OUR AMERICAN VOICE® Springfield Summit Celebrates Students' Civic Engagement

OUR AMERICAN VOICE® (OAV) STUDENTS

START GO FUND ME CAMPAIGN 

#OAVsummit2017

OUR AMERICAN VOICE®, a model civics leadership program for elementary and middle school aged students will host its 9th Annual Summit in Springfield, Illinois on May 2, 2017.  Over 250 students representing 23 schools from urban and rural communities across the state of Illinois are expected to attend.  The purpose of the Summit is to share and celebrate their success and accomplishments. 

The OAV students are eager to share their projects with each other, meet their legislators and tour the capitol in Springfield. However, due to the cost of transportation, meals, etc they need your financial support and have created a GO FUND ME page.

The OAV program sponsored by the Barat Education Foundation teaches students the four core principles of civic engagement and gets them immersed in working on projects that matter to them, their school and community.  These school initiatives completed in collaboration with community agencies and elected officials include: Cleaning and beautifying their community center; Creating a Safety program for their school; Implementing a tutoring program for students; Installing filters in all school water fountains; Purchasing a handicap ramp for school library stage; Raising $20K to make their playground handicap accessible; Setting up a free library for students in lower grades; and Starting a recycling program in their community.  

"Our OAV participants with the guidance and support of their teacher/facilitators have worked diligently to make a difference and to positively impact their communities," says Sheila A. Smith, Barat Education Foundation CEO and Chair. "We are pleased to host this summit to recognize their achievements and contributions as young citizens and are indebted to Edward and Chris Kazemek whose generous donation to the Foundation is helping launch the #OAVsummit2017 GO FUND ME campaign. Our OAV students would appreciate your financial support and help in spreading the word." 

The following schools currently participate  in the OUR AMERICAN VOICE®  program: Emerson, Hiawatha, Irving, Komensky, Pershing and Piper Elementary Schools, Freedom and Heritage Middle Schools in Berwyn;  St. Philip Neri and Robert Healy Elementary, Providence Englewood Charter in Chicago;  Clearview Elementary & Cristo Rey St. Martin  College Prep in Waukegan; Prairie Trail in Wadsworth; Hester Jr. High in Franklin Park; DuBois in Springfield, Riddle in Matoon; Oakwood Jr. High in Danville; Arcola Jr. High ; Lester in Downers Grove; Washington Jr. High in Rock Island, Spenser Crossing Intermediate School in New Lenox; and Littlejohn in Dekalb.

OUR AMERICAN VOICE®  students appreciate your support!

“...knowledge and understanding about our system of government is not something that's handed down in the gene pool. You have to learn it." Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor

#OAVsummit2017

To learn more about OAV students and their community projects, visit these websites: OUR AMERICAN VOICE® and OAV Facebook Page 

BARAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Barat Education Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) organization that develops and seeks support for innovative scholarships and entrepreneurial educational ventures which reflect the deep commitment to: intellectual, spiritual, and ethical values; empowerment of women; social awareness that impels to action; and the building of community.  For further information and/or to help support the BEF, please visit www.thebaratfoundation.org

Morning of Reflection to Celebrate the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola

"The Pilgrim"
Ignatius of Loyola
1491-1556

July 31 ~  Celebrating the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola via a Morning of Reflection organized by the Ignatius Volunteer Corps of Chicago is fast becoming my annual mid-summer treat to myself.  I so enjoyed the first retreat hosted last year at St. Ignatius College Prep that I looked forward to attending this year; the theme was "Pragmatic Mysticism: Ignatius Loyola and the God of Now" led by Fr. Pat McGrath, SJ.  During the break it was a pleasant surprise to run into fellow Sacred Heart alumna, Sr. Mary Bernstein, RSCJ who currently is working at Josephinum Academy.  On a sunny morning in July it was a pleasure to enter the gate of St. Ignatius College Prep and walk past the beautiful flowers into Tully Hall. To learn more about this great venue with its meaningful location and why I like it so much click here.   

Kudos to Christine Curran, Chicago Regional Director of IVC and Jackie Fitzgerald, Program Associate and their many helpers who once again organized a very successful and enjoyable morning followed by a delicious box lunch. 

