Latest news with #NazarethAcademy
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Star players, Hall-of-Famer assistant coach have Nazareth Academy baseball riding high
Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park, Illinois, captured its first baseball state championship in 2022, and won back-to-back titles the following year. The Roadrunners haven't slowed down since, thanks to a pipeline of talented players and a veteran coaching staff with some Hall-of-Fame help. This is Lee Milano's 26th season as head baseball coach at Nazareth Academy, and it began with another impressive winning streak — 14 straight games, to be exact, by a team with youth and experience. "It's the best. I mean, there's nothing like winning. We've won a lot my four years here, and hopefully, we do a little more winning later this spring," said Nazareth senior Jaden Fauske. Fauske has been a part of a 35-game and 46-game winning streak at Nazareth, winning two state titles. The LSU commit is also a top 20 MLB draft prospect. "There's been up to 70 scouts, general managers, out at out games to watch him — which is not an easy thing," said Coach Milano. "He is going to walk away here as the most decorated baseball player we've ever had." Nazareth has another player headed to an SEC program on the roster. Junior shortstop Landon Thome is committed to defending national champion — Tennessee. "Me and him going to similar colleges in the SEC, we've become really tight over these last few years," Thome said of his teammate Fauske. "I would call him one of my best friends, and we really get to pick each other's brains too in baseball. He knows a lot." Another mind Landon learns from is his dad. White Sox legend and Hall-of-Fame slugger Jim Thome is an assistant coach. "You know, it's a dream come true to watch your son keep progressing, be around a good culture of coaches, and then watch his love of the game just grow and grow," said Jim Thome. Jim Thome, of course, was on the World Series champion 2005 White Sox team. His career is quite the inspiration for his son. "I've grown up in the clubhouses around my dad, and just seeing him play, I mean, it's really inspired me to want to be like him — because he's like my hero," said Landon Thome, "so just makes me want to follow that path and create my own path too so." Milano takes pride in both the younger Thome and Fauske. "He's definitely a different player than his dad, which is really I think a good thing for him. But he also has the power," said Coach Milano. "Both young men are great kids. They do volunteer work. They're quiet leaders." But leadership and talent are not the only things that make the team unique. "I just feel like we have a really strong bond here at Naz, and around the team, I mean all the guys — we're really close, even though some of them are new," said Landon Thome. "So it's really cool. We have a really good bond." "Coach Milano is obviously the baseball aspect, but just being a young man too — learning to respect the game, learning to be humble," said Fauske. All lessons that have led to a lot of success at Nazareth. "Winning has become a big thing here, and we take a lot of pride in making sure we give them the information but that they want to be good," said Coach Milano. "They put the work in, they take the information, and at the end of the day, they go play — and the reward is them doing well." The team hopes "doing well" this year means a third state title in four seasons.
Chicago Tribune
09-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
La Grange area leaders laud selection of Chicago-area pope
News of a new pope has Catholics celebrating everywhere, but Pope Leo XIV being from the Chicago area has La Grange leaders proud and excited. Cardinal Robert Prevost, selected after a two-day conclave, chose as his name Leo XIV, the late 19th Century pontiff known for his devotion to social justice. 'I would say that we are just thrilled that not only a person from America, but from the Chicagoland area adds an extra layer of excitement to it,' said Deborah Tracy, president of Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. 'He seems like a person who will carry out many of the actions, hopes and dreams of Pope Francis.' Tracy, a 1982 Nazareth alumna, said Prevost's time in Latin America and the general consensus that he will continue Pope Francis' commitment to social justice inspires her. 'So much of the mission of Nazareth and the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph was something that really resonated with the things that Pope Francis was trying to do in building bridges and caring for the dear neighbor and caring for those marginalized in our society,' she said. 'It sounds like Pope Leo will be doing the same thing. We're just so happy about that because it seems like who we are.' Prevost, 69, was born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, and raised in south suburban Dolton. He grew up in St. Mary of the Assumption parish, where he went to school. La Grange Village Trustee Lou Gale also hails from the south suburbs. 'It's wonderful that we have a pope not just from the United States, but from the same area of myself and my extended family,' Gale said. 'It's great to hear about his connections to New Lenox, where my parents lived after I left home.' La Grange Park Village Trustee Joe Caputo said he thought the new pope would be good for the Chicago area. 