st. rita high school viewbook
TRANSCRIPT
An Augustinian College Preparatory High School Since 1905
Every Student
matters.
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Celebrating 105 years of Augustinian Education
TruTH † uniTy † Love
Tradition
Remembering our past,
as we work in the present,
to build for the future.
St. Rita of Cascia High School was founded at 63rd and Claremont, Chicago, Illinois, in 1905 by the Very Rev. James F. Green, O.S.A. Over 23,000 men have graduated from St. Rita since 1909. St. Rita Alumni have found success in a wide range of professions. CEOs, Authors, Professional Athletes, Musicians, Educators, Doctors, Lawyers, and more have all benefited from a St. Rita education.
St. Rita is a Catholic college preparatory school for young men, which is ingrained in the tradition of St. Augustine, and follows the Augustinian philosophy of education.
In the Catholic tradition, we form each student as a whole person – spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially.
As a college preparatory school, we provide young men with the necessary skills to succeed in college, leading to life-long learning and personal awareness.
Through the Augustinian core values of Veritas (truth), Unitas (unity), and Caritas (love), it is the goal of St. Rita to develop a bond between the members of the entire community – Augustinians, faculty/staff, students, parents, and alumni.
“You have made us for yourself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” – St. Augustine
DiD you know?
The Class of 2009 was the 100th graduating class
from St. Rita.
23,207 men have graduated from St. Rita
since 1909.
Over 20 St. Rita faculty/staff members
are alumni, with over 30 others who are
relatives of alumni.
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ACADEMiCS
opening doors & minds
The Augustinian Academy allows qualified students the opportunity of accelerated course work. The Mendel Academic Program provides students all the essential tools for success at the college level. The program structured through the Villanova Academic Study Center provides individual attention, small group work, and advice regarding study and organizational skills to those who need some assistance.
All students, regardless of their academic program, may avail themselves of the services offered by the Villanova Academic Study Center.
We are proud of our students and proud that the United States Board of Education has cited St. Rita as an Exemplary Secondary School. Over 97% of our graduates go on to higher education. In the last four years, St. Rita students have earned nearly 28 million dollars in merit-based scholarships to such prestigious universities as Cornell, Notre Dame, Northwestern, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois, Villanova, Yale, and the United States Service Academies.
St. Rita High School is completely committed to a College Preparatory curriculum. All students are placed in an academic program that is tailored to meet their needs. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents.
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DiD you know
St. Rita’s Class of 2009 earned over 10.6 million dollars in merit-based scholarships.
Seven members of St. Rita’s Class of 2009 qualified as Advanced Placement Scholars.
18% of the students in St. Rita’s Class of 2009 were named Illinois State Scholars.
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SPiRiTuALiTy & FAMiLy
In the spirit of St. Augustine, we are restless in our pursuit of the knowledge of God, and in the spirit of St. Rita, we are committed to our faith. Though not all St. Rita students are Catholic, we encourage full participation in our school community. Our goal is to instill in our Ritamen a love of God and all of God’s people.
Each student takes courses in Theology, attends Mass monthly and on all Holy Days of Obligation, and begins and ends each day with a prayer. All grade levels participate in an annual retreat, with seniors having the opportunity to experience a three-day Kairos retreat program. We also offer daily morning Mass and Reconciliation services throughout the year. In addition, all students are required to perform community service.
The atmosphere present at St. Rita makes it more than a high school. It is a second family, and not just for four years, but for a lifetime. Our enrollment for the 2008-2009 academic year was 731 students. This means you will not be simply a number at St. Rita. Teachers, coaches, and administrators will get to know you individually, and welcome you into the St. Rita family.
St. Rita High School also celebrates diversity in the family. Students come to us from 194 different grammar schools throughout the Chicagoland area. A variety of experiences mix together in our hallways, but everyone at St. Rita is family.Augustinian values 6
St. Rita High School is a private Catholic secondary school owned and operated by the Augustinian priests and brothers. We are proud of our Catholic Augustinian heritage, one rich in tradition and history.
