08-13-08: Marmion Kicks Off School Year with Fall Sports Preview

Marmion Academy’s Sports Booster Club presents the Annual Fall Sports Preview - Red and Blue Scrimmage on Friday, August 22 at 7:15pm. The event, held at Marmion’s Fichtel Field at 1000 Butterfield Road in Aurora, includes football and soccer scrimmages and the introduction of members of the 2008 Cadet Cross Country, Golf, Football and Soccer teams and the Cheerleading and Dance Squads. Admission is free and concessions will be available.

The new stadium lights at Fichtel Field will allow the Cadets to play most of their games on Friday nights. Football fans can purchase season passes at the Red & Blue Scrimmage for $20. Visit www.marmion.org/academy/athletics.html for more information on Marmion Academy’s athletic program and game schedules.

Marmion Academy encourages both school spirit and a healthy balance between mind and body. With these goals in mind, students are encouraged to participate in multiple sports throughout the school year. During the 2007-08 school year, 67% of the Marmion student body participated in one or more sports. Marmion athletic facilities include an indoor swimming pool, weight room, wrestling room, gymnasium, rifle range, football stadium, all-weather track, eight tennis courts, two baseball diamonds and several practice fields. For more information on Marmion Academy call (630) 897-6936 or visit Marmion.org.

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07-23-08: Marmion Abbey Welcomes Two New Members

Brother Aaron Devett OSB and Brother Sebastian Switalski OSB pronounced three-year Temporary Vows as Benedictine Monks of Marmion Abbey in Aurora on July 11, 2008, the feast of St. Benedict.

Brother Aaron Devett comes from Middleton, WI where he has lived for the last twenty years and has been in private practice in nearby Madison as a marriage and family therapist. He holds a M.A. in English and a M.S. in Social Work, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and also a Master of Divinity degree.

Brother Sebastian Switalski came to Marmion from Norfolk, VA after a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer. He has a BA in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology from Norfolk State University.

Anyone interested in receiving vocation information about Marmion Abbey can contact Father Abbot Vincent Bataille OSB at vbataille@marmion.org or (630) 897-7215 ext. 312. Additional information about Marmion Abbey can be found online at Marmion.org.

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06-18-08: Marmion Academy Second Semester Honor Roll

(* denotes Highest Average Award winners – students that earn a minimum average of 4.0 in all subjects)

Superior (3.80 GPA or above)

Seniors: Brian Bakala*, Andrew Canning, Henry Carlson*, Robert Cesario, Nicholas Daly*, Robert Fortier*, Daniel Garofalo, Timothy Handell*, Christopher Heuman*, Ryan Hunt*, Thomas Hymel*, David Iozzo*, Allen Kus, Edward Leonard, Ryan Lutz, Mark Malkowski, Conor McDonnell, Matthew McHugh*, Jonathan Medernach, Michael Meszaros, Maxwell Mickey, Joseph Minardi, Michael O'Brien*, Richard Peck*, James Polek*, Graeme Quinn*, Michael Rios*, William Rosenfelder*, William Simon*, Joshua Stein*, Paul Tkach, Thomas Vant*, Alexander Vlakancic, Taylor Weis*, Brian Weltzer* and Christopher West*

Juniors: Timothy Benoit, Ryan Boone*, David Brouch*, Julian Cammarano, Daniel Conlin*, Thomas Currie*, Christopher Dukes*, Benedict Fischer, Luke Friedman*, Joseph Fuja*, Jeffrey Gerold*, Colin Hirsch*, Ryan Hoffman*, Matthew Jacobs*, Colin King*, John Ledvora, Brett Loehmann*, Nicholas Matsie*, Nathan McGinn, Jared Meyer*, Mitchell Ruble*, Nathaniel Valaik*, Samuel VanDyck, Brian Vasquez* and James Wollwert*

Sophomores: Brian A'Hearn*, Elliot Anderson*, Lucas Brandt, Daniel Brankin*, Nicholas Brennan*, Joseph Burroughs*, Thomas Cruger*, Mauricio Dominguez*, Samuel Duffield*, Daniel Emanuel*, Kevin Filip*, Jack Gunderson, John Heneghan*, Daniel Hillis*, Aaron Horwitz*, Mitchell Hymel*, Sean-Patrick Kalisz, Nicholas Knudtson*, Ryan Lifka*, Ryan Lovelace*, Lucas Magee, John Mason*, Jeffrey McLean*, Sanjay Prakadan*, Edward Randerson, Paul Reyna*, Joseph Schaeffer*, Eric Schwendner*, Russell Semmler*, Andrew Slade*, Christopher Soris, William Sterne*, Jeffrey Voss*, Matthew Wenzel*, Matthew West* and Zachary Young*