Josephinum Annual Winter Lunch at Union League Club of Chicago

"Your example, even more than your words, 

will be an eloquent lesson to the world" 

- Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779-1865)

To view additional photos click on the photo album link
(right column of my blog) 

Alumnae from Josephinum Academy, various Sacred Heart Academies and Colleges, as well as, many of Chicago's finest civic and corporate leaders eagerly arrived to the Union League Club of Chicago on Tuesday, February 16th to attend Josephinum Academy's annual Winter Lunch. 

Supporting Scholarships for Exceptional Young Women 

Kudos to Co-Chairs: John and Ellen Engel & Kevin and Janice Lee, along with their stellar Host Committee: Michael and Cathy Brennan, Doug and Lee Ann Hoover, Ben and Maureen Kelly Ivory, Alan and Janet Lougee, John and Liz McEnaney, Rich McMenamin and Patty Mulvihill, Kenneth Venzant and Desiree Pepper-Venzant, R. Matthew and Jacque Simon, Robert and Jean Spence.

The highlight of the luncheon was Keynote Speaker, Elizabeth Hartigan Connelly, Sacred Heart alumna and former Board Chair of Sacred Heart Schools Chicago (her alma mater) who spoke eloquently on Women in Leadership.  

The student Keynote Speaker, Stefany Rendon, is a current senior at Josephinum Academy and member of the Peace Exchange. Stefany having applied to nine colleges plans to study sociology and was returning from a college visit when a delay at the airport prevented her from joining us in person.   As a member of the Peace Exchange, last summer Stefany traveled to Nicaragua exploring solutions for peace and nonviolence with community leaders and other student activists. 

Stefany was named an Illinois State Scholar this past December and is the president of Josephinum's National Honor Society.  She was also featured in the Allstate "Good Starts Young" film series about her involvement with the Peace Exchange.  While we were not able to personally meet Stefany we were treated to a clip of the "Good Starts Young" Chicago's Peacemaker film which premiered at the Aspen Ideas Festival. 

Josephinum Academy is an all-girls Catholic high school located in the heart of Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood.  It is one of twenty-four Network of Sacred Heart Schools located in the United States and Canada.  For 125 years, "the Jo" has been educating and empowering young women to become confident, faith-filled leaders.  Every day young women travel from 40 zip codes around the Chicagoland area to receive the quality education that prepares them for college and life after academia.  

• Currently 88% of students receive additional financial aid and/or scholarship support
• Josephinum will offer 60 scholarships (nearly $330,000) to the incoming Class of 2020
• 100% of 2015 graduates were accepted to college and awarded $6.9 million in merit-based scholarships 

Save the Date: October 1, 2016 

Gala Co-Chairs: Celeste and Alan Denton & Maureen and Ron Sippel ask you to mark your calendars and plan to join them and Keynote Speaker: Archbishop Blasé Cupich in supporting Josephinum Academy at the Intercontinental Hotel for dinner and dancing on Saturday, October 1, 2016 

Our American Voice Summit Celebrates Students' Civic Engagement

On June 10, 2014 more than 300 Chicagoland middle grade students from 18 different schools convened for the third annual Our American Voice (OAV) Summit at the UIC Forum in Chicago, IL. The purpose of the Summit is to bring together OAV student participants to share and celebrate their successes and accomplishments.

The OAV program sponsored by the Barat Education Foundation teaches students the four core principles of civic engagement and gets them immersed in working on projects that matter to them, their school and community.  These school initiatives completed in collaboration with community agencies and elected officials include: creating safer surrounding environments for students walking to school; cleaning up neighborhoods; putting an end to bullying; assisting and becoming more respectful of others. 

"Our OAV participants with guidance and support of their teacher/facilitators have worked diligently to make a difference and to positively impact their communities," says Sheila A. Smith, Barat Education Foundation CEO and Chair. "We are pleased to host this summit to recognize their achievements and contributions as young citizens." 

The following schools participated in the 2014 OAV Summit: Mary E Courtenay Language Arts Center; John B. Drake Elementary School; Charles W. Earle Elementary School (Earle STEM); Emerson Elementary School; Evergreen Academy Elementary School; Freedom Middle School; Lionel Hampton Fine and Performing Arts Elementary School; Heritage Middle School; Hiawatha Elementary School; Edward N. Hurley Elementary School; Irving Elementary School; Komensky Elementary School; Arthur A. Libby Elementary School; Irvin C. Mollison Elementary School; Pershing Elementary School; John J. Pershing Elementary Magnet School ("Pershing East"); Piper Elementary School and Ida B. Wells Preparatory Elementary School.

