News Archives

On Wednesday, November 16, Loyola Academy hosted its annual Middle School Choir Festival. Nearly one hundred students from local Catholic schools joined current Loyola chorale students to make beautiful music, have fun, and learn more about the choir program at Loyola. Thank you to our guests from Mary Seat of Wisdom - Park Ridge; Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Glenview; St. Athanasius - Evanston; St. Mary of the Woods - Chicago; and The Academy of St. Joan of Arc - Evanston!

On Saturday, November 12, roughly thirty Dumbach Scholars enrolled in AP Art History visited the Muslim Education Center and Mosque in Morton Grove. The visit enabled students to explore another faith tradition in order to better understand and interpret the art and design of sacred spaces.

On Wednesday, November 16, Loyola Academy Bands performed their first side-by-side concert with Northshore Concert Band (NCB) in the new Leemputte Family Theater. Notably, the performance was an excellent opportunity for Loyola students to perform alongside professional musicians. This was the first in a series of annual concerts as part of an enriching partnership between LA and NCB. 

The varsity football team defeated the Lincoln-Way East Griffins 13-3 on Saturday, November 26, to become the 2022 IHSA 8A State Champions! This is the program's fourth state championship—the third under Coach John Holecek (2015, 2018, 2022).  Congratulations to the entire team, Coach Holecek and his staff, and the team captains (Jake Stearney '23, Jack Fitzgerald '23, Johnny McGuire '23, and Brooks Bahr '23) on a perfect ending to an incredible 13–1 season. Thank you Rambler parents and fans, for all the fun and support along the way.

Loyola Academy Department of Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe 4729 performed the musical "Mamma Mia!" to a delighted audience on November 11–13. Set in a sunny Greek island paradise, ABBA's hit tells the hilarious story of a young woman named Sophie (Hannah Biel '24) and her mother Donna (Margot Burm '24) as Sophie embarks on a quest to discover the identity of her father before her wedding. Her search brings three men from her mother's past to the island they visited 20 years ago. ABBA's timeless songs propelled this enchanting tale of love, laughter, and friendship, and created an unforgettable show.

On Wednesday, November 9, Loyola Academy Vice President of Athletics and Fitness Genevieve Atwood honored twenty four Rambler student-athletes at the fall National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony. Congratulations to the following student-athletes and their parents!

The Office of Admissions welcomed over 600 prospective students and their families to campus for a bustling fall 2022 Open House on Thursday, November 3. Junior high students were paired with current Ramblers for personal tours of the school and facilities like the student center, library, piazza, and — new this year — the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center.

On Friday, November 4, members of the Loyola Academy community came together to celebrate the 65th annual President’s Dinner. Approximately 200 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at the Amazing Space@625 in downtown Chicago to honor Ellen S. and Peter G. Leemputte '75 with the 2022 Rev. Daniel A. Lord, SJ, Award. Notably, the evening marked the first President’s Dinner under the leadership of Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ.

Chicago Scholars Onsite College and Leadership Forum was held at Navy Pier on Tuesday, October 25. Over 700 students from across Chicago participated. The Onsite Day gave all 46 of Loyola's senior Chicago Scholars, who are academically ambitious, first-generation-to-college students from under-resourced communities, the opportunity to interview with multiple colleges and universities in one day. In total, these 46 students participated in 193 interviews with a wide variety of universities who have been identified for their commitment to supporting Chicago Scholars financially, academically, and socially through their college graduation.

After a ten year hiatus, Loyola Academy hosted its first Fall Flavor Fest on Friday, October 28. That's right, the popular food festival is back! As both a fundraising opportunity for clubs and cocurricular programs and a celebration of our vibrant community, it's no wonder why the Fall Flavor Fest has been so popular in the past. And, with 31 clubs participating in this year's festivities, the event is on track to once again become a beloved annual tradition.

The Loyola community gathered to celebrate a beautiful All Saints Day Mass on Tuesday, November 1, with Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, presiding. In his Homily, Campus Minister Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, encouraged students to live their fullest lives in communion with God.

