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Latest News at Marquette Academy
Marquette May Merriment XLIII Celebrates Community Support
Marquette May Merriment XLIII Celebrates Community Support and Announces 2025 Fund-a-Need for High School Campus Renovations
The 43rd Annual Marquette May Merriment Gala will take place on Saturday, May 3, 2025, bringing together the surrounding community for a night of celebration, gratitude, and generosity. The event will once again serve as an opportunity to come together to support Marquette Academy schools, with a special focus on fundraising for the continued improvement of educational facilities.
Reflecting on Last Year's Success
The 42nd Annual Gala held in 2024 was a tremendous success, grossing over $318,000. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Mrs. Delores Anderson and her son Scott, our Fund-a-Need Project – the replacement of the grade school gym floor and bleacher system, became a reality and was completed this past summer/fall. Because of our donors and the unwavering support of the Marquette community, we were able to complete this vital project, ensuring our students have a safe and updated space for athletic events and physical education.
“We are deeply grateful for the community’s support last year,” said Julie Verona, Advancement Director. “Their contributions made a lasting impact on our school facilities and families, and we are incredibly thankful for the way our community rallied together to support the mission of our school.”
Looking Ahead: 2025 Fund-a-Need
This year, the spotlight of the Fund-a-Need portion of the evening will be dedicated to High School Campus Renovations. As the needs of our growing student body continue to evolve, we are focused on creating modern, safe, and accessible spaces that enhance both academic and extracurricular opportunities for our high school students.
The renovations will include updates to common and classroom spaces, locker rooms, as well as improvements to outdoor facilities. The goal is to create a dynamic and inspiring environment for learning, as well as to ensure that our high school campus continues to serve the needs of future generations.
“We are excited about the possibility of transforming our high school campus into a more modern hub of learning and community engagement,” said Principal, Brooke Rick “These renovations will not only improve the physical spaces our students use every day but also help us provide the best educational experience possible. We are counting on the support of our generous donors and local community members to make this vision a reality.”
How to Get Involved
The Marquette May Merriment Gala promises to be an unforgettable evening, with entertainment, delicious food, and the opportunity to give back to a cause that benefits every student at Marquette Academy. Tickets for the event are available now, and we invite individuals, families, and businesses to join us in supporting the future of Catholic education in our community.
Whether you are able to attend the event in person or contribute in other ways, your support will make a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of students in Marquette.
For tickets, donation and sponsorship opportunities, or more information about the 43rd Annual Marquette May Merriment Gala, please visit www.bidpal.net/mmm43 or contact Julie Verona at 815-433-0125 or jverona@marquetteacademy.net.
About Marquette May Merriment
The Marquette May Merriment Gala is an annual fundraising event that brings together the community to support Marquette Academy. For over four decades, this event has raised funds to improve and enhance the educational experiences for students, faculty, and staff.
Catholic Schools Week 2025
Catholic Schools Week January 27th - January 31st
Catholic Schools Week is celebrated to highlight and promote the value of Catholic education, honor the contributions of students, teachers, and staff, and to recognize the important role Catholic schools play in the community. It’s a time to reflect on the positive impact these schools have, not just academically, but also in fostering spiritual growth, moral development, and service to others.
For students and staff, it’s a time to show pride in our Catholic school community, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the faith-based mission of Marquette Academy. The week also emphasizes the importance of values like compassion, service, and commitment to education. Marquette Academy has a long tradition of academic excellence in a Catholic community that involves educating the whole person, with involvement in community service and extracurricular activities that prepare students for the future. We are proud to celebrate our school and our Marquette family!
Sunday, January 26th-Celebrating Your Parish
Parent Appreciation Mass to kick off Catholic Schools Week will be held at St. Patrick Church, 726 W Jackson St., Ottawa at 11:00am Mass. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Monday, January 27th – Celebrating Your Community
All Academy: All Academy Mass at 10:15 am in Bader Gym at the High School Campus. Parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of Marquette are welcome to attend.
High School: Blue and Gold Dress Down (jeans only - no sweatpants)
House time: Catholic trivia between the houses.
Grade School: Blue and Gold Dress Down (jeans only - no sweatpants)
CSW Kick Off in the gym following mass (time TBD)
Preschool: Blue and Gold Dress Down
Tuesday, January 28th – Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas
High School: Dress Code: Marquette Spirit Wear (Must have MA top)
House Time: Service Project - Notes of Gratitude done.
Grade School: Dress Down Day (jeans & sweats allowed)
Class Color Day
K- Blue
1- Green
2- Gray
3- Neon
4- Orange
5- Camo
6- White
7- Red
8- Black
Preschool: Disney Day (clothes with Disney characters)
School Wide Spelling Bee in the gym 10:15
Wednesday, January 29th – Celebrating the Nation
Academy - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon - both campuses
High School: Free Jeans or sweatpants day (Must have MA top) & Day of Thanks
House Time: House Athletic Competition
Grade School: Wacky Wednesday and Day of Thanks
Preschool: Dress code: Multicolor Day-wear as many colors as you want! Day of Thanks
Thursday, January 30th – Celebrating Vocations
High School - Free Jeans or sweatpants day (Must have MA top)
House Time: House Athletic Competition
Lunch provided for the Junior & Senior Classes
Grade School - Pajama Day - No Homework Day
Preschool: Pajama Day Dress
Teacher Swap and Ice Cream Treats
Friday, January 31st – Memorial of St. John Bosco-Celebrating Students
All Academy: Student Appreciation Day
High School: Dress code: Mass Dress or Uniforms
Lunch provided for the Freshman & Sophomore Classes
All day Adoration from 8:15 am - 2:30 pm in the St. Josemaria Escriva Chapel at the MA High School Campus. A Eucharistic Procession around the school will occur at 2:30 pm with Benediction in Bader Gym at 2:40 pm.
Grade School: Sports Day Dress
Building Wide Zoom Bingo and Super Bowl Snacks served.
Preschool: Sports Day Dress and Super Bowl Snack followed by school wide zoom bingo
PRESS RELEASE 12/12/24 - COACH JOBST RETIRES
Marquette Academy today announces the retirement of Tom Jobst, who has served as the Head Football Coach for Marquette’s program for the past 15 years. Coach Jobst’s retirement marks the end of an era for Marquette Academy Football, where his leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport have left an indelible mark on the school, its players, and the greater community.
Coach Jobst began his tenure as head coach in 2010, and under his guidance, Marquette Academy’s football program achieved remarkable success. He has not only developed talented athletes but also instilled in them the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that extend far beyond the football field. His ability to connect with players and serve as a mentor has earned him the respect and admiration of students, parents, and fellow coaches alike.
“Coach Jobst has been a foundational part of our football program for many years,” said Brooke Rick, Marquette Academy’s Principal. “His commitment to the success and development of his players - on and off the field - has shaped the program into what it is today. We are incredibly grateful for his years of service, and while he will be missed, his legacy will continue to inspire generations of Marquette Academy student-athletes.”