St. Bede raises $264,000 on St. Benedict’s Day of Giving

St. Bede Freshman Connor Holly adds his name to the Bruin Impact Wall after donating to the St. Benedict’s Day campaign on March 21. Holly was one of hundreds of students who took part in giving back during the campaign.

St. Bede Abbey and Academy announced the success of its annual St. Benedict’s Day of Giving, held on March 21. The campaign raised an impressive $264,000 from 494 donors, including alumni, parents, friends, school staff, teachers and students. 

“It was deeply moving to see our beloved St. Bede community come together, in unity, to make St. Benedict's Day a resounding success. What this reaffirms is that the future of both our Abbey and Academy is in excellent hands, with the support of our alumni and friends whose generosity continues to strengthen our community," said Michel Massamba, Director of Mission Advancement and Major Gifts.

The funds directly support the Saint Bede Annual Fund, which plays a crucial role in bridging the gap in tuition by covering costs associated with professional development for teachers, STEM and teaching resources, athletic, fine arts and student programs, Christian and faith formation and maintaining campus facilities.

As an independent institution, St. Bede does not receive state or diocesan funding and relies entirely on the generosity of its donors.

To encourage participation on St. Benedict’s Day, donors who contributed $50 or more received a St. Bede tote bag. Students were also actively engaged in the campaign - those who donated $2 or more enjoyed a jean day on the day of the campaign, and had the opportunity to sign the Bruin Impact Wall, symbolizing unity and school spirit.

A key factor in the campaign’s success was the $98,000 in matching gift challenges, which were unlocked throughout the day. Additionally, a generous donor contributed a $50,000 donor rally challenge, which spurred an increase in participation in the campaign.

For more information about St. Bede’s St. Benedict’s Day of Giving, visit www.st-bede.com/stbenedict-2025.  

St. Bede welcomes new football and volleyball coaches

Saint Bede would like to welcome two new coaches to its family. Jack Brady is Head Varsity Football Coach and Nicole Trenka is Head Varsity Volleyball Coach.

Brady has spent the past nine years serving in various capacities with the Bruin Football program and has been very involved with offensive design and coordination the past five seasons.  Brady’s plans to immediately begin establishing and meeting with members of his coaching staff, as he is excited to engage in critical summer opportunities, such as annual 7-on-7 events and strength and conditioning sessions. His plans include taking what he has learned these past years and working to create robust engagement opportunities for all constituents of SBA for our weekend football events.

Trenka currently serves as the 16u coach with the Morris Volleyball Club and was on coaching staff at La Salle Peru High School in the fall of 2024, where she assisted at the sophomore level. Her previous stops include Head Club Volleyball Coach for Saint Mary's College of California as well as assistant coach for the 17u team at the Bay Area Volleyball Club. Trenka is a Saint Mary's College of California graduate (B.S. in Health and Human Performance) and her playing career includes both Beach and Club Volleyball while at Saint Mary's. She will meet with returning SBA players soon and will finalize her coaching staff.

Michel Massamba '11 hired as Director of Mission Advancement

Superintendent Eve Postula ’84 welcomes Michel Massamba ’11 as Saint Bede’s Director of Mission Advancement and Major Gifts.

Saint Bede Abbey and Academy proudly announces Michel Massamba as the new Director of Mission Advancement and Major Gifts. Massamba is responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of a comprehensive development program that communicates the mission of providing a Catholic Benedictine college-preparatory high school education in the Illinois Valley. 

“Ultimately, Michel is responsible for executing a plan that will sustain the mission of Saint Bede through leveraging current relationships and forging new partnerships to provide resources necessary for a high-quality and vital experience for our students,” said Eve Postula, Superintendent.  

Massamba is a 2011 graduate of Saint Bede Academy and is thrilled to be returning to his alma mater to lead the Office of Mission Advancement and successful development team.

“Over the past five years, I’ve been involved in organizations that weren’t necessarily Catholic and I have been craving to come back to a Catholic environment. Being back at Saint Bede gives me that Catholic atmosphere I need and it’s an opportunity to help the institution continue to grow and be successful for generations to come,” he said. 

In this leadership role, Massamba will collaborate with the Abbot and Superintendent to strategically grow reach, revenue and reputation for the Abbey and Academy. As an experienced Grants Manager, Massamba will be an asset to the team as he brings recent experience cultivating funds for Youth Guidance and The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Divisional Headquarters, both in Chicago. His skills in research, prospecting, strategic planning and financial management position him well to add long-term planning, goal setting and creating sustainable financial models to support organizational growth and mission success.