​Loyola Academy is pleased to announce a newly formed partnership with alumni and internationally acclaimed theater artists Gregory Qaiyum '94 and Jeffrey Qaiyum '97—better known as the Q Brothers. The Q Brothers fuse hip hop and theater and to adapt classic stories to a wholly original and fast-paced style of comedic performance. MTV has called the Q Brothers "Nothing short of brilliant" and Time Out London says, "The rhymes—and the energy— just don't stop…" An assembly for students on Monday, October 24, kicked off an exciting artist in residency program for the 2022–2023 school year.

On Friday, October 14, eighteen individuals and four teams were inducted to Loyola Academy’s Hall of Fame. In addition, three special awards were presented to honor the support and commitment of individuals to Loyola Athletics. Vice President of Alumni and Network Engagement Marty Jennings ’98 presented awards to inductees as their families and friends gathered for the celebration in the East Gym. Festivities continued on Saturday, October 15, as we honored inductees during the Loyola Academy football game against Saint Patrick’s High School. View the video collages of the honorees here. Relive the special moments of the weekend by viewing photo galleries of the induction ceremony and football tailgate.

Loyola Academy Choirs presented their annual fall concert themed "Better Together" on Thursday, October 13. Notably, this was their first performance in Loyola's new Leemputte Family Theater. To mark the occasion, they debuted five original songs co written with alumna Jessica "J" Godwin '01, an immensely talented audiovisual artist and mentor. Students and their families were treated to a red carpet experience before the show, as well as a small reception afterwards.

Nearly fifty years after meeting in a Loyola Academy German III class for Ramblers and Regina Dominican students, Ellen S. and Peter G. Leemputte '75 continue to keep Loyola close to their hearts. With a generous multimillion dollar leadership gift to help fund the Second Century Campaign's Theater Initiative, Ellen and Peter have supported a bold vision for the future of Loyola and helped usher in a new era defined by a transformed campus and a dazzling new theater that bears their name.

Loyola Academy’s faculty and staff gathered on Friday, October 7, for a day of professional development that focused on caring  for the environment. The day included a keynote speaker, spiritual conversations with companion groups, and direct service and reflection opportunities.

On Sunday, October 2, more than 350 grandparents and Rambler grandchildren celebrated Mass in the East Gym with Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ.

In September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named two Loyola Academy seniors semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to Chloe C. Molins and Benjamin W. Griesmeyer! The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Congratulations to the boys' golf team on their second place finish at the IHSA 3A Regional at Wilmette Golf Course on Wednesday, September 28! The team score was 312. The team was led by Ryan Banas '23 in 5th place with a score of 75. Patrick Rocchio '24 finished in 7th place with a 77, Joey Pieracci '23 finished in 9th place with a 79, Grant Koehler '23 scored an 822, Gavin Smith '24 and Drew Southwell '25 finished with an 81.

Congratulations to the frosh/soph girls' tennis team for capturing the 2022 GCAC JV league championship and tournament championship! This is the second year in a row the girls have won both. The conference team included players Clare Weasler and Coco Callahan and doubles players Lucy Kirkendall, Riley Magner, MK Humphrey, Lizzie Baskfield, Claire Lisowski and Jacquelyn Mark. The frosh/soph tennis team was undefeated in GCAC matches against Providence Catholic, Mother McAuley, St. Ignatius, and Fenwick.

Congratulations to the girls' golf team on their second place finish at the IHSA 2A Regional at Winnetka Golf Course on Friday, September 29! The team score was a 330 led by Katie Magner '24 who finished in 4th place with a 77. Bailey Bitbabo '23 finished in 8th place with an 82, Gigi Zera '24 tied for 9th place with a score of 82, and Abby Dimmberio '24 tied for 13th place with a 88. Abbey Rieske '26 and Macy Schultz '26 also competed for the Ramblers.

This year’s Spirit Week theme, “Rambler Disco,” set the tone for a week of dress-down days with fun themes: “Disco Ball Day” on Monday, “Neon or Tie Dye Day Day” on Tuesday, “Tacky Tourist Day” on Wednesday, “Zoom Business Day” on Thursday, and “Rambler Spirit Deck-Out Day” to close out the week on Friday. Inflatable obstacle courses on the football field, Just Dance in the new theater, Karaoke outside of the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, and a photo booth were just some of the activities hosted by the Student Activities to energize students throughout the week.

