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MEDIA CONTACT: Chrissy Little 630-562-7511 clittle@wheatonacademy.org |
WA Students Win Video Contest
Student Videos Draw Public Attention
May 14, 2010
WA students recently won third place in a video contest for the 2010 Save a Life Campaign. Over 65 videos were submitted from different schools across the country that dealt with issues like depression, bullying, and other difficult issues. The video was made by senior, Mike Egler, senior Alex Felinski, and junior David Sapyta and had the help of WA faculty member Nate Leman for the voiceover. The video curriculum includes a class called Competitive Video, designed to allow students to use class time to work and produce videos specifically for video competitions. These boys submitted their video into the Save A Life PSA contest. They were rewarded with a third place award, and the school will recieve a $300 gift from the contest. One of the purposes of the class was to show WA videos to the public. Click here to read more and watch the winning video.
WA Alumnus Wins Primary
Randy Hulgren Wins Republican Nomination
February 3, 2010
Randy Hultgren graduated from Wheaton Academy in 1984 and has been very active in the community and in politics. He is currently an Illinois State
Senator and won the Republican nomination last night to run for the 14th Congressional District seat. Click here to read more.
WA Seniors Sign Letters of Intent
Senior Emily Mulder and Erika Wilke
February 3, 2010
Seniors Ericka Wilk and Emily Mulder joined with their coaches, family, and the Head of School to sign national letters of intent for the upcoming fall school year. Ericka Wilk will be attending Baylor University and participating in girls track. Emily Mulder will be playing girls soccer at Northern Illinois University (NIU).
Wheaton Academy Named Again as a Best Christian Workplace
WA continues to stand out in surveys
January 7, 2010
For the fifth consecutive year Wheaton Academy has been named to the 2010 list of Best Christian Workplaces by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) and the Canadian Council of Christian Charities . The survey showed, among other things, that Wheaton Academy employees are encouraged to experiment and be innovative.
In order to be certified, organizations must complete the Best Christian Workplaces Institute Staff Engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. The 2010 survey involved 6,700 employees in 62 organizations across North America to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values.
The Best Christian Workplaces survey consistently reveals that Christian employees find satisfaction in a job they believe has eternal significance in an environment of individuals who share their passion. Wheaton Academy was no exception; employees were asked about what they appreciated most about Wheaton Academy and one employee responded, “I love the people I work with and feel that they are family. We are a loving and supportive community focused on serving others.”
The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 90,000 employees across North America in the past eight years. BCWI is a research based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Washington.
WA Student Scott Nellessen Wins State Compostion Contest
First time for Wheaton Academy
December 15, 2009
Scott Nellessen won the student composition contest for the State of Illinois in the category of "Small Vocal Ensemble" The piece he wrote is called "Sunrise" and he will be honored for this huge achievement in Peoria during the All-State Convention January 28-30. This marks the first time in school history we have ever had a student win a composition contest! Scott also received 2nd place in the state in the Category of V
ocal Solo for his piece titled "Summer Air."
WA Senior Class Project Receives Recognition in Christianity Today
Class project raises money and awareness
December 15, 2009
A Wheaton Academy senior clas project has attracted attention from Christianity Today and has impacted a Kenyan neighborhood. Last spring Wheaton Academy students raised $14,000 for loans to Wanjiku and many other African entrepreneurs from a "Badminton for Kenya" tournament and numerous other fundraisers. Click here to read more.
Wheaton Academy Caps Enrollment at Six Hundred After 19 Years of Enrollment Growth and Record Applicants for ’10-‘11
An historic first in the school’s 156 years of operation
December 9, 2009
The Board of Trustees of Wheaton Academy has announced that after nineteen consecutive years of enrollment growth, they plan to limit freshman enrollment to 150-155 students beginning in 2010-2011 to achieve a student body of 600-620 students by 2013. To facilitate this, the school will introduce a waiting pool for admissions for the first time in the school’s 156-year history.
The move comes on the heels of several positive milestones for Wheaton Academy, including its nineteenth year of enrollment growth in 2009-2010, resulting in the current enrollment of 663, and a record number of 128 applicants at this early date for the 2010-2011 school year. In spite of these trends, the Academy continues to seek applications from mission-appropriate students for next year.
“Wheaton Academy cannot keep expanding and also maintain its strength as a small school where each student is known and worked with individually,” said Head of School Gene Frost, himself a 1971 graduate of Wheaton Academy. The Trustees made this decision after determining that a target enrollment of 600-620 will be the ideal size to accomplish the school’s mission of nurturing growth in students through relationships, excellence and service to the glory of God within the confines of the school’s current physical campus, recently expanded to include an additional 47,000 square feet of athletic facilities in the Heritage Field House and Hanson-Lindop Memorial Atrium Building. This figure is also ideal for the current faculty resources, including 45 Living Curriculum Teachers who embody the school’s mission and ideals. Seventy percent of these professionals hold graduate degrees and their current numbers render an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1.
WA Senior, Emily Mulder, Wins National Travel Writing Contest
Mulder stands out in her writing
December 7, 2009
Wheaton Academy congratulates Emily Mulder on her outstanding accomplishment in winning first place in the Family Travel Forum Teen Writing Scholarship competition. Over 8,500 students submitted travel blogs and Mulder stood out amongst the rest. As first place winner she will receive $1,000 for her piece titled “African Field of Dreams.” Click here to find out more about the competition and to read her story.
Award Winning LEAST Program is a Soaring Success
Program impacts students and outside community
November 11, 2009
Wheaton Academy featured a collection of student art and drama in the fall play titled LEAST: I Am Blessed – Artists Made Strong in Weakness. Students had the opportunity to create anything from a poem to a video that could be displayed and integrated into the fall performance. The LEAST performances were designed to help address the global needs of the least of these. This year students looked at how they themselves are the least and how it is through their weaknesses that they are made strong.
