Connection Magazine - Summer 2021

summer 2021
Connection
innovation:
Powered by
student ideas

FeatureS
7Homecoming 2021: October 7-10
All roads lead to Wheaton Academy!
Review the Homecoming details
and the weekend schedule.
8Innovation: Powered by
BY Student Ideas
Ideas, hard work, and commitment
result in innovation and growth.
Wheaton Academy students were
given opportunities this year to convert
their ideas into reality.
14
high school musical
We’re all in this together!
Disney’s musical about the drama
of the high school experience took on
new meaning in the era of COVID.
Contents
2 WA News
6 Alumni News
16 Development:
Legacy Impact
17 AlumNotes
Cover
Students in the Business &
Innovation Club met weekly to plan
for the grand opening of The Shack.
Pictured here with WA teacher
David Rivera are Olivia Smith ’22, Josh
Strzalka ’23, and Seth Pierson ’23.
© 2021 Wheaton Academy. All rights reserved.

Every day at Wheaton Academy,
I have the opportunity to watch
students learn. When students
learn, their eyes shine. They lean forward,
fully engaged, energized. Curiosity,
inspiration, and understanding transform
their expressions. Change and growth seem
to be happening right in front of me. This
aspect of my job is one of which I never
tire. Some students move from this everyday
experience of learning to one that is even
deeper, more profound. They develop or
strengthen their love of learning. These
students dive headfirst into the pursuit of
knowledge, skills, and understanding. They
read, ask questions, write, think. Curiosity
takes hold, and when given the freedom
and resources to do so, they often go well
beyond what is asked of them. Last month,
student commencement speaker Wilbur
Delgado Reyes shared that he learned
English in just six months so he could
transfer from his school in the Dominican
Republic to attend Wheaton Academy! In
this edition of Connection, you will see that
WA students have recently launched a
server project, a student-published research
journal as well as an arts journal, and a
student-run business.
“We have been created to be
creative. In a year where
barriers to education were
abundant, I have been proud
of the way Wheaton Academy
teachers and students have
seen and seized possibilities.”
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Igniting a Love of Learning
Such vision and creativity provide a clear
reminder that we are all made in the image
of the Creator. We have been created to be
creative. In a year where barriers to education
were abundant, I have been proud of the way
Wheaton Academy teachers and students
have seen and seized possibilities. When
student ideas power schools like WA, they
are exhilarating places.
As we prepare for the year ahead, I want
to thank all of you who have blessed our
school community with your prayers,
encouragement, and resources over the
last year. You have been a blessing to the
ministry at Wheaton Academy. God’s
goodness and your efforts allowed us to
have 176 days of school on campus and
in person. Thank you! We look forward to
seeing many more of you on campus again
in the year ahead.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Steve Bult
Head of School
Summer 2021
Volume 17, Issue 2
Joy Crowe
Director of
Development
Dawn Earl
Director of
Alumni Relations
Barb Frost
Administrative
Assistant
Trish Main
English Teacher &
Department Head
Cathy Musto
Development
Database Assistant
Chelsea Schillinger
Development
Assistant
Melodee Dill
Stephens
Graphic Designer
Angela Webster
Marketing
Coordinator
Steve Bult
Head of School
Steve Karlson
COO/CFO
Kori Hockett
Principal
Wheaton Academy
900 Prince
Crossing Road
West Chicago, IL
60185
phone
630.562.7500
wheatonacademy.org
1

WA News
Girls Soccer Wraps Up
Remarkable Season
After winning their first four
postseason games by a total of
22-0, as well as being awarded
titles at both Sectionals and
Super-Sectionals, the Wheaton
Academy Girls Soccer Team
went on to defeat Quincy Notre
Dame 6-1, earning the team
third place during the IHSA
Class 1A State Tournament.
This was the seventh state tournament
appearance for the Academy girls soccer
team since 2004, the year the Academy
won their first state title in girls soccer.
Academy coach Maria (Della Torre ’06)
Selvaggio was a member of that state
championship team. She has high praise
for her players this year.
“I am so proud of this group
and their accomplishments
this season. Their desire
to play for Christ and each
other was evident in how
they competed and worked
day after day. They were
committed to their goal of
getting to the State Finals.”
maria (della torre ’06) selvaggio, coach
Kelly Bickhart ’21, Kelsey Bowling ’21,
Emily Setran ’22, Olivia Crane ’21,
and Sara Swoboda ’22 were selected to
the All-MSC Blue Division team while
senior Amy Alexander was named MVP
of the Blue Division game.
The girls finished their regular season
with a 19-5 record. Way to go, Warriors!!
WA Boys Tennis Goes to State
Congratulations to the 2021 Warrior Boys Varsity Tennis
Team on their outstanding success this spring!
The Warriors won 12 matches this season on their way to winning their
fourth consecutive MSC conference championship. Both singles teams and
two doubles pairs won in their respective divisions.
In the postseason, the team defended as sectional champions, followed by a
strong showing in the state finals with every participating player, single and
doubles, contributing points and/or wins for a fourth-place team finish!
Jacob Williams ’21 posted an 18-1 regular season while Aidan Hilson ’22
finished 11-1. Both earned all-state honors, tying for seventh place in the IHSA
1A State Tournament.
2

