Nazareth Academy Class Of 2018 Graduates

LA GRANGE PARK, IL — On May 20, Nazareth Academy held a Graduation Mass and Commencement at the Westin Lombard for the 162 graduates of the Class of 2018. The school said these graduates will attend 70 colleges across 23 states. They have earned $20 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.

The Class of 2018 boasts two National Merit Commended Scholars, 39 Illinois State Scholars and a Chick Evans Scholar. The class has one appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy, according to the school.

Father Johnpaul Cafiero, a familiar Mass presider at Nazareth, served as Homilist, delivering the Baccalaureate Address on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff.

James Moster of Clarendon Hills, Valedictorian, gave the Graduation Address. He spoke of the unique ways the Class of 2018 has created a legacy at Nazareth and challenged them to not let the fires of their passions die out.

“The smoke of our burning passions has permeated every room of the school these four years. Let people complain about smoke in their eyes or how brightly you shine, because they’re just blind to the beauty of grit. You might not know where you’re going or even where you’ve been, and that’s okay. Keep your hope-filled eyes on the horizon, but don’t forget to scan the ground ahead of you. Figure out which way the wind is
blowing and then build a sail," Moster said during his speech.

Valedictorian

Valedictorian James Moster will attend the University of Notre Dame next fall. The school said Moster has undertaken a rigorous Nazareth course schedule of Honors and AP classes, and has been on “A”
Honor Roll every quarter. Moster is a Congregation of St. Joseph Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar and a
member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and
Mu Alpha Theta.

Moster ran Cross Country for four years and was an active member of Student Council’s Executive Committee, a Roadrunner Club ambassador and part of the Naz Drama program, performing in four spring musicals. At Nazareth’s Awards presentation he received the 2017-18 AP Biology, Social Studies and Italian Achievement Awards as well as the American Legion School Award.

Salutatorian

The Salutatorian is Samuel Byczek of La Grange, who will attend the University of Southern California in the fall. The school said Byczek is a recipient of a National Merit Letter of Commendation, a Congregation of St. Joseph Scholar, an “A” Honor Roll student, an Illinois State Scholar and a two-sport student-athlete, playing both football and baseball. At the 2018 Awards Ceremony, he was named the 2018 Outstanding Male Scholar-Athlete. Byczek has been inducted into the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, French Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He is also the recipient of the 2017-18 AP Physics and French Achievement Awards.

Sr. Oliver Donlin Service Award

Sister Oliver Donlin gave 35 years of her life to Nazareth Academy as teacher and principal. According to the school, through her influence, Nazareth created the philosophy of developing the whole person, challenging each student to reach his or her potential, and then using their knowledge, skills and gifts to bring about a better world, a world of unity and peace. Each year, in her memory, the faculty and staff are asked to nominate a senior who has given outstanding service to Nazareth Academy. This is the very highest service award that can be earned by a graduating senior and the only award given out on the day of Graduation.

The 2018 Oliver Donlin Service Award Recipient is Jamie Glas of Darien. The school said Glas is a true servant leader. She has upheld Nazareth’s pillars of scholarship, service, spirit and unity and has accepted the challenge of striving to reach her potential by developing the whole person. She was a leader throughout her high school years as a member of Student Council, Youth Initiative and multiple honors societies.

The school said Glas was a Service Team leader as well as a Retreat leader for multiple student retreats throughout the year. She participated in the life of Nazareth Academy as student ambassador in the Roadrunner Club and in the Campus Ministry program. She was also the recipient of the Religious Studies Award and Outstanding Service Award for 2017-18. Glas will attend Loyola University in the fall.

Community Awards

Several members of the Class of 2018 received recognition and scholarships from local community organizations.

• American Legion School Awards: Veronica Alfred, James Moster
• American Legion Boys State Award: Gavin Smith
• Elizabeth Anne Rimkus Memorial Scholarship for the Arts: Abigail Legner
• Legacy Guild Scholarship: Gabrielle Meyer
• Lisa Marie Santoro Foundation Scholarship: Alani Claudio
• Richport YMCA Men’s Club Service Award: Eileen Wisniowicz
• Westmont Lions Club Senior Scholarship: Eileen Wisniowicz
• Westmont Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation Award: Eileen Wisniowicz

2018 Athletes of the Year

61 students were named Nazareth Academy Scholar Athletes, meaning they participated at the Varsity level of at least one sport while maintaining at least a 3.5 GPA, the school said. Nazareth’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year were Samuel Byczek and Cheryl Hohl, and Nazareth’s Athletes of the Year were Mia Longo and Gavin Smith.

Photos provided by Nazareth Academy.