News Archives

Graduate parents and their Rambler alumni gathered to celebrate the Advent season with a special Mass on Sunday, December 15, hosted by the Graduate Parents Network (GPN) and the Young Alumni Council (YAC). Campus Ministers Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, and Rev. Arkadiusz Ciemiega, SJ, presided over the beautiful Mass in Loyola Academy's Chapel.

On Thursday, December 12, the Loyola Academy community gathered to celebrate the Mass on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas. Notably, The Most Reverend Jeffrey S. Grob, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Chicago and Archbishop-Designate of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, presided over the Mass along with Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, Rev. Arkadiusz Ciemiega, SJ, and Loyola Academy Board Member Rev. Peter Breslin, SJ.

Loyola Academy's music ensembles came together to offer their annual Christmas Concert collaboration on Friday, December 6, and Saturday, December 7. Among the ensembles performing were Loyola's Symphonic and Concert Bands, Percussions Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Guitar Ensemble, Honors Orchestra, Concert Choir, Contemporary Vocal Ensemble, Chorale, and Chamber Singers. Each delighted audiences with popular Christmas tunes such as: "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Mary Did You Know," "Silent Night," and more. Click here to read the concert program.

On Saturday, November 30, our varsity football team defeated the York Dukes with an impressive 35–14 victory, claiming the 2024 IHSA Class 8A State Championship. This marks the Rambers' third consecutive state title and the program's sixth state championship overall (1993, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2023, 2024). Over the past three years, the varsity team boasts an incredible 39–3 record, cementing its legacy as one of the most dominant programs in the state.

Thank you to Coach Desherow, his coaching staff, our players, and the incredible fans who supported the team throughout this unforgettable season.

On Sunday, November 12, 118 seniors were inducted into Loyola Academy's chapter of the National Honor Society—a record number for the Academy. A Mass was celebrated, followed by the induction ceremony and a reception. Induction into the National Honor Society is based on four pillars: character, leadership, scholarship, and service. The scholars listed below applied during their junior year and met the criteria for all four pillars. They truly are women and men for others.

On Friday, November 8, members of the Loyola Academy community came together to celebrate the 67th annual President's Dinner: Excellence in Education. Approximately 340 alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends gathered in the Loyola Academy East Gym to honor several members of our community for their service and commitment to the Loyola Academy mission.

The Office of Admissions welcomed over 700 prospective students and their families to campus for a bustling fall 2024 Open House on Thursday, November 7. Junior high students experienced a tour of the school and Loyola's outstanding facilities like the Norcross Aquatic Center, Breslin STEAM Lab, piazza, and McGrath Family Performing Arts Center.

Loyola Academy Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe #4729 performed Sherlock: A Choose Your Own Mystery Adventure to delighted audiences on November 1, 2, and 3, with a special matinee for students from Pope John XXIII School, Chicago Jesuit Academy, St. Genevieve Catholic School, School of St. Mary, and The Academy at St. Joan of Arc on Thursday, October 31. Directed by Mr. Geoffrey Arndt and Assistant Director Ms. Katie Roach, the cast and crew of this production improvised elements from The Hound of the Baskervilles, A Scandal in Bohemia, A Study in Scarlet, and many of Sherlock’s other adventures to create an exciting interactive experience for audiences.

The Loyola community gathered to celebrate a beautiful All Saints Day Mass on Friday, November 1, with Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, presiding. In his homily, Campus Minister Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, encouraged students to find joy and happiness in the present moment.

The Loyola Academy Fall Band Concert was held in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, October 16. The concert featured music from popular artists such as Katy Perry, John Denver, Taylor Swift, and more.

On Wednesday, October 23, Loyola Academy celebrated a community-favorite tradition—Fall Flavor Fest! As both a fundraising opportunity for clubs and a celebration of our vibrant community, it’s no wonder the resurgence of Fall Flavor Fest has become a popular event at Loyola. With 30 clubs participating in this year’s festivities, the event is poised to once again become a beloved annual tradition.

The Loyola Academy Fall Orchestra Concert was held in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, October 22. The concert featured music by Leonard Bernstein, Freddie Mercury, and Yiruma.

