Throughout her four years at Nazareth Molly was on the pom and dance team, cross country team, basketball team, and lacrosse team, earning the most improved player of the year for lacrosse. Besides athletics, she also served on the youth initiative, roadrunner club, math club, SMILE club, environmental club, yearbook club, and was a member of the student board. She received recognition in the National Honors Society, National English Honors Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She is off to the University of Tennessee, majoring in marketing with a minor in graphic design. She hopes to continue to be involvement in academic leadership programs and athletics at the university level.

Ella attended Nazareth Academy as a hopeful, hardworking, and enthusiastic student. She took part in multiple clubs such as Roadrunner Club, Yearbook, and National English Honor Society. She always strived to be successful in all her classes along with being a helpful and caring friend and student to those she encountered at any given chance that she could. This coming fall, Ella will begin her studies as a freshman at DePaul University. She will be studying criminology with the hope to someday potentially be apart of the FBI or CIA.

Megan will be a junior at Boston College. She is studying international studies with a concentration in ethics and social justice. She also has minors in English and French. She will be attending Sciences-Po for her junior year and will return for Boston for her senior year. She is active in service while at school. She organized a “Shark Tank” for the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester this past year. In addition she served at the Haley House soup kitchen. This summer she interned at World Relief as a volunteer coordinator. 

This year, Angelina will be a junior at Elmhurst University! She got accepted into the Nursing Program there, and will start her hands on nursing classes in the fall! At Elmhurst University, Angelina was put on the Dean’s List for the Spring Semester 2022, and this was a great accomplishment as her courses are very demanding! She has been working during her off days from taking extra courses in summer school, and has a very busy schedule. She is preparing to learn a lot this summer and fall term in school with hopes of getting a job somewhere in healthcare to jumpstart her future nursing career! She hopes to work as an emergency room nurse some day!

Alani will be attending DePaul University Major-ing in Journalism. The past 4 years as a Naza-reth student were absolutely amazing for her. She loved being a member of the Varsity Cheer-leading squad as well as working on Youth Initia-tive. “I cannot wait for my future endeavors due to the support from the Lisa Marie Santoro Foun-dation.”

While at Nazareth, Caity was involved in varsity cheerleading for four years and became captain her senior year. Throughout her four years, she has been an A honor roll student, involved in Youth Initiative, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, S.M.I.L.E, the youth community Changemakers program and roadrunner club. She also started the Girls Affinity Group at Nazareth, talking to girls about healthy dating and female empowerment. She will be heading to Truman State University this fall to study biology on pre-med track with a minor in psychology.

Maya will be a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame. At Notre Dame, Maya is involved in the club sailing team, student council and psychology club. She is currently taking classes to become a Speech Pathologist, while majoring in Psychology and minoring in Business Economics. This summer, Maya will continue her work at Nazareth in the athletic office.  

Gina Crisanti will be a junior this year at the University of Dayton where she majors in communication with a focus in Public Relations and a minor in Marketing. She also has a bit of background in media production. At Dayton, she is involved in Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Within PRSSA, she holds an executive position as PR director. As PR director, she promotes the organization on campus and controls UD PRSSA social media. Gina also works for Flyer Enterprises in the coffee division as a barista. Flyer Enterprises is the 4th largest student run corporation in the nation. This summer she is a marketing intern for Quinlan & Fabish Music Company in Burr Ridge, IL. One of her responsibilities is to update and improve the website. This year she hopes to prepare to take the GRE in the near future for graduate school.

Next fall, Nicki Pedersen will be a senior at The Ohio State University. Her well-rounded education thus far led her to discover her passion for health care. In the spirit of Lisa Santoro, she took a leap of faith last semester and declared a second major in Biology. She now studies Strategic Communication and Biology Pre-Health, with a Business minor. She plans to work in pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, helping to provide strategy throughout the drug development process from discovery to commercialization. Nicki has spent this summer in Columbus taking classes and training for her second Chicago Marathon, which she will run in October with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Charity running has become Nicki's own way of giving back to causes she believes in through her love for running.

Kaitlyn just graduated summa cum laude in May from Carthage College with a Bachelors of Arts in Accounting and Finance and a minor in economics. She also was crowned Homecoming queen this past October at Carthage. Before graduation Kaitlyn was given the opportunity to present her senior thesis research project at Carthage's Celebration of Scholars. She leaves her time at Carthage as a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, Head Student Ambassador, a businesswoman of Enactus, an Orientation Leader, and much more. She has loved and appreciated all of her experiences in the last four years, but is excited to start the next phase of her life. She is currently spending all of her time studying to obtain her Certified Public Accountant License before she starts work. Last summer she interned as an audit intern at Sikich LLP, a public accounting firm in Naperville. Upon the end of her internship she was offered a full-time position as an audit associate and starts in mid-July.

