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Celebrating Women's History Month by recognizing the great work of our female colleagues at De La Salle.

Competing against 48 schools in the ISBA Mock Trial State Invitational, De La Salle placed as a state finalist, finishing in the top eight in the state of Illinois.

Briana Steffenhagen PuliaGrade School:St. GabrielGraduation Year:2008After Graduating from De La Salle:Concordia University Chicago – Major: natural science, Minor: psychology, Dean’s List all 4 yr.Rush University College of Nursing – MSN, RNRush University College of Nursing – DNP, FNPCurrent Occupation:I was an inpatient oncology nurse for six years and currently I am a nurse practitioner at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I work in the outpatient oncology department and care for patients with multiple myeloma and other plasma cell disorders.Why did you choose to attend De La Salle?I attended De La Salle because of its academic reputation, faith-based education, small classroom sizes with dedicated teachers, and strong athletic programs.Influential classes while at De La Salle:I wouldn’t say there was a specific class that led me to nursing particularly. I loved my Anatomy and Physiology class with Ms. (Colleen) Mills, but I was very torn on career paths as I entered college. I couldn’t decide between education or medicine. I loved being around children and was inspired by my teachers and the impact they have had on my life. However, when I started to have experiences caring for family members and working as a nursing assistant, I realized this is what I wanted to…

During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Ms. Monaco.She is an English and Journalism Teacher since 2019 and is a graduate from the Class of 2014. Background and Journey to De La SalleIn her own words, Ms. Monaco talks about teaching “always being a passion of mine. From a young age, I played ‘school’ with my friends, volunteered as a tutor for my peers and at an elementary school while I was in high school, and worked at a tutoring center throughout college.” She goes on to talk about her love “of being part of such a rewarding field that allows me to be part of further educating and guiding our nation’s future generations.” Additionally, she notes that she is continuously learning and growing from the guidance of her peers and students. What inspires you about De La Salle?“As my alma mater, I always hoped to be able to return to De La Salle. De…

The Women of D: Mrs. Carrie Contreras During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Contreras.She is the Dean of Language Arts and has been at De La Salle since August 2002. She teaches and oversees three departments including English, languages, and fine arts. In addition, she helps edit the yearbook and is a junior class co-moderator. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I taught English and theater in public schools before arriving at De La Salle 19 years ago,” she notes. “I decided to apply for a job here at De La Salle where I could still teach and also work with teachers to help them reach their goals while encouraging them to strive to be their best.” What inspires you about De La Salle?“I enjoy the diversity of our student body,” she described as part of her daily inspiration at De La Salle. “I am blessed to work closely with the teachers in my…

The Women of D: Mrs. Iris Gist-Cochran During the month of March, we are taking time to highlight several of our esteemed colleagues and reflect on all they do to ensure that De La Salle is a safe, vibrant, and wonderful institution of learning. The Women of D are a vital part of our community. We are grateful for your contributions. Meet Mrs. Gist-Cochran.She is the Director of Development in the Office of Advancement and has been at De La Salle since 2001. Her day-to-day activities vary greatly, however, her overall goal is to raise funds for the Meteors and for the school. Background and Journey to De La Salle“I have a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Non-Profit Management,” she says about her professional development and educational journey. “With more than 30 years of fundraising expertise, I was hired at De La Salle Institute nearly 20 years ago to help raise funds for the school. I love my job!” What inspires you about De La Salle?Ms. Gist-Cochran enjoys being a part of the De La Salle family and talks about how “it is very gratifying to know that the funds I help raise are directly helping the students at De La Salle. My…

De La Salle Blood Drive is here! Help save lives.Papa John's is once again sponsoring the March Blood Drive (March 1-March 31) and providing free pizza to those who participate. Details are as follows:Click here. This will take you to the page to “pledge” to be a part of the VBD and to donateAfter you fill out the form you will then receive a second email (based on the email address you give during the “pledge”). You must open this email and click on the link to schedule your appointment at one of our 17 donor centers around the Chicagoland area. PLEASE NOTE that the group name WILL NOT be listed but by using the link  and searching for the donor center you wish to donate at, it will automatically know which group you are donating under.Donate on the day you schedule. If for any reason you miss your appointment and need to reschedule, you should use the link again to reschedule in order to be able to be tracked.*As a reminder, all donors will receive a free Covid-19 antibody test with a completed donation. And all donors will receive a coupon for a free Papa John’s pizza at the time of donation…

Dear Alumni and Friends:You are cordially invited to our first ZOOMathon 2021 hosted by the Mayors of De La Salle and featuring a selection of our current students. Hear from these young men and women and rekindle your Meteor pride. They are prepared to share their academic achievements, spiritual formation, and well-rounded high school experience—directly afforded to them because of the critical student financial assistance program here at De La Salle.You know the value of a De La Salle education and because of your financial leadership and generosity, more students are able to receive a quality Lasallian education. Be a part of something bigger and help our students become stronger in spirit, mind, and body.Your investment is vital to the continued strength of our scholarship program. Your generosity will make the difference for our students and families.We look forward to seeing you on March 10th.On behalf of our Meteors and their families, thank you for all you do for De La Salle. https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78581385574?pwd=RkN...

It is with great sadness that De La Salle announces the passing of faculty member Brother Ralph Heppe, FSC.Brother Ralph began his teaching career at De La Salle Institute. He returned to our neighborhood in retirement to the St. Benilde Community on Indiana Avenue (just blocks from De La Salle Institute) where he was in residence from 2005-2018. He later moved to the St. Paul Community for additional care.Brother Ralph Heppe, FSC, born into life on May 15, 1936, was a dedicated Christian Brother for 66 years and died in the Lord on February 9, 2021."We know that we have left death and come over into life; we know it because we love our brothers. Whoever does not love is still in death. This is how we know what love is: Christ gave his life for us. We, too, then, ought to give our lives for our brothers!”(1 John 3:14, 16) BROTHER RALPH HEPPE | Assignments:De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL | 1958-1962Providence Catholic HS, New Lenox, IL | 1962-1964St. George HS, Evanston, IL | 1964-1967Scholasticate, Lockport, IL | 1967-1970Christian Brothers Center, Lockport, IL | 1970-1974St. Patrick HS, Chicago, IL | 1974-2003San Miguel School, Chicago, IL | 2003-2005De La Salle-Benilde,…

By Mr. Dan McGuireSeveral weeks ago, the University of Chicago concluded a four-day Virtual Model United Nations Conference where our De La Salle students spent 25 hours in official Zoom conference-committee rooms—not counting the many more hours spent unofficially preparing.What is not counted are the hours spent before and after committee as they continue to ply their trade in unmoderated negotiations to find resolution to their respective committee’s directive at solution.While awards and public accolades are lovely, the real reward is the growth that is made manifest by these young people as they are placed alongside some of the most accomplished high school students in the country and the world.  What I saw during the conference was nothing short of spectacular where our students competed successfully against the best and brightest. I witnessed students adapting to a medium that while familiar to them on a daily basis (Zoom style learning) still formed an at-times intimidating obstacle that was met head-on and with success. I witnessed young people taking on real-time global issues in the same manner as the United Nations, and finding success.I am confident that the personal growth that these students attained will continue to accrue exponentially in their personal…