Math Department Celebrates Success
Barb Dawson • April 26, 2024

Mu Alpha Theta Inductions and 6th Place State Finish!

Montini Catholic math scholars and inductees were honored at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Mu Alpha Theta Induction and Mathematics Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.


Inducted into Mu Alpha Theta, National Mathematics Honor Society, on this evening were:


Jack Barrett '25

Joshua Brunke '25

Gavin Conway '27

Julia Gergen '25

Tommy Healy '26

Issy Jaojoco '25

Ray Li '25

Zongyuan (Chailyn) Lyu '26

Seoyeon Park '25

Daniel Petersen '24

Wyatt Prater '25

Brendan Pully '26

Tanner Sebben '24

Daniel Sherman '25

Lily Spanos '25

Andrew Sparke '26

YingYing (Naomi) Tang

Collins Whitfield

Zihang (Zion) Yang


Montini's Math Team, on this night, also celebrated the end of an award winning season which included their 6th Place finish at State (held at Illinois State University on Saturday, April 6th). Montini Catholic is the only Catholic team in Division 2A to qualify for the State Meet every consecutive year since 2001 - with a top 10 finish at State each year! 


2024 ICTM State Highlights:


1st Place State Champions

Junior-Senior Two Person Team - Conor Kaefer and Seoyeon Park


Frosh-Soph Eight Person Team - Chailyn Lyu, Andrew Sparke, Brendan Pully, Zion Yang, Jasmine Brunke, Gavin Conway, Olivia Naso and Naomi Tang


Individual Medalists

Seoyeon Park - 10th Place - Individual Precalculus

Chailyn Lyu - 6th Place - Individual Geometry

Naomi Tang - 5th Place - Individual Algebra 1


Montini Catholic's Bronco 2024 Math Team State Roster:


Seniors: Anjay Dhir and Sam Hemmersmeier;


Juniors:  Joshua Brunke (Lombard), Julian D'Anca (Wheaton), Issy Jaojoco, Conor Kaefer, Ray Li, Seoyeon Park, Daniel Sherman , Matthew Silveyra , Geethan Siram and Chris Zayed;


Sophomores:  Tommy Healy, Zongyuan (Chailyn) Lyu, Charles Paciga, Brendan Pully, Andrew Sparke and Zihang (Zion) Yang


Freshmen: Jasmine Brunke, Gavin Conway, Nishika Karthi, Olivia Naso and YingYing (Naomi) Tang


Coaches:  Chrissy McManus, Barry Briggs, Don Krystof, and Erin Bradarich


Images above - Mu Alpha Theta Inductees above from top - Jack Barrett, Joshua Brunke, Gavin Conway, Julia Gergen, Tommy Healy, Issy Jaojoco, Ray Li, Zongyuan (Chailyn) Lyu, Seoyeon Park, Danny Petersen, Wyatt Prater, Brendan Pully, Tanner Sebben, Daniel Sherman, Lily Spanos, Andrew Sparke, YingYing (Naomi) Tang, Collins Whitfield and Zihang (Zion) Yang;

 


Image above - State Decorated - (Top 10 Placewinners) Front row l to r: Olivia Naso, Nishika Karthi, Jasmine Brunke, Daniel Sherman, Joshua Brunke, Issy Jaojoco, YingYing (Naomi) Tang, Zongyuan (Chailyn) Lyu, Seoyeon Park, Tommy Healy and Gavin Conway;  Back row l to r:  Chis Zayed, Julian D'Anca, Geethan Siram, Matthew Silveyra, Sam Hemmersmeier, Anjay Dhir, Conor Kaefer, Ray Li, Zihang (Zion) Yang and Charlie Paciga

SHARE THIS POST

Julia Gergen Earns the 2025 Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship

By Barb Dawson • June 13, 2025
Montini Catholic congratulates senior Julia Gergen on being this year's recipient of the Jean Diane Colletti Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is one of several that have been named and endowed by Montini Catholic alumni, parents and friends in order to provide financial assistance to graduates pursuing higher learning in college. The award was announced at the Lasallian college preparatory high school's annual Academic Awards Banquet (May 1st) this spring by Dr. Vince Colletti DDS '05 (son of Jean Diane Colletti) Julia was honored again on May 16th at Montini's Celebration of Excellence Award ceremony in front of the entire student body. Julia has been a very academically accomplished student throughout their four years at Montini Catholic. In May she received the President's Award for Academic Excellence, she is an Illinois State Scholar and a College Board Advanced Placement Scholar. Julia was also a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as Montini's National Honor Society where she served as Secretary her senior year. She enjoyed her time as a member of Montini's Math Team, and celebrated their 6th Place State finish this year. Julia also valued her experience gained from serving her fellow students as a Peer Minister through Montini's Campus Ministry program. Athletically, Julia was a valued member of Montini's Track & Field Team and celebrated securing school records her junior year in the 4x100m and 4x200m races. "Julia has been an outstanding student," said Principal Chris Tiritilli. "Her academic and athletic career here at Montini has been quite extensive and impressive. She is never seen without a smile on her face, she has been a role model to her fellow students. She truly deserves this recognition and we know she will do great things at Notre Dame!" Julia, a St. Pius X Parish School alum, and a member of St. Pius X Parish. She plans on majoring in Biological Sciences on a Pre-Med Track at the University of Notre Dame in the fall. Above: Julia Gergen '25 and Dr. Vince Colletti DDS '05 at Montini Catholic's Academic Awards Night on May 1st.

Michael May '26 Awarded the Weisenburger Family Scholarship

By Barb Dawson • June 12, 2025
Congratulations to Montini Catholic's Michael May '26 for earning the 2025 Weisenburger Family Scholarship The scholarship is awarded annually to a student at Montini Catholic High School who has expressed an interest in pursuing a degree in education and was presented by Kimmy '07 and Wally Weisenburger '75 during Montini Catholic's Celebration of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 16th. Michael, Monitni's newly elected Student Government president, was selected for his demonstration of outstanding leadership in the classroom as well as in extracurricular activities throughout his high school career as a Montini Bronco. Michael is a member of Montini Catholic's National Honor Society (inducted in the fall of his junior year) as well as Montini's Tri-M Music Honor Society. He is currently the 'voice of Montini' as a key member of the Bronco Broadcasters Team, winning the 2025 Most Valuable Player award this year for his devotion to the club's success. Michael is also a member of A Cafellas (singing group), Lasallian Youth, Chinese Club and contributes to the Bronco Breakdown (newsletter). He is no stranger to the Montini stage, starring in two theatre productions this year, "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Murder on the Orient Express." The Weisenburger Family Scholarship is offered each year in gratitude for the transformative Lasallian education that was received by Cathy '70, Marc '71, Carolyn (Drengler) '72, Wally '75, Joe '78, Andrew '05 and Kimmy '07 Weisenburger. It was created to honor and remember Walter and Catherine Weisenburger who, as patriarchs of the family, recognized and valued Catholic education. "It is a special thank you for all they sacrificed to send all four of their children to Catholic schools," said Wally, who was formerly the Chairman of Montini's Board of Directors. Image above: Michael May with Kimmy Weisenburger '07 and Wally Weisenburger '75

Senior Danny Sherman Named Pax Christi Award Recipient for 2025

By Barb Dawson • June 10, 2025
Montini Catholic in Lombard proudly congratulated this year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award recipient from their Class of 2025. The prestigious award was announced on Friday, May 16th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Celebration of Excellence Award Ceremony. This year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award went to senior Daniel Sherman . Each year, this esteemed award recognizes a Bronco student who has devoted him/herself to God by working in the Lasallian tradition of serving others and building a heritage of faith in the Montini community. Daniel is a two year member of Montini's Peer Ministry Team - a faith-based team whose Christian mission is to inspire and motivate by example. He also earned his Eagle Scout rank which recognizes those who have a strong record of voluntary service to their community. He is a member of Montini's Lasallian Youth as well as a member of Montini's Student Government Exec Board. Academically, Daniel was most recently recognized as an Academic All Star at Montini's Academic Awards on May 1st. The honor is awarded each year to seniors attaining a 3.95+ GPA during their time as a Bronco student and/or earning Illinois State Scholar status. He is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar with Honor. He is a member of Montini's National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and earned a Commendation Toward Biliteracy Award (Spanish) this year. During his time as a Bronco he enjoyed Chess Club, Math Team and History Club. Athletically, he was a four year team member of both the Cross Country and Track teams, earning Academic All Conference in both all four years. Daniel was also awarded the St. John Baptist de La Salle award during the Celebration of Excellence ceremony. "Daniel is a wonderful example of someone living our Lasallian mission," said Campus Minister Michael Blanchette. "He truly deserves this award as he has shown himself to be a dedicated young man who truly demonstrates dedication, reliability, and a commitment to his education and personal growth." Daniel, a graduate of St. Scholastica School in Woodridge, is headed to University of Wisconsin (Madison) this fall.
More Posts