Freshmen: George Bardenheier*, Trevor Boone, Spencer Buyansky*, Alexander Caton*, Michael Currie, Matthew Frost, David Garza*, Michael Gerold*, Cole Gleason*, Edward Grahovec*, Andrew Gray*, Christopher Hebert, Benjamin Kanute*, Henry Patrick Kinane*, Evan Kline-Wedeen, Ryan Kolka*, Evan Lefelstein*, Charles Leonard, Eric Lutz*, Edward Malnar*, Bennett Marsh*, Kelan McDonnell*, Nathan O'Brien*, Connor O'Dea*, Nathan Pacer, Samuel Rebenstorf*, Timothy Roche*, Colin Smith, Jake Winkel, John York* and Michael Zolfo*

Distinguished (3.40 -3.79 GPA)

Seniors: Robert Baker, Jeffrey Bakken, Skylar Bergl, Thomas Biles, Ian Christian, Sean Dant, Gregory Foote, Keith Ginn, Jacob Graves, Reid Gundrum, Alexander Heinen, Daniel Linden, Justin Lovelace, Garrett Morales, Paul Mueller, Zachary Nickels, Robert Reder, Alex Rich, Robert Rodriguez, Gordon Scott, Jack Spirou, Robert Stevenson, Peter Studlo, Mitchell Weiler, Thomas Weiler, Andrew Wynykoski and Nicholas Zuccarini

Juniors: William Butzke, Austin Cox, Marco Diaz, Michael DiGiovanna, Michael Duhig, Andrew Ferrer, Salvatore Filardi, Michael Gruesen, Brian Hoss, Michael Kocour, Zachary Korstick, Matthew Kramer, Kevin Lill, Gregory Liske, Matthew Milroy, Brent Pesel, David Rocha, Johnny Runzel, Reid Schmidt, Michael Shay, Jonathan Silva, David Tobey, Bryan Vanco and Michael Weiler

Sophomores: Stephen Anderson, Matthew Brengman, Ryan Brisson, William Callahan, Alonso Cisneros, Michael Deufel, James Duhig, Ian Duncan, James Gabel, Kevin Garofalo, Jeffrey Martin, Alan Medina, Peter Naughton, Ryan Novack, Andrew Oesterlin, William Parkhurst, William Rickard, John Riordan, Maxwell Rosenfelder, Nicholas Searles, Samuel Soliz, Brian Strohmaier, Anthony Vecchiolla, Nicholas Weis and Charles Zidek

Freshmen: John Duguay, Michael Duy, William Evensen, Douglas Feltz, Michael Ferrer, Tyler Friel, Graham Glasgow, Charles Greener, Sean Howard, Lucas Hughes, Taylor Kanute, William Kelley, Matthew Kluber, Andrew Koch, Dennis Koranda, Steven Lill, Mitchell Loehmann, Joseph Munder, IV, Thomas Rogers, Collin Rowley, Nicholas Scoliere, Nathan Shorr, Travis Siwiec, Michael Tavierne, Connor Vass and James Weiler

Honor (3.00 – 3.39 GPA)

Seniors: Brian Adams, Edward Burke, Douglas Conroy, Alexander Cook, Matthew Cyr, Shawn DeWane, Kyle Dillenburg, Alexander Dransoff, Peter Flight, Matthew Gibson, Kristofer Gillette, Matthew Grange, Michael Halles, Armando Hermosillo, Jr., Daniel Housh, Stephen Johnson, Emmanuel Juarez, Joseph Kalina, Steven Kluber, Luke Kolquist, Luke Martinez, Frank Monzo, Nelson Oelker, Andrew Palacios, Joseph Phelan, M. Alexander Picini, Benjamin Pointer, Tyler Schmidt, Thomas Stoecker, Peter Tate, Mark Waitkus, Mark Weiss and Robby Whitehead

Juniors: Oscar Aguinaga, Christopher Antolak, Stephen Ausman, Juan Carlos Avila, John Baron, Bradley Boettcher, Tyler Capen, Roberto Del Toro, Thomas Delves, David DeSimone, Bryce Emory, Kyle Fischer, Ryan Fitzgerald, Patrick Gannon, Joseph Gregorio, Anthony Gurbal, Timothy Hagerty, Thomas Heffernan, Joseph Jimenez, Jr., Kevin Kavanaugh, Robert Miles, Jacob Moore, Ralph Palmeri, Kurt Peterson, Alexander Richardson, Pedro Rodriguez, Nicholas Scanlan, Christopher Schmalzer, Mitchell Thar, Kyle Thompson and Yuto Yamanaka

Sophomores: Scott Bauman, Alexander Dela Cruz, Matthew Derrico, Dugan Gallina, Pasquale Greco, Tyler Hlavac, Aleric Huebner, David Klug, Henry Konen, Juliocesar Landivar, Roy Logan, David Lopez, Michael Lopez, Nolan McKanna, Mark Peters, Felipe Rangel, Michael Roth, Connor Rudny, Zachary Stefanski, Trevor Stein, Jacob Strickland, Alexander Strong, Aldo Vacco, Terence Vant, Casey White, Ryan Whittington and Joseph Wulff

