by Miranda Eby | May 29, 2026 | Academic, School News, Student Life
Cristo Rey St. Martin proudly celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 on Saturday, May 23, 2026, marking an important milestone for a remarkable group of students, families, faculty, staff, and supporters. The celebration followed Friday’s (May 22, 2026) Senior Send Off, where students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, service, and commitment to the mission and values of Cristo Rey St. Martin. Among the many awardees, Romeo Y. received the Spirit of St. Martin Award, Diego M. was honored as Valedictorian, and Jeremias L. was recognized as Salutatorian. The Class of 2026 achieved outstanding college outcomes. For the seventh year in a row, 100% of Cristo Rey St. Martin seniors were accepted into four-year college programs. We also saw a 96% retention rate for this class from freshman year to senior year. In addition, 60% of the class was accepted into some of the most selective colleges and universities in the country, and 93% of graduates are first-generation college students. Cristo Rey St. Martin also extends sincere gratitude to Fr. Jhobany Ordunz Duarte, C.S.V., for celebrating the Baccalaureate Mass and helping bless this meaningful graduation weekend. His presence and leadership added a special spirit of faith and thanksgiving to the occasion. The accomplishments of the Class of 2026 reflect the resilience and determination of our students, the love and support of their families, and the dedication of our faculty, staff, corporate work-study partners, benefactors, and community. Cristo Rey St. Martin congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to the bright futures ahead for each graduate.
by Miranda Eby | May 29, 2026 | School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is proud to celebrate our Facilities Team, who have been honored by the Cristo Rey Network with an Outrageously Bold Award. The award is presented by the Cristo Rey Network’s national office as part of its annual recognition program, with each school’s leadership team selecting the individuals who best embody the award’s spirit on their campus.
This national recognition celebrates outstanding Cristo Rey colleagues whose work reflects bold hope, radical love, and tireless commitment to the Cristo Rey mission.
This year’s recipients from Cristo Rey St. Martin are Martin Cervantes-Alvarez, Mickey Lakatos, Daniel Galvan, and Bryan Torres. Together, they help create a safe, welcoming, and mission-centered environment where students, faculty, staff, and families can thrive.
The Outrageously Bold Awards were launched by the Cristo Rey Network national office to recognize the incredible work of Cristo Rey colleagues nationwide. Inspired by the visionary spirit of the Cristo Rey Credo and the words of Cristo Rey Network Chair Emeritus Fr. John Foley, SJ, the awards highlight the extraordinary contributions of those who advance the mission with courage, care, and commitment.
At Cristo Rey St. Martin, the Facilities Team’s work is often behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in every corner of campus. Their dedication, professionalism, humility, and heart make our school stronger each day.
Please join us in congratulating Martin Cervantes-Alvarez, Mickey Lakatos, Daniel Galvan, and Bryan Torres on this meaningful and well-deserved national recognition.
by Miranda Eby | May 1, 2026 | Alumni Spotlight
From Cristo Rey St. Martin classrooms to competitive careers in finance, these alumni are turning opportunity into impact. The Greenwood Project, founded in 2016, creates career pathways in financial services for Black and Latinx college students. Through rigorous training, scholars develop the technical and professional skills needed to succeed in finance. The program then partners with leading companies to place students in highly competitive summer internships across the country, with more than 70 percent of participants going on to work in the financial services industry.
Several Cristo Rey St. Martin alumni are part of this impactful program. Christopher Cervantes & Karen Mijango (Class of 2024), Kedar Cortes & Christian Flores (Class of 2025), Armando Gonzalez (Class of 2022), and Christian Pasillas (Class of 2023) have each been selected through a competitive process that includes resume screening, an AI video interview, and an aptitude assessment.
Their involvement in the Greenwood Project reflects their strong work ethic and ambition. As participants, they are gaining valuable experience, building professional networks, and preparing for successful careers while proudly representing the CRSM community. We are incredibly proud of these students for earning this opportunity and for the way they continue to represent Cristo Rey St. Martin with excellence, determination, and integrity.
by Miranda Eby | May 1, 2026 | Academic, Campus Ministry, School News
From castles to cathedrals, a journey across Spain became a life-changing experience for Patricia Ferrer, one of our Spanish teachers, who participated in a pilgrimage retracing the path of St. Ignatius of Loyola this semester. Traveling from Azpeitia to Barcelona, she followed the route that shaped his spiritual transformation and legacy as the founder of the Jesuits.
“Following in his footsteps has been one of the greatest gifts I have been given lately, and one of my best experiences so far,” Ferrer shared.
The pilgrimage included visits to key locations in the life of “San Ignacio,” beginning at Loyola Castle and continuing to Pamplona, where Ignatius was injured and began his conversion to a life of faith. The group also visited the castle of St. Francis Xavier, as well as Montserrat, Manresa, and Barcelona.
Ferrer joined the pilgrimage at the invitation of Loyola Academy High School in Wilmette, with support from President Preston Kendall. The group included 11 members of the Loyola Academy community and a guest from Christ the King Jesuit College Prep. “I feel absolutely privileged, not only for the opportunity to visit these landmarks, but also for the group of people I went with,” she said.
Among many highlights, three places stood out. In Montserrat, where Ignatius laid down his sword before the Black Madonna, she found peace and hope. In Manresa, at the Cave of St. Ignatius, she experienced a meaningful Mass and reflected on the origins of the Spiritual Exercises. In Barcelona, La Sagrada Familia exceeded expectations, offering a space that “naturally invites you to reflect and pray.”
“I will always be grateful for this wonderful experience,” Ferrer said, noting that the shared moments and even the meals made the journey unforgettable.
by Miranda Eby | May 1, 2026 | School News, Student Life
The drama club’s recent production of Mean Girls: The Musical High School Edition proved to be far more than just a high-energy, crowd-pleasing performance. It became a testament to resilience, teamwork, and community impact.
Staged over three nights on April 16, 17, and 18, the show brought together more than 75 students across cast and crew, each contributing to a production that was as ambitious as it was entertaining. Adapted from the iconic film, the musical captured the sharp humor, memorable characters, and important themes of identity and belonging that audiences have come to love. From the vibrant choreography to the confident vocal performances, it was clear that months of preparation had paid off.
What set this production apart, however, was not just what happened on stage but also what happened offstage.
On April 17, severe weather struck, and a tornado warning forced everyone in attendance to shelter in place. While many events would have been canceled under such circumstances, the cast and crew remained calm, organized, and ready. Once it was safe, they continued the performance, demonstrating remarkable composure and dedication. Their ability to adapt in a moment of uncertainty highlighted not only their professionalism but also the strong sense of unity within the group.
Beyond the performances themselves, the production also made a meaningful impact on the broader community. Instead of ticket sales, the cast and crew requested donations dedicated to supporting House of Peace, a domestic violence shelter in Waukegan. Through their efforts, the drama club raised $400, turning their artistic work into a contribution that will help others in need.
In the end, Mean Girls: The Musical High School Edition was more than a school production. It was a powerful example of student talent, perseverance in the face of challenges, and a commitment to making a difference.