WA News
Boys Lacrosse Celebrates
Record-Breaking Season
Warrior
lacrosse
2021
12-3
season
record
189
number of
goals WA
outscored
over
oponents
The Wheaton Academy Boys Varsity
Lacrosse Team recently wrapped up
its record-breaking regular season with
a 12-3 finish.
The team went on to earn IHSA Sectional and
Super-Sectional Titles as well as to compete in their
first-ever IHSA State Tournament, earning fourth
place following a tightly contested game against York
Community High School/Elmhurst.
The Warriors ended their most successful season in
school history, outscoring their opponents by 189 goals
over the 21 games played. Congratulations, Warriors,
on your tremendous season!
21
games
played
4th
in state
Ethan Brunner (#20) and Mitch Carik (#4),
Wheaton Academy JV Lacrosse players,
celebrate scoring a goal in a game against
South Elgin High School.
3

WA News
National Merit Finalists
All six of WA’s National
Merit Semi-Finalists were
selected as Finalists.
Congratulations to Miriam Buursma,
Robert Dieter, Ellen Shales, Valerie
Terdina, Joseph Wang, and Jacob
Williams. Over 1.5 million juniors
entered the competition last year by
taking the PSAT exam. Approximately
fifteen thousand of these students—
less than one percent of U.S. high
school seniors—were selected as
finalists in the 66th annual National
Merit Scholarship program.
miriam buursma ’21
robert dieter ’21
Congratulations
to these Wheaton
Academy seniors on
their prestigious AWARD!
valerie terdina ’21 joseph wang ’21
Honoring Ken Ellis for 40 Years
As he reflects on his 40 years of teaching at the Academy, Ken
Ellis feels overwhelmingly blessed. He arrived at WA in 1979,
following what he believed was God’s call on his life. In his
first year of teaching, Ken was greatly influenced by Chuck
Strobeck, then chairman of the WCHS Board of Trustees and
later Ken’s father-in-law. Chuck taught Ken to be a life changer
for Christ, a lesson Ken has never forgotten or abandoned. As
a biology teacher, Ken sees meaning and purpose in the world
of living things. In the order of the universe, he sees a designer.
In his own life, Ken Ellis has tried to use the Word of God as
a lamp to guide his next step. Congratulations, Ken, on your
service to the students and families of Wheaton Academy for
four decades! You are loved!
The Ellis family: Cindy ’05, Beth (Strobeck ’75) & Ken, and Karl ’08
4

WA News
hiller
memorial
teaching
award
The recipient
is selected by
the faculty and
students based
on the following
qualities:
ellen shales ’21
The consistent
exhibition of
Christian
graces,
integrity, and
service.
jacob williams ’21
Knowledge and
competence in
their field.
Dedication to
the profession
of teaching and
the ability to
inspire students
toward higher
academic
achievement
and the display
of Christian
virtues.
Sensitivity and
concern toward
students as
people in a
changing world
and society.
The willingness
to offer time
and talents to
this school
outside the
classroom
responsibilities.
2021 Hiller Award Presented
to Eric Bowling
In 1976, the family and friends of Will
Hiller, former Wheaton Academy board
member, established the Wilbur A. Hiller
Memorial Teaching Award to carry on
his dream to stimulate and encourage
teaching excellence.
The Hiller family has faithfully carried on the tradition
of this award since its inception. Betsy Hiller ’71,
daughter of the late Will and Ruth Ann Hiller,
presented the award to the 2021 recipient Eric Bowling
who teaches AP psychology and intro to psychology
and sociology. Eric is also the director of student
leadership and service, overseeing student leadership
development and service partnerships as well as
Project LEAD. Eric and his wife Kristine are the
parents of Kordell ’16 (wife Anna Aloisio ’16), Kole
’18, and Kelsey ’21.
5

ALUMNI News
Mark your calendar for October 7-10, 2021
and plan to attend Wheaton Academy’s
HOMECOMING 2021
Homecoming 2021 is a joint celebration year for
the 2020 and 2021 reunion classes.
2020 REUNION CLASSES 2021 REUNION CLASSES
1950 1985 1951 1986
1955 1990 1956 1991
1960 1995 25TH 1961 1996
1965 2000 1966 2001
1970 50TH 2005 1971 50TH 2006
1975 2010 1976 2011
1980 2015 1981 2016
Visit WA.360alumni.com to activate or update your profile,
to register for Homecoming and reunion events, to find
classmates, and to access hotel information. Follow the
Wheaton Academy Alumni Facebook page for Homecoming
and reunion updates! Make sure that WA has your current
mailing address and email so that you don’t miss
Homecoming and reunion communication.
If you are willing to serve on your class reunion committee,
please contact Dawn Earl, Director of Alumni Relations,
at dearl@wheatonacademy.org or 630.562.7510.
25TH
CELEBRATION OF SERVICE
FOR DR. GENE FROST ’71
Please join us on Saturday, October 9,
2021, as we recognize Dr. Gene Frost’s
faithful service to Wheaton Academy
which spans five decades.
We will honor Dr. Frost for his
service as he continues in a parttime
role with the Wheaton
Academy Foundation and the
Wheaton Academy Institute.
A special celebration of service
program will be held at 2 p.m. on
October 9, followed by a reception,
as part of the Homecoming
weekend. A scrapbook will be
created for Dr. Frost as a keepsake
for him. If you would like to submit
a favorite memory or your well wishes, please mail
your cards or notes to Wheaton Academy, c/o Wendy
Hardy, 900 Prince Crossing Rd., West Chicago, IL
60185. Or, if you prefer, you can email your message to
celebrationofservice@wheatonacademy.org. Because we are
creating a scrapbook, we request your letters be written
on single sheets of paper, not back-to-back.
Visit WA.360alumni.com/events for all the details
Heritage Breakfast
The Heritage Breakfast, added in
2016 to the Homecoming weekend,
is designed to honor those whose
leadership and contributions have
impacted the past, present, and
future of Wheaton Academy. Among
the groups recognized are past and
present Board and administrative
leadership, Legacy Circle members,
past and present Alumni of the Year,
Legacy Teaching Award recipients,
and reunion classes.
register for this complimentary
event at WA.360alumni.com/events
Memorial Bricks Dedication
With the creation of the Emmy Gaffey ’10 Memorial
Garden in 2015, there is now a place on campus where
precious members of the WA community can be
remembered. We will be dedicating memorial bricks to the
following beloved WA alumni and friends at Homecoming
2021: Sue (Finke ’66) Dahlin, David Engeseth, Bonnie
Fuchs, Carl Hass, Jay and Betty Huitsing, Robert and
Genevieve Mojonnier, Ed Staiger ’60, Dave Sullivan ’61,
Harry Teiwes ’52, and Hope (Hult ’90) Williams.
If you and/or your family or class would like to have a
memorial brick dedicated for a member of the WA community who has passed
away, please contact Dawn Earl, Director of Alumni Relations. The deadline for
Homecoming 2022 Memorial Bricks donations is June 15, 2022.
Learn more at Wheatonacademy.org/support-wa/memorial-garden
6