“The development, recruitment and fundraising efforts are critical to the ongoing success of Catholic high schools, such as Saint Bede,” said Postula. “Michel arrives at a moment in our school’s history in which we are primed to grow this effort. He brings an engaging and genuine presence, creative strategic thinking, a commitment to stewardship, leadership skills and a personal dedication to ensuring the Catholic Benedictine experience he received as a student-athlete, will be available to others. I am thrilled to partner with Michel to grow our fundraising effort, further engage students, parents and alumni, and advance the important mission of our Saint Bede community.”

Massamba, and his wife, Colleen, reside in nearby Ohio, Illinois with their three young children.

Please join us in welcoming Michel to our team!

Top 10 2025 St. Bede Academy Seniors Announced

St. Bede’s 2025 Top 10 students are Abraham Wiesbrock (front row, from left), Madalyn Dittmar, Tyler Jordan, Andrea Brandner, Victoria Mendez, Gordon Chen (back row, from left), Greyson Marincic, Haiden Ator, Phillip Gray and Frank Fan.

PERU ‑ St. Bede Academy is proud to announce the Top Ten of the Class of 2025. These students have honorably represented the Academy in scholastic and non-scholastic events, service to their school and community and in character.

Members listed in alphabetical order are Haiden Ator, Andrea Brandner, Ziheng Chen, Madalyn Dittmar, Yibo Fan, Phillip Gray, Tyler Jordan, Greyson Marincic, Victoria Mendez and Abraham Wiesbrock.  

Haiden Ator is the son of John and Julie Ator.  He is a member of the First Congregational Church of LaSalle and attended Dimmick Grade School.  Haiden plans to attend Iowa State University to major in cybersecurity engineering. While at St. Bede Academy, he was involved in football, bowling, track & field, Lectio Divina, yearbook club, stage rats, cross country, spring musical, soccer, tennis and production crew. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Haiden enjoys bowling in the Sunday High School League. His awards include Most Improved in soccer, Most Valuable Player for bowling, Sectional Qualifier in cross country, two-time Sectional Qualifier for bowling, ILMEA All-District Musician, All-Area Boys Bowling Team and is an Illinois State Scholar.   

Andrea Brandner is the daughter of Joseph Brandner and Sarah and Nathan Jasiek. She is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby and attended Holy Family School. Andrea plans to attend either Purdue University or Illinois State University to study animal science. While at St. Bede Academy, she has been involved in cheerleading, golf, stage rats, student government, charity club and participated in the Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering Competition.  Outside of St. Bede Academy, Andrea is involved in 4-H and shows rabbits and cattle. She is on LaSalle County’s livestock judging team. Andrea is employed at the Root Beer Stand in Oglesby. Her hobbies include skiing, writing and listening to music. Andrea was an Elks Teen of the Month and is an Illinois State Scholar. 

Gordon Chen is the son of Qiang Chen and Biqiong Cao. He attended Headstart International School in Zhengzhou, Henan, China. Gordon plans to attend a four-year university to major in mathematics. While at St. Bede Academy, he was involved in dorm activity club, AMC math club and anime club. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Gordon participated in the University of California Berkeley summer session. Gordon received first place at the World Youth in Science & Engineering Mathematics State Competition and placed second in Chemistry. He also received the AMC 12 Mathematical Excellence Award and AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Gordon also received the College Board National Rural and Small Town Scholar Award.    

Madalyn Dittmar is the daughter of Richard and Mida Dittmar. She is a member of St. Valentine Catholic Church and attended Peru Catholic School. Madalyn plans to attend Illinois State University and major in education. While at St. Bede Academy, she participated in tennis, student government, scholastic bowl, tea club and fall theater. Madalyn received the English award, math award, two top academic awards and is an Illinois State Scholar.    

Frank Fan is the son of Weifeng Fan and Nan Han. He attended Best Primary School in Zhengzhou, Henan, China and will be attending New York University to study sports management. While at St. Bede Academy, Frank was involved in cross country and physical therapy cub. Outside of St. Bede Academy, he participated in the Leap into the World of Sports Data Science and Management research program, Jiajia Summer Basketball Camp, National Economic Competition (NEC), and “Speak for Them,” a social welfare video held by Beijing Yiwalker Public Welfare Foundation that received over 20,000 likes. He was also the recipient of the Excellent Case Award in Chinese Middle School Students Public Welfare Online Practice held by Beijing Yiwalker Public Welfare Foundation and received the Talented Player Award for basketball training camp. During Frank’s time at St. Bede Academy, he received the NEC Top Rookie Award and Regional Overall Team Silver Award in the David Ricardo Junior Division, AP Scholar, Best Teammate and Most Improved in cross-country.        