The OAV Summit included Opening Remarks by the following: Sheila Smith, Chair, Barat Education Foundation; Suzy Evans, Program Manager, Our American Voice; Dr. Mara Grujanac, Director, Barat Education Foundation and Jacques Agbobly, former OAV participant.  

Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, the students engaged in four activities:

• Activity 1: Who are We? 
• Activity 2: Most Important Thing About Our American Voice
• Activity 3: Our American Voice in Words: Capturing the OAV Experience
• Activity 4: Our American Voice in Images: Evoking OAV Through History

followed by a Panel Discussion with Our American Voice Civic Capitalism Participants.

In the afternoon, Suzy Evans, Program Manager, Our American Voice called each school up to the podium to be recognized for their project work.  The OAV came to a conclusion when Karina Giraldo, Piper Elementary School introduced the topic: Where Do We Go From Here?.  One of the participants answered: "I pledge to stay involved and find ways to stop the violence in my community".  Never were words so powerfully spoken and meaningful!  This was from just one of over 300 middle grade school students, who have learned how to creatively solve problems in their communities due to their participation in Our American Voice!

Top - Bottom: OAV Registration; participants get settled;
Activities; Jacques Agbobly addresses the audience;
18th Ward Alderman Lona Lane with students; three young participants;
Dr. Allan Gitelson with Sheila A. Smith, BEF Chair

The Our American Voice Program is a nonpartisan, in-school/after-school project based learning initiative that links the basics of American history, government and civics with technology and community involvement to educate, engage and empower elementary and middle-grade students to become participative citizens in their communities.  The Program teaches students critical thinking, collaboration, leadership skills, and that citizenship starts not with the big issues but with issues that are close to home.  More than 1500 young girls and boys across the Chicago metropolitan area, as well as in Roanoke Virginia and southern New Mexico, have participated in Our American Voice.  

OAV is operated and licensed by the Barat Education Foundation and receives partial support from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation and the Alice B. Drake Endowment.  For more info about the Our American Voice program, visit www.ouramericanvoice.org

Further reading published on June 13, 2014: "Berwyn kids clue in the adults" by Marlen Garcia, Sun Times Reporter 

Photo Album of the Our American Voice - 2014 Summit
click on center to start slideshow 

BARAT EDUCATION FOUNDATION

The Barat Education Foundation is an independent 501(c) (3) organization that develops and seeks support for innovative scholarships and entrepreneurial educational ventures which reflect the deep commitment to: intellectual, spiritual, and ethical values; empowerment of women; social awareness that impels to action; and the building of community.  For further information and/or to help support the BEF, please visit www.thebaratfoundation.org

Rosemary Heidkamp Cramer (1923-2014): Sacred Heart Alumna, Lifelong Educator and Volunteer

Rosemary known by fellow Sacred Heart classmates as "Heidi" is pictured above in 2012 with
her daughter Betty Pozzi, BC '73 and below with Barbara Hinkes Coy, BC '72 

Rosemary Heidkamp Cramer a 1946 alumna of Barat College passed away Monday February 3, 2014 in Darien, IL, she previously lived in Mequon, WI. Rosemary taught in the Milwaukee Public School System, earned a Fulbright Scholarship, taught in England from 85 -86. Rosemary was active with the Miss Wisconsin Pageant. She moved to Plainfield in 1999, directed the Carillon Chorus for 12 years, and lifetime Girl Scout. She is survived by her children Mary Linari, John (Jinx), Betty (Joe) Pozzi, Bob (Nancy), Marjorie (Gunnar) Brinck, Thomas (Janet), William (Carrie), Terry (Brenda), James and Hung (Tuyet); 16 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren siblings Sister Marjorie Heidkamp B.V.M., Philip (Jean), Francis and Jerome (Donna) Heidkamp; many nieces and nephews. Preceded by her parents Herbert and Mary; brother Robert and sister Mary Lou McCall. Visitation Thursday 3 to 8 p.m. at the Anderson Memorial Home, 21131 W. Renwick Rd. in Crest Hill. Funeral Friday February 7, 2014 visitation 9 to 10 a.m. Mass to follow at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, 8404 Cass Ave. Darien. Donations in lieu of flowers to Sacred Heart Foundation (www.AASHNET.org) or Sisters of Charity B.V.M. (www.BVMCONG.org).  Published in the Chicago Tribune - to share a message, photo or video, click here.  