On Thursday, October 10, Loyola Academy Choirs presented their annual fall concert titled What the Heart Wants. The concert was inspired by "Until Even the Angels," a poem by American poet Dorothy Walters, and featured songs arranged by Roger Emerson, Alan Billingsley, and Mark Brymer.

Loyola Academy is proud to recognize the following eight seniors as Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program: Elizabeth Edwards, Caroline G. McAnally, Patrick C. McCurry, Devin E. McKenna, Lia R. Nafe, Cooper J. Nelson, Riley G. Prince, Brynn C. Ryan, Patrick J. Shaughnessy, and Lilian Stumpf.

In early September, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation named five Loyola Academy students National Merit semifinalists. The National Merit Scholarship Program honors individual students who show exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Congratulations to John Ehlert, Martin Raphael Gonzalez, Gustav Koh, Seiichi Villacarlos, and Ethan Santiago.

It was a bright, sunny day at North Shore Country Club in Glenview as alumni, parents, and friends of Loyola Academy gathered for the sold-out 30th annual Ramblers Golf Outing on Monday, September 16. As we celebrate three decades of this beloved event, we proudly reflect on its rich history and incredible impact—having contributed over $250,000 to Loyola's Needy Family Fund!

Last week, Ramblers showcased their school spirit and support for the fall sports teams during Fall Spirit Week. This year's theme, "CandyLAnd," brought a sweet twist to the festivities. Students enjoyed dress-down days and activities like Bean Boozled, Loyola Guess Who, bingo, candy relays, and a Candyland scavenger hunt, with the chance to win exciting prizes.

A little rain didn't stop more than 350 Rambler parents from gathering outside the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center for the annual Parent Welcome Mixer on Thursday, September 5. The casual event, sponsored by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO), encouraged parents and guardians to mix, mingle, and meet new friends.

On Sunday, September 8, Rambler grandparents and their grandchildren celebrated Mass in the East Gym with Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, as part of our annual Grandparent-Student Mass and Reception, hosted by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO).

The 2024–2025 school year has launched! We proudly welcomed our newest Ramblers, the incoming freshman class of 2028; and our returning students to the start of what is sure to be a wonderful year.

On Friday, May 31, the Loyola Academy community celebrated the end of the school year with a special Mass during their final Institute Day.

The Principal's Office and Student Activities recently hosted a variety of special events to celebrate our 2024 graduating Ramblers. The senior class enjoyed every moment of these final opportunities together as they prepared to embrace their new status as Loyola Academy alumni.

Senior Ramblers and their parents/guardians gathered in Loyola Academy's East Gym on Sunday, May 19, to celebrate the 2024 Baccalaureate Mass, held each spring to honor the graduating class. Rev. Stan Czarnecki, SJ, delivered an insightful, engaging, and memorable homily.

On Saturday, May 25, Loyola Academy celebrated its 114th Commencement Exercises with thousands of loved ones present to commemorate the occasion. A time-honored tradition, the Class of 2024 was dressed in black or white dresses and white tuxedo jackets as they proudly processed through Northwestern University's Welsh-Ryan Arena. Accompanied by Sir Edward Elgar’s renowned score, they gathered to celebrate one another for the final time as classmates.

The Loyola Academy community celebrated its Sending Forth Mass on Friday, May 17. The Mass is an annual celebration of the school year, a recognition of the outstanding efforts of distinguished students and faculty and a sendoff for the senior class.

Parker Lofstrom-Austin '24 took center stage on Monday, May 13, as he unveiled his meticulously crafted roller coaster project to fellow students in the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. Months of dedication and hard work culminated in a captivating presentation that not only showcased Lofstrom-Austin's engineering prowess but also ignited a passion for physics and design among his peers.

On a beautiful evening in May, Rambler moms enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and camaraderie as they soaked in gorgeous golden hour views at Sunset Ridge Country Club during the annual Mothers Connect & Celebrate Reception. This annual event gives mothers and female guardians of Loyola students an opportunity to re-engage and welcome mothers of incoming students to the Loyola Academy community.