Phillip Gray is the son of Jeff and Jan Gray.  He is a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Lostant and attended Tonica Grade School. Phillip plans to attend a four-year university to study finance and wealth management. While at St. Bede Academy, he participated in football, basketball, student government, ambassadors and Lectio Divina. His academic awards include Excellence in Spanish, St. Bede AP US History Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Award, Elks Teen of the Month and he is an Illinois State Scholar. Phillip has received athletic awards including most improved in basketball and football, the Hustle Award in basketball, Football Captain, First Team All Conference, All State Academic Team and All Area Team for football.     

Tyler Jordan is the daughter of Michelle and Jeff Jordan. She is a member of First Baptist Church of Ottawa and attended Ladd Grade School. Tyler plans to attend either Ohio State University or University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to major in criminology and law. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in volleyball, ambassadors, pep club and tea club.  Tyler received third place in chemistry at the World Youth in Science & Engineering Competition, Academic Excellence Award in AP Chemistry and is an Illinois State Scholar.   

Greyson Marincic is the son of Jeff and Christal Marincic. He is a member of Oglesby Community Church and attended Oglesby Washington Grade School. Greyson plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and major in chemical engineering and mathematics. While at St. Bede Academy, he was involved in cross country, track & field, scholastic bowl, bowling and participated in the Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering Competition. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Greyson is involved with 4-H. He received awards for College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award, is an Illinois State Scholar, National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Recognition, Student Government Vice-President, two-time State Qualifier in the 300m hurdles and was a State Qualifier in the 100m hurdles for track & field. Greyson will also complete his associate’s degree at Illinois Valley Community College in May 2025.

Victoria Mendez is the daughter of Alma Madera and Pedro Mendez. She is a member of St. Joseph Church in Peru and attended Peru Catholic School. Victoria plans to attend Northern Illinois University and major in accounting. While at St. Bede Academy, she participated in cheerleading, peer tutoring and in the Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering Competition. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Victoria works at Four Star Family Restaurant and helps with their family business, River Landscaping and Tree Service/Mendez General Contractor. She also enjoys reading, hiking and traveling.    

Abraham Wiesbrock is the son of Martin and Janet Wiesbrock.  He is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wenona and attended Holy Family School. Abraham plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to major in economics. While at St. Bede Academy, he was involved in golf, basketball, bowling, participated in the Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering Competition and the Edible Car Contest. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Abraham works during the summer and enjoys summer golf league. He received awards for College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, Academic Challenge for Engineering and Sciences, National Merit Scholarship Program Commended Recognition, St. Bede Academy Math Award, Most Healthy Car Medalist in the Edible Car Contest and is an Illinois State Scholar.     

What is Catholic Schools Week at St. Bede?

You can see the differences just by looking around the school first thing in the morning during the last week of January. Students walk in the doors dressed like their favorite teachers, sporting plaid shirts, sensible skirts, fake beards, and other regalia of their academic stewards. There’s an excited chatter as students show off their interpretation of the day's theme. Faculty and staff members chuckle as they see their proteges walking around, marveling at the creativity and mirth of their students.

This sense of levity can be brought about by any number of spirit weeks at schools across the American midwest. But at St. Bede Academy, this is a feature of a week that means so much more to the school at large. Amid the fun and excitement of a dress-up week is the “reason for the season”; the celebration that comes at the end of every January. This is Catholic Schools Week.

According to ADToday, Catholic Schools Week was established in 1974 through promotion by the National Catholic Education Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The week was originally created to highlight schools in the Catholic tradition, often employing catchy phrases and other fun activities. As the years pass, each Catholic Schools Week highlights different themes and causes near and dear to those in the schools. Weeks normally begin with the celebration of Mass and emphasize community within the school itself. The ultimate goal is to celebrate the community found in a chosen school and highlight the positive academic, social, and spiritual impact that a Catholic education can have on a student.

At St. Bede Academy, our student government and campus chaplain, Fr. Dominic Garramone, lead the festivities of the week. Each class has a Mass celebrated, with a breakfast for the group after their communal worship and reflection. Fr. Dominic leads each class in worship and reverence for our shared community, while Mrs. Theisinger and SBASG organize a spirit week for the school to celebrate. Themes this week have included Decades Day, where we pay homage to the parents who sent our students to Catholic Schools, and Role Model Day, where students dress like an adult at St. Bede that they look up to.

When a student chooses to attend a school like St. Bede Academy, they ultimately become a member of something bigger than themselves. They join decades and generations of proud Bruins who unite in a pursuit of higher learning and an environment that encourages them to strive for excellence. During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate this institution and so many others like it that give students a foundation in learning, faith, and community.