ALL ROADS Lead to
wheaton Academy
homecoming 2021
alumni events
Thursday, October 7
7:30 p.m. Varsity Football Game
Come for the Homecoming kick-off!
7:30 p.m. Alumni Tent Opens
Class of 2021 grads who ordered and paid
for a yearbook – pick up yearbooks here!
Alumni Registration Begins
(Alumni Tent)
Friday, October 8
5 p.m. Catered Alumni Dinner Sign-in Begins
(Atrium)
5:30 p.m. Catered Alumni Dinner (Atrium)
$22 per person charge
6 p.m. JV Soccer Game
7 p.m. Alumni Tent Opens
Class of 2021 grads who ordered and paid
for a yearbook – pick up yearbooks here!
Alumni Registration (Alumni Tent)
Alumni Family Picnic (Parking Lot
adjacent to WA Performance Trust Field)
Alumni are invited to bring their families!
Food available for purchase at the
Concession Stand.
7 p.m. Homecoming Program for All Alumni
and Current Families (FAC)
Recognition of 2020 Alumna of the Year,
Jennifer (Marshall ’90) Patterson, and 2021
Alumni of the Year, Chip ’81 and Carey
(Stockman ’81) Pollard; 2020 Distinguished
Young Alumnus, Nate Nupanga ’10,
and 2021 Distinguished Young Alumni,
Stephen ’11 and Jennifer (Schmitz ’12)
Fernandes; and the Richard Holt Science
Award recipient, Dr. Ernest Warner ’47.
8 p.m. Rally Around the Reunion Flags
Find your class flag!
Meet up with your classmates at your flag.
8 p.m. Varsity Soccer Game
8 p.m. Alumni Dessert Reception
(Atrium & Commons) – Complimentary
9:30 p.m. Fireworks (after the game)
Saturday, October 9
9 a.m. Heritage Breakfast (Atrium) –
Complimentary
Heritage Breakfast Jennifer (Marshall
‘90) Patterson will be the featured speaker.
Join us to celebrate God’s faithfulness to
the Academy over the years.
All alumni and former faculty/staff
are invited to this special breakfast.
Registration requested at
WA.360alumni.com.
10:30 a.m. Memorial Brick Dedication in the
Emmy Gaffey ’10 Memorial Garden
followed by Campus Tour with Dr. Frost
The following beloved members of the
WA community will be remembered
with a memorial brick: Sue (Finke ’66)
Dahlin, David Engeseth, Bonnie Fuchs,
Carl Hass, Jay and Betty Huitsing,
Robert and Genevieve Mojonnier, Ed
Staiger ’60, Dave Sullivan ’61, Harry
Teiwes ’52, and Hope (Hult ’90) Williams.
2 p.m. Celebration of Service for
Dr. Gene Frost ’71 in the Fine Arts
Center followed by a reception.
PM
Individual Class Reunions
For class reunion information,
including registration, please visit
WA.360alumni.com.
Sunday, October 10
9 a.m. Alumni Choir Practice (Alumni Chapel)
The Alumni Choir is open to all alumni.
Sing on Sunday! The Alumni Choir is
open to all alumni. Meet on Sunday
morning for a brief practice before the
Homecoming Worship.
9:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
(Alumni Chapel) – Complimentary
10 a.m. Homecoming Worship Service
(Alumni Chapel) – Message by
Nate Nupanga ’10 and music by the
Alumni Choir
register for homecoming & REUNION events at WA.360alumni.com
2020 ALUMNA
OF THE YEAR
Jennifer (Marshall
’90) Patterson
2020 DISTINGUISHED
YOUNG ALUMNUS
Nate Nupanga ’10
2021 ALUMNI
OF THE YEAR
Chip ’81 and
Carey (Stockman
’81) Pollard
2021 DISTINGUISHED
YOUNG ALUMNI
Stephen ’11 and
Jennifer (Schmitz
’12) Fernandes
RICHARD HOLT
SCIENCE AWARD
RECIPIENT
Dr. Ernest
Warner ’47
7

