Fall 2013

TRADITIONSA publication for alumni of the past and present Catholic schools of Galesburg,

dedicated to those who shaped our past, enlighten our present, and preserve our future…

Welcome Mrs. Marasa p. 2

Treasuring Our Past, Securing Our FutureCapital Campaign Updatep. 3

Reunions p. 6

Unmistakably, passion to grow academically is one of the objectives that Costa’s new principal Mrs. Jill M. Marasa will be watching for in Costa students. Her strengths are many. She understands the community and the school. Apparent to anyone who knows her, the most important factor of her new job is the student. When asked, “What will you miss most?” Mrs. Marasa answers dewey-eyed, “being in the classroom with the kids.”

Jill (Hebenstreit) Marasa, as a Galesburg native attended St. Joseph’s Academy and later met her husband, Paul where they both were attending Indiana University. Paul and Jill have three children, Veronica, Julia and Paul (Costa graduates ‘02,’04 & ’10) and two adorable Pugs. Mrs. Jill Marasa received a Master’s degree from Bradley University in Educational Administration in May, 2011. After receiving her Master’s, Mrs. Marasa was mentored by Principal Jim Kovac with the deliberate intention of providing a smooth transition from one administration to the next. Because of that valuable time together, Jill gained necessary understandings for the delicacies related to various administrative circumstances that will allow her the ability to make sound decisions.

Mrs. Marasa brings moxy acquired from not only starting a music program at Costa, but an exceptionally strong one! A little over fifteen years ago, Sister Catherine and Principal Randy Bunkow offered Mrs. Marasa the chance to be the first full-time Music instructor to about 420 students in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. At the beginning, she was challenged with nay-sayers, finances (none) and instruments (none). Along the way, in the Church’s Year of Jubilee, she began the Jubilee Choir, who’s mission is “we sing to serve”. Something so basic. To sing for others. Not so basic right? In fact, it is amazingly wonderful because it brings basic joy to others. The sound of children singing. A celestial sound. And, also along that pathway, she built an award-winning music program where children by third grade read, write and play music. A program where 4th-8th grade students play in a award-winning band. A program so strong that when advancing to high school music, the students excel and sit as section leaders and become the drum major. Where students continue with performances in college and are selected to be on a University Drum Line. A music program that is incomparable to any other school in the Galesburg area because part of the Costa music program includes Strings — the ONLY String program offered in the Galesburg area.

So, ready to roll up her sleeves and get things done, Mrs. Marasa is armed with actual experience on how to build a program and can ‘bring it’ to the Principal’s Desk. Her tenacity brings the passion to form leaders in our Catholic school. By helping students grow in faith and be committed to their spirituality, she will be able to lead the dedication to service for now and the future generations. Mrs. Marasa’s willingness to pursue excellence, even when faced with obstacles, will be what continues to provide the best student learning environment and move Costa forward for generations to follow.

Her tenacity brings the passion to form leaders in our Catholic school.

TRADITIONS Fall 2013

Welcome Mrs. Marasa!

www.costa-galesburg.net

Treasuring Our PastOn November 29, 1964 a dedication of the new $800,000 Costa high school in Galesburg where a choir sang during the program following the dedication; Robert Peck, Knox County Superintendent of Schools, Brother John Joseph, F.S.C., the Costa principal, a standing room only in the gymnasium; and in the evening to a standing room only in the auditorium, Bishop John B. Franz blessing the school, assisted by Father A. B. Curran, I.C., U.S. Vice Provincial of the Fathers of the Institute of Charity, and Father J. E. Lohan, past of Immaculate Heart of Mary parish, and Mother Rose Angela, Superior General of the Sister of Providence.

Securing Our FutureBecause we can look back with great love and pride at our rich history, we can look forward with optimism to the future of Costa Catholic Academy. With the dedication of everyone involved, Costa can pursue a vision that will make our school a distinctive, educationally sound and viable institution for decades to come. Costa has not changed in its commitment to offer a Christ-centered education where His Church can continue a long tradition of excellence in all fields of learning. We welcome all who want to share in our vision of helping a new generation prepare for their future and for Eternity.