Anna Tassi was a member of the Nazareth Cheerleading team for four years, serving as Co-Cheerleading Captain her Senior year in 2011. She graduated from Bradley University in May '15 with a Bachelors of Science in Television Arts and a minor in Professional Sales. Anna moved to Los Angeles, CA about 3 years ago. She is now working as an assistant in the Partnership Marketing department at Universal Pictures.

Justyna graduated in May 2017 from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies and a minor in Spanish. After graduation, she began working at Rhode Island Hospital as a research assistant for the Health Disparities Research Lab. Here, she studied the relationship between asthma and sleep in children. Over the last year, Justyna has also been volunteering at Hasbro Children’s Rehabilitation Center and learning more about pediatric outpatient therapy, which has inspired her to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Justyna is very excited to return to the Midwest this Fall to begin graduate school at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Bridget graduated from Marquette University in 2016 with Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, Economic Relations and a minor in Political Science. After graduating, she moved to Dc to work at the Pentagon for the Undersecretary of Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. This past year she relocated to Chicago and began working at The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a non-partisan think tank downtown. Bridget works at The Council as a Special Assistant for two distinguished fellows and has enjoyed assisting with public programs such as hosting Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Madeleine Albright.

Danielle received the scholarship her senior year at Nazareth Academy in 2011. She went on to study nursing at Elmhurst College and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2016 with her Bachelors of Science in Nursing. After graduation, Danielle pursued her passion for Obstetrics/Women's Health and has been working as an RN in labor and delivery for the last two years. After falling in love with women’s health and empowering women, Danielle is currently in graduate school at Loyola University Chicago and is pursuing her Masters which would allow for her to become a Woman’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Danielle is very grateful for the Santoro family and the scholarship that has helped her get where she is today.  

Megan graduated from Elmhurst College in February 2015 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education and Teaching English Learners. This past school year, she completed her fourth year teaching kindergarten at Brook Park Elementary School in LaGrange Park. This upcoming school year will be Megan's third year serving as her kindergarten team leader and a mentor to new teacher's in her district. Megan is also currently studying to get her Master’s degree in Special Education from Elmhurst College. She will graduate next summer. Recently, Megan and her boyfriend Ollie moved into their first apartment together in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. They are very excited for this new journey together!

Colette is an Account Manager at Uproar PR, overseeing the Chicago tech team, working with domestic and global businesses in telecom, fintech, IoT and cybersecurity. She previously worked on the Gatorade business at FleishmanHillard where she managed top athletes and media at Super Bowl 52, NBA All-Star Weekend, and the 2018 NFL Combine; she also oversaw the brand's first US Hispanic media event in Los Angeles, managed executive communications and crisis response, helped create a campaign aimed at keeping teen girls in sports, and contributed to several award-winning brand campaigns, one of which was honored at the Cannes Festival of Creativity in 2017.   Colette started her career at The Ogilvy Group, where she supported clients such as LG Electronics, Cricket Wireless, Haymon Boxing Management, Jollibee and Strayer University.   Residing in Old Town, Colette is a member of the Junior League of Chicago, serving as the League's External Marketing Chair and mentors DePaul PR and advertising students.   Colette received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Advertising with a minor in Media & Cinema Studies, cum laude from DePaul University in June 2013.

Courtney graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in Health Science. After graduation, she landed a job with JPMorgan Chase & Co., working in the Fraud Prevention Department. In February of 2015, Courtney made an inter-company transition and is now working in the heart of the Financial District on LaSalle Street. Last year, she was promoted to a Relationship Banker and acquired her securities license, enabling Courtney to begin selling mutual funds, variable annuities and insurance premiums in the state of Illinois. Courtney has decided to further her education and is currently attending Ashford University, seeking her Master's of Business Administration degree with a specialization in Finance. She will be graduating in July of 2019. She spends much of her free time volunteering at company sponsored charitable events both downtown and across the city. Courtney has participated in the J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge 5K run for the third year in a row.

Mary Elizabeth graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BS in pre-professional (pre-medical) studies and then completed a Bachelor’s of Medical Science degree from Dominican University followed by medical school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine - Midwestern University. She is currently in her second year of her pediatric residency at Rush University Children's Hospital. Mary Elizabeth and her husband, Marc celebrated one year of marriage this past April.

Darci graduated from DePaul University with a degree in Communications. She is the general manager at her family restaurant, Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, and plans on continuing their family legacy. Darci and her husband, Phil have been married for four years and are non-stop trying to keep up with their three children Frankie, 16, Sophia, 3, and Francesca 1. However, nothing makes her happier than when all five of them are together.

Gia graduated from Lewis University in 2014 with a double Master's Degree in School Counseling & Guidance, as well as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Mental Health. She started a new job in November 2016 at the largest worldwide Staffing and Recruiting Company. She is also super excited to share that she and her fiancé have set a date for their wedding: 8/18/2018! They couldn’t be more excited!