The perfomance is a unique way to encourage different artistic gifts Wheaton Academy students have and apply them toward the greater message of God’s grace. Almost 300 students were involved in the production, including the performance and gallery. The Association of Christian Schools International featured the LEAST program as an Exemplary School Program in Christian School Education magazine.
Wheaton Academy Golf Team Wins State Championship
Golf team sets record for WA
October 19, 2009
The Wheaton Academy varsity golf team set a record on Saturday, October 17 winning the first Illinois state golf championship title in Wheaton Academy's history. The boys golf team tied Normal University for the Class 2A State Championship. Seniors David Flynn and Blake Biddle set the example with Flynn skillfully scoring a 152 over the two day event, and Blake Biddle adding a 153.
Head Coach Bob Broman and Assistant Coach Josh Burick have continued to encourage and challenge the team towards excellence. The Wheaton Academy golf team has done amazingly well having had 4 state appearances in the last five years, including a third place finish in '08. This year's team played in ten tournaments and won eight of them and were also the conference champions.
"This championship is really a cap on a totally tremendous season, and I'm very happy for our seniors," said Broman.
Related Articles
Daily Herald Article #1
Daily Herald Article #2
Dr. John Perkins visits WA
Well know civil rights advocate speaks to students
September 11, 2009
On September 11th, WA had the special honor of having as guest speaker, Dr. John Perkins. He was invited to speak on the topic of how meekness has played a role in his personal life in his long journey as a civil rights fighter and champion of holistic mission. His dynamic message was received with a standing ovation from the student body. His day began participating in Mr. Evan Jasper's U.S. History class where students were able to hear first hand his experiences in a very pivotal time in U.S. history. Following chapel, he joined a select group of students for lunch where he addressed questions. The meetings were highly stimulating and inspiring to the students.
Dr. Perkins holds nine honorary doctoral degrees. His impact and influence are well known both within the United States and in the international community. His passion is to challenge this rising generation to be the seeds in the hand of God to make His will unfold where He has planted them.
Brief biographical sketch on Dr. Perkins.
John M. Perkins is an American civil rights activist. He has worked extensively in the realm of reconciliation and development centered around the Christian Gospel message. He currently serves as founder and president of the John M. Perkins Foundation in Jackson, Mississippi. He is also a member of the Board of Advisors of the Bible Literacy Project, publishers of the curriculum The Bible and Its Influence for public high school literature courses.
Born June 16, 1930 John grew up on a plantation as a sharecropper in the 1940s. Despite dropping out of school in the third grade, John Perkins has been recognized for his work by being awarded nine honorary doctorates from Wheaton College, Gordon College, Huntington College, Spring Arbor College, Geneva College, Northpark College, Whitworth College, Belhaven College and Nyack College. He is the author of nine books including A Quiet Revolution, Let Justice Roll Down, With Justice For All, Beyond Charity, He’s My Brother, Resurrecting Hope, and A Time to Heal, and has written numerous chapters in others. John Perkins formally served on the Board of Directors of World Vision, Prison Fellowship, National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), Spring Arbor College, and fifteen other boards. He is an international speaker and a teacher on the issues of racial reconciliation, indigenous leadership development, and community development. He has founded such organizations as the John M. Perkins Foundation and Voice of Calvary Ministry in Jackson, Mississippi; Mendenhal Ministries in Mendenhall, Mississippi; Harambee Christian Family Center and Preparatory School in Pasadena, California and many other ministry projects. He is also the founder of Christian Community Development Association (CCDA) of which he is President Emeritus.
Wheaton Academy to Dedicate New Athletic Facilities
Ceremony will include appearances by West Chicago Mayor Kwasman and other supporters
August 18, 2009
West Chicago, IL -- On Saturday, August 22, Wheaton Academy will dedicate $9 million worth of new athletic facilities in the form of the Heritage Field House, the Hanson-Lindop Memorial Atrium Building, and a renovated Warrior Dome. The dedication ceremony, which is open to the press and public, will begin at 10 a.m. and will include appearances by City of West Chicago Mayor Michael Kwasman and numerous other supporters of the project.
Wheaton Academy broke ground on the Heritage Field House in May 2008. The new building is over 38,000 square feet and houses practice courts, locker rooms for both interscholastic sports and physical education classes, a fitness facility, classrooms and offices. The Hanson-Lindop Memorial Atrium Building and the renovation of the Warrior Dome, the Academy's pre-existing gymnasium built in 1948, were completed this summer and will open to the public for the first time on Saturday.
The ceremonial ribbon for the Heritage Field House will be cut by a family representing one of the multigenerational heritages for which the facility is named - Donna Bond '56 and her granddaughters Rachael '08, Mariah '10, and Eaden '14. The ribbon-cutter for the Hanson-Lindop Memorial Atrium Building will be that facility's lead donor, Ellen (Hanson) Lindop '42, who will travel from her home in southern California to attend the dedication.
Related Article
Wheaton Academy unveils $9 million in new athletic facilities (Daily Herald)
Concert Choir Selected to Perform at All-State Convention
A first-time historic honor for Wheaton Academy
July 6, 2009
For the first time in the school’s history, Wheaton Academy’s Concert Choir will have the distinguished honor of performing at the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Convention in Peoria on Friday, January 29, 2010. News of the Choir’s selection came this week after a rigorous application process that involved two letters of recommendation from third-party Illinois music teachers and submission of a recording of the Choir that was evaluated by a panel of judges. Wheaton Academy was selected as one of only a few high schools across the state to perform.
