JCA had an incredible turnout at today’s Young Hearts for Life (YH4L) screening! We are grateful for the strong student participation and proud to receive the AED we earned for our outstanding participation at our last YH4L screening. ❤️ A special thank you to Home Cut Donuts for donating donuts for our amazing volunteers and to the Bueno Family for generously donating pizza from Fat Boyz Pizza and Stuff! 🍩🍕 Thank you to our dedicated volunteers, generous supporters, and participating students for helping make this important event a success! Together, we’re making a difference and helping protect young hearts! ❤️ #OnwardJCA

At JCA, our students are making their mark both inside and outside the classroom! Join us as we celebrate the outstanding achievements, unique talents, and inspiring accomplishments of our Angels and Hilltoppers through our Excellence At The Hill - Student Spotlight feature! ✨McKenna Koger: A Future in Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Conservation✨ Joliet Catholic Academy senior McKenna Koger is already making impressive strides toward her dream career in veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation. Through academic achievement, hands-on experience, and competitive program acceptances, she has demonstrated exceptional initiative and dedication to her future. At just 16 years old, McKenna was accepted into Joliet Junior College’s Veterinary Assistant Program, becoming its youngest student. She completed the four-course program with High Honors in May of her junior year, including a 100-hour internship at Animal Medical Center of Plainfield. There, she gained valuable experience assisting with veterinary procedures, patient care, and laboratory testing, further confirming her goal of becoming a veterinarian. McKenna’s accomplishments continued with her acceptance into the University of Illinois Veterinary Mentorship Program, an eight-month experience featuring monthly classes with veterinary professionals. She has also applied to the university’s School of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), her dream school. In November, McKenna will begin the King Conservation Leadership Academy at Brookfield Zoo, where she will gain at least 80 hours of hands-on experience, educate visitors about animals, and collaborate on conservation projects. Her long-term goals include becoming a zoological and oceanological veterinarian and wildlife conservationist. McKenna’s accomplishments reflect her commitment to turning her passion for animals into a meaningful career. She is grateful to everyone who has supported her journey and looks forward to continuing her education while making a difference in animal care and wildlife conservation. We are so proud of you, McKenna, and can't wait to see all you continue to accomplish! #OnwardJCA @JolietJrCollege @UofIllinois @brookfield_zoo

✨Reconnect with fellow JCA Alumni & Friends at our upcoming Western Suburbs Social! ✨ Thursday, October 29, 2026 Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House – 55 S. Main Street, Naperville, IL 60540 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and a school update while catching up with the JCA community. $25 | Optional donations are appreciated RSVP here >> secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=Q7… Or contact Sue Hansen: [email protected] | 815.741.0500 ext. 215 We look forward to seeing you there! #GoAngels #GoHill #OnwardJCA

Thank you to St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick School in Lemont for welcoming us to visit today! We loved connecting with your students and sharing what makes Joliet Catholic Academy so special. And thank you to Lyla for being a wonderful Student Ambassador and representing JCA so well! 💫 #OnwardJCA #GoAngels #GoHill

Join the Joliet Catholic Academy community on Sunday, November 15, 2026, for our annual Memorial Mass as we come together in prayer to remember and honor our dearly departed alumni from the past year. All are welcome as we gather in faith and remembrance. Please let us know if you can join us >> secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=fP…

❤️ Young Hearts for Life is TOMORROW! ❤️ We are so very excited for this event! Please make sure you have signed your student up BEFORE 12pm - Registration closes at 12pm TODAY! This is a non-invasive EKG. It is a 12-lead EKG (meaning there will be 12 stickers placed on the student's chest, arms and legs and will take 5-10 mins). Register here >> screenings.yh4l.org/YH_enrol… IF YOUR STUDENT IS REGISTERED, THEY MAY WEAR SPIRIT WEAR TOMORROW! JCA hosts this vital event every other year, so please make sure to not miss out on this potential lifesaving event. Knowledge is power! Two years ago, JCA had the highest percentage out of all the IL high schools, and we won a FREE AED for our school! Let's do that again this year! Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day! LET'S GO FOR 100%, JCA! ❤️ #OnwardJCA

