by Miranda Eby | Nov 7, 2025 | Admission, Campus Ministry, School News
Food, families, and a whole lot of smiles filled Cristo Rey St. Martin on Thursday, November 6th.
Inside the school, our Fall Open House welcomed 110 prospective families eager to explore what makes CRSM such a special place. At the same time, in our parking lot, the Northern Illinois Food Bank hosted a holiday meal distribution, making sure local families had what they needed to celebrate the season.
It was a perfect snapshot of the Cristo Rey spirit: learning, community, and service all happening at once.
“Every smile, conversation, and warm welcome truly reflected the heart of Cristo Rey St. Martin,” said Viviana Vasquez, Director of Admissions. “The feedback we received from families and community organizations was incredibly positive.”
Inside, families toured the school, met teachers and staff, and learned about our rigorous college-prep curriculum and transformative Corporate Work Study Program. Outside, volunteers from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the school distributed holiday meal boxes for 750 families, bringing healthy meals and cheer to our neighbors. With over 70 CRSM students and staff volunteering for the event, Jim Dippold – Director of Campus Ministry – said, “It was an amazing outpouring of generosity and care for the community.”
We are so grateful to all the staff and volunteers who made the day possible. From guiding tours to distributing holiday meals, your energy, teamwork, and kindness made the day truly memorable.
This day reminded us why Cristo Rey St. Martin is more than a school. It is a place where education meets service, where students and staff give back, and where our doors are always open to community and connection.
by Miranda Eby | Nov 7, 2025 | Academic, Alumni Spotlight, School News
Dr. Odiotti recently received an email from Marcos Arnold (CRSM’23, now at Colorado College) that perfectly captures the heart of CRSM’s call to “claim your education.”
Writing from his dorm room, Marcos reflected on how his time at Cristo Rey St. Martin continues to shape his perspective on learning and success.
“I came across an article in the New York Times titled ‘Harvard Students Skip Class and Still Get High Grades,’” Marcos wrote. “It made me think about what ‘success’ in higher education really means. Is it measured by grades alone, or by the relationships, intellectual curiosity, and discussions we engage in within the classroom?”
At Colorado College, Marcos is experiencing a rigorous “Block Plan” system where missing even one day of class can leave students behind. The contrast with peers who sometimes prioritize internships and résumé-building over academics has made him reflect deeply on his own purpose as a student.
“All of this brought me back to our Friday assemblies at CRSM,” he shared, “when we were reminded to ‘claim’ our education rather than simply ‘get’ one. That mindset has stayed with me, pushing me to take risks in classrooms where I am often the only one who looks like me — and to speak up knowing that I have a purpose there.”
Marcos closed his message by expressing gratitude and hope: “I am grateful to still have two more years of reading, learning, and raising my hand in college classrooms as I continue to shape what my own education means to me.”
Dr. Odiotti shared Marcos’ reflection with the CRSM community, noting that it’s “a powerful reminder that a CRSM education — in the classroom, at work, and in service — extends far beyond high school. It forms the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, learning, and meaning.”
by Miranda Eby | Nov 7, 2025 | Academic, Alumni Spotlight, School News
Below is an email sent by CRSM Principal, Dr. Michael Odiotti, to the students and staff on November 5, 2025:
Dear CRSM community:
We don’t have an assembly this week so thought I would share a celebrating success story via email.