Loyola Academy is proud to recognize the following eight seniors as Commended Students in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program: Rachel G. Barrientos, August D. Berne, Charles J. Considine, Greg R. Kosmerl, Elise N. McCain, Olivia L. Myers, David J. Patchin, and Emma I. Reynolds.

Loyola Academy is pleased to announce a newly formed partnership with Special Gifts Theatre (SGT), a not-for-profit organization that was founded in 2000 to provide individuals who possess a wide array of special needs (physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and learning) the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment that theatre arts can bring. Launched in September 2022, the SGT x LA Peer Mentor Program gives Ramblers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a Special Gifts Theatre buddy in our beautiful new McGrath Family Performing Arts Center.

Despite scattered rain and unseasonably cool temps that finally warmed in the late afternoon, it was a wonderful day on the links at North Shore Country Club in Glenview as alumni, parents and friends of Loyola Academy gathered for the 28th annual Ramblers Golf Outing on Monday, September 12.

Loyola Academy’s Marching Band, Ramblerettes dance team, and Cheer squad led the Wilmette 150 parade on Saturday, September 10, at a block party celebrating the village’s sesquicentennial anniversary. Officially incorporated in September 1872, the Village of Wilmette saw hundreds come out in support including residents, neighbors, and town officials and dignitaries. Notably, Loyola Academy has called Wilmette home for 65 years since moving from the campus of Loyola University Chicago in 1957.

Over 300 parents and guardians of freshman and sophomore Ramblers gathered on the evening of Thursday, September 8, at a mixer hosted by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO). The casual event took place outside of the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center and encouraged parents/guardians to get acquainted with one another and meet new friends.

Eleven seniors from the Class of 2023 have been named awardees in the College Board's National Recognition Program, which grants underrepresented students with academic honors that can be included on college and scholarship applications.

On Sunday, August 28, Loyola Academy’s varsity football team opened its 2022 season against the St. Xavier Bombers from Cincinnati, Ohio, as the highly anticipated finale to the 2022 Geico ESPN High School Football Kickoff. The game—in which the Ramblers took a swift and dominant lead and clinched a 44–20 victory—was broadcast to a national audience on ESPN.

It was an unforgettable night of music on Saturday, August 20, as hundreds of Loyola Academy parents, alumni, and friends celebrated the opening of the new McGrath Family Performing Arts Center with a private concert by Grammy Award-winning blues legend Taj Mahal. Along with membership in the Blues Hall of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Association, three Grammy wins—the most recent in 2017—have underscored Taj’s undiminished relevance for more than a half century.

Loyola Academy French Teacher Mr. Tom Sapp has been given the honor of Chevalier dans l'Ordre des Palmes Académiques, a prestigious recognition awarded to outstanding educators by the French government. Originally established in 1808 by Napoleon I, the Order of the Academic Palms is a national order of merit that bestows membership on those who have "rendered eminent service to French education and have contributed actively to the prestige of French culture."

A small group of fine arts supporters gathered on Thursday, August 18, at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center to enjoy a light reception, student-led tours of the Leemputte Family Theater, and a blessing of the new space, which officially opened in August.

The Loyola Academy community celebrated its annual Mass of the Holy Spirit on Friday, August 19, marking the beginning of the 2022–2023 school year. The Mass of the Holy Spirit is a longstanding tradition among Jesuit high schools and universities, dating back to 1584. It provides students, faculty and staff a moment to pause, pray and seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit in living out our mission to be women and men for others in the upcoming year. This year’s Mass was especially notable as it marked the formal missioning of Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, as Loyola’s ninth president.

The 2022–2023 school year is all about new beginnings! We proudly welcomed a new president, Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ; our newest Ramblers, the incoming freshman Class of 2026; and we are beginning to enjoy our new McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, home to the Leemputte Family Theater.

In summer 2022, Loyola Academy’s English Department transitioned away from a summer reading program, which traditionally tasks students with a list of preassigned readings to be completed over the summer months, and launched a more flexible and experiential Summer Learning Experience. With the summer reading requirement lifted, students now had their choice of learning in a variety of creative ways, all centered around the values of RIPLOC. The goal? To develop the mindset that students are lifelong learners beyond a classroom environment.

