Matters MARIAN - Marian Catholic High School

MURZYN, RODEY AMONG HONOREESADVISORY BOARD PROFILEBarb Murzyn, a University of Chicago OutstandingTeacher honoree, explains a scientific concept toher class.Social Studies teacher Bob Rodey is a finalist in theChicago area for the prestigious Golden Apple Award.Science teacher Barb Murzyn was honored in November by the University of Chicagowith an "Outstanding Teacher Award," through the recommendation of a former Marianstudent. The award honors teachers who have opened new vistas and realms of discovery,challenged students intellectually for the first time, or channeled their private interests intoproductive paths for intellectual growth.A graduate of Illinois State in both Medical Technology and Biology Education with aMasters from Purdue in Instructional Design, Murzyn began teaching at Marian in 1993. In1993, she had her first daughter, Elizabeth, who will join the Class of 2011 next fall and hersecond daughter, Sarah will join the class of 2014.“I’m excited that my oldest daughter will be a student at Marian in the fall and will get toexperience the MCHS environment,” Murzyn said. Murzyn’s labs stay current: recently in herAP Biology class, students genetically engineered E-coli bacteria and made them fluorescentgreen by incorporating jellyfish DNA.“My experience in the hospital laboratories has added to my teaching,” Murzyn explained.“I am able to draw from it when teaching AP Biology or Chemistry. I love to add new labs andexperiences that will get students excited about chemistry.”Social Studies teacher Bob Rodey is one of 32 Chicago-area finalists for the 2007 GoldenApple Awards for Excellence in Teaching for grades 9 through 12. In his 14th year at Marianfollowing a career at Rich East, student favorite Rodey currently teaches AmericanGovernment, American Studies and AP U.S. History.A total of 941 teachers from the Chicago area were nominated for the award and ten GoldApple winners will be announced in mid-March. Winners will be honored at an awardsceremony on May 12 at the Hyatt Recency Chicago, which subsequently will be aired as aone-hour prime-time special on WTTW/Channel 11.Each of the 10 Golden Apple Award winners will receive a tuition-free fall-term sabbaticalat Northwestern University, a personal computer, $3,000 and membership in the Golden AppleAcademy, which has inducted 210 expert teachers in the past 21 years to ensure that allchildren have the excellent teachers they deserve.Social Studies teacher and 14-year men’s golf coach Jim Mendenhall was named EastSuburban Catholic Conference Coach of the Year by his peers. Mendenhall led the Spartans toan 11th place state finish, as well as an 11-1 overall record and second place finishes in theESCC, IHSA Regional and Sectional.7th Graders Invited toSHADOWContact Sr. Dorothy Marieby May 4, 2007708-756-9762CinderellaSPRING MUSICALFriday, March 30 ~ 7:30pmSaturday, March 31 ~ 7:30pmSunday, April 1 ~ 2:00pmMichelle Feldner Lancaster ’77START OF TERM: Fall 2004FAMILY: Husband Hilary; daughters Jessica’06 and Shannon ’06 both attend IllinoisWesleyan University; and son Neil ’10.Parents, Dr. Ronald & Phyllis Feldner ofSchererville sent all 5 of their children toMarian Catholic: Dr. Mark Feldner ’75 ofSchererville and his wife have 2 grownchildren and 2 children planning on attendingMarian; Dr. Barry Feldner ’80 of Kearney,Nebraska and his wife have 6 children; MonaFeldner Bajzek ’81 of Tinley Park and herhusband have 5 children; and Carla FeldnerSchwartz ’84 of Naperville and her husbandhave 2 children.OCCUPATION:Dentist, New Lenox Dental GroupCOMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:Member of the American, Illinois, WillCounty, and Cook County DentalAssociations, past coach of youth soccer andsoftball, assistant for Marian's fencing club,Appalachia the last two years, traveled toPoland for Snowball, Snowball staff memberthis year.HOBBIES:Family, running, tennis, cooking, piano,completed the Chicago Marathon with mydaughters, plan to complete a triathlon withall three of my children this summer!VISION FOR MCHS FUTURE:Marian Catholic's future is EXCITING!Academic accolades validate the outstandingcollege-prep program, activities are abundant,travel opportunities are plentiful, and theChristian atmosphere is safe and energized.The Leadership Center is nearing completionwhich will support the school's dedication tonurturing leadership ability and strengthof character in each and every one of itsstudents. Marian Catholic has accomplishedso much in its young lifetime of almost 50years - there's no limit for what the vibrantcommunity of students, families, faculty, andstaff will accomplish down the road! God hasblessed, and may He continue to blessMarian!4