Mustang News: September 2019

Announcements

Alum donates to support Robotics Program
MHS graduate, Larry Markus, Class of 1967, recently presented a $2,000 donation to the MHS Robotics program. Markus, who represents Sirius Automation of Buffalo Grove, Illinois then spent time working with students offering assistance with projects the students are currently working on.

Larry Markus, Class of 1967, and the 2019-20 MHS Robotics Team

“The generosity and support of Sirius Automation will help the Robotics program in preparation not only for our upcoming tournament in October, but also for our students being the next generation of problem solvers,” said Manny Aldana, MHS instructor of physics, project lead the way and Robotics Club advisor. “Mr. Markus mentioned that our students are very passionate and driven about what they are doing here,” and I totally agree with that sentiment,” Aldana concluded.

Parent Resource Night
Who: Parents of students that have an IEP
What: What do all the special ed “acronyms” mean?, LRE-Why Less is More, and Empowering students to know and understand their disability. Come join MHS psychologists, social workers, and case managers to learn more about these topics and ask questions.
When: Tuesday, October 1st 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: English presentation held in DMR
Spanish presentation held in the Library
Contact: Michelle Bank/Transition Coordinator
847.949.2200 x:1261

Click Here to RSVP on or before Monday, September 30th

Recognition

Seven MHS seniors named Commended Students by National Merit Scholarship Program
Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the names of Commended Students in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Representing MHS in the competition are Dillon Blake, Tyler Green, Derek Lee, Brandon Linane, Caitlyn Mathews, Bradley Rossbach and Luke Roswick.

About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2020 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, commended students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2020 competition by taking the 2018 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

“Congratulations to these seven Commended Students,” said MHS Principal Anthony Kroll. “Your hard work and persistence are seen in this recognition and we know we can expect continued successes during your senior year at MHS.

Five MHS grads recognized as Distinguished Alumni

Five Mundelein High School graduates were recently honored as Distinguished Alumni for 2019. They join the ranks of 20 others who were honored in 2018 and 2017. The event took place at the District Office Saturday, September 21.

“This was another outstanding group of Mundelein High School graduates who have gone on to make positive contributions to society,” said Kevin Myers, Districts 75/120 Superintendent. “It is a pleasure for us to host this event each year and to spend time with the honorees, friends and families.”

Martin Atilano, MHS Class of 2006, spoke about coming to the United States speaking no English and working while completing coursework at MHS and learning English. He has gone on to become a successful realtor, founding the American Dream Realty company and earning many honors from business associates/organizations along the way. He also provides free backpacks, school supplies and shoes to those in need. Atilano credited the MHS English as a Second Language (ESL) Department for his success.

Dr. Brad Forch, MHS Class of 1973, was honored for his outstanding research for the United States Army. Sadly, Dr. Forch died on his birthday, in September of 2018 and was represented at the event by his brother and sister, Greg Forch and Katherine Pegler. At the time of his death, Dr. Forch was the Army’s Senior Research Scientist for Ballistics assigned to the laboratory’s Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD). “In his role with the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate Dr. Forch personally mentored countless scientists and engineers; always willing to share his expertise and advice,” said WMRD Director, Dr. Jeff Zabinski, in an email to the workforce.

Colonel Michael Infanti, MHS Class of 1974, is a highly decorated member of the United States Army who served from 1980 through 2014. This experience included enlisting as an Infantryman in 1980, joining the National Guard four years later while attending the University of Illinois-Chicago and being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. During his service he was awarded the Legion of Merit/Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Award, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Joint Service Commendation Medal. He served part of his enlistment in Iraq. More than 30 of his relatives and friends attended the awards luncheon to honor his service and his role as a parent, grandparent and friend. “Thank you again for the ceremony and award,” Infanti wrote in an email. “It was truly humblins [and] I will continue to work to make MHS proud.”

Amy Aufmann King, Class of 1987, is on schedule to complete her Doctorate and is currently the Group President of the Central Region of DeVry University. She is serving as the regional administrator for 12 DeVry University locations in Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Missouri and Colorado. She also serves on the Executive Committee for the Junior Achievement DuPage Board of Directors, Executive Committee for the Workforce Board and as the Chair of the Proprietary Advisory Committee for the Illinois Board of Higher Education. She also has been the Honorary Chair for the Illinois Bolingbrook and Joliet March of Dimes Walk for Babies. “Thank you so much to MHS for this special recognition,” King said. “I have so many fond memories of my time at MHS and this event is very special to me. I loved being a part of some of the Homecoming activities this weekend,” she said.

Dr. Oliwia Zurek, Class of 2006, like Martin Atilano, arrived at MHS speaking no English and took full advantage of the ESL program as she assimilated into American culture. She excelled in the program and went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in biology at Knox College and a PhD in Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Voyich Lab at Montana State University. After receiving her PhD she went on to Postdoctorate training in the Pathology Department at Stanford University. She has received a number of research grants such as National Institute of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship ($50K) and American Heart Association Pre-Doctoral Fellowship ($50K). She has contributed to 11 publications; 17 oral presentations in US and abroad. She to MHS speaking no English and credits the MHS ESL Program and AP Biology. “Without the support I received from these teachers and the counseling, I wouldn’t be where I am today!”

MHS honors up to 10 alumni each year for both their accomplishments and their giving back to society in many different ways. Nominations will be accepted for the 2020 awards ceremony beginning in February.

Keep on Marching!

