Carlin Nalley Foundation Donor Testimonials
Tim Mitchell, "Even though I left Lisle, it has never left me."
Sport has been the one constant in my life, and that passion was born in Lisle. I was given the opportunity to compete; team up with athletes who more importantly were great people; and be challenged by leaders like Carlin Nalley who invested in our well-being long after the final play. Click to read entire story
Sport has been the one constant in my life, and that passion was born in Lisle. I was given the opportunity to compete; team up with athletes who more importantly were great people; and be challenged by leaders like Carlin Nalley who invested in our well-being long after the final play. Click to read entire story
Lions at Heart – Forever part of the “Pride”
Lisle High School along with the Lisle community will always and forever hold a special place in my family’s heart. I personally have the pleasure of not only being a Lisle High School Alumni - but also the experience of having children Summer (2014), Trevor (2017) and Cameron (2018) attend Lisle High School. (Oh, and did I mention I am married to alumni Tom Stitt for 27 years) In terms of my own experience, I have the greatest memories both in the classroom and in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. What I cherish most about these memories at Lisle is they provided experiences beyond the classroom that helped build skills and attributes of teamwork, competition, and comradery. Click to read entire story
Lisle High School along with the Lisle community will always and forever hold a special place in my family’s heart. I personally have the pleasure of not only being a Lisle High School Alumni - but also the experience of having children Summer (2014), Trevor (2017) and Cameron (2018) attend Lisle High School. (Oh, and did I mention I am married to alumni Tom Stitt for 27 years) In terms of my own experience, I have the greatest memories both in the classroom and in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. What I cherish most about these memories at Lisle is they provided experiences beyond the classroom that helped build skills and attributes of teamwork, competition, and comradery. Click to read entire story
Ron Logeman, "I encourage you to extend your support for these opportunities to recognize such successful students."
I consider myself very lucky to have found Lisle High School and District 202 so early in my career. My 32 years in Lisle taught me that education is not just a process applied generally to any situation, but instead great education is a series of learning experiences based on strong, caring relationships. Click to read entire story
I consider myself very lucky to have found Lisle High School and District 202 so early in my career. My 32 years in Lisle taught me that education is not just a process applied generally to any situation, but instead great education is a series of learning experiences based on strong, caring relationships. Click to read entire story
Ken Modaff, "One of my most influential teachers was Dr. John Mulcare."
Lisle was a great place to grow up and Lisle High School was a major part of that. I, my brothers and sister grew up in Lisle and attended Lisle High School. Our kids have done the same. Click to read the rest of the story
Lisle was a great place to grow up and Lisle High School was a major part of that. I, my brothers and sister grew up in Lisle and attended Lisle High School. Our kids have done the same. Click to read the rest of the story
Kathe (Buss) Schock, “It’s no wonder that my wedding colors back in 1988 were blue and white”
Growing up a member of the Lisle community gave me an identity I have always been proud of. I know that those of us lucky enough to have lived our entire young lives in this special town feel closely knit to one another. Click to read the rest of the story
Growing up a member of the Lisle community gave me an identity I have always been proud of. I know that those of us lucky enough to have lived our entire young lives in this special town feel closely knit to one another. Click to read the rest of the story
Michael J. Grecco Lisle Senior High Class of 1977
It is because of this experience that I have great pride and am forever thankful for the childhood experiences and education I and my classmates received from the teachers and parents in my hometown of Lisle. After moving back I appreciated my schools, teachers and friends even more and became a better student and more involved in the community. This is why to this day I am so very proud to be a Lisle Lion and proud of the town I grew up in. and it is also why I am excited to be able to donate to the Carlin Nalley Foundation as I feel that there is nothing better than recognizing one’s roots and promoting those experiences for generations to come. Read the Mike's entire blog entry by clicking here
It is because of this experience that I have great pride and am forever thankful for the childhood experiences and education I and my classmates received from the teachers and parents in my hometown of Lisle. After moving back I appreciated my schools, teachers and friends even more and became a better student and more involved in the community. This is why to this day I am so very proud to be a Lisle Lion and proud of the town I grew up in. and it is also why I am excited to be able to donate to the Carlin Nalley Foundation as I feel that there is nothing better than recognizing one’s roots and promoting those experiences for generations to come. Read the Mike's entire blog entry by clicking here
I'm an LSHS graduate from the class of 1986. Lisle became home after moving from West Virginia to start Junior High with many of the people who would ultimately become my fellow graduates and friends. I am a firm proponent of a strong public school option in our communities, and LSHS certainly served in that capacity. I went on to attend the University of Illinois, feeling extremely well prepared both socially and academically. I attribute that to the teachers and programs available to me in those early education years. Giving to the Carlin Nalley Foundation is a way for me to acknowledge my appreciation for that solid educational background. No student should ever miss out on higher education as the result of not being able to afford it, and the scholarships provided by the Carlin Nalley Foundation help to ease some of the financial burden they will incur. My thanks to the educators and coaches of LSHS and all they have done for me and so many others in preparing us for our futures.
