January 2009 - Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210

Transcription

The OFFICIAL Newsletter of the Lincoln-Way High School Alumni Association
Welcome to our
interactive newsletter!
Throughout this newsletter there are links to
articles for easy reading and navigation. There
are also links to the main website – your easiest
way to get the latest information.
INSIDE TH I S I S S U E
LETTER FROM DR. WYLLIE:
Lincoln-Way Alumni
more»
Foundation News
more»
Lincoln-Way Foundation
Annual Dinner Gala
more»
Lincoln-Way Links
Submissions from Classmates
from 1956–2006!
more»
Reunion Review
more»
About Us...
more»
Editor: Linda M. Lopez, Foundation Executive Director
Graphic Designer: Randy Baum, Class of 1977
Vol. 5 • No. 1
January 2009
Today ’s Lincoln-Way
W
hen Lincoln-Way alumni see today’s LincolnWay, they may find evidence of change at every
turn. Where there was one school, today there
are three – soon to be four. There was once a faculty of
34, today the number of certified staff is close to 600.
Today Lincoln-Way is home to nearly 7200 students, a
number that has grown from the early days when 400
students attended Lincoln-Way Community High
School. In 1958, when the first graduating class to
complete four years at Lincoln-Way walked across the
stage to accept their diplomas – they numbered just
over 100. In 2009, nearly 1700 young men and women
will graduate in two ceremonies – one at Lincoln-Way
Central and one at Lincoln-Way East. In the beginning,
there were wrestling, cross country, football, basketball
and cheerleading teams. Today’s athletic program
features nearly 30 sports – for men and women – from
football, soccer and basketball, to bowling, tennis and
badminton. Swimming and water polo were once not
even imagined; there was no pool. Today, the pools in
the district are busy around the clock with classes,
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practices and community use.
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Classrooms equipped with advanced
technologies may look different today.
However, student achievement remains
the focus.
Lincoln-Way High School Alumni Association
Today’s Lincoln-Way (continued)
Vol. 5 • No. 1
Once when the bell rang at the end of the
day, signaling dismissal, the school building
emptied and grew dark. Today Lincoln-Way
schools are the heart of this community; they
are alive with activity and home to fine arts
performances, local religious services, college
classes, and various community events.
The changes are clear. Even classrooms
appear different. White boards replace
chalk boards; graphing calculators
supplant pencils and paper; laptops are
often used instead of notebooks. Yet,
upon closer inspection, much remains the
same. Students are challenged and
engaged. Teachers are devoted. The
curriculum has expanded to include new
opportunities to inspire student success;
the dedication to academic excellence and
student achievement remains constant.
Today Lincoln-Way High School District
210 ranks in the top 6 percent of high
school PSAE scores in the state of Illinois.
In Will County, Lincoln-Way East and
Lincoln-Way Central rank number one and
two respectively. And while student
achievement is evidenced by high ranking
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test scores, fiscal responsibility is equally
apparent. Lincoln-Way High School District
210 consistently has one of the lowest perpupil expenditures for all high schools in
the six collar county Chicagoland area.
The dynamic growth of the district also
paves the way for increased opportunities
for students to be involved in their school
community. Four schools will provide more
chances for students to participate in
Madrigals, art clubs, school plays,
Mathletes, band, chorale, and a host of
other activities. More students gain
leadership skills as members of the Student
Council and as class officers.
High school life at Lincoln-Way today may
look a bit different, or even a lot different,
than when our graduates walked the halls,
attended classes, and participated in their
favorite activities. Though, at the heart of
the matter, the important things remain the
same. Today’s students, like those who came
before them, have the benefits of
challenging academic programs, teachers
who care, and a curriculum designed to
open doors for future success.
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Dedicated teachers, a challenging curriculum and cutting
edge technology create a dynamic learning environment.
Lincoln-Way is, as it has always been, a
vibrant, evolving community, with a constant
and steady mission. Just as our alumni and
our students grow and continue the life-long
process of “becoming,” so too does LincolnWay. We know that our alumni and today’s
students may have varied experiences, yet it
is our hope that they share a common,
enduring bond: a love for Lincoln-Way. I
Letter from Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie,
Superintendent of Schools
Vol. 5 • No. 1
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Lincoln-Way Alumni...
T
his issue of the alumni newsletter includes updates
from nearly 100 Lincoln-Way alumni. Thank you for
taking the time to share a glimpse of what is
happening in your life. It is exciting to hear about your growing
families. We are proud of your educational accomplishments
and your business successes. We honor those who are serving
our country in far off places like Afghanistan and Iraq; we pray
for your safe return. Many of you continue to build your lives
here in the Lincoln-Way community; others have relocated to
cities throughout the United States. Wherever you are, we
hope you carry your love of Lincoln-Way with you.
You are each an important part of our Lincoln-Way family.
Just as you reach out to us with your news, we share the pride
of our accomplishments with you. As a district we continue to
grow. Lincoln-Way North is already thriving; Lincoln-Way West
will open in August of this year. Most importantly, our students
are flourishing. Academically, students from Lincoln-Way East
and Lincoln-Way Central have scored in the top 6 percent of
high schools in the state of Illinois on the Prairie State
Achievement Exam (PSAE). Both schools are in the top 50 out
of 654 high schools in Illinois. Lincoln-Way East and LincolnWay Central rank number one and two in Will County, and of
the 12 schools in the SWSC Conference.
The discipline and strong work ethic that our students
experience in our classrooms translate to extra-curricular
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success. Most recently, a robot built by Lincoln-Way
Community High School District 210 students competed in a
national competition in Alabama. Lincoln-Way students have
been participating in the BEST Robotics Inc. competition each
year since 2001. They have qualified for Nationals eight times.
Our music programs continue to thrive, producing All-State
top performers and State Champions. Our Lincoln-Way
students consistently achieve state and national honors in
academics, music and sports.
Our student athletes continue to rise to the top in each of
their competitive conferences, winning conference, regional
and state titles. The strength of our athletic programs is
consistent with the vigor of our academic demands.
Reaching out to others is another Lincoln-Way tradition that
continues to thrive. Dozens of soldiers serving in Iraq and
Afghanistan this past holiday season received hand-made
stockings filled with treats from Lincoln-Way North students.
Lincoln-Way Central students created hand-made blankets to
donate to children and teens who are ill or otherwise in need.
This is just a sampling of the many good things that are
happening throughout our district. I sincerely hope you will
take every opportunity to continue to be part of this very
special place. If you live close by or are in town on vacation,
please attend an athletic event or a fine arts performance –
or stop by for a visit. I’d enjoy welcoming you. I
Foundation News
Vol. 5 • No. 1
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Foundation Leaps from 1 Million in Donations
to 2 Million in Just Two Years!
T
he Lincoln-Way High School District
210 Foundation for Educational
Excellence made history in 2008. The
Foundation donated to the district a recordshattering $640,000. The first disbursement
occurred in April when the Foundation
donated $130,000 to fund grant requests,
followed by a $10,000 donation in May when
the Foundation awarded scholarships to
graduating seniors from Central and East. In
December, the Foundation wrote a check to
the district for $500,000. This donation
included $250,000 to fund grant requests,
and $250,000 to the building trades program.
“There is no doubt that this year’s results
surpassed our wildest expectations,” said
Foundation Board President Patricia Walker.
“What is even more stunning, is that in the
last two years we doubled our total donation
to the district. In 2006, we reached the
million-dollar mark in donations, a quest we
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embarked on in 1994.
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The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Foundation donated $640,000 in 2008, shattering all previous records and
reaching the 2-million dollar landmark! Seated, left to right: Kim Warning Foglton, Secretary Amy Guzek, President Patricia
Walker, External Vice-President Bryan Bruns, Internal Vice-President June Gill, Diana von Albade and Shelley Wantiez.
Standing, left to right: Debbie Burk, Cindy Kokal, Geri Barone, Foundation Executive Director Linda Lopez, Steve Hogan,
Steve White, Kris Lindley, Greg Hobbs, School Board Liaison Kevin Molloy, Michelle Moyle, Bob Chiszar, Christa Pietrzyk and
Foundation Assistant Diane Hendrickson. Not pictured are board directors: Janet Caschetta, Linda Ernat, Dana Frazier, Bob
Kennedy, Doug Schlak, Sue Thomas and Treasurer David Zang.
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Foundation News (continued)
Vol. 5 • No. 1
From 2006 to 2008 we donated another
million dollars to the district, and reached
the $2 million mark. Because we share the
district’s mission of improving student
achievement, and fiscal responsibility, we
are able to donate 94 percent of all money
raised back to the district.”