Freshmen: Mario Avila, Joshua Beltz, David Cesario, Joseph Colucci, Michael Colucci, Benjamin de Garcia, Alec DeCaro, Matthew Ferrer, Andrew Healy, Tyler Heinen, Todd Johnson, Rehan Kapadia, Philip Kloc, Tyler Kramer, Terrence Lally, Peter Lappin, Matthew Lochmueller, Zachary Metrou, Antonio Ortiz, Robert Peters, Michael Rawls, Nicholas Runge, Dennis Sheehan, Robert Sturkey, Jr., Timothy Tarter, Evan Tentinger, Kyle Vogt, John Wascher, Brendan Whiting, Benjamin Wilkinson, Grant Wilson, Grant Wilson and Daniel Wycklendt

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06-05-08: Bock Receives Distinguished Service Award

Marsha Bock of Aurora was honored with Marmion Academy’s Fr. Alcuin Deck OSB Distinguished Service Award for the second semester of the 2007-08 Academic Year.

Bock has served as the Secretary to the Headmaster at Marmion Academy since 2001. She is recognized for her outstanding service in her wide-ranging roles as secretary. Her efficiency in all of her administrative duties is rivaled only by the generosity of her time and the friendliness of her manner. She has served as a member of Marmion’s Community Life Committee and has given her services on every level of the Marmion community, from preparing meals and mountains of paperwork, to working as receptionist and “gatekeeper” of the Headmaster and coordinating the work of Parents’ Club. Her two sons are Marmion Academy graduates and her two daughters are graduates of Rosary High School.

“Marsha Bock is the engine that keeps the Academy running effectively and graciously on a day-to-day basis,” stated Rev. Joel Rippinger, Marmion’s Faculty/Staff Chaplain. “For all of her unquestioned dedication to duty and friendliness of manner the Marmion family is most grateful.”

The Fr. Alcuin Deck OSB Distinguished Service Award is presented to an Academy faculty or staff member each semester during the school year in recognition of outstanding contributions and faithful service to Marmion Academy and in gratitude for exemplifying a spirit of charity and dedication. Marmion’s faculty, which includes 34 lay teachers and 11 Benedictines, has an average of more than 17 years of teaching experience at Marmion. Approximately 12% of the faculty hold Ph.D’s and nearly 65% have a master’s degree. For more information on the faculty and staff members at Marmion Academy, visit www.marmion.org/academy/faculty.html.

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05-28-08: Marmion Graduates Earn $12.1 Million in Scholarships

Marmion Academy in Aurora graduated the 119 members of the Class of 2008 on May 25. Class valedictorian Tim Handell of Aurora and guest speaker Brad Childress, Head Coach of the Minnesota Vikings and 1974 Marmion graduate, both addressed the graduates. Read the Valedictory Address or excerpts from Brad Childress' Address.

During the ceremony, Academic Dean Julie Garofalo announced that 80% of the graduates received scholarships and grants total a record $12.1 million. The Class of 2008 will attend 62 different colleges in 21 States next year. 111 graduates will attend a four-year college, nineteen on full-tuition scholarships.

Scholastic excellence awards were presented to: Michael O’Brien of St. Charles, Four years of Theology; Timothy Handell of Aurora, Four years of English; Thomas Hymel of Batavia, Four years of Latin, Mathematics and Science; Paul Tkach of Geneva, Four years of French; Nicholas Daly of Winfield, Four years of Spanish; William Simon of LaGrange, Four years of Social Studies. Timothy Handell, Thomas Hymel, Michael O’Brien and William Simon all received the Four years of Scholastic Excellence Award with GPA’s of 4.5 or higher on a 5.0 scale; Timothy Handel and Paul Tkach received the Philip Sousa Band Award. Mark Malkowski and Brent Rosenfelder, both of Batavia, were presented with the Marmion Loyalty Medals.

At the ceremony, Headmaster John Milroy inaugurated the Headmaster’s Leadership Award, honoring those seniors who have demonstrated uncommon leadership talent throughout their four years at Marmion achieving a cumulative leadership rank among the top 10% of their class. Those awarded are Daniel Garofalo of Aurora, Timothy Handell, Alexander Heinen of Batavia, Thomas Hymel, Allen Kus of Batavia, Ryan Lutz of North Aurora, Mark Malkowski, Michael Meszaros of Batavia, Zachary Nickels of Montgomery, Brent Rosenfelder, Josh Stein of Batavia and Nicholas Zuccarini of Geneva.

The following seniors were recognized at the graduation ceremony for their awards and scholarships:

Brian Adams of St. Charles will Purdue University.

Nathan Angeles of Aurora will attend Waubonsee Community College.

Brian Bakala of Sugar Grove, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the Community Foundation Robert G. Schweitzer Scholarship and scholarships from Augustana, Missouri University of Science & Technology and Purdue University. He will attend Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Robert Brendan Baker of Geneva will attend the University of Nebraska.

Jeffrey Bakken of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the Community Foundation Louis Vago Scholarship, IL DCFS Youth in Scholarship and scholarships from Benedictine University, DePaul University and St. John’s University. He will attend DePaul University.