The Catholic community in Galesburg has been asked to help throughout time. Fr. Joseph Costa asked each family to donate 1,000 bricks (about $10) to help in the construction of St. Joseph’s Academy back in 1879. When this capital campaign began, the needs were identified and solutions were developed at an estimated costs of about 2.1 million dollars. Currently, we are at $1,470,000.00 and would still appreciate your help. As current custodians of our school and with prayerful consideration in all of our decisions, we invite you at this juncture of plans to consider donating your “portion of bricks”.

TRADITIONS Fall 2013

With the dedication of everyone involved, Costa can pursue a vision that will make our school a distinctive, educationally

sound and viable institution for decades to come.

Treasuring Our Past ~ Securing Our Future

www.costa-galesburg.net

Ryan Hickey Costa Catholic Academy Class of 2008Ryan Hickey was given the honor, after being asked, to sing the National Anthem when President Barack Obama visited Knox College campus in Galesburg, July 24, 2013. Ryan is returning for his second year at Milliken University.

Clare Leahy Costa Catholic Academy Class of 2009Clare Leahy graduated from Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) this past spring. IMSA utilizes an accomplishment-based selection process that incorporates performance on projects and participation or leadership in extracurricular activities with more traditional indicators of talent such as test scores and grades. The number of students invited to attend IMSA each year is determined by availability of space. Clare attended IMSA in Aurora, IL after graduating from Costa.

Catharine Leahy Costa Catholic Academy Class 2010Catharine Leahy scored a perfect ACT composite score of 36 when she took the test for the first time on Feb. 9. How rare is a score of 36? According to ACT, of more than 1.66 million students from the graduating class of 2012 who took the test, just 781 scored a 36. “Nationally,

while the number of students earning a composite score of 36 varies from year to year, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of students who take the ACT earn a top score,” ACT said in a news release.

Sarah Leahy Costa Catholic Academy Class of 2012Sarah Leahy was invited to attend Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) next year, her sophomore year. Yes, this is the same school her sister, Clare, graduated from in 2013. IMSA utilizes an accomplishment-based selection process that incorporates performance on projects and participation or leadership in extracurricular activities with more traditional indicators of talent such as test scores and grades.

Taylor Nesselroad Costa Catholic Academy Class of 2013CONGRATULATIONS to Taylor Nesselroad for breaking the nine-hole Galesburg High School record while playing at Soangetaha Country Club, on September 10. Taylor finished with a five under Par 31. Congratulations on a record breaking school performance!

Gary Nelson Costa Catholic School Class of 1982For the second year, Gary Nelson will be Costa’s Athletic Director. Gary remembers Costa with wonderful memories in and out of the

classroom. He really would like for all students to be involved in activities so they can leave Costa with great memories too. Gary, his wife, Shelly have a Costa third grade daughter, Chloe.

Caylyn Burek Costa Catholic School Class of 2004Caylyn Burek joins the teaching staff at Costa this year. She will be teaching grades 5-8 Social Studies. Caylyn brings a sense of calm with her and looks forward to working with the students and families.

Ryan Ricketts Costa Catholic School Class of 2007Western Illinois University Sophomore Ryan Ricketts is no stranger to athletic competitions but this year Ryan is starting Center for Western Illinois University Football. Recently, WIU met up with the University of Minnesota at Minnesota. Minnesota is a member of the Big 10, AA Division 1. In advance of the game, WIU, who was playing outside of their Division, was predicted to suffer some embarrassment. Surprise! Western Illinois University held tough through the end of the third quarter with a tight score of 12-7. Even though WIU did lose 29-12, they played really tough and Ryan had a great game!

IN LOVING MEMORY OF…Geraldine (Astle) Searl

Attended St. Joseph’s Academy

Dorothy Anne WynneSt. Joseph’s Academy 1936

Kathryn (Burke) OstranderSt. Joseph’s Academy 1939

Sister Ellen Marie StaffordSt. Joseph’s Academy 1934

Teacher Costa Catholic School

Bud PogueCorpus Christi High School 1941

Clarence “Russ” MooreCorpus Christi High School 1950

Bernie (Carr) GardenerCorpus Christi High School 1940

Vince MorrisseyCorpus Christi High School 1947

Philip StableinCorpus Christi High School 1948

Bob ScharfenbergCorpus Christi High School 1951

Tom RileyCorpus Christi High School 1952

George GodsilCorpus Christi High School 1953

Paul CarrCorpus Christi High School 1954

Warren RileyCorpus Christi High School 1954

David ButkovichCorpus Christi High School 1956

Leo CarrCorpus Christi High School 1957

Bea (Redington) HedrickCorpus Christi High School 1960

Vicki (Miller) StevensCosta High School 1965Costa Catholic Academy Former Cafeteria Worker