Lincoln-Way students throughout the
district are the beneficiaries of the
Foundation’s success. Walker continued,
“We make a big difference in our classrooms
by funding advanced technologies that give
teachers the tools they need to reach kids,
and provide a dynamic environment where
learning is interactive and hands-on.”
Though many of the requests that come
to the Foundation from teachers focus on
technology, there are also grants funded
that cover the costs of non-tech items like
research books, popular fiction novels, art
easels, world maps and digital cameras, to
name just a few. Donations from the
Foundation benefit students throughout
the district and across the curriculum.
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“It takes everyone associated with the
Lincoln-Way District to improve student
achievement,” said Superintendent Dr.
Lawrence Wyllie. “The contributions from
the Foundation play a major role in
improving academic intensity.”
When asked what factored into the
Foundation’s unprecedented success,
Executive Director Linda Lopez is quick to
point out volunteer commitment and
community support. “We have an
extraordinary board of directors who lead by
example,” said Lopez. “They each make an
annual cash contribution to the Foundation,
they roll up their sleeves and work hard for
every fundraiser, and they have the vision to
keep moving us forward.”
Lopez continued, “The community
support for Lincoln-Way is amazing. We are
so grateful that even in this challenging
economic environment, businesses and
individuals throughout the district, and
beyond, continue to express their support.
We simply couldn’t succeed without them.
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January 2009
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“Finally, and most importantly, we
represent an exceptional school district. Our
community knows that Lincoln-Way High
School District 210 provides unparalleled
opportunities for academic achievement and
social growth. Our schools stand at the very
heart of this community. When people
donate to Lincoln-Way, they not only give
from the heart, they give with confidence,
knowing that their donation will be
managed responsibly.” I
IMPORTANT INVITATION
FOR ALUMNI:
Each of you is an important part of our
Lincoln-Way tradition!
Please join us for our
ANNUAL DINNER GALA on
Saturday, February 14, 2009,
at the Odyssey Country
Club in Tinley Park
Additional details and registration
information on page 6.
Please Join Us...
L
incoln-Way High School District 210
Foundation for Educational
Excellence would love to welcome
Lincoln-Way alumni to the Annual Dinner
Gala. This year’s event will take place on
Saturday, February 14. So why not celebrate
Valentine’s Day with us? The festivities will
take place at the Odyssey Country Club in
Tinley Park. The evening features appetizers,
a lovely dinner, open bar, live and silent
auctions, as well as entertainment.
Reservations are $100 per person.
Whether you are with a group of
classmates, some close friends, or just that
special someone, we promise you will enjoy
a beautiful evening. The evening begins with
appetizers and silent auction at 6:00 pm.
Dinner will be served at 8:00 pm, with a live
auction at 9:00 pm; throughout the evening
you will enjoy live entertainment. Please join
us. Just complete the form at right and
return it to the Foundation office.
Have you been thinking about getting
together with some of your classmates? This
might be a perfect opportunity to have your
own mini-reunion! The Foundation would be
happy to recognize your class with special
announcements, just indicate on your
response that you are with an alumni group,
and indicate which class.
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ANNUAL DINNER GALA – Registration
■ I would like to make ____________ reservation(s), at $100 per person.
■ I would like to reserve ____________ table(s) of 10 for $1,000 per table for the Class of _________________.
■ Sorry, I cannot attend the Dinner Gala, but I would like to make a tax-deductible
contribution of ________________________________________.
■ My check, payable to: Lincoln-Way High School Foundation, is enclosed.
■ Please charge my purchase to the following: ■
■
Card Number __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
■
Exp. Date ___________________________
Signature ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NAME
CLASS OF
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
TELEPHONE
Please return this registration form to Lincoln-Way High School Foundation, 1801 E. Lincoln Hwy.,New Lenox, IL 60451. You may
also make reservations by contacting the Foundation Office at (815) 462-2976. Reservations are requested by January 30, 2009.
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Lincoln-Way Links
T
his section is designed to help our
alumni stay connected. Tell us what is
happening in your life. Share family
and career news. Let us know about your
children or grandchildren. Send us news
about your vacation. We are excited about
this section of our alumni newsletter. What a
wonderful and easy way to stay connected!
We are delighted that so many of our
alumni sent in their news! If we received
your news after the deadline, it will appear
in our next issue.
Please send your information and photos
for our next issue to Linda Lopez at
[email protected]. Be sure to include your
year of graduation and your last name
at the time of graduation.
Thank you!
Class of 1956
Class of 1962
Ralph A. Eisenbrandt had a 44-year career with the
railroads and has been enjoying a busy retirement
since 2000. In 2006, he co-authored a book titled
Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway, with over 200 photos
and historical information. He serves on the board of
directors of the Frankfort Preservation Foundation and
is a life-member of the Frankfort Area Historical
Society. He helped found the FAHS and served as its
first president. Ralph presents historical programs on
the history of the region’s railroads and the Frankfort
area. He has portrayed several historical characters at
the Historical Society’s Cemetery Walks. Ralph served
on the Frankfort Public Library District board of
trustees and the Frankfort Fire Department for 22
years. He retired at the rank of Deputy Chief. He also is
the co-founder of the Will County Emergency 9-1-1
System and was its first coordinator. Ralph was active
in local Cable-TV and produced, directed and appeared
in many telecasts. He has been announcing the
Frankfort Fall Festival parade each Labor Day weekend
for over 30 years. Ralph is most proud of his 18 years
of service as an 8th grade Sunday school teacher for
St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Frankfort. He is
single now and has two daughters, one son and seven
grandchildren.
Ed Schleeter and
Judi (Owen)
Schleeter are
enjoying their
retirement in South
Carolina. Ed retired
from Motorola in
2006. They are
presently biding
Ed, son Derrick, Judi and Derrick’s
their time until
wife, Gina, at the Indy 500 in May.
they can purchase
another sailboat
and get back on the water. They miss the San Francisco
Bay area sailing, where they lived for many years. Their
plans for this year are to do an entire West Coast tour.
They have three sons, who live in Grass Valley, CA,
Indianapolis, IN, and New Lenox. Their oldest
granddaughter, Emma Smith, will start at L-W Central in
‘09. They are blessed with 5 grandchildren. If you’d like
to get in touch, their email is [email protected].
Class of 1959
Ronald M. Steinberg became a grandfather for the
first time on December 3, 2008. Luke Alexander was
born to his son, John, and wife Anna. They live in the
St. Louis area. You can get more information about him
at www.classmates.com.
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Class of 1963
Lorraine (Kramer) Quirke says that after graduation,
she had high hopes of becoming a concert singer. She
learned that she had a voice because of a wonderful
teacher at Lincoln-Way named Tom Olson. She studied
voice for years, but stage fright kept her from attaining
her goals. She did sing in churches and at one point she
sang with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus. In recent
years, she worked as an administrative assistant for a
condominium in downtown Chicago. She is now
retired, but has started an Avon business.
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 1963 (continued)
Bob Edmonson: see Class of 1964
Class of 1964
Marian (Flatt) Edmonson and Bob Edmonson (Class
of 1963) share that Marian retired from the EJ&E
Railway in May, 1998 after 31 years in the Ottumwa, IA
School District in July, 2007. Bob is working part-time.
They have 3 dogs and really enjoy country life. They are
“Riding in the Wind” Harley riders. Their daughter,
Sheri, and her husband live in Maple Park, IL. Their
grandson, Matt, is a sophomore at NIU and Mike is a
senior at Kaneland High School.
Dave Howell completed his 14th “Ride the Rockies”
bike tour, a six-day ride through the Rocky Mountains
for a total of 500 miles.
Dale Hunt has been retired for a few years now, and
has joined the Arkansas Republican Committee and the
local Lions Club. His wife is the operations manager of
a group of banks. His oldest son is an emergency room
RN in Huntsville, AL. His middle son is an exclusive
beverage handler for the local rich and famous. His
youngest son works in the gas and oil drilling fields in
Arkansas. Ralph has five grandchildren. His home is in
Conway, Arkansas (Come Visit – Y’all Hear!). Contact
Dale at [email protected].
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(continued)
Class of 1965
Billie Jean (Hafk) Maslowski and her husband, Jim,
sold their home in Tucson and built a new one in
Wichita, KS. They became great grandparents on
November 4th. Kadin Robert Melahn is the son of their
granddaughter, Michelle, and husband Chris. Billie
hopes everyone enjoyed a wonderful holiday season.