Matthew Bauman of Batavia will attend the University of Kentucky.

Skylar Bergl of Batavia was awarded scholarships from Creighton University, Drake University and Marquette University. He will attend Drake University.

Thomas Biles of Sugar Grove was awarded scholarships from Benedictine University and the University of Dayton. He will attend Illinois State University.

Michael Brown of Cortland was awarded a St. Ambrose University Scholarship and will attend Western Illinois University.

Edward Burke of Aurora was awarded a St. Ambrose University Scholarship and will attend Regis University.

Andrew Canning of St. Charles, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Loyola University, Marquette University and the University of St. Francis. He will attend Loyola University.

Daniel Cardona of Aurora will attend the University of Kentucky.

Henry Carlson of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the Forester’s Competitive Scholarship and scholarships from University of Iowa, Kettering University and Marquette University. He will attend the University of Iowa.

Paul Cepynsky of Lisle will attend the College of DuPage.

Robert Cesario of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the Community Foundation Helen Schlicht McGeachy & Arthur C. Schlicht Scholarship and scholarships from Bellarmine University, Benedictine University, Bradley University, Indiana University, Marquette University, St. Ambrose University, St. Louis University, University of Dayton, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota and Winona State University. He will attend the University of Dayton.

Ian Christian of Yorkville was named a McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist and was awarded scholarships from Missouri University of Science & Technology and the University of Kentucky. He will attend Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Douglas Conroy of Geneva was awarded scholarships from Carthage College, Regis University and St. Ambrose University. He will attend Purdue University.

Alexander Cook of Oswego will attend the College of DuPage.

Matthew Cyr of Somonauk was awarded scholarships from the Illinois Institute of Technology and Southern Illinois University. He will attend the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Nicholas Daly of Winfield, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded a Nomination to the US Naval Academy, Navy ROTC Scholarship and scholarships from Purdue University and University of Minnesota. He will attend the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Sean Dant of Batavia was awarded scholarships from St. Thomas University and the University of Dayton. He will attend the University of Dayton.

Daniel Deufel of Aurora will attend Waubonsee Community College.

Shawn DeWane, Jr. of St. Charles will attend the College of DuPage.

Kyle Dillenburg of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a St. Ambrose University Scholarship and will attend St. Ambrose University.

Alexander Dransoff of Batavia was awarded and Army ROTC Scholarship and scholarships from Christian Brothers University, Grand View University and Norwich University. He will attend North Georgia College.

Andrew Feliciano of Warrenville will attend the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Peter Flight of Oswego was awarded scholarships from Eastern Michigan University and the University of Cincinnati. He will attend the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Gregory Foote of Naperville was awarded the Geneva Hockey Club Scholarship and will attend the University of Iowa.

Robert Fortier of Geneva, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Butler University, Creighton University, Loyola University Chicago, St. Louis University and the University of Iowa. He will attend Creighton University.

Andrew Funk of Batavia was awarded a Carthage College Scholarship and will attend Ball State University.

Daniel Garofalo of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was a McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist, recipient of the Ted Brattin Civic Youth Leadership Award, Community Foundation Danny McCue Memorial/Aurora Firefighters Scholarship, and was awarded scholarships from Marquette University, Miami University of Ohio, Ohio State University, University of Colorado at Boulder and University of Iowa. He will attend the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Matthew Gibson of Batavia was named an Army ROTC Scholarship Finalist and will attend Iowa State University.

Kristofer Gillette of Aurora was awarded scholarships from Aurora University, Benedictine University, Bradley University and Purdue University. He will attend Bradley University.

Keith Ginn of Geneva will attend Elmhurst College.

Matthew Grange of Wheaton was awarded a Nomination & Appointment to United States Military Academy and an Army ROTC Scholarship. He will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Jacob Graves of Newark was awarded a Michigan State University Scholarship and will attend Michigan State University.

Elliott Guerrero of North Aurora will attend Southern Illinois University.

Reid Gundrum of Batavia was awarded a University of Wisconsin Platteville Scholarship and will attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

Michael Halles of Oswego, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded an Army ROTC Scholarship and scholarships from Augustana College, John Carroll University, St. Ambrose University, St. Norbert University, University of Dayton and the University of Tampa. He will attend Indiana University.

Timothy Handell of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, is a McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist and was awarded a Community Foundation Arthur D & Mary Ann Court Scholarship. He will attend the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Alexander Heinen of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a Michigan State University Scholarship and will attend the University of Iowa.

Armando Hermosillo, Jr. of Batavia was awarded scholarships from DePaul University, St. Ambrose University, St. Joseph’s College, St. Xaivier University, University of Dayton and Western Illinois University. He will attend DePaul University.

Christopher Heuman of Elburn, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Finalist Scholarship Winner and Illinois State Scholar, will attend the University of Illinois, Urbana.