Cynthia Ann (Skarbek) SiarnyCosta High School 1966

Phillip StinsonCosta High School 1967

Lawrence WallaceCosta High School 1968

Sister Catherine Mayer, S.P.Costa Catholic School Faculty Member

Alumni Highlights

NOVEMBER 1 FRIDAY shopping extravaganza 12 pm – 6 pm Costa Building All proceeds to benefit auction

NOVEMBER 16 WEDNESDAY Taste of Costa 5:30 pm Cafeteria, Primary Building Serving Holiday Menu Teachers & Staff All proceeds to benefit auction

FALL | WINTER Calendar of Events

TRADITIONS Fall 2013www.costa-galesburg.net

Costa Friends,

I am thrilled to be returning to Costa Catholic Academy this year as the Development Director and feel privileged to be part of such a phenomenal place. Since moving to Galesburg nearly fourteen years ago, I have been committed to this school and supporting Catholic education. During that time, I have been a room parent, helped with the CCA and Friars Club, coached pom pon’s and cheerleading, from 2005-2008 was the Costa Development Director, and watched both daughters graduate from Costa with my youngest, Costa Class of 2013.

As I return to my responsibilities as the Development Director, I am reminded what a pleasure it is to work in an environment that is continually learning and growing. This year, I will have the chance to watch the construction of our new addition evolve into the future home of some vast learning opportunities. Our new addition will offer new rooms and therefore, new places to learn. What an exciting time to be a student (and employee) at Costa!

I am beginning this school year and chapter in Costa’s history realizing the importance of our role as stewards of Catholic education in Galesburg. Founding father, Father Costa, gave his entire being to our faith and teaching the faith. Today, the school continues to prevail because the Holy Spirit still guides the hearts of the decision-makers. It is an honor to be here.

This comes to you one year late, but with this endearing of a photo, it is never to late to share.

Many members of the Costa Class of 2008, Galesburg High School Class of 2012, gathered after their high school graduation ceremony to take this picture. Costa alums in their Galesburg GHS gowns. The “C” that they make with their hand, speaks volumes to where their hearts still lie. We love our Costa alum!

TRADITIONS Fall 2013

DEVELOPMENT CORNER

I am reminded what a pleasure it is to work in an environment that is continually learning and growing.

www.costa-galesburg.net

Susan Day, Development Director

2014 All Catholic Schools ReunionThe third Galesburg “All Catholic Schools Reunion” will be held in Galesburg, IL June 19 to 22, 2014. Anyone who ever attended any Galesburg Catholic School is most welcome and is encouraged to join in the fun. Thursday will find us at Cherry Street Restaurant & Bar at 57 S. Cherry St. for an informal Meet-and-Greet beginning at 6:30; no cover charge, open menu if you wish to eat, and a cash bar. On Friday, June 20th, the Knights of Columbus Hall at 1556 E. Fremont St. will be the scene of the alumni dancing the night away with a live band. The doors will open at 7:00; the band will play from 8:00 to 11:30, $25.00 cover charge per pre-register person/cash bar and a mid-evening food buffet. Planned activities for Saturday are a 10:30 golf outing at Soagetaha Country Club ($65.00 includes cart) and a 1:30 Saint Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery walk with Martin Reichel who is the Diocesan Curator for both St. Mary’s Cemetery and St. Joseph’s Cemetery. All alumni and Galesburg area Catholic Parish members are invited to attend this most informative presentation that involves very little walking! Our Saturday night party will be held at Lake Bracken Country Club starting at 5:30. This will be an informal gathering with a $25.00 cover charge per pre-registered person, 6:30 picnic style supper buffet, and a cash bar. The reunion will close on Sunday, June 22 with an 11:00 reunion celebration Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Pre-registration date ends on May 20, 2014. Please visit www.bunchoffriars.info often for reunion updates, pictorial history of past events, and to register for all or any of the reunion gatherings. Please call Mary Burgland (Mangieri) at 309-342-5470 or Joan Semande (Kisler) at 309-389-4996 to register by telephone or to answer your reunion questions.

