Noonan Academy Year in Review

On August 18, 2025, Noonan Academy began its 31st year of excellence. With just under 260 students strong and a staff of around 40, the school year was met with great hope and expectation. We welcomed our families at our annual summer picnic where we enjoyed a beautiful day of fun and fellowship. Our new families were introduced to the Noonan community at our annual “Mentor Dinner.” Becoming part of the Noonan family is easy; the important part is feeling like you belong. Educating the mind and soul is a lifelong venture; it is essential that families and school continue to work together on this journey.

The Noonan machine picked up right where it left off in June. Our boys and girls began working on sportsmanship, teamwork, and being the best version of themselves as they participated in boys’/girls’ volleyball, hosted by the Tri-County League. We also showcased our hard work and commitment to excellence at Providence Catholic High School during their annual academic bowl. Noonan sent an 8th grade team to compete against our neighboring public and Catholic schools. Last year our 8th graders took 1st Place and this year our team won more trophies per team than any other school’s team. We believe at Noonan that excellence is not an act, but a habit. Moving to the arts, filled with excitement and determination, our speech team competed at the annual Speech Competition hosted by IESA. Noonan students ranging from fifth through eighth grade, after months of preparation, showcased their talent and commitment to excellence, receiving many trophies and 3 Judges Choice Awards.

November is a month to be thankful for. President Kennedy said, “A nation reveals itself not only by the citizens it produces, but also by the citizens it honors, the citizens it remembers.” We began November honoring all saints and all souls and continued as we came together on November 11th honoring our Veterans. Noonan Academy was jam-packed with students, staff, family, and Veterans. While other schools had the day off, our students had the honor of celebrating Mass with real heroes. You could hear a pin drop in the gymnasium as our veterans proudly marched down the aisle bearing our country’s colors and the flag of the church. We had over 20 veterans, ranging from World War II to active duty, come in and share with our students their stories and the importance of honoring all who served. We followed up with a service where students recited poetry, sang songs, and gave each Veteran a gift, a spiritual bouquet, and a blessing from a priest. We concluded the day with a Mass for our country and all who served, past, present, and future. Focusing on serving, our Noonan family, partnering with Catholic Charities, made 150 sack lunches for those experiencing homelessness and hunger. Here Noonan displayed one of the Corporal works of Mercy, feeding the hungry. Finally, we closed November doing battle on the chess grid as our Crusading nights hosted their annual Chess tournament. Once again, Noonan took home many trophies, our k-1 division and our 6-8th divisions team took first place with many individual awards, I couldn’t have been prouder.

December means Basketball season has begun and Christmas is here. Our Crusaders continue to develop their teamwork and perseverance on and off the court in hopes of bringing home a championship banner, good luck Crusaders! In Celebrating Jesus birth, the birth of our savior, our students joyfully were able to share their talents while bringing Christmas spirit to our Noonan community.

May God bless you and your family in this new year.

Joseph Dunn,
Principal
Noonan Academy

Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information or to schedule a tour at 708-479-8988. More information can be found at www.noonanacademy.org

OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 11am-1pm at 19131 Henry Drive, Mokena