📺 WJCA Broadcast News 📺 We have another WJCA Broadcast for you - check it out here! >> youtube.com/watch?v=D7g-Nh_A… The following stories were covered in today’s broadcast: •Erik Rocha '27 had the opportunity to interview Fr. Carl Markelz, O.Carm., Prior Provincial, and JCA's ARC and English Teacher, Mrs. Jackie Cherwin, alums of JCHS and SFA, during Heritage Week. •Liam Condron '27 had the opportunity to interview Mrs. Jackie Pullara, Guidance Counselor, along with Rocko, JCA's Therapy Dog, to learn about Rocko's first quarter at JCA. •Joe Giffin '29 interviewed the freshmen and asked them trivia questions about the scapulars they received at the Heritage Week Mass. •Carson Boyter '29 does more Hallway Hypotheticals. Today’s broadcast was filmed by Ty Staniszeski '29, produced by Erik Rocha '27, and anchored by Carson Boyter '29 and Sam Baltz '29. Thank you for watching! Have a great week! #OnwardJCA

Congratulations to our Angels Cross Country Team - Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division Champs! 😇🏆#GoAngels

Congratulations to our STATE BOUND Angels - Caroline Leeders & Addi Farnaus! 😇🎾 @IHSA_IL #GoAngels

Congratulations to our September Athletes of the Month — Derrick Pomatto and Callan Kinsella! JCA is proud to recognize these two outstanding student-athletes for their hard work, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field of play! 🏈Derrick Pomatto — Football “Derrick is a true leader who leads by example. His strong work ethic and dedication at practices set the standard for his teammates to follow. The respect he consistently shows his coaches and fellow players exemplifies what it means to be a Hilltopper. As a two-way player, Derrick played a key role in helping his team achieve a 3-1 record during the month of September. Leading the team in both tackles and touchdowns, he consistently makes an impact on both sides of the ball. Derrick is a dependable teammate and someone both players and coaches can always count on, both on and off the field.” — Coach Jaworski 🏈Callan Kinsella — Flag Football “Callan is a true leader of our team and someone her teammates look up to and respect. She consistently brings the team together and makes sure everyone is on the same page. She led the team to the first two wins in program history as its quarterback. As a dynamic playmaker, Callan has thrown or run for 17 touchdowns and recorded several double-digit flag pull games. Even after suffering a multi-season injury setback, Callan’s leadership never wavered. Despite being unable to compete, she remained dedicated to her team, attending practices and games to encourage, support, and guide her teammates. Her commitment and leadership extend far beyond the playing field.”— Coach Budz A big thank you to our program sponsor, The Kennedy Family McDonald’s on Jefferson Street in Joliet! Owned by Cam & Gail Kennedy, the Kennedy family has a special connection to Joliet Catholic Academy. Their children are proud JCA alumni: Sean '05 and his wife, Katie Kinsella ’05; Michelle ’07; Maddie ’13; and Tommy ’15! #GoAngels #GoHill #OnwardJCA @HilltoppersFB @JcaAthletics

📺 WJCA Broadcast News 📺 Here is another WJCA Broadcast created by our JCA Broadcasting students! >> youtube.com/watch?v=WzlEmd10… Joe Giffin '29 met up with Miss Leigh-Anne Kazma to learn about The Kazma Family Foundation Scholarship program at JCA. The team went out and played a few fun games with our students to see if they could sing the JCA Fight Song as well as to see if they could identify the teacher based on clues provided. They also asked kids to share what they eat in the JCA cafeteria. Anchored by Aeris Avila '29 and Melanie Bell '29 Directed by Aeris Avila '29 and Melanie Bell '29 Producing and Reporting by sophomores Alexis Gura, Emma Collett, Aeris Avila, Melanie Bell, and Jordan Hampton. #OnwardJCA

The Joliet Catholic Academy Senior Class is raising money for their upcoming class trip through a Double Good Popcorn Fundraiser from October 13–20! Support our seniors by purchasing delicious gourmet popcorn and helping them create unforgettable memories on their trip this spring. Thank you for your support! 🍿 Order here >> s.dgpopup.com/rg8v508k

