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Montini High School Class of 2021

Graduates in the Class of 2021: 123

Valedictorian: Nora Sypkens

Salutatorian: Heather Sledzinski

Graduation Speaker: Nora Sypkens

Class Officers: Glory Ugorji, student government president; Nora Sypkens, vice president; Cydney Rand, secretary; Nicolas Fisch, treasurer

Academic achievements:

• 47 Academic All Stars - Students achieving a 7th Semester GPA of 3.95 or higher or named Illinois State Scholar

• More than $18 million in academic scholarship offers received.

Extracurricular achievements:

• Robotics team competed virtually in the VEX Illinois State Championship tournament. Our team's score to qualify for state was 121 points. Between the qualifying tournament and state, the Montini robotics team worked countless hours after school to push their robot and their driver to higher and higher scores. In less than two weeks, the team reached a high score of 188 points. That score was good enough to take 12th place out of 32 teams at the state tournament. That score of 188 brought the team's VEX World Skills rank to 229th out of over 2,500 high school teams competing around the world this season. Montini Robotics is in the top 9% worldwide. "So much amazing teamwork, creative problem solving, and top-notch engineering went into this year's season," said Technology Department Chair and Robotics Coach, Mr. Pete Farina '87. Lead builders were Ayaan Dhir '21, Daniel Cyze '21, Thomas Cyze '23, and Anjay Dhir '24. Lead programmer and driver was Jack Sebben '21. Montini's State team also included Joshua Tolefree '22, Alex Silveyra '23, Frank Flores '24, Will Prater '23, and Brendan Dwyer '22.

• Our Broncettes (Dance) finished 3rd in the State IHSA Dance (1A) - Coach Eugenia Scavone '84 celebrated 30 years as Broncette coach this year as well.

• Montini Catholic music students, seniors Nora Sypkens '21, Heather Sledzinski '21, Maddie McDowell '21 and sophomore Kenneth Sledzinski '23, were chosen to represent Montini Catholic High School at the Illinois Music Education Association District 9 Ensemble this fall. Heather Sledzinski went on to achieve All State Honor Choir - being only the second Bronco to achieve All State Choir in Montini's history.

• Montini's Bronco Math Team secured an 8th place state finish this year at the ICTM (The Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics) State Math Competition (Division 2A). "The regional meet this year was held remotely," explained Math Department Chair Chrissie McManus. "The scores from this event counted for both regional places and state." Montini Catholic is the only Catholic team in Division 2A to qualify for the state meet for the past nineteen consecutive years.

Athletic achievements:

• Bumber's Locker Corner Award: Patrick O'Connor '21 - named in memory of 1989 Montini graduate and football standout, Brad Bumber. "Patrick is a natural fit to receive the Brad Bumber award," said Head Football Coach Mike Bukovsky. " He has the same Bronco passion, enthusiasm, and "Team First" attitude that Brad demonstrated everyday as a Bronco."

• Spirit of 76 Award: Cooper Petersen '21 - named in memory of former Montini football player, Johnny Weiger, who passed away in his sophomore year. Every year, the Weiger family, friends and fans set aside a few minutes before the game to reflect on the life of, and pay tribute to Johnny. (Normally, the team holds its annual Charity Game benefiting the JAW Foundation, however this year's fundraising had to be put on hold due to COVID restrictions.) The Weiger Family is inspired to present a special award each year to a unique member of the varsity football team who best embodies that of great character, faith and sportsmanship."

Theater productions:

• George Orwell's 1984 - December (Directed by Mr. Kenn Cramer)

• All I Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten - March (Directed by Mrs. Beth DiMarco)

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

One of the most significant challenges faced by the Class of 2021 was adjusting to such a different type of schooling in the first semester. They overcame this challenge by doing what they'd always done - working hard, staying focused, supporting one another, leaning on their teachers, and being flexible.

Principal's reflections on the Class of 2021:

I am in awe of just how well the Class of 2021 lead our school through the challenges of this pandemic year. Despite the physical distance required in school and being in school every other day in the first semester, they somehow managed to be the most unified and closest class I can remember. Their ability to maintain such a strong sense of community was not only incredible to witness, it set the standard for our entire school community. I'll forever be grateful for the example they set.

- Principal Kevin Beirne

Montini Catholic High School Valedictorian Nora Sypkens addresses fellow graduates during the school's commencement ceremonies. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School senior Ayaan Dhir receives his diploma during the Lombard school's graduation ceremony. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School senior Camilla Jefferson shows off her diploma during the school's graduation ceremony May 23. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School Salutatorian Heather Sledzinski gives a thumbs-up during the school's commencement ceremonies. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard. Daily Herald File Photo
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard congratulates senior Heather Sledzinski on being only the second Bronco to achieve All State Choir. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic High School in Lombard is congratulating senior Joel Camba for being the recipient of the National Academy of Future Physicians Award of Excellence. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Montini Catholic's Lasallian Youth decorate a tree for the 39th annual "Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo." Pictured, from left, are: kneeling, Zander Montgomery and Hugh Flannery; and Mick Flannery, Nick Fisch, Justin Gergen, Lupe Herrmann, and theology teacher Denis Block. Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
Enjoying their Chicago-style hot dogs during the "History of Chicago" class at Montini Catholic High School in Lombard were juniors Madalyn Kasallis and Joseph Ranieri and senior Joey Rogers Courtesy of Montini Catholic High School
  Montini's Tommy May during the varsity boys cross country race at Harvest Christian Academy in Elgin. Brian Hill/bhill@dailyherald.com
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