Note: The following is taken from the Barat Magazine - Spring 2004 (see top photo)-

"We hear every week of Barat alumni who, in part because their lives were transformed by Barat, have in turn transformed the lives of others.  In 2003 Rosemary Heidkamp Cramer was the well-deserved recipient of Barat’s Leadership and Service Award. 

Rosemary believes that education is a life-long journey, which takes place within and beyond institutions: in the family, in the neighborhood, and in the community. Her commitment to the service of others began early. During her years at Barat, surrounding the Second World War, she assisted the Red Cross by logging 500 volunteer hours of wrapping bandages. She volunteered for Hull House in Chicago caring for pre-school children of working mothers. She worked with the Ladies of the Grail from Holland as they prepared Adlai Stevenson’s Doddridge farm for European Jewish refugee children. She also worked with the Girl Scouts in many capacities – as camp counselor, leader and board member of the Sybaquay Council of Girl Scouting – all this while attending Barat College, earning her Bachelors Degree in Psychology in 1946.

Rosemary spent 35 years as an educator in both the Chicago and Milwaukee school districts. Her experience ranged from teaching at the Spaulding School for the Orthopedically Challenged to receiving a Fulbright Scholarship in 1984, which took her to England. Rosemary taught English at the Northampton Middle School from 1985-1986.

She also had the honor of being presented at Court and she is proud to say that she enjoyed high tea with Elizabeth, the “Queen Mum”.  Rosemary’s dedication to service and volunteerism continued throughout her professional life. While working in real estate sales, she helped to build two “Habitat for Humanity” homes in Milwaukee as a member of the Realtor’s Association. She remained active with the Barat College Alumni Association and the Associated Alumnae/Alumni of the Sacred Heart (AASH). She also served as president of the Milwaukee area Sacred Heart Alumni Association. During that period, she reinstated a Barat Scholarship for a Milwaukee resident. She was a national delegate to the AASH for six terms. While raising ten of her own children, Rosemary and her wonderful family opened their home to numerous runaways, displaced and homeless women, children of addicts in rehabilitation, five veterinary students from Purdue University and international students requiring housing. Rosemary happily states that her home was always open to anyone in need. As Rosemary reflects upon her enriching experiences, she “feels privileged to have had the opportunity to share in the diverse cultures of all these individuals. ”Presently, Rosemary shares her many talents with the Carillon, Illinois Community Chorus and Theatre Guild as their director. The chorus consists of 70 members ranging in age from 55-89 years of age. They entertain four times a year within the community of Carillon, but their greatest pleasure is presenting their musicals to nursing homes, rehab centers, churches, hospitals and senior centers.

Rosemary has created a Barat legacy within her family. She has three daughters, a granddaughter and grand-son-in-law who are all Barat graduates!

There is no doubt that Rosemary Cramer has touched numerous lives with her enormous generosity, compassion, intelligence, beauty, energy and wit."

Having attended the beautiful and most memorable funeral mass on Friday, February 7th, I'd like to share part of the program (see below from the mass booklet).  The mass was a true celebration of a remarkable woman who led by example.  Rosemary's faith was a most obvious guiding influence that impelled her to persevere throughout difficult times in her life.   I kept seeing her smiling throughout the mass and eulogy. I'm certain that Rosemary would have been very proud of the way her closing act was choreographed by her ten children!  Kudos to those that carry on her spirit and love of God!

ROSEMARY

 A constant presence in our lives.

A scout on life's journey pointing the way to womanhood.

Generous optimist able to see possibilities where shadows blinded others.

Creative-almost god-like-in making 

something out of nothing.

Standing up to crushing burdens and emerging with deepened faith 

in an ever present God

Hardworking imaginative career choices kept family together against all odds.

World traveler seeing the Ritz in every hostel.

Musical dreamer from backyard song fests, 

through Girl Scout "Singing Lady" 

To Carillon Community Chorus.

Music! Music! Music!

Faith-filled child, adolescent and adult seeing

with a believer's eyes,

GOD,

Present in every sorrow and every joy.

Woman of hospitality whose door was always open

Whose table always had an extra chair

Whose roof could always shelter one more.

Vulnerability

Mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend.