Saint Bede Academy Alumna Returns to Campus as Geometry Instructor

Saint Bede Academy is proud to announce the return of alumna Janelle Giordano Buck, Class of 1995, who will join the faculty this fall as a Geometry teacher. Buck will teach both CP and AC Geometry, bringing with her not only a strong foundation in math but also a deep passion for mentorship.

A graduate of Bradley University with a degree in civil engineering, Buck discovered her calling to education while substitute teaching at Trinity Catholic during the COVID-19 pandemic. That pivotal experience led her to Holy Family School, where she served as the 8th grade homeroom teacher.

Now, Buck is thrilled to bring her experience and enthusiasm back to the halls of her alma mater.

“Saint Bede helped shape me - spiritually, academically and socially,” Buck said. “It’s an honor to now support today’s students in their own journey.”

Saint Bede Academy warmly welcomes Buck back to the community as she steps into her new role, continuing the Academy’s tradition of forming students in faith, character and academic excellence.

St. Bede Academy Welcomes New Principal Dr. David Lawrence

St. Bede Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. David Lawrence as its new Principal, effective for the 2025-26 school year.

A seasoned educator, veteran and faith-filled leader, Lawrence brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, student growth and Catholic values.

A resident of Princeton, Lawrence shares life with his wife of 23 years, Katie, and their two sons, Cameron (18) and Sam (14). He grew up in Marseilles and graduated from Ottawa High School before enlisting in the U. S. Navy. There, he served as a Quartermaster aboard the USS Saipan (LHA-2), navigating the ship to many parts of the world. It was during this time of service that he first felt a calling to become an educator.

After his military service, Lawrence earned a degree in elementary education from Northeastern Illinois University and began his teaching career in the Spring Valley Elementary School District. His passion for teaching soon evolved into a calling to lead, so he went on to obtain a Master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of St. Francis, followed by his principal certification. He served as principal at both Ladd Grade School and Lincoln School in Mendota, and later earned a Doctoral degree in school leadership from Concordia University Chicago.

"From the beginning, my goal has always been to serve students, build meaningful relationships and help young people achieve more than they ever thought possible," said Lawrence.

The opportunity to serve at St. Bede Academy also felt like a calling for Lawrence.

“I’ve long admired St. Bede for its legacy, values and mission. The strong Catholic identity and commitment to forming the whole student aligns deeply with who I am and what I believe as an educator and leader,” he shared.

As he begins this new chapter, Lawrence is most excited to immerse himself in the life of the school.

“I look forward to being present in the classroom, at Mass, on the sidelines and throughout the school - getting to know the students, families, faculty and alumni who make St. Bede so special.”

His first-year goals include building trust, fostering open communication and strengthening the school’s Catholic identity.

“I want every student to feel known, loved and challenged to grow into the person God is calling them to be,” he said.

St. Bede Academy warmly welcomes Lawrence to its leadership team and looks forward to a bright future under his guidance.

Spring Athletes Earn Statewide Recognition

Our Bruins shined bright this spring, earning accolades at the conference, state and even all-state levels. Here’s a look at the standout performances:

Baseball

Alan Spencer (Senior)

NewsTribune Baseball Player of the Year

All-Conference 1st Team

Geno Dinges (Sophomore)

All-Conference 1st Team

Gus Burr (Junior)

All-Conference 2nd Team

Gino Ferrari (Junior)

All-Conference Honorable Mention

Softball

Lily Bosnich (Junior)

All-Conference 1st Team

ICA Class 2A All-State 3rd Team

Lili McClain (Junior)

All-Conference 2nd Team

Ava Balestri (Junior)

All-Conference Honorable Mention

ICA Class 2A All-State 3rd Team

Maci Kelly (Senior)

All-Conference Honorable Mention

Emma Slingsby (Junior)

All-Conference Honorable Mention

ICA Class 2A All-State 3rd Team

Lily Bosnich

Track & Field

Lily Bosnich (Junior)

NewsTribune Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year

All-Conference

2nd Place at State – 100m & 300m Hurdles

Class 1A All-State

Greyson Marincic (Senior)

All-Conference

2nd Place at State – 110m Hurdles

Class 1A All-State

Maggie Arkins (Junior)

All-Conference

Emerald De La Torre (Junior)

All-Conference

Kijah Lucas (Freshman)

All-Conference

Kaden Nauman (Senior)

All-Conference

Greyson Marincic

Community rallies to raise $390,000 at 42nd Annual Auction

The spirit of St. Bede was on full display during the 42nd Annual St. Bede Auction on Saturday, June 14. The evening was filled with energy, generosity and Bruin pride.

Alumni and friends of the academy came together for a meaningful evening that celebrated St. Bede’s mission and raised an estimated $390,000. Every dollar raised helps keep tuition more affordable for families, ensuring more students can benefit from its mission.

At the auction, alumni spanning 34 graduating classes – from 1960 to 2016 – were in attendance. Their presence highlighting the lasting connection that generations of Bruins feel toward their alma mater.

This year’s event saw signs of growth, including nine new tables of guests and a 45% increase in sponsorships.

The event included a mobile bidding silent auction, which was filled with a wide range of donated items from supporters and local businesses and 16 live auction packages, which included a variety of unique experiences, leisure get-away trips and fun entertainment such as a wine tasting evening with Fr. Ronald Margherio, OSB ’68 at Rudy’s Tap Room in LaSalle, a private party for up to 35 guests at CatsEye Wine Bar in Ottawa and a seven-night trip to Hawaii.

A highlight of the night was the Fund-A-Need paddle raise, which reached a record-breaking $243,000 in support of the Refectory Revival project - an initiative to renovate one of the most beloved and historic spaces on campus, the student cafeteria.

The refectory project includes installation of two safety exit doors, tin ceiling refurbishment, installation of 17 new windows, electrical and lighting upgrades, wall patching and painting, floor polishing and modern graphic details and windows shades. The project is slated to begin this summer.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity shown by the St. Bede community at Saturday’s auction. Overwhelming support of the Refectory Revival project affirms our shared vision and strengthens our commitment to the Benedictine mission of providing Catholic education. Thank you for believing in our future,” said Eve Postula, Superintendent.

Those who gave $500 or more to the project will be invited to a special celebration of gratitude on Dec. 11 in the newly revitalized refectory.

Annual Record Destruction is July 3

Saint Bede Academy will destroy 2020 student records. The files slated for destruction are considered temporary records by the State of Illinois. Saint Bede will continue to maintain records for all students including student name, date of birth, birthplace, grades, grade level upon exit, attendance, gender, class rank, date of graduation, state assessment score , and health records. 

The class temporary records of 2020 can be picked upon request from the school through Thursday, July 3. To request records, please e-mail tracymakransky@st-bede.com or call 815-223-3140 and ask to speak to Tracy. Any records not requested will be destroyed after Thursday, July 3.