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Gordon Tech News

April 14, 2010

Dear Faculty, Students, Parents,

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we inform our GT Family that our beloved Principal, Mr. Dan Antosz, has passed away. His dedication and commitment has been a very important part in the success and growth of Gordon. Please remember Mr. Antosz for his tireless drive all in the name of the students; he was always concerned for their well being and success in life. He will be greatly missed and always remembered as a leader of our Gordon Tech Family.

Memorial services and funeral arrangement information will be provided when they become available.

The Administration wants to assure you that the daily operations of Gordon Tech are being addressed by the 'Office of the Principal'. The Office of the Principal consists of Mr. Bart Webb, Dean of Students; Mr. Paul Chabura, Director of Athletics and Ms. Avis Wright, Director of Counseling. These individuals are working in partnership with Mr. Bill Fitton, Interim President, and Mr. Jim Lee, Assistant Principal, to ensure that Gordon Tech and our Gordon Tech Family continue to strive to provide an atmosphere of academic excellence for our student body.

Again, we ask that above all you keep Mr. Antosz and his family in your prayers.

Sincerely,
Gordon Tech Leadership Team

Coming soon, the new and
improved GT website!

Parents' Club Meeting Postponed -
The Parents' Club meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 14. has been postponed. It will be rescheduled.

GT Still Taking Incoming Freshmen Applicants -
If you are interested in becoming part of the Class of 2014, Gordon Tech is still accepting applications for the 2010-2011 school year. All application materials are available on the Gordon Tech website--click here for the Applications information page. If you have been denied admission at another Catholic High School, please contact that school and have your test scores faxed immediately to Shay Boyle, Director of Admissions, at 773-539-9158. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Boyle at 773-423-5014 or sboyle@gordontech.org.

Walk to Wrigley -

To see a larger and printable version, click here.

G.T.H.S. Community Newsletter -
To view the Gordon Tech High School Community Newsletter for March-April 2010, click here.

GT Senior Accepted by U.S. Naval Academy -

Congratulations to Senior Jacob Schlenbecker who has received his appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The Naval Academy was recently named one of the top colleges and universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report and Business Week magazines, ahead of such notable schools as West Point, Harvard, Princeton, and the University of Chicago. Last year, fewer than 1% of applicants to the Naval Academy were accepted. Jake is a graduate of St. Viator Elementary School in Chicago. He is a member of Gordon Tech's National Honor Society and is currently Senior Class Vice President and a Co-Captain of the Varsity Boys Volleyball Team. He was one of six GT students to receive an award for being a Kairos Peer Minister from Archdiocese of Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Francis Kane at this year's Vicariate II Youth Leadership Awards Banquet.

Tory Squires Signs Letter of Intent -

Congratulations to senior Tory Squires, who signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football at Ball State University, in Indiana. Tory enjoyed a fantastic career as a four year member of the Gordon Tech football program. Best of luck at the next level, Tory!

Course Registration Information -
Click here for Academic Year 2010-2011 Course Registration information for returning Gordon Tech students (i.e, those who will be sophomores, juniors, and seniors in 2010-2011).

Springtime for Shakespeare and GT -
The Gordon Tech Drama Department presented "Shakespeare Spoofs" to a packed crowd on March 24th and March 26th. The majestic Portage Theater served as the venue for this year's hilarious spring comedy that spoofed two of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Hamlet and Macbeth. The cast & crew consisted of 25 Gordon Tech students who rehearsed for 7 weeks to prepare for the second mainstage play of the year. The show was directed by Ms. Ashley Molyneaux and Mr. Craig Bryant. A special thank you to Ms. Kathe Higgins (costumer) and Mr. Ken Burkhardt (technical director) for all their hard work. We applaud all involved!

Macbeth

Hamlet

Illinois State Scholars -
The following Gordon Tech Seniors (Class of 2010) have been named Illinois State Scholars: Laura Ayento, Marta Baran, Justin Cagadas, Celia Figueroa, Michael Jarmola, Brian Kacheris, Tam Nguyen.

Softball Team off to Good Start -
The GT Girls Softball Team is off to a 3-1 start thanks to the pitching of Senior Kristin Nitka (St. Tecla) and Sophomore Murielle Vansach (McCracken Elementary). Nitka has picked up where she left off last season as the staff ace, posting a 2-0 record with wins over Proviso East and Amundsen. Vansach pitched well in a win over Lincoln Park and had a tough loss to Central Suburban South power Evanston Township. Junior outfielder Jessica Guasso (St. Hilary) has led the hitting attack by driving in clutch runs, along with adding a monster home against Proviso East. Vansach had a home run against Lincoln Park. The Rams square off against IHSA Sectional rival Payton College Prep this week (the week before Easter), along with games against Prosser High School and Main East. GT opens up defense of their Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division title against Josephinum on April 15th.

