Top Junior Chef Finalist Rahanna Bisseret Martinez Visits the MKC!!
It’s going to be a sizzling summer at the MKC! Twenty-five
Top: Chef Rahanna speaking with
students; Group Photo; Anne Trotter
Hinkamp, Chef Rahanna, Lakeisha
Dunn.
students, grades 8-11 were selected to take part in the
Inside this issue
2018 Culinary Summer Camp, sponsored by The Trotter
Project. The camp will be held here in Kaupas Kafe Kitchen, Reunion Recap............................ 2
July 9-13th. Participating students will learn the basics of Saluting Class of 2018 ................. 4
culinary arts and hospitality from a professional chef. On MKC News .................................. 5
Thursday, May 31st, three members of the Trotter Project
MKC Spotlight ............................. 6
(LaKiesha Dunn, Paula Houde and Anne Trotter Hinkamp),
Summer Camp ........................... 7
stopped by to speak with students about this amazing op-
Reunion Photos .......................... 8
portunity when suddenly there was a surprise visit by Top
Junior Chef, Rahanna . Alumnae Memoriam................... 11
2018 REUNION RECAP AND
Chef Rahanna, 14 years old, spoke about her personal expe- PHOTOS INSIDE!
riences and drive to become a professional chef as well as MKC STAFF
her experiences competing on the show "Top Chef Junior,"
aired on The Universal Kids Network. Students were awed  Mindy Rueden, Executive
Director
by her professionalism, creativity, and obvious respect for
her craft. Many thanks to The Trotter Project and Chef Ra-  Amy Eckhouse, Director of
Restorative Practices
hanna for this wonderful opportunity and for inspiring our
students to reach for the stars! The Trotter Project is a non-  Chris Brown, Director of
profit organization, named in honor of the late Charlie Development & Communica-
tions, Alumni Relations
Trotter, a world-renowned chef who lived here in Chicago.
Their mission is "to open doors through education, mentor-  Diana Lockett, Program
ship, and the pursuit of excellence in the global culinary and Coordinator
hospitality industries."  Josie Milunovic, Program
Coordinator
To purchase tickets, visit our
website at
www.mariakaupascenter.org
or call us at 773-925-8686,
ask for Chris.
 A Word from the Executive Director
When I pause to and funding and, as a result, have enhanced pro-
think about the mis- gram offerings; and we’ve contracted with Catalyst
sion and activities of Maria to provide Restorative Justice services during
the MKC, it is clear the school day, an initiative that was piloted this
that the Spirit is at year and proven exceptionally valuable. This part-
work! Over the past nership will allow the MKC to grow our staff to in-
year, we’ve seen a clude a Director of Campus Ministry, a hiring pro-
strengthened part- cess currently underway, as long-time Program
nership with the St. Director, Amy Eckhouse, transitions into her role as
Casimir – Maria Director of Restorative Practices.
Alumnae Association As you'll see throughout this newsletter, there is
that will ensure the much of which to be proud, there is much for
sustainability of alumnae efforts; we’ve become an which to be grateful. The MKC is moving forward
official member of the Southwest Organizing Pro- with direction and enthusiasm and we are excited
ject (SWOP) so that we are working collaboratively for you to continue moving with us!
with community stakeholders; we’ve connected
with foundations that provide both programming

Raffle & Silent Auction

Donors:
• Gina Ciabattari ‘86
• Suzy Etsch ‘75
• Connie Jesukaitis ‘75
• Joan Kubalanza ‘73
• Sr. Clement Mazgelis ‘41
• Sr. Margaret Mary Mazgelis
‘44
• Rita McNeil
• Chris Yocius Moskal ’72
• Ann Nyderek ‘75
• Mary Ann Pater ‘73
• Karen Strabel ‘68
• Nancy Streitmatter, M.D., SSC
• Sr. Elizabeth Ann Yocius ’71
2018 Reunion Recap
If you missed the St. Casimir-Maria Alumnae Association Reunion 2018, you
missed an event to remember. This year's reunion honored graduating classes
ending in 3s & 8s. We were particularly excited to have members of the gradu-
ating class of 1953, as they were the first class to walk through the doors of the
new Maria High School.
We could not have asked for a more perfect day. The reunion luncheon was
held on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Palos Country Club located in Orland Park,
IL, where Maria alumna, Pat Yanas Pykett ’66 is the General Manager. Nearly
300 St. Casimir-Maria alumnae streamed in from all over the country for lunch,
laughs, beautiful memories and conversation with fellow classmates. It was a
record attendance!
The afternoon began in the foyer with attendees, many of whom arrived early,
having refreshments at the well-stocked bar while getting reacquainted with old
friends. From there, they proceeded to the registration table where Nancy
Shotas ‘74 and Linda Juarez Padilla ’74 were on hand to greet, register, hand out
name tags and give table assignments. Just before entering the Grand Ballroom,
attendees had the opportunity to stop by the giveaway table where they were
able to take free St. Casimir- Maria memorabilia such as year books, school song
sheets, sports team banners, drinking glasses and bookmarks.

