CRSM Counselor Honored by Waukegan to College

CRSM Counselor Honored by Waukegan to College

Congrats to Christina Dippold, CRSM counselor who was honored by Waukegan to College for her passion and commitment for helping first-generation students. The award was presented at the organization’s 2nd Annual Education Appreciation Event March 6 in Waukegan.

We can always count on her to provide us with student transcripts, collaborate on course selection, and share information about students with one another in our ‘it takes a village’ approach to support our first-gen students,” said Laura Rios, Program Director of Waukegan to College.

Christina was honored along with James Gillespie, a 7th-grade science teacher at Abbott Middle School, and Amanda Patti, Waukegan Public Schools Area District Superintendent. All three received a special award for their close partnership with Waukegan to College over the past years.

“There have been countless classroom visits, scores of emails requesting information about students, or providing us with data and other information that help ensure we provide students at Waukegan to College with the best support possible,” said Rios.

Prior to joining Cristo Rey nine years ago, Christina worked at Red Cloud Indian School in South Dakota, for a total of 15 years in education as a School Counselor.  She earned her bachelor’s degree from Marquette University in Social Work and Psychology and her master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago in Counseling. She said her proudest moment is seeing her students cross the stage at graduation every year!

Hope Forward: College Surprises Seniors with Hand-delivered Acceptance Letters

Hope Forward: College Surprises Seniors with Hand-delivered Acceptance Letters

Seniors Gallery, Eliza and Judy thought they were meeting with other members of the Class of 2022 and Principal Mike Odiotti to discuss outstanding details they needed to clear up before graduation next June; instead, the trio and 14 of their peers found a representative from Hope College waiting for them with surprise acceptance packages and a sea of congratulations.

“This is so exciting,” said Judy, who will be a first-generation college student. “It’s almost unbelievable to think I’m holding this and that it is real.” A member of the National Hispanic Honor Society, the National Honor Society and a Student Ambassador, Judy is looking forward to college and possibly pursuing a career in forensic science.

The trio were among the 18 students who received hand-delivered acceptance packages to Hope College, on Nov. 17. Hope College is a four-year liberal arts college in Holland, MI, which shares a like mission with CRSM, said Kayleigh Wonch, a CRSM English teacher and graduate of Hope College. Fifteen percent of students there are considered first-generation college students.

“At Hope College, we know that how we lead is how we live: with passion, curiosity and an anchored conviction to serve the world, which is very much like what you do at Cristo Rey St. Martin,” said Allison Bulson, admissions representative for Hope College who presented the acceptance packages.

Representatives from College Bound Opportunities and Waukegan to College also attended the acceptance event.

For CRSM seniors, ‘tis the season when they start hearing back from the colleges and universities they’ve applied to, and have shared their dreams in personal statements. Acceptances are just starting to dribble in.

“This is huge and makes it all seem like it’s really happening,” said Gallery, who is looking to pursue opportunities in environmental science.