Sponsored by the Ignatian Service Learning and Engagement department, the "Putting Love in Action" Symposium, which took place from April 29 to May 3, has concluded a week-long exploration into themes deeply rooted in St. Ignatius' call to connect faith with justice and Fr. Arrupe's invitation to help center a Jesuit education on being women and men for others. Throughout the event, 38 distinguished speakers, 13 Ignatian Service Learning student class presentations, and over 144 Theology class periods were organized, providing a broad array of discussions and insights on social issues, service, and the pursuit of justice.

Loyola Academy's Wilmette campus was alive with excitement on Thursday, May 2, as Hoerster Field at Sachs Stadium hosted its inaugural game under permanent lights. This historic occasion signaled a new era for the Ramblers, with the varsity girls' soccer team facing off against Fenwick High School and emerging victorious with a score of 2–0.

The McGrath Family Performing Arts Center was transformed into a vibrant gallery space showcasing the culmination of months of creativity and dedication by its visual arts and design students during the 2024 Visual Arts and Design Show. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the artistic journey of each student, highlighting the process behind their remarkable creations.

In April, the LA Tank program wrapped its ninth year by awarding students an opportunity to collaborate and present their ideas to a panel of Loyola community entrepreneurs. The program is structured to enable teams of students to solve an existing problem with a new product or idea. This year's theme, Anything But An App, challenged Ramblers to think beyond app development and ideate physical products.

A group of faculty and staff members embarked on an enlightening pilgrimage across Spain over spring break, retracing the footsteps of St. Ignatius of Loyola through a captivating itinerary that spanned several historic cities. Led by Loyola Vice President of Mission, Ministry, and Identity Alice Kearney Alwin ‘98 and President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, the trip provided pilgrims with a deep immersion into the life and legacy of the esteemed saint, while also delving into the rich cultural tapestry of the Iberian Peninsula.

Loyola's Spring Choir Concert, titled "The Distance Between You & I," took place on Thursday, April 18, and featured students in concert choir, contemporary vocal ensemble, chorale, chamber singers, combined choirs, and Loyola's a capella group Nothin' But Treble. 

On Sunday, April 14, student council members participated in a community cleanup day clearing litter on Frontage Road between the forest preserve and Loyola Academy. This effort, in anticipation of Earth Day, aimed to enhance a cleaner, healthier environment for all to appreciate. A heartfelt thank you to the students and volunteers who generously gave their time and effort to enhance the beauty of our campus and the surrounding areas. This event showcases our dedication to the community, environment, and the mission of Loyola Academy — embodying the spirit of "women and men for others."

On Wednesday, March 27, Loyola Academy honored 17 faculty members who have earned tenure status. The achievement of tenure is a milestone in an individual's career, and Loyola is proud to recognize members of our community who have embraced the desire to be women and men for others.

Loyola Academy Performing Arts and Thespian Troupe 4729 performed Children of Eden to delighted audiences on March 22–24, with a special matinee for students from Chicago Jesuit Academy and East Lake Academy grade schools on Thursday, March 21. Freely based on the Book of Genesis, Children of Eden is the heartfelt and funny story of Adam, Eve, Noah, and the "Father" who created them—with show-stopping musical numbers from Stephen Schwartz, the composer of Wicked and Pippin.

On Sunday, March 24, nearly 300 Rambler parents and students, including members of Loyola's incoming Class of 2028, participated in the annual Family Mass & Day of Service, sponsored by the Rambler Parent Organization (RPO). The Family Mass & Day of Service has been a Loyola tradition since 2013 and is one of the many ways the Loyola community fulfills its mission to be women and men for others.

On Monday, March 18, Loyola Academy's College Counseling Department hosted its annual College Fair for students and parents to begin the college exploration process. With over 150 colleges and universities and over 600 Ramblers in attendance, Loyola's College Fair remains one of the largest private high school college fairs in the state of Illinois.  Entrance to the fair was staggered to allow juniors and their parents to enter first, optimizing their time, followed by sophomores and their parents slightly later.

On Saturday, March 9, members of the Loyola Academy community celebrated Ramble 2024: Inspire Excellence, Transform Lives. Thanks to the generosity of Loyola parents, alumni, and friends supporting our Tuition Assistance Program! Your support makes a difference in the lives of many of our students, and we thank you.