Lee Hinterlong of Aurora will attend the College of DuPage.

Kristopher Hoang of Aurora will attend Southern Illinois University.

Bryson Hope of Sugar Grove will attend Carroll College.

Daniel Housh of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a Marquette University Scholarship and will attend Marquette University.

Ryan Hunt of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded Scholarships from Carthage College, Drake University, Elmhurst College and University of Iowa. He will attend Drake University.

Thomas Hymel of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar and University of Illinois Chancellor’s Scholar, was awarded the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal and scholarships from Miami University of Ohio and the University of Illinois. He will attend the University of Illinois, Urbana.

David Iozzo of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Kettering University, Rose-Hulman University and the University of Dayton. He will attend Kettering University.

Steven Johnson of North Aurora was a St. Louis University Scholarship and will attend St. Louis University.

Emmanuel Juarez of Aurora was awarded Scholarships from North Central College, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University and St. Francis University. He will attend North Central College.

Joseph Kalina of St. Charles will attend the University of Iowa. Steven Kluber of Aurora was awarded scholarships from Carthage College, Carroll College, Loras College, Northland College, St. Ambrose University and the University of Dubuque. He will attend Loras College.

Jonathan Knoebel of Oswego will attend the College of DuPage.

Luke Kolquist of Geneva was awarded scholarships from Bradley University, Regis University, St. Norbert University and University of Dayton. He will attend of Butler University.

Kyle Kralka of Geneva was awarded a Community Foundation Dunham Scholarship and Aurora University Scholarship. He will attend Aurora University.

Allen C. Kus of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a Batavia Lions Club Scholarship, Junior Achievement Award and scholarships from Bowling Green University, Bradley University, Butler University, University of Dayton, University of Iowa and the University of Nebraska. He will attend Bradley University.

Nicholas Leon of Aurora was awarded a St. Norbert University Scholarship and will attend St. Norbert University.

Edward Leonard of Geneva, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded a Nomination and Appointment to US Coast Guard Academy, an Air Force ROTC Scholarship, Fermilab Scholarship and Iowa State University Scholarship. He will attend Iowa State University.

Daniel Linden of Aurora will attend the University of Iowa.

Michael Lonero of Batavia was awarded scholarships from St. Ambrose University and St. Norbert University. He will attend St. Norbert University.

Justin Lovelace of North Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the Hansen-Furnas Foundation Scholarship and scholarships from Loras College, Marquette University, Miami University of Ohio, Northern Illinois University and the University of Dayton. He will attend the University of Dayton.

Ryan Lutz of North Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a Nomination and Appointment to US Air Force Academy, Air Force ROTC Scholarship and scholarships from Michigan State University and Ohio State University. He will attend United States Air Force Academy.

Mark Malkowski of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was named Daily Herald Leadership Team Honorable Mention, McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist and was awarded scholarships from Augustana College, Bradley University and St. Ambrose University. He will attend St. Ambrose University.

Luke Martinez of Sugar Grove, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded swimming scholarships from University of Illinois Chicago, University of Wisconsin Green Bay and University of Wyoming. He will attend the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Conor McDonnell of Winfield, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded scholarships from Loyola University Chicago, Marquette University and Northern Michigan University. He will attend Loyola University, Chicago.

Matthew McHugh of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Benedictine University, Carthage College, Elmhurst College, Lewis University, Loyola University, North Central College and St. John’s University. He will attend Elmhurst College.

Jonathan Medernach of Aurora was awarded a Loyola University Scholarship and will attend Loyola University, Chicago.

Michael Meszaros, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded a Nomination & Appointment to United States Military Academy and an Army JROTC Scholarship. He will attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Maxwell Mickey of North Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the NUCOR Scholarship and scholarships from Carroll College, Concordia University, Dominican University and St. John’s University. He will attend Dominican University.

Timothy Milroy, Jr. of Batavia was awarded scholarships from Aurora University, Carthage College, Concordia University and Loras College. He will attend Concordia University.

Joseph Minardi of Yorkille, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the United States President’s Volunteer Service Award, Illinois AMVET Service Foundation Scholarship and scholarships from Ave Maria University, Benedictine University and the University of Dallas. He will attend the University of Dallas.

Frank Monzo, IV of St. Charles will attend the University of Nebraska. Garrett Morales of St. Charles, an Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Butler University, Marquette University, Miami University of Ohio and Xavier University. He will attend Butler University.

Paul Mueller of Batavia will attend Illinois State University.

Zachary Nickels of Montgomery, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was an Army ROTC Scholarship Finalist. He will attend Indiana University.

Michael O’Brien of St. Charles, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar and Illinois State Scholar, was a Chicago Tribune Illinois All State Academic Team Nominee and McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist. He was awarded the Riceland Rice Scholarship, Best Buy Scholarship and scholarships from Christian Brothers University and Marquette University. He will attend the University of Notre Dame.

