Freshmen field trip combines education, Christian mission and Catholic culture

On April 16, Fr. Dominic Garramone, OSB took the entire freshman class on a field trip that combined education, Christian mission and Catholic culture. He and junior religion teacher Eric Davy accompanied the freshmen to visit a soup kitchen, study stained glass at a 19th century church and attend noon Mass and devotions at another church in downtown Peoria.

The students traveled by two busses to Sophia’s Kitchen, a soup kitchen and food pantry run by a group of parishes known as the Heart of Peoria Catholic Community. The center is attached to St. Joseph Church, where the students met with Sophia’s Kitchen director Claire Crone (who just happens to be a Fr. Dom’s high school classmate!). She described the center’s ministry, which includes serving 400 meals a day Monday through Friday and providing food assistance for the weekends. Prior to the trip the freshmen collected eight large boxes of canned good and non-perishable food as their contribution to the ministry.

Macy Strauch said, “Learning about the soup kitchen on this trip gave me chills. Just with how many people they are helping out and how much they have changed their community.”

Fr. Dominic then took the students on a tour of the church, pointing out various features of the beautiful stained glass windows which came from a studio in Germany. Most of the windows depicted the life of Christ, so our young scholars were able to identify many of the images from their studies of the Bible. One of the unique features of the church is a window depicting Jesus as sowing the seed of the gospel. Closer examination reveals that the seeds are actually tiny crosses.

After a boxed Subway lunch, the students boarded the busses to travel to Sacred Heart Church across from the Peoria Civic Center. This parish, founded in 1878, was where Fr. Dominic attended grade school and he learned to serve mass in the church. Sacred Heart was recently renovated, and features exquisite mosaics and frescoes, including many images of saints from North and South America. The students attended noon mass, and stayed afterwards for the weekly special devotion to St. Anthony, which included a blessing with a relic of the saint.

Kerstin Williams appreciated an experience which made their classroom learning more relevant: “The trip was a great way to connect the topics we learned in class to the real world.”

Fr. Dominic said that he got such a good response from the students that he hopes to make the event an annual tradition.

If you would like to help fund next year’s freshman field trip, please contact Fr. Dominic or the Development Office.

St. Bede Academy announces third quarter honor roll

Mr. Nick McLaughlin, principal of St. Bede Academy in Peru, has announced St. Bede’s honor roll for the third quarter of the 2023-24 school year. 

Seniors: Aubree Acuncius, Alex Ankiewicz, Johnna Bogatitus, Bella Boggio, Ali Bosnich, Ella Burris, Summer Conlin, Madelyne Dalton, Rubi De La Torre, Erin Dove, Tessa Dugosh, Ella Englehaupt, Evan Englehaupt, Evan Entrican, Daliayah Farris, Seth Ferrari, Molly Gonzales,  Isabella Hagenbuch, Gavin Hahn, Makenzie Hanson, Katelyn Harth, Macy Hartt, Mariella Hermes, Teagan Hewitt, Kylie Hill, Jeanna Ladzinski, Henry Mertel, Ariella Mudge, Ava Mueller, Kyra Newman, Khue Nguyen, Kristina Penaverde, Zachary Popurella, Logan Potthoff, Anna Rudenko, Hunter Savage, Kaelyn Schwemlein, Sierah Shaver, Casey Shearer, Aubrey Siebert, Ryan Slingsby, Madison Stanbary, Reagan Stoudt, Marly Tillman, Vy Tran, Amanda Wojcik and Katherine Zeller.

Juniors: Teer Ao, Haiden Ator, Andrea Brandner,  Qiyu Chen, Ziheng Chen,  Garrett Connelly, Jordan Coventry, Trayger Davis, Alondra Delao, Lorelei Denny,  Madalyn Dittmar, Bailey Engels, Avery Entrican, Yibo Fan, Grady Gillan, Phillip Gray, Mirella Haskell, Halden Hueneburg, Elizabeth Huffaker, Tyler Jordan, Yuno Kawai, Maci Kelly, Sadie Koehler, Jaxon Kozak, Lin Le, Violet Lopez, Haohongze Ma, Haiqing Mao, Greyson Marincic, Jack Maschmann, Quinn McClain, Victoria Mendez, Jake Migliorini, Grace Millington, Adeline Mitchell, Mason Moreno, Aidan Mullane, Kaden Nauman, Ryan Nawa, Kaden Newman, Huy Nguyen, Alivia Payne,  Mason Ross, 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.