Loyola Academy's summer service and immersion trips have long been a hallmark of the Rambler experience. Providing real-life, community-based learning for students, summer service trips open the hearts and minds of Loyola's rising seniors. Through the pillars of service, community, reflection and simplicity, the service immersion program is meant to be a catalyst for students to work for greater justice in the world. These five-to-seven-day trips enable students to encounter new perspectives and grow in an awareness of the gifts they have to offer others.

On Sunday, August 28, the Loyola Academy varsity football team will take on St. Xavier (Ohio) in a Jesuit matchup scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN at 12:00 p.m. (CST). The game brings together two powerhouse programs from the Midwest to battle it out at Loyola’s Hoerster Field.

In the spring of 2022, Loyola Academy concluded its most successful capital campaign in school history. Spanning 10 years and raising more than $76 million, the Second Century Campaign surpassed its fundraising goal and has ushered in a new era at Loyola—one defined by amplified funding for tuition assistance, a transformed campus and reimagined programming that will benefit generations of Ramblers to come.

The 2022 LA Tank competition winners and student leadership team ventured to Washington, DC, on June 2–3 for a whirlwind 24-hour power internship and meetings with members of Loyola’s alumni network on the East Coast.

The Loyola Academy Department of Fine Arts is pleased to announce a collaboration with alumna Jessica “J” Godwin ’01, an immensely talented audiovisual artist and mentor based in Brooklyn, New York. Since the beginning of May, J has led choir students through the invaluable experience of singing harmonies, building lyrics and recording music to produce an EP of their own.

In the days leading up to Memorial Day, Loyola Academy honored alumni killed in action or listed as missing in action during a recognized conflict with the installation of a memorial wall and special dedication ceremony. The outdoor structure is located at the site of the school’s Foley-O’Donnell Athletics Commons, an open gathering space just north of Sachs Stadium. On it are displayed the names of 54 alumni across five panels, each marking a branch of service: Army, Coast Guard, National Guard, Navy and Marines. These soldiers served in World War I through the first Persian Gulf War.

On Thursday, May 26, Loyola Academy honored the retirement of four outstanding faculty and staff members at an end of the year Mass in the Chapel.

On Saturday, May 21, Loyola Academy celebrated its 112th Commencement Exercises at Northwestern University’s Welsh-Ryan Arena. With family and friends present, 518 members of the Class of 2022 gathered one last time as classmates and departed as Loyola alumni.

The Loyola Academy Spring Art Show, held in the Piazza May 10-13, celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of our student artists throughout the year. Students, faculty and staff were able to view the pieces throughout the three-day exhibition. Students created art and designs that expressed vision and insight, capturing the beauty and unique diversity of our shared experiences.

On Wednesday, May 18, fourteen Rambler student-athletes signed a letter of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level. We congratulate the following student-athletes and their parents!

On a beautiful evening in May, Rambler moms enjoyed passed appetizers, cocktails and camaraderie as they soaked in gorgeous lakefront views at Michigan Shores Country Club during the annual Mothers Connect and Celebrate Reception. The event, last held in-person in 2019, gave mothers and female guardians of Loyola students an opportunity to re-engage and welcome mothers of incoming students to the Loyola Academy community.

On Sunday, May 15, senior Ramblers and their parents or guardians gathered in Loyola Academy's East Gym to celebrate the Baccalaureate Mass, held each spring to honor the graduating class.

Every year, Loyola Academy's Honors Convocation recognizes the academic and cocurricular achievements of students. This year's ceremony was held on Thursday, May 12, in the West Gym.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) announced that six members of Loyola’s Women in STEAM Club received a 2022 NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing! Congratulations to Megan Bailey '24 (affiliate honorable mention), Ardyn Chin '22 (affiliate winner), Melanie Clark '24 (affiliate rising star), Addy Needham '24 (affiliate honorable mention), Flor Pallchizaca '23 (affiliate honorable mention), and Michelle Tamas '22 (affiliate honorable mention). This is a tremendous honor for these young women, and the awards demonstrate their interest in technology and their ability to be leaders. In addition, Women in STEAM Club Co-Moderator Mrs. Jan Stoner received an Affiliate Educator Award Honorable Mention. The award recognizes educators for their efforts to promote gender equity in computing.