According to Wheaton Academy Director of Choir Activities Joel Visker, “This is an honor on par with one of our sports teams going ‘downstate’ in post-season play. I am incredibly thrilled for the Concert Choir for all of the hard work and passion they put into our choral music program. This is a great opportunity for the Fine Arts Department of Wheaton Academy to receive state-wide recognition.”
Wheaton Academy’s Concert Choir is a vocal performance group featuring forty-eight students. The 2009-2010 Choir will include the following students:
Sopranos: Jessica Bruno, Anna Euler, Sarah Gray, Rachel Jagrowski, Mary Jarzabkowski, Alison Koch, Darcy Link, Rachel Leffler, Faith Marquardt, Lindsey Myra, Hannah Smith, Jessie Todd, Brittany Walker
Altos: Cami Benda, Shelbi Busche, Brianne Durfey, Abby Gemmel, Caley Kopp, Kendra Kosirog, Kathryn Lowman, Bridget Reilly, Elisabeth Rodemann, Kristin Ross, Megan Shaw, Kelsey Stoner, Annie York
Tenors: Mark Davis, Austin Graf, Peter Heidlauf, Gordon Helmke, Austin Hunt, John Lace, Jonathan Love, Kyle McCordic, Jon Sturm, David Swick, Michael Vickers
Basses: Drew Cochrum, Chris Easley, Nathan Forgille, Joe Hooson, Johnny Link, Brian Macdonald, Scott Nellessen, Ben Neumayer, Christian Park, Brian Pell, Anthony Ritchie
Leah Fortune Named to PARADE and ESPN All-America High School Soccer Teams
Wheaton Academy's star athlete picked as among the nation's best players
June 18, 2009
Graduating senior Leah Fortune was chosen by PARADE Magazine as one of the top 12 forwards in high school girls soccer, and by ESPN as one of the best 15 players nationwide. This marks an impressive finish to an impressive high school soccer career for Leah.
Fortune, co-captain of Wheaton Academy's 2009 IHSA 2A state championship team and a member of the Brazilian Under-20 national team, scored 29 goals in the 2009 season and had 12 assists.
The Warriors' Head Coach Scott Marksberry is not surprised. "Leah truly enjoys the game of soccer. She loves to improve her own game, and she loves to see her teammates get better, as well. Her level of commitment to her teammates is a unique quality in a player of her caliber."
Leah comes from a strong soccer background. The Warriors' assistant coach is Hudson Fortune, her father. He was captain of the Indiana University soccer team, played professional soccer, was head soccer coach for Bradley University and now leads the Team Chicago Soccer program.
Leah's signature flip throw-in move--a front handspring from the sidelines known as the cambalhota--is rare in high school soccer because it requires great gymnastic ability and strength. Although her typical position at Wheaton Academy was forward, while on the Brazilian team, she was a "lateral" for the U-20 team--the Brazilians' equivalent of left midfielder.
The youngest player on the Brazilian U-20 team, thanks to her dual American-Brazilian citizenship, she has played some of the top players in the world. Next fall, she heads to the University of Texas where she will play for the Longhorns.
Besides PARADE's and ESPN's awards, Leah was named All State (Illinois). Her club team won the Illinois state championships and is headed to the national regional championships in South Dakota. She was named Captain of the Daily Herald All-Area Girls Soccer Team, named Captain of the Girls All-Area Sports Team, and was named Athlete of the Year for the Daily Herald over all sports. She was also named to the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times All-Area Soccer Teams.
The Lady Warriors won the 2009 IHSA Class 2A State Title on June 6. They beat the Lemont High School Indians 3-0 and finished the season at 22-3-2. This was the Warriors' second state title. In 2004, they captured their first title at the Class A level.
PARADE
All-America High School Soccer Teams
ESPN
Teammates make EA Sports All-America squad
Girls Soccer Wins State 3-0
Second State Title in School History
June 7, 2009
In a stunning shutout Saturday afternoon, the Lady Warriors convincingly won the 2009 IHSA Class 2A State Title. They beat the Lemont High School Indians 3-0. They finished the season at 22-3-2.
The three senior captains Jenn Lee, Leah Fortune and Becca Long led the way just hours after Wheaton Academy's graduation ceremony. Jenn scored a goal in the first half, giving the Warriors a 1-0 halftime lead. Leah and Jenn both scored in the second half matched by excellent defense from goalie Emily Mulder, who made two saves in the shutout. Leah scored her team-best 29th goal of the year. Crystal Thomas provided Jenn an assist in her second goal.
The Indians fought hard, but remained scoreless throughout. They had nine saves in the game. They ended their season at 21-6.
This was the Warriors second state title. In 2004, they captured their first title at the Class A level.
We at Wheaton Academy send our congratulations to Head Coach Scott Marksberry, along with assistant coaches Hudson Fortune, Britta Erickson, and Val Tom, and the team:
Lindsay Burke, Kerrin Clancy, Christi Dithrich, Leah Fortune, Meghan Grant, Caley Kopp, Jenn Lee, Becca Long, Kristen Morency, Emily Mulder, Rachael Nasralla, Katelyn Rougas, Sydney Sharkey, Lexi Sharkey, Hayley Teevans, Crystal Thomas, Ally Witt, Kristen Wittmuss.