Last weekend at the Illini - Nebraska football game, band director Jerry Shelato met up with MHS alumni who are still marching!!! From left to right, Jake Nakagi ('18), Molly Podraza ('19), Alex Heraty ('18), Shelato (Illini '89), Jenny Morales ('19), Trevor Freeman ('19), Mateusz Brak ('19), Michal Gryga ('18)

Activities

Educators Rising
On September 24th students in Educators Rising, a club for future teachers, observed and shadowed MHS staff throughout the day. 31 students signed up to observe in all subjects. Students were able to see “the other side” and had some amazing insights. Not only did students learn about careers in education, but they gained a sense of understanding and empathy for the challenges teachers go through on a daily basis. Our next event, a teacher’s panel on October 29th, will continue this new found perspective as students will be able to ask questions and hear other experiences.
Some student comments:

“I never realized how much work a teacher does outside of class.”- Rebecca Panos

“Students can be SO rude to teachers!” – Grace Beden

“I watched my teacher morph into 5 different people throughout the day, I was exhausted, I can only imagine how she felt”-Miriam Mitry

“Watching my teacher today made me think about myself as a student”- Colin Nacion

College & Career Center

College Representative Visits
College representatives from across the nation are coming to MHS to meet YOU! Look at a list of upcoming visits on Naviance. Click on the “Colleges” tab at the top of the screen and select “Colleges Home”. Scroll to the bottom of the page where it says “College Visits” and click on “Show More”, then find and click on “Register” to attend the visits of your choice. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn more about college life on multiple schools’ campuses and to stand out among the crowd of applicants.

College Week is Coming!

Save the date for College Week this year from October 7-11. We will help you complete your applications and even have a free application fair for you to submit them to participating schools for free! Check out the list of colleges and universities participating in our Free Application Day on October 10 by clicking HERE.

FAFSA Completion Workshop

Keep an eye out for upcoming college planning events!

Athletics

Boys Cross Country
Boys team takes 23rd at Woodbridge (California) against some of the best teams in the nation. Way to go, Mustangs! Dillon runs 14:28.7, Carter runs 14.35.4. All 7 Mustangs run PRs! Way to go, Mustangs!

Boys cross country traveled to California for a night meet

Girls Tennis
Vs Libertyville
The Mustangs' Mikayla Edquiban and Alexis Hyde have been solid at No. 1 doubles and picked up Mundelein's only win on Tuesday, a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the Burns sisters -- Lauren and Alexis.
"Our doubles teams have been playing well," said Mustangs coach Shellie Majewski, whose girls slipped to 2-3 in NSC duals. Majewski is also high on her No. 2 team of Heraty and normally Kylie Brua, who was on a college visit Tuesday.

Doubles partners Mikayla Edquinban and Alexis Hyde converse in between games vs Libertyville

Leila Moon in action vs Libertyville

Girls Volleyball
The Varsity Volleyball team has had 2 well played matches in a row.
Home Coming week (9-17) vs Waukegan gave us or first NSC win 25-19, 25-23. Leading the team were: Elise Bernett with 14 digs, Olivia Cartland with 3 kills, Yianna Schneckloth with 8/8 serving, Brianna Martin with 3 kills and 3 blocks, Faith Krabbe with 13 digs went 50/51 setting with 11 assists.

This week (9-25) vs Zion Benton was 25-6, 25-12. Leading the team were: Olivia Cartland with 4 kills and 11 digs, Willow Ottoman with 4 kills, Brianna Martin with 6 kills and 3 blocks, Angelina Shepard with 3 Aces and 10 digs, Faith Krabbe was 20/20 serving with 3 aces and 38/39 setting with 16 assists.
Next Wednesday is Stevenson away and The Lake Forest Invite on Saturday. We would love to see you at the matches. Go Mustangs!

Booster Club
Mustang Fans - Just a reminder that the MHS Mustang Booster Club will be hosting a Spaghetti Fundraising Dinner on October 5th from 5pm-8pm in the MHS cafeteria. Tickets are only $7.00/per person and you can choose dine in or carry out when ordering. Tickets can be purchased using the link below or at the door the night of the dinner. We will be serving spaghetti, meatballs, salad and dessert! Thank you for supporting us, and we look forward to sharing a meal with you and your family on October 5th!

We also want to do a huge shout out and thank you to Tina G's as they have generously offered to donate all the food for this event We are so thankful for their support!
https://mundelein.revtrak.net/mustang-booster-club/

Cross Country first meet against Warren

Photos from the Week

Surrounded by cheering students, Freshman Mia Dunaway '22 gets the crowd pumped up as she performs with the JV Dance Team at the Homecoming Assembly on Friday, September 21.- by Avery Refka

Enjoying the Senior Girls Sleepover, Gloria Reyes '20, Angelina Shepard '20, and Megan Ford '20 sign each others scrubs on Wednesday Sept. 18. - by Paige Corrigan

Leading the Seniors to victory, Daniela Stepaniouk '20 runs the ball down hoping for a touchdown. Seniors ended the night winning 22-8 on Wednesday Sept. 18. - by Adriana Rawlings

Photos from Homecoming 2019

Homecoming Queen 2019 Sofia Feijoo and Homecoming King 2019 Tyler Green

Homecoming 2019 Court

Sofia Feijoo, Olivia Cartland, Damia Ali, Grace Carlson, Aurdrey Kafka, Amanda Muench, Sophia Gilardi, Nicole Nowicki, Paige Ekstrom, Hannah Stanley, Tyler Green, Dillon Blake, Ricardo Osornio, Flavio Diaz, Camden Kowalski, Austin Greco, Miles Chubin, Daniel Koenemann, George Stevenson, Jonathan Paez