DiD you know
The entire St. Rita community is invited to Family Masses four Sundays each year.
St. Rita students take part in annual retreat opportunities with their classmates.
All St. Rita students are required to complete community service experiences.
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ATHLETiCSSt. Rita High School encourages students to participate in a variety of sports, and to
develop all of their talents. We have a rich tradition of athletic success, which we believe is bred by determination and character.
St. Rita’s high expectations in the
classroom are upheld on the athletic
field, and the term ‘student-athlete’
carries real weight here. In-season
athletes have their grades checked
weekly for eligibility. Additionally, our
programs build characteristics that
are essential for future success, such
as discipline, teamwork, dedication,
and sportsmanship.
St. Rita offers 15 interscholastic
sports, nearly all with three levels.
St. Rita athletic teams are members
of the Chicago Catholic League, one
of the most competitive in the state.
Our teams regularly compete for
league and state championships,
and have won 70 Catholic League, 40
Regional, and 5 State Titles.
We maintain exceptional state-of-
the-art athletic facilities on our 37-
acre campus. All of our sports have
coaches who are members of the
faculty, staff, or administration. ambitious goals
Baseball•
Basketball•
Bowling•
Cross Country•
Football•
Golf•
Hockey•
Lacrosse•
Rugby•
Soccer•
Swimming•
Track & Field•
Volleyball•
Water Polo•
Wrestling•
DiD you know
Within this decade the varsity football team has won four Chicago Catholic League championships, one State championship, and one Prep Bowl championship. In addition they have made two state-semi final and two state quarter-final appearances.
The Varsity Baseball Team has averaged over 30 wins per year during the past 10 seasons.
Over the past four seasons, the varsity hockey teams record in the Chicago Catholic League is 59 - 8 - 5.
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exceptional opportunities
ACTiViTiES & CLuBSSt. Rita High School promotes involvement. By currently offering numerous clubs and
activities in addition to athletics, we hope to ensure that every student will find something to spark his interest.
Technical and social skills
learned in clubs and activities will
prove useful in higher education
and the working world.
At St. Rita, young men learn
from the very beginning the
importance of giving to others.
Many of our clubs and activities
offer students the opportunity
to contribute their time, talents,
and energy to the outside
community. Ritamen volunteer
for the P.A.D.S. Homeless Shelter,
sponsor local food drives,
participate in the LifeSource
blood drive, and are active in our
service fraternity – the Knights of
Augustine.
Socially, young women are
welcomed to campus to help
us cheer on our athletic teams,
help us build school spirit at pep
rallies, and attend our dances.
Band • (Marching, Jazz, Symphonic)
Billiards•
Cheerleading•
Chess•
Eucharistic Ministers•
Guitar Club•
Hispanic Culture Club•
International Exchange • Program
Intramural Sports•
Knights of Augustine • Service Fraternity
Math Team•
Mustang Ambassadors•
National Honor Society•
P.A.D.S Volunteers•
Paintball•
Peer Tutors•
Ritanettes•
Scholastic Bowl•
Service Trip Volunteers•
Stock Market Club•
Students Against • Destructive Decisions
Student Government•
Student Trainers•
The Ritan Newspaper•
The Cascian Yearbook•
Theater Group•
Video Games Club•
Weightlifting•
DiD you know
St. Rita students volunteer weekly at the P.A.D.S. Homeless Shelter and take part in an annual service trip.
The St. Rita Band invites all students to join, even if they have never played a musical instrument before.
St. Rita’s Theater Group produced its first ever musical in 2009 with its performance of Cotton Patch Gospel.
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TECH
noLo
Gy
technology & innovation 13
We have four state-of-
the-art computer labs, with
a total of 210 computers
located throughout the
school. Eight classrooms are
fully equipped with SMART
Board technology, providing
students with interactive
instruction. Teachers
continuously use classroom
computers and projectors to
enhance lessons.
The Distance Learning
Center connects students to
resources and presentations
throughout the world.