The Loyola Academy community celebrated its Sending Forth Mass on Friday, May 13. The Mass is an annual celebration of the school year, a recognition of the outstanding efforts of distinguished students and faculty and a sendoff for the senior class. In his homily, Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ, reminded students of our many blessings and prayed in thanksgiving for the leadership of the Class of 2022. “Take a minute today to pause and listen,” he said. “Feel the gratitude stir and open your heart to service.”

On Friday, April 29, Loyola Academy hosted its annual One Act Festival, which provides students with the unique opportunity to write, direct and perform their own original productions. This year's festival featured two stellar performances: "Epiphany," written and directed by Ashley Sanchez '22, and "Bars of Ivy: The College Admissions Scandal Musical," by Casey Lyons '22 and Caroline Miller.

The Loyola Academy Dance Company (LADC) was thrilled to host its 2022 Spring Dance Concert back at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie for the first time since 2019! This annual showcase represents the culmination of a year's worth of hard work by the company, which is directed by LADC Moderator and Dance Teacher Debbie Henslee. Held over two days, May 5 and May 6, the dancers inspired audiences with their incredible talent and creativity. The pieces performed were all original works choreographed and performed by LADC, Honors Dance, Dance Beat/Design and Dance Collective.

On Saturday, May 7, approximately 400 members of the Loyola community gathered—in-person for the first time since 2019—for the 53rd Ramble, Love in Action. The evening raised over $1.3M for the Loyola Academy Tuition Assistance Program. The Ramble is Loyola's single largest fundraiser benefiting tuition assistance, and this year's theme, Love in Action, was a beautiful reminder of the work we do as partners in Jesuit education.

During the last week of April, Loyola Academy's Ignatian Service Learning Program (ISL) hosted its annual symposium, where students showcased a year’s worth of their service projects in reflective presentations. The ISL program puts the Jesuit value of service front-and-center in the classroom by combining instruction with meaningful volunteer work in the community. This format enables students to learn about social justice issues in academic courses across the curriculum and apply their knowledge to real-life situations through community service.

Loyola Academy is pleased to announce a newly formed partnership with Northshore Concert Band (NSCB), a 100-member symphonic band active in the Chicago metropolitan area. Beginning at the start of the 2022-2023 school year, this partnership will greatly benefit Loyola students and enable NSCB to regularly utilize our beautiful new Leemputte Family Theater.

The Spring Orchestra Concert took place in the Loyola Academy Chapel on the evening of May 3 and featured the talents of Loyola's combined orchestras, guitar ensemble and beginning guitar performing well known hits such as "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, "Skyfall" by Adele and "The Pink Panther" by Henri Mancini.

To watch a recording of the concert, click here.

When Loyola Academy's new Center for Performing Arts opens in Fall 2022, the complex will be the newest addition to Loyola's campus—and the greenest. Throughout the visioning and building process, Loyola’s leadership team worked closely with Krueck Sexton Partners (KSP), a Chicago-based design firm active in the fight against climate change.

Loyola Academy hosted its annual Middle School Choir Festival on Thursday, April 28. Seventy students from four Catholic grade schools (Mary Seat of Wisdom - Park Ridge; Our Lady of Perpetual Help - Glenview; St. Athanasius - Evanston; and The Academy of St. Joan of Arc - Evanston) joined current Loyola chorale students to make beautiful music, have fun and learn more about the choir program at Loyola.

On Tuesday, May 3, Loyola hosted local businesses for the first annual Summer Job Fair. Students were able to discuss summer employment opportunities with more than fifteen employers in and around the Wilmette area. Summer jobs are a great way for students to develop their work ethic, learn new skills and engage with their community!

On Monday, April 11, seventy students were inducted into Loyola Academy’s Spanish Honor Society, San Ignacio de Loyola chapter. An induction ceremony took place in the cafeteria, following Mass in the chapel. The Spanish Honor Society is moderated by Spanish Teachers Mrs. Tania Pineda and Mrs. Erica Nathan-Gamauf.

