by Miranda Eby | Dec 26, 2023 | Development, School News
Amid acts of goodwill and generosity, certain individuals stand out, directing their resources and passion to help others realize their true potential. Meet Ed Webler, a long-time supporter of Cristo Rey St. Martin, and Humanas representative who is the very embodiment of goodwill to others.
Webler’s engagement began in 2013, stemming from a meeting at the school’s former campus, where he crossed paths with Assistant Principal, Marlene Eby, and School President, Preston Kendall, setting the stage for a long-term commitment to the CRSM students through his involvement with the Humanas Foundation. The Humanas Foundation focuses primarily on helping inner-city students during their college years and beyond. They currently have programs in the New York City and Waukegan, Illinois areas.
Through his association with Humanas, Ed focuses on a select few students at a time who are about to graduate from high school and go off to college. He meets with them individually before they go off to school, makes sure they have what they need physically and financially to begin their education, and continually checks in with them throughout their time at their University or College. “What continues to motivate me is seeing these students thrive and create their narratives of success,” Webler remarked, highlighting his dedication to creating a lasting impact through empowering others.
Over the years, Ed’s involvement with CRSM alums has left a positive impact on our community by assisting in our mission to help get students to and through college. “At the core, it’s always been about the students,” Webler emphasized, reminiscing about the journeys of CRSM alumni who he has been able to interact with and support over the years. Ed commits to both financially and emotionally supporting these students, and remarks how they feel like they’re “part of [his]… family” through it all.
Through his involvement with CRSM, Webler upholds the belief that opportunities, regardless of background, can shape futures. His advice to students echoes his own experiences: “Go to college and get involved. Do something where you are able to meet people from all different backgrounds, and you will fit in.”
As Cristo Rey St. Martin continues its mission of shaping futures through access to quality education, Ed Webler remains an essential partner and mentor for CRSM alumni.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 26, 2023 | CWSP, School News
Cristo Rey Network Schools are unique in that they offer a well-rounded high school education by incorporating a mandatory internship component along with a standard academic curriculum. Cristo Rey St. Martin partners with over 80 companies in the Northern Chicagoland area that employ our students to gain meaningful corporate experience. CRSM greatly values our relationships with our business partners, and to honor them, we hosted a brunch in early October at the high school. Over 100 representatives from our partnering companies came out to celebrate the success of our Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). We heard wonderful speeches from Cristo Rey alumni Samantha Bahena and Daniela Sanchez, and UL Research Institutes President and CEO, Terry Brady. Our CWSP staff were touched to hear such kind words said about the program, and we hope our partners enjoyed the chance to be celebrated for their commitment to our mission.
The brunch began with a casual gathering where all partners were invited to get bagels, coffee, and other refreshments near our Pavilion and mingle with one another. We then moved into an awards ceremony, where we recognized our partners that have stuck with our program for 5, 10, and 15+ years. We were proud to see how many companies stayed with us over the years, especially through the uncertainties of the 2020 pandemic. It really showed us how our program is not only beneficial to the students for gaining work experience and paying for tuition, but also to companies by giving them the opportunity to work with interns and give the next generation the value tools they need to succeed in the corporate world.
The speeches that kicked off the award ceremony were dynamic, and telling of a program that serves the greater good. Samantha Behena, CRSM class of ‘17 alum reflects in her speech that, “without the Cristo Rey Network, and the CWSP, I simply would not be in the position I am in today. Dina Fiorelli (her supervisor during her time as an intern, now president of the company) saved my life. She took me under her wing, and she treated me like family. At 15 years old she saw something in me that I was not yet capable of seeing.” Samantha’s story is especially compelling, as she is now the Director of Recruiting for the company she started out as a student intern at, Advanced Resources. About 40% of our alumni now work for the business partner they did while they were CRSM student interns. This goes to show the chance at upward corporate mobility that our program truly provides our students with. “The CWSP changed my life in countless ways that I can’t even begin to describe. At 18 years old I was obtaining skills that people my age only dreamed of. I was meeting with executives, managers, directors, C-Suite leadership, and high-level HR professionals… I was surrounded by intelligent high performing producers, and I was a sponge” says Samantha.
CRSM Corporate Work Study Coordinator and alum, class of ‘16, Dulce Zarinana speaks to the benefit of the program for both students and alums, as she says, “As an alumni and current Cristo Rey St. Martin Employee, I have experienced and witnessed the benefits of the Corporate Work Study Program. The partnerships with our business partners have been essential to student’s professional growth and network… The Corporate Work Study Program challenged me to get out of my comfort zone and prepare me for ‘real-world’ work.” The coordinators, business partners, and students all have nothing but positive feedback for the Corporate Work Study Program. Us at CRSM would like to thank all of our business partners that came to the Business Partner Appreciation Brunch, and those who continue to assist our students everyday in working towards a successful future career. We would not be here without your unwavering support.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 26, 2023 | Campus Ministry, School News
Roberti Community House is a valued community organization in Waukegan, and particularly with the CRSM community. Roberti Community House assists those in need with a multitude of resources such as health service referrals, educational workshops, and access to food. CRSM has volunteered with the organization since 2015, and has expanded to send several student interns to work at the Community House through the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP). When volunteering through the campus ministry program with Roberti Community House, our students most often help out in their after school program.
