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.

2024 Tax Credit

The 2024 Summary of Tuition and Fees paid to St. Bede Academy is now available from FACTS Management Co. The report is only available on-line.  Families must log in to their FACTS account on-line to print a Payment Summary for tax purposes which serves as your Receipt for Qualified K-12 Education Expense.   

To retrieve and print your Payment Summary visit, www.factsmgt.com and sign-in to your account.  Select View Details to the right of Payment Plan & Billing, and then click on the blue box, View Payment Summary. Once on the Payment Summary page verify the year is tax year 2024.  A printer-friendly report is available by clicking the Print button in the upper right-hand corner.

The report that is generated will provide fees, both extra-curricular and registration, and tuition paid both on-line to FACTS and to St. Bede Academy in the calendar year 2024.  

These instructions and the link to FACTS can also be found on the homepage of the St. Bede Academy webpage at st-bede.com.   If you have questions or difficulties logging in to your account please contact FACTS Management Customer Service at 866-412-4637. Other general questions can be directed to me at 815-250-0344 or jmarks@st-bede.com.

It is important to note that not all payments made to St. Bede for fees are eligible for the State of Illinois tax credit.  Only the Registration Fee which covers textbooks, lab fees and materials is deductible.

To claim the tax credit, you will need to complete the Education Expense Credit Worksheet in the Form IL-1040 Instructions.  Please refer to IL-Publication 132 if you need additional information or call the Illinois Department of Revenue at (800)732-8866.

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St. Bede Academy announces first semester honor roll

Melissa Bosnich, principal of St. Bede Academy in Peru, has announced St. Bede’s honor roll for the first semester of the 2024-25 school year.

Freshmen - Hope Antkowiak, Maks Baker, Landon Balestri, Alicia Barreras, Jackson Bogatitus, Gabriel Bunch, Isabella Camacho, Ty Carls, Tzu-Tao Chang, Kylie Coons, Ayla Coventry, Jameson Daley, David De La Torre, Nicholas Del Pilar, Olivia DePue, Sadie Dugosh, Quinn Entrican, Luke Fess, Bear Fitzpatrick, Gavin Fivek, Hannah Fritz, Leah Griggs, Haozhe Guo, Yitong Han, Nicolette Hanck, Mason Haskell, Connor Holly, Jieming Huang, Yizhe Huang, Jacob Inman, Areesah Joop, Payden Kelly, Sadie Leffelman, Kijah Lucas, Jyzel Martin, Gaby Martinez, Parker McClain, Valeria Mendez, Morgan Mercer, Johnathan Michael,  Yoltzin Morales Sanchez, Max Moreno, Teagan Mullane, Maksymilian Niedzwiedz, Lien Phan, Allyn Phillips, Brock Pikul, Nelle Potthoff, Olivia Raef, Addison Raffety, Graham Ross, Finley Rue, Mary Simonetta, Rayna Skinner, Elsie Soliman, Josephine Trujillo, Elida Untz, Preston Vasquez, Hanna Waszkowiak, Yitong Xue and Ryan Zusefin.

Sophomores - Faith Ankiewicz, Yesenia Avila, Demian Baker, Caleb Barto, Chloe Brandt, Sean Brayton, Brody Burris, Calen Cass, Geno Dinges, Kate Duncan, Jaylynne Finley, Kyra Finley, Grace Gahan, Eden Galvan, Daniel Garcia, Cecilia Giacalone, Raudel Hermosillo Jr., Brennen Hirst, Emma Huffaker, Yejun Jang, Lila Koehler, Ella Lamboley, Chenxuan Lin, Landon Marquez, Lucy Maus, Emma Mavity, Stuart McGunnigal, Stephanie Ni, Niko Pappas-Anniballi, Chase Riva, Olivia Ross, Ranbir Saini, Alaina Schulz, Ishvir Singh, Mackenzie Stanbary, Bryce Stuepfert, Alexandrew Tillman, Alec Tomsha, Judith Torres, Maleigha Trench, Ariana Villava and Kerstin Williams.

Juniors - Margaret Arkins, Alp Arslan, Ava Balestri, Genavyve Barnes, Landon Boggio, Lily Bosnich, Noah Buck, August Burr, Drew Carboni, Caden Carls, Chuanyang Chen, Anna Cyrocki, Emerald De La Torre, Jose De La Torre, Simona Desai, Haoxuan Du, Madeline Fabish, Gino Ferrari, Harrison Fess, Christopher Gedraitis, Ashton Gonzales, Mae Hagenbuch, Brody Hahn, Weston Heersink, Aiden Hermes, Zachary Husser, Isaac Kang, Bokyung Kim, Wanyu Liu, Breanna Martinez, Lili McClain, Ruby Michels, Ella Mudge, Thanh Nguyen, Sophia Ni, Jillian Pinter, Trajan Raffety, Xiangyi Ren, Carson Riva, Chipper Rossi, Sara Ruiz, Alyssa Savitch, Emma Slingsby, Lillian Soliman, Ryan Soliman, Shujie Song, William Sramek, Devin Steil, Miranda Torres, Julian Villava, Peiwen Wu, Xindi Wu, Hongsheng Yang, Ayla Yeske, Yannis Yong, Kian Zeller, Ruihan Zhang and Yijing Zhang.

Seniors - Teer Ao, Haiden Ator, Andrea Brandner, Adriana Buchanan, Qiyu Chen, Ziheng Chen, Garrett Connelly, Jordan Coventry, Trayger Davis, Alondra Delao, Lorelei Denny, Madalyn Dittmar, Ashlyn Ehm, Bailey Engels, Yibo Fan, Grady Gillan, Phillip Gray, Mirella Haskell, Halden Hueneburg, Elizabeth Huffaker, Kathleen Hunter, Tyler Jordan, Yuno Kawai, Maci Kelly, Sadie Koehler, Jaxon Kozak, Lin Le, Violet Lopez, Haohongze Ma, Haiqing Mao, Gavin Marquez, Jack Maschmann, Quinn McClain, Victoria Mendez, Jake Migliorini, Grace Millington, Adeline Mitchell, Mason Moreno, Aidan Mullane, Kaden Nauman, Ryan Nawa, Alivia Payne, Logan Pineda, Mason Ross, Analia Salas, Emma Smudzinski, Zixuan Song, Alan Spencer, Nhi Ton, Mina Trandinh, Arthur van den Berg, Samantha Wagner, Tyler Walsh, Abraham Wiesbrock, Kefei Wu, Solomon Zhang and Jinhao Zhao.