Benet takes great pride in the skill and dedication of its educators, many of whom spend significant portions of their careers as Redwings. The commitment of Benet’s teachers to the Academy can perhaps best be seen in the 25-Year Club, an exclusive honor society composed of teachers who have given 25 or more years of service to Benet. On March 4, 2016, four teachers were inducted into this Club. Mr. Ramon Marth, Ms. Mary Margaret Eraci, Mr. Scott Brooks, and Mr. Steven Crosby joined the ranks of Benet’s most talented educators in a night enjoyed by all.

Ms. Eraci 

By Lexi Enacopol

Ms. Eraci originally returned to Benet – her alma mater – after college with a plan to teach for just a few years then continue her education as a marine biologist. Ever since she was little, her answer to the question, “What do you want to be when you are older?” has always been a marine biologist. During high school, the last thing she thought she would do when she was older was come back to Benet Academy and teach.

After attending Loyola University of Chicago, Ms. Eraci decided to put her teaching certificate to use and teach AP Biology and Honors Anatomy and Physiology at Benet. She also coached the sophomore girls basketball team for 23 years, yelling out drills on the same court she played on during her time at Benet. Later, Ms. Eraci attended graduate school at Montana State University.

When asked to recall favorite memories from her 25 years at Benet, she couldn’t name just one. She loves both the subjects she teaches and the opportunity to interact with her students. “The best part of my day is interacting with my students,” she said. “The type of students Benet has, motivated and dedicated students who are genuinely interested in what they’re doing…that makes my day enjoyable.”

Connecting with her class and seeing how the class changes and develops throughout the year are a few of her favorite things.

When asked whether she would make the decision to teach at Benet again, Ms. Eraci said, “I didn’t think I’d be here for very long, but when I look back I’m happy and thankful for the detour. If I had the choice to go down this path again, I definitely would.”

Thank you for everything you do Ms. Eraci!

Señor Marth

By Olivia Burley

Senor Marth originally began working at Benet in a part-time position. As his students will agree, however, Benet has benefitted greatly from his decision to become a permanent member of the foreign language program.

Though he says he loves Benet’s academic side, Senor Marth’s favorite part of working at Benet is the students. “I love the fact that whenever I do different volunteer activities, if I look for kids to help me, there’s always kids who are willing to help me,” he says. In fact, his favorite memory of Benet is from two years ago when over 30 students and alums came to participate in Habitat for Humanity the day after graduation. “I was hoping to have about 10 or so kids show up and over 30 did when they all could have been sleeping in,” he commented. “That is one of many good memories.” Senor Marth enjoys his time at Benet, saying “most days are good; many are great.”

If you haven’t been lucky enough to get Senor Marth as a teacher, you can find him working in the scene shop, leading Logos trips, or coaching Scholastic Bowl. Thank you Mr. Marth for all that you do for Benet Academy!

Mr. Crosby

By Gino Kozel

Mr. Crosby has been a mathematics teacher on the second floor of St. Martin hall for his entire career at Benet. He first taught Geometry and Intermediate Algebra to the sophomore and junior classes, but since then, he has taught all four grades at Benet in a variety of classes, including AP Calculus. The room he resides in may have been updated and new desks may have been added, but as Mr. Crosby himself says, “It’s always been me.”

Before Mr. Crosby found his way to Benet, he attended Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. During his senior year he received a letter from Mr. Ernie Stark, Benet principal at the time and a St. Mary’s graduate, inviting him to apply for a job at Benet. He interviewed and began his tenure in the fall of 1991. Mr. Crosby would later earn Master’s Degree from DePaul University.

Mr. Crosby has called room M224 home for his last twenty-four years at Benet Academy. While he may not have the most lavish decorations that draw your eye, visitors to his room are intrigued by the more natural flow his personal touches create. He has decorations and collectibles from his years at Benet and his own personal experiences. This reporter’s personal favorite was Mr. Crosby’s Spider-Man figurine on the American flag in his room. The item in his room with an interesting story to tell is a stuffed mouse from the famous children’s book, If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. Every year Mr. Crosby reads this enjoyable tale to his classes and tell them if you can understand this, you can understand advanced math.

Besides teaching, Mr. Crosby has coached baseball for 25 years and football for 24 years.

Thank you Mr. Crosby for your contributions to Benet Academy!

Mr. Brooks

By Will Senak

I sat down with the freshman Biology teacher and girls varsity cross-country coach, Mr. Scott Brooks, to talk about his induction into the Benet Academy 25-Year Club and the memories he has made during his time at the Academy. He gladly shared with me the story of how he and Mr. Crosby organized a “Wayne’s World” skit for the variety show during their first year at Benet. What made the event so memorable to him was that he managed to get the Dean of Students at the time, Mr. Jim Brown, and the principal, Mr. Stark, to appear in the skit as comic foils.

An additional memory he recalled was when he coached the 2006 girls cross-country team to winning third place at the State meet. He remembered this achievement because Benet remains the only Catholic school team in girls cross country in the history of Illinois to earn a trophy in Class 3A.

When asked how Mr. Brooks felt about becoming a member of the 25 Year Club, he said, “Honestly, I’m not much for the attention it brings, but it is humbling to be a part of that group of now 49 teachers. So many of the people in the group are still teaching at Benet […] others were mentors of mine who have now since retired.  To be associated with all of them is certainly an honor.”

Mr. Brooks enthusiastically continues his teaching and coaching at Benet and looks forward to future memories he will make at Benet.

Walking through the halls of Benet, one sees a myriad of wall decorations. From crosses and biblical quotes to state plaques and trophy cases, our school encourages success, hard work, and dedication. However, these things do not come easily. Benet’s faculty, especially the members of the 25 Year Club, go above and beyond every year to help students achieve their highest potential. We owe them a debt of gratitude.