St. Edward Central Catholic High School Class of 2021

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 86

Valedictorian: Alexander Drobek

Salutatorian: Andrew Stapay

Class Officers: Luke Sauceda, President; Mia Castro, Vice President; Jase Leonard, Treasurer

Illinois State Scholars: Raymond Alvaro, Madelyn Anderson, Liam Buenaventura, Lauren Cogley, Nathan Daehn, Alexander Drobek, Connor Franczak, Julia Heffelfinger, Taylor Jannusch, Jase Leonard, Josh Nordan, Andrea Rivera, Andrew Stapay, Ethan Olson, Luke Sauceda.

National Merit Scholarship Commended Student: Olek Drobek

National Honor Society: Madelyn Anderson, Blake Busto, Mia Castro, Alexander Drobek, France Enright, Daniela Esquibias, Declan Foley, Connor Franczak, Julia Heffelfinger, Taylor Jannusch, Jase Leonard, Oscar Morgan, Josh Nordan, Eric Ramos, Andrea Rivera, Ethan Wagh.

Top 10% of Senior Class: Raymond Alvaro, Madelyn Anderson, Liam Buenaventura, Alexander Drobek, Connor Franczak, Taylor Jannusch, Julia Heffelfinger, Luke Sauceda, Andrew Stapay, Andrea Rivera.

Tri-M Honor Society: Nathan Daehn, Ethan Hayward, Ariel Martinez, Maura McGraw, Eric Ramos, Natalia Ramos, Rachel Rebolledo, Luke Sauceda.

International Thespian Society: Nathan Daehn, Jack Ellinger, Augustine Hartke, Maura McGraw, Ethan Wagh.

Scholarships:

• Cecile Baier Memorial Scholarship - Daniela Esquibias

• Charlotte Wetzel Memorial Scholarship - Adilene Hernandez, Daniela Esquibias

• Claudia Warner Award - Julia Heffelfinger

• Greg True Award - Eric Ramos

• Margaret Ollayos Award - Ariann Franco

• Reverend Schneider Scholarship Award - Nathan Mesina

• Evans Scholarship - Grace Enright, Augustine Hartke, Thomas McQueeny

• Bunge's Tire & Auto Trade School Scholarship - Chris Pavlators

• Club Guadalupano Scholarship - Mia Castro, Alma Dominguez, Daniela Esquibias, Ariann Franco, Luke Sauceda

• Dundee Township Rotary Scholarships - Alexander Drobek

• Elgin Sports Hall of Fame Scholarships - Mia Castro, Ariann Franco, Thomas McQueeny, Liam Pomeroy, Joe Sacco, Grace Vitek

• Elgin Rotary Club Scholarships - Ashley Buchanan, Mia Castro, Taylor Jannusch, Jase Leonard

• Fox Valley Bauer Arts Scholarship - Julissa Espinoza

• The Mares Family Foundation Scholarship - Alma Dominguez

Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizenship Award: Taylor Jannusch

St. Timothy Award: Julia Heffelfinger, Andrew Stapay

Extracurricular achievements:

• The 2020-21 St. Edward Scholastic Bowl Team participated in the IHSA Class 1A Regionals, defeating DePaul Catholic Prep and Elgin Academy to advance to the final round of regionals.

Athletic achievements:

• St. Edward Booster Club Senior Student Athlete Awards: Oscar Morgan, Rebecca Wright

• St. Edward Booster Club 2020-21 Three Sport Athlete Awards: Mia Castro, Ariann Franco, Liam Pomeroy, Grace Vitek

• St. Edward Booster Club "3 for 4" Student Athlete Awards: Ariann Franco, Liam Pomeroy, Grace Vitek

Theater productions:

• For the fall, the "Modern Views" radio drama was a result of the Golden Age of Radio Project that was researched and performed by the Drama Club to pay homage to the 1920s, when the rise of the radio and mass media began. It was captured on video for mass distribution to our entire school community.

• For the spring, the St. Edward CCHS Drama Club Showcase was a variety show comprising duet performances of excerpts from classic plays and award-winning musicals captured on video for mass distribution to our entire school community.

What traditional events were adapted for the pandemic and how?

• PromComing: Combination of Homecoming and Prom festivities celebrated in May, including College Decision Day when social distancing restrictions were lessened.

• Baccalaureate: Socially distant awards ceremony for 2021 graduating seniors with a traditional, celebratory Mass held in the Fr. Edward Seisser school gymnasium.

• Outdoor Lunch Periods: School administration encouraged students to soak up the sun and relax with friends on the campus lawn during their scheduled lunch periods.

What were the significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 and how did they overcome them?

Starting the 2020-21 school year committed to a hybrid learning model that provided live, in-person instruction in tandem with online learning allowed students to stay engaged in the learning process as they successfully advanced through their yearlong, senior level curriculum.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

Congratulations to all our seniors! What a year it has been for each of you. I know that we all wish this school year could have begun with everyone together in the classroom. However, with the Grace of God, you were all able to end the year celebrating your achievements at Baccalaureate Mass and graduation ceremony as you should, together with your families present. I will continue to pray for God's blessing upon each of you as you continue your path of higher learning.

- Principal Brian TeKampe