Welcome back! My name is Marcia Opal. I have been the principal here for two years, now I came to St. Michael Parish School from Ben Franklin Elementary in Glen Ellyn, where I served as Assistant Principal. One of the reasons I chose St. Michael, was that I didn’t have to leave a big part of myself – my faith and spirituality – at the door.

For two years now, I have witnessed the difference a faith-based education makes in the lives of our students. As I look through the pages of this newsletter, I realize that the flames that we as educators work to spark in the students of St. Michael are being carried out into the world and stand as beacons of hope and love in what can be a very dark world.

This issue of the Alumni e-Newsletter is dedicated to Sgt. Rob Miller, SMS Class of 1998. Robbie was killed in a fire-fight in Afghanistan this past January. At a memorial service, he was remembered by many as a hero.  Our school’s new plaza on the corner of Willow Street & Wheaton Avenue has been named in honor of Sgt. Miller and is a tribute to all St. Michael parishioners and alumni who are defending our country.

In this issue, you will also read about an alumnae who was on campus at Northern Illinois University on February 14, 2008. Through her grief she found the strength to help those around her heal.      

Finally, a very recent graduate of St. Michael Parish School, and a high school liaison to the Alumni Association Board, shares her experiences of how her Catholic education has shaped her faith.

In every issue of the alumni newsletter, you share with us the wonderful contributions you are making to the world.

St. Michael School is indeed a very special place! I invite you to come back to see all that we are doing at the school. Just give us a call to arrange a tour!

                                                Many Blessings!

                                                Marcia Opal