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In the Fall of 2018, 144
freshmen answered the call
to come to Cor Jesu and
officially become Chargers.
One freshman, though, had
another call to answer…
her wake up call.
Mary Nacanaynay ’22 hails from
Belleville, Ill., making her commute to
CJ a bit longer than that of the average Mary Nacanaynay ’22 and friends at musical rehearsal.
Charger. And while she may yawn in
homeroom on occasion, Mary is grateful on her alarm. The friendships and
to set that extra early alarm each day. memories she has made have been a
Mary is eight years younger than her big part of why Cor Jesu is so special
sister Claire, who graduated from Cor to her, even after just one year.
Jesu in 2014. She grew up watching “I’ll never forget when it was snowing
Claire’s experience at Cor Jesu and during one of our after-school Christmas
knew from the time she was little that concert rehearsals. The freshman choir
CJ was also the place for her. When took a break and ran outside to play in
her turn came, Mary booked an eighth the snow. It was just so much fun
grade shadow day and confirmed to be silly with my friends,” Mary
her assumptions about Cor Jesu. remembers with a chuckle.
“I loved how welcoming everyone Mary thanks the Class of 2009 for
was and that it was an academically memories like these. Why? Because
challenging school,” Mary says. “Plus, she is one of the many students at Cor
the music program is great, faith Jesu receiving financial aid from a Class
is important, and the teachers Endowed Scholarship. In Mary’s case, the
are really nurturing.” Class of 2009, in conjunction with Cor
As planned, Mary became a Charger Jesu’s financial aid budget, is covering
and didn’t hesitate to get involved. She a quarter of her tuition, enough to ease
joined the orchestra, freshman choir the financial burden on her family. The
and Campus Ministry, and was in the rest, her parents say they’re happy to
chorus for the 2019 spring musical, cover, knowing they are making a long-
42nd Street. In addition, she had ballet term investment in their daughter’s
class twice a week, homework to education. Thanks to the Class of 2009,
complete, and that lengthy commute. as well as her parents’ commitment,
Mary sets her morning alarm with a smile
“Because the drive is far, I wake up at because when it rings, it means that she
6 a.m. on Mondays and Fridays, and then is leaving soon for her second home—
at 5:15 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays the place where she knows she will be
and Thursdays to make it to my 7 a.m. challenged in the classroom, excel in
orchestra rehearsals or Campus Ministry co-curricular activities and make life-
meetings,” she says. “It’s worth it though, long friends.
because I love being involved and I know
a CJ education is going to help my future. “I feel really thankful that I get to go
Here, everyone is smart, so I’m challenged to Cor Jesu,” Mary says. “Knowing
every day and encouraged to work hard.” that alumnae are giving back to make
sure I can come here makes me want
And while Cor Jesu has been a great to give when I graduate, too. I want
fit for Mary academically, she cites to make it possible for other girls to
several reasons not to hit “snooze” get the same opportunities I am.”
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