INNOVATION:
Powered
by student
ideas
Innovation is a
buzzword that is
used frequently.
But what is innovation?
And how could teenagers
possibly be innovators?
by Trish Main
8

According to Dr. Ken Hudson, an expert on the subject,
innovation is defined as “the creation, development,
and implementation of a new product, process, or
service, with the aim of improving efficiency, effectiveness,
or competitive advantage.”
As the Academy looks to develop its Business &
Innovation Program, the possibilities for students are
exciting and challenging.
Luke Regan’s AP Seminar class had been hard at work, digging into reliable scholarly
sources to understand the complexities of their chosen topics. As they began to craft
and refine their own written work, the students noted that the natural progression
for the intense investment necessitated by this project would be submission for
publication. That simple observation prompted the creation of a vehicle for
publication of student research: Ratio.
In the fall of 2019, Mr. Regan and Academy student Ellen Shales ’21 compiled
articles, mainly from his classes, for publication early in the spring of 2020. Then,
volume two was published in the spring of 2021, with the work of compiling,
editing, scheduling, and marketing assumed by Shales with assistance from Val
Terdina ’21. The opening page of the second volume expresses the essential concept
of this publication: “The vision for this journal begins with its name. The word ratio
is Latin for reason, and this publication is dedicated to all rational and constructive
arguments about the world. We welcome student work from all grade levels,
recognizing that, despite formatting and style variations, each and every student has
something important to say about truth and beauty.”
Ratio is the Academy’s studentgenerated
academic journal. The
word “ratio” is Latin for “reason,”
and this publication is dedicated
to all rational and constructive
arguments about the world.
99

eflections olivia larson ’23
Amongst the Lions Caleb Mariotti ’23
The publication of Ratio represents
the wave of student-initiated ideas and
action that is being fostered at Wheaton
Academy. Converting ideas into action
is powered by the commitment and
hard work of students who are being
encouraged to pursue innovation.
In a conversation with Dean of Chapel
and Spiritual Formation Brian Hogan, he
noted that student-initiated innovation
is a significant outcome of a mature
culture. As students recognize needs,
consider ways to meet these needs, and
then take action to turn ideas into reality,
the essence of serving is experienced. Just
as Ratio provides a platform for “rational
and constructive arguments,”
the Arts Journal, compiled and edited
by sophomores Bella Agnello and Kate
Johnston, affords an opportunity for
artists to share their creations—from
10

“At Wheaton Academy, we want students
to take ownership of their learning, TO
develop curiosity, and TO apply their
faith as they innovate and create. Our
teachers listen to their ideas, come
alongside to coach them, and find
ways to say yes to the ways they want
to learn. In this dynamic learning
environment, students engage with
‘real world problems’ and apply what
they are learning while they are still
in high school.”
kori HOCKETT, principal
photographs to ceramics to poetry. These
publications challenge students to explore
various modes of creativity and to find the
voice with which God has equipped them.
Phil Strzalka, WA’s Business and Innovation
Director, encourages students with an
interest in business to discover their gifts.
In the Winterim 2020 Business
Innovation Lab class, students were taught
entrepreneurial principles and then tasked
with creating and presenting a business plan
to school administrators and five potential
investors. They pitched a proposal for “The
Shack,” a food truck that would provide
healthy lunch and snack options for students
who often leave campus to purchase food.
Along with financial packets that included
graphs, spreadsheets, and profit and loss
statements, the team shared ways this
innovation would serve both the WA
community and beyond. They enumerated
possibilities of collaboration on events
with other WA organizations and even
participation in local festivals.
The Business & Innovation Program is an optional path students
may take to better equip themselves to take the lead in
today’s competitive marketplace by developing core business
knowledge and skills with a Christian mindset.
11

“Experiential
learning provides
an opportunity for
continuous learning
and improvement.”
kris mccrea scrutchfield,
learning coach
And now, in 2021, The Shack is a
reality. Gnarly Knots, a local restaurant,
had a food truck for sale, and after
passing inspection, it was purchased as
an investment by Wheaton Academy.
The financial plan for The Shack
includes repayment of that investment
as well as the stipulation of 10% of
profits designated to charity. This
stipulation provides additional incentive
for success: the greater the success, the
more people they can help.
This student-run business is a venture of
the Business and Innovation Club, and
they manage the operations, finance,
and marketing aspects of the business.
They are currently taste-testing recipes
for items to be included on their healthy
menu—paninis, meal bowls (name yet
to be determined), smoothies—and
exploring the most efficient means of
ordering by using a mobile app.
Of course, since Wheaton Academy
is a school, a question might arise:
Are students learning? According to
learning coach Kris McCrea Scrutchfield,
“Experiential learning provides an
opportunity for continuous learning and
improvement. Learning by doing provides
the learner with instant feedback and the
ability to reflect on what to keep doing,
what to tweak and repeat, or what to
change altogether.” Students are learning,
and some students have even embarked
on a challenging project just because it
was a learning opportunity.
Peter Sorenson ’21 recognized that
students could have a more expansive
and interesting experience with Minecraft
if the WA Gaming Club had dedicated
servers just for them. The interactions
the students had with one another
would be more complex and engaging.
Also, during times when they could not
congregate, they could potentially play
together from a distance.
Peter saw these possibilities as an
opportunity—for understanding the way
the puzzle pieces fit together by working
with the pieces—for experimenting and
modifying the pieces—for learning by
actually doing.
But first they needed the equipment
which included servers, a rack, and a safe,
reliable supply of electricity. Donations
from a plethora of sources and support
from Bob Vishanoff, Luke Regan,
and Zach Stolter (WA faculty and IT
staff) enabled the construction of the
equipment. Then, the real work began—
determining the layers and patterns to
use in creating the server capabilities; here
also the learning happened as trial-anderror
exposed understanding and the
lack of it. Eventually, ten Minecraft
servers were in operation.
12

