Parent Letter of Invitation

December 2003

Dear Parents,

Together with your sons, you are preparing for high school and a whole new phase of life, for all of you. You are looking and talking over the different options out there, and most importantly, searching for the school that has the right environment, socially and academically, for your son’s particular character and needs and for where he belongs.

From the day we first walked through the doors of Quigley at an Open House in the Fall of 1997, we felt that this was exactly where our son belonged. As for him, he knew it. It was an unusual sensation, this almost immediate sense of being ‘at home’ here, comfortable, safe and excited about the future. There was a special spirit in the air that we had never felt at any other school, and it was almost indescribable. As he made his way through his high school career here, it became more evident, and tangible.

Quigley has a spirit of community, of family, actually, that seems to be unique. It continues to be such a nice group of young men! It is small, personal, diverse, lively and noble. This school has a long and dignified tradition of both challenging the young men academically and forming them spiritually, emphasizing strength of conscience and character. Generations of men in all assorted professions and careers, throughout Chicago and far beyond, have witnessed to the great value and quality of their Quigley experience. Note that they refer to it as more than an education – they value it as a formation of the whole person, helping to shape and support each young man in his growth toward who he will become, and to become the best he can personally be.

That attention to the individual, and his gifts and responsibilities to the community, fosters an environment in which all the young men can explore whatever academic, athletic and social/extracurricular activities that attract them, with no unhealthy pressure or intensity so common to many high schools. Our oldest son enjoyed a wealth of those activities here, and achieved a personal excellence, confidence and love of life and service for others that was deeply rewarding—for him and for us. As he entered senior year, his brother entered as a freshman, and one with a very different personality and set of interests. Quigley is well suited to meet those.

We live in the western suburbs, and this has required a big sacrifice, especially from our sons. But it seems that most of the young men here commute some distances daily to attend Quigley, also at a sacrifice. That says a lot. It is worth it.

We strongly recommend this school to you and to your sons. It is a unique institution.

Most sincerely,

Dale & Sheila Liaugminas