Loyola Academy's AP Studio Art and Design Exhibition, now in its thirteenth year, is an annual celebration of student work in the visual arts held at the Evanston Art Center (EAC). Many of the students exhibiting work in the show have been in art courses at Loyola for two to four years and come from the following disciplines: studio (drawing, painting), graphics, photography, and architecture. The opportunity to present in a professional gallery is a unique and valuable experience for students.

The Winter Orchestra Concert took place on Thursday, March 7, in Loyola Academy's Leemputte Family Theater and featured the combined orchestras performing music composed by Stephen Sanchez, Alan Menken, Hayley Williams, and more.

On Saturday, March 2, Loyola Academy and Francis W. Parker School hosted the fourth annual Young Women of Color (YWOC) Symposium, which led over 200 sixth through twelfth grade participants in a series of workshops, affinity group sessions, and activities to create a space for conversation, connection, and community for students who self-identify as young women of color. The day's conversations were guided by the 2024 theme: Find Your Path.

On Wednesday, February 28, Loyola Academy Choirs presented their annual winter concert titled "The Distance Between Then & Now." The concert featured songs from Billie Eilish, The Beatles, and Kirk Franklin.

From February 26 through March 1, Loyola's Hope Squad hosted a special "Week of Hope" to spread positivity across campus and raise awareness for suicide prevention. Hope Squad is a student organization that seeks to prevent youth suicide through education and the destigmatization of mental illness. Hope Squads are implemented in high schools across the country as peer-to-peer mentorship programs that build a culture of care and support among students.

The Loyola Academy girls' varsity basketball team defeated the Nazareth Academy Roadrunners 44-40 to become the 2024 IHSA 4A State Champions! This is the 3rd state championship title in program history (1997, 1998, 2024). Join us in congratulating all our players and Coach Schoenecker & his coaching staff on a perfect ending to an incredible 38-0 undefeated season.

On Thursday, February 22, Loyola Academy alumni artists and members of our community gathered for an exciting preview of the inaugural Alumni Visual Arts Exhibition, which debuted at the McGrath Family Performing Arts Center and will run through Monday, March 18. This exhibition celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of fourteen alumni artists who submitted their work during an open call period at the beginning of 2024.

During the month of February, Loyola Academy students had the opportunity to explore and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our country and our community. Through powerful displays and reflective activities, Ramblers were encouraged to pause and consider the impact and influence of Black history. This year’s special focus was intersectionality.

On Friday, February 23, Loyola hosted International Night, an annual celebration of the unique cultures and traditions that enrich our Loyola community. Guests at this year's International Night, or I-Night, enjoyed an array of performances from a number of Loyola's heritage clubs including:

Loyola Academy President Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ, announced that Ms. Alice Kearney Alwin ’98 of Chicago has been named the school’s next vice president of mission, ministry, and identity.

On Wednesday, February 14, Loyola celebrated Ash Wednesday with an all school Mass in the West Gym. During the homily, Campus Minister Rev. Stanislaw Czarnecki, SJ, reminded students of Jesus' invitation to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving during this holy season.

On Wednesday, February 7, sixteen Loyola Academy student athletes signed a National Letter of Intent (NLI) to play their respective sport at the collegiate level. Congratulations to the following students and their parents!

On Friday, February 2, Rambler daughters and dads enjoyed a night of dinner, dancing, and carnival fun at the 2024 D4: Dinner Dance for Daughters and Dads, held at the Evanston Golf Club in Skokie! D4, which alternates annually with Mom Prom, was a wonderful night our Rambler daughters and their dads will not soon forget.

Loyola Academy senior Milannia Martin-Hayes has been awarded admission to Connecticut College through The Posse Foundation, which works to improve college access and attests that the key to a promising future for our nation rests on the ability of strong leaders from diverse backgrounds to develop solutions to complex social problems. Fewer than five percent of applicants nationwide are selected as Posse Scholars.  

On Tuesday, January 9, the Village of Wilmette approved an ordinance that grants Loyola Academy with approval to move forward with its proposed lighting plan. The decision comes after the school conducted a months-long process of community outreach and dialogue between school officials and surrounding residents. The process concluded after two Zoning Board meetings (September 6 and October 11) and a vote to approve a drafting of an ordinance by the Village Trustees on November 14.

Our school community gathered on Thursday, January 11, for a special assembly to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.