MCCHS Friday Focus
269th Issue - May 12, 2023
From the Desk of Mr. Benji Winkelman
13 days and counting......
Graduation represents the culmination of your 4-year journey here at Marian. It justifies that all the hard work we have accomplished has led to something special. Seniors completed their Graduation practice today. How to line up, when to sit, stand, how to receive their diploma, learning the pomp and circumstance are all part of the process. Naturally, we have been battling ‘Senioritis’ for a while now, but even our toughest cases sat at attention and listened to Mrs. Novy’s directions intently as reality sunk in that Graduation is less than 2 weeks away and with it will come an array of emotions.
When students begin their journey at Marian, they begin with a special Mass with only just their class, surrounded by the faculty. On Thursday, May 25th they will end the same way, sitting in those very same seats surrounded by the faculty waiting to hear their name being called. Graduation day is that moment that every student dreams of happening, it is a rite of passage, a milestone achievement in their lives. Speaking as a teacher we are all very proud of the young men and women sitting before us and all the growth they have shown academically, spiritually, and emotionally. As a parent it is also an incredibly proud moment as this time signifies the beginning of adulthood and true independence.
As a student, although I am an old one (‘92), I can remember also being incredibly anxious and excited to walk across the stage when my name was called to receive my diploma and shake the Bishop’s hand. I can also remember feeling sad and fearful as I would be leaving behind friends, and a school that I had called home. Graduation can be stressful in a person's life. Whenever change occurs, even change that is viewed as positive, people can experience feelings of stress. To our Graduating Senior class, this time for you will bring up a multitude of emotions and that is ok. Enjoy these final days together, Honors day, the senior cookout, Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation. These are some of the best times of your life.
Mr. Benji Winkelman
Lunch Money
Laptop & Charger Return
NHS Tutoring
Our National Honor Society is hosting tutoring sessions to help students prepare for finals. These sessions will be May 15 -17 during our advisory periods in the cafeteria. They will offer all subjects for tutoring and strongly encourage everyone to attend. Students should check in with their Advisory teacher and then head to the Cafeteria.
Empower Illinois Needs Your Support
Many students have benefited from the Empower Illinois tax credit scholarship program at Marian Central. Despite its immense success, the Tax Credit Scholarship Program is a pilot program, and has a sunset clause which would end the program in 2023, unless our state lawmakers vote to extend or make the program permanent. We want to keep providing the same opportunities to families through this program, but we need YOUR help! Please click this link to send an auto-generated email to your legislator!
Class of 2023 - Photo Opportunities - Deadline Wed, May 17
Cap & Gown Photos
Following the Honors Day Assembly on Friday, May 19th, Higher Focus Photography will be available to photograph your student in his/her cap and gown. Advance registration is required for these pictures by Wednesday, May 17th. To register for an Individual and/or a Buddy Cap & Gown session, go to https://higherfocusphotography.gotphoto.com/jobs/prepay-offers .
Composite Prints
Order by 5/17! - Order a replica of the Class of 2023 Composite photo at https://higherfocusphotography.gotphoto.com/jobs/prepay-offers. Orders must be placed by Wednesday, May 17 and will be available for pick up at the school during the Honors Day event.
Senior Bundle
Look for the Senior Bundle to SAVE $10 on Cap & Gown photos - including a Buddy Picture - AND the Class of 2023 Composite print! Cap & Gown Photos will be available to view and order online in private albums within one week of the event.
You're invited to an exclusive, invite-only concert!
Bunker Hill Charities is hosting Rockin' the Hill, a private invitation-only concert in Woodstock, where REO Speedwagon, Tesla, and Tommy DeCarlo from Boston are performing on Saturday, August 12! We are inviting our Marian Central parents to this incredible experience - check out what it's all about here.
Bunker Hill Charities grants proceeds from the concert to local charities, including Marian Central. During the checkout process, please make sure you type in Marian Central when you are prompted to answer, "How were you invited to Rockin' the Hill?" so we receive 25% of the proceeds. Tickets are already 70% sold out - purchase yours here!
This is an invitation-only event. Please DO NOT post about it on social media.
May Calendar
Friday, May 19 - Honors Day & Senior Cookout for Seniors; No School for Grades 9, 10, 11
Monday, May 22, Tuesday, May 23, Wednesday, May 24 - Exams
Wednesday, May 24 - 7:00 pm - Baccalaureate Mass
Thursday, May 25 - 2:00 pm - Graduation
Help Support Marian Grad
FurReal Heroes is a nonprofit organization that provides task-trained service dogs to disabled individuals at no cost to the recipient. Anna Podborny, proud alumna of our Class of 2019 and recipient of a FurReal service dog, would like to invite all Hurricanes to support FurReal Heroes through an upcoming fundraiser. All proceeds will go directly to the health, training and equipment for the dogs. Please click below for more information and consider supporting this organization. Thank you!