There were standing ovations all around as guests at Saint Viator High School’s Night
Kate Costello, left and Chuck Heinrich, right, pose with Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, at Night of Lion. Both were named distinguished alumni
of the Lion gala honored distinguished alumni, business partners and transformative leaders.
Yet, there was a common thread in each of their acceptance speeches: they all thanked members of the Viatorians, whose mission had not only shaped the school but them as individuals.
Take Chuck Heinrich, a 1965 graduate who worked as a police officer in Arlington Heights for 21 years before serving another 20 years as an air marshal for the Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Homeland Security. He was named one of two distinguished alumni during the evening.
Br. Carlos Flórez, CSV, and Br. John Eustice, CSV, enjoyed the evening
“To those Viatorian priests and brothers who taught me not only lessons, but lessons of life,” he said, “I thank you.”
The other outstanding alumni honored was Mrs. Kate Costello, a 1970 graduate of Sacred Heart of Mary High School, who has taught theater at the school and directed its plays and musicals for 17 years.
“My real reward is the opportunity to try and work small miracles every day with the young men and women at Saint Viator High School,” Mrs. Costello said.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, left, and incoming president, Brian Liedlich, center, discuss the school with Jack Klues, a member of its advancement committee
The evening was significant in more ways than fundraising. At the outset, Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, provincial of the Clerics of St. Viator and president of Saint Viator High School’s board of governors, introduced the new president, Mr. Brian Liedlich.
“We were able to find not just a good person, but the right person,” Fr. von Behren said.
He also thanked Fr. Brost for his three-year term as president, leading the school through its latest capital improvements, but more importantly leading students to value serving others.
Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, thanks Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, for his leadership as president of Saint Viator High School
“Your passion for teaching students has called them to something greater,” Fr. von Behren said. “For your passion and leadership, we thank you.”
After receiving a standing ovation, Fr. Brost thanked the crowd and described his years at Saint Viator as an “incredible blessing.”
“I am a better man, a better religious and a better priest because of the kids, parents and supporters here at Saint Viator High School,” Fr. Brost said. “I have seen the face of God in these students, and I will be eternally grateful.”