📺 WJCA Special Report 📺 JCA Angel Tennis Team - Sectional Champs Allison Harting '29 and Katie Vaughan '29 met with the JCA Angels Tennis Team and their coach to hear about their conference championship and to learn more about the team and their season. Make sure to cheer on our Angels as they head to Sectionals today! See the interview here! >> youtube.com/watch?v=X1rLuk2R… Congratulations to the Team, and their coach, Mr. Tyler Eakle '10. Good luck this weekend! Caroline Leeders Addi Farnaus Kate Norkus Giuliana Espino Madison Nowak Caitlin Macella Bridget Fischer Isabelle Landeros Josephine Blackburn Maddie Engel Grace Sebastian Kaylee Gurzynski Genesis Lopez Allison Dilg #GoAngels #OnwardJCA

❤️ Today was Wear Red Day at JCA! ❤️ Our Angels & Hilltoppers wore red to show their support for our upcoming Young Hearts for Life Cardiac Screening on October 20! Thank you to everyone who helped raise awareness about the importance of heart health. Let’s go for 100% participation next week! Registration is quick, easy, and FREE! Plus, participating students can enjoy a SPIRIT WEAR DAY on October 20! >> screenings.yh4l.org/YH_enrol… #OnwardJCA

Your future starts at JCA! 💫 Come see what makes Joliet Catholic Academy a special place to learn, grow, and thrive! Join us for our annual Open House events on Sunday, November 8, or Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Explore our campus, discover the opportunities available to our students, and hear from our administration about the JCA experience. We can't wait to meet you and show you what it means to be part of the JCA family! 🩵🤎 Register today! >> jolietcatholicacademy.org/ad… #OnwardJCA #GoAngels #GoHill

Today was our Freshman Retreat at JCA! Our freshmen spent the morning in reflection with the guidance of our teachers and more than 50 seniors. Through games, small-group discussions, and presentations, they focused on building friendships, fostering personal success, embracing their roles as Angels and Hilltoppers, and being Christ to others. A special thank you to our Campus Ministers, Mrs. Missy Ferro and Dr. Rob Bailey, for organizing this meaningful day for our freshmen! 🩵🤎 We also extend our gratitude to Home Cut Donuts for donating donuts for our seniors this morning. Thank you for your generosity and support of our JCA community! #OnwardJCA

✨ JCA Students Attend Latinx Empowerment Conference! ✨ This past Friday, Ms. Sarah Harris and Ms. Kisha Cameron accompanied a record number of JCA students to the annual Latinx Empowerment Conference at @JolietJrCollege! Hosted by JJC’s Center for Multicultural Access & Success, the conference connects high school students with higher education resources, workshops, and leadership opportunities. Students heard from keynote speaker Enrique Acevedo, an Emmy Award-winning Mexican journalist and anchor of Univision’s Noticiero Univision, and participated in a student leadership panel focused on navigating the transition to college. They also connected with community organizations at a resource fair alongside students from area high schools. Thank you to Joliet Junior College for providing this valuable opportunity for our students to explore their futures, build connections, and grow as leaders! #OnwardJCA

Best of luck this week to our Angels & Hilltoppers! #GoAngels #GoHill For more information >> gobound.com/il/schools/jolie…

Thank you to Ms. Leigh-Anne Kazma for visiting JCA today and having lunch with her family foundation’s Kazma Scholars – Yatzil Lopez, Zachary Watkins, Alexander Zanzola, Sam Baltz, Joseph Giffin, Braeden Carlson, Emma Carlson, Ethan Carlson, Layla Piazza-Green, Luke Sartori, Benedict Pawlowski, Parker Toole, Emily Dvorak, Paris Duncan-Djondo, Katelyn Munday, Gabby Watkins, and Emma Birsa. Nicholas Koontz and Evan Wills are also recipients the Kazma Family Scholarship this year. Thank you also to Mr. Mike Carbery, Executive Director of the Catholic Education Foundation, for joining us for lunch today. Some of the JCA Kazma Scholars also recently attended a special prayer service and awards ceremony in honor of the Kazma Family and the lasting impact of their generosity. We are grateful for the opportunities they have provided our students and the legacy they continue to build at JCA. The Kazma Family Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and supports education initiatives and other charitable activities. It was founded in 1997 by the Kazma family to provide scholarship assistance for those with financial needs. To date, the Foundation has awarded 2000+ scholarships to college and high school students in the Chicagoland area, South Florida and Central America. Read more >> amzak.com/family-foundation @DOJCathSchools @DioceseofJoliet #OnwardJCA