2
 Reunion cont’d
The Grand Ballroom was beautiful with tables elegantly set with SCA-Maria royal
blue and gold decorations and table linen. A World’s Finest Chocolate candy bar
Record Attendance
was at each setting given as a party favor, reminiscent of the thousands that were
sold for school fundraisers over the years.
The success of this year’s reunion
On the east side of the room tables were set up with beautiful raffle prizes and was due largely to the outstanding
baskets and two framed pictures for silent auction. At the end of the row was an efforts of volunteer class coordina-
information table on the Maria Kaupas Center (the MKC, located on the south tors. This dedicated group worked
tirelessly to rally their fellow class-
end of the old Maria H.S. building), where Program Director, Amy Eckhouse
mates to attend reunion by way of
shared information about the mission of the MKC and how it fits into the continu-
mail, phone, emails and social
ation of the legacy of the Sisters of St. Casimir. Alumnae were also able to pur-
media. We are most grateful to our
chase royal blue Maria sweatshirts. 2018 Class Coordinators:
The afternoon continued with raffle ticket drawings by Sister Elizabeth Ann Yocius • Susan Kantutis Drogos ‘68
‘71 and calls for classes to report to the stage for class photos. Thanks to some • Loretta Martinkus Gaidas ‘83
very generous and creative donors, the raffle and silent auction yielded very love-
• Mary Ellen Jensen ‘93
ly prizes. Winners walked away with prizes ranging from Christmas-themed quilts
• Irene Allen Johnson ‘58
- to Champagne Baskets - to beautifully framed wilderness photographs.
• Sister Grace Ann Kalafut ’53
The program was short and sweet giving alumnae the opportunity to mix and • Debra Lindemulder Kazaitis
mingle as much as possible. Mindy Rueden, Executive Director of the MKC, gave a ‘78
warm welcome speech in which she shared MKC’s mission and its role in ensuring • Joell Gaidas Kelso ‘83
the continuity and viability of the St. Casimir-Maria Alumnae Association. She was • Lauren Chapman Krastins ‘63
followed by greetings from Sister Regina Marie Dubickas, General Superior of the • Joan Kubalanza ‘73
Sisters of St. Casimir. Prayer before meal was led by Sister Margaret Zalot. The • Kathy Sellman ‘68
afternoon concluded with the singing of the SCA and Maria school songs, led by • Glenda Shimkus Smith ‘63
Anna Belle O’Shea ’74. There were lots of tears, laughter, and joy. • Ellie Montville Swentkofske
‘53
We would also like to thank those who sponsored a Sister for a luncheon. Your • Vida Gaurilius Wolff ‘83
generosity is heartfelt and appreciated. High-five to reunion volunteers: Nancy
Shotas ’74 and Linda Juarez Padilla ’74 for rocking out the registration table; Rita **Special recognition to Joan
Gallagher, Cheryl Tolish, Anna Belle O’Shea ’74 and Sr. Elizabeth Ann Yocius ’71 Kubalanza '73 and "The Pizza
for working the raffle tables. And as always, a special thanks to Pat Pykett '66, Girls" for rallying up a whopping 69
general manager at Palos Country Club for the lovely accommodations and deli- graduates from class of '73 to at-
cious food. tend. In all, class of ’73 took up one
quarter of the banquet hall: it was
Last, but certainly not least: we could not have done it with our dynamic duo: Sr. awesome!
Elizabeth Ann Yocius ’71, raffle & silent auction coordinator, and Judy Yocius Lu-
cas ’69, data base coordinator and alumnae email correspondent. Thanks for
keeping us on track, ladies!

From left: Reunion attendees catching up; Mary Ellen Jensen ‘93 gets winning team softball at the giveaway 3
table; hopeful winners buy tickets at raffle table; Amy Eckhouse at the MKC table.