Corpus Christi Class of 1953 That is 60 years out of high school. The reunion was held on August 7th at Cherry Street in Galesburg followed by a beautiful buffet at Georgia Jean Brown van Fleet’s House in Alexia, IL on August 10th. On Sunday, 11 August classmates attended 9 a.m. Mass at Corpus Christi and enjoyed breakfast at Perkins.

TRADITIONS Fall 2013www.costa-galesburg.net

Kneeling front row: left to right – Gerry McDermott and Larry Horn

Standing front row: left to right – Kathy Knapp, Marlene, Helen, Pat Creen, Nancy, Georgia, and Dedie May

Standing back row: left to right – Duke, Chuck, Ron, Bernard

Costa High School Would-Be Class of 1972 Then As the class reunions go there are a lot of ‘old pictures’ that resurface. Here is the Immaculate Heart of Mary Class of 1968. If Costa High School had stayed open, this would have been the Costa Class of 1972. As it was, this class went to Galesburg High School for their senior year and graduated as Galesburg High School Class of ’72.

Class of 1972 Now Great time! Great turn out! Costa class of 1972 –.. even though we had to graduate from GHS…Picture at 156 East, Galesburg.

Costa Principal Jim Kovac retired from Costa Catholic Academy after six years as Principal. Being a principal at Costa really requires a lot of energy and tenacity because the position also includes superintendent responsibilities. So, after retiring from over 30 years in public school education for Mr. Kovac to come to Costa with the willingness to improve our programs was a blessing. He implemented new programs including: taking the necessary steps that made Costa a nationally accredited school, instituting a student of the week and month program, pursuing technology and was instrumental in Costa’s capital campaign that will allow our school to consolidate into one building as recommended by the Diocese of Peoria.

Some of Mr. Kovac’s fondest memories of Costa include watching the students in Christmas programs, playing on the playground with the younger students, working with the Education Commission, attending school Mass, and working at fundraisers.

Mr. Kovac stated he his most proud of improving technology at Costa, including having a Smart Board in every classroom, taking Costa forward with the capital campaign, and he is proud of how hard-working our teachers are.

On behalf of the students, teachers and staff – thank you Mr. Kovac for your hard work and dedication to Costa. We wish you a happy retirement!

What’s New? Alumni UpdatesCosta Catholic Academy welcomes updates and news from our alumni. Let us know about address changes, new jobs and/or promotions, marriages, births, anniversaries, appointments to volunteer boards, etc.

Please complete this form and send it to: Costa Catholic Academy, Development Office, 2726 Costa Drive, Galesburg, IL 61401

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Novena PrayerPrayer for Seminarians Sam Mangieri III, Michael Pica St. Therese, you answered the Lord’s call to become love in the heart of the Church by entering Carmel, and living the hidden life of the contemplative prayer, fasting, and self-offering for the mission of the Church and the salvation of souls.

Through your gracious intercession, grant our prayers for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in our diocese.

Beg our Lord to send us laborers who will be true disciples of the Lord faithful to the service of His Church, the pursuit of holiness, and always eager to place the needs of others before their own. We thank you, Lord, for all the gifts of Sam Mangieri III and Michael Pica, our adopted Seminarians and pray that you will guide them and bless them on their journey to becoming priests. We make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.St. Therese, Patroness of Vocations, pray for us.

Prayers

On behalf of the students, teachers and staff –

thank you Mr. Kovac for your hard work and dedication to Costa!

TRADITIONS Fall 2013www.costa-galesburg.net

Happy Retirement Mr. Kovac…

TRADITIONSTraditions is published three times a year; in the Fall/Winter, Winter/Spring and Spring/Summer editions. It is published by the Costa Catholic Academy Development Office.

Next Issue: Capital Campaign Update | Brothers House / Preschool | Class of 1963 Reunion & More | Costa buildings and grounds

Facebook: Costa Catholic AcademyTwitter: @CostaCatholic

Jill Marasa .......................................................................Principal/AdministratorRev. William Miller ................................................................... Canonical PastorSusan Day ........................................................................Development DirectorDevelopment Office ...................................................................... 309-344-3155E-mail ........................................................................sday@costa-galesburg.netWebsite ....................................................................... www.costa-galesburg.netIf you know of someone who is not receiving our newsletter, or if you would like to give updates, please let the Development Office know.

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