Dana is a 2004 graduate of Nazareth Academy. In 2009, she graduated from Elmhurst College with a degree in Special Education. In 2014, she graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a Master's degree in Educational Administration with a Type 75 Certification. Dana finished her second year teaching in Schaumburg School District 54 as one of their Autism classrooms teachers at Muir Elementary School. She also completed her Director of Special Education endorsement this past spring.  

Dana graduated from University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2007. She completed a Master’s Degree from DePaul University in Staff Training and Development in 2011. She currently works at GATX as the Administrative Coordinator to the VP of the Tax Department. Dana and her dogs, Bella and Bauer, reside in Glen Ellyn.

Kristi received both her Bachelor's Degree of Science in Consumer and Textile Marketing (2005) and Master’s Degree in Business Administration (2008) from the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. During this time, Kristi began her career in marketing and events.

Kristi is the Director of National Brand Management for the Boys and Girls Club of America. She also oversees branding for nonprofits and small businesses through her own small marketing agency, Kristan Stephanie Marketing. Kristi and her husband Arthur live in Georgia with their two daughters.

Jillian graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2005. She went on to graduate school at Benedictine University where she earned a Master’s Degree in Education.   Jillian is currently teaching kindergarten in Lisle, IL. She completed her English as a second language endorsement which certifies her to teach and support students whose first language is not English.

Jenny graduated from Michigan State University in 2004 with a teaching degree. She then began teaching 8th grade English in Carol Stream, and now teaches 3rd grade in the same district. She also coached the 7th and 8th grade competitive cheer team in District 93. In 2015, Jenny was nominated for the Golden Apple Award. This is an award that recognizes excellent teachers going above and beyond in the classroom and community. She was very honored to have been nominated.   Jenny and her husband, Kent, have a daughter who will be two in September. She is quite a smiley baby and on her way to being a cheerleader like her mom and dad! Jenny and her husband continue to enjoy spending time on the water waterskiing and wakeboarding at their family lake homes.

Jewel Malone is the COO for the National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts), an organization dedicated to identifying the nation’s most promising emerging artists and providing them with the resources and community they need for thriving careers in the arts. YoungArts is also the sole nominating agency for the U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic and artistic excellence. Prior to YoungArts, Jewel served as Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Children’s Choir, one of the nation’s largest choral music education organizations serving more than 4,800 youth in 85 schools and 10 after-school neighborhood programs. Jewel has also served as Deputy Commissioner at the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events from 2011-2014 and served as Vice President for Global Philanthropy for the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Jewel received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jewel currently resides with her husband Adam and daughter Tatum (4) in Miami Shores, FL.  

Andrea graduated from the University of Chicago with a degree in Biological Psychology. She began her career in Public Service working at the Pentagon for the Secretary of Defense. She is now with the government’s Threat Analysis Program, and travels to U.S. Embassies to assist in the worldwide peace effort. Currently Andie responds to threats and crises all around the globe. On a personal note, Andie married the man of her dreams in October of 2016. Tom and Barb Santoro made the journey to D.C. to share in the day.

Kristen graduated from Marquette University in 2001 and earned a Masters Certificate in Leadership Studies from Marquette in 2009. For 15 years, she focused on her non-profit fundraising career while also fostering her love of performing with several professional theatre gigs in Milwaukee. In 2017, Kristen stepped aside from fundraising and opened her musical education business, Music Together North Shore. It is her mission to spread her love of music to young families while helping to build a village for new parents. She teaches music every day, including one intergenerational class at a Milwaukee assisted living home. In addition, Kristen is a cantor at her parish, Three Holy Women and teaches music at Community Preschool of Whitefish Bay. She and her husband Douglas have been married for 12 years and reside just north of Milwaukee in Whitefish Bay, WI. When she’s not teaching, Kristen is a full-time momma to their children Boden (9), Elise (7) and Dylan Ray (4).  

Allyson is a 1995 graduate of Nazareth Academy. She attended Marquette University and in 1999 received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She is currently the Senior Product Marketing Manager for Freudenberg Household Products (O-Cedar), the global marketshare leader in consumer home cleaning products.  In February 2019 she was honored with the company’s ELEVATE Award, recognizing her contributions in driving record growth for the US business. She was profiled in Shopper Marketing Magazine as one of the industry’s Top 8 “People to Watch” and was also was named to the National Who’s Who in Marketing by the Path to Purchase Institute. Allyson and her husband Shaun (Nazareth class of ’96) have been married for 18 years and live in Aurora with their two children,14 year old Matthew and 12 year old Riley.

Amy is a 1996 graduate of Nazareth Academy. She graduated from National-Louis University, Chicago, with a BS in Applied Behavioral Science.   She has been back at Nazareth Academy for three years now, working in the Office of Institutional Advancement. There, she helps both the Marketing/Recruiting Department as well as the Development Department to coordinate and execute events, process donations and keep Nazareth in the hearts and minds of her fellow Alumni. Amy is also an active member of both of the Parents' Councils in District 95. She resides in Brookfield, IL with her husband, Patrick and three children – Jack, 11, Hannah, 8, and Ella, 5.