Check out these stats:
*110 H.S. graduates
*100% college ac-
ceptance (an average of 6
acceptances per scholar)
*$15.4 million in scholar-
ships awarded
*92% of scholars have
committed to a 2- or
4-year college; 8% to
trade school or military
We want to hear
from you!
We do have a digital ver-
sion of this newsletter and
we would love to send it to
you. Please update your
email address for future
publications.
Alumnae, send your
updates to:
alumnae@mariakaupascenter.org.
General:
cbrown@mariakaupascenter.org
4
Saluting Class of 2018!
Congratulations to MKC/Catalyst
Maria Graduates.
The Commencement Ceremony was
held Thursday, June 7, 2018 in the
Catalyst Maria Auditorium. Faculty
Emeritus and guest speaker, Deme-
trius Davis,
encour-
aged stu-
dents to
dream big Catalyst Maria /MKC Graduates
and shared
his secret
to success:
“Just Keep
Going!”
There were
also 64
8th grade
and 62 Kindergarten graduates.
Dasha Randle 2018 Winner of The Mother Maria Kaupas Award
Sister Elizabeth Ann Yocius ’71 presented Dasha Randle
with the 2018 Mother Maria Kaupas Award at the grad-
uation ceremony. This award honors the legacy of the
Sisters of St Casimir and is presented annually to a
young woman who lives the message of “Always more,
always better, always with love.” The recipient of the
award is diligent with her studies, makes a positive im-
pact on the community, and constantly exhibits com-
passion and caring. Dasha will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana in
the Fall.
Way to Go Jazz!
Class Vice President and MKC member, Jasmine
Washington was awarded the Lasallian Scholar
Award. This award is given to a scholar who has
demonstrated the five Lasallian Values that em-
body the reasons for the school’s existence: “faith,
concern for others, quality of education, communi-
ty, and respect.”
 Happenings at the MKC!
The MKC Rebuilding Communities One Circle at a Time!

The Maria Kaupas Center joined
efforts to reduce high incidence of
violence in the Chicago Lawn/
Marquette Park neighborhood by
implementing a Restorative Justice
Program - available to Catalyst Maria
students, faculty and parents. Re-
storative Justice Practices (RJP)
strengthens the community through
prevention, education and interven-
tion and empowers individuals to
take an active role in responding to
the safety and well-being of them-
selves and their community.
In addition to the formal RJP being
utilized in the school, restorative
justice practices have also been in-
corporated into the fabric of our
after-school program. Each course
instructor has been trained to utilize
restorative tools within his/her
course, focusing on relationship de-
velopment, active listening, re-
spectful sharing, and honoring the
dignity of all—tools that invite a
deeper, more spiritual engagement
with those gathered.
RJP has proven so effective that it
has replaced the school’s former
disciplinary tool; the demerit sys-
tem. This school year, the MKC has
facilitated over 100 peace circles Amy Eckhouse, Director of Restorative
reaching over 850 students, 50 Practices, and MKC students demonstrating a
peace circle .
teachers and 29 parents.
“The MKC has facilitated 100 peace circles this school
year.”

We’ll Miss You, Diana!

“I was raised by a vil-
lage and now it is time
for me to be a part of
that village. I want to
create a comfortable
space where youth feel
like their voice is being
heard and that no
matter what, they have
a person by their side.”
-Diana Lockett
We are saddened to announce
the departure of Program Coor-
dinator, Diana Lockett. Diana
has been with the MKC since
2016 through the Lasallian Vol-
unteer (LV) Program. She has
completed her two-year com-
mitment to the MKC and is now
headed to Lewis University, Ro-
meoville, IL, where she will pur-
sue a graduate degree in mental
health counseling, with a con-
centration in child adolescent
mental health.
“It has been a true gift having
Diana as my partner for two
years,” said Amy Eckhouse, Di-
rector of Restorative Practices.
“I am so excited for her future
and for all of the young people
she will touch on her journey.”
“Some people come into our lives and go. Others stay awhile,
footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.”
The Lasallian Volunteers - a
program of the De La Salle
Christian Brothers of the Lasalli-
an Region of North
America — provides
dedicated, well-trained
volunteers for one or
more years of service to
schools and agencies of
the Brothers whose
mission is to serve the
poor. We will miss you,
Diana. Best of luck in Going away party with MKC
students and staff
graduate school. You will
always be part of the
MKC family.
5 make
 National Catholic Sisters’ Week

MKC Spotlight:

