Alumni Reflections

Lisa (Suchy) Magnuson - Class of 2002

Children: Theo (3rd grade), Robby (Kindergarten), William (future Charger, 22 months)

I worked as a Special Education teacher in Chicago Public Schools and IPSD #204 before deciding to stay home with my kids.

Influential Figures: Were there any teachers or mentors who particularly influenced you during your time there? Several teachers had a significant impact on me during my time at SJA. Sr. Joan, my junior high religion teacher, deepened my faith through the practice of Lectio Divina. This exercise helped develop a more concrete idea of prayer for me at a young age. Mrs. Barry, my third-grade aide, also made a lasting impression. I fondly remember being brought down to the PAR for small group learning sessions. She always made learning fun, often rewarding our hard work with a sweet treat - Jolly Ranchers! Mr. Boggs, the music and band teacher, was another inspirational teacher to me. His joy for music was contagious. He would walk into the room humming a jazz tune, always with a big smile on his face. His enthusiasm for music made everyone want to join band! Although my saxophone playing days ended after 8th grade, I still remember how he inspired us all to love music. These teachers, along with many others at SJA, greatly influenced the person I have become. Their ability to foster a love of learning in me ultimately guided my decision to pursue a career in education.

Community and Relationships: How did the school foster a sense of community among students and families?
One of the main reasons I chose to send my children to St. Joan of Arc was because of the strong sense of community I experienced there when I was younger. When I think back on my time at SJA, some of my fondest memories revolve around family-oriented activities. Everything from pizza parties and holiday performances to preparing for and receiving the Sacraments. These events created a welcoming environment for families to connect. I truly believe family involvement is a key factor in strengthening the bonds between students, parents, and teachers. I particularly loved seeing my parents actively engaged in school life. Whether it was my mom volunteering for hot lunch, helping at the Secret Santa Shop, or coaching Track & Field, or my dad coaching my basketball team, these moments exemplified the sense of shared responsibility and teamwork that was, and still is, deeply ingrained at SJA. Through these shared experiences, we developed close friendships with other families as well. I knew not only my classmates but also their siblings, and my classmates knew my siblings. This sense of community extended beyond the classroom and continued outside of school. Attending Mass and seeing my friends at church on Sundays was always a highlight. For me, the SJA Church Link will forever be intertwined with the smell of Dunkin’ Donuts. We would go to Mass, grab a donut, socialize with friends, and then head off to our basketball or volleyball games. These small yet impactful moments are still so vivid in my memory. Because of the deep sense of community at SJA, I will forever be proud to be a Charger! It is so great to see many of these family activities are still thriving at SJA, and even better that some new traditions have emerged.

Why did you decide to send your children to SJA? We decided to send our children to SJA because we wanted them to be educated in an environment that nurtures both faith and education. We look forward to watching our boys grow academically and spiritually in the years to come.

Kelly Carr - Class of 1993

Influential Figures: Were there any teachers or mentors who particularly influenced you during your time there? Mr. Levy was my junior high science teacher. He was always passionate about the subject and extremely engaging during lectures, activities and experiments. He encouraged each of us to put together a science project for the state science fair. I remember working diligently on putting together a project on hearing and speech. Several of us qualified for the state competition, which is what further sparked my curiosity and passion for science and led me to study science education in college. The passionate teaching staff at SJA is still present, and my husband and I appreciate each of the teachers who look after our children as one of their own.

Reflections on Change: How do you think the school has changed since you attended, and what do you think has remained the same? The school still fosters Catholic identity, community service and a high standard in academics. We still are passionate about athletics and love to cheer on our classmates to success. However, it is a more personalized experience than when I attended. When I was a Charger, there were 40 students in each classroom, lined up in desks, listening to the teacher. There was less opportunity to adapt lessons, explore interests and tailor instruction to student needs. I love that the students have a more personal learning experience now. But I also love that some traditions are still present - like the First Grader’s All Saints Day celebration and the 8th Grade Classic. The annual Family Fun Fair may even have a few classic games from the class of 1993. While some things have changed, what has remained the same is the community of families that love learning and their faith.

Why did you decide to send your children to SJA? Brian and I knew that we wanted to have the same close-knit community that both of us had experienced in school. While he would have liked to see our children attend his alma mater (St. Raphael) and it still pains him to cheer for the Chargers when competing against the Redwings, in the end SJA was the best fit for our family.

Nick Solano - Class of 1988

Memorable Experiences: Can you share a memorable experience or favorite memory from your time at the school?

I have two very memorable experiences that I still think about today and talk with my kids about.