Stop in and say “howdy” if you are ever in Wichita.
Diane Moss
recently returned
from Africa where
she participated in
her third mission
trip to the Jabulani
Village, a small
village outside
Victoria Falls in
Zimbabwe. They
delivered containers Diane Moss in Africa
of donated clothes,
shoes, soap, vitamins, solar lanterns and panels, and
conducted a two-day medical clinic. This trip was
Diane’s 60th birthday present to herself. She became
involved with the local charity, Ndebele Art Project, in
June, 2006, after receiving their newsletter. She
thoroughly enjoyed the passion and dedication of the
small group of women who had formed the charitable
organization to provide aid and hope to this small
village. They ignited that passion in her so she joined as
a volunteer in November, 2006. Diane is now a board
member and treasurer of the nonprofit organization.
She will continue to visit the village as long as she can
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(continued)
afford it (each traveler pays her, or his, own expenses),
and plans to always support the organization with her
time and charitable giving. To learn more, visit please
visit www.napafrica.org.
Michael Sinks has been promoted to the position of
office manager at the H&R Block location in the
Matteson, IL, Wal-Mart and would like to see all
Lincoln-Way alumni stop in, say hi, and maybe have
their taxes done.
Class of 1967
Dave Eden is alive
and well and living
in the Dallas area.
He and his beautiful
wife, Diane, raised
three boys and two
girls. Their daughter Dave Eden (above); his work (below)
is still at home and
is a senior in high
school. His current
career is a mural &
sign artist. He has
been a billboard
painter, singersongwriter, pastor,
kid’s pastor & cartoonist. Dave studied art at ISU and
traveled in the early 70’s, touring the Midwest as a
drummer in various rock bands. Then, says Dave, he
found Jesus. Dave continues, “My purpose, passions &
priorities drastically changed forever.”
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 1968
Linda DeGabriele went to
Northern Michigan
University and received a BA
degree in education. She
continued her education at
the University of Michigan
and received her M.A. Linda
became a reading specialist
and then a specialist for
dyslexic students. She was
married for almost 30 years,
but has been single now for
over 10 years. She has four
beautiful children: one son Linda DeGabriele and her
three daughters.
and three daughters. She
has travelled throughout
the states and overseas, including such destinations as
Canada, Mexico, England, Wales, Australia, New
Zealand and the Fiji Islands. She tells us, “Australia has
the most beautiful beaches one has ever seen.
Kangaroos run wild and there are Koala bears, snakes
and reptiles including
various sizes of crocs. New
Zealand has beautiful
mountains and sheep
everywhere you travel. The
Fiji Islands were a surprise. I
always thought there were
not many of them and as it
turns out there are actually
Linda DeGabriele
333 of them. The ocean is
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(continued)
(continued)
not only blue but various colors of blues and greens.
Sailing the South Seas was quite the adventure. Not
only did I sail on many different sail boats but had the
opportunity to sail one myself.”
Dominick “Danny” Dina traveled with his family from
San Antonio, Texas
to Mokena to
celebrate his
mother’s 90th
birthday. LincolnWay High School is
a family affair for
the Dina clan, with
Tony (Class of
1959), Mike (Class
The Dina Family
of 1960) and
Danny (Class of
1968). They all graduated from the original school.
Christine (Davies) Nelson is currently living in
Lafayette, Colorado.
Bob Ronna recently retired from Caterpillar, Inc., after
working there for 38 years. He and his wife, Billie, now
reside in central Florida. They have four children and
three grandchildren. His older daughters graduated
from Lincoln-Way: Christine in 1989 and Aura in
1992. They are both married and still live in Illinois.
Kelly is working in Atlanta after college and Craig is a
(continued)
junior at Western Carolina
University. They have been
given many blessings in life.
Their recent news is that
they are planning and
hosting a Florida reunion
weekend for the Class of
1968, scheduled for
January 17-19, 2009. They
will be joined by other
Florida alumni of the class
of ‘68, as well as those they Bob Ronna and his wife, Billie
can convince to travel down
to escape winter.
Class of 1969
Gale Dunn Volkerding sends the news “We are great,
we are fine, we’re the class of ‘69!” This has been a
very eventful year. Gale’s father died August 4th at the
age of 88, 13 days before his 89th birthday. In June,
she and her husband and two oldest daughters were
able to help build two houses in San Pedro Sula,
Honduras and tour a bit of the North-Central part of
the country. Gale and her husband, Dale, have two
daughters in college and one in 5th grade. They do not
use the “R” word (retire) and are not employed by the
auto industry. They feel blessed, living in the chaos of
Michigan’s economy during this recession and the war
and are praying for all of their friends whose lives have
been affected by the current circumstances.
more»
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(continued)
Class of 1970
Class of 1972
Class of 1974
Steven Nusbaum is still working for the Department of
Homeland Security, currently serving as Attaché at the
US Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. He reaches
mandatory retirement age in May. Steven’s wife, Patt,
stayed behind for this tour. She is in Wisconsin where
she works for the state. Their daughter, Anne, and her
family just moved to Savannah, Georgia. Christopher is
in Wisconsin. Jacob and Jeremiah are in the Seattle area.
Lorrie (Kirchner) Chaplin went to Macomb, IL to
attend WIU and never left the town. Her husband, Bob,
is from Evergreen Park. He also attended WIU and
never left. Lorrie and Bob celebrated 30 years of
marriage this fall. They have one child who is fast
approaching 21 and is a junior at SIUE, completing a
Bachelor of Science nursing degree. She loves the
school, the St. Louis area, and the nursing program.
She is now in clinicals and is very excited with the
experience. Lorrie works for the Court Services
Department as a supervisor in the Probation
Department. She has a master’s in counseling and
specializes in working with adolescents. She supervises
all adult and juvenile services in the department for two
counties. Bob is director of the Burlington Northern
Santa Fe Railroad Employee Assistance Program. The
entire department was outsourced and although he has
always done the same job, he now works for Humana
as they bought the company. Last summer, Lorrie and
her family went to Maine and visited Sue (Alexander)
Freeman (Class of 1972), and her husband, Bob. They
had a great time!
Lisa (Sienknecht) Botts writes that her husband,
Jerry, is a professionally-trained chef and she is a stayat-home mother. They live in northern Minnesota on
seven acres of wooded land. They have three children,
a 20-year-old son, Greg, and two adopted Ojibwa
daughters, Caitlyn, age 12 and Kaylee, age 9. They
have home-schooled all of their children. Their son
just graduated from their home high school program
two years ago. They enjoy church activities, hunting,
trapping, fishing, gardening, cooking, beading,
stamping, reading, and surfing the Internet! They
installed a real wood cook stove in their kitchen and
are learning to cook on it while it heats their home.
They have a good life in the northern woods and are
grateful to the Lord for all His blessings.
Class of 1971
Diane Skolnick changed
her last name to her original
family name of Skolnique.
She is retired and travels all
over the world, mostly with
either Smithsonian or
National Geographic. This
spring she went to Morocco, Diane Skolnique
Portugal, Spain and France.
In August she was in Montana and Wyoming following
the battle of Little Bighorn and Custer. October was
spent traveling through Turkey. She went to Dallas, Texas
in November. The month of January ‘09 will be spent in
Mali, Gambia and Dakar, Africa and a few days in Paris.
All of March and April she will be in Namibia, South
Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, French Comoros,
Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Kilimanjaro
then to Paris. Diane will be buying a flat in Paris to live
permanently. She hasn’t married, but not for lack of
looking. Diane lives with one cat, five birds and two very
spoiled dogs in an apartment in Chicago.
Pat (Barten) Proper currently lives in Romeoville and
has three grown children. She is the director of Guest
Services at Silver Cross Hospital where she has been
employed since 1993. Her favorite past-time is
vegetable gardening and touring on a Harley Davidson
Ultra with her significant other, Ray. She supports many
charities, especially Operation Care Package for our US
troops stationed overseas.