'Sadly Chicago gets a bad rap for its violence and sometimes politics,' Caputo said, pointing out the bad press the city received from people like Al Capone, high crime rates and crooked politicians. 'So I'm kind of hopeful that this will be a positive for the city and the state,' he said. 'I think the new pope will be a good symbol for Chicago and Illinois trying to turn it around and get some good recognition.' Although initial reports were that Pope Leo XIV was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, his older brother corrected that impression, stresing he was a longtime White Sox fan. Maggie Jarr, La Grange Park assistant village manager, took that as a hopeful sign. 'White Sox fans can only benefit from the new pope's devotion to lifting up those who suffer,' Jarr said. U.S. Rep. Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia, a Democrat whose district includes the area, also noted the new pope's connection to Latin American. 'Latin America has the most Catholics in the world, and Pope Leo XIV's knowledge of the region, the time he spent in Peru and his fluency in the Spanish language will be key qualities that will endear him to Latinos in the United States and Latin Americans alike,' Garcia said. Prevost attended St. Augustine Seminary High School in Michigan before earning a bachelor's degree in science and math from Villanova University, an Augustinian college. Prevost also obtained a master of divinity from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, after which he taught physics and math at St. Rita High School. He joined the Augustinian Mission in Peru in 1988 and spent a decade there serving as judge, prefect of studies, and teaching canon law in the seminary. Garcia also noted Prevost's status as an honorary St. Rita High School Mustang. 'As a Catholic and an immigrant, I am encouraged by the stances Cardinal Prevost has taken in defense of immigrants, and by his views on the poor and the environment,' Garcia said.
Chicago Tribune
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Brookfield Zoo Chicago brings back its Ferris wheel, and more
Brookfield Zoo Chicago has another reason for people to visit this year, because its Ferris wheel has returned. Through Labor Day weekend, when weather allows, patrons can enjoy a five- to seven-minute ride that offers views of the zoo grounds, animal habitats and even the Chicago skyline. The Ferris wheel is 110 feet high and features 24 riding gondolas and multicolored LED lighting. Riders must be at least 32 inches tall to ride the attraction with a supervising companion; anyone 42 inches and taller may ride alone. Tickets are required and cost $8 for children, adults and seniors. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends. Details are at Free choral concert includes Broadway tunes The Hinsdale Sounds Good Choir presents its free spring concert at 7 p.m. May 6 at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale. Concert selections include hits from 'West Side Story,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' 'Hamilton,' 'Oklahoma' and 'Porgy & Bess.' The show will be conducted by Daniel Segner and Jonathan Miller. The event is free and open to the public, and children are welcome. No tickets or reservations are needed. The nonprofit organization Sounds Good Choir is the Chicago area's largest 'no audition' choral program for adults 55 and older and also offers Good Memories for people with early stage dementia and their care partners. Information is at or 630-395-9542. Oak Brook run to raise money for breast cancer patients The Oak Brook Park District Annual Pink 5k Run/Walk steps off at 8 p.m. May 10 the Oak Brook Park District Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road, Oak Brook. The race, which will be chip-timed through Central Park, is family friendly and teams are welcome. Online registration, which ends May 9, costs $35 per person. Day-of registration fee is $40. Teams, which must be at least 15 people, have a registration fee of $30 per person. All registration fees will be donated to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund, which was established in 2011 to help breast cancer patients and their families via free mammograms to women in need because they don't have insurance or it isn't sufficient. Individual packets may be picked up from 4 to 7 p.m. May 8 and 9 at the Family Recreation Center, 1450 Forest Gate Road. Race day pack pickup is from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. Team captains may pick up packets regular hours May 7 to 9 at the Family Recreation Center by checking in at the front desk. None will be mailed. Information and registration are at Nazareth Academy to host fine arts showcase Fine arts students at Nazareth Academy will present Scenes & Sounds Open House Showcase from 5 to 9 p.m. May 7 at the school, 1209 W. Ogden, La Grange Park. Attendees can explore galleries of student work, meet fine arts faculty and interact with student artists. Musical performances include a choral concert at 6:15 p.m. and a band concert at 7:30 p.m. The event is free. The academy is a Catholic, coeducational, college preparatory high school that serves families from 60 communities, was established in 1900 and sponsored by the congregation of St. Joseph. Information is at 708-354-0061. Oak Park association schedules talk on hunter-gatherer societies A retired medical researcher and urologist interested in evolutionary psychology will discuss recent anthropological findings about hunter-gatherer societies during the Evolution of Human Language, Aesthetics and Free Will at 1:15 p.m. May 4. The program, presented by the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, takes place in the second-floor ballroom of its headquarters at 178 Oak Forest Ave., Oak Park. Walters has coauthored and written papers about evolutionary psychology. The session is free and open to the public, although donations are appreciated. The association promotes lifelong learning through multicultural programs featuring science, literature, music, art and the social sciences. Information is at
