Special recognition was given to seniors Savannah Gutierrez and Isaac Alexander during Montini Catholic's Senior Celebration Award Ceremony on Sunday, April 26th. The two seniors were awarded the Lasallian college preparatory high school's St. Pope Paul VI Award. "Our St. Pope Paul VI Award is one the the highest honors bestowed upon our graduates," said President Kevin Beirne.  Selected by the faculty and administration, the St. Pope Paul VI Award is presented each year to one male senior and one female senior who most embody the ideals of Montini Catholic.  "Savannah and Isaac have distinguished themselves through excellence in academics, meaningful involvement in extracurricular life, dedicated service to our school community, exemplary leadership and outstanding character."

 

Isaac is a graduate of Bednarcik Junior High in Aurora.  He earned the President's Award for Academic Excellence and AP Scholar with Distinction recognition during his senior year. Isaac was also a member of the National Honor Society (NHS).  As a member of the Bronco's Football team, he has celebrated two IHSA State Championships all while earning Academic All Conference honors and the IHSA Scholastic Recognition Award.  

 

Isaac's most meaningful contribution to Montini, however, came through his involvement with Campus Ministry's Peer Ministry Team. It was in this role that Isaac made his greatest impact, serving as a dedicated Core Team member who led by example through faith, compassion, and service to others. His commitment to living out Montini's Lasallian mission and inspiring those around him was recognized with the prestigious Mother Teresa Award for Campus Ministry, an honor that reflects his servant leadership and unwavering dedication to the school community.

 

Savannah, a graduate of St. Pius X Parish School in Lombard, was also honored this spring for earning the President's Award for Academic Excellence.  She is an Illinois State Scholar as well as an AP Scholar with Distinction.  She also earned the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish. She was a member of Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and the National Honor Society, serving as officer (of NHS) during her senior year. Savannah served her fellow students as a member of the Executive Board - Student Government and was the Chief Editor of the 2024-2025 and 2025-26 yearbooks. Savannah's academic journey reached its pinnacle when she was named Valedictorian of the Class of 2026, an honor that reflects her exceptional dedication, intellect and commitment to excellence.   

 

Like Isaac, Savannah also made service the center of her high school experience and was a two year member of Montini's Peer Ministry. She was selected to serve as a student leader for the senior Kairos Retreat, a role entrusted to students who exemplify faith, leadership, and a commitment to serving others. Through her guidance, encouragement, and willingness to share her experiences, she helped create a meaningful and transformative retreat experience for her fellow seniors. She was also active in the Spanish Club, Bible Club, Book Club - and channeled her school spirit as a member of the Montini Maniac spirit club. Athletically, Savannah earned Academic All Conference honors and the IHSA Scholastic Recognition Award for her participation on the Tennis Team.

 

"To achieve the St. Pope Paul VI honor is to be acknowledged as among the finest all-around students in the Class of 2026," added President Beirne.  "Savannah and Isaac have truly enriched our school community in countless ways.  We are so thankful for them and proud to call them Broncos!"

 

Savannah will be attending Creighton University with dreams of a career in Nursing.  Isaac will be majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Iowa.

 

Montini Catholic High School was established in the Diocese of Joliet in 1966 and named after the pope at that time - St. Pope Paul VI (Giovanni Battista Enrico Antonio Maria Montini), who was elected to the papacy in 1963. Faculty, students and staff at Montini Catholic celebrated Pope Paul VI's Beatification in 2015 and his Canonization in October of 2019.

Montini Catholic is a Lasallian college preparatory high school located in Lombard, Illinois (DuPage County).