Garry Varner and his wife, Maureen, celebrated their
15th wedding anniversary on October 9th.Their eightyear-old twins, Jaclyn & Jason, are in second grade at
Grand Prairie, in Frankfort. Jaclyn loves gymnastics,
while Jason was on the Frankfort Baseball I7 All Star
Team last year and has quite a golf swing! Garry just
returned a few weeks ago from visiting his twin
brother, Larry, who moved to Bradenton, Florida just
over a year ago. A family visit to Universal Orlando is in
the works for 2009.
more»
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Lincoln-Way Links
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(continued)
Class of 1975
Class of 1976
Len Harold lives in Novi, MI, a northwest suburb of
Detroit, with his wife, Joan, (1976 graduate of Rich
Central) and their three daughters. Their oldest, Claire
(20), is a junior at the University of Michigan. They have
twin daughters, Hailey and Jillian, who are 18 and will
graduate from high school in June of 2009. Jillian plans
to attend Michigan State University, while Hailey will
attend Western Michigan University. After graduating
from Lincoln-Way, Len attended the University of
Illinois, majoring in business administration and
marketing. His wife, Joan, also attended Illinois and
graduated with a nursing degree. Len is the V.P. of Sales
and Marketing for a company that supplies tooling and
equipment to the plastic injection molding industry.
Prior to the plastics industry, he worked for SPX
Corporation and managed the company’s tool business
with DaimlerChrysler. Immediately after college, he
worked for Brunswick Corporation, working his way to
the position of general manager of Worldwide Sales.
After 20+ years of constantly being on the road or in
the air and waking up in some foreign country, it was
time for a change. Len enjoys competitive trapshooting
and has participated in the Grand American World
Trapshooting Championships for 11 years in a row.
Their family enjoys boating, snow skiing, and attending
all the high school and U of M sporting events they can
squeeze in. Len & Joan also enjoy getting out their
1977 Chevy to cruise and attend a few classic car
shows in the summer.
Dennis and MaryAnn Doughty both stay pretty busy
working these days. Mary has been working at Casey’s
General Store in Grant Park, IL, for the past 8 years.
Dennis drives a truck for Eagle Express Lines and he has
been there for nearly 22 years. They also run a small
cleaning business. Their son, Andrew, is 21 and is
almost finished with his associate’s degree in auto
mechanics at Kankakee Community College.
Kimberly (McGann) Gougar reports that for the first
time since Christmas of 1975, the Gougars: Doug
Gougar (Class of 1969), Laurie Gougar (Class of
1975), Kim Gougar (Class of 1976) and Christine
Gougar (Class of 1981) celebrated Christmas together
here in Illinois. Doug lives in Nevada, Laurie and Kim
live in New Lenox, and Chris lives in New Jersey.
Maryann (Dokianos) Hancock: see Class of 1980
Kathy Farmer and her husband, John, have had a
wonderful year of travel. They spent three weeks in
Russia with some hosts that showed them the country.
The palaces in St. Petersburg were beautiful and there
was history at every turn. They took a week-long trip to
St. Thomas to celebrate their seven-year wedding
anniversary. They also visited San Diego, Las Vegas and
rented a house for a week up in Michigan. In August,
the Russians who hosted them came out for a visit and
they travelled to Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York
and northern California with them. In September, they
took their last trip of the year to South Africa and went
on safari. Unfortunately when they came home from
their last trip, John was diagnosed with inoperable
brain cancer. Kathy says that she is so grateful that she
will have these wonderful memories of travel with her
husband and wants everyone to enjoy life to the fullest!
Tammy Lynn worked in
the state of Washington as
a paralegal. In 1986, a
drunk driver injured her and
she uses a wheelchair to
get around. She lived in
Phoenix for 10 years,
working at the local
independent living center
as an advocate. In 2000,
she moved to Sarasota, FL
Tammy Lynn
where she currently lives.
Tammy works in accounts
receivable, has a beautiful van, owns her own home
and is currently single. Life is good.
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Class of 1976
(continued)
Gail (Schofield) Sims
recently received an award
from the Association of
Rehabilitation Nurses for
the Nurse Manager of the
Year. The Nurse Manager
Award is given in
recognition of a nurse who
has contributed to the
Gail Sims (left)
advancement of
rehabilitation nursing care
in a middle management position.
Class of 1977
Lori (Johnson) Hausherr and her husband, Jack, are
proud grandparents of William Hausherr, son of Chad
and April Hausherr (both Class of 2003). Chad is
employed in security at Dresden Nuclear Power Plant in
Morris, IL. April is a pre-school teacher. Chad and April
are expecting their second child in late April. Benjamin
Hausherr (Class of 2005) has been promoted to rank
of Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force; he is
currently stationed in Minot, North Dakota. Ben and his
wife Krystal (Lozenski) Hausherr (Class of 2006), are
expecting their first child in July. Cody Hausherr, current
Lincoln-Way student, has enlisted in the United States
Army. Cody will leave for basic training on July 30th.
Their daughter, Jannine married Lee Hofman on
October 11, 2008. Jannine is an account executive with
CINTAS, and Lee is a teacher at Bremen High school.
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Page 12
(continued)
(continued)
Lori and Jack are extremely proud of all their kids and
appreciate all the support the community extends to
our military.
Class of 1978
Claude Borders has started a music business in Las
Vegas called, SchoolMusicSource.com. He has
merged with the Northwest Music Academy. The
academy offers lessons for all instruments and voice,
sheet music, and instrument rental, sales, and repair, in
their studios. Claude is married to Bernadette Bedia
Borders, of Des Moines, Iowa, a violist who teaches
middle school orchestra. She is the former co-director
of the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra. Their children, Rachel
(9), and Joshua (8), play cello and violin, respectively.
Claude plays the French horn in the UNLV Horn Choir.
He and Bernie just celebrated their 12th wedding
anniversary. They were married at the USAF Band of
Liberty Christmas Party, when Claude played French
horn there.
Shane Gericke was named
deputy director of the
International Festival of Thrillers
in New York. He is a national
bestselling thriller novelist,
whose third book will appear in
January, 2010. He lives in
Naperville with his wife of thirty
years, Jerrle. His website is
www.shanegericke.com
Shane Gericke
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w w w. l w 2 1 0 . o r g
James “Jim” Wilson just
started a new job at Denton
Regional Medical Center in
Denton, Texas. He works in
surgery as a certified surgical
technologist. His last position
was at Pine Creek Medical
Center in Dallas, Texas. He
currently lives in Trophy Club,
Texas with his fiancé, Paula
Szymanski, an industrial
engineer and supervisor at
General Motors. He can be
found online at
www.facebook.com
Jim Wilson with his
fiancé, Paula
Class of 1980
Daniel Hancock married Maryann (Dokiano)
Hancock (Class of 1976) in 1981. He owns Hancock
Decorating, Inc., specializing in custom interior painting
and decorating. His wife, Maryann, has been working
in the kitchen at Lincoln-Way Central for the past 5
years. They have two children, both Lincoln-Way
graduates. Elisabeth Hancock (Class of 2002) is 24
years old, married, and is currently teaching math at
Carl Sandburg High School and has a master’s degree
in counseling. Brian Hancock (Class of 2006) is 21
years old and works full time for Dan’s company as a
professional painter.
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Dave Kestel’s daughter, Frankie, is in the Manhattan
Jr. High School band. She will be marching in the Rose
Bowl Parade January 1, carrying the banner for the
Honor Band for Bands of America.
Kurt Sangmeister
and Gina (Selvas)
Sangmeister (Class
of 1983) recently
completed a
Caribbean cruise
to St. Thomas and
St. Maarten to
celebrate their
24th wedding
Kurt & Gina Sangmeister
anniversary. Kurt
is the Court
Administrator for the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Joliet,
IL. Gina works as a fingerprint technician for the Illinois
State Police. Their daughter, Jordan Sangmeister (Class
of 2006), is currently a junior at Murray State University
in Murray, Kentucky. She majors in German and is
hoping to travel to Europe next summer. The
Sangmeisters live in New Lenox and enjoy attending LW
Central football and basketball games in addition to
using many of the athletic facilities at the school.
Jose Antonio (Tony) Tijerino is the president and
CEO of Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) which
identifies, inspires, promotes and prepares Latino
leaders in the classroom community and workforce. In
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Page 13
(continued)
(continued)
an article entitled “Do the Math” published in the
December 2008 issue of Latino magazine, he discusses
the importance of providing direction and opportunities
for young Latino professionals interested in science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
Tijerino points out that “according to the National
Academy of Sciences, China produced 500,000
engineering graduates last year, compared to 200,000
in India and 70,000 in the United States.” For years,
Tijerino has been honoring top Latino high school
students with the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards for
math, engineering, science and other subjects. HHF
recently launched the LOFT (Latinos on Fast Track)
Engineering Fellows program with ExxonMobil where
college students who meet certain criteria are provided
with an educational grant. LOFT Fellows are also
assigned to a member of ExxonMobil’s internal Latino
group to provide one-on-one inspiration and vision of a
career in the industry.
