MCHS The Nook 111

Episode 8 - Carrie Prosek (PE Teacher and Girls Volleyball Head Coach)

Listen in as Minooka Community High School (MCHS) PE Teacher and Head Coach for the Girls Volleyball team – Carrie Prosek, shares her career path to becoming the Head Coach for the Girls Volleyball team, what she learned from her collegiate coaches and how she implements those lessons today. Ms Prosek talks about how teaching PE and coaching sports runs deep throughout her family, how she played against Minooka during her high school days, and what career she really wants once she retires.

Episode 7 - Jamie Soliman (Assistant Principal - MCHS South Campus)

Listen in as Minooka Community High School (MCHS) Assistant Principal of South Campus, Jamie Soliman, shares her career path to becoming assistant principal, her love of math and the joy of teaching it, and fun family vacations. Mrs. Soliman talks about her time living in another country and how that made an impact on her approach to teaching, how she has grown as a leader this past year, and how an apple might not stay on her head for long.

Episode 6 - Donna Engel (Science Department Chair at MCHS)

Listen in as Minooka Community High School (MCHS) Science Department Chair, Donna Engel, shares her smile and happiness of becoming a first-time grandmother, how she cherishes the opportunity of playing a part in the ripple affect of so many students, and her mission trips to Africa. Mrs. Engel talks about why graduation day is so important to her, why a rainbow led the way to her choosing a college, and shares the reasons of becoming devoted to chemistry.

Episode 5 - Nick Lundin (Head Coach of Boys Track & Field) and Kevin Gummerson (Head Coach of Girls Track & Field)

Listen in as Minooka Community High School (MCHS) Head Coach of Boys Track and Field, Nick Lundin, and Head Coach of Girls Track and Field, Kevin Gummerson, share their passion and knowledge for the sport of Track and Field. The coaches’ talk about how the program has grown from when they first arrived, preview the Boys Sectional Meet and the Girls State Meet, and discuss why they think Illinois is such a strong state for running. The Boys Sectional meet will be held at Bloom High School on Wednesday, May 15, 2019. The Girls State Finals Meet will be held at Eastern Illinois University on Friday & Saturday, May 17 & 18, 2019.

Episode 4 - Sean Hackney (English Department Chair at MCHS)

Listen in as Minooka Community High School (MCHS) English Department Chair, Sean Hackney, shares the story of how he chose English over Business as his major in college, and how the book The Catcher in the Rye played a big part in that decision. Mr. Hackney talks about the relationships he builds with the students, how they become part of his growing Minooka family, and how hard it is to say goodbye to graduating seniors. Listen as Mr. Hackney provides insight to his journey to MCHS, and the joy he gets from the students becoming productive citizens of the community and beyond.

Episode 2 - Joe Pacetti (Director of Student Services - Special Education)

Listen in as Joe Pacetti shares his thoughts on the Student Services team and the passion they bring to school, and the students, everyday. Mr. Pacetti talks about what makes the Student Services program at Minooka Community High School unique for the students, the partnership MCHS has with Alyssa's Mission, and the Rhythm Of Our Youth program with Morris Community Hospital. 

Episode 1 - Dr. Janel Grzetich (Director of Curriculum and Instruction)

Listen in as Dr. Grzetich shares her passion for curriculum and instruction for the students at Minooka Community High School. Dr. Grzetich talks about what makes MCHS unique for our students and how proud she is of the teachers that surround them. Dr. Grzetich also speaks on the importance of Dual Credit, Illinois State Report Card information, and how it all started for her in the classroom as an English teacher.