Related Articles and Wheaton Academy Pages
- Class 2A girls soccer championship: Wheaton Academy 3, Lemont 0 (Chicago Tribune)
- Wheaton Academy claims second Class 2A soccer championship (Daily Herald)
- Wheaton Academy gives rookie coach a title (Chicago Sun-Times)
- Lemont lament: Offense vanishes: Class 2A Girls State Soccer final: Wheaton Academy 3, Lemont 0 (SouthTown Star)
- Wheaton Academy Athletics
- 2009 Graduation highlights (homepage photo gallery)
photo: Leah Fortune, Jenn Lee, and Becca Long with the Class 2A State Championship Trophy.
photo courtesy of the Daily Herald.
Soccer Update: Girls Win State SemifinalsNext Stop: State Finals
June 5, 2009
With a strong 5-2 victory over Sycamore, the girls soccer team advances to the IHSA State Championships at North Central College. The game will be at 1:00 pm. They will play Lemont High School who beat Chatham Glenwood 1-0. Listen to the game live.
Look for a complete story soon on the Athletics site.
Girls Soccer Wins Super-Sectional
Warriors Beat Lake Villa 4-0 and Head to State Final Four
June 3, 2009
For the first time in five years, the girls soccer team has advanced to the state final round at North Central College (directions) in Naperville, IL. The Warriors defeated Lake Villa 4-0 to earn a date with Sycamore High School on Friday at 11:00 am. If the girls win on Friday, they will play for the Class 2A Championship on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm.
Ally Witt, Sydney Sharkey, and Lexi Sharkey (two goals) provided the scoring for the Warriors, and Emily Mulder had four stops in a shutout victory over Lake Villa.
see more WA athletics
Sarah Daly Finishes Sixth in 3200 Meter Run, Sarah Dede Long Jumps to 10th PlaceSuccess at the IHSA Girls Track and Field State Finals
May 26, 2009
Sarah Daly set a personal best time of 11:33.84 for the race despite hot, humid conditions. She became the second girl in WA history to take all-state honors in both cross country and track in the same season.
Sarah Dede finished 10th in Class 2A in the long jump. After jumping a personal best of 16-11.25 feet Friday morning, she came back on Saturday and competed in the final flight of long jump. Her 16-11.25 foot jump also set the school record, breaking Maggie Ritchie's record set in 2001.
see more WA athletics
Boys Tennis Qualifies Five Players for State Tournament
First Time in Wheaton Academy History
May 26, 2009
Wheaton Academy boys tennis has done something never before done in the school's history. Mark Phillips was third in our sectional and will be going down for singles. Both doubles teams (Devin Moore/Charles West and Danny Torres/Carson Boyd) qualified by finishing second and third place respectively. Overall, we were second in the sectional behind St. Charles North High School. The state tennis tournament begins Thursday at 10:00 am at locations TBD (click here for up-to-date information).
see more WA athletics
Local Businesses Join With Wheaton Academy to Raise MoneyBy Elizabeth Vassolo
Triblocal.com reporter
May 11, 2009
Three businesses, one school and a musician will join forces from 6 to 8 p.m. May 21 in West Chicago to help raise money for World Bicycle Relief, a national non-profit that provides bicycles to Third-World populations.
Based on a seven-year initiative by Wheaton Academy to help support students in Zambia, Africa, the money raised will be used to purchase bikes for high school students who would otherwise travel upward of 12 miles one way to school each day on foot.
The event will take place at Capelli Bella Salon and Spa and Starbucks both located at 200 W. North Ave., West Chicago. (click here for the rest of the story in the Chicago Tribune's TribLocal)
Wheaton Academy Profiled on WGN TV's Around Town
Students Jennifer Lee and Ryan Seager Talk About Ministry in Zambia
April 20, 2009
West Chicago, IL -- As part of a larger segment about World Bicycle Relief, WGN TV's Ana Belaval visited Wheaton Academy, and interviewed Jennifer Lee and Ryan Seager, as well as shooting video of the campus. The piece also includes a walk students did to understand the necessity of bicycles in Zambia. Wheaton Academy's part comes in at around 2:45.
Wheaton Academy Student on Chicago Tribune All-State Academic Team
Julia Larson is one of 10 winners statewide.
April 14, 2009
West Chicago, IL -- Senior Julia Larson has been selected as a winner of the 2009 Chicago Tribune All-State Academic Team scholarship. She is one of 10 winners across the state.
The selection was based on GPA, ACT or SAT score, a creative essay written by the student, and other factors.
The Chicago Tribune Foundation awards a one-time college scholarship of $2,000 to each of the 10 winners. The Tribune will publish news articles about each of the winners as well as the names and schools of the other 60 finalists May 3.
About Julia Larson
Varied in her interests, Julia volunteers at PADS (a local organization assisting the homeless), and has traveled to the Dominican Republican to help build a dormitory and to France to rebuild homes. She is co-editor of the school newspaper and editor of the literary magazine.
An avid reader, she counts Ernest Hemingway, Ray Bradbury and G.K. Chesterton as among her favorite authors. Julia takes dance lessons, and enjoys learning ballet, lyrical and modern styles. She has also been receiving watercolor painting instruction. She says she loves the fluidity of the watercolor medium.
Accomplishments include winning the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award, achieving an 800 on the critical reading section of the SAT, and taking fifth place in the Le Grand Concours (National French Contest). As a junior, she served as a page in the US Congress. As part of the Page Model Congress, she composed original legislation.
Julia plans to study both French and International Relations at Carleton College in Minnesota in the fall. She has one brother and one sister, and lives with her mother in Wheaton, IL.
Wheaton Academy
Founded in 1853, Wheaton Academy is one of the nation’s oldest Christian high schools. A college preparatory school, it is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools and recognized by the state of Illinois and the DuPage County Education Service Region. Wheaton Academy is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International.
www.wheatonacademy.org
Wheaton Academy is Certified as a 2009 US Best Christian Workplace
March 16, 2009
Mercer Island, WA – The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) announced that Wheaton Academy is included in the 2009 list of certified Best Christian Workplaces in the US. What makes Wheaton Academy unique is that managers regularly talk to employees about their progress. Also, employees are satisfied with their paid time off.
