Willows Academy

Congratulations to the Willows Academy Class of 2026!

We recently celebrated our graduates and their many remarkable accomplishments at a beautiful Commencement Ceremony filled with cherished Willows traditions. The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from our three valedictorians, Tess Anastasi, Marie Spencer, and Giovanna Zanjacomo, as well as Class President Molly Baehl. We were also honored to welcome alumna Cammy Czarnick '03 as our Commencement Speaker.

As the Class of 2026 embarks on its next chapter, these young women leave Willows Academy with much to be proud of—academic achievements, leadership experiences, lifelong friendships, a deepened faith, and a lasting love of learning.

We are excited to welcome them into the Willows Academy Alumnae community and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.

See more photos at https://www.somethingblue-design.com/2026willows-graduation

Willows Academy proudly congratulates the Class of 2026 and our three Valedictorians!

We are incredibly proud of Therese, Marie, and Giovanna for their outstanding academic achievements, hard work, determination, and commitment throughout their years at Willows.

This fall, all three will begin an exciting new chapter at University of Notre Dame. We know they will continue to accomplish great things, and we look forward to seeing all that their futures hold.

Congratulations, Therese, Marie, and Giovanna—we are so proud of you!
Go Eagles!

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Willows faculty and staff celebrated the end of the school year with a fun end-of-year party. It is always a special time to thank our faculty and staff for their tireless commitment and dedication to the Willows community.

This year was especially meaningful as we said goodbye to several beloved members of our community who are retiring or beginning new adventures:

Maureen McNally, John McNally, Kate Cusack, Susy Lopez, Lucy Rowan, Therese Leszczynski, Betsy Rodriguez, Sarah Fairbank, and Maria Castillo Iberro.

Thank you for all you have given to Willows. You will be greatly missed!

Freshman Kamila Mikula is a three-sport athlete competing in Tennis, Basketball, and Soccer. She has been recognized as Eagle of the Week for her outstanding goal-scoring contributions to the Varsity Soccer Team this season. Kamila currently leads both the team and the ISL Conference with 28 goals — an incredible achievement for a freshman athlete.

Coach Kayla shared, “She has made an immediate impact on the soccer program with her relentless attack and natural finishing ability.”

Congratulations to Kamila on an outstanding season, and good luck in the IHSA State Playoffs!

Congratulations to Stephanie Tirpak on an incredible performance at the Illinois State Track and Field Meet! Stephanie placed 5th in Discus with a personal-best throw of 40.26 meters, earning All-State honors and making Willows Academy history as the school’s first-ever Track & Field All-State athlete. She also competed in Shot Put and finished 22nd overall.

A huge thank you as well to Coach Kurkowski, Coach Cullotta, and Coach Flis for their dedication and support throughout the season.

Another beautiful Willows tradition — the Junior/Senior Luncheon! The junior class hosts a special send-off for their upperclassmen, celebrating their accomplishments and wishing them all the best as they prepare for their next chapter.