On May 26, 2013 Nazareth Academy held a Graduation Mass for the 211 graduates of the Class of 2013. These graduates will attend 79 colleges across 22 states. They have earned over $18.4 million in merit-based scholarships and awards.The Class of 2013 boasts 3 National Merit Scholars, 5 National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Scholars and 48 Illinois State Scholars.
Mr. Jeffrey Tumpane of Nazareth’s Religion Department served as Homilist, delivering the Baccalaureate Address on behalf of the school’s faculty and staff. Senior Class President Esha Gandhi offered a reflection and Sarah Swade, Valedictorian gave the Graduation Address.
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 Sarah Swade of Western Springs who will attend New York’s Fordham University next fall, majoring in Biology. While undertaking a rigorous Nazareth course schedule of 14 Honors classes and 5 AP classes, Sarah has been on “A” Honor Roll every quarter and is a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. She is a member of National Honor Society and National English Honor Society. According to English teacher Lori Sadowski, “The rarest student is one who possesses both academic and intellectual gifts: the kid who is incredibly bright and works hard anyway. That is Sarah!”
Very involved at Nazareth, Sarah played Varsity Tennis and represented the school as a member of Roadrunner Club, Art Club and Health Careers Club. In and out of school, Sarah serves the community. Through organizations such as Pool Pals, Caring Place for Kids, Challenger League and St. John of the Cross Parish Service, Sarah gives her time and talent to enhance the lives of others.
Salutatorian The Salutatorian is Matt Ramsey of Clarendon Hills, who will pursue a Bioengineering degree at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall. Matt is an “A” Honor Roll student taking a challenging course schedule of all Honors and AP classes. According to Science Department Chair, Douglas Hunt, “Matt has a vision, goals for what he wants to do, and does what it takes to achieve those goals…he easily ranks in the top five percent of all students I have taught during my forty-year tenure.” As a junior, Matt received the prestigious University of Chicago Book Award, given to a student who “demonstrates intellectual engagement in and out of the classroom, and who is known for asking challenging questions and drawing connections across academic disciplines.”
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Matt also played football and wrestled for Nazareth and is a member of Youth Initiative, Math Club, National Honor Society, Roadrunner Club, Pool Pals and FISH.
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 2013 Oliver Donlin Service Award Recipient, Matthew Serafin of La Grange Park. Much to the point of this award, Matt has upheld Nazareth’s pillars of scholarship, service, spirit and unity and has accepted the challenge of striving to reach his potential by developing the whole person. He has been actively involved in Campus Ministry, Youth Initiative, Student Council and the Drama Department. This year alone he served as a Service Team Co-President, Kairos Leader, Co-Chair of our Special Needs Prom and Snowball Leader.
Members of Nazareth’s faculty and staff have made the following remarks about him: “He does exactly what this award represents -- he uses his skills and gifts to bring about a better world. His desire to serve is sincere and genuine. He is warm, thoughtful, engaging and inclusive.” Chosen by his classmates as the male recipient of the American Legion School Award, Matt is also the 2013 recipient of the YMCA Men’s Club Service Award and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce “Young Person of the Year.” “His contributions 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 him. Above all, he is an outstanding young man most deserving of this recognition and honor,” said Deborah Tracy, Principal, in presenting the award.
Class of 2103 Individual Athletic Accomplishments
1 IHSA Top 8 in State Girls Tennis Doubles
2 IHSA State Medalists in Wrestling
3 IHSA State Qualifiers in 3 sports
2 ISHL All Stars in Boys Hockey
1 Sun-Times All Area Girls Volleyball Player
1 IHSA Sectional Champion in Wrestling
6 IHSA Sectional Medalists in 3 sports
2 IHSA Regional Champions in Wrestling
3 IHSA Regional Medalists in 2 sports
1 ESCC Defensive Lineman of the Year
2 ESCC Conference Champions in Wrestling
11 ESCC Conference Medalists in 3 sports
11 ESCC All Conference Players in 7 sports
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.