In order to be certified, organizations must complete the Best Christian Workplaces Institute Employee Engagement survey and meet predetermined standards of excellence. The survey covers such issues as: job satisfaction, organizational commitment, Christian witness, supervisory effectiveness, work satisfaction, personal growth and development, management effectiveness, customer/supporter satisfaction, teamwork, communications and pay and benefits. Employees answer more than 50 questions addressing these topics, rating each statement as either 1 (strongly disagree), 2 (disagree), 3 (neutral), 4 (agree) or 5 (strongly agree).
The 2009 survey involved more than 11,000 employees in 113 organizations across the US to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values.
“The Best Christian Workplaces survey consistently reveals that Christian employees appreciate God-glorifying relationships shaped by the fruit of the Spirit.” Wheaton Academy was no exception; one employee put it this way: when asked what they appreciated most about Wheaton Academy they responded, “Fellow employees really care about each other.”
The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 80,000 employees across North America in the past eight years. BCWI is a research based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Washington.
“No one can deny that Christian organizations are feeling the effects of the nation’s worry over the economy. Although we believe that Christian organizations should do all they can to pay competitively, our survey shows that there are other factors even more influential in making your employees feel blessed by their work, including work being a place of community,” says Lopus.
For more information about the survey log on to http://www.bcwinstitute.com or contact Al Lopus, (206) 230-8111 or alopus@bcwinstitute.com.
Best Christian Workplaces Institute’s purpose is to serve faith-based organizations by creating processes of discovery, facilitating organizational effectiveness and encouraging practices that build healthy workplaces.
Wheaton Academy Player is Queen of the Hill Senior Jennifer Lee Sinks Nine to Win IHSA Three-point Basketball Contest
March 7, 2009
Normal, IL – Wheaton Academy senior Jennifer Lee in West Chicago won it all. She became Queen of the Hill when she bested three other girls by making nine of 15 baskets in 45 seconds.
At Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena Saturday, four girls competed for the Queen of the Hill award for the best three-point shooter in high school in Illinois. Each girl is a champion in her school's division. Lee won the 3A division Friday afternoon.
Lee made two of five shots from the wing, then, at the top of the key sunk a solid four of five, and finished off with three of five from the other wing. She beat Melissa Gardner from Clifton Central by one shot. Bethany Dorrington of Princeville made six baskets, as did Julie Behm from Highland Park. One of the balls Lee made was special, winning $500 for her school.
Each competitor gets 15 shots: five from three locations around the basket, all at three-point range.
Normally, the 5’6” guard plays with her team, the Warriors. The Warriors took it to the Class 3A Riverside-Brookfield sectional championship, where they lost to Montini 55-38. She wished they were there, enjoying the atmosphere of the huge arena. Her friend and teammate, Leah Fortune, and coach, Beth Mitchell, joined her for the trip to central Illinois.
Despite the excitement, the arena, and all the fans, Lee was undaunted. "God calmed my nerves," she remarked, unabashed about her Christian faith. "He was with me when I was shooting," Lee continued as the excitement was starting to sink in.
She could not soak up the excitement for too long. Lee had a flight to Florida to catch to meet her family for vacation.
Queen of the Hill Finals (source: IHSA website)
1 Bethany Dorrington, Princeville - 5-7, Fr. (Class 1A) 3-2-1 = 6
2 Jennifer Lee, West Chicago (Wheaton Academy) - 5-6, Sr. (Class 3A) 2-4-3 = 9
3 Melissa Gardner, Clifton (Central) – 5-6, Sr. (Class 2A) 2-3-3 = 8
4 Julie Behm, Highland Park - 5-5, Sr. (Class 4A) 1-1-4 = 6
photo credit: Bonita Schrader
WA Mock Trial: Lake County Champs!
March 7, 2009
West Chicago, IL – On Saturday, the legal Warriors from Wheaton Academy traveled to Waukegan to take on the best from northern Chicago-land including large public schools like Evanston, Mundelein and Maine East along with respected private schools like Lake Forest Academy and Carmel Catholic.
Wheaton Academy was matched against Zion-Benton while arguing the Defense side and the eventual second place team, Evanston, while arguing the Prosecution side.
After two strong second place finishes in the DuPage County Tournament and Northwest Suburban Tournament the past few weeks, the Warriors were pleased to take home a first place trophy.
Captain Ashley Pivaronas was recognized as an Outstanding Lawyer in the Lake County Tournament. Ms. Pivaronas has been recognized for an Outstanding Performance in every competition throughout the regular season, a rarity in Mock Trial competition.
Wheaton also had the distinction of having three of their four witnesses recognized as All-Tournament Witnesses: seniors Sarah Dede and Iain Merrilees and junior Brandon Butz. The legal Warriors, coached by Wheaton Academy Chief Operating Officer, Jon Keith and parent attorney, George Acosta, next head to Springfield for the two-day State Championship Tournament on March 20 and 21.
Jennifer Lee Wins IHSA State Three-point ContestMarch 6, 2009
Normal, IL – Wheaton Academy senior Jennifer Lee won the IHSA Division 3A three-point shooting contest. In a test of outside shooting skill, she shot 9/15 baskets to win by one basket. Taking place at Illinois State University's Redbird Arena, Jennifer held back some of the best three-point shooters in the state, and now, advances to the March 7, 2009 Queen of the Hill competition. She will face the top athletes from the other IHSA divisions.
