We challenged you to put your Nazareth Academy knowledge to the test with a crossword puzzle in honor of our 125th Anniversary. How well did you do? Read on below for answers as well as more fun facts about Nazareth’s mission and history! If you are using the mobile version of this webpage, you may wish to turn your phone sideways to best view the answer key slideshows.
3 Across – Scholarship
The Class of 2024 boasts 41 Illinois State Scholars, 4 National Merit Letters of Commendation, 15 Seals of Biliteracy, 23 Commendations Toward Biliteracy, 70 Scholar Athletes and 20 ESCC Scholar Athletes. They will pursue higher education at 73 different colleges in 28 states, including the University of Notre Dame, Dartmouth College, University of Southern California, Wake Forest University, University of Wisconsin Madison, Boston College, Denison University, University of California Berkeley and the University of Michigan. The incoming Class of 2028 accepted 24 CSJ Scholarships, awarded to top testers on the High School Placement Test.
4 Across – Spirit
Roadrunner Athletics continues to see success at both team and individual levels. See Nazareth’s website for the latest IHSA accolades. Naz Drama offers students time in the spotlight alongside recognition from the Illinois High School Theatre Festival and Broadway in Chicago’s High School Musical Theatre Awards. Student Activities are a vibrant display of students’ interests and passions with the list of clubs changing each year to reflect our student body.
5 Across – Alma Mater
Nazareth’s school song was composed by Sister Mary Carl in mid-1940s. Click the button below to hear a performance of the school song by Nazareth Students.
7 Across – Roadrunner
The Roadrunner first became Nazareth’s School Mascot during the ‘76-’77 school year. Rocky the Roadrunner has since become a beloved symbol of Nazareth school spirit.
8 Across – Whole (Person)
Since its beginning, Nazareth Academy has nurtured the intellectual, social and spiritual development of its students. Graduates have gone on not only to succeed in college, but also to become compassionate changemakers in their communities. Understanding our responsibilities not only within our school community, but also to our larger local, national and world communities is a cornerstone of a Nazareth Academy education.
9 Across – Family
Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner. Our community, including alumni, continue to make Nazareth’s mission possible every day. In fact, it isn’t uncommon for alumni to not only keep in touch with faculty and staff for years to come, but also to continue their legacy. Nazareth Academy currently employs 23 alumni faculty and staff members and 71 legacy students were enrolled during the 2023-2024 school year!
11 Across – (Congregation of) St. Joseph
Students regularly have opportunities to connect with the Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph both in and out of the classroom. The spiritual touchstone of Nazareth Academy, the Sisters are frequently partners for service projects and often serve as guest speakers in classrooms to discuss important issues in our modern world. Read more about the unique ties in the Spring 2024 issue of Blueprint.
1 Down – White
Blue and White have represented Nazareth for generations of students and are the two colors of our school crest. These colors have become such an integral part of our identity and community that when we adopted a block schedule in 2019, students adjusted to different classes on “Blue” days and “White” days.
2 Down – (“Oh most) glorious (St. Joseph”)
By the time they’ve graduated, students will likely have the Prayer of St. Joseph memorized, as it is said in prayer at the end of every school day.
4 Down – Service
Students participate and reflect upon a number of service projects throughout the year, including, but certainly not limited to, the Gospel Service program and the senior capstone service project, Circle the City. Click the button below to learn more about our Gospel Service program.
6 Down – Alexine
The first yearbook was published in 1928, but it would not be published again or called The Alexine until 1950, the same year that our Foundress and its namesake, Mother Alexine Gosselin, passed away.
10 Down – Unity
Each year Nazareth’s Administration offers a school theme to launch the school year. That theme always includes the words, “That All Be One.” Those words are rooted in the charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph and remind us that oneness with the Dear Neighbor is at the cornerstone of our mission.