Class of 2015

Marist High School held its 49^th annual commencement exercises Thursday, May 21, 2015, sending off an accomplished class of young men and women to make Jesus Christ known and loved, while pursuing higher education and life.

At the heart of their Marist experience was spiritual growth. Members of the class participated in retreats and liturgy planning. Three groups participated in mission trips to New Orleans, upstate New York, and Jamaica. Students also planned and executed countless service projects and fundraisers, including spearheading the Relay for Life which raised $55,000 for the American Cancer Society, and running a yearlong tutoring program for local grade school students. Also, more than 100 members of the class were enrolled in the senior service program, providing community service Monday through Friday to more than 18 area organizations, including Little Company of Mary Hospital, Elim Christian Services, and several nearby Catholic grammar schools.

These students made an excellent academic reputation for themselves at Marist. They sent out more than 2,000 college applications, and were accepted to colleges and universities across the country. Graduates will be on the campuses of Notre Dame, Northwestern, University of Illinois, Marquette, Loyola, and St. Louis University, to name a few. They were awarded over $34 million in scholarship monies, including one Chick Evans Scholarship. There were five National Merit Commended students and 56 Illinois State Scholars. Marist seniors were leaders on the math team, which finished fourth in state overall and as the top Catholic school for the third straight year. The language department offered exchange programs with international Marist schools, allowing students to host students from and travel to Spain, Italy, and France. Seniors also were pioneers in the school’s new business curriculum, culminating in three student companies receiving funding. Numerous students were named ACT scholars, Advanced Placement Scholars, and received prestigious awards and scholarships. Marist seniors also partipated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). This international exam only takes place every four years, and helps assess student learning around the world. Marist was one of only two Chicagoland schools selected. 

Athletically, individuals and teams were strong performers. Jake Ford finished his Marist wrestling career as a state champion. Softball and wrestling captured the conference title. Both boys and girls track finished second in conference. Girls volleyball won the regional, while the boys will go for it in the coming weeks. Boys and girls lacrosse had successful seasons, helping build a new tradition at Marist. Girls soccer, baseball, and softball are are eyeing playoff runs this spring. Twenty-six graduates have committed to continue their athletic careers at the collegiate level with programs coast to coast.

After the bell rang each day, these seniors participated in clubs and activities, sharing their leadership and expertise with the school community. The speech team advanced to the National Catholic Forensic League Grand Tournament in Florida. Members of the school newspaper advanced and placed in the IHSA journalism finals. Student council members planned a variety of events and activities throughout the year. The theatre guild produced a fall drama and spring musical to the delight of audiences. The band and chorus performed at various sites around New York City and Nashville, respectively.

Ninety-nine percent of the class will attend college in the fall. Five students will join the military, while a few will enter the workforce immediately. If the class’s accomplishments at Marist are any indication of their future success, the end of this chapter is just the beginning for them.