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Nazareth Academy hosts FISH Prom, Leyden teachers lauded, and more
Forty people 13 to 21 years old attended the seventh annual FISH Prom for Teens with Disabilities recently at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. The Campus Ministry Department invites previous attendees and spreads the word via local organizations that work with teens who have developmental disabilities. The event is free but attendees don't need to bring a date. Each guest is accompanied by a Nazareth student 'buddy' and receives a photo and flowers, followed by two hours of games, dancing and food. More than 100 Nazareth students, faculty, staff and community members volunteer for the semiannual event. The prom, which first took place in 2011, was inspired by ASPIRE of Illinois and the Nazareth Friends in Service and Hospitality Service Team, or FISH. 'That night, when young adults walk up the green carpet dressed up like stars and dance the night away, their smiles and laughter fill my heart with happiness,' Nazareth Social Studies Department Chairman Anthony Gonzalez shared in a news release. 'Their excitement at experiencing what every teen should reminds me of why I am in education and why I love being involved at Nazareth.' Teachers Teagan Lyke and Eric McFadden of Leyden High School District 212 have been honored by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of its Those Who Excel program. Lyke, who focuses on vocational training and independent living skills in the special education department, earned an Award of Excellent in Early Career Educator. She's been with the school since 2021. Recognized teachers must have 'demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of students,' a news release noted, as well as collaborating with students, colleagues and families and being lifelong learners 'who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools.' McFadden, who began as a substitute at Leyden in 2005 and joined the staff in 2007, received the Award of Special Recognition as a Classroom Teacher. He focuses on video game design and digital literacy in the business department. His award is given to educators who 'are valued members of their school community who have been recognized by their colleagues, students, families, and administrators for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their school community,' the release shared. Learn how to make the medicine go down when Hinsdale Central High School Drama presents 'Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical' Performances are at 6 p.m. April 24, 25 and 26 and at 1 p.m. April 27 at the school, 5500 S. Grant St., Hinsdale. A holiday party with a character meet and greet is planned after the Sunday matinee. Children and families can meet the cast, explore the sets and enjoy treats and snacks. The musical is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the film by Walt Disney. Tickets cost $20 for regular admission and $10 for organization group sales and students in kindergarten through 12th grade. They are available at The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association's Monday Enrichment Series offers 'Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race, and Voting Rights in America' at 1:15 p.m. April 28 in the second-floor ballroom at its building, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Featured speaker Caitlin Cass, an author and illustrator, will read excerpts from her book and share images from the process. The Oak Park River Forest High School graduate, a cartoonist and installation artist, publishes 'Great Moments in Western Civilization Postal Constituent,' a bimonthly comic periodical. The Monday Enrichment Series, which features art, literature, science, social sciences and music, is free to the public although donations will be accepted. The association was established in 1891 by a group of women who believed charitable activities, civic involvement and education were vital for a community to thrive. Information is at New York Times bestselling author Cole Arthur Riley will give a lecture and book signing at 6 p.m April 25 on the University of Chicago campus in Swift Hall, 1025 E. 58th St., Chicago. The writer, poet and culture critic is being hosted by the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A reception follows, and copies of Riley's books will be available to buy before and after the lecture. Riley wrote 'This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us' and 'Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human.' Her writing has been featured in 'The Atlantic,' 'The Washington Post' and 'Guernica.' Riley is also the creator and writer of Black Liturgies, a project that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body. RSVP at Information is at 773-702-7049. Send news to pioneerwest@
