Professional Documents
Culture Documents
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.
Saluting Class of 2018!
4
Happenings at the MKC!
The MKC Rebuilding Communities One Circle at a Time!
The Maria Kaupas Center joined instructor has been trained to utilize
efforts to reduce high incidence of restorative tools within his/her
violence in the Chicago Lawn/ course, focusing on relationship de-
Marquette Park neighborhood by velopment, active listening, re-
implementing a Restorative Justice spectful sharing, and honoring the
Program - available to Catalyst Maria dignity of all—tools that invite a
students, faculty and parents. Re- deeper, more spiritual engagement
storative Justice Practices (RJP) with those gathered.
strengthens the community through RJP has proven so effective that it
prevention, education and interven- has replaced the school’s former
tion and empowers individuals to disciplinary tool; the demerit sys-
take an active role in responding to tem. This school year, the MKC has
the safety and well-being of them- facilitated over 100 peace circles Amy Eckhouse, Director of Restorative
reaching over 850 students, 50 Practices, and MKC students demonstrating a
selves and their community.
peace circle .
In addition to the formal RJP being teachers and 29 parents.
utilized in the school, restorative
justice practices have also been in-
“The MKC has facilitated 100 peace circles this school
corporated into the fabric of our
after-school program. Each course year.”
MKC Spotlight:
6
Summer Fun at the MKC!
7
Class of 1943 - 75th Anniversary!
Continued