Nelson Oelker of Aurora was awarded the Community Foundation Danny McCue Memorial/Aurora Firefighters Scholarship and a Northern Michigan University Scholarship. He will attend Northern Michigan University.

Andrew Palacios of Lisle was awarded scholarships from Benedictine University and Southern Illinois University. He will attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Richard Peck, Jr. of St. Charles, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the Community Foundation M/M William P. Hilgen Scholarship and scholarships from Loyola University and Swarthmore College. He will attend Swarthmore College.

Joseph Phelan of Geneva was awarded the Belmont Abbey Scholarship and will attend Franciscan University.

M. Alexander Picini of Batavia will attend the University of Alabama.

Benjamin Pointer of Lisle was awarded a St. Ambrose University Scholarship and will attend St. Ambrose University.

James Polek of St. Charles, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the University of Wyoming Scholarship and will attend the University of Wyoming.

Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist, was awarded scholarships from Bradley University, Clarke University, Loras College, Loyola University, St. Ambrose University and Xaiver University. He will attend Loyola University, Chicago.

Robert Reder of Aurora was awarded scholarships from Aurora University, Carthage College, Loras College and the University of Wisconsin Platteville. He will attend the University of Wisconsin Platteville.

Alex Rich of St. Charles was awarded an AMVETS Scholarship and scholarships from Augustana College, Loyola University and Marquette University. He will attend the University of Iowa.

Michael Rios of North Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar and McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist, was awarded the Community Foundation – Kiwanis Club of Aurora – Dr. Harry Y. Greeley Scholarship, City of Aurora Hispanic Heritage Scholarship and scholarships from Butler University, Creighton University, Marquette University, Miami University of Ohio, University of Dayton, University of Illinois and the University of Iowa. He will attend Creighton University.

Robert Rodriguez of North Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded the Community Foundation – Dikes Family Scholarship, Marquette University Scholarship and scholarships from Boston University, Columbia University and Northwestern University. He will attend Northwestern University.

Scott Rome, Jr. of Aurora will attend Arizona State University.

William Brent Rosenfelder of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded a Knights of Columbus Scholarship and Augustana College Scholarship. He will attend Indiana University.

Tyler Schmidt of Elburn was awarded an Army ROTC Scholarship and will attend Northern Michigan University.

Gordon Scott of Aurora, a National Merit Commended Scholar and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded a Citadel Foundation Scholarship and will attend The Citidel.

William Simon of LaGrange, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar and Illinois State Scholar, was named Daily Herald Academic Team Honorable Mention and was awarded scholarships from Loyola University and Marquette University. He will attend Loyola University Chicago.

Tyler Smith of Aurora was awarded the University of Dubuque Scholarship and will attend Eastern Illinois University.

Jack Spirou of St. Charles was awarded scholarships from Hamline University, Franciscan University, North Central College, St. Joseph’s College and Xavier University. He will attend Hamline University.

Joshua Stein of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was an IHSA All-State Academic Team Nominee and McCormick Tribune Citizenship Scholarship Finalist. He was awarded scholarships from Loyola University and Marquette University. He will attend Loyola University Chicago.

Robert Stevenson, Jr. of Naperville was awarded a Marquette University Scholarship and will attend Purdue University.

Thomas Stoecker of Aurora was an Army ROTC Scholarship Finalist and will attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Zachary Strong of North Aurora was awarded scholarships from Iowa State University and the University of Hawaii. He will attend the University of Hawaii Manoa.

Peter Studlo of Batavia was awarded scholarships from Illinois Wesleyan University and Milikin University. He will attend Illinois Wesleyan University.

Peter Tate of St. Charles will attend the University of Alabama.

Paul Tkach of Geneva, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Augustana College, Illinois Wesleyan University, Luther College, St.Ambrose University, St. Olaf College and Valparaiso University. He will attend Illinois Wesleyan University.

Brian Tsang of Naperville was awarded scholarships from Benedictine University and the University of Dubuque. He will attend the University of Dubuque.

Noel VanScoit of Aurora was awarded the Community Foundation Robert G. Schweitzer Scholarship and the Milwaukee School of Engineering Scholarship. He will attend the Milwaukee School of Engineering.

Thomas Vant of St. Charles was awarded scholarships from Bradley University, Clarke College, Loras College and St. Ambrose University. He will attend Clarke College.

Alexander Vlakancic of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the Lucile Gustafson Scholarship and scholarships from Carthage College and Eureka College. He will attend Waubonsee Community College.

Mark Waitkus of North Aurora was awarded scholarships from Benedictine University and St. Ambrose University. He will attend St. Ambrose University.

Christopher Weger of Aurora will attend Waubonsee Community College.

Mitchell Weiler of Hinckley will attend Indiana University.

Thomas Weiler of Aurora, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, was awarded the St. Norbert College Scholarship. He will attend St. Norbert College.

Taylor Weis of Batavia, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society, National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State Scholar and member of the Daily Herald Leadership Team, was awarded scholarships from Creighton University, Indiana University, Miami University of Ohio, Marquette University, University of Dayton, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa. He will attend Indiana University.