Chicago Tribune
14-04-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Nazareth Academy hosts FISH Prom, Leyden teachers lauded, and more
FISH Prom deemed a success in La Grange Park Forty people 13 to 21 years old attended the seventh annual FISH Prom for Teens with Disabilities recently at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park. The Campus Ministry Department invites previous attendees and spreads the word via local organizations that work with teens who have developmental disabilities. The event is free but attendees don't need to bring a date. Each guest is accompanied by a Nazareth student 'buddy' and receives a photo and flowers, followed by two hours of games, dancing and food. More than 100 Nazareth students, faculty, staff and community members volunteer for the semiannual event. The prom, which first took place in 2011, was inspired by ASPIRE of Illinois and the Nazareth Friends in Service and Hospitality Service Team, or FISH. 'That night, when young adults walk up the green carpet dressed up like stars and dance the night away, their smiles and laughter fill my heart with happiness,' Nazareth Social Studies Department Chairman Anthony Gonzalez shared in a news release. 'Their excitement at experiencing what every teen should reminds me of why I am in education and why I love being involved at Nazareth.' Leyden High School teachers earn excellence awards Teachers Teagan Lyke and Eric McFadden of Leyden High School District 212 have been honored by the Illinois State Board of Education as part of its Those Who Excel program. Lyke, who focuses on vocational training and independent living skills in the special education department, earned an Award of Excellent in Early Career Educator. She's been with the school since 2021. Recognized teachers must have 'demonstrated a commitment to equity and to the success of students,' a news release noted, as well as collaborating with students, colleagues and families and being lifelong learners 'who connect their schools to the community at large and who inspire other education professionals within and beyond their schools.' McFadden, who began as a substitute at Leyden in 2005 and joined the staff in 2007, received the Award of Special Recognition as a Classroom Teacher. He focuses on video game design and digital literacy in the business department. His award is given to educators who 'are valued members of their school community who have been recognized by their colleagues, students, families, and administrators for the skills, passions, and talents they bring to their school community,' the release shared. 'Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical' set at Hinsdale Central Learn how to make the medicine go down when Hinsdale Central High School Drama presents 'Mary Poppins, the Broadway Musical' Performances are at 6 p.m. April 24, 25 and 26 and at 1 p.m. April 27 at the school, 5500 S. Grant St., Hinsdale. A holiday party with a character meet and greet is planned after the Sunday matinee. Children and families can meet the cast, explore the sets and enjoy treats and snacks. The musical is based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the film by Walt Disney. Tickets cost $20 for regular admission and $10 for organization group sales and students in kindergarten through 12th grade. They are available at Enrichment series features author speaking about suffrage The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association's Monday Enrichment Series offers 'Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race, and Voting Rights in America' at 1:15 p.m. April 28 in the second-floor ballroom at its building, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. Featured speaker Caitlin Cass, an author and illustrator, will read excerpts from her book and share images from the process. The Oak Park River Forest High School graduate, a cartoonist and installation artist, publishes 'Great Moments in Western Civilization Postal Constituent,' a bimonthly comic periodical. The Monday Enrichment Series, which features art, literature, science, social sciences and music, is free to the public although donations will be accepted. The association was established in 1891 by a group of women who believed charitable activities, civic involvement and education were vital for a community to thrive. Information is at U of C Divinity School hosts bestselling author for lecture New York Times bestselling author Cole Arthur Riley will give a lecture and book signing at 6 p.m April 25 on the University of Chicago campus in Swift Hall, 1025 E. 58th St., Chicago. The writer, poet and culture critic is being hosted by the Martin Marty Center for the Public Understanding of Religion at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A reception follows, and copies of Riley's books will be available to buy before and after the lecture. Riley wrote 'This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us' and 'Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human.' Her writing has been featured in 'The Atlantic,' 'The Washington Post' and 'Guernica.' Riley is also the creator and writer of Black Liturgies, a project that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body. RSVP at Information is at 773-702-7049.