Edna “Elaine” (Gordon) West and her husband, Dale,
were honored to be selected to participate in a
documentary commissioned by the Humane Society of
the United States titled: “Eating Mercifully.” A film
crew from New York spent 2 days with them at their
sanctuary, Rooterville (www.rooterville.org). The film
has received many good reviews from newspapers
across the country. Edna and Dale became vegan and
enjoy sharing the many health benefits of a plant-based
diet. Dale is a store manager for Publix and Edna is
currently spending her time as a volunteer for
Rooterville.
w w w. l w 2 1 0 . o r g
Class of 1981
Lovell Hatfield is currently working for a pest control
company. He is the president of the Fellowship Club of
Will County; they sponsor a dinner every year for
anyone who has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. It
went very well and they had their biggest turnout ever.
He also made it off this continent for the first time
when he went to ride Harleys in Maui and had an
awesome time.
Ron Hughes lives in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and is
completing his doctorate degree in music education.
He founded the Treasure Coast Percussion Academy
(Vero Beach), which has produced 19 Florida All-State
percussionists over the past four years. This ensemble
has also been invited to perform at the Florida Music
Educator’s (FMEA) convention twice, the Florida
Percussive Arts Society festival (Florida Day of
Percussion) twice, and the University of South Florida
(USF) Marimba Festival. His former ensembles have also
performed at several prestigious events. Olympic
Heights High School (Boca Raton) has performed at the
National Percussion Festival, FMEA, the Florida Day of
Percussion, and the USF Marimba Festival. Indian River
State College (Ft. Pierce) has performed on two Florida
Day of Percussion concerts, and Gifford Middle School
(Vero Beach) performed at last year’s FMEA convention.
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Page 14
(continued)
Class of 1981
Class of 1983
Class of 1985
(continued)
David
Pittsenbarger says
it’s been another
busy year at work
for both he and his
wife in sunny
Arizona. He has
been doing contract
David & Laurie Pittsenbarger
software
engineering at
General Dynamics for seven years. He has also been
working on various Army and Marine projects and has
been traveling to Quantico,VA to support
demonstrations. His wife, Laurie, works at a pro-life
women’s clinic in Phoenix, which has seen major
growth. She recently gave an impressive speech at
their annual banquet, which was highlighted in the
local Catholic Sun newspaper. They traveled to
Chicago this past spring for his nephews wedding,
Ryan McGloin (Class of 1994).
Colleen (Diehl) Benson lives in Savannah, Georgia
where she is membership director of the Savannah
Newcomers. She is also on the social committee with
the First City Club. Colleen is a marathon runner, and
identifies her greatest accomplishment as running the
Goofy Challenge (39.3 miles) at Disney World in 2008.
She enjoys wine, great food, friends, her E350 and
warm weather. Colleen also likes to travel and has been
to Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Donald C. Terry, Jr. is a 2004 graduate of Governors
State University with a major in business administration
& technology. He is employed with the Social Security
Administration in the Office of Disability Adjudication
and Review as a senior case technician.
Joseph Lerner was
married for 17 years
and has been a
single custodial dad
for 4½ years raising
his four awesome
children, Joey (19),
Emily (18), Anna
(12), and Lizzie (8).
The girls are talented Joseph Lerner
singers, dancers and
actors and like to
participate in
community theater.
His son is in his
second year at U of I
in the engineering
program. Joe has
run his own
construction
business for 17 years
(l-r) Anna, Emily, Lizzie and Joey
and is looking to
start a new business
within a month or two. He doesn’t know where the time
has gone, but is looking forward to seeing his high
school classmates whenever the next reunion comes
around. He says he had some pretty fun friends back
then and hopes to get to know them again.
Wayne Brouwer: see Class of 1985
Gina (Selvas) Sangmeister: see Class of 1980
Class of 1982
Mark Brown
graduated from NIU
and received a
Bachelor of Science
degree in public
speaking in 1989.
Upon graduation he
joined the staff with
Campus Crusade for
Christ. This ministry
serves as a spiritual The Mark Brown Family
resource to college
students. He spent his first two years at Ohio State
University working in the Greek system and at
Wittenberg University. In the summer of 1990, Mark
traveled to the Philippines and Thailand on a mission trip
with CCC. Mark married Diane in the summer of 1991
and joined her on staff with CCC at Miami University in
Oxford, OH. Mark has been at Miami for the past 18
years, and has served as campus director for the past 12
years. This summer he will celebrate his 20th year on
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w w w. l w 2 1 0 . o r g
Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
staff. Mark has been slowly working on a master’s of
divinity from Trinity International University in Deerfield,
IL, by taking classes in the summer. He and his wife have
four children. Drew (14), Justin (12) and JT (11). Their
daughter is 8 years old. In the fall, the youngest three
play soccer; Drew plays football. In the winter months
all four play on four different basketball teams. In the
spring and summer the three youngest play baseball
and soccer. His daughter does tap, jazz, ballet, and
acrobatic dance two times a week all year long. Mark is
also the school board president and the chaplain for
their police department. One of the highlights of his
staff life occurred a few summers ago when all six staff
members traveled to Macedonia on a mission trip. Mark
has traveled all over the country and the world through
his job. He has been to the Middle East, Eastern Europe,
and Western Europe.
Mark has just started to re-connect with some
classmates through facebook. So, if any of you want to
be a “friend,” feel free. Search under Lincoln-Way
Central, Class of 1985.
Sam Burks resides in Peotone, IL, and is married to
Nancy Walters, TF North graduate of 1983. Sam and
Nancy have three daughters, Amber (18), Brooke (14),
and Courtney (6). Sam is currently the Postmaster of the
Manteno Post Office. He has been reconnecting with a
lot of classmates on Facebook.com and is coaching his
daughters in travel basketball and travel soccer. Sam is
also a board member and coach of the Biddy Basketball
Program in Peotone, coed, 3rd through 6th grades.
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(continued)
Paul Holba has
spent 12 years in
the retail gasoline
world with Amoco
& BP. They have
moved quite often,
living in Pittsburgh
and Baltimore
before returning to
Plainfield for two
The Paul Holba Family
short years and
finally landing in
Louisville, Kentucky in 2003. He is currently working
as a learning manager for Humana, managing
leadership development for the clinical organization
and mail-order pharmacy, RightSource. His wife,
DeAnn, is a third-grade teacher in Shelby County,
Kentucky. Their son, Brendan, will be starting college
next year. Their son, Colin, is a freshman and their
daughter, Erin, is in 6th grade. They stay current with
happenings at Lincoln-Way through his sister-in-law,
Aimee Feehery, who is on staff at LW East and his
cousin, Brian Holba, who teaches at LW Central.
Jim Johnson: see Class of 1986
Beth Senn-Brouwer and Wayne Brouwer (Class of
1982) have been happily married for 22 years! Raising
their two kids, both Lincoln-Way graduates, has always
been at the forefront of their lives. Alex Brouwer
(Class of 2005) is a senior at Bradley University studying
mechanical engineering and Miken Brouwer (Class of
(continued)
2009) will attend Westwood College to study criminal
justice. Wayne and Beth have long enjoyed every aspect
of the outdoors including camping, hiking, fishing,
antiquing and running a family business. The also enjoy
their Victorian home in New Lenox. Beth currently
serves as president of the New Lenox School District
122 Board of Education and runs her own special
events business. Wayne and Beth have recently
purchased property in Southern Illinois to enjoy the
warm weather during the cold winter months here. It is
their hope to leave a legacy to their children and
grandchildren for years to come.
Class of 1986
Scott Estell and his
wife, Cindy, have
been married since
June, 1992. Their
children are: Nathan
(12), Joshua (10),
Caleb (8), Benjamin
(6), and Bethany (4).
The Scott Estell Family
They are living in
Ypsilanti, MI, where
he is the pastor of FaithWay Baptist Church.
Lana (Pelszynski) Johnson and Jim Johnson (Class
of 1985) welcomed their second child, daughter Casey
this past year. Casey joins big brother Sam, who turned
three on Halloween. The Johnsons are enjoying life in
Darien, IL, and wish everyone a happy New Year.
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Class of 1988
Stefanie (Lynch) Rathnau and her husband just had
twins, a boy and girl, this past July.
Wendy (Szumski)
Zona married Jack
Zona in 1990 and
has been a
hairstylist since
graduating from
Lincoln-Way. She
and Jack moved to a
small town called
Wendy Zona
Chatsworth, IL,
about 90 miles
south of Frankfort. They love it out there. She opened
Razor’s Edge Hair Salon in January of 1997. She loves to
wake up every morning and go to work each day. Her
husband is a woodworker and helped design her salon
to make it what it is today. They have no children, just
lots of animals. They love camping, Nascar, and their
furry little friends.