Kim Noah,
Class of '86
Kim Noah,
Class of '86
Carlin Nalley Foundation,
Since graduating from Lisle Senior High school more than 30 years ago, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to travel many places in the world. Most folks from Northeast Illinois, when traveling, will tell people they are from Chicago. When I ‘m away from home, I like to tell them I’m from Lisle, Illinois. Why do I say Lisle? In large part, it is because of the educators we recognize through The Carlin Nalley Foundation. These people, and many others at Lisle, had such a positive influence to help make me the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to attend Lisle during the tenure of Coach Nalley and the others honored through these scholarships. It did not take long after graduating to realize the superior education I received from these wonderful people. Their influence and lessons are still embedded in my mind.
If you don’t know it, I can tell you this respect goes both ways. A few years ago I ran into Coach Nalley on a flight home from Phoenix. In the several hours the seat-belt sign was off, Coach Nalley spent the time wandering the plane, telling anyone who would listen, about the Lisle students and athletes he has mentored over the years and their successes. It feels especially good to give back to our community and support the legacy of my former teachers and coaches. And encourage the quality students that our school continues to mold.
I am and I’m the of a Flexible Packaging company in Downers Grove.
Mike Presecky
Owner and Managing Partner Jura Films North America
class of ’86
Since graduating from Lisle Senior High school more than 30 years ago, I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to travel many places in the world. Most folks from Northeast Illinois, when traveling, will tell people they are from Chicago. When I ‘m away from home, I like to tell them I’m from Lisle, Illinois. Why do I say Lisle? In large part, it is because of the educators we recognize through The Carlin Nalley Foundation. These people, and many others at Lisle, had such a positive influence to help make me the person I am today. I was fortunate enough to attend Lisle during the tenure of Coach Nalley and the others honored through these scholarships. It did not take long after graduating to realize the superior education I received from these wonderful people. Their influence and lessons are still embedded in my mind.
If you don’t know it, I can tell you this respect goes both ways. A few years ago I ran into Coach Nalley on a flight home from Phoenix. In the several hours the seat-belt sign was off, Coach Nalley spent the time wandering the plane, telling anyone who would listen, about the Lisle students and athletes he has mentored over the years and their successes. It feels especially good to give back to our community and support the legacy of my former teachers and coaches. And encourage the quality students that our school continues to mold.
I am and I’m the of a Flexible Packaging company in Downers Grove.
Mike Presecky
Owner and Managing Partner Jura Films North America
class of ’86
Here is why I give:
Growing up in Lisle was fabulous, largely due to the small school system, made up of talented, dedicated and inspiring teachers and coaches. With all the changes that have come to the world in the past 3 decades since I have graduated, it is exciting to see that Lisle continues to thrive with even more amazing facilities, new programs and a strong faculty. I am proud to give back to this fine institution that gave me the solid foundation to go on to higher education and a career. It also gave me a great group of friends who I see when I am in town. It never fails to remind me how blessed I am to have spent those formative years in the Lisle Schools. It is very important to me that the legacy continues for generations to come.
Sarah Bartels Nagel '84
La Canada Flintridge, California
Growing up in Lisle was fabulous, largely due to the small school system, made up of talented, dedicated and inspiring teachers and coaches. With all the changes that have come to the world in the past 3 decades since I have graduated, it is exciting to see that Lisle continues to thrive with even more amazing facilities, new programs and a strong faculty. I am proud to give back to this fine institution that gave me the solid foundation to go on to higher education and a career. It also gave me a great group of friends who I see when I am in town. It never fails to remind me how blessed I am to have spent those formative years in the Lisle Schools. It is very important to me that the legacy continues for generations to come.
