As another school year comes to a close, there is a time for celebration.  The annual honors banquet for Mount Carmel celebrates students’ academic success throughout the year.  Those who achieved the honor roll status for the first two trimesters were invited, and hundreds attended with their families on May 12.

Principal John Stimler congratulated all of the students, stating, “Hard work has distinguished you.” Salutatorian Ben Jarzombek addressed the students and parents, describing how Mount Carmel has shaped him into the person he is today.  He stated the biggest lesson he learned at Mount Carmel was that “we (MC students) are the biggest influence in our lives.”

Valedictorian Javier Correa spoke next.  His speech focused on the struggles he endured through high school to overcome his fears and challenges.  At the end of his motivational oration, he quoted Confucious: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

The ceremony continued with the number one academic student in each class being given a special plaque. Senior Javier Correa, junior Dominic Antonietti, sophomore Luke Ehrenstrom, and freshman Patrick McClain were recognized for their academic leadership.

The annual Nick Iosue Oustanding Teacher Award was also presented to three grammar school teachers. These teachers were selected from nominations written by members of the freshman class.

Next, the Chick Evans Scholarship was presented to Jordan Richardson and Jaylen Hill, who were two of the 253 recipients of this full tuition scholarship.  Hill will attend the University of Illinois, while Jordan will attend The Ohio State University.

Proficiency awards were distributed to the top students in each class, while others were honored for their participation in the National Latin Exam and the Chicago Metro History Fair.

The individual awards ended with recognizing the Illinois AP Scholars and the newly elected and departing members of the National Honors Society.

The evening concluded with dinner, dessert, and the awarding of honor roll students of each class, totaling over 300 men.  Parents took lots of photos when their sons walked onto the stage, which was a great way to end the evening.