Mark Weiss of Batavia will attend the University of Iowa.

Brian Weltzer of Sugar Grove, an Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Loyola University, Marquette University, St. Xavier University and the University of Dayton. He will attend the University of Illinois.

Christopher West of Montgomery, a member of the Marmion Academy Chapter National Honor Society and Illinois State Scholar, was awarded scholarships from Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Illinois and Valparaiso University. He will attend the University of Illinois.

Robert Whitehead, Jr. of Geneva was awarded a St. Ambrose University Scholarship and will attend Western Illinois University.

Andrew Wynykoski of St. Charles was awarded the Raymond Kuffel/Marquette Club of Chicago Scholarship and the University of Dayton Scholarship. He will attend Marquette University.

Nicholas Zuccarini of Geneva was an Army ROTC Scholarship Finalist and was awarded the Norwich University Scholarship. He will attend Norwich University.

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05-21-08: Marmion Math Teacher Receives Rising Star Award

Marmion Academy’s Mathematics Department Chairman Joe Large received the Rising Star Award from the Chicago Mathematics Teachers Association at their April banquet. Mr. Large then accepted an invitation to join the Board of Directors for MTA.

Mr. Large, a 1997 Marmion graduate, has taught at the all-boys college preparatory school in Aurora for four years. He is a member of the Illinois and National Councils of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematics Department Heads of the Western Chicago Suburbs. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and computer science and a Master’s Degree in computer science from the University of Illinois, Urbana. This year, under his leadership, the Marmion Math Team recorded their highest State Finals finish, placing 7th overall in Division 2A.

For more information on the faculty and staff of Marmion Academy visit www.marmion.org/academy/faculty.html.

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05-20-08: Marmion Drill Team Places 5th at National Championships

Marmion Academy’s Flannigan Rifles JROTC Military Drill Team capped a spectacular season by achieving a 5th place finish at the 26th Annual National High School Drill Team Championships held in Daytona Beach, Florida May 3-4, 2008. Marmion entered teams in five competition divisions.

In the Masters Demilitarized Armed Regulation categories, junior Nathan Valaik of Naperville led his platoon to a 5th place finish. The IDR inspection platoon, again led by Valaik placed 9th. Marmion’s Color Guard commanded by senior Ryan Lutz of North Aurora placed 14th. In the Demilitarized Arms Exhibition categories, the Squad, under the leadership of senior Thomas Stoecker of Aurora placed 9th. In the Platoon competition of the same event Marmion’s 13 member platoon under the leadership of senior John Medernach of Aurora earned a 7th place finish. Marmion entered teams in the Solo Exhibition Division and the Duet Division.

In the solo division senior Michael Meszaros of Batavia placed 7th in a field of 69 competitors. Zach Nickels of Montgomery placed 29th. In the Duet competition, Marmion’s duet of seniors Nick Zuccarini of Geneva and Peter Tate of St. Charles finished in 5th place. Meszaros and Tom Stoecker earned a 7th place finish for their routine.

Finally, in the “Knock-Out” competition where individuals execute moves at the command of a Drill Sergeant, senior Ryan Lutz earned a 9th place medallion. In this competition of some 700 cadets, judges from all four branches of the military walk the drill floor looking for the tiniest error as a Drill Sergeant barks commands to the crowded formation of cadets.

The National High School Drill Team Championships remain the most famous Junior ROTC military drill & ceremony competition in the world. This two day competition brings together the finest performance military drill teams from Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force JROTC programs from throughout the United States. This year 70 teams competed in three event divisions. Marmion competed against 35 other schools in the highly skilled Masters Demilitarized Arms Division. Teams entering this division compete using demilitarized 9 pound rifles. Those in the two other divisions compete either unarmed or using a lighter weight parade rifle. All teams must qualify for participation at Nationals. The selection process considers placement in regional JROTC Drill Meets as well as past performance at the National Meet.

The Nationals marks the end of Drill competition for 13 Marmion seniors. They were recognized for their contribution to the team and thank them for their leadership over the last four years. Seniors (and the colleges they will attend) include: Alex Dransoff of Batavia, North Georgia Military School; Daniel Garofalo of Aurora, Univ. of Illinois; Michael Halles of Oswego, Univ. of Indiana; Ryan Lutz of North Aurora, U.S. Air Force Academy; John Medernach of Aurora, Loyola University; Michael Meszaros of Batavia, U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Frank Monzo of St. Charles, Univ. of Nebraska; Zach Nickels of Montgomery, Univ. of Indiana; Graeme Quinn of Sugar Grove, Loyola University; Tyler Schmidt of Elburn, Northern Michigan University; Thomas Stoecker of Aurora, Southern Illinois University; Peter Tate of St. Charles, Univ. of Alabama; Nick Zuccarini of Geneva, Norwich College.