The MKC Forms a On Monday, March 12th, Catalyst

Community Maria staff and students attended a
Partnership with breakfast hosted by the MKC to cele-
Dominican University brate the kick-off of National Catho-
lic Sisters' Week. Students, grades 1-
12 were on hand to greet the Sisters Sr. Elizabeth Ann Yocius, Sr. Margaret Zalot
at a breakfast reception and spend and Sr. Immacula Wendt enjoying breakfast
with students.
relaxed time interacting and asking
questions

The MKC is excited to welcome

intern DeJada (De-Jay-Duh)
Daily, an undergraduate stu- Left: Sisters viewing welcome banner made by students. Right:
dent attending Dominican Uni- Sisters greeting students.
versity, River Forest, IL. DeJa-
da (DJ), is entering her third
year, double majoring in Com- “Boys to Men” Segment Added to Speakers Series
munication Studies and Digital
Catalyst Maria Coach, Steven
Journalism. She is completing
Dunlap, along with Jonathon
her internship requirements
Reynolds and Isaiah Martin
through the university’s Student meet monthly with male stu-
Ministries Department. DJ will dents, grades 9-12 to discuss a
be working with the program- wide range of topics, including
ming staff overseeing activities relationships, image, educa-
for students, grades K-5, at- tion and life goals.
tending summer camp.
This internship opportunity is
part of the community building
initiative of the Student Minis-
tries Department at Dominican
University. “I was really im- Korean Cuisine Excursion Trip
pressed with MKC’s viewpoints
on service, immersion and The MKC teamed up with the Catalyst Maria
justice,” said John DeCostan- K-Pop Club to take students on a cultural
za, Director of University Minis- trip to Chicago’s Chinatown. First stop was
try. “The Maria Kaupas Center restaurant, Ahjoomah’s Apron, where stu-
will be an excellent placement dents sampled delectable Korean cuisine,
for our students and a fruitful
including Bulgogi Beef, Jopchae Noodles
collaboration/partnership for
and Dolsot Bibimbop. Restaurant staff ex-
the future.”
plained the origin and historical significance
of each dish – making the trip educational
as well as tasty!

6
 Summer Fun at the MKC!

SUMMER CAMP (June 25 – August 10, 2018)

COURSES OFFERED COURSE GOAL
Daily Reflection Daily Reflection is the mandatory beginning to each day at the
MKC. The purpose is to introduce young people to God and/or
help them understand and appreciate a spiritual existence.
Art To explore creativity and self-expression, as well as develop an
appreciation for different cultures and artistic styles through a
variety of media.
Music – Fun with Instru- To learn basic music composition and explore music of other
ments cultures.
Cooking High School - To learn basic cooking terms and techniques while
preparing appetizers, main courses, desserts.
Dance To learn basic salsa, merengue, and bachata steps.

Drama To improve self-expression; to prepare and perform an original

skit.
Community garden To maintain a garden; harvest produce and prepare for distribu-
tion.
Special interest program- Field trip Fridays, movies, biking
ming
For more information, and/or to register your student, email us
info@mariakaupascenter.org or call 773-925-8686.
Ask for Diana Lockett, Program Coordinator

Week-long Summer Camp in Wisconsin,

July 30th - August 3rd

The MKC has been blessed by a partnership with

the Norman B. Barr Camp (NBBC) to send twenty-
four 4th & 5th grade students on week-long camp
at their facility is on the shores of Lake Geneva,
WI. Students who attend, at no cost to their fami-
lies, will experience fun outdoor activities like
kayaking, swimming, fishing, motor boating and
movies on the lake front. Entering their 109 th
season, the Norman B. Barr Camp’s mission is Photos from 2017 Camp
“provide a free, Christian-based summer camp
experience for those in need that enriches lives
through the enjoyment of God’s gifts of nature,
community, and faith.”

7
Class of 1943 - 75th Anniversary!
 Continued

Call for Reunion 2019 Class Coordinators

The success of each year’s reunion is dependent on alumnae who step up to be
Class Coordinators. The Coordinator’s role is to contact their classmates with the
reunion details and encourage them to attend. Next year our reunion will be on
Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Palos Country Club. The Alumnae Association will
provide the Coordinator with contact information and she can use whatever
means of communication is most comfortable and effective for her class—from
Facebook and other social media to email, telephone or U.S. mail. If your gradu-
ation year ends in “4” or “9” and you would like to help with this very important
part of the reunion, please call the Alumnae Association at 773-925-8686 and
ask for Chris or send an email to: alumnae@mariakaupascenter.org.
Celebrating Friendships
 In Memoriam
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.