Noonan Academy Students Celebrate Constitution Day

Noonan Elementary Academy is an independent Catholic school in Mokena serving preschool through 8th grade. In honor of Constitution Day, which occurred on Friday, September 17th, junior high students in 5th-8th grades were given the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge about the Constitution.

A Noonan parent donated 40 pocket copies of the Constitution to be handed out as prizes to those who were able to explain why September 17th is an important date in American history in addition to answering three follow-up questions. “The follow-up questions where really used to flesh out the importance of September 17th,” stated Mrs. Kush, Communications Coordinator at Noonan. “What year was the Constitution ratified? Name three delegates that didn’t sign the Constitution or name the state they represented? What is a Federalist? The point was to get those students who chose to participate to really think about how all of those things impacted the signing on September 17th.” Students had from Tuesday, September 14th through Friday, September 17th to participate. “What this also did was allows Noonan to reinforce our objective. First and foremost, we are a Catholic school, and we are very proud of that fact. Actually, we are unapologetic about it. Secondly, we are a school of academic excellence, and our results speak for themselves. You can view all our test results on our website. Our students statistically score at least two grades higher than their current grade. Third, we are an American school, and we take that honor very seriously. Every morning after prayer our students recite the Pledge of Allegiance. In fact, our uniform colors are the exact same shades of red and blue found on the American flag, and to the best of my knowledge our students have always been in session on Veteran’s Day to pay honor and respect to those who have served and those who are currently serving by way of a special Mass and Tribute at the school.”

Twenty-one junior high students earned their very own pocket copy of the Constitution. 5th grade: Joseph Bader, Ryder Doty, Ryliegh McQuillan, Ashika Patel, Jorja So, and Noah Sweis. 6th grade: Addison Armon, Desmond Gill, Maxim Jelinek, Jillian So, and Madeline Teague. 7th grade: Carina Diorio, Rachel Dunn, and Jenna Hong. 8th grade: Bryce Christian, Riyaa Jain, Ishaan Patel, Julia McCarty, Amelia Teague, Aidan Villasenor, and Annie Villasenor. “All of the students did a phenomenal job. Without fail, all 8th graders who participated were able to explain not only what a Federalist was but also their core beliefs. The best reaction for answering correctly and receiving a pocket Constitution was by far by 5th grader Joseph Bader. I have never seen a child so excited. It was the absolutely best.”

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Scholarships are available; please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information. www.noonanacademy.org