Flannigan Rifles is directed by John Gissel, SGM, USA (Ret) a 1969 graduate of Marmion Academy. In his 7 years of directing teams at the National Meet, SGM Gissel has seen steady improvement of his cadets. In 2004, Flannigan Rifles finished 14th in the nation and in 2005 they placed 7th overall. The team finished in 4th place in 2006 and 2007.

For more information or to view additional photographs of the competition please visit the Marmion’s online photo gallery at www.marmionacademy.smugmug.com.

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05-11-08: Marmion Monk Ordained to the Priesthood

Bishop Arthur O’Neill of the Diocese of Rockford ordained Rev. Damien Daprai OSB to the priesthood on May 10, 2008, in the Marmion Abbey Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury in Aurora. Rev. Daprai entered Marmion Abbey as a postulant on January 30, 2002 and was invested with the Benedictine habit, beginning his novice year on July 10, 2003. He professed his first vows as a junior monk on July 11, 2004. Br. Daprai finished his studies for the priesthood this school year at St. Mary of the Lake Seminary in Mundelein, IL.

By sacred Ordination a sacrament is conferred on priests through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. As the II Vatican Council teaches, “priests are signed with a special character and are so configured to Christ the Priest that they have the power to act in the person of Christ the Head” (Decree on Priests, no. 2). Marmion Abbey priests minister to their Benedictine community, the students of the Academy and to assist in the parochial ministry of the local Church. Monastic life is neither exclusively clerical or lay, but rather a gift of the Holy Spirit which calls monks to pray at the heart of the Church and to work for the salvation of souls according to needs of the local Church. Some monks are called to the sacrament of Ordination and others are not. But all are called to a life of prayer and work within their religious community that has welcomed them.

Marmion Abbey and Academy were named in honor of Abbot Columba Marmion OSB (1858-1923) who was renowned for his heroic virtue, sanctity of life and spiritual writings. Marmion originated in 1933 from the St. Meinrad Abbey in Indiana as a Priory to conduct the former Fox Valley Catholic High School for Boys on Lake Street in Aurora with fifteen Benedictine monks. March 21, 1947, Marmion was elevated from a Priory to an independent Abbey with 32 charter members. Marmion Abbey currently consists of 40 members (30 priests and 10 brothers), three are Pastors of Aurora parishes and seven are members of the San José Priory and Seminary in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, Central America.

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04-30-08: Marmion Inducts National Honor Society Members

Thirty-three Marmion Academy juniors were inducted into the Marmion chapter of the National Honors Society on April 29. These students were presented their society pin by their parents, signed their name into record and received their certificate of membership.

Marmion juniors selected for induction include: Ryan Boone of Geneva, David Brouch of Aurora, Daniel Conlin of Aurora, Austin Cox of St. Charles, Thomas Currie of Batavia, Michael Duhig of St. Charles, Christopher Dukes of Elburn, Andrew Ferrer of Plano, Salvatore Filardi of North Aurora, Benedict Fischer of Batavia, Luke Friedman of Geneva, Joseph Fuja of St. Charles, Jeffrey Gerold of St. Charles, Colin Hirsch of Genoa, Ryan Hoffman of Sugar Grove, Matthew Jacobs of Geneva, Kevin Kavanaugh of Yorkville, Colin King of Geneva, Matthew Kramer of Sugar Grove, Kevin Lill of Yorkville, Gregory Liske of Bristol, Brett Loehmann of Big Rock, Nicholas Matsie of Aurora, Nathan McGinn of DeKalb, Jared Meyer of Batavia, Jacob Moore of North Aurora, Mitchell Ruble of Aurora, Nicholas Scanlan of Sugar Grove, Michael Shay of Aurora, Nathaniel Valaik of Naperville, Samuel VanDyck of St. Charles, Brian Vasquez of North Aurora and James Wollwert of Aurora.

With induction, a member assumes certain obligations and must maintain and encourage high standards of Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. The chapter conducts a service project for the school or community, and sees to the development of an individual service project for each member. In addition, regular meetings of the chapter are held to conduct chapter business and communicate with members. All active NHS chapter members are expected to support these and other chapter activities. Member’s projects include a Battle of the Bands competition and "Adopt a Highway" project which they share with Student Council. The Marmion Academy chapter of the National Honor Society is moderated by Marmion instructor Rita Bergeron of Batavia.

Additional photos from the ceremony can be viewed and purchased online at www.marmionacademy.smugmug.com.

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04-04-08: MarmionJunior Scores Perfect 36 on ACT

Marmion Academy junior Jeffrey Gerold of St. Charles scored a perfect 36 on his ACT taken in December 2007. He is one of only four students in Illinois (12,000 testers) to achieve this mark. Only 39 students of 370,000 testers nation-wide achieved a perfect score on this test date.

Jeffrey is president of the Latin Club, co-captain of the Math Team and a member of the Varsity Tennis Team. Jeffrey attended Haines Middle School in St. Charles. Marmion Academy, a Catholic-Benedictine college preparatory high school for young men, is a community dedicated to spiritual formation, academic excellence and leadership development.

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