Sarah Bartels Nagel '84
La Canada Flintridge, California
Like many
Lisle alums, I feel fortunate to have attended Lisle high school. Lisle was a town
where most everyone knew each other through school, youth sports and other
activities, and families knew (and looked out for) their neighbors. Coach Nalley was a fixture in the
community during my junior high and high school years. He was a positive
influence on me, personally, and on many other young people. In recent years, it
has been a pleasure to participate in Carlin Nalley Foundation (CNF) events,
reconnect with Lisle alumni, and watch CNF grow. I strongly support CNF’s
mission to provide scholarships to deserving Lisle students. I encourage you,
too, to support CNF and its goals. Every donation - whether big or small -
helps to sustain CNF. Working together, Lisle high school alums can pave the
way for CNF’s future and give back to the community that we all cherish.
Ron Amato
Attorney at Law, Naperville, IL
Class of 1988
Ron Amato
Attorney at Law, Naperville, IL
Class of 1988
There is no shortage of good causes to support but I am a firm believer in the phrase "think global, act local". While I no longer live in the Chicagoland area, being involved with the Nalley Foundation offers me a rewarding way to stay connected with the Lisle community. Post high school education has never been more important, but the cost of college has far outpaced inflation since I graduated 20+ years ago, leaving our youth saddled with record amounts of debt and we are clearly unable or unwilling as a nation to address the crisis holistically. If we want the next generation of Lisle youth to have the same opportunities we had, I strongly encourage alumni who are able to become involved with the Nalley Foundation.
Shad Khan
Shad Khan
Carlin Nalley Foundation,
LSHS gave me so much I wanted to give something back. Other than my parents, Coach Nalley was the most influential person during my high school years. It became important for me to honor Coach Nalley and LSHS graduating seniors, with help of numerous alumni, to create a college scholarship foundation in his name. Through ethics, academics, discipline and teamwork, Coach was able to motivate students in all walks of life. He had high expectations and made very clear what those expectations were. He took all comers. You practice, get your grades, you play. Carlin Nalley made people feel important and not just his “star” players. A quote from a 1978 graduate, “I didn’t join the football team because I was a good football player. I joined because Coach Nalley made me feel important.” Today LSHS is the number 1 ranked high school in Du Page County. Carlin Nalley played a huge part in building that foundation of academic and athletic excellence.
Kurt Grutzmacher
LSHS gave me so much I wanted to give something back. Other than my parents, Coach Nalley was the most influential person during my high school years. It became important for me to honor Coach Nalley and LSHS graduating seniors, with help of numerous alumni, to create a college scholarship foundation in his name. Through ethics, academics, discipline and teamwork, Coach was able to motivate students in all walks of life. He had high expectations and made very clear what those expectations were. He took all comers. You practice, get your grades, you play. Carlin Nalley made people feel important and not just his “star” players. A quote from a 1978 graduate, “I didn’t join the football team because I was a good football player. I joined because Coach Nalley made me feel important.” Today LSHS is the number 1 ranked high school in Du Page County. Carlin Nalley played a huge part in building that foundation of academic and athletic excellence.
Kurt Grutzmacher
As proud alumnae of the Lisle School system, with four kids who are currently enrolled or have graduated from this wonderful school, we felt it was necessary to give back to the school that gave us so much.
Lisa and I met at Lisle High School and have been married for 25 years, and have been proud parents raising our kids in this wonderful school system.
We are happy to give back to The Carlin Nalley Foundation to help other Lisle students achieve their dreams of attending college and fulfilling their dreams of attending college with the assistance of the scholarships afforded by this wonderful charity.
We hope you find it in yourself to give back to this incredible organization that gives so much back to the Lisle School system through scholarships and other charitable donations.
Steve and Lisa Laue with family
Lisa and I met at Lisle High School and have been married for 25 years, and have been proud parents raising our kids in this wonderful school system.
We are happy to give back to The Carlin Nalley Foundation to help other Lisle students achieve their dreams of attending college and fulfilling their dreams of attending college with the assistance of the scholarships afforded by this wonderful charity.
We hope you find it in yourself to give back to this incredible organization that gives so much back to the Lisle School system through scholarships and other charitable donations.
