by Miranda Eby | Jun 13, 2025 | Academic, School News
The graduating Class of 2025 has left a mark on CRSM history—not only through their accomplishments but by setting new standards for student success and school excellence.
This year’s class achieved a 98% retention rate, an indicator of their commitment, resilience, and the strength of our school community. Even more impressive, 68% of these graduates will attend “selective” or “highly selective” colleges and universities, as defined by Barrons, reflecting the academic grit and aspiration that has become synonymous with a CRSM education.
To the Class of 2025: Enjoy this special time with your friends and family members to celebrate this amazing accomplishment. Your futures are bright, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead for you.
As we honor your achievements, we also celebrate the wisdom and heart you’ve shown along the way. No words capture this better than the reflection shared by this year’s Valedictorian, Jade Pasqual:
“I’ve grown within a community that has its own unique heart. Our community holds something truly valuable that could never be taken away. Whether obvious or not, it’s the legacy we carry. I truly believe that CRSM has shaped us with grit, perseverance, integrity, and a spirit of service, preparing us not just for college or the workforce, but for whatever path we choose, rooted in leadership, faith, and a deep commitment to justice.”
Congratulations, Class of 2025!
by Miranda Eby | Jun 13, 2025 | CWSP, School News
The Corporate Work Study Program doesn’t end for existing CRSM students just because it’s summer break. During the summer, our business partners have the opportunity to participate in the Work For Pay program.
The Summer Work for Pay program allows our business partners to extend their investment in student talent by offering continued employment over the summer months. When companies invite students back to work during the break, students gain valuable real-world experience while earning a paycheck, and the businesses benefit from the ongoing contributions of a trained, reliable team member. It’s a win-win that deepens professional development and enhances long-term partnership value.
Chaquene Gordon, Patient Transport Supervisor at Advocate Condell, has participated in the work for pay program for five summers now.
“Having students work in our Patient Transport Department during the summer adds real value; they assist with transporting inpatient beds, behavioral health carts, helping with patient discharges, clerical tasks, and cleaning equipment. Their support helps our team operate more efficiently. Beyond that, the program gives students a chance to earn money over the summer while gaining hands-on professional experience, which benefits both their personal growth and our organization,” says Gordon.
Monica, a rising Senior, has been working at Advocate Condell under Gordon for almost three years now at her CWSP job.
“This job has opened doors for me. I learned I wanted to go into medicine in the future from working here, and I have had the opportunity to see firsthand what working in a hospital is like. I’m able to network with the nurses over the summer while earning some money; it’s a great experience,” claimed Monica.
The Work for Pay program is a practical extension of the Corporate Work Study model, providing continued value to both students and business partners over the summer. Students gain paid, hands-on experience in real-world settings, while companies benefit from the support of trained and capable team members. It’s a straightforward way to maintain momentum, deepen skills, and strengthen the relationships that make our program successful year-round.
by Miranda Eby | May 27, 2025 | In The News
Click here to read the full article on the Chicago Tribune website.
by Miranda Eby | May 19, 2025 | President’s Pen
CRSM seniors had their last day of classes this week. Exams come next. There are smiles in the hallways that belie the last bits of stress they will face before graduation next weekend. Yearbooks are being signed, nostalgia is creeping in, high school is surging toward its end, and they feel it keenly. As teachers and administrators, we never get used to just how fast the four years go. When we squint our eyes just so and look at our seniors, we can still see the wide-eyed 9th graders they were even though they are now the mature, poised young adults standing before us. We have only known them these four short years and still we marvel at their amazing transformation. Think how their parents must feel who have known them all their lives!
Are you a parent? If so, you know the innate desire we all have for our children – that they live fulfilled lives, that they are happy, that their lives might be better than ours. That is certainly the case with our parents here at CRSM. I am awed by their devotion to their sons and daughters and their determination to provide them with the best education possible.
They sacrifice daily to make it so. I have seen fathers come in to pay tuition fresh off their day jobs with hard-earned, crumpled dollar bills. I know mothers who take second jobs to afford school while keeping the family fed. Even older siblings do what they can to help.
What astounds me more than just the herculean efforts they go to for their children is that our parents – most of whom have not had the benefit of extensive schooling – have figured out that providing an education is the best way to give their children a better life. Not only have they figured it out, they have gone “all in” to make it happen. Well over 90% of our students belong to the first generation in their family to go to college.
A couple years ago, we polled parents about the highest level of education they completed. The results were eye-opening: 25% said they completed High School, another 9% claimied a GED, 27% only completed Middle School, and 26% only had an Elementary School education. The other 13% indicated some college but we found that at least half attended “college” outside the U.S. and many miscategorized classes toward a certificate for college-level classes.
Think about that… Over half our parents never went to high school but they believe in the transformative power an education generates, and they want it for their children. Even though higher education is Terra Incognita for them, they believe in it and shed blood and tears to get it for their children.
Especially during this Easter season, I think our parents personify the words of the resurrected Jesus when he appears to Thomas, “How happy are those who believe without seeing me!” Our parents’ faith in CRSM inspires us to continue our mission.
When Chris Perry, a good friend and incredible supporter of CRSM and the Cristo Rey movement, was chair of CRSM’s board of trustees, he told all the board members (in so many words), “At some point in your service, every board member should attend at least one graduation. You cannot believe how powerful it is to see families celebrating. Incredibly moving and humbling, it is the embodiment of what Cristo Rey is all about.”
Next Saturday is graduation. We celebrate our sixth year in a row of having every senior accepted to at least one bachelor’s program. It marks the culmination of so much work by so many people, especially our parents. Our students leave behind an important phase of their education to embark on the next exciting phase of college and beyond. For so many, their parents will not have taken the next steps they are about to take, but their parents’ love gives them a spiritual compass that will guide them as they blaze uncharted trails.
¡Viva, Cristo Rey!
by Miranda Eby | May 14, 2025 | School News, Student Life
Although CRSM is a very academically driven institution, that doesn’t mean we don’t give students the opportunity to let their creativity shine!
The recent Art Show, held in collaboration with The Ragdale Foundation, was a celebration of artistic expression and student creativity. This year’s event drew remarkable participation, with 53 artists submitting a total of 167 works spanning a wide range of media- including writing, poetry, needlepoint, painting, drawing, and mixed media.
The Art Show has been held annually in the student union for six years running. It has been up during our Founders’ fundraiser for the past six years as well, giving our benefactors the opportunity to admire students’ artwork.
A panel of judges thoughtfully reviewed each piece, ultimately awarding 12 Gold Medals and 15 Honorable Mentions in recognition of outstanding artistry. Among these, three exceptional works received cash prizes.
The show not only emphasized the diversity of CRSM student talent but also reaffirmed the importance of supporting the arts through community partnerships and creative platforms. The Art Show will be up until May 27, 2025. We invite you to come and see our students’ art.
