by Miranda Eby | Feb 24, 2026 | CWSP, School News
Susan Carsello knows a thing or two about smart investments. By day, she works in the investment business. Outside of work, she invests her time and energy in Cristo Rey St. Martin as a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, and she says the return is immeasurable.
“I truly believe in the mission at CRSM,” Susan shares. “Giving students the opportunity to experience the workplace at a young age is incredibly powerful. Between the CWSP program and the great teachers, it is a really special place.”
Susan comes from a family of educators, with two sisters who are high school teachers. As a working professional and a mother raising two boys, mentoring students feels especially meaningful to her. While she once visited students regularly at their workplaces, she now spends more time checking in with them after work, especially those who may be struggling academically.
“Sometimes it is just sitting down with a student who has not been submitting assignments and helping them focus on one thing at a time,” she says. “Those conversations matter.”
Susan often works with students using The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, asking them to read the book and reflect on what they learn from it. One student she worked with initially struggled with attitude and accountability. When Susan learned he was a soccer player, she helped him see the connection between expectations on the field and expectations in the workplace.
“That was the moment things started to change,” Susan recalls.
By the end of the school year, the student spoke at a school event and publicly thanked Mrs. Carsello for believing in him. In another case, a student who had been struggling at her workplace completed the 7 Habits and later wrote Susan an email describing the positive changes others had noticed in her growth. Susan proudly shared that message with Preston.
“It is such a rewarding experience,” Susan says. “I feel like I get just as much out of this as the students do.”
For Susan, being part of the CRSM community is more than volunteering. It is a true blessing to work alongside the students, staff, and supporters who make the mission possible.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight, CWSP, School News
On February 13, the Corporate Work Study Program hosted a dynamic Professional Development Day designed to equip sophomores and seniors with essential tools for future success.
The day began with seniors focusing on building their professional presence. Students created and enhanced their LinkedIn profiles, learning to effectively showcase their skills, experience, and career interests. Seniors also participated in a CRSM Alumni Panel, where graduates shared real-world advice about navigating college, launching careers, and adjusting to life after CRSM. The panel provided valuable insight and inspiration as students prepare for their next chapter.
Among the alumni panelists was Samantha Bahena ’17, who reflected on the importance of giving back: “I’m proud to give back and support the next generation of Cristo Rey students! It’s so rewarding to see students gain confidence, skills, and insights to help them succeed.”
In the afternoon, sophomores participated in a hands-on resume-building workshop. With the support of dedicated volunteers from our incredible business partners and community organizations, students worked one-on-one to develop strong first drafts of their resumes. The experience gave students practical skills and increased confidence as they began building their professional portfolios.
We are deeply grateful to our alumni and CRSM business partners who generously shared their time, expertise, and encouragement. Their investment in our students continues to make a meaningful impact as we prepare the next generation for college, career, and life beyond CRSM.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Development, School News
Since 2004, the Gorter Family Foundation has been a committed partner of Cristo Rey St. Martin. After joining a philanthropic bus tour of Northern Lake County, the Gorters stopped at the old campus on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The Gorters were inspired by the mission and the students they met there, and they began by funding modular classrooms and soon after helped launch student internships, including the first grants that placed students in nonprofit jobs.
Education in Lake County is central to the Foundation’s giving. “We want to help level the playing field so that all kids in Lake County have access to strong educational opportunities,” says Cheri Richardson, Executive Director since 2014. With a background at United Way of the North Shore and Mothers Trust, Cheri stays closely connected to community needs. “I love being able to support CRSM and continue this longstanding partnership.”
That relationship has continued to grow. The Foundation helped make CRSM’s new, safe campus at the former Kmart location possible.
“We were thrilled to help build the new safe school at the old Kmart location,” the Foundation shared. “It is wonderful to know there is a welcoming place for students to attend school and thrive.” The Foundation also recognizes the strength of CRSM’s staff.
“The teacher turnover rate is very low, and that is a testament to the support staff receive and their commitment to the organization,” Cheri notes.
For more than two decades, the Gorter Family Foundation has invested in CRSM’s students, facilities, and future. We are deeply grateful for their enduring support and belief in our mission.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Academic, School News, Student Life
Two Cristo Rey St. Martin (CRSM) sophomores, Isabella and Ketzia, recently made their voices heard at a Waukegan City Hall meeting, where they spoke with city leaders about expanding healthcare exposure and mentorship opportunities for students.
Isabella, president and co-founder of Cristo Rey’s Pre-Med Club, said the idea for the club began when she first arrived at CRSM. “When I first entered Cristo Rey, I decided to form a Pre-Med Club with Ketzi and other students,” Isabella said. The club was created to inspire students interested in healthcare careers and connect them with professionals in the field.
As the club grew, Isabella and Ketzia recognized the need for outside support. “The members of this club are all future healthcare professionals, and my goal is to inspire students to pursue careers in medicine,” Isabella explained. The students hoped to gain guidance from firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and doctors who could offer mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
“Even though we were not initially invited to speak, we took the initiative to visit City Hall to request the support and guidance we need,” Isabella said.
Their message was well received by city officials. During the meeting, the students connected with city staff, including the mayor, the fire chief, and the police chief. “The individuals we met were welcoming and receptive and took our ideas seriously,” Isabella said, noting that city leaders expressed interest in supporting students pursuing healthcare careers.
The experience highlighted the confidence, leadership, and advocacy skills of CRSM students, demonstrating how initiative and student voice can open doors to meaningful community partnerships.
by Miranda Eby | Feb 23, 2026 | Campus Ministry, School News
Each year, the overnight Junior and Senior retreats give students a valuable opportunity to step away from daily routines, disconnect from their phones, and spend intentional time building community and reflecting on their faith lives. These retreats require significant planning and care, and they would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of our CRSM staff volunteers.
Teachers and staff – typically from many different departments around the school – give up evenings of their own, nights away from home, and full days from busy personal and professional schedules in order to be present for students. Their willingness to do so speaks volumes. Throughout the retreats, they help supervise activities, support small groups, and provide a calm, steady presence that allows students to feel safe and supported.
Spending time together outside the classroom opens the door for deeper connections. Viviana Vasquez, the new Director of Admissions and CRSM ‘16 alum, shared how meaningful that time was for her:
“As a new staff member, I really appreciate the opportunity to get to know the students, particularly when they don’t have their phones. They are invited out of their element to connect to one another in a new way. Watching them go sledding and play on the frozen lake was such wholesome fun. They were all laughing and enjoying themselves. It was sweet.”
Moments like sledding, shared meals, and group activities may seem simple, but they are powerful. They create space for joy, independence, and authentic community. Staff volunteers help make these moments possible by choosing to be fully present with students, even when it means time away from their own routines and families.
“The retreats are certainly centered on the students and their opportunities to grow in faith and connection with classmates, but the hope is that these opportunities are also ‘retreats,’ in a way, for the staff who attend,” said Jim Dippold, Director of Campus Ministry. “They are wonderful opportunities to accompany our students, continuing to grow in our appreciation for the amazing young men and women that our students are, and a deeper awareness of God’s presence and grace working through the CRSM community. We couldn’t offer the retreats we do to our students without the wonderful generosity of staff who attend.”
We are deeply grateful to the adults who choose to give their time, energy, and presence to our Junior and Senior retreats. Their commitment enhances our students’ experience and helps make each retreat meaningful and memorable.
