Double the Leadership: Saint Bede’s First-Ever Co-Presidents Make History

A.H. Hermes ‘26 and Emerald De La Torre ’26 are Saint Bede’s first-ever student government co-presidents.

For the first time in Saint Bede history, the senior class has two class presidents—and they’re proving that two heads really are better than one.

Last spring’s student government election ended in an unprecedented dead tie between A.J. Hermes ’26 and Emerald De La Torre ’26.

“When the results first came out, I was in confusion and began questioning the odds of it being an exact split,” A.J. recalled. “I was grateful to be elected but also surprised by the outcome.”

Emerald remembers the suspense vividly. “When our former president started with, ‘For the first time ever in Saint Bede history,’ I knew something big was coming,” she said. “Once it hit me that we’d be co-presidents, I felt nothing but excitement. It was history being made right in front of us.”

Student Government Sponsor Megan Theisinger ’09 had a front-row seat to the nail-biter.

“I was watching the responses roll in all day,” she said. “Neither of them was ever ahead by more than two or three votes. When the votes stopped climbing, it was a complete tie.”

What happened next became a civics lesson in real time.

“Our executive board met to decided what to do,” Megan explained. “Students suggested everything from repolling to extending the deadline, but they ultimately decided the tie should stand. They believed A.J. and Emerald both had the qualities they were seeking in their leaders, and I agreed wholeheartedly. It was a powerful reminder that every vote counts.”

Since then, the pair has embraced the challenge and opportunity that comes with shared leadership.

“Our co-president experience has been very productive,” A.J. said. “We’ve been able to work together as a team and easily settle our differences to guide the student government.”

Emerald agreed, crediting their complementary strengths.

“Where one of us falls short, the other steps up. We don’t compete, we collaborate and that’s why things have been running so smoothly. Spirit Day was a perfect example. We heard so many compliments about how seamlessly everything ran, and that success came directly from our teamwork,” she added.

The duo believes their success starts with open communication.

“The secret is strong communication - making sure everyone is on the same page and that everyone’s opinions are valued,” A.J. said.

Emerald added, “Having two presidents actually shows how powerful teamwork can be.”

Megan couldn’t be prouder.

“Their collaboration is impressive,” she said. “The school is in good hands with these leaders, and I’m excited to watch their leadership evolve here at Saint Bede and in whatever comes next.”

With their historic partnership off to such a strong start, A.J. and Emerald are eager to keep the momentum going.

Saint Bede Soccer Scores Historic Victory

History was made this past weekend as Saint Bede’s soccer team celebrated its first-ever varsity win, defeating Yorkville Christian High School. For Coach David Garcia, Saint Bede Spanish teacher and varsity coach, the victory was more than just a milestone - it was a reflection of a dream that has been years in the making.

Coach Garcia currently leads a roster of 18 players—14 boys and 4 girls, including several of our boarding students. The journey to this point has been shaped by both inspiration and perseverance.

“When I first spoke with a student who wanted to come to Saint Bede but chose another school because we didn’t have soccer, it weighed on me,” Garcia shared. “The same thing happened with my son, Moises. He wanted to enroll here but ended up elsewhere because there was no program. I knew something had to change.”

That change came last year, when Garcia took on the challenge of building a soccer program at Saint Bede.

For him, the goal extends far beyond wins and losses.

“My goal is showing the love of God through the soccer program. I want to share with Saint Bede students, interact with them and make a great impact in their lives as a coach and teacher,” he said.

Senior Alp Arslan serves as co-captain of the team. A boarding student from Turkey, Arslan brought prior experience with the sport when he joined the team last year. Watching the team grow and attract more players over the past year has been a rewarding experience for him.

“It’s been a great experience to play here at Saint Bede. It’s really exciting to now say we are part of Saint Bede history. I hope our program continues to grow and that more students give it a try,” he said.

Looking ahead, Garcia hopes to expand the program, including the possibility of establishing a girls’ soccer team in the near future.

The journey has not been without challenges. The team currently practices on uneven grounds and lacks dedicated facilities, equipment and assistant coaches. Yet Garcia remains faithful.

“All the sacrifices that staff, students and faculty are making together, combined with hope and faith, lead us to believe that one day Saint Bede will have a home soccer field,” he said.

