MAA’s Megan Sempkowski Wins 2010 Marquette Bank Education Foundation Scholarship
March 24, 2010 – - Mount Assisi Academy senior Megan Sempkowski was recently named one of the area winners of the Marquette Bank Education Foundation’s 2010 Scholarship – a $3,500 award for college. Megan, who resides in Worth, Illinois, was chosen for this honor based on the following criteria: financial need, community service, and scholastic achievement. Megan ‘s college plans include majoring in Forensic Science, and she has already received a scholarship offer from the University of New Haven in Connecticut – a school known for its outstanding Forensic Science program.
Mount Assisi Academy President K. Tina Donahue, a member of MAA’s Class of 1964, congratulates Megan on her accomplishments noting, “Megan has worked hard throughout her years here ‘on the Hill,’ participating in the Ambassadors Club, Spanish Club, Math Team, Science Club, and Freshman Mentoring Program. In addition to her co-curricular activities and studies, Megan volunteers at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn. I am confident that she will also do well in college,” Tina continued.
Megan will formally receive her Marquette Bank Education Foundation Scholarship award at a May 4, 2010, awards ceremony. Throughout the past 43 years, Marquette Bank has provided over $2 million dollars in scholarships to more than 1,100 college-bound seniors in the neighborhoods it serves. The Marquette Bank tradition continues in 2010 and looks forward to greeting all of the 2010 winners.
Mount Assisi Academy principal Sister Mary Francis Werner, MAA President K. Tina Donahue and MAA Director of Counseling Ernest Cherullo congratulate senior Megan Sempkowski (second from left) on winning a 2010 Marquette Bank Education Foundation Scholarship
7 Mt. Assisi Academy Seniors Named 2010 Illinois State Scholars
Mount Assisi Academy, in conjunction with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), is proud to announce that 7 seniors have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars for 2010.
Mount Assisi Academy seniors Maria Radcliffe, Jessica Curbis, Abigail Durkin, Amanda Ferstead, Amanda Gesiorski, Julia Marbach, , and Gina O’Driscoll ranked among the best and the brightest across the state of Illinois when it comes to academic achievement. Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of the state’s high school seniors. Selection is based on SAT, ACT, and/or Prairie State Achievement Exam scores, and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. High school guidance counselors work in conjunction with ISAC to determine the winners.
“These students personify academic excellence coupled with personal integrity,” stated MAA Principal Sister Mary Francis Werner, SSFCR. “Mount Assisi Academy continues its 57-year tradition of educating young women in the Franciscan tradition, and recognizes the determination and devotion to academic achievement of our 2010 Illinois State Scholars. We salute these young women, along with their families and teachers as they continue to ‘Believe, Achieve, and Succeed’ in preparation for their post-secondary educational pursuits,” Sister Mary Francis continued.
While the prestigious recognition of being named an Illinois State Scholar does not provide a monetary award, winners of this honor are encouraged to cite the award on applications for college admission and scholarships. It is a universal fact that competition for college admission and scholarships is tough – and getting tougher in the today’s economy. Illinois State Scholars have proven that they are capable of attaining academic excellence in a variety of disciplines – an outstanding example of the results of a solid work ethic coupled with exceptional instructional strategies. This honor places high school seniors in excellent standing when it comes time for college admissions boards to review applications.
Congratulatory letters from the ISAC and Certificates of Achievement have been mailed to Mount Assisi Academy for distribution to its Illinois State Scholars during the annual Senior Awards Assembly.
For more information, please contact Mount Assisi Academy at 630-257-7844.
MAA Students Earn CPR and AED Certification in PE Classes
February 25, 2010- – -Mount Assisi Academy students in Ms. Eileen Breslin’s physical education classes earned their CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) and AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) certification in a special three-day seminar taught by two members of Lemont’s Fire Protection District staff – Jeff Hawthorne, Public Education Coordinator, and EMS Director Al Bengtsson.
The first educational session took place Monday, February 23, and focused on Adult CPR and obstructed airway emergencies. Students received both classroom and hands-on instruction, practicing on Resuscitation Annie. Tuesday’s session dealt with CPR for children and introduced the AED to the students. The third and final day of class featured continued practice with the AED and infant CPR.
According to Jeff Hawthorne, prompt CPR efforts combined with AED utilization significantly increases the survival rates of individuals suffering sudden cardiac arrest. “After calling 9-1-1, CPR should be started immediately,” Hawthorne explained. “It is not hard to do, and trained individuals should not hesitate to start CPR in an emergency situation. The AED should also be utilized immediately,” he continued.
The CPR and AED instruction is part of MAA’s Life-Long Fitness & Physical Education Class.
(left to right) MAA seniors Cathy Wasielewski (Chicago-Mount Greenwood), Lauren Hubick (Tinley Park), Caren Wasielewski (Chicago-Mount Greenwood) and sophomore Jennifer Noonan (Mount Greenwood) practice CPR and using the AED during the Feb 23-25 training session in physical education class.
MAA students practice using the AED during Feb 23-25 training, under the watchful eyes of (l. to r.) Lemont Fire Protection District Public Education Coordinator Jeff Hawthorne , EMS Director Al Bengtsson and MAA faculty member Eileen Breslin. Students featured, left to right, include seniors Catie Wiley (Mount Greenwood), Molly Bell (Lemont), Mary De Mars (Indian Head Park), and sophomore Kaitlyn Sendzik (West Lawn.)