The Server Project
was the brainchild
of the following
WA seniors who
graduated in
June (from left):
Josh Brunner,
Michael Heredia,
Peter Sorenson, and
Robert Dieter.
Wheaton Academy students
are learning; they are
innovating; they are serving
... serving with their Godgiven
interests, ideas, and
skills, all to His glory.
The team of students—all WA seniors—
working on what became known as the
Server Project included Peter Sorenson,
Robert Dieter, Joshua Brunner, and
Michael Heredia. Each of these young
men brought unique interests and skills
to the project. The project also took an
unexpected turn as the students explored
avenues of opportunity. The servers were
used to alpha test a server management
panel for an open-source software project
called Crafty Controller and then became
a part of Folding@Home, a project that
uses crowdsourcing to test the response of
proteins to potential drugs.
Peter explained that this type of research
examines the multitudinous ways
that proteins can respond—ways of
folding—and the simulations require
complicated work from the computer.
Consequently, results are received
slowly. To speed up the process,
researchers break the problem into small
packages and send the separate packages
to available sources for computation. By
making the Server Project computation
power available to the scientific
community, the WA team was serving
the advancement of medical science.
That research has recently included the
fight against COVID.
The examples of student innovation
profiled here are hopefully just the
beginning. These opportunities have
ignited a love of learning and a thirst for
more knowledge. These young people
are developing their minds in a safe and
biblically-grounded environment.
Wheaton Academy students are
learning; they are innovating; they are
serving the WA community; and they
are serving communities beyond the
borders of the school—serving with
their God-given interests, ideas, and
skills, all to His glory.
13

disney’s high
school musical by
Trish Main
Wheaton Academy’s 2021 Spring Musical was
a dynamic demonstration of innovation, and
the cumulative efforts of the cast, crews, and
directors produced a final product that showcased
the skills and creativity of them all.
Instead of feeling trapped by the status quo, everyone imagined new ways to
allow performers and audiences to enjoy this cherished tradition.
With plans at the mercy of COVID infections and safeguards, the
administrative team decided to postpone WA’s spring musical until May to
allow an outside performance that would accommodate a crowd as well as
protect the performers. Consequently, performances of High School Musical
were scheduled for outside in front of the Fine Arts Center on May 27-29.
The logistics and practicalities of producing a musical outside and
during a pandemic introduced entirely new challenges and necessitated
experimentation with various options: wireless or wired microphones;
14

entrances and exits with no backstage;
scene changes without the benefit of
lighting; dancing on concrete; singing
while socially distanced; practices via
Zoom with students in quarantine;
distractions during practices due to
being outside—wind, cold, leaf blowers,
track practice, sports competitions,
mulch spreaders. However, by
performance time, these obstacles had
all been addressed— although not
eliminated, since one performance had
to be cancelled due to the wet, cold,
windy weather—but otherwise, the
audience saw no indication that any
complications had ever existed.
Instead, the audiences filled folding
chairs set up in the parking lot and
road in front of the Fine Arts Center
after being greeted by student servers
who offered bags of kettle corn, warm
churros, bottles of water, and candies.
During Director Corbett Burick’s
welcome, actors took their places on the
stage and, along with the seven-piece
band, they burst into action with a
“WAcat” cheer as she exited.
While much was new about
these performances,
the musical itself was a
comfortable experience for
these students since the
High School Musical movie
premiered in 2006. The cast
members enjoyed nostalgic
conversations about this
series of movies that
populated their childhood.
This particular musical posed unique
challenges for the actors. Making
characters interesting, believable, and
entertaining when the characters and
their experiences are similar to the
lives of the actors is actually more
difficult than stepping into a role that
is completely alien to their experience.
However, the layers of characterization
exhibited by the leading roles enabled
the audience to genuinely care about
these conflicted teens.
A hurdle confronting the male singers
was the vocal ranges that are typical
in Disney musicals, which were quite
high for their voices. Nevertheless,
by consistently applying principles of
good technique as they practiced, they
were able to grow musically through
the process as well as to sound great
throughout the performances.
Then, just a little over a week before
the first performance, the cast and
their directors faced another difficult
task. Several members of the cast were
diagnosed with COVID, so other cast
members needed to step into their
roles. These cast changes required
adjustments in blocking, choreography,
and even vocal responsibilities. The
directors re-imagined and rearranged,
the cast members learned new parts,
and everyone practiced intensely to
create a seamless performance. Sadness
over the loss of these actors who had
worked hard in preparation for the
performances was felt by everyone, but
since their quarantine allowed them to
return by showtime, they enthusiastically
supported their fellow actors from the
audience.
As the cast sang “We’re All in This
Together” after they recognized their
essential connectedness, audience
members had only to look around
to see the reality of that statement.
While dependence on each other is
evident in a variety of team activities,
the contributions of time and talent
by so many were vividly displayed over
this weekend of musical performances.
Ranging from churros provided by The
Shack—to pom poms and clackers
distributed by Jim Holtrop—to both the
pit and the sound crew operating under
tented protection—to seating strategically
placed for safety and visibility, all the
pieces came together to treat faithful
audiences to an outstanding Wheaton
Academy Spring Musical!
15

