The Fine Point: A Year of Momentum, Milestones, and Meaning | December 2025
A Monthly Message from President Robert J. Fine, Jr. | A Year of Momentum, Milestones, and Meaning
As the year draws to a close, it offers an opportunity to pause and reflect on the moments that defined us, strengthened our community, and advanced our mission at St. John’s Northwestern. This past year was one of meaningful growth, not just in numbers or rankings, but in connection, opportunity, and purpose.
One of the most significant milestones was the launch of our official Alumni Weekend. Designed intentionally for our graduates, the weekend was dedicated entirely to celebrating their stories, service, and continued connection to St. John’s Northwestern. From shared memories to new traditions, it marked the beginning of what will become a lasting and cherished annual experience for generations of alumni to come.
Innovation also took flight this year with the ribbon-cutting of our new Aviation and Flight Simulator Deck. This space represents more than advanced equipment. It reflects our commitment to hands-on learning and real-world application. That commitment was further demonstrated when St. John’s Northwestern showcased its aviation program at a record-breaking EAA AirVenture exhibit in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, placing our students and faculty on one of the world’s largest aviation stages.
Our students continued to distinguish themselves academically and competitively. A St. John’s Northwestern student earned first place at the 26th Annual Carthage College Model United Nations Conference, exemplifying critical thinking, diplomacy, and global awareness. Our Raiders Challenge Team achieved multiple podium finishes throughout the year, reinforcing a culture of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. We also proudly expanded the Raiders Obstacle Course, furthering opportunities for leadership development, physical training, and confidence building across programs.
At the heart of these accomplishments is a student body that reflects the world our graduates will one day lead. This year’s 142nd student body represents 35 countries and 19 states, bringing together a rich diversity of cultures, perspectives, and experiences. United by our shared values and guided by this year’s motto, Fortune Favors the Bold, our students learn daily what it means to lead with courage, empathy, and confidence in a global community.
Our reputation for excellence continues to gain national recognition. For the third consecutive year, St. John’s Northwestern earned a niche top ranking as a leading Christian high school, affirming the values-based education that remains central to who we are. Academically, our students were awarded more than $7 million in college scholarships, opening doors to institutions across the country and underscoring the strength of our preparation.
Leadership development remained a cornerstone of the St. John’s Northwestern experience. This year, we were proud to serve as the official host site for Wisconsin’s Service Academy Day, welcoming students and families from across the state to our campus. Co-hosted by United States Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson, the event provided direct access to representatives from the nation’s service academies, ROTC programs, and military branches. Hosting this day was both an honor and a natural extension of our long-standