Zach Thompson is a 1993 graduate of Lisle Senior High School and is the oldest of a family that includes Jessica Thompson, class of 1994, Sam Thompson, class of 99, and Katie Thompson, class of 2003. He studied mass communications at Illinois State University and has since gone on to do nothing in mass communications. He works in IT but would rather tell you about his hobbies. You might see him around Lisle, cheering on his children- Miette class of 2023, Samantha class of 2027, and August class of 2032.
 
I believe that growing up in Lisle and my education in the Lisle school system have really prepared me in all aspects of my life. I joined the Carlin Nalley Foundation board in an effort to support the tremendous opportunities they provide for Lisle High School students. Also, I’m here for the fun

November 2025 – Lisle, IL — The Carlin Nalley Foundation (CNF) announces that longtime board member and President John Bartels is stepping down from his leadership role to become the organization’s Chief of Fundraising.
Bartels has served on the CNF Board of Directors since 2009 and as President since 2013. Over his twelve-year tenure, the Foundation has enjoyed steady, successful growth — expanding scholarship programs, strengthening alumni engagement, and broadening community impact.
A 1985 graduate of Lisle High School and a 1989 graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Chemical Engineering, John recently retired after a distinguished career as an engineer and manager with BP. He resides in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood with his wife and two daughters.
Succeeding Bartels as President is Karla (Nalley) Modelski, a fellow Lisle alumna and long-time CNF leader. Both leadership transitions were unanimously approved during the Foundation’s annual board meeting on Sunday, November 9, 2025.
“It has been a privilege to serve on this outstanding board,” shared Bartels. “Stepping down from my role as president will allow me to focus on fundraising for CNF’s scholarship program — a cause I care deeply about.”
Among his accomplishments, Bartels was honored in 2021 with the Lisle High School Distinguished Alumni Award.

​A proud member of Lisle High School's class of 1990, Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Benedictine University and a master's degree in Teacher Leadership from North Central College.
 
For three decades, Mark has been a dedicated high school science teacher and coach. In 2006, he returned to his alma mater, Lisle High School, where he serves as a biology teacher and coaches basketball and track.
 
Mark is honored to join the CNF board and shared this statement: "I am very proud to be selected to the Board of the Carlin Nalley Foundation. It is something unique to our school community, and I have seen firsthand the impact it has made on our students and families."

​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is proud to announce the return of Nickole Lanham (Class of 1996) to our Board of Directors. After taking some time away to focus on personal business, Nickole was unanimously voted back onto the board on August 4, 2025 — and we couldn’t be happier to have her leadership, vision, and energy back in the fold.
Nickole’s educational journey began right here in the Lisle School District, which she describes as having shaped her academics, athletics, and artistic pursuits while instilling core values of perseverance, honesty, and fairness.
“I feel fortunate and prideful that the Lisle School District has been an intimate part of my life and the lives of my family for decades. These were, indeed, formative years and values for which I am grateful.”
After graduating from LHS, Nickole went on to earn her BA from THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA (2000) and her MFA from ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY (2006). Today, she serves as the Gallery Director for three galleries at North Central College, where she curates, manages, and champions the visual arts.
Nickole’s deep respect for Lisle’s traditions is clear:
“The Carlin Nalley Foundation is aptly named. As a foundation, it is the underpinning that supports these important values that are a part of Lisle's tradition. I feel honored that I might have some small part in helping to advance these important values and see them flourish.”

Beyond the BoardroomIn addition to her board duties, Nickole has enthusiastically joined the All-Years Reunion Committee, helping to plan the upcoming celebration:
Blue & White: Reunite! – Lisle All-Years Reunion
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
📍 Newly Renovated Krasa Center, Benedictine University
Her passion for community and her ability to bring people together make her an invaluable part of the reunion planning team.

​About the Carlin Nalley Foundation
​The Carlin Nalley Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to Lisle High School alumni and students. Our mission:

• Scholarships – Awarding financial support to graduating seniors across diverse achievements and disciplines.
• Enrichment – Partnering with Lisle High School to provide mentoring, career counseling, and program support.
• Community – Hosting events that reconnect alumni, honor service, and celebrate the rich traditions of LHS.

Together, we’ve awarded over $300,000 in scholarships and built an alumni network that’s strong, proud, and growing.
🔗 Learn more: www.CarlinNalleyFoundation.org

Rachel Birkley (class of 2013) was voted on to the Foundation board in 2020, and in 2021 Rachel was voted the Ambassador Director. She earned her AA from the College of DuPage in 2015, BA from North Central College in 2018, and MA in Higher Education Leadership from North Central College in 2021. She is also a Fulbright alumna, as Rachel served as an English Teaching Assistant in Logroño, Spain, for an academic year.  Currently, she is employed at North Central College as Associate Director, Education Abroad.
“Lisle Community School District #202 provided countless opportunities for me to soar during my time as a student and established a foundation of learning that allowed me to achieve my dreams upon graduation.  Thanks to my K-12 teachers, supportive staff members along the way, and the tight-knit community in Lisle, I learned how to collaborate, empathize, and lead others.  I am honored to serve as a board member for the Carlin Nalley Foundation and give back to the community that gave me everything.  I hope to create a strong network of our Lisle alumni, celebrating each of our successes, as well as supporting current students to achieve their dreams, just as I did. Go Lions,” Rachel Berkley!