DEVELOPMENT
Todd Beamer Golf Outing ’21
Named in honor of
former WA student and
9/11 hero, Todd Beamer
’87, Wheaton Academy’s
Todd Beamer Benefit Golf
Outing (TBGO) returns to Stonebridge
Country Club in Aurora on Monday,
September 13. Join us for a full day
of golf followed by a dinner program
honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11,
including a special tribute to Beamer.
An annual golfing tradition spanning
nearly 30 years, this event raises over
$200,000 each year in support of
need-based scholarships for our
Wheaton Academy students. Dinneronly
tickets are also available.
Visit wheatonacademy.org/give/tbgo/
for more information.
We will not
hide them
from their
descendants;
we will tell
the next
generation the
praiseworthy
deeds of the
LORD, His
power, and the
wonders He
has done.
Psalm 78:4 NIV
Wheaton Academy’s Legacy Circle
Continues to Grow
Founded in 2007 in honor of Dr. Eunice Ruth Wilson
(1930-2007), Wheaton Academy’s Legacy Circle was
established to ensure that Wheaton Academy remains
financially strong for future generations.
Dr. Wilson, a 1948 graduate of the Academy, left the
school its largest estate gift to date and was a faithful and
generous giver who, with her benevolent bequest, desired
to honor WA’s role in her personal story.
Today, Wheaton Academy’s Legacy Circle is comprised of
over 70 members. These faithful alumni and friends have
chosen to express their commitment to the Academy and
its mission through a bequest or other planned gift. As
one member shared, “It is an honor to be a member of the
Wheaton Academy Legacy Circle and to know that my gift
will be used to provide excellent Christ-centered education
for generations to come.”
More information on including Wheaton Academy in your estate plan
is available at wheatonacademy.org/give/planned-and-estate-giving/.
If you have included or would like to include Wheaton Academy in
your estate planning, contact Dr. Gene Frost, Executive Director of
the Wheaton Academy Foundation, at gfrost@wheatonacademy.org.
16

ALUMNOTES
DAVID ROTH:
Leaving a godly legacy
Former WA Headmaster David
Roth is pictured here with his
newest—and seventeenth—
grandchild, Jude, the infant son
of Alana (Marquez ’02) and Jonathan
Roth ’02. As the WA community
knows, David is a faithful prayer
warrior and wise counselor.
Here are his reflections on
grandparenting:
Most Christian parents know that children are a gift or reward (Psalm
127). But what does the Bible say about grandparents? As a certified
grandparent, I love to cite Proverbs 17:6, “Grandchildren are the
crowning glory of the aged.” Grandparenting is easy in that you can
have fun and enjoy the grandkids and even “spoil” them a little with
sweets and silly games … and then send them home with their parents
to discipline, to supervise their schoolwork, and to prepare them to be
salt and light in a very complicated world. Grandparenting is extra
rewarding when one sees a grandchild mature in their walk with Jesus
and develop biblical character qualities and a biblical worldview. After
grandparenting grandchildren ages three days to 21 years, I have
concluded my primary responsibility is intercessory prayer. I want to
spend eternity with each grandchild – carpe aeternitatem.
Nancy; Tatiana (Andrew ’00 & Ximena); Elijah (Jonathan ‘02 & Lani
Marquez ‘02); Samuel (Stephen ’98 & Kris McAlister ’98); Aaron &
Isaac (Andrew & Ximena); Noah (Jonathan & Lani); Cyrus Mikolajczyk
(Leigh ’91 & Sarah Roth ’91); Libby (Stephen & Kris); Cora Mikolajczyk;
Ben, Molly, & Annie (Stephen & Kris); Charlotte Mikolajczyk; Jack ’25
(Stephen & Kris); Calla ’20 & Caleb ’18 Mikolajczyk; David.
1964 | 1965
Pictured here are Walter ’64 and
Darlene (Kirk ’65) Hansen in Grand Teton
National Park when they drove their
Lark (RV) to the West Coast last
summer to visit family and friends
and to hike in national parks. This
summer, they will drive their Lark
to the East Coast to live near family
and friends. The Hansens are sad to
leave their Chicago family and friends,
but these loved ones will always be
in their hearts with hopes for many
reunions. While they will miss their
home’s views of Lake Michigan and
its easy access to life in the city, they
are excited to move to Massachusetts
to live near their daughter Linnea and
her family. The move was inspired, in
part, by one of Darlene’s and Walter’s
favorite books, The Adventure of
Living by Paul Tournier. They give
thanks every day for the adventure of
their life with each other—in plenty
and in want, in joy and in sorrow,
in sickness and in health—and the
adventure of their life with God whose
steadfast love never ceases.
17

