by Miranda Eby | Mar 17, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is proud to welcome Daniel Flores as our new Work Study Program Coordinator. A 2024 graduate of Emory University, Daniel majored in Human Health.
Daniel is a proud Waukegan native and alumnus of Waukegan High School. As the youngest of four siblings and a former Schuler Scholar, his journey reflects a strong commitment to education and community.
Daniel was drawn to Cristo Rey St. Martin because of its mission and the sense of community he immediately felt. “It felt more rewarding and impactful because of the mission,” he shared. “I get to impact the community I’m familiar with and grew up in.” He also noted the welcoming and collaborative environment. “Every department and all the staff are very welcoming. It has a very home-like vibe. It’s independent here but also collaborative.”
In his role, Daniel is excited to help students grow through meaningful work experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships, especially when working with business partners. “Advancing in the workforce is about who you know, not just what you know,” he said. “You need to create relationships and leave a good impression wherever you go.”
We are excited to have Daniel on our team and look forward to the impact he will have on our students and community.
by Miranda Eby | Mar 17, 2026 | Campus Ministry, School News
Through Campus Ministry, Cristo Rey is proud to partner with Mano A Mano to support our students and families through civic engagement and community advocacy. A special thank you goes to Claire Dietz, coordinator of Mano A Mano’s Democracy Action Program, who has generously worked directly with our students.
This semester, Claire visited campus to lead a voter registration drive ahead of the March primary election. She presented to students about the importance of civic participation and stayed during lunch periods to help them register. Despite technical difficulties with the statewide registration system that day, a good number or seniors successfully registered to vote, and many more left with resources to complete the process at home.
Claire shared why this work is so meaningful to her:
“It’s really important from a young age to be exposed to the importance of voting and have it not just be something some people do, but a part of everyday conversation. The results of voting affect every single part of our lives.”
She also emphasized helping students see voting as something personal and local:
“It could be that your neighbor is on the ballot, or whether or not you get a new park. Thinking about it in those tangible, neighborhood ways is really important to understand early on.”
In addition to voter education, Mano A Mano continues to support immigrant families in our community by providing guidance, legal resources, and assistance with basic needs during times of uncertainty. Recently, our OPT (Oportunidades Para Todos) students delivered heartfelt, hand-drawn thank-you cards to the Mano A Mano team. Claire shared how much the gesture meant.
“The cards were really wonderful, full of really kind messages. It was so heartening to see that the students are paying attention to what we’re doing.”
We are deeply grateful for Claire’s dedication and for Mano A Mano’s continued partnership with OPT and Campus Ministry, as well as through the Corporate Work Study Program. Together, we are empowering our students to become informed, compassionate leaders in their communities.
by Miranda Eby | Mar 17, 2026 | School News
Waukegan Mayor Cunningham Stops By CRSM for Ladder Up Tax Workshop
Mayor Sam Cunningham recently visited Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep to thank the dedicated volunteers from Ladder Up who are providing free tax preparation services to members of the Waukegan community.
Through this effort, volunteers are helping individuals and households earning up to $40,000 file their taxes and access important refunds. So far, the program has helped secure approximately $390,000 in tax refunds for local families.
Free tax preparation services through Ladder Up are available every Saturday through March 21, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, 3106 Belvidere Road.
In addition to the Saturday services, Cristo Rey St. Martin also offers limited appointment-based tax preparation for CRSM families on weekday evenings through St. Viator Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). These appointments are available for households earning $66,000 or less and take place from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at the school. Families must sign up in advance, as appointments are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
We are grateful to Ladder Up, St. Viator VITA volunteers, and community partners who give their time and expertise to support individuals and families in Waukegan.
by Miranda Eby | Mar 17, 2026 | School News
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robert H. Daily, a founding supporter and devoted champion of Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep. Bob deeply believed in Cristo Rey’s mission to provide young people with access to a quality education and the opportunity to build a brighter future, and he worked tirelessly to help bring that vision to life in Waukegan.
From the very beginning, Bob was instrumental in establishing the school. Bishop George Rassas recalled that Bob was the one who first reached out to him and asked for help in getting Cristo Rey St. Martin started. As the Bishop reflected, Bob “had been with the mission of the school since the beginning” and was “a hard-working and great man.”
In those earliest days, Bob helped lead the small group that conducted the feasibility study to determine whether a Cristo Rey school could succeed in Waukegan. Simon Moughamian, who joined that initial team, remembered Bob’s tireless commitment. “In the early days, Bob did everything from helping to organize the various committees to painting our first office,” Simon said. “He was a man for all seasons and my good friend.”
Tributes shared on the online obituary page also reflected the impact Bob had on those who worked with him. Joe Villinski wrote about meeting Bob when he first arrived in Waukegan in 2007. “I was blessed to encounter his easy smile and genuine goodness,” Joe wrote. “He welcomed me to Team Cristo Rey with an open heart and a sense that anything was possible.” Joe added that Bob’s “unflagging commitment” and belief in what the school could become “provided the fuel needed to propel those early days forward.”
Because of Bob’s vision, generosity, and determination, Cristo Rey St. Martin has served hundreds of students and families. His work helped lay the foundation for a school that continues to open doors and create opportunities for young people in our community.
We are profoundly grateful for Bob’s friendship, leadership, and dedication to this mission. He will be deeply missed, and his legacy will continue to live on in the lives of the students and families Cristo Rey St. Martin serves.
by Miranda Eby | Mar 17, 2026 | Academic, School News
For the third year in a row, AP Government students had the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation with Congressman Brad Schneider, who represents Illinois’ 10th Congressional District. During his visit, students led a dialogue focused on current events, legislative issues, and the realities of serving in Congress.
Prior to the visit, students prepared thoughtful questions exploring specific bills, policy impacts, and how political decisions influence both lawmakers and the communities they serve, such as:
“What do you find as the most challenging aspect of campaigning for office? And how do local interest groups or polls influence your campaign?” (Jacob E. CRSM ‘26).
Congressman Schneider responded candidly, sharing insights into his work in Washington and discussing the complexities of policymaking.
The conversation allowed students to connect their classroom learning to real-world government and public service. Throughout the discussion, Congressman Schneider encouraged students to stay informed about political issues, ask questions, and become involved in civic life at a young age.
The visit highlighted the value of civic education and gave students a firsthand look at how government functions beyond the classroom. Faculty members noted that the students asked insightful and well-prepared questions, demonstrating both curiosity and a strong understanding of the topics they studied.
Opportunities like this continue to help students see the importance of participation in the democratic process and the impact informed citizens can have on their communities.