Terina (German) Hasselbring and her husband, Dale,
have been married 20 years and are raising their four
awesome children: Janell (18), Alicia (16), Deanna (14),
and Caleb (13). Dale is a very gifted woodworker at a
company in Addison. Terina spends most of her time
with the kids, working and/or volunteering at their
schools or just hanging out at home in Joliet. God has
blessed them and so they try to share that with as many
people as they can, in as many ways as possible.
Justine Marie (Atchey) Wood has been married to
Chris Wood since August 21, 2004. They have two
Papillion dogs named Brie and Elle. Justine has been
employed with AM General since 2001. She traveled to
England and Ireland this past June for a family vacation.
This fall she went back to school in the Executive MBA
Program at Notre Dame University and her graduation
date is May 16, 2010. She is very proud and grateful to
say she is a member of the most dedicated and loyal
team in the class – IRISH STEW, where S-trong T-eam
E-ffort W-orks!! Lastly, she turned 40 on 12/26/2008!
Happy 40th B-day Jo (Carpenter) Gallagher (Dec.),
Jo’s sister-in-law Deb Gallagher (Dec.) and Cindi
(Schleyer) Layman (Jan.)!
January 2009
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Class of 1987
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Class of 1989
Paul DeMarco writes that his wife, Ernestine, has been
promoted to a MTM for her company. She runs the
only training facility in PA for Taco Bell. This is a big
promotion for her. Paul is getting ready to release his
first major video on CMT. He shot his first successful
music video for country music already and works for
many major stars as a professional photographer and
videographer. He has done work for Taylor Swift, Rascal
Flatts, and Sugarland, just to name a few.
Julie (Platek)
Guevara reports
that her son is
having surgery in
Kansas City. He has
a cholesteatoma
tumor in his ear and
needs a few
surgeries to remove
the disease and
then restore his
hearing.
Julie Guevara’s children
Dawn (White) Hull says that things have been going
well for Oxbo Muffler and Brake Shops of New Lenox,
which she and her husband, Larry, own. She has
continued her career as an RN shift coordinator on the
sixth floor at Silver Cross Hospital. They have been in
numerous car shows over the past year. They show their
daughter’s great-grandmother’s 1983 Monte Carlo with
a super-charged engine. Every year they look forward to
vacationing at their summer home in Wisconsin.
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Lincoln-Way Links
Doug Mattsey is the 6th-8th grade band director for
Macomb, IL, schools. He and his wife, Kate, have three
children, Nathan, Samantha and Valerie. He is also the
principal tubist with the Air National Guard Band of the
Midwest in Peoria, IL, and helps schedule the band’s
summer tours throughout the Midwest. This January,
Doug will perform with the United States Air Force
Ceremonial Brass in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in
Washington D.C. He enjoys writing band arrangements
and reading to his children in his spare time.
Class of 1990
Jana Davis recently moved to Marina del Rey, CA.
She is currently working as a financial advisor for ESF
Financial Planning Group, Inc. in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Jenna (Bissell) Finley was
appointed the director of
Housing & Residence Life at
the University of Northern
Colorado in October 2008.
Jenna lives in Greeley with
her husband, Chris, and
three children, Mackenzie
(13), Liam (8), and Luke (18
months).
Jenna Finley
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Page 17
(continued)
Kathryn Kaysen started a new position at Loyola
University Chicago’s School of Business Administration
focusing on internship development. In this position,
she works with undergraduate business students at the
Water Tower Campus. Her responsibilities include
employer outreach/relationship development,
internship advising, teaching career/internship courses,
etc. Formerly a member of the Joliet Junior College
faculty, teaching career development courses, Kathryn
and her children relocated back into the city of Chicago
where she now resides in the Albany Park
neighborhood. Kathryn has been a career counselor for
twelve years and in that capacity, has worked at UIC,
DePaul and JJC, as well as run a private practice. In
addition to her position at Loyola, she continues to
write for Family Time magazine.
Eric Swartz currently is married with two children,
Alexa (6) and Drayson (3). They are expecting a third
child in July. He is working at the Pepsi Center in Denver,
Colorado, home to
the Colorado
Avalanche (NHL),
Denver Nuggets
(NBA), Colorado
Mammoth (NLL) and
Colorado Crush
(AFL). Eric works as
a production
manager for all the
artists that perform
Eric Swartz, managing lighting for
at the PC. They
the band, One Republic
recently featured
w w w. l w 2 1 0 . o r g
(continued)
Metallica, AC/DC and Coldplay, to name a few. They
also own a lighting/production company as a part of
Pepsi Center called the Opera Shop, and are currently
managing lighting for the band, One Republic.
Class of 1992
Joel Karns is a proposal/capture manager at ePlus and
his wife, June, is counsel for Sprint. They have a 7-yearold son named Quincy. Joel recently became a racing
instructor and will compete in the Porsche 944 Spec
racing series in 2009.
Class of 1993
Melissa (Johnson) Boston
attended college in Texas and
spent a semester at Walt
Disney World working in the
college program. Before
having her first child, she
worked as an executive
assistant for a vice president of
a telecommunications
company. She currently is a
stay-at-home mom of two
children and has been married
for twelve years. She has a sixyear-old girl who loves
Melissa Boston’s children
gymnastics and dance class.
She also has a seven-monthold boy who loves to smile. They moved just outside of
Nashville, TN, about two years ago and have enjoyed
exploring the state.
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 1995
Nichole DePaul graduated with a Master of Arts in
teaching of science in February 2008 from Western
Governors University and has accepted a chemistry
teaching position at Ross S. Sterling High School in
Baytown, Texas. She built a brand new house in
Baytown and is starting her doctorate in education.
Lee Barker served 4 years of active service in the
United States Marine Corps from 1996 to 2000. While
at Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Lee ran into LincolnWay alumni Ed Payne (Class of 1995), Mike Boyd
(Class of 1994), Bill Dunfee (Class of 1995) and a guy
from his electronics class. While at Camp Lejeune,
North Carolina, he ran into his old baseball umpiring
partner Jeff Skole (Class of 1993). SEMPER FI
MARINES! Lee married Katie Gruner on May 6, 2006 at
the Chicago Hilton and Towers, and recently moved to
New Lenox township after living in Chicago and Tinley
Park. Their baby girl, Callie Madison, was born on
February 29, 2008 (a leapling baby!). Lee has worked in
Chicago as a stationary building engineer since 2002.
Danielle (Taylor) Woods
is living in the Knoxville area
with her husband, Brian,
and their one-year-old son,
Samuel. She recently left
her job of ten years as a
partner with a Chicagobased investment firm, to
go out on her own. She
now takes care of their son
and is a solo practitioner in
law and investment
Samuel Woods celebrating
management.
January 2009
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Page 18
(continued)
Class of 1994
Melissa Juvinall just came home from Ethiopia with a
6-month-old baby girl named Iona. They also have a
five-year-old son at home named Aidan. Melissa is a
stay-at-home mom and a part-time freelance editor.
Her husband, Pete, works as a network administrator
for the College of Business at Illinois State University.
They live in Normal, IL.
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Stephanie N. (Blahut) Chambers graduated from
Joliet Junior College in 1998. She married David
Chambers in 2005. Stephanie was hired in May of
2008 by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists as a web
production association. BAS won the National
Magazine Award for General Excellence in 2007. The
publication informs the public about threats to the
survival and development of humanity from nuclear
weapons, climate change, and emerging technologies
in the life sciences. Stephanie is planning to enroll as a
full-time student at Penn. State to complete her
Bachelor of Arts in law and society.
Angel Corkery moved to
Phoenix, Arizona, in 2002 for
the beautiful weather. She has
held various supply chain
positions with Honeywell and
Boeing. She is currently
working as a pricing analyst for
BE Aerospace. She has an
Arizona real estate license and
owned a home inspection
company. Angel also owns a
rabbitry where she breeds and
raises pedigree bunnies. In her
free time she likes to hike, bike, Angel Corkery
do yoga and travel. Her next
trip is to Hawaii in May, 2009.