Mock Trial Team Seeing Great Results
Second Place Finish at Northwest Suburban Tournament
February 28, 2009
West Chicago, IL – The Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Team matched their second place DuPage County Tournament finish January 30 with another strong second place finish in the Northwest Suburban Tournament this past weekend. Captain Ashley Pivaronas was named the single outstanding lawyer among the 26 teams and approximately 300 participants. Our legal Warriors compete at the Lake County Tournament this weekend before heading to the State Tournament in Springfield on March 20 and 21.
Boys' Soccer Ranked First in NationFebruary 14, 2009
West Chicago, IL – For the 2008-09 season, the Boys' Soccer team has been ranked first in the nation by the National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA). This top ranking was based on record and strength of schedule, and is a great honor and recognition of the Wheaton Academy athletics program.
Mock Trial Team Recognized as All-Tournament
January 30, 2009
West Chicago, IL – Three Wheaton Academy students were recognized as All-Tournament selections at the Kane County Invitational Tournament on Saturday, January 30.
Iain Mirrilees (Sr): Outstanding Witness
Ashley Pivaronas (Jr): Outstanding Lawyer
Aaron Pell (So): Outstanding Witness
Read about the event in the Lake County Journal.
December 5, 2008
Eight seniors have been recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their strong scores on the 2008 PSAT. Commended Students are Rebekah Delicath, Lindsay Feltz, Julia Larson, Kayla Lindstedt, Amanda Robinson and David Spitler. Sarah Daly and Faith Passon have been named National Merit Semifinalists and will continue in the selection process toward becoming National Merit Finalists. We extend our congratulations to these students.
October 5, 2008
Bethany Weathers and Sarah Daly were awarded the Joan Austen-Leigh prizes from the J. David Grey Young Writers Workshop at the Jane Austen National Society of America's national convention in Chicago last October. Our students heard a lecture on "Jane Austen's Legacy: Filming the Global Jane Austen" from Dr. Inger Brodey of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, met an author of a series inspired by Jane Austen and participated in a writing workshop on how Jane Austen's legacy survives. Bethany, Sarah, their parents, and English teacher Aimee Daniels returned to the Westin Hotel on Michigan Avenue the next day to attend a brunch where our students were honored before the entire convention.
Wheaton Academy Named Again as a Best Christian Workplace
April 29, 2008
WEST CHICAGO, IL – For the third time in recent years, Wheaton Academy has been named to the list of Best Christian Workplaces by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI). In a survey administered by the BCWI, more than 7,834 employees across the United States were used to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values.
Based on the survey, people love to work for the Best Christian Workplaces for two reasons: the cause and the culture. As one staff member said, "I get to use my skills to help thousands of the poorest children in the world . . . and work at a place where people care about me." "This is a good example of why people are measurably more engaged and fulfilled in their jobs working for these Christian organizations," says Al Lopus, President of BCWI.
The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 65,000 employees across North America in the past six years. BCWI is a research based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Washington.
Three All-States but No Top Eight
March 5th, 2008
Springfield, IL - Before heading off to Springfield on Thursday morning, the 2007-2008 Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Team popped in the Fine Arts Center and maintained its unique tradition of taking its team picture on the stage of the annual musical. This year the legal Warriors looked great in front of the My Fair Lady backdrop. Then the five seniors, with a junior, sophomore and freshmen in tow, headed south. After a walk-through practice at the University of Illinois at Springfield in the afternoon and a final practice in the evening, the Academy was ready to face a familiar opponent, Antioch High School, in its first match Friday morning. Wheaton, as the Defense, went on to outscore and defeat Antioch in a spirited match for the second time this season. Friday afternoon each member of the team had to take a graded law exam as part of the state competition. After a little time to unwind and relax, the Warriors practiced into the second night in preparation for round two on Saturday. The Academy, as the Prosecution, once again defeated its opponent, Providence St. Mel. Although the Warriors combined winning scores did not push WA into the final eight, the Mock Trial Team completed one of their most successful seasons ever in its ten year history. The team finished fourth or better in all regular season tournaments while six different individuals received All-Tournament recognitions at various times throughout the season. Senior Captain Libby Baker and Senior Heather Dede both received their second All-State Awards during their four year careers as an Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness, respectively. Libby consistently demonstrated a strong mastery of legal jargon and strategy throughout her direct and cross examinations. Heather was spell binding at times as she played the role of the “innocent” accused bully. Sophomore Ashley Pivaronas was one of the few students to ever receive an All-State recognition, Outstanding Attorney, in her first year. Ashley assumed the unusual responsibility of presenting both the opening and closing statements for both sides of the case and each time delivered with passion and persuasion. Senior Dom Sessa “played” the role of a confident and aggressive psychologist named Dr. Potter and effectively fought off some intense cross examination. Freshman Amanda Steimle filled a key role, witness Criss Lyman, the main character in the case who had allegedly been bullied. Senior Kim Dixon provided invaluable contributions as both a witness, school social worker, and as a steadying influence as a direct examiner. Brittany Zielske and Kortney Moss both contributed in a variety of roles throughout the season.
The legal Warriors from Wheaton will celebrate their record setting season with an Awards Banquet on Tuesday, March 11th. This season marks the end of an era. Both assistant coaches, Mr. Rich Baker, practicing attorney and father of Libby, and Mr. Ryan Hall, WA and Mock Trial alumnus, will be moving on. Mr. Baker will likely spend more of his discretionary dad time watching musicals with his next daughter. Mr. Hall will transfer into Illinois State University as a junior next year to begin his formal study of law. The Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Program owes a great debt of gratitude to the volunteer service from our Assistant Coaches over the past three or four years.