I don’t know how many of you got a chance to see or talk to Karolyn Williams (SMdP Class of 2012) when she and her mom visited today. The mom and Karolyn (and Karolyn’s daughter) came by today to thank the school for the impact a SMdP/CRSM education had on their family. The mom told Pierre, “This place is a miracle, keep on doing what you all are doing.” The mom recounted how she was just 14 when she had Karolyn and was just a kid herself navigating school choices for her daughter when she was in her 20s. Karolyn recently passed the bar and now works in the AG’s office in Indianapolis. She works in the consumer protection division of the AG office protecting consumers from unethical and unlawful business practices. She joins her sister, Cheyanne Williams CRSM ’15, as the second lawyer in the family. Cheyanne, as you may be aware, is a lawyer for the King and Spalding law firm and was our keynote speaker at last year’s Founders Dinner. Cheyanne’s practice focuses on complex commercial real estate transactions, primarily in real estate finance and development. Both of them had their struggles in their high school careers but matured and grew exponentially (behaviorally and academically) over their four years with us. Thanks to everyone that helped and played a part in Karolyn’s and Cheyanne’s development over their years here with us at CRSM. And thanks to everyone for creating a school and environment that helps play a small part in all these incredible stories of our current students and our alumni who are truly “going forth and setting our world on fire.” If you have a good Williams’ sister story, reply to this email. I know Mr. Horcher has some 🙂
May we seek “ever to excel” in all we do.
Sincerely,
Mike Odiotti
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | CWSP, School News
Cristo Rey St. Martin is excited to welcome Mark Gasche as our new Director of Corporate Work Study. Mark brings a wealth of experience in career development, coaching, and employer relations. He has worked at several universities, including Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, the University of Chicago, the University of Evansville, the University of Minnesota, and Capella University.
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cornell College and his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Minnesota. His journey into career coaching began during his time at Cornell, when a work-study position helping students with career planning and job search efforts sparked a lifelong passion for guiding others. “That experience showed me how powerful it can be to help people find direction and purpose in their lives,” he says.
Throughout his career, Mark has focused on connecting students with opportunities that help them grow personally and professionally. His background includes managing career centers, developing corporate partnerships, and coaching individuals through career transitions. “This is a career pivot for me to work in a high school setting, but it feels completely natural,” he says. “I have always loved helping students gain experiences that transform their lives.”
Mark was drawn to Cristo Rey’s mission because it perfectly aligns with his values. “I have spent my whole career encouraging students to seek internships. At Cristo Rey, every student graduates with four years’ worth. This program gives our students a real advantage.” He looks forward to building strong partnerships with local employers, adding new business partners and helping students develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
A native of Park Ridge, Mark grew up in a family of educators. His father taught at Maine South High School, and Mark says working in a high school setting feels like coming full circle. He lives nearby, enjoys spending time with his girlfriend Allison, who works at Deloitte, and his Sheltie, Sophie. He is also a proud father to his son Chris, a second-year law student, whom he calls “my favorite person in the whole universe.”
Mark’s enthusiasm for his new role is unmistakable. “Cristo Rey is such a special place,” he says. “The combination of strong academics, faith-based mission, and real-world work experience creates something truly transformational. I am proud to be part of a community that helps students build bright futures.”
by Miranda Eby | Oct 16, 2025 | Academic, School News
For four years, Moira Caserio has been a familiar face at Cristo Rey St. Martin, first as a volunteer and now, briefly, as a college counselor, stepping in while Sharon Holdvogt, one of two CRSM college counselors, was on maternity leave. Her last official day is October 3, but her impact on students will be long-lasting.
“I love hearing students’ stories. That is the best part of being a college counselor,” Moira says. “I wish everyone had to write a personal statement. Students are so willing to open up and dig deep, and I really appreciate the trust they place in me during this process.”
She works hard to make the stressful college journey more approachable. “I try to make it fun and comfortable for them. Students are so engaged and willing to participate. It’s a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it is for them as well.”
A recent moment perfectly illustrates her approach. A student who was initially hesitant to trust Moira ended a personal statement session with a high five, a small but meaningful sign of confidence and connection.
Before joining CRSM, Moira was a lawyer and completed a college counseling certificate through UCLA. She also works as an independent education consultant with Tree Street College Consulting. Still, she says the best part of her work is collaborating with Sharon and Ana and helping students grow.
Through her guidance, Moira has demonstrated that college applications can be challenging, rewarding, and even enjoyable. CRSM is deeply grateful that she stepped in during such a critical time for college counseling. Without her support, the tremendous workload would have been a tall order for just one college counselor, and Moira’s presence made all the difference for both students and staff.