Congratulations to the following inductees!

Throughout the Lenten season, Campus Ministry, Student Activities and Ignatian Service Learning classes hosted a special "Soup and Substance" speaker series on Wednesdays. Students, faculty and staff members were invited to gather and learn more about a topic germane to the LA community over a delicious bowl of soup in the Marillac Room.

Loyola’s annual Earth Day Fair, hosted by Students Against Violating the Earth (S.A.V.E.), took place Friday, April 8. This year’s theme— “Make Every Day Earth Day!”— presented Ramblers with new ways of approaching the environmental challenges that exist today. Faculty, staff and students enjoyed interactive projects, educational displays and more.

In April, the LA Tank program wrapped its seventh year by awarding students an opportunity to collaborate and present their ideas to a panel of Loyola alumni entrepreneurs. The program is structured such that students are grouped into teams and tasked with identifying an existing problem to solve with a new product or idea.

The Science Department hosted its inaugural STEAM Fair in the East Gym on Wednesday, April 6, during lunch periods. Open to all Ramblers, the fair was a wonderful opportunity for students to explore science classes at Loyola and future career opportunities in STEAM fields.

On Tuesday, March 22, Congressman Brad Schneider, representative of Illinois’ 10th district, visited Loyola Academy to speak with social studies classes about the ongoing war in Ukraine and what it is like to serve in Congress as a member of the House Foreign Affairs committee. He provided students with unique insights and background of the military conflict.

On Sunday, April 3, nearly 300 Rambler parents and students participated in the annual Family Mass and Day of Service, sponsored by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO). The Family Mass and Day of Service has been a Loyola tradition since 2013 and is one of the many ways the Loyola community fulfills the mission to be women and men for others.

During the month of March, Loyola Academy celebrated Women’s History Month with a number of reflective activities and learning opportunities. This year’s special focus was “Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” and Ramblers were encouraged to consider the impact of influential women in their lives.

On Thursday, March 31, Loyola Academy honored twelve faculty members who have earned tenure status. The achievement of tenure is a milestone in an individual's career, and Loyola is proud to recognize members of our community who have embraced the desire to be women and men for others.

On Monday, March 21, Loyola Academy's College Counseling Department hosted its annual College Fair for students and parents to begin the college exploration process. With over 200 colleges and universities in attendance, Loyola’s College Fair remains one of the largest private high school college fairs in the state of Illinois.

Seventy sophomore theology students gathered in the theater on Thursday, February 24, to witness a dialogue between Pope Francis and college students from across the Americas—including fifty eight universities from twenty one countries. Nearby, sixty Ignatian Service Learning students from Mrs. Jenny Snyder’s AP Environmental Science class participated from the Marillac Room. The conversation was part of the greater Synod on Synodality (2021–2023) being held across the globe, and Loyola University Chicago served as the North American host for a conversation between North and South American university students and Pope Francis.

The 2022 Band Winter Concert took place in the Loyola Academy Chapel on the evening of Thursday, March 10, and featured Loyola Academy’s talented concert band, percussion ensemble and symphonic band. To watch a recording of the band concert, click here.

Two recent milestones celebrated by the Jesuit community—a 500th anniversary and a 400th anniversary—bring us reason for joy and cause for hope.

Loyola's Spring Choir Concert took place on Wednesday, March 9, and featured a special collaboration between the Loyola Choir and Hope Squad to present "Wellness Awareness," recognizing the importance of mental health through music.   To watch a recording of the Spring Choir Concert, click here.

Loyola Academy stands with Ukraine. We pray for peace and, in keeping with the legacy of our founder, who calls us to action and service for others, our community has partnered with Jesuit Refugee Service to host a $2 dress down day on Friday, March 11. Proceeds raised on this day will support the people displaced by the war in Eastern Europe. Bracelets for the dress down day will be on sale Wednesday and Thursday in the Student Activities office. All members of our community are encouraged to wear maroon and gold or blue and yellow, the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

On March 5, Loyola Academy and Francis W. Parker School hosted the second annual Young Women of Color (YWOC) Symposium, which led nearly two hundred 6th to 12th grade participants from thirteen schools in a series of workshops, affinity groups sessions and activities to create a space for conversation, connection and community for students who self-identify as young women of color. The day's conversations were guided by the 2022 theme: Unapologetically Me.