Wheaton Academy defeats Maine South & St. Charles North High Schools
February 25, 2008
Rolling Meadows, IL - Despite defeating both opponents at the Northwest Suburban Invitational Tournament this past weekend, the legal Warriors from Wheaton Academy just missed placing in the Top Three for the first time all season. Coach Jon Keith commented, "I am really pleased that all of our performances this week were actually better than our last tournament."
Captain Libby Baker (Wheaton) was once again commended for her strong performances on both direct and cross examinations. Seniors Heather Dede (Wheaton), Dom Sessa (Algonquin) and Kim Loewen (Naperville) filled pivotal roles. Sophomore Ashley Pivaronas (Bartlett) continued to provide persuasive opening statements and closing arguments. Twenty six teams battled it out before York, St. Charles East and Timothy Christian High Schools took the Top Three places respectively.
With different winners in each of the season tournaments to date, the State Championship Tournament in Springfield on February 29th and March 1st should be extremely competitive and unpredictable. After two days of intense team competition and a law examination by each team member, eight teams at the State Tournament will be named as finalists and given the opportunity to compete in one more round to determine the Champion and Top Three finishers.
The State Champion will move on and represent Illinois at the National Championship in Wilmington, VA in early May. Although Wheaton Academy received four All-State Awards at last year's State Tournament, the team missed the final eight by one half of one percentage point. The legal Warriors from Wheaton look forward to their return visit to Springfield and another opportunity to compete for a State Championship.
Wheaton Academy Finishes a Strong 2nd in Lake County Tournament
February 5, 2008
Waukegan, IL - If they aren’t careful, the Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Team is going to become a serious contender for the March 3rd State Championship in Springfield. For the second week in a row, the legal Warriors from Wheaton took on some of the best teams in the State. After finishing 2nd in the Kane County Tournament last weekend, the Academy moved northeast.
Competing against sixteen of the largest schools in Lake County, including Antioch, Evanston, Libertyville, Zion-Benton and Mundelein, Wheaton Academy finished a strong 2nd to eventual winner Evanston. Senior Captain Libby Baker (Wheaton) continued to provide strong legal expertise while conducting key direct and cross examinations. Dom Sessa (witness, Algonquin) and Ashley Pivaronas (lawyer, Bartlett) both received All-Tournament recognition for the second week in a row. Freshman Amanda Steimle (St. Charles) and seniors Kim Loewen (Naperville) and Heather Dede (Wheaton) contributed with multiple strong roles.
Wheaton Academy’s next challenge is to measure themselves against perennial state powers at the DuPage County Invitational on February 15th. The DuPage Tournament is the largest independent Mock Trail tournament in the State of Illinois with twenty eight teams.
Fortune Makes the Under 20 Brazilian National Team
January 30, 2008
West Chicago, IL – Leah Fortune, a junior at Wheaton Academy, received word on January 29 that she was one of 17 players chosen to be a part of the 2008 Women’s World Cup under 20 Brazilian National Team. Fortune, born in Brazil to American parents, holds dual citizenship.
On January 10, 2008, Kleiton Lima, head coach for the under 20 Brazilian team, invited 28 players for the first phase of preparation at the National Training Center in Teresópolis, Brazil. Fortune was one of two international players invited, the other being from Italy. After the January 29 final roster was announced, Fortune is the only international player as well as, at age 17, the youngest player on the team.
Fortune, who returned to Wheaton Academy on Wednesday, will travel back to Brazil the week of February 11 to continue training with the team for the South American Championships which are held in March. If the Brazilian team wins South American Championships, which they did in 2004 and 2006, they will advance to the Under 20 Women’s World Cup in December. The World Cup tournament will be held in Chile.
Recalling the emotions she felt at the training camp in Brazil, Fortune says, “It was hard being the youngest out of 28 girls, as well as being an international player. The language barrier made it even more difficult.” It wasn’t all hardship for Fortune though. “It was such an awesome experience, training in the mountains with the Brazilian National Team,” says Fortune, “it’s all worth it.”
Attempting to put this all in perspective, Wheaton Academy Head Coach Dave Underwood says, “Leah is living the dream. She has been invited to participate with one of the top women’s soccer teams in the entire world. It’s really hard to put into words the magnitude of this opportunity.”
“I’m looking forward to going back in February for more training,” says Fortune. “I’m excited about building deeper relationships with my teammates and I can’t wait to wear the Brazilian National jersey.”
Wheaton Academy Mock Trial Opens Season with Strong 2nd Place Finish
January 28, 2008
Geneva, IL – When only three of the five veteran Mock Trial students got on the bus for their trip to the tournament at the 16th Circuit Court of Kane County, Coach Jon Keith soon learned that due to illness his team would face a big challenge during the kick off tournament for the 2008 season. With only a half hour bus trip to prepare, the team had to scramble and agree who would fill four key roles. Yet, after two rounds and five hours of intense competition against eleven other Illinois elite Mock Trial schools, Wheaton Academy emerged as a finalist.
The scrappy, undermanned legal Warriors from Wheaton put up a good fight in the final round against perennial powerhouse Hinsdale Central before taking home 2nd place. Having forgotten his tie, colorful and carefree senior Dom Sessa (Algonquin), was forced to borrow the coach’s as he filled in admirably by winning the first All-Tournament Witness Award of his three year career. The coach noted he even received a compliment from an opponent about his tie! Sophomore Ashley Pivaronas (Bartlett), showed she has quite a bright future by winning an All-Tournament Lawyer Award in her very first Mock Trial tournament.
