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Champagnat Day is Here; Goal Set at $375K

MHS Media Staff

May 1, 2025

Photo of Marcellin Champagnat by the main office

Marist is celebrating the eighth annual Champagnat Day May 1 to honor the legacy of founder, Marcellin Champagnat. The ‘Day of Giving’ is set aside with hopes of raising $375,000 from over 2,000 donors to support the Marist fund and continue providing an exceptional Catholic education.

“This money goes towards [students], the overall mission of Marist, and financial aid for students so we can make Marist available to everyone,” said Fr. Tom Hurley.

The Religion Department is hosting its third annual Champagnat Day block party. The teachers intend to make the day special for students by hosting activities in the religion hallway.

“We’re going to be making seed bombs that are going to be donated to the Beverly Garden Walk, many activists you have seen in the past like bingo, face painting, silent coloring coloring room, and a room showing the movie, Wicked,” said Mrs. Kathleen Greenan.

Students after getting their faces painted as part of Champagnat Day celebrations (L-R) Riley Burke, Addison Nolan, Nolan Sullivan, Gillian Madden (Aubrey Rowe)

This year’s theme for the block party is Francoises Garden. The religion hallway will be decorated with floral decor and string lights lining the hallways.

Towards the end of the day there will be an all school rally with various events including a special surprise. Among other celebrations at the rally, Marist will also be honoring the cheer team with their 2025 state championship banner drop.

This past week, Marist High School has been celebrating ‘Champagnat Week’ through various events around the community. Happy hours are being hosted at restaurants and bars across the Chicagoland area to gather alumni and inform them about Marist’s current and future plans.

The annual Champagnat Day mass was held on Wednesday, April 30. Four teachers were awarded with the Champagnant award. This award is given to faculty and staff who have worked at Marist High School for over 10 years and embody the teachings of Marcellin.

This year’s winners were Mr. Dan Higgins, Mr. John Gocnzy, Mrs. Marlene Micetich, and Mr. Thomas Gouterman. They were all presented with this award at the end of the mass by Marist’s President Larry Tucker. Awardees were given a standing ovation and met with their families.

About the Contributors

Aliyah Glass, Journalism and Media 2 Writer

I am a sophomore here at Marist. I love to journal about my life and sing, either at church or in theater. They’ve been a recent hobby of mine. I love all animals. They mean so much to me. My favorite book is “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” A hero I look up to is probably Lana Del Ray. She’s my favorite music artist. She never fails to amaze me with her lyrics and music. One of my favorite movies is “Alice in Wonderland,” but I love all versions of the story. Alice is my favorite fictional character. I once played her in my school play in second grade and would love to play her once again.

Aubrey Rowe, Journalism and Media 2 Writer

I am a junior here at Marist, currently taking Journalism and Media 2. I really enjoyed my first year taking this class, so I decided to take it again! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am a hostess at 115 Bourbon Street. I’m excited for the year ahead of me, and can’t wait to see what’s to come!