Western Springs Student Earns Sr. Oliver Donlin Service Award

Submitted by Nazareth Academy.

On May 24, Nazareth Academy held a Graduation Mass and Commencement at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace for the 163 graduates of the Class of 2015.

These graduates will attend 66 colleges across 23 states. They have earned over $18.9 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.

The Class of 2015 boasts one National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist, three National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholars, one National Merit Scholarship Program Outstanding Participant and 38 Illinois State Scholars. The class has one appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Students from the Class of 2015 were accepted to over 160 colleges and universities, including such prestigious institutions as Dartmouth University, University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Washington University, Boston College and Carnegie Mellon University.

Sister Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ served as Homilist, delivering the Baccalaureate Address on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff, encouraging the Class of 2015 to seek and appreciate the transformative power of love, family and forgiveness. Senior Class President Rebecca Hammond offered a reflection and Meghan Sullivan, Valedictorian, gave the Graduation Address. Meghan reminded all those in attendance that, “at Naz, we have always held the pen as the writers of our own legacy.” She encouraged the graduating class to continue to write their own stories with passion and with compassion.

Each student also received a medal of St. Joseph “On the Journey,” designed by Mary Southard, CSJ, Nazareth Class of 1954, for the graduates of the three Congregation of Saint Joseph sister schools. Graduation brings each class to a new journey in a world that hungers for generous leadership. The medal serves as a reminder for graduates to value their Catholic education at Nazareth Academy.

Valedictorian

The Valedictorian is Meghan Sullivan of Stickney who will attend the University of Notre Dame next fall, seeking a Pre-Med English major. While undertaking a rigorous Nazareth course schedule of Honors and 5 AP classes, Meghan has been on “A” Honor Roll every quarter, received a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation, and is an Illinois State Scholar and a member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society.

“I am honored to be the Valedictorian of the Class of 2015,” says Meghan. “It is a true testament to the wonderful opportunities and amazing support systems present at Nazareth. I am proud to represent such a great school and class of students.”

At Nazareth, Meghan was involved in The Announcer, Class Board, Model UN, Band, Hodgkins Tutoring, Youth Initiative and Roadrunner Club. As a member of the Math Club, she was on the 7th place Oral Team in State competition in 2014 and on the 10th place Precalculus team and 1st place Junior/Senior 8-person team at State this year.

Salutatorian

The Salutatorian is Autumn Biliskov of Chicago, who will study Bio-Medical Engineering at St. Louis University in the fall. Autumn is an “A” Honor Roll student taking a challenging course schedule, including five AP classes junior and senior years. She is heavily involved in Nazareth’s Campus Ministry program as a retreat and service team leader.

“It’s such an honor to be named Salutatorian,” Autumn says. “It seems like just yesterday I was entering high school, learning what my honors courses were. Now, to be graduating as second in my class, is a culmination of my education up to this point, and also a forecast of what I will accomplish as an honors student in college and as a career-woman in the future.”

Autumn is a Senior Board representative, member of Youth Initiative and Roadrunner Club, Project Manager for EPICS and National Honor Society Treasurer. She has also been inducted into National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta math honor society.

Sr. Oliver Donlin Service Award

Sister Oliver Donlin gave 35 years of her life to Nazareth Academy as teacher and principal. 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.

Congratulations to the 2015 Oliver Donlin Service Award Recipient, Adeline Doyle of Western Springs.

Much to the point of this award, Addie 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 has been a leader throughout her high school years as a three-sport athlete, member of Youth Initiative, a Service Team leader, and a member of multiple academic honor societies. She participates as a leader on Class Board, in the Roadrunner Club and in the Campus Ministry program, serving as a Retreat leader for both Kairos and class retreats.

Adeline is also an Illinois State Scholar and recipient of a National Merit Scholarship Program Letter of Commendation.

“Addie’s energy, enthusiasm and caring heart, combined with her humility, have truly left a mark on Nazareth Academy and in the hearts of all of us who have been lucky enough to know and work with her. She shines in every way and her presence makes us better, always,” said Deborah Tracy, Principal, in presenting the award.

Community Awards

During an Awards presentation to graduates on May 22, several members of the Class of 2015 received recognition and scholarships from local community organizations. Nazareth congratulates the following students:

• Austin Brown received the DAR Good Citizen Award.
• Kathleen King, Alexandra Plenys and Courtney Urzen each received the Sheriff’s Youth Service Medal of Honor.
• Madison Lozanoski received the Kelli Joy O’Laughlin Memorial Scholarship and the Richport YMCA Men’s Club Service Award.
• Nicolette Pedersen received the Lisa Marie Santoro Foundation Scholarship.
• Sydney Stancik received the American Legion School Award and the Richport YMCA Men’s Club Service Award.
• Ryan Woods received the American Legion School Award.
• Noah Young received the Elizabeth Anne Rimkus Memorial Scholarship for the Arts.

2015 Athletes of the Year

Fifty-nine 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.

Congratulations to Nazareth’s Scholar-Athletes of the Year, John Bonaguro and Adeline Doyle, and to Nazareth’s Athletes of the Year, Matthew Flach and Julia Saunders.

Nazareth Academy, a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school serving families from 55 communities and over 100 grade schools in Chicago and the western suburbs, established in 1900 and sponsored by the congregation of St. Joseph, values scholarship, service, spirit, and unity.

Photo 1: Sister Oliver Donlin Award Winner, Adeline Doyle.

Photo 2: Class of 2015 Salutatorian Autumn Biliskov and Valedictorian Meghan Sullivan

Photo 3: Class of 2015 Athletes of the Year, Matthew Flach and Julia Saunders

Photo 4: Katherine Hill, Tony Calles, Elena Sofia, Rebecca Hammond, Kristian Martinez

Photo 5: Margaret Harrington, Meghan Sullivan, Austin Brown

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