On Saturday, March 5, Loyola’s Honors Orchestra took 2nd place (159 points) in state at the IHSA Class AA Strings Solo & Ensemble Contest. This annual contest gives high school music students an opportunity to perform instrumental solos and ensembles for a juried rating. Loyola’s 2nd place finish marks the first time in school history that the strings received such a high distinction!

The Winter Orchestra Concert took place on Thursday, March 3, in the Loyola Academy Chapel and featured the talents of our beginning guitars, guitar ensemble and the combined orchestra students performing music from Mozart, The Beatles, Vivaldi and the soundtrack from the movie La la Land.

On Friday, February 25, Loyola hosted International Night, an annual celebration of the unique cultures and traditions that enrich our Loyola community. Guests at this year's International Night, or I-Night, enjoyed an array of performances from a number of Loyola's heritage clubs including:

Loyola Academy’s AP Studio Art and Design Exhibition, now in its eleventh year, is an annual celebration of student work in the visual arts held at the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Many of the students exhibiting work in the show have been in art courses at Loyola for two to four years and come from the following disciplines: studio (drawing, painting), graphics, photography and architecture. The opportunity to present in a professional gallery is a unique and valuable experience for students.

During the month of February, Loyola Academy students had the opportunity to explore and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our country and our community. Through powerful displays and reflective activities, Ramblers were encouraged to pause and consider the impact and influence of Black history. This year’s special focus was intersectionality.

On Wednesday, February 24, 200 Rambler parents and guardians gathered in the Chapel for an inspiring reflection delivered by Loyola Academy President Rev. Patrick E. McGrath, SJ: Lessons from a Pandemic: Hope in the Time of COVID. Fr. McGrath spoke to the spiritual and theological lessons we have learned during these past two years. Notably, the evening was a celebration of the final time Fr. McGrath would lead this program as Loyola Academy's president.

In 2020, the Secretariat for Jesuit Education convened a global task force to create an ecological framework for Jesuit schools. This framework would provide direction and guidance for the Ignatian community as it works together to “care for our common home,” one of the four Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs) issued in 2019 to give a ten-year horizon for the whole Society of Jesus. Loyola Academy Science Teacher Mrs. Jennifer Snyder LdM ’90 was named to this global taskforce, an international effort presided over by Fr. José Mesa, SJ, secretary for secondary and pre-secondary education for the Society of Jesus.

The Office of Admissions hosted hundreds of accepted students and their parents on Saturday, February 5, for a carnival-themed welcome party in the Loyola Academy West Gym. The event celebrated Loyola's Class of 2026 with fun activities and school tours that enabled incoming freshman families to mix and mingle. It was a wonderful afternoon and a great opportunity for Loyola to show its excitement and gratitude for the newest Ramblers!

A cold February evening didn't stop 300 Rambler dads and daughters from enjoying a night of dinner and dancing at Northshore Country Club on Friday, February 4. Everyone had a fabulous evening at D4: A Dinner Dance for Daughters and Dads! The event, formerly the Father Daughter Dinner Dance, has become one of Loyola’s cherished traditions. After a year hiatus, we were thrilled to be back in-person this year.

The Loyola Academy Dance Collective, formerly Company B, presented its 2021–2022 showcase on Friday, February 4, in the theater. Dancers prepared for months to perfect their choreography and articulate nine unique performances before an in-person audience. The dances ranged in style from contemporary and hip hop to jazz and tap. Congratulations to the following Dance Collective company members on this tremendous achievement: Lila Abebe '24, Julia Antar '22, Coco Asante '24, Evanston Barney '22, Issa Barry '25, Caroline Benvenuto '25, Ava Doerscheln '24, Yanni Dunkas '22, Sarah Graham '24, Aleks Hudy '25, Monique Robinson '22,  Ashley Sanchez '22, Lily Sandstrom '24 and Thomas Wulu '24.