Andrew Goerres spent a little over five years in the
Navy in the nuclear propulsion field. While in the Navy,
he visited Israel, Sicily, Dubai, France and more foreign
locations like…Florida! In 2000, he completed his
service with the Navy and moved to New York. He now
lives in Orange County with Janis, his wife of three
years. They have just started construction on a house
not far from their current home. Andrew works at a
nuclear power plant as a reactor operator.
his first birthday
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
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January 2009
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(continued)
Class of 1996
Rick Weaver is still in
Afghanistan on his second
tour, and his third tour overall
(the first was to Iraq). He is a
Staff Sergeant in the Army,
normally stationed at Fort
Campbell, KY. He has been in
the Army since his junior year
at LW. Currently, he is a UH 60
Blackhawk Helicopter Technical
Inspector with D Company, 6th
Rick Weaver
Battallion, 101st Aviation
Regiment, 101st Airborne
Division (Air Assault). He will be returning to Fort
Campbell at the beginning of January. Rick is married to
Jen, his wife of 10 years, and has three wonderful kids,
Trevor (9), Kylie (4), and Nathan (2). Since high school,
he has been to Korea, Giebelstadt, Germany, Fort
Campbell twice, Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Rick is
currently attending American Military University,
studying towards a degree in information technology.
David Cohn: see Class of 1997
Carrie Davis planned the Class of 1996 10-year
reunion. They opened the time capsule at the reunion
and many students had letters in there written by them
or to them by other students. She has the leftovers and
would love to get them to their original authors. If you
would like yours, please contact her as soon as
possible, at: [email protected].
Rick Hastings has
been spending the
last several years
flying for the air
force reserves at
Grissom ARB in
Indiana. They fly
the KC-135R
Stratotanker. His
(l-r) Tim Hastings, Sean Rufolo and
brother Tim
Nic Correa in Afghanistan
Hastings (Class of
1998), Sean Rufolo
(Class of 1997) and Nic Correa (Class of 1996), all
Lincoln-Way grads and football players, ran into each
other in Afghanistan. They are all military officers, Tim
and Sean in the Army and Nic in the Air Force. Sean and
Tim actually went out on a mission together while there.
Erin (Webster) O’Sullivan says that after working at
the same law firm for five years, she recently opened
her own law office in Joliet, named Erin Webster
O’Sullivan, P.C.
Class of 1997
Jenny (Pepper) Bartkus went to the University of
Illinois and graduated in 2001. While working as an
English teacher in high schools, she earned her master’s
degree in educational administration. Her first
experience with administration was when she was the
head of the English Department at HomewoodFlossmoor High School. She married Steven Bartkus
(Class of 1998) in the summer of 2006 and moved to a
suburb of Baltimore, Maryland, where Steve works as
an electrical engineer in the defense industry. Currently,
she works as an assistant principal in a high school in
western Maryland. They are happily married and still
find it funny when they realize they knew the same
people at LWHS but never knew each other!
Jill (Love) Cohn married David Cohn (Class of 1996)
in August of 2002. They have two children, ages 21⁄2
and one month. Jill is a court reporter in Will County
and also holds a real estate license. David is a union
bricklayer. They reside in New Lenox.
more»
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 1998
Summer (Pare) Johnston
and her husband, Drew, gave
birth to their second daughter,
Amaya Autumn. She was 7 lb.
12 oz. and 22 inches long.
Their daughter, Kari Ashley, is
thrilled to be a big sister.
Sarah (Greve) Arabian
was married on September
6th. The couple had a
beautiful wedding in New
York City held at the
Armenian Cathedral, with a
gorgeous ceremony at the
popular Tavern on the
Green. Their daughter,
Kaiyane, served has their
flower girl. After a thankful
Thanksgiving in Tempe, AZ Sarah, Kaiyane and her new
(where her husband
husband
finished his first Ironman
race), they are looking forward to traveling to Canada
to visit with friends and family.
James Lawson recently vacationed in Costa Rica and
enjoyed whitewater rafting, rock climbing, volcano
hiking and zip lining. He purchased a new home in
Plainfield three years ago and is the only bachelor in the
subdivision. After high school he attended Northern
Illinois University for electrical engineering. After all of
that schooling, he ended up in the trades as an
electrician. He has been at the same shop for eight
years and has excelled in his field. He enjoys traveling,
working, going to the gym and wakeboarding.
Michael Moody lives in Chicago with his fiancée,
Michelle. They will marry in November, 2009 in Costa
Rica. He has been a personal trainer for the last 4 years
and proudly owns www.revivalfitness.com.
January 2009
|
Page 20
(continued)
Summer Johnston’s
daughters
|
Steven Bartkus: see Class of 1997
Matt Christensen says that after leaving Illinois in 1998,
he spent time in Colorado, New Mexico, back in Illinois,
and now he resides in East Lansing, Michigan. He is
employed at a large financial services company where he
works in information technology. Formally, his title is
senior programmer, but he functions more as a technical
project manager. Prior to his current job, he started and
ran a non-profit organization to help young women in
Africa get a primary and secondary education.
Mike Chudzinski is
currently a police officer in
Lombard, where he is also
the union president. Oddly
enough, his twin brother,
Jason Chudzinski, has
joined the department as
well. They were recently
featured in a Chicago
Tribune news article about
twins working on the same
police department. In years
Twins, Mike and Jason
past, he graduated from
Illinois State University with Chudzinski
a B.A. in criminal justice.
Mike lives in Plainfield.
Sarah Grady graduated from Lewis University,
Romeoville, with a degree in sports management. She
worked for the Joliet Jackhammers for three years as
the community relations and promotions manager. She
has recently taken a position with the Peoria Chiefs as
the events and entertainment manager. She spends her
extra time with her family and boyfriend, Nathan.
more»
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 1998
(continued)
Jennifer Nerren
graduated from
Northern Illinois
University in 2002
with a B.S. Ed, with
emphasis in special
education. She
A picturesque view of Colorado
currently lives in
Springs by Jennifer Nerren
Colorado Springs
where she teaches
elementary students with severe needs. This is her
seventh year of teaching. Jennifer just began working
on her master’s degree in child and adolescent
psychology and applied behavior analysis. Within the
past few years, she has traveled to Yellowstone, Grand
Canyon, New Mexico, Las Vegas, California, Oregon,
Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. She has
picked up photography as a hobby and has sold a few
photographs.
Heidi (Garrelts) Stukel
and Matt Stukel were
married on May 27, 2006
at St. Mary Nativity
Catholic Church in Joliet,
after dating for more than
seven years. She is
currently employed at
Trinity Services, Inc. as a
day program director,
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January 2009
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Page 21
(continued)
(continued)
working with adults with developmental disabilities,
mental illness and those who are dually diagnosed.
Heidi is a 2002 graduate of the University of St.
Francis with a B.A. in psychology and an
interdisciplinary business minor. She then went to the
Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy
University to earn a M.A. in counseling psychology.
She graduated from ISPP in 2005, and became a
licensed professional counselor (LPC). Currently, she is
attending Lewis University in the master’s program to
become a certified school counselor. Heidi plans to
complete the School Counseling and Guidance
Program in December, 2008. She is also working
toward completing the rest of her internship hours
and also working toward becoming a licensed clinical
professional counselor (LCPC). Matt is a graduate of
Joliet West High School, also Class of 1998. He is
currently self-employed as an owner and operator of
Stukels’ Home Maintenance. Heidi and Matt currently
reside in the Cathedral Area of Joliet. They enjoy their
time relaxing at home, spending quality time with
family, friends, and each other. They have no children
at this point. However, they have a two-year-old
yellow lab, Brown, who keeps them quite busy!
Class of 1999
Jonathan Reeves: see Class of 2002
Heidi and Matt Stukel
Class of 2000
David Christensen says that since
graduating, he has obtained a B.A. in
economics from the University of
Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and
started a career working as a
consultant in the field of computer
forensics. Shortly after graduating
David Christensen
from college, he joined Huron
Consulting Group and worked for
three years under the direction of a computer forensic
expert from the Department of Defense. In August of
this year, he made the decision to leave Huron and join
Deloitte Financial Advisory Services, LLP. He now works
in the Analytic and Forensic Technology practice at
Deloitte. In November 2007, David took a trip out of
the country to Denmark and visited the birthplace of his
grandfather, Peter Christensen. The following month,
he purchased a home in Oak Lawn and commutes
downtown daily to work at Deloitte.
Beth (Bartkus) McNamara and her
husband recently celebrated their
one-year wedding anniversary. In the
spring of 2008, she finished her
master’s degree in educational
administration from Governors State
University. Currently, she is the
PE/Health/Driver Education
Department Chair and sophomore
girls’ soccer coach at Lincoln-Way
Central High School.