Our technological
advances aim to engage
all students in the learning
process and provide them
with tools that will lead to
greater educational success.
St. Rita High School provides the latest in cutting
edge innovation. We are dedicated to keeping
students on the forefront of technology, as it has
become ever more essential in their everyday lives.
DiD you know
Students have interactively taken part in a human autopsy in St. Rita’s Distance Learning Center.
St. Rita chemistry and physics classes use high-tech equipment in lab procedures.
The MIDI Lab and Electronic Music course at St. Rita allows students to work with sound engineering.
Students observe and analyze data gained from a 1 kilowatt solar photovoltaic panel system located on the roof of St. Rita.
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Admission Process and Transfer Policy8th grade boys seeking admission to St. Rita High School must take the entrance exam in January. Admission is based upon their score on the test along with transcripts submitted by their grade school, including their disciplinary record. Final acceptance is contingent upon the successful completion of the 8th grade. St. Rita reserves the right to deny admission to any student whose final record indicates a major change in academic performance. For questions about the entrance exam, please contact the Admissions Office at (773) 925-7482.
Present high school students seeking to transfer to St. Rita must contact the Admissions Office. A current transcript from the student’s school must be sent to: St. Rita of Cascia High School C/O Admissions Office 7740 S. Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60620
Students whose academic and disciplinary records are satisfactory will be contacted for an interview with the Principal, Mrs. Sally Deenihan.
TuitionTuition at St. Rita for the 2009-2010 school year is $8,350. There is a non-refundable registration fee each year of $300. Discounts of $1,000 are offered to families with 2 or more students in attendance.
St. Rita DOES NOT Charge for the following:
Mandatory Fundraising Class FeesUnderclassmen Retreats Lab FeesGraduation Technology Fees Yearbook Activity Fees
Why An All-Boys School? Studies have proven that boys thrive in a single sex academic setting. With no girls to “impress,” boys can be themselves. Conformity gives way to individuality. They explore subjects like languages and the arts without fear of ridicule.
Source: International Boys’ Schools Coalition
Financial Aid and ScholarshipsSt. Rita High School awards over $900,000 in Financial Aid and Scholarships Annually.
Under IHSA rules, St. Rita does not offer any athletic scholarships.
Academic Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the results of the St. Rita Entrance Examination. Students with the top 2 scores on the Entrance Exam are awarded a $2,500 Academic Scholarship. This scholarship is renewable each year, provided renewable standards are met, for a total of value of $10,000. Students who score in the 95th percentile or above are awarded a $1,250 Academic Scholarship. This scholarship is renewable each year, provided renewable standards are met, for a total value of $5,000. Students who score in the 88th to 94th percentile are awarded a $1,000 Academic Scholarship for the first year. In order to be eligible for an Academic Scholarship, students MUST take the Entrance Examination at St. Rita.
Unitas Service and Involvement Award (Formerly known as the Cascian Award) – Applications for the Unitas Award are available at registration. Amounts of Unitas Awards vary.
Legacy Essay Scholarship – Students who have a father or grandfather (maternal or paternal) who graduated from St. Rita High School or Mendel Catholic High School are awarded a $1,000 Legacy Scholarship for the first year. The student must submit a 1-page essay on “What St. Rita means to me.”
Applications for St. Rita Financial Aid are available at registration. The amount of St. Rita Financial Aid varies depending on need.
Go to www.stritahs.com/admissions for more scholarship opportunities such as HighSight, Daniel Murphy, and Link.
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Additional informationREGuLAR SCHooL HouRS MOnDAy 8:55 A.M. – 2:20 P.M.
TuE – THuR 7:55 A.M. – 2:20 P.M.