Sophomores: Margaret Arkins, Ava Balestri, Genavyve Barnes, Landon Boggio, Lily Bosnich, Johnnie Brown, 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, Ashton Gonzales, Mae Hagenbuch, Brody Hahn, Weston Heersink, Aiden Hermes, Zachary Husser, Isaac Kang,  Breanna Martinez, Lili McClain, Ella Mudge, Sophia Ni, Jillian Pinter, Xiangyi Ren, Carson Riva, Chipper Rossi, Mark Rudenko, Alyssa Savitch, Emma Slingsby, Lillian Soliman, Ryan Soliman, Shujie Song, Devin Steil, Khoa Tran, Julian Villava,  Peiwen Wu, Xindi Wu, Hongsheng Yang, Yannis Yong, Kian Zeller, Sora Zepeda, Ruihan Zhang and Yijing Zhang.

Freshmen: Faith Ankiewicz, Yesenia Avila, Caleb Barto, Chloe Brandt, Sean Brayton, Brody Burris, Calen Cass, Geno Dinges, Maegan du Preez, Kate Duncan, Kyra Finley, Grace Gahan, Eden Galvan, Cecilia Giacalone, Gavin Gillan, 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, Nancy Shi, Macy Strauch, Bryce Stuepfert, Lex Tillman, Alec Tomsha, Judith Torres, Maleigha Trench, Carter Vasquez, Ariana Villava and Kerstin Williams.  

Drama Department to perform Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'

This year’s annual Spring Musical weekend is just around the corner and the St. Bede Drama Department is proud to present their rendition of Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Musical Director Lisa Griggs said this beloved story is one that appeals to all ages, but especially younger audiences. People of all generations treasure the bubbly music and characters of this story about a rebellious 16-year-old mermaid, Ariel, who is fascinated with life on land.

In this production, we will hear all the songs we’ve come to know from Disney; songs like, “Part of your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Poor Unfortunate Souls.”

The musical production features multiple roles, and many students who are first-time performers of the Spring Musical tried out and made it in this year’s show.

A total of 33 students (13 freshmen, nine sophomores, four juniors and seven seniors.) make up the set roster, plus there are a number of stage crew members, known as Stage Rats, who are responsible for the set décor and props.

Aside from the entire production as a whole, Griggs is most excited about the sea props, tap-dancing numbers and the show’s creativity in suggested scenery.  This year’s Spring Musical is sure to be a splash!

Don’t miss out on your chance to see it! Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, and Saturday, March 23, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 24, in the Abbot Vincent Gymnasium. Tickets are $10. Everyone is invited!

St. Bede Academy earns AP Computer Science A Female Diversity Award

Pictured are students who represent female diversity in computer science at St. Bede Academy. They are: Ella Englehaupt ’24 (from left, standing), Bella Hagenbuch ’24, Kylie Hill ’24 (from left, sitting) and Andrea Brandner’ 25

PERU – For the second consecutive year, St. Bede Academy has earned the College Board AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in the AP Computer Science A course.

St. Bede is one of only seven schools in the state to earn this honor. Schools who receive this recognition have expanded girls’ access in AP computer science courses.

“We’re thrilled to congratulate our female AP computer science students and their teachers on this step toward gender parity in computer science education,” said St. Bede Principal Nick McLaughlin. “We’re honored that our school earned this distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others pursue and achieve success in computer education and careers.”

AP Computer Science A students learn to design and implement computer programs that solve problems relevant to today’s society. AP Computer Science A, which first debuted in 1988, continues to grow and female participation has increased 69% since 2017 to 24,147 women. Overall AP computer science course participation has increased 147% since 2017, broadening STEM career opportunities for more students.

Providing female students with access to computer science courses is critical to ensuring gender parity in the industry’s high-paying jobs and to drive innovation, creativity and representation. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $100,530 in May 2021. However, women represent just 24% of the five million people in computing occupations.

The 1,127 schools across the nation that receive this year’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award serve as inspirations and models for all U.S. high schools.

St. Bede Academy announces Class of 2024 Top 10 students

The Top 10 students in the Class of 2024 are Johnna Bogatitus (from left), Ali Bosnich, Kylie Hill, Ella Englehaupt, Georgina Guo, Zachary Popurella, Mariella Hermes, Evan Englehaupt, Bella Hagenbuch and Logan Potthoff.

PERU - St. Bede Academy is proud to announce names of the Top 10 of the Class of 2024. 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 Johnna Bogatitus, Ali Bosnich, Ella Englehaupt, Evan Englehaupt, Georgina Guo, Isabella Hagenbuch, Mariella Hermes, Kylie Hill, Zachary Popurella and Logan Potthoff. 

 Johnna Bogatitus is the daughter of John and Crystal Bogatitus. She is a member of Holy Family Church in Oglesby. Bogatitus plans to attend either Bradley University or Marquette University with a major in accounting or business. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in volleyball, ambassadors, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE), prom committee and served as a Eucharistic Minister.  Outside of St. Bede Academy, Bogatitus enjoys club volleyball and she works at Uptown Grill and Tastee Freez. She has received awards for history and citizenship.