For more information regarding Mount Assisi Academy, please call 630-257-7844 or go to www.mtassisi.org.
MAA Math Team at ICTM State Math Regionals
February 24, 2010 – - – The Mount Assisi Academy Math Team, under the guidance of Ms. Linda Frieh and Ms. Susie Morrisey, participated in the February 20 Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM) Regional competition at Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, Illinois. In the weekend competition which included competitors from Beecher, Cornerstone, Grant Park, and Immaculate Conception, Mount Assisi’s team placed third in Division 1A.
The Algebra II team of Christine Bednarz (Palos Hills), Julia Dunford (Palos Heights), Jennifer Ferchau (Worth), Lisa Izquierdo (Lemont), Megan Kirkland (Evergreen Park), and Brittany Sepulveda (Romeoville) captured second place and qualified for the State Finals which will be held May 1, 2010 at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
The Oral team of Lisa Izquierdo and Maria Radcliffe (Lockport) won first place honors and also will be competing at the State Finals in May.
Mount Assisi’s high scorers for the February 20 competition included:
Precalculus: Jessica Curbis
(Crestwood), Georgina O’Driscoll (Crestwood)
Algebra II: Lisa Izquierdo
Geometry: Rebecca Wood (Lockport)
Algebra I: Sharon Desparrios (Chicago-Garfield Ridge)
Maria Radcliffe and Lisa Izquierdo show off their First Place (Oral Mathematics) trophies.
MAA Algebra II team of (back row, left to right) Megan Kirkland, Julia Dunford, Christine Bednarz and (front row, left to right) Jennifer Ferchau, Lisa Izquierdo, Brittany Sepulveda captured second place in the Feb 20 competition.
For more information regarding Mount Assisi Academy Math Team, please contact Ms. Linda Frieh at 630-257-7844.
MAA’s Amy Mlynarski Recipient of Comcast Scholarship
FEBRUARY 23, 2010- – -Amy Mlynarski, a senior at Mount Assisi Academy, was recently selected as a recipient of the 2010-2011 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship. This award, funded through The Comcast Foundation, recognizes high school seniors from Comcast communities for commitment to community service, academic achievement and demonstrated leadership. Amy received a one-time grant of $1,000.
Amy, a resident of Palos Heights, is a member of Mount Assisi’s tennis, basketball and soccer teams. She also is the Student Council historian; a member of the National Honor Society; senior class board member; Math team member and also a member of MAA’s Christian Life Community (CLC).
Amy plans on continuing her education at Lewis University, Romeoville in the fall of 2010.
Mount Assisi Academy Principal Sister Mary Francis Werner, SSFCR (left), and Ernest Cherullo, Director of Guidance and Counseling (right), congratulate 2010-2011 Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship winner Amy Mlynarski (center).
MAA Welcomes New President K. Tina Donahue, MAA Class of 1964
A distinguished alumna has been named new President of Mount Assisi Academy for the 2009-2010 school year, according to the school’s Board of Directors and School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King.
K. Tina Donahue, a current member of the Academy’s Board of Directors, assumed the role of President on Aug. 1. Sr. Ann Barbara Plavac, who has served as the school’s President for nearly four years, will be transitioning to the newly created position of Director of Franciscan Service. The moves are part of the Academy’s ongoing reorganization and enhancement of several areas, including the President’s Office, the educational programs and technology services.
“Tina brings a wealth of educational and business knowledge to our Academy and is well suited to guide us as we continue working to improve our entire educational experience, positioning the Academy for the future,” said Daniel Broadhurst, Chairman of the Mt. Assisi Board of Directors.
While Ms. Donahue is the first lay person to serve in the role of President at Mount Assisi, her appointment is part of a trend in Catholic education. Across the country, lay personnel have been placed in significant leadership roles to assist Catholic schools with economic and educational challenges, as well as issues related to fewer religious members in many institutions today.
Ms. Donahue is an accomplished professional in the field of national and international health care education, consultation, and business management. She holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg Graduate School of Management, as well as faculty appointments at St. Xavier University and the University of Illinois at Chicago.
In Sr. Ann Barbara’s new role as Director of Franciscan Service, she will be responsible for ensuring that the Franciscan values on which the order was founded, remain effectively woven throughout the entire school community. She will oversee the Academy’s Mission Effectiveness Program; design and execute faculty enhancement programs; and coordinate expanded student educational opportunities among other responsibilities.
“Sr. Ann Barbara’s extensive work and ministry in our Congregation, and her continuing dedication to enhancing the Academy’s teaching and practice of Franciscan values, makes her the perfect choice for this new role,” noted Sr. Patricia Kolenda, Provincial Superior of the School Sisters of St. Francis.
Prior to her role as President, Sr. Ann Barbara spent six years in Rome as a General Counselor and Treasurer for the School Sisters’ worldwide congregation. In addition, she has served as Comptroller for Alvernia Manor, Provincial Superior of her religious community in Lemont, as well as Assistant Principal and instructor at the Academy.
Mt. Assisi Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory school for young women sponsored by the School Sisters of St. Francis of Christ the King educating young women, in a welcoming environment to discover their God-given talents, and to achieve their fullest potential though challenging academics, spiritual development and supportive co-curricular activities for success in lifelong learning.
