From the Desk of Mike Shukis

I have given my instructions to the Diocese of Rockford that in the context of finding a replacement for Marian’s Head of School position, that the individual will need to possess a deep and tender affection for the faculty, staff, and students of Marian Central, and that they must have a clear understanding that kindness must always be the priority. I strongly prefer for anyone who works at our school to make mistakes in kindness rather than having an expectation for them to work miracles in unkindness. They must always be the first to smile in any greeting. Any Catholic School Educator whose vocation is to be at Marian Central, and to share that beautiful experience with all those around them, must always think of others first. They must be full of joy, be healthy in body and mind, always guided by the right intentions and they must possess a cheerful disposition.

I ask that we all continue to hear the students’ laughter and sense their joy of learning. Let them do God’s will with a smile. Let us all pray for all those who are being interviewed, that God may protect them and keep them in his love. Let’s try our best to not pass judgment, or gossip, but show our love and kindness. Believe me, this will make the biggest difference. Here is a prayer I have written for Marian Central’s wonderful community:

A prayer and a blessing for each one of you – my love and gratitude to each one of you for all you have been and have done these past 7 years to share the joy of learning in this wonderful Catholic educational institution.

The presence and the work of the faculty/staff, and the parents will always be the best
formula for our students to achieve the goal of obtaining heaven. This is a living
miracle of the love of God combined with what you do to be truly love in action.
God has shown his greatness by using all of us as He is then able to use His free hand.
Let us accept whatever He gives and give whatever He takes with a big smile.

As the days of my time at Marian Central draw near the end, my heart is filled with joy
and expectation of the beautiful things God will do through each one of you by
accepting with joy, the one God has chosen to be our new Head of School.
Beautiful are the ways of God if we allow him to use us as he wants.

Thank you and God Bless,

Mike Shukis

Head of School

Graduation TONIGHT

Seniors - please report to the Auxiliary Gym by 6:15 pm tonight with your caps, gowns and white stoles. After the ceremony, graduates should report back to the Auxiliary Gym to pick up their diplomas from their advisory teachers.

No tickets are issued for the ceremony. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and the doors to Landers Pavilion will open at 6:15 pm.

Informal Pictures - Repairs are in the process for the front of the school (on 120); therefore, for your safety, we are asking that parents and students avoid this area when taking photos before or after Graduation.

Junior Parents - One Click Admit - DEADLINE TODAY

We are excited to share a new opportunity for Illinois residents: the One Click College Admit program. This initiative provides a simple, stress-free way for students to receive admission offers from 10 of Illinois’ 12 public universities, giving them early college options and helping reduce the pressure of the application process. Deadline to apply is May 22.

An email with additional details and links to the One Click College Admit website was sent to junior parents on March 26. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Wochner in the Guidance Office.

Our National Honor Society will be hosting a Uniform Giveaway and Used Book Sale on Wednesday, June 17th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Cafeteria.

Uniform Giveaway

Donated, gently-used uniform pieces will be available to those interested in building their wardrobe. These items are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis to all families.

Please click here for a guide to the Marian Central uniform.

Used Book Sale

A limited supply of used textbooks will be available for purchase. Please note that the available books for purchase are only those that were donated this year; therefore, books might not be available for every class.

If you have books or uniforms to donate, please bring them to the office prior to June 16th so that they can be included in the event.

TEE up for a great cause!

Registration is now open for Marian Central Catholic’s Annual Golf Outing benefiting Hurricane student-athletes and their athletic teams!

Monday, July 27, 2026

⛳ Bull Valley Golf Club (18 Holes)

11:00 AM Shotgun Start

🏌️‍♂️ Woodstock Country Club (9 Holes)
1:30 PM Shotgun Start

Both registrations include golf, lunch, and dinner at Bull Valley Golf Club following play.

Secure your spot before Early Bird pricing ends on June 7 at 11:59pm.

🎟 Bull Valley Golf Club

$215 golfer | $860 foursome

🎟 Woodstock Country Club

$145 golfer | $580 foursome

Marian Golf Outing | Powered By GiveSmart

Mrs. Christine Connell

Mrs. Christine Connell is retiring after a total of 16 years of teaching at Marian Central Catholic High School and 37 years teaching within the Diocese of Rockford. Mrs. Connell graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in 1984 and later earned her Masters in Education also from Miami University. She served as the Chair for the Marian Central English Department.

Countless students have gained knowledge from Mrs. Connell’s expertise in the study of English. Mrs. Connell mentored many Marian students by moderating clubs such as Friends of Rachel, Writers Society and Green Club and sharing her passion for the Theatre through choreographing and directing musicals and plays.

Mrs. Connell is excited to retire but will continue to be seen around Marian as a substitute teacher. She plans to tutor in the writing lab at MCC, travel, spend time with family and friends and read during her retirement. She has enjoyed working in the Deanery Catholic Community, especially alongside former students, and teaching children of former students. Mrs. Connell will be greatly missed in her many roles at Marian Central. We would like to thank her for her time and commitment to the Marian Community and wish her well in her retirement.

Mrs. Laura Littner

Mrs. Laura Littner is retiring after 21 years of teaching at Marian Central Catholic High School. She graduated from Lewis University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1989. Mrs. Littner also earned a Masters of Secondary Education from Northern Illinois University. Mrs. Littner is a proud alum of the Marian Central Catholic High School Class of 1985.

Since stepping into the field of education, Mrs. Littner has made a positive impact on thousands of students as she provided an appreciation in the study of Psychology & History. Mrs. Littner was one of the founders of our current Marian Mentors program, forming our upperclassmen to be leaders among their peers. She also was known for her work with incoming freshmen and transfer students, preparing them for high school and welcoming them to the Hurricane family. Mrs. Littner also enjoyed teaching her own children, Jack (MC Class of 2016) and Katie (MC Class of 2018).

Mrs. Littner is looking forward to retirement, continuing to support Marian students through her work on the Executive Commission of Advisors and even substitute teaching. Marian students, faculty, staff, and parents have all benefited from Mrs. Littner’s efforts and she will be greatly missed. We thank her for her service to the Marian community and wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. Mike Shukis

Mr. Mike Shukis is retiring after 7 years as Superintendent of Marian Central Catholic High School. During this time, he has also served as the Dean of the Deanery for the seven Catholic grade schools in McHenry County. Mr. Shukis has been serving the Diocese of Rockford in various capacities since 1998. He is a graduate of Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor’s in Counseling the Hearing Impaired and a Master of Science in Counseling Education. He also has a Master of Arts in Educational Administration from Dominican University.

Mr. Shukis has mentored the teachers and staff of Marian Central Catholic in professional development and guidance throughout his time here. Students could count on him to wish them well daily at the last bell. As a former sign language instructor, Mr. Shukis enjoyed sharing his teachings with Marian students through the Sign Language Club. His deep love and understanding of the Catholic faith were truly evident in his work.

Mr. Shukis’s children are proud graduates of Marian Central, Alexandra and her husband James (MC Class of 2016), Grace (MC Class of 2017), Jacob (MC Class of 2020), and Benjamin (MC Class of 2021).

Mr. Shukis plans to spend time with his family, especially his new grandson, and he is also looking forward to spending more time reading, cooking, going to daily Mass, and traveling. We would like to thank Mr. Shukis for his dedication to the Marian Central Community, and we wish him best of luck!