GT Girls Compete in GCAC Indoor Track Championships -
GT girls competed in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the University of Chicago, on March 20, 2010. Senior Faith Harper took 4th place in the Long Jump with 14'7'. She was also 9th in the 50 meter dash, with a time of 7.99. Sophomore Jennifer Carroll was 9th in the 800 meter run with a time of 2:48. Freshman Maddie Jones finished the 800 meter run with a 3:12. Congratulations to GT Girls Track and Field Head Coach Ms. Abbey Cullen.

Rams Win IHSA Boys Basketball Regional Championship -
The Varsity Boys Basketball Team defeated Amundsen 51 to 36 to win our own hosted 2010 IHSA Class 3A Gordon Tech Regional on Friday, March 5. The boys have now won back-to-back Regional Championships under 2nd year coach Shay Boyle. Stellar performances were turned in by seniors Izzy Rodriguez, Alex Retamozo, Jeremy Ryan, Matt Olivera, and Martell Moore, before a very spirited crowd of students and fans.

Pictures clockwise from upper left: The Regional Championship Game was also "Costume Night" for Gordon Tech students. The scoreboard near the end of the game. Coach Shay Boyle. Senior Danny Britt.

Basketball Players Make Honorable Mention Team -
Congratulations to seniors Danny Britt (St. Hilary) and Martell Moore (Learn Charter) of the GT Boys Basketball team who were both selected to the All-Catholic League Honorable Mention Team this year. Danny led the Rams in rebounding and blocked shots, while Martell led the Rams in scoring. Both were key members of the back-to-back Regional Championship winning teams. Congratulations to both seniors on their outstanding careers.

GT Basketball Girls are Regional Champions!
Congratulations to the Gordon Tech Girls Varsity Basketball Team who defeated Ridgewood 63-26 on Feb. 18, to win their first IHSA Regional Championship in school history.

GT Seniors Receive Vicariate II Awards --
The 11th Annual Vicariate II Youth Leadership Awards Banquet was hosted by Bishop Francis Kane on Sunday, February 22, 2010, at the White Eagle Banquet Center in Niles, IL. The purpose of this event was to recognize and affirm outstanding youth leaders of this vicariate's parishes and high schools. Each of the following seniors received an award for their role as Kairos Peer Ministers: Celia Figueroa, Faith Harper, Michael Jarmola, Alexis Martinez, Josie Robledo, and Jacob Schlenbecker. The following seniors received awards for their roles as Peer Ministers in Student Activities: Marta Baran, Camille Danolko, Alvin Jackson, Peter Panczyszyn, and Lequietta Perkins. Michelle Flores received the Prayer and Worship Award for being an Alter Minister for four years.

"Ram Scramble" Golf Outing -
Gordon Tech proudly presents our Fifth Annual "Ram Scramble" Golf Outing, on Friday, June 18, 2010. This year's outing will take place at a new location, the beautiful Cranes Landing course at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort. $150 per golfer (includes Golf, Cart, Lunch, Reception, and Dinner)/$600 per foursome. Dinner only is $75. All funds raised in this fun-filled event will directly benefit many of the GT organizations, clubs, and teams. The tentative schedule is 11:30am: Registration; 12:30pm: Shotgun Start; 5:00pm: Reception; 5:30pm: Dinner. Limited spots are available, so act now! To register, donate, or for more information, please contact Dan Ryan 773-317-2054 or Paula Ryan 773-368-6256 pryan@gordontech.org.

"Student of the Semester" Awards -
Student of the Semester Awards for the Second Semester (October 2009 to January 2010) Were presented on Wednesday evening, January 27. Since Gordon Tech follows a Block Schedule, the school year is divided into four semester, instead of two. These are the recipients--Art: Austin Crouch and Tom Molloy. Religious Studies: Alexandra Czajhanski and Alyssa Simental. Social Studies: Tania Jarmola and Kyubum Moon Mathematics: Alfonzo Mendoza Jr. and Brandon Rodriguez. Science: Biology Ashley Molizon and George Poulis, Chemistry Anthony Augustin and Seamus McDonagh, Physics Ho Jun Lim and Shirley Paredis.Computer Science: Stacy Heliotis and Maurice Mahan. Career Technology: (Auto Shop 1) Brandon Giles. English: English 1 Saad Jaafery, English 2 Hanna Jung, English 4 Faith Harper. Speech: Dejan Boranovic. Foreign Language: French 2 Dejan Boranovic, French 3 Joseph Varela, French 4 Joshua Del Valle, Spanish 1 Patricia Soto, Spanish 2 Luis Covirrubius. Physical Education: Milan Williams. Health: Jennifer Carroll. Introduction to Athletic Training: Mike Jarmola and Josie Robledo. Leadership Class: Melissa Damato. Yearbook Class: Faith Harper.

The January 27, 2010, Honors Award ceremony included both Student of the Semester and Honor Roll certificate recipients.

National Honor Society adds 25 New Members -
Twenty-five juniors and seniors were added to the Gordon Tech chapter of the National Honor Society at the Induction Ceremony on Wednesday evening, October 21, 2009. They are Lauren Adejumo, Andriy Birkus, Justin Cagadas, Timothy Carroll, Roman Danchuk, Jason Echevarria, Fernando Eloisa, Sophia Fedachtchin, Gabriela Figueroa, Aimee Guiab, Damaris Jimenez, Hanna Jung, Brian Kacheris, Minji Kim, Evan Lines, Kyubum Moon, Zaira Ortiz, Samantha Pucci, Joseph Rook, Michael Rooney, William Snep, Samantha Stawiarski, Sophia Villenas, Huihun Yun, and Azieb Zemed.

Academic Achievement Scholarships for Incoming Freshmen - Gordon Tech awards scholarships for top academically achieving students who will be Incoming Freshmen. These scholarships are known as the Fr. Blaski Scholarships, in honor of the late Fr. Henry Blaski, C.R., who was Principal of Gordon Tech from 1982-1991.

They are distributed thusly:
Highest Scoring Student on the GT Entrance Exam: $2,000
Second Highest Scoring Student: $1,000
Third Highest Scoring Student: $500

Also, the students with the highest scores and top grades from each of the following schools receive $1,000 Fr. Blaski Scholarships.
St. Andrew
St. Hyacinth
St. Ladislaus
St. Stanislaus Kostka
St. Sylvester
St. Viator
Queen of Angles

The Fr. Blaski Scholarships are awarded for the students' freshman year only.

Winter "Snow Coming" Dance -
The Senior Class hosted a winter dance called "Snow Coming" for all Gordon Tech students on Saturday, January 16. Next up will be the St. Valentine's Day Dance, hosted by the Junior class, on Saturday, February 13.

Ram Reading in the House -
GT Alumnus Joe Novotny (Class of 1992) was recently appointed as one of two United States House of Representatives reading clerks. His job is to read bills, resolutions, amendments, motions, and presidential messages aloud before members of the House. The House has two reading clerks, one Democrat and one Republican. Mr. Novotny is the Democrat. While a Gordon Tech student, he spent his junior year in Washington D.C. as a page for Rep. Dan Rostenkowski. After graduating from Gordon, Mr. Novotny returned to Washington, where he graduated from George Washington University in 1997. Later, he worked for nine years for the House Education and Labor Committee, organizing and managing the flow of legislative information.

GT Alumnus Appointed to High CPD Position --
Dave McNaughton, graduate of Gordon Tech High School and DePaul University, has been named the new Jefferson Park (16th) District Commander. He started with the Chicago Police Department in 1991. He was first assigned to the Shakespeare (14th) District, where he worked as a patrol officer and then as a tactical officer. From there McNaughton was detailed to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office to assist in narcotics investigations.He was later promoted to sergeant and was assigned to the Prairie (21st) District. He moved to the 17th District, where he was a tactical sergeant.

McNaughton was promoted to lieutenant in 2005 and was assigned to the Ogden (10th) District, where he ran undercover operations. He went to the Bureau of Patrol, at Police Headquarters, in 2008, and was assigned there for about a year. He was promoted to the rank of captain and headed to the Austin District, which is where he was working until he was tapped for his new job in the 16th District.

GT Alumnus wins "The Next Iron Chef" Competition -
Jose Garces (Class of 1990) was the Season 2 winner of the Food Network's "The Next Iron Chef" program,in a dramatic finale in November. After graduating from Gordon Tech and then Kendall College's Culinary school, Mr. Garces apprenticed in Spain. He then went to New York, where he became well known of excellence in creating "Nuevo Latino" cuisine. Chef Garces moved to Philadelphia in 2000 and now has a number of restaurants there, with plans to open more in 2010. (Note: Information for this article was gleaned from various Internet sources.)

GT '76 Alum Inducted into IBCA Hall of Fame -
Congratulations to former Ram basketball star Carl Maniscalco who will be inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Saturday, April 24, 2010, at a reception to be held at Illinois State University. Carl, a Queen of Angels elementary school graduate, had an outstanding career at Gordon Tech, graduating as one of the all-time leaders in assists and steals. He then moved on to star at Bradley University where he played for legendary coach (and former Gordon Tech coach) Dick Versace.

GT Alum Inducted into DePaul U. Athletic Hall of Fame -
Tom Kleinschmidt, "the kid from Gordon Tech with the golden shooting touch," was inducted into DePaul University's Athletic Hall of Fame on January 30, 2010. Kleinschmidt, a high school McDonald's All-American, played Men's Basketball at DePaul from 1991 to 1995. He ranks in DePaul's top ten in career points, assists, and steals. He led the Blue Demons to a 1992 NCAA Championship appearance and was an honorable mention All-American in 1995.

GT Grad will become 1st Roosevelt U. Basketball Player -
Ray Lichter, a 2009 Gordon Tech graduate, is the first player added to Roosevelt University's 2010-2011 Men's Basketball team. After a 20 year absence from intercollegiate sports, Roosevelt University will again compete in seven sports, starting next season. Ray attended Queen of All Saints elementary school and then came to Gordon Tech. In his senior year at GT, 2008-2009, Lichter was the MVP of the Gordon Tech Men's Varsity Basketball team. He was also named to the All-Catholic League Team. For a March 19, 2010, Chicago Tribune article about Ray Lichter and Roosevelt University, click here.

Caribbean Flavored Fall Musical Wows Crowds -
Audiences flocked to the Portage Theater on Friday evening, November 13, and Sunday afternoon, November 15, to enjoy Gordon Tech students performing our Fall Musical, "Once on this Island." In addition, hundreds of elementary school students attended a special performance during the school day on Friday. "Once on this Island" is a Caribbean adaptation of the popular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Little Mermaid," featuring a poignant story and a catchy score.

Young Women's Leadership Academy -
Gordon Tech is proud to introduce a new club for our young women called the Young Women's Leadership Academy. The YWLA is a great new opportunity for our young ladies to discover and experience effective leadership, relational, and management skills that will enable them for success in school and in life. Through weekly seminars, monthly speakers, quarterly outings, and internship opportunities, our vision is to see GT's young women develop into responsible and confident young adults that are better prepared for college and beyond. Click here to see our brochure and find out more about the YWLA. If you are interested in providing more opportunities for the YWLA, please contact Sara Winkler at swinkler@gordontech.org or at 773-423-5024.

Yea Team! -

Gordon Tech students turn out to support the Football Rams at their first home game of the season, a Friday Night Lights match against Bishop McNamara H.S. on Sept. 4.

We are GT! -
As shown in the banner below, made by Gordon Tech students, Gordon Tech's diverse student body exemplifies the motto on the Great Seal of the United States, E PLURIBUS UNIM, "Out of many, one." We are the USA. We are GT!

3 Point Shooter Goes Downstate -
Congratulations to senior Anthony Carvajal (Agassiz Elementary), a member of the GT Regional Championship Boys Basketball team who has qualified to represent Gordon Tech at the IHSA 3 Point Shooting Championship in Peoria on Thursday, March 18, at Carver Arena. Anthony has advanced through four rounds of rigorous competition. Anthony is the second Ram in two years to advance downstate for the 3 point shooting, following former Ram Alex Vogdanos, who went downstate last year. Keep making baskets, Anthony!

Seniors Lead Rams to Senior Night Victory -

The eight Senior members of the Boys Varsity Basketball Team

Congratulations to the eight Gordon Tech Boys Basketball seniors as they celebrated their Senior Night with a resounding 72-26 victory over Pritzker Academy. The Rams came ready to play and held their opponent to 6 first half points. The Rams were lead by senior Anthony Carvajal (Agassiz) with 13 points, while seniors Danny Britt (St. Hilary), Jeremy Ryan (St. Viator), and Izzy Rodriguez (St. Viator) chipped in with 12 points each. Other seniors honored with their families included Alex Retamozo ( St.Andrew), Dee Tewolde (St. Thomas of Canterbury), Martell Moore (Learn Charter), and Matt Olivera (A. N. Pritzker Elementary). Congratulations to a great group of seniors! A reception was held for coaches, players, and their families in the Cafeteria after the game. Also congratulations to our senior cheerleader, Celia Figueroa (St. Sylvester), on a great four-year career.

Athletic Director Paul Chabura, Principal Dan Antosz, Senior Martell Moore and family, Coach Shay Boyle

Athletic Director Paul Chabura, Principal Dan Antosz, Senior Jeremy Ryan and family, Coach Shay Boyle
To view eight additional "Senior Night" pictures, click here, then wait for the pictures to load (this may take quite a while, depending on your internet connection), then scroll down.

Wrestling Team Qualifies Eleven for Sectionals! -
At the IHSA Regional, hosted by Gordon Tech, on Feb. 5 and 6, the GT Wrestling Team took 2nd place out of ten high schools and qualified 11 wrestlers for the Sectionals. Senior Carlos Caballero at 135 pounds and freshman Jeffery Yacab at 130 pounds came away as regional champs. Edwin Almeida took second at 125 pounds. Matt Gonzalez, Luis Zuniga, James Estrada, Danny Fricano, Danny Kriho, Hyeok-Joo Hwang, Mark Mic, and Steven Mack all placed third and thus qualified to advance to the Sectionals on Feb. 12 and 13, at Fenton High School in Bensenville.