Despite the hurdles, the program has already given Saint Bede students new opportunities, from building community to opening doors for potential college scholarships and even professional-level play.

The Bruins’ first varsity win is not just a victory on the scoreboard, it’s a testament to resilience, faith and the start of a bright new chapter in Saint Bede athletics.

Saint Bede Bruins Score Big with Tyson Bagent Foundation

Pictured is Saint Bede Head Football Coach Jack Brady ’15, Saint Bede Football Co-Captain AJ Hermes, Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent, Saint Bede Football Co-Captains Gino Ferrari and Carson Riva and Saint Bede Assistant Coach Sam Halm ’15.

Saint Bede Academy is honored to have been chosen by the Tyson Bagent Foundation as the 2025 recipient of their generous charitable donation.

Thanks to Tyson and Zoombang, our Saint Bede Football Team will be receiving safety equipment to help our student-athletes compete and succeed. The gift was presented to the team at Bagent’s charity event on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the Chicago Yacht Club.

Saint Bede is also excited to host Tyson Bagent’s Offensive Skills Camp this Spring 2026 - stay tuned for details!

Thank you to the Tyson Bagent Foundation from the Saint Bede Bruins Football Team and our entire school community! A special thanks also goes to Kevin Micheli ’94 for connecting Saint Bede to this unique opportunity.

Saint Bede Academy Alumna Returns to Campus as Geometry Instructor

Saint Bede Academy is proud to announce the return of alumna Janelle Giordano Buck, Class of 1995, who will join the faculty this fall as a Geometry teacher. Buck will teach both CP and AC Geometry, bringing with her not only a strong foundation in math but also a deep passion for mentorship.

A graduate of Bradley University with a degree in civil engineering, Buck discovered her calling to education while substitute teaching at Trinity Catholic during the COVID-19 pandemic. That pivotal experience led her to Holy Family School, where she served as the 8th grade homeroom teacher.

Now, Buck is thrilled to bring her experience and enthusiasm back to the halls of her alma mater.

“Saint Bede helped shape me - spiritually, academically and socially,” Buck said. “It’s an honor to now support today’s students in their own journey.”

Saint Bede Academy warmly welcomes Buck back to the community as she steps into her new role, continuing the Academy’s tradition of forming students in faith, character and academic excellence.

Saint Bede Academy Welcomes New Principal Dr. David Lawrence

St. Bede Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lawrence as its new Principal, effective for the 2025-26 school year.

A seasoned educator, veteran and faith-filled leader, Lawrence brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, student growth and Catholic values.

A resident of Princeton, Lawrence shares life with his wife of 23 years, Katie, and their two sons, Cameron (18) and Sam (14). He grew up in Marseilles and graduated from Ottawa High School before enlisting in the U. S. Navy. There, he served as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Saipan (LHA-2), navigating the ship to many parts of the world. It was during this time of service that he first felt a calling to become an educator.

After his military service, Lawrence earned a degree in elementary education from Northeastern Illinois University and began his teaching career in the Spring Valley Elementary School District. His passion for teaching soon evolved into a calling to lead, so he went on to obtain a Master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of St. Francis, followed by his principal certification. He served as principal at both Ladd Grade School and Lincoln School in Mendota, and later earned a Doctoral degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

"From the beginning, my goal has always been to serve students, build meaningful relationships and help young people achieve more than they ever thought possible," said Lawrence.

The opportunity to serve at St. Bede Academy also felt like a calling for Lawrence.

“I’ve long admired St. Bede for its legacy, values and mission. The strong Catholic identity and commitment to forming the whole student aligns deeply with who I am and what I believe as an educator and leader,” he shared.

As he begins this new chapter, Lawrence is most excited to immerse himself in the life of the school.

“I look forward to being present in the classroom, at Mass, on the sidelines and throughout the school - getting to know the students, families, faculty and alumni who make St. Bede so special.”

His first-year goals include building trust, fostering open communication and strengthening the school’s Catholic identity.

“I want every student to feel known, loved and challenged to grow into the person God is calling them to be,” he said.

St. Bede Academy warmly welcomes Lawrence to its leadership team and looks forward to a bright future under his guidance.