Steve and Lisa Laue with family
I can honestly say that growing up in Lisle and attending Lisle Senior High School provided me with friendships and memories that will last a life time. My friends, teachers, classmates and coaches taught me how to work hard, celebrate success and learn from failure. Lisle continues to shape and inspire young people. I am committed to doing what I can to help the Carlin Nalley Foundation and Lisle Senior High School support and accelerate students dreams for years to come.
Brad Long,
Class of 1983
Brad Long,
Class of 1983
I am a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. I have been operating some of the most technologically advanced cranes and equipment ever produced. I am currently operating a tower crane on the Chicago Skyline.
As a fourth generation resident of Lisle and a graduate in 1994, I deeply care for this community. That is why I have been working with the Carlin Nalley Foundation to help provide an Industrial Arts Scholarship to a well deserving student who may want to pursue a non-traditional career.
My career as a Crane Operator has provided me with gratification in ways I never imagined as a student twenty years ago. It is my hope to help encourage and educate Lisle students to cut a path in life that has been as rewarding as my own. I hope to accomplish this through continued work with The Carlin Nalley Foundation and the Ralph King Industrial Arts Scholarship.
Stephen A. Winz
As a fourth generation resident of Lisle and a graduate in 1994, I deeply care for this community. That is why I have been working with the Carlin Nalley Foundation to help provide an Industrial Arts Scholarship to a well deserving student who may want to pursue a non-traditional career.
My career as a Crane Operator has provided me with gratification in ways I never imagined as a student twenty years ago. It is my hope to help encourage and educate Lisle students to cut a path in life that has been as rewarding as my own. I hope to accomplish this through continued work with The Carlin Nalley Foundation and the Ralph King Industrial Arts Scholarship.
Stephen A. Winz
Why do I contribute annually to the Carlin Nalley Foundation? Here are the (emphatic) reasons:
• It’s not just about athletics!
o The Foundation recognizes other student endeavors, specifically theatre, science and vocation.
• It is about helping family and friends!
o The Legacy award is a great way to support fellow classmates, or family members, whose children attend LHS.
o And, believe me, your contribution will be meaningful to them.
• A small amount goes a long way!
o Alone, my contribution is not significant. Yet, collectively, with others giving, it’s a meaningful sum.
• It’s tax deductible!
o Whether individually, or through a business, it’s a great financial decision.
o Some employers may even match your contribution, if you inquire.
• Intrinsic gratification!
o Yes, believe it or not, it makes me feel good. And, it will make you feel good too!
So, throw away all the excuses, and (emphatically) contribute today!
Michael Honeysett
• It’s not just about athletics!
o The Foundation recognizes other student endeavors, specifically theatre, science and vocation.
• It is about helping family and friends!
o The Legacy award is a great way to support fellow classmates, or family members, whose children attend LHS.
o And, believe me, your contribution will be meaningful to them.
• A small amount goes a long way!
o Alone, my contribution is not significant. Yet, collectively, with others giving, it’s a meaningful sum.
• It’s tax deductible!
o Whether individually, or through a business, it’s a great financial decision.
o Some employers may even match your contribution, if you inquire.
• Intrinsic gratification!
o Yes, believe it or not, it makes me feel good. And, it will make you feel good too!
So, throw away all the excuses, and (emphatically) contribute today!
Michael Honeysett
I was not surprised when Lisle was named the top high school in DuPage County earlier this year, as it is a continuation of excellence, high expectations, and care that goes back six decades. I am profoundly grateful for the outstanding total education that I received at Lisle High School. The loyal, dedicated teachers, coaches, and counsellors have been providing a terrific foundation for Lisle students to achieve professional and life success since the school has been in existence. I donate to the Carlin Nalley Foundation to help deserving Lisle kids with diverse backgrounds and talents to pay for the increasingly high cost of secondary education. I also donate to remember and recognize the legendary teachers and leaders after whom the foundation and our scholarships are named. I would encourage all Lisle Alumni join us this fall: think about what your Lisle High School experience has meant to you personally, and make an annual commitment that will allow us to grow our scholarship program and enable more of these terrific students to achieve their post-high school goals.
John Bartels
Class of 1985
Carlin Nalley Foundation President
John Bartels
Class of 1985
Carlin Nalley Foundation President