ALUMNOTES
1988
Jori (Senter ’88) Susanka and her
husband Dan adopted their second
child Elliot “JunJun” on July 3, 2017, at
the age of 4. JunJun had been living
in an orphanage in Hangzhou, China,
and spoke only Mandarin when the
family adopted him. Fortunately, their
11-year-old daughter Emmy was fluent
in Mandarin from attending a Chinese
immersion school. She served as the
family translator until her brother
was able to communicate in English
on his own. JunJun now attends
the same school Emmy attended
to stay connected to his heritage,
culture, and language. But he is also
fully immersed in American culture,
including rollerblading, Star Wars, and
his favorite—building Legos!
2003
Marie Lisa (Abbinante ’03) Schiavone and
her husband Joe, who was active-duty
Navy, were relocated to Newman,
Georgia, in 2018 for Joe to serve as a
Navy recruiter. Marie Lisa is a licensed
esthetician as well as a certified laser
practitioner who works with cancer
patients. She is also an award-winning
costume craftsman, with credits
including three best in show awards
and a top 20 2018 Twitchcon award in
FX category. Her winning costumes
took months of work and involve
techniques such as hand beading.
In addition, Marie Lisa holds the 2020-
21 title for Mrs. Georgia Plus America.
She credits WA with helping her
to build a strong foundation in her
relationship with God and others and
instilling a desire to learn, which has
fueled her many pursuits.
Aaron Bika ’03 started toying with the
idea of running for mayor of Foley
(AL) in 2016 after his efforts to have
a simple sidewalk built along a
busy residential thoroughfare were
unsuccessful. Aaron’s thinking was
that if local authorities were not going
to support the project, he should run
for mayor to build the sidewalk. He
had spent a decade on the Alabama
gulf coast involved in political and
social advocacy, so a campaign of his
own did not faze him. Thus, Aaron’s
mayoral candidacy was launched
with his four-part plan for Foley. While
the general election results—held
on August 25, 2020—were not what
Aaron had hoped, he is philosophical
about the experience. He views life’s
peaks and valleys as opportunities
to learn and grow and is grateful to
God and to people in his life (past and
present) who have invested in him.
2012
In her last year at Georgetown
University (Washington, D.C.), Crystal
Thomas ’12 helped lead her soccer team
to the Big East championship and
then scored a decisive goal in postseason
play that led the team to their
first-ever college cup and final four
appearance. After the season, Crystal
signed to play professionally in Norway
and then in Iceland. In 2019 she signed
with the National Women’s Soccer
League’s Washington Spirit and had
two successful seasons with the club
before signing with the Orlando
Pride for the 2021 season. Crystal also
signed and played in Australia in
their top women’s league between
the 2019 and 2020 NWSL seasons.
The NWSL is considered the most
competitive women’s soccer league
in the world, and Crystal is enjoying
learning, competing, and scoring for
her respective clubs. At Orlando, the
management is committed to the
success of the players and the club.
Crystal is working with the likes of
Alex Morgan, Marta, and many other
talented players. She believes this
year’s Orlando team has the potential
to do big things and make the city
proud. Crystal also notes that the
Lord Jesus Christ has provided great
church communities and support in
every country and for every club she
has played.
18

2013
His road to the majors took some
unexpected twists and turns, but Jake
Cousins ’13 made his MLB debut with
the Milwaukee Brewers on June 21,
2021. The right-handed ace attended
the University of Pennsylvania after
graduating from WA. At the end of
his collegiate career at Penn, Cousins
ranked third in career wins (20),
sixth in career ERA (2.91), and ninth
in career strikeouts (394). In 2017,
Jake was drafted in the 20th round
by the Washington Nationals. After
missing most of the 2018 season due
to injuries, Cousins was released by
the Nationals in the spring of 2019.
On the verge of calling it quits, Jake
was encouraged by his wife Kelsey
(Ridderhoff ’13) to focus on getting
healthy. When COVID-19 shut down
the minors in 2020, Cousins kept
his arm in shape by returning to
independent ball. He credits the
support of Kelsey and his family
and the backing of the Brewers for
helping him realize his dream of
playing in the big leagues.
Kelsey’s support is no small matter.
A glimpse into “baseball life” of
this young couple involves living
in seven states in three and a half
years of marriage. Often, short notice
is given for major changes. But
Kelsey expresses gratitude for God’s
provision of affordable housing or
selfless hosts. The job of baseball is life
consuming, and it is difficult not to
put their identity in it. Then, in a flash,
the dream can vanish as it seemed
to do when Jake was released by
the Nationals. Or Jake can get a call
that he has a flight in 12 hours to a
new city, and Kelsey loads up all their
belongings into their car and drives
across the country. Even though
circumstances can be difficult, Kelsey
and Jake believe they are exactly
where God is calling them to be. They
are trying “to live where their feet
are” and soak up the moment with
grateful hearts.
2017
ALUMNOTES
Rachel Doncel ’17 was one of only 33
students recently inducted into Biola
University’s honors baccalaureate
society, Epsilon Kappa Epsilon
(EKE). In addition to her academic
accomplishments—graduating
summa cum laude, Rachel was a
member of the Biola women’s soccer
team for all four years. Reflecting
on her experience at Biola, Rachel
credits the role WA played, preparing
her for college. She is thankful for
the teachers who invested in her, the
coaches who supported her, and the
lasting friendships she made at WA.
The Academy not only prepared her
to be academically successful but also
helped her to establish her identity
in Christ. As Rachel starts her career
as an account manager with Impact
Networking in Anaheim, CA, she
hopes to be a light to those around
her. She is eager to see how God
uses her and what she has learned
at Wheaton Academy and Biola for
His glory. She is also excited for her
younger brother Joshua who will be a
freshman at WA this fall.
19