Team Captain and senior Libby Baker (Wheaton) and veteran Heather Dede (Winfield) provided invaluable and strong leadership. Junior Kortney Moss (St. Charles), a newcomer to Mock Trial, and Amanda Steimle (St. Charles), the sole freshmen on the Varsity, both offered compelling testimony as key witnesses.
The Academy looks forward to having their team back at full strength as they prepare to compete in the Lake County Invitational, DuPage County and Northwest Suburban Tournaments each of the next three weekends before heading to Springfield for the March 1st Illinois State Championship.
January 14, 2008
West Chicago, IL - Leah Fortune, a junior at Wheaton Academy, was called up to the 2008 Women’s World Cup under 20 Brazilian National Team. Fortune, born in Brazil to American parents, holds dual citizenship.
Wheaton Academy Head Coach Dave Underwood says, “We knew Leah was a special player when she came to Wheaton Academy as a freshman. I’m so proud of her and happy for her that she got called up to the Brazilian team.”
On January 10, 2008, Kleiton Lima, head coach for the under 20 Brazilian team, invited 28 players for the first phase of preparation at the National Training Center in Teresópolis, Brazil. The team will be preparing for the South American qualification in Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil. On January 29 the final team will be announced that will travel March 2 to the Rio Grande Do Sul. The under 20 Brazilian National Team has won the South American Championships in 2004 and 2006.
Fortune, age 17, is the youngest member of the team. She is one of two international players invited to participate, the other is from Italy. All other players invited are from Brazil. Fortune left for Brazil on Monday, January 14th.
January 3, 2008
West Chicago, IL – Wheaton Academy has announced the successful realization of a $1 million anonymous challenge grant issued to spur giving toward the private Christian high school’s new fundraising initiative, Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy. The awarded challenge grant brings the fundraising total-to-date to $9.13 million, leaving $3.67 million still to raise to meet the effort’s overall $12.8 million goal. This progress allows the Academy to target Summer 2008 to begin construction on the Heritage Field House, one of the main initiatives supported by the campaign.
The three goals of Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy – scholarships for worthy students in need, an endowment to support the school’s faculty and staff, and construction of an athletic field house facility set to open for the 2009-2010 school year – were announced at a public kick-off event on October 30, 2007. Also announced that night was the largest lead gift in the school’s 154-year history, a pledge of $2.85 million from a different anonymous donor.
The new field house will be named the Heritage Field House, both to honor the legacy of the lead donor, whose mother attended the Academy, and to honor the thousands of alumni and families that span the Academy’s history.
The anonymous donor of the $1 million gift challenged Wheaton Academy constituents to give or pledge $1 million between October 30 and December 31, 2007, at which point they would match those funds one-to-one with a $1 million additional gift. The school hit this goal and, in fact, exceeded it by $131,399 in order to realize the challenge grant.
According to Head of School Gene Frost, “It’s been a tremendous encouragement over the last few months to see our school family step up and respond to these important needs. The Academy is truly blessed to have such a dedicated group of supporters who are willing to give of themselves to realize exciting plans like these.”
More information on Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy and its progress is available at www.wheatonacademy.org/campaign_main.html.
Wheaton Academy Announces $2.85 Million Lead Gift to Launch Fundraising Drive
November 26, 2007
West Chicago, IL - Wheaton Academy has announced the largest single gift in the private Christian high school’s 154-year history. An anonymous donor has committed $2.85 million in support of Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy, a $12.8 million fundraising campaign the Academy publicly launched on October 30.
Including this generous lead gift, Wheaton Academy has raised $7.47 million to date to support the three goals of Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy – scholarships for worthy students in need, an endowment to support the school’s faculty and staff, and construction of a 30,000 square foot field house facility set to open for the 2009-2010 school year. To honor the legacy of the donor, whose mother attended the Academy, and to honor the thousands of alumni and families that span the Academy’s 154-year history, the new field house will be named the Heritage Field House.
In addition to the Campaign’s lead gift, an additional anonymous donor has stepped forward with a $1 million challenge grant. All gifts and pledges made between October 30 and December 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million in order to reach the $9 million mark by the end of the year.
More information on Transforming Every Student: The Campaign for Wheaton Academy and its progress is available at www.wheatonacademy.org/campaign_main.html.
Wheaton Academy Announces New Athletic Leadership
July 25, 2007
West Chicago, IL - Wheaton Academy is excited to announce new leadership within the athletic department. Paul Ferguson has been named Athletic Director and Willie Bosque has been named Associate Athletic Director. Tom Jamerson, Wheaton Academy’s Athletic Director for the past three years, has recently taken a job in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ferguson is currently the Head Boys’ Basketball Coach and Bible Teacher at the Academy. He will continue with the basketball program and teach a reduced class load. Ferguson taught and coached at Wheaton Academy from 1995-1999. He returned last year after seven years as an Assistant Basketball Coach at Wheaton College. Ferguson has a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and Master’s degrees from Aurora University and Wheaton College.
Bosque most recently has worked in sales at Itasca Plastic in St. Charles. Previously he was Coordinator of Corporate Sales at Sportsmed Center for Fitness in Carol Stream. He has also been the Head Baseball Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tennessee. Bosque has also recently been employed by Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres as an Associate Scout. He is responsible for targeting potential prospects in the Chicagoland area. Bosque will lead the Academy’s varsity baseball program along with his duties as Associate Athletic Director. Bosque holds a B.S. in Sports Management and Fitness from Tennessee Wesleyan College.
Ferguson will provide the overall leadership for the athletic department by representing and articulating Wheaton Academy’s athletic philosophy, providing professional growth opportunities for coaches and leading the Booster Club. Bosque will handle the day-to-day athletic department duties.