 Ali Bosnich is the daughter of Mark and Cinnamon Bosnich. She is a member of LaSalle Catholic Parishes - St. Patrick Catholic Church and attended Trinity Catholic Academy. Bosnich will attend either University of Wisconsin-Madison or Butler University. Her major is undecided. While at St. Bede Academy, she has been involved in basketball, volleyball, Lectio Divina, student council, ambassadors, spring musical, peer tutoring, prom committee, pep club and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Bosnich is involved in tutoring, little league umpiring, babysitting and working for small businesses - SAS and Scout Outdoor Apparel.  She has received numerous awards for volleyball and basketball, including being named Athlete of the Month and the Heisman Student Athlete Award. Bosnich has also received awards for English, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership and is an Illinois State Scholar.  

 Ella Englehaupt is the daughter of Doug Englehaupt and Heather McCutcheon. She is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and attended Ladd Grade School. Englehaupt plans to study computer science in college. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in fall theater, musicals, production crew, stage rats, glee club, ambassadors, podcast club, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE), tennis, basketball and sang the National Anthem at sporting events. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Englehaupt works at AMC Theaters. She has received awards for mathematics, foreign language, chemistry, English and computer science. Englehaupt has had poetry published by the American Poetry Foundation. She has also received the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program award. Englehaupt is an AP Scholar and an Illinois State Scholar.  

 Evan Englehaupt is the son of Doug Englehaupt and Heather McCutcheon. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and attended Ladd Grade School. Englehaupt plans to study flight operations in college. While at St. Bede Academy, he has participated in wrestling. Englehaupt received the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program award and is an AP Scholar. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Englehaupt works and enjoys flying.  

 Georgina Guo is the daughter of Qigin Guo and Ming Qin Liu. She attended Parkside Middle School and is planning to study pre-med at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While at St. Bede Academy, Guo was involved in tennis, stage rats, musicals, fall theater, scholastic club, heritage club, ambassadors and Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE). Outside of St. Bede Academy, she participates in tennis, soccer and Teen Advisory Group at the Peru Public Library.      

 Isabella Hagenbuch is the daughter of Johnathan and Kati Hagenbuch.  She is a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church and attended Holy Cross School in Mendota.  Hagenbuch is planning to attend Marquette University and study exercise physiology. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in golf, volleyball, scholastic bowl, stage rats, ambassadors, World Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE), podcast club, Lectio Divina, tea club, last supper club and served as a Eucharist Minister. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Hagenbuch is involved in competitive curling, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) and One Bread, One Cup. Hagenbuch has received academic awards for Spanish, chemistry, English, citizenship, Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership, College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, Daughters of American Revolution and she is an AP Scholar and Illinois State Scholar.  

 Mariella Hermes is the daughter of James and Angela Hermes. She is a member of LaSalle Catholic Parish - St. Patrick Church and attended Trinity Catholic Academy. Hermes plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan and study Kinesiology. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in basketball, softball, volleyball, Lectio Divina, student government, prom committee, ambassadors, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Hermes participates in softball. She was a member of the 2023 Class 1A Softball State Championship Team and has received several awards including News Tribune and Bureau County Republican’s co-player of the year. Hermes also received many awards for volleyball and basketball.  She was recognized as the 2023 Bureau County Republican Female Athlete of the Year.  

 Kylie Hill is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Hill. She is a member of LaSalle Catholic Parish and attended Trinity Catholic Academy. Hill plans on attending Illinois Valley Community College to study computer science. While at St. Bede Academy, she was involved in bowling, heritage club, tea club, yearbook club, prom committee, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (WYSE) and interact club. While at St. Bede, Hill has been an honor roll student.  Outside of St. Bede Academy, Hill is involved in league bowling and she is a part-time volunteer at VITAS Healthcare. 

 Zachary Popurella is the son of Brad and Kristina Popurella. He attended Putnam County Grade School and plans to attend Purdue University to study aerospace engineering. While at St. Bede Academy, Popurella has been involved in golf, baseball, peer tutoring, heritage club and ambassadors. Outside of St. Bede Academy, Popurella works and is a blood donor. He received the AP Computer Science Principles Award, was the Elks Student of the Month, received the Heisman Student Athlete Award and is an Illinois State Scholar.   

 Logan Potthoff is the son of Jack and Lucy Potthoff. He is a member of Nativity of Our Lord Church and attended Dalzell Grade School. Potthoff plans to enter into a trades program at Illinois Valley Community College. While at St. Bede Academy, Potthoff was involved in basketball, golf, student government, ambassadors, Lectio Divina, bass fishing and football. 

Outside of St. Bede Academy, Potthoff works at Spring Creek Golf Course and volunteers at Thomas Moore Church. He received awards for geometry, academic excellence, AP chemistry, citizenship, Hugh O’Brian Youth (HOBY) Leadership, Sons of American Revolution, College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program and is an Illinois State Scholar.