by Miranda Eby | Aug 18, 2025 | CWSP, School News
Bright minds and big ideas filled CRSM during CWSP freshman training week as Abbott volunteers joined students for hands-on workshops. A total of 39 Abbott employees, coordinated by alum Oscar Gonzalez, CRMS ‘17, and Abbott Organization Change Manager Summer Camper, led students through Speed Networking and Shark Tank preparation, giving them a chance to practice professional skills, gain career insights, and showcase their creativity.
Summer Camper shared, “Everyone was very impressed by the professional level of the kids. They seem so bright. It makes you feel good and is inspiring to contribute to programs that help students get to college.”
Oscar Gonzalez added, “CRSM proud and Abbott proud. Being an alum and seeing both a partner and my employer support the students is incredible. I’m hoping to continue this every year.”
As Summer noted, “Teamwork makes the dream work,” a perfect reflection of the collaboration between CRSM students and Abbott volunteers.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 18, 2025 | School News, Student Life
Eight CRSM students spent a week deep in the northern coniferous forest this summer, returning home with new skills, new confidence, and lifelong friends. Thanks to the generosity of Lake Forest Open Lands, the Center for Conservation Leadership, and the Urban Wilderness Program, students journeyed to Camp Owakonze in Ontario, Canada, for an unforgettable immersion trip.
For most, this was their very first camping experience. Under the guidance of one CRSM adult representative, one Lake Forest Open Lands representative, and two Urban Wilderness Program leaders, students learned how to fish, pitch tents, canoe across Baril Lake, cook over a campfire, and embrace the rare opportunity to unplug from technology and fully connect with nature.
“Something that surprised me about myself was how willing I am to try something new,” shared Juan T., a rising junior. “I tried many new foods and activities, such as canoeing, which I had never done before. It was a great opportunity to do new things.”
Lilly M., a rising senior, reflected: “To the funders of this trip, I would like to say thank you, and please continue to do it. I really enjoyed the detox from technology and social media I got through this experience, as well as the connection with nature. I think others should be able to experience this in the future.”
We are deeply grateful to Lake Forest Open Lands, the Center for Conservation Leadership, and the Urban Wilderness Program for making this experience possible for the second year in a row- not just through financial support, but through their belief in the transformative power of the outdoors. Their partnership ensures CRSM students can explore new horizons, challenge themselves, and discover strengths they never knew they had.
The next Camp Owakonze adventure is planned for Summer 2026, with applications opening this January. We hope this becomes a CRSM tradition for years to come.
by Miranda Eby | Aug 18, 2025 | Development, School News
What began as a chance conversation while waiting for a table at a Florida restaurant has turned into more than a decade of support for Cristo Rey St. Martin from David and Kathleen (Kathy) Kennedy. That meeting led David to connect with CRSM leadership, serve on the Board of Trustees from 2013–2016, and play a key role in the search for a new campus, offering the pivotal idea to “raise the roof” on the former Kmart building that now houses our school.
“We truly believe in helping people especially when it comes to education,” David says, inspired by Cristo Rey founder Father Foley. “The idea is admirable, giving kids who have little, a leg up in the academic and professional world.”
Today, the Kennedys’ ongoing support continues to help CRSM open doors for students to succeed in college, career, and life and we are truly grateful
by Miranda Eby | Aug 18, 2025 | Campus Ministry, School News
When CRSM students gather with peers from across the country, faith comes alive. This summer- eight CRSM delegates, along with our Director of Campus Ministry, Jim Dippold- joined nearly 30 young people from Viatorian schools and parishes in the greater Chicago and Las Vegas areas for the 16th annual Viatorian Youth Congress (VYC). Guided by 12 young adult leaders, participants spent four days deepening their faith, building community, and exploring new ways to serve others in the Viatorian spirit.
As a Catholic school- endorsed by the Clerics of St. Viator, the Sinsinawa Dominicans, and the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus- CRSM is proud to see our students return ready to take on greater leadership roles in Campus Ministry. In the words of Jim Dippold, “It was a wonderful four days to live our faith, to share it with others, and to learn more about opportunities to grow the spiritual life at CRSM, both our life of prayer and our commitment to the work of service and justice.”
by Miranda Eby | Aug 18, 2025 | Academic, School News
This fall, English teacher Kayleigh Wonch reached an exciting milestone in her graduate school journey: she officially earned her Reading Teacher endorsement through the Illinois State Board of Education. Kayleigh is currently completing her Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Coaching (CIC) at National Louis University, a program she began nearly three years ago. By Winter 2025, she will graduate with her full degree.
Balancing coursework, practicum hours, and clinical requirements with full-time teaching has been no small feat, but Kayleigh was motivated by her desire to grow both as a classroom teacher and as a literacy specialist. “I wanted to deepen my knowledge of reading instruction and intervention while also gaining skills in coaching and curriculum design,” she shared.
The program provided her with hands-on experience assessing and supporting readers, as well as a strong foundation in equitable teaching practices. “I’m grateful for the collaborative professors and peers I’ve learned alongside, even in asynchronous courses,” Kayleigh reflected. “The best part has been seeing a direct connection between what I study and what I do in my classroom every day.”
Congratulations, Kayleigh! We’re proud of your hard work and can’t wait to see the ways you continue to impact students through your learning!