ST. RiTA MAin oFFiCE HouRS 7:30 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
MAin oFFiCE AnD ATTEnDAnCE (773) 925-6600ST. RiTA ADMiSSionS oFFiCE (773) 925-7482
Dress Code
St. Rita has a strict uniform policy, which consists of a St. Rita polo shirt (blue or red), dress pants that are blue, black, khaki, or gray with a belt, and black or brown dress shoes. St. Rita wind shirts can be worn in the winter months. Hair must be neatly groomed and may not touch the collar. No facial hair is allowed. St. Rita adheres to a strict dress code, which not only defines what is worn, but more importantly the manner in which it is worn. Go to www.stritahs.com to access the St. Rita Student Handbook.
Transportation
St. Rita High School is committed to providing students with the most efficient and safest transportation possible. St. Rita offers the following transportation options:
St. Rita Bus Service
St. Rita owns three 14-passenger buses. These allow students to have a shorter commute at a lower cost. St. Rita buses operate mainly in the Western Suburbs, Oak Lawn, and the Chicago Midway area. Routes are redrawn each year after ridership is determined for the upcoming school year.
Metra Rail System
St. Rita offers the Metra Rail as an option for students.
Students in Manhattan, New Lenox, Lockport, Homer Glen, Orland Park, Palos Park, Palos Heights, Worth, Chicago Ridge, and Oak Lawn are able to use the Metra Southwest Line to and from St. Rita. Students are picked up and dropped off at the Wrightwood Station (79th & Kedzie) before school, after school, and after activities by a St. Rita shuttle bus.
Students in Joliet, New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, and Midlothian are able to use the Metra Rock Island Line to and from St. Rita.Students are picked up and dropped off at the Blue Island – Vermont St. station before school, after school, and after activities by a St. Rita shuttle bus.
Students in Naperville, Lisle, Westmont, Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, and Hinsdale are able to use the Metra BNSF Railway Line to and from St. Rita.Students are picked up and dropped off at the LaGrange Rd. station (25W Burlington Rd.) before school, after school, and after activities by a St. Rita shuttle bus.
Students in Joliet, Lockport, Lemont, and Willow Springs are able to use the Metra Heritage Cooridor Line to and from St. Rita. Students are picked up and dropped off at the Willow Springs station (87th & Ar-cher) before school, after school, and after activities by a St. Rita shuttle bus.
Students who live in downtown Chicago may also use the Metra Southwest Line into the Wrightwood Station.
St. Rita Car Pool Program
The St. Rita Car Pool Program is a free computerized service that can match St. Rita families looking to share rides. This program is accessible at www.stritahs.com.
CTA Bus Service
St. Rita High School is accessible via public transportation. Go to www.transitchicago.com for schedules and fares.
For questions about transportation contact Director of Admissions Craig Ferguson at (773) 925-7482 or [email protected].
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CoDy AkEL ’12 Central Junior High SchoolEvergreen Park
ConnoR HuGHES ’12 St. Albert the GreatBurbank
RoBERT RAEHL ’12 St. Symphorosa Chicago – Garfield Ridge
AnTHony AnDRES ’10 LaGrange HighlandsWestern Springs
ConnoR LEPRETRE ’11 St. CajetanChicago – Beverly
JoHn SHEEDy ’10 St. Gerald Oak Lawn
ZACHARy BERniCky ’12 Homer Junior High SchoolHomer Glen
ERnESTo LoPEZ ’12 Queen of the universe Chicago – West Lawn
SHAkiR SPELLS ’12 St. EthelredaChicago – Morgan Park
SEAn ESPoSiTo ’12 Central Middle SchoolOak Forest
JoSEPH MCDonnELL ’12 Old Quarry Middle SchoolLemont
RonALD TuRCiCH ’11 St. MichaelOrland Park
St. rita of Cascia High School An Augustinian College Prep School Since 1905 7740 S. Western Avenue | Chicago, IL 60620 | (773) 925-6600 | www.stritahs.com
Orland Park
Homer Glen
Burbank
Oak LawnEvergreen Park
Beverly
Morgan Park
Oak Forest
La Grange
St. Rita High School
Lemont
Garfield RidgeWest Lawn
Students come to St. Rita from 194 different grammar schools in the Chicagoland area.