All Saints Day – This may be my favorite experience in all of grad The task of researching your saint, helping to make my costume and giving my saint “Speech”, was so much fun. The teachers all made it a fun way to deepen our knowledge of the saints and our faith. It also exposed us at a young age to public speaking.
My other favorite memory was being able to participate in the Stations of the Cross. This was also a very fun way for us to learn so much about Jesus and his journey and to then present it to the entire parish community. I was a roman guard and was able to participate in several of the stations in that role.

Influential Figures: Were there any teachers or mentors who particularly influenced you during your time there?

The two most influential teachers that I had at SJA were Joan Soukup, who was the junior high religion teacher, and Mrs. Lafond, who taught junior high vocabulary and also ran the yearbook. Sr. Joan always had great stories and activities during class that made learning fun and kept everyone engaged.
Lafond also made class fun with a variety of activities and really fostered a love of reading and vocabulary in me that I did not have before junior high. I remember that this is the time that I started to really get into doing crossword puzzles. This is still one of my favorite activities to do when I have some down time.
However, the most influential person to me at SJA was of course, Sr. Caroline, the principal. She always fostered such a loving relationship with all the students and teachers. It was such an exciting time when you got to go to the principal’s office and pick out a prize, or just sit and talk with her. She truly built the foundation for what St. Joan of Arc school has continued to be, as a loving, tight knit community for learning and

Academic and Extracurricular Activities: What subjects or activities were you most passionate about in school?

I was always most passionate about Math when I was at SJA, which continued on throughout my academic career, as I received my degree in Accounting, and continue to work in the field today.
I was involved in several extracurricular activities while at SJA, including Basketball, Track, Yearbook, Drama, Stations of the Cross and as an Altar Server. I have great memories of these activities, and they fostered a great sense of community.

Continued Connection: Do you stay connected with the school or your classmates? If so, how?

I have remained a continuous parishioner of Joan of Arc since before I started at the school. We joined the parish in 1976, when we moved to Lisle. Baptism is the only sacrament that I have not received at SJA. My wife, Rena, and I were married in the church and all five of our children were baptized, received first communion and were confirmed at SJA. When it was time for our oldest to attend school, we drove from

Aurora to Lisle each morning so that she could attend 3-year-old preschool at SJA. Now three of my kids have graduated from SJA, and my last two are currently in 5 th grade. During this time, I have also volunteered in several capacities at the school, including School Board Treasurer, classroom volunteer, basketball coach, Gala Committee member, and chair of the annual Charger Open golf outing. One of my most exciting volunteer opportunities was as a member of the Technology Committee, which was integral in establishing the use of Chrome Books throughout all grade levels. I was student at SJA when the first tech lab opened, under the leadership of Mrs. Connell, so it was great to participate in continuing the passion for technology that she always tried to instill in us as students..

Reflections on Change: How do you think the school has changed since you attended, and what do you think has remained the same?

While I believe that SJA has changed physically since I graduated in 1988, I also believe that the community foundation that Sr. Caroline built in her time there has remained and the leadership under Mr. Sweeney and now Mrs. Picchione have continued to build on that foundation.

Michael Anselmo - Class of 1997

I currently manage and own my own law firm, which specializes in real estate, estate planning, and business matters. Link to my website here: https://www.anselmollp.com/

PLUS in your case - why did you decide to send your children to SJA? I decided to send my children to SJA because of my experiences at the school and the continued relationships that I have because of it. When re-visiting the school for the first time, it was such a thrill to see that the same family-like atmosphere existed, along with a continued focus on education. It was an easy choice for me.

Influential Figures: Were there any teachers or mentors who particularly influenced you during your time there? There are a few who come to mind. Mrs. Fennel, one of my first teachers, is still teaching Pre-K! Mrs. Hagar (6th grade) drilled information into me better than any teacher I had before or after her. Mrs. Dulkoski (4th grade) was also one of my favorites. I remember, through a SJA program, writing to and receiving a letter from her son who was serving in the military at the time. And of course, no list would be complete without mentioning Sr. Carolyn and what she means to myself and every other SJA alumnus.

Continued Connection: Do you stay connected with the school or your classmates? If so, how? A large number of my SJA friends are still my friends to this day. Whether we went to Benet, Lisle, St. Francis, or another high school, we managed to stay in close touch through high school, college, and on. Where I see a lot of friendships naturally dissolve after 8th grade, my particular group was and is exceptionally good at getting together despite geographical and other obstacles. I have attended and stood up in weddings for several SJA classmates and have an annual golf trip with SJA friends.

Heather Vesely - Class of 2016

I started attending SJA when I was 3. Fast forward 9 years and she is now a college graduate working in digital marketing.

Memorable Experiences: Can you share a memorable experience or favorite memory from your time at the school?
- One of my favorite memories from my time at SJA was when I was in 4th grade. Mrs. Kenney was my homeroom teacher and quite honestly one of my favorite teachers at SJA. I remember she always used to play us a new Christian song each day to get the day started. She told us how she listens to the radio station KLove and plays us songs she hears on that station. Two songs I remember in particular that she played for us: "Pray" by Justin Beiber and "Hold Me" by Jamie Grace featuring Toby Mac. I still listen to these two songs to this day. Mrs. Kenney made 4th grade one of my favorite memories from SJA.

Academic and Extracurricular Activities: What subjects or activities were you most passionate about in school?
- I loved writing in school. When I wrote my first creative essay, I fell in love with the subject. I was so proud of myself and the creative things I was able to write. SJA gave me the ability to enhance my writing skills. This passion of mine started at SJA and it has continued into my adult life. I started my own blog called faithfulfootsteps. It is a small blog where I tell stories of what I have gone through so far in life, in the hopes of showing others that they are not alone. Once again, this passion was ignited from the roots that I planted at SJA and I am so thankful for that.

Community and Relationships: How did the school foster a sense of community among students and families?
- SJA fostered a sense of community among students and families because this is a school where no one is alone. If one family or student is struggling then everyone is. The teachers especially will always be there for current and past students. I remember needing help with math in high school, and Mrs. Svitak would tutor me after school. She did not have to do that but it is because of the community we build at SJA that teaches us to help others.

Life Lessons: What life lessons or skills did you take away from your education that have helped you in your personal or professional life?
- One major lesson that I have taken away from my education that has helped me in my personal life is that if you put in the work, you can achieve anything. As cliche as it sounds, it is true. Life can be very difficult, but if we focus on the task at hand and pray, we can achieve anything. The subjects I had in school were difficult. However, that difficulty showed me that by studying and putting in the work, I could be successful. I do the same thing in my personal life. By working hard and trusting in God, I can achieve anything.

Continued Connection: Do you stay connected with the school or your classmates? If so, how?
- I am still connected with some of my classmates. I still attend St. Joan of Arc Mass every Sunday so it is fun to see some familiar faces every once in a while. I mainly stay connected with my classmates through traditional texting and calling. One of my closest friends I met in kindergarten at SJA and we still hang out whenever we can! We both agree that if it wasn't for SJA, we probably would have never become friends. That friendship is one of the biggest blessings I got from SJA.

Nicole Eldrenkamp - Class of 2018

Currently a junior at Bradley University and am majoring in Kinesiology and Health Science.

Memorable Experiences: For me, my favorite memories from my time at SJA come from my participation in the arts. I was a member of the student choir, and the camaraderie I found there really bolstered my desire to participate in the liturgy. I was also heavily involved with SJA’s drama program. The air always felt electric on show nights. The musical when I was in eighth grade was Seussical Junior. I remember sitting off on the sides during some down time I had in the show and happily watching the audience take in the show. I was so excited to see my cast mates dressed in their full Seussian costumes under the dazzling stage lighting, and I was so excited that so many members of the parish and school community were there to show their support for all our months of hard work. Us cast members would peek out at the audience before the show to see if we could spot Father Gabriel, Sister Carolyn, our teachers and any former drama club members who had since graduated. Through the drama program, I got to grow close with so many classmates across grade levels as we all strove to put on the best show possible. I also got to see the loving support of the parents who volunteered their time and resources. In particular, I was proud to see my mom as she helped us learn our music and navigate us through the shows. The program was such a great and fun opportunity for me to be a part of something so much bigger than myself in a joyful environment that was so supported by the SJA community at large.

Impact of Faith: I began attending SJA when I was in first grade, which meant I had the privilege of picking a saint to dress up as for All Saints Day with the rest of my class as a part of SJA’s annual All Saints Day celebrations. I picked St. Bernadette, and she would eventually become my Confirmation saint. As a first grader, I was fascinated by her story of seeing Our Lady as well as the miraculous healings that occurred in Lourdes, France. Throughout elementary school and high school, St. Bernadette served as a reminder to me that miracles are possible. At the beginning of college, I began to see her as a friend who could teach me about being strong in my Faith and being free with God, knowing that His way of perfect love is what brings true freedom and peace no matter the difficulties. St. Bernadette is a saint who has led me into a more full following of Jesus, and I am so grateful to SJA for facilitating the start of my friendship with her back in first grade. Traditions like All Saints Day, as well as the catechesis for the sacraments gave me the tools I needed to mature into my adult Faith. Even now as a member of Bradley’s St. Joseph Newman Center, I can safely say that the foundation built at SJA helped provide good soil for Christ to work on my heart. When my parents were first touring SJA, my dad told Sister Carolyn that something had stood out to him about SJA when he was looking at it online but he could not quite say what, to which Sister Carolyn replied, “that was the Holy Spirit!” That little nudge from God led me to SJA, which in time led to my Faith today, and for that, I will forever be grateful.

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