ALUMNOTES
in memoriam
alumni welcome to
the class of 2021!
The Wheaton Academy Alumni
Relations Office welcomes the Class
of 2021 as WA alumni! Your AlumNote
submissions are encouraged!
And do not forget to activate your
profile on the alumni platform at
WA.360alumni.com and make
sure we have your personal email
and cell phone number so that we
can keep connected with you. The
alumni platform has a fantastic map
feature and search tool for you to
keep in touch with your classmates.
Congratulations, Class of 2021! We
look forward to hearing how God is
using you to advance His Kingdom.
1970
Alan Aram ’70 passed away on February
22, 2021, at the age of 68. After
graduating from Wheaton Academy,
Alan attended Wheaton College,
where he earned a BA in psychology.
He went on to earn his PsyD from
Rosemead School of Psychology in
La Mirada, California. Alan served as a
licensed clinical psychologist for more
than 25 years in Springfield, Missouri.
He was an outdoorsman who relished
hiking and canoeing, especially in
Quetico Provincial Park, Ontario,
Canada. A devoted father with a quiet
faith, Alan had deep roots in Evangel
Temple Christian Center in Springfield,
where he served in many capacities.
Alan is survived by his wife Roberta,
three children, four grandchildren,
and his three brothers—Bob ’64, Steve ’68,
and Rich ’72.
1990
Hope (Hult ’90) Williams passed away
on March 7, 2021. Hope grew up in
Roselle, Illinois. She met her husband
Blake at the Presbyterian Home
for Children in Talladega, Alabama,
where the two worked one summer.
They married in 1994. Hope worked in
the financial department of Converge
(formerly known as the Baptist
General Conference) for over 25 years.
She took pride in being a mother
and cherished her five children
as her greatest accomplishment.
Hope is survived by her husband
Blake and their five children—Cooper
’17, Hadley ’20, Hudson ’23, Finley, and
Everley; her parents, Rich and Laurel
Hult; her sisters—Heidi (Hult ’83) Herbert,
Heather (Hult ’84) Williams, and Holly
(Hult ’87) Gilliam.
Memorial Brick for Hope (Hult ’90) Williams
The Class of 1990 will honor the memory of their classmate, Hope (Hult) Williams, with the dedication
of a memorial brick in the Emmy Gaffey Memorial Garden at Homecoming 2021.
Hope’s classmates remember her as a vibrant and energetic woman who cared deeply for her family and
the Wheaton Academy community. Her passing is a staggering loss to family and friends alike. As the class
of 1990 gathers this fall for their 30-year reunion, they want to include a time of remembrance of Hope and
their memories of her. If you would like to continue Hope’s legacy of support for the Academy, you can make a
financial contribution toward a memorial brick for Hope at WA.360alumni.com/campaign.
20

keep in touch
Has a new member joined
your family recently?
Let us know, and we will send you
a Maroon Platoon t-shirt or Future
Warrior onesie for your little one.
Pictured here are the children of Chelsea
and Kevin Schillinger ’10. Chelsea is on the
Development staff at the Academy.
Jamie Lynn is a future warrior of the Class
of 2037, and her brother Desmond is a
future warrior of the Class of 2038.
Like us on Facebook
Have you liked the Facebook page for
Wheaton Academy Alumni?
WA Memorabilia
We are always thrilled to accept
Wheaton Academy memorabilia
to help us preserve the history and
legacy of our school. Please contact us
if you are willing to donate your
old yearbooks or other Wheaton
Academy treasures.
Updates!
Keeping our records up-to-date and
maintaining contact with you are
priorities for us. If you are moving,
getting married, or changing your
contact information, let us know.
Young alumni, if your newsletters
and reunion information are still
being mailed to your parents’ house,
please update your current contact
information with us so that you can
receive these items at your own home.
Photo credit: aidan hilson ’22
THREE WAYS TO SUBMIT
YOUR ALUMNOTE
1. Email your photo(s) to Dawn Earl
at dearl@wheatonacademy.org.
2. Mail them to Dawn at
900 Prince Crossing Road
West Chicago, IL 60185.
3. Submit an online Alumni Update
at wheatonacademy.org/
alumni/update-us.
Photos for the next issue of the
Wheaton Academy Connection
must be received by September 15,
2021. Please include a complete
description of the photo.
Share your updates by sending us a
photo of your new baby, wedding,
family, etc.
Alumni Platform
Your Online Connection to Wheaton academy
Visit Wheaton Academy’s alumni online community at
WA.360alumni.com. The platform includes an online directory
and map locator, jobs board, and more. Please check the alumni
platform for Homecoming and reunion updates. This is where
COVID-related updates will be posted for your review. Registration
for all Homecoming events will be available. Explore the directory
and find former classmates. Activate and update your profile so
friends can find you.
WA.360alumni.com
Save the dateS!
ALL ROADS Lead to
wheaton Academy
class reunions &
Homecoming
2021
october 7-10

NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #1096
CAROL STREAM, IL
900 Prince Crossing Road
West Chicago, IL 60185
UPCOMING EVENTS
september 13, 2021
Todd Beamer Benefit
Golf Outing (TBGO)
Stonebridge Country Club
Register your foursome
or as a single golfer online
at wheatonacademy.org/
give/tbgo/
OCTOBER 7, 2021
Varsity Football
Game @ WA
OCTOBER 8-10, 2021
Homecoming Weekend
Alumni, register for
Homecoming and
Reunion events at
WA.360alumni.com
OCTOBER 9, 2021
Celebration of Service for
Dr. Gene Frost ’71
Visit WA.360alumni.com/
events for details.
OCTOBER 14, 2021
Future Family Night
Photo credit: Molly Grace Photography
Childhood friends Caroline
Koslosky, Sterling Johnston,
Annabella Eckert, and Kelsey
Bowling celebrate their Wheaton
academy graduation.