty '11
Anna Ryba, grandmother of Greg Jania '89
Mary Jean Seaman, wife of Edward '56
George Seperich, father of George '62
Virginia Sharko, wife of George '44
Joan Sodoma, mother of Marc '89
Alejandrina Solis, mother-in-law of Jim Scannell '75 and
grandmother of Seamus '00 and Dan '02 Scannell
Paul Sopron, father of John '81 and grandfather of Geoff '03,
Steven '05, and Robert '08 Glowacki
Joseph Sosnowski, father of St. Rita teacher Tony '04
Adelle Staszak, mother of Bob '65 and James '70
Mary Stenson, grandmother of Dan '00 and Brian '03 Passarello
George Stiksel, father-in-law Ed Schmit '90
Tom Sullivan, grandfather of Jim Mlynarski '07
Maureen Sullivan, grandmother of John '07
Mildred Svoboba, mother-in-law of Michael Vinci '59 and
Thomas Koniarz '60
Kathy Swoope, aunt of former St. Rita teacher Lauren Condon
Jimmie Thompson, uncle of Jason Holmes '11
Mary Rose Torres, grandmother of James Butler '13
Jim Tracy, grandfather of Joe Rossi '05
Charles Tucker, grandfather of Terry '00
Kenneth Tuftedal, grandfather of Mark Robinson '13
Adam Valentine, father-in-law of Steve Angiollo '71 and
grandfather of Dominic '98
Ester Van Hecke, grandmother of Bernie '94, Joe '98, and Phil '00
Dalcamo
Betty Vanswal, grandmother of Jack Warren '12
Dorothy Williams, aunt of St. Rita teacher Jodi McLawhorn
Sean Wrobels, cousin of Alex Roman '11
Mondo Zeledon, grandfather of Matt Lang '97, and Mike '96
and Tom '12 Kacor
Chester Zubrzycki, father of James '68

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. 11
 St. Rita of Cascia High School Non-Profit Organization
7740 S. Western Avenue ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED US POSTAGE

Chicago, IL 60620
PAID
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 925-5029 | www.stritahs.com Permit No. 2955

“Coming Home”
2010 Alumni Banquet
FRIDAY, APRIL 16TH
Cocktails – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner – 7:30 p.m.
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PAGE 7
FOR
COMPLETE
DETAILS
HONORING THE CLASSES OF 1950, 1960, 1970, 1985, and 2000
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 LOYALTY AWARDS
Tim Dydo ’70
Ron Abramowicz ’60
John Egan ’60
Don Allelujka ’70
John Flanagan ’85
John Flaherty ’70
Jack Griffin ’60
Tim McCarthy ’85
Jimmy Johnson ’85
Jeff Prestinario ’70
HONORARY ALUMNUS
Ticket Order Form On Page 7
Gary Gallik
Thomas Hopkins
Fr. Bill McFarlane