The varsity Scholastic Bowl team finished 2nd in the conference. Notably, Mark Gonzalez Jr '22 and River Griesmeyer '22 were named to the All Conference team. In addition, the JV team won the conference championship! Colin McLaughlin '24 was the top scorer. Colin and Jack Lopez '24 were named to the All Conference team.

On Wednesday, February 2, twenty-four Rambler student-athletes signed a letter of intent to play their sport at the collegiate level. Due to inclement weather, the in-person National Letter of Intent Signing Day ceremony was rescheduled to Tuesday, February 15. We congratulate the following student-athletes and their parents!

Clubs and student activities are a pivotal part of our mission to educate the whole student at Loyola Academy. Loyola's comprehensive program of over 50 clubs and activities offers a wealth of opportunities designed to help students expand their horizons, discover hidden talents, make new friends and share their interests with peers. After students went through the new club proposal process, the Office of Student Activities has added seven new clubs to Loyola’s cocurricular offerings: Fashion Club, Finance Club, Gardening Club, Meditation Club, Photography Club, Poetry and Creative Writing Club, and Space & Aeronautics Club.

Friday, January 28, was a great night for Loyola Academy as we celebrated the 2022 Ramble Rouser and officially kicked off the Ramble season! Despite a heavy morning snowfall, over 300 parents and guardians gathered in the East Gym, which was festively decorated in maroon and gold for the event’s tailgate theme.

Congrats to Loyola's gold hockey team on winning the 2022 Jesuit Cup in a 3–2 overtime victory over St. Ignatius! Goals by Zachary Waltman '23, Jack Gustafson '22 and Nicholas Malaniuk '22 with Bradin Haynie '23 in the net. The Jesuit Cup is an annual tradition that began in 2017. Now in its fifth year, the competition took place January 15–17. Hockey teams from the following schools competed at Johnny's IceHouse West (Chicago) and American Heartland Ice Arena (Lincolnwood): Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius, Regis Jesuit, Gonzaga, Notre Dame and Rockhurst.

Congratulations to Loyola Academy's dance teams! Both the varsity Ramblerettes and the JV Ramblerettes took first place in the 2022 Catholic League Dance Championship. The competition was hosted at Loyola on Sunday, January 16. Participating schools included Carmel Catholic, Marist, Fenwick, St. Ignatius, Benet and Providence Catholic.

Loyola Academy mourns the loss of longtime educator Joseph R. Taylor, who passed away on December 19, 2021. Joe spent fifty-three years serving our community as a teacher, campus minister and board member. With this wisdom, kindness and exemplary model of faith in action he inspired generations of Ramblers to be women and men for others.

On Saturday, January 8, a group of Loyola Academy students, accompanied by two faculty chaperones, attended the 2022 March for Life at the Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago. Chaperoning the event, which was open to all students, were Campus Ministers Mr. Paul D. Leon and Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ. Due to concerns over the current surge in COVID-19 cases, students only participated in the rally’s outdoor programming.

Loyola Academy senior Eveanna “Evey” Mendoza has been awarded admission to college through The Posse Foundation, which works to improve college access and attests that the key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds. Since 1989, Posse’s sixty three partner colleges have awarded $1.6 billion in scholarships to over 10,000 Scholars.

One of Student Council’s main goals for the 2021–2022 school year is to bring the Loyola Academy community together. The student leadership club hasn’t skipped a beat since classes began in August, and they’ve been focused on connection and community ever since. The first thing they did to achieve this goal? Student Council combined the separate grade level councils of the sophomore, junior and senior classes into one large group. This brought about greater community, collaboration and communication. The change also helped highlight different perspectives since multiple the grade levels were represented at once. For the first semester, the freshman council still met separately to learn leadership skills and get to know one another, but they’ll join the larger council in the second semester.

Loyola Academy senior Kiet C. “Ken” Lam has been awarded admission to college through QuestBridge, a national nonprofit based in Palo Alto, California, that connects the nation’s most exceptional, low-income youth with full four-year scholarships to top colleges. Ken will attend Hamilton College in New York where he will study neuroscience.