While Roberti Community House is open to individuals in the Waukegan community of all ages, the afterschool program caters to the younger demographic. The purpose of this program is to alleviate the financial burden of childcare for parents in the Waukegan area, as well as give the kids a safe and positive environment to be involved in.
Pam Fisher, the Volunteer Coordinator at RCH, remarks how extremely helpful the Cristo Rey students have been in their program. “We truly value the relationship we have with Cristo Rey St. Martin. The students are always helpful to the kids in the afterschool program, and are constantly learning and growing during their time with Roberti Community House.”
Pam continues, “We are all here to share with each other and learn from each other.” It’s apparent that the afterschool program gives this to our students. They assist with the afterschool program, work in the kitchen to prepare food for the community through CWSP, and they in turn learn how to be leaders and role models for others.
Allison S., a CRSM freshman, is a consistent and enthusiastic volunteer with the Community House. Allison recalls one activity in particular where everyone “gave compliments to each other, and every compliment you gave, gives you a sticker on your badge”. This was a fun way for volunteers like Allison and the program recipients to spread and receive positive affirmations. Allison enthuses that her experience overall has been great, and states “I really like going because helping others makes me feel good.”
The Slogan of Roberti Community House is ‘Empowering the best in our neighborhood, community, and ourselves.’ CRSM is extremely grateful to Roberti Community House for helping our students become leaders and giving them the opportunity to work with such a crucial part of the Waukegan community.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 26, 2023 | Academic, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is relatively new to AP and college board testing, but this year we were given the Platinum Award for AP recognition and honor which is the highest honor an institution can receive. We began the AP program when we opened in 2009 in the old building and started with only 4 AP classes. Dr. Odiotti speaks more to the culture of CRSM academics and AP testing as he points out that “our focus on developing a rigorous curriculum and on getting results on AP exams has grown tremendously since we started as an organization… We now offer more AP courses than any other Cristo Rey Network School and over the last several years we have been increasing our results on these rigorous exams.”
The criteria for receiving the Platinum honor award goes as follows; College Going Culture (as measured by percentage of students taking at least one AP test), College Credit (as measured by percentage of seniors that earned at least a 3 on one exam), and College Optimization (as measured by the percentage of seniors taking 5 or more AP classes). “We achieved the highest level of recognition with 99% of our seniors taking at least one AP class and exam over their career, 78% of our seniors earning at least a 3 on one exam, and 36% of our seniors taking at least 5 AP classes,” says Principal Mike Odiotti.
Cristo Rey St. Martin continues to build a culture of driven and motivated students who strive to achieve more in everything they do. While we are new to the AP program as a whole compared to other schools in the area and college prep institutions, this does not stop our seniors from pushing themselves in their AP classes and on exams. Our faculty and teaching staff work with students to ensure they pass their AP classes, and succeed on exams. Through Professional Development days and staff collaboration with one another, teachers at Cristo Rey St. Martin are set on their students performing their best on AP exams, leading to our school being recognized by the College Board at the Platinum level.
Our AP program continues to flourish and exceed expectations of those in our community, as well as the students and staff involved in it. All CRSM students are encouraged to take at least 1 AP class during their time here to push themselves academically. Congratulations to our students of the AP classes in the past and current seniors for contributing to this collective success. Getting the Platinum Award is a significant academic accomplishment and is an achievement we will celebrate and continue to build upon.
by Miranda Eby | Dec 26, 2023 | Academic, School News
At Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep our goal is to get young women and men to and through college. Our teachers push our students academically, our counseling staff supports our students emotionally, and our college advisors assist students in applying to various colleges and scholarship programs. Chris C. and Luis G., class of ‘24, were awarded the prestigious Posse Scholarship for their outstanding academic performance.
The Posse Scholarship Program focuses on “expanding the pool from which top colleges and universities can recruit outstanding young leaders from diverse backgrounds.” It is a nationally recognized organization working with 20 high schools across the country, and 64 higher education institutions. CRSM is grateful and proud to be one of the 20 high schools affiliated with the Posse Scholarship Program.
Both CRSM students who received this honor went through a highly intensive Posse Scholarship Program application and interview process. Chris reflects on his journey of becoming a Posse Scholar and says, “I still remember the day I told myself I would go to college on a scholarship, but I never imagined the day truly coming. Now I’m honored to say that without the unconditional support CRSM, my friends, and family have always given me, I wouldn’t have become a Posse Scholar. Thank you!” Chris will be attending Trinity College next fall in Hartford, Connecticut, and extends his gratitude to Posse and the CRSM community for his admittance.
Luis Garcia will be attending DePauw University in Indiana. He professes his gratitude and excitement as well, as he states that “Posse is an amazing opportunity for me to fulfill my goal of going to college without the financial burden that is often associated with it. As a future Depauw student, I am excited to enter a new chapter in my life and pursue a career in the technological field. Thank you Posse and Depauw for believing in me and thank you to CRSM for providing me with the resources to succeed!”
Congratulations again to Chris and Luis for this amazing feat! We are looking forward to seeing all they will accomplish in their college career and beyond! Thank you to the Posse Foundation for partnering with us and our students in the hopes of creating brighter futures through college education.
