Leslye (CRSM ’16 Carthage College ’20) and I talked after she finished her day as a volunteer at Cristo Rey St. Martin. As a recent college graduate, she is in the middle of her search for a position that fits her many talents and passions; some of which include training, global corporations and living abroad. Like many of her fellow … Read More
“Commitment and Time Management”: An Interview with Cassandra Abarca
Cassandra (CRSM ’18 Alverno College ’22) and I spoke on the phone not long after a Boston-based non-profit announced that she had been elected to the organization’s 2020-2021 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Like most recent college prep graduates, her journey during the Covid-19 pandemic can only be described as unpredictable. But it is clear that her ambition and mastery … Read More
“A Long and Winding Road”: An Interview with Rogerr Oliva
I talked with Rogerr (CRSM ’13 NIU ’19) from his office at home in Gurnee, IL. His journey to graduation from Northern Illinois University involved enough twists, turns and detours to discourage any driver. But Rogerr (yes, two Rs) is not like most. His gracious and unassuming attitude comes through immediately, as does his intellect. The course of his academic … Read More
“Resilient, Adaptable and Determined”: An Interview with Jessena Fields
I talked with Jessena (CRSM ’15 SIU ’19) as she was beginning her exit from Carbondale, IL after her recent graduation from Southern Illinois University. Heading toward Houston, her plans include growing her successful on-line business, eventually reopening her hair and clothing boutique and getting her master’s in marketing. After speaking with her I came away knowing I spoke with … Read More
“Checking back”: An Interview with Kevin Castro
I caught up with Kevin (CRSM ’13, Connecticut College ’17) shortly after he recorded a speech that played during Cristo Rey’s recent fundraiser. You might also recognize him from an Alumni Spotlight he did several years ago. I decided to check back in with him and hear about what he’s been up to since that last interview. The following … Read More
Stories from the Academics Department
A Note from Marlene Eby, Assistant Principal Hello to our CRSM Family, On Monday March 30th, Spring Break ended and CRSM students began their e-learning programs. Prior to the beginning of e-learning, Dr. Odiotti and I were in contact with all of our teachers and our various teams working and meeting via tele-conference to prepare our students academically, socially and … Read More
Congressman Brad Schneider Visits CRSM; Follows-up on Students’ Advocacy Trip to D.C.
You may remember that last November, five Cristo Rey St. Martin students traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In For Justice. They had a meeting at the office of U.S. Representative for Illinois’ 10th congressional district, Brad Schneider. The Cristo Rey Group focused their legislative advocacy on climate change and environmentalism. Congressman Schneider’s office scheduled a meeting … Read More
New Heights in Academic Achievement
Academic Achievements Dr. Michael Odiotti – Principal Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep In terms of key data points that we track; the percentage of students at a 2.0, the percentage of students at 3.0 and failure rate, we have matched or exceeded our all-time bests at the first semester. The fact that our GPA numbers continue to improve along … Read More
Huge Construction Project Scheduled to Begin in February
December 5th 2019 At its quarterly meeting, the CRSM Board of Trustees unanimously voted to begin construction of Phase II of the CRSM building. Phase II includes a gym with a stage, fitness area, locker rooms, additional classrooms, teacher work area, and a chapel. Work will begin in February of 2020 and should be completed in March of 2021. The … Read More
Junior Class with Discover Financial: a service opportunity and professional workshop
Many people know that Discover Financial Services is a leading partner for Cristo Rey St. Martin’s (CRSM) Corporate Work Study Program. What many don’t know is the corporation administers a highly developed and far-reaching volunteer program called Discover Cares, which empowers their employees to give back to the community. On October 25th the entire CRSM junior class (94 students) traveled … Read More