Beth McNamara
more»
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Lincoln-Way Links
Class of 2000
(continued)
John Paul Scudella is
currently a baseball
instructor at Drive
Performance, a baseball/
softball facility in Wheeling,
IL. His company works with
Major League Baseball
doing vision training. In a
sense, shooting tennis balls
with colors and numbers at
speeds of 70 to 150 mph
and having players call out
John Paul Scudella
both color and number if
possible. What they are
trying to do is slow the game down, training at high
speeds makes seeing a baseball going 85 to 90 mph
look like a beach ball. He was contracted out by the
Tampa Bay Rays this year to become their iTrac Vision
Trainer. He worked with such players as the AL Rookie
of the Year & All-Star Evan Longoria, Gold Glove
Winner Carlos Pena, All-Star Dioneer Navarro, Cliff
Floyd, and the rest of the Tampa Bay Ray team. He was
proud to have helped them win the AL East, ALCS,
ALDS and making their first World Series appearance
in franchise history. His company also works with the
Chicago Cubs, NY Mets, Cleveland Indians, USA
Olympic Softball Team, and they recently just finished
instructional league with the San Francisco Giants.
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January 2009
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Page 22
(continued)
Beth Wroblewski writes that her daughter, Kylie, is
turning nine this year and becoming quite the little
lady. Beth’s last surgery went well and she is doing
better. She has a great man in her life now and hopes
everyone has a safe and happy holiday and good things
come for all in the New Year...take care.
Class of 2001
Allison (Myers) Walton
earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in health
science business and
administration from Ohio
State University in 2006.
She completed her
Bachelor of Science in
nursing from the University
of Texas Health Science
Allison & Jake Walton
Center at San Antonio in
December of 2008, and
will sit for the Nursing State Board in January. Allison
plans to work as a Registered Nurse in the Neonatal
Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at a hospital in San Antonio.
She married Jake Walton on June 2, 2007. They live in
San Antonio, Texas.
Laura Lowe received her M.S. in library and
information science in December 2007 from University
of Illinois. She is currently working on an advanced
certificate in library administration and is the children’s
services librarian at Des Plaines Valley Library District,
serving Lockport, Crest Hill, and Romeoville.
Class of 2002
Sara (Katauskas) Garza is
a graduate of the University
of Arizona, where she was
a football manager. On
October 18, 2008, she
married Roderick Garza,
and they now live in a
beautiful home in north
Sara & Roderick Garza
Phoenix. Sara’s dad, Tony
Katauskas (retired LWHS
teacher and coach), and her mom moved to Goodyear,
AZ. They love the retired life! Sara is currently a police
officer for the city of Phoenix. Her new husband is a
special agent with the D.E.A.
Elisabeth Hancock: see Class of 1980
Stacy Kim went to school at Miami University of Ohio,
where she received a degree with a major in accounting
and a minor in finance. After school, she moved to
Chicago and has lived in the Lakeview area for two
years. She is working as an audit associate at McGladrey
& Pullen, a public accounting firm serving middle
market clients of all industries. Additionally, she was
recently promoted to senior associate. Upon starting her
career at McGladrey, she coincidentally met Jonathan
Reeves (Class of 1999). They have been dating for
almost two years now and have a dog named CeCe.
more»
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Lincoln-Way Links
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January 2009
Page 23
(continued)
Class of 2003
Class of 2005
Stacy (Hunley) Layman and her
husband, Rusty, recently
celebrated their first wedding
anniversary in November. In
September of this year, they
bought a house in Hobart, IN.
They travel to New Lenox
frequently to visit family and
friends.
Meagan Crandall graduated college in December of
2007 and is now an eighth grade teacher. She recently
got engaged to Marty Hawrysko (Class of 2003).
They are planning a 2011 wedding.
Alex Brower: see Class of 1989
Rusty & Stacy Layman
|
Peter Fattore graduated
from Bradley University’s
School of Electrical
Engineering in 2007. He
works as an electrical
engineer for Formax in
Mokena. He also volunteers
as a Sergeant in New Lenox
Emergency Services.
Don and Jennifer (Newall) Fleck have moved to
Miami, Florida.
Benjamin Hausherr: see Class of 1977
Class of 2006
Brian Hancock: see Class of 1980
Krystal (Lozenski) Hausherr: see Class of 1977
Jordan Sangmeister: see Class of 1980
Peter Fattore
Chad and April Hausherr: see Class of 1977
Allison Mockler is now living in Plano, Texas, and
teaching American Sign Language at Allen High School.
Although she misses her friends in Illinois, she is loving
the weather and not missing the snow (at least not yet).
Ryan Underwood just graduated from Miami
University in Oxford, Ohio, with degrees in both
mechanical engineering and management. He is
attending the University of Kentucky to obtain his
Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.
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Lincoln-Way Links
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January 2009
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Page 24
(continued)
ALUMNI GATHERINGS
Class of 1996: 10-Year Reunion
Formal and informal gatherings bring Lincoln-Way
alumni together. Please share news of your alumni
gatherings (large and small). We are happy to feature
details and photos in the alumni newsletter.
Carrie Davis planned the Class of 1996 10-year
reunion. They opened the time capsule at the reunion
and many students had letters in there written by them
or to them by other students. She has the leftovers and
would love to get them to their original authors. If you
would like yours, please contact her as soon as
possible, at: [email protected].
LWHS Marching Knights Reunion:
Classes of 1989-1994
Tracy Bohne sent in some photos (below and upper
right) from the LWHS Marching Knights Reunion,
including classes 1989-1994, that took place this last
August. She says it was a lot of fun and they plan on
another one in the summer of 2009.
Class of 1958
The Class of 1958
celebrated their 50Year Reunion in early
October, kicking off
the festivities at the
Homecoming Game.
Pictured at right is the
group with the
Lincoln-Way Knight!
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
Reunion Review
If your Class plans to celebrate a reunion in 2009,
please contact Linda, (815) 462-2976, at the
Foundation Office so we can assist, or help share
details through our newsletter. The next issue of
the newsletter will be in the spring – just in time
to forecast the Fall of 2009 reunions.
50-Year Reunion: Class of 1959
Will be held the weekend of June 26, 27, 28, 2009.
More Information to follow.
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January 2009
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Page 25
UPCOMING REUNIONS – MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Would you like to be a Class Representative?
Make a New Year’s Resolution...become involved with the Alumni Association
in 2009. We are looking for alumni from Lincoln-Way Community High School,
Lincoln-Way Central High School and Lincoln-Way East High School to join us
as we “grow” the Alumni Association.
We plan to meet quarterly to discuss ways to engage our alumni and
encourage them to stay connected.
If you are interested, or would like more details, please contact Linda Lopez
at (815) 462-2976.
Will be held on Friday, October 9, 2009
7:00-11:00pm
CD & ME
23320 S. LaGrange Road
Frankfort, IL 60423
Contact Mary (Capparelli) Holecek:
[email protected] for more information.
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Vol. 5 • No. 1
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January 2009
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Page 26
About Us...
T
he purpose of the Lincoln-Way High
School Alumni Association Planning
Committee is to provide
opportunities for alumni to come back to
visit the school, enjoy reunions, and
reconnect with former classmates, teachers,
and coaches.
The Planning Committee invites you to
help shape the future of the Alumni
Association. Please contact Linda Lopez at
(815) 462-2976 or [email protected] to
learn more.
Alumni Planning Committee
Members
Randy Baum, 1977
Jim Gast, 1959
Board of Education
Judy Hageman, 1959
Larry Hansen, 1977
Mandy Hansen, 1978
Steve Hogan, 1980
Foundation Director
Chairman Alumni Committee
Kurt Sangmeister, 1980
Kimberlee Warning Foglton, 1979
Foundation Director
Liaison
Linda Lopez
Executive Director of the Foundation
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ALUMNI LINK
w w w. l w 2 1 0 . o r g
The Alumni Association Planning
Committee suggests that all alumni visit our
website to update your information and check
on upcoming reunions and alumni events.
For further information, please contact the
Foundation Office at (815) 462-2976.
WE VALUE
YOUR COMMENTS!
Please let us know what you would like to see
in future editions of the newsletter. We would
like to highlight each class, report news on our
alumni, and announce upcoming reunions.
If you have something you would like to
share about yourself in the next newsletter,
please e-mail [email protected]. If you
have a photo that you would like to include,
please submit it with your information.
When submitting information, please
include the following: first and last name;
maiden name (if it applies); class year; address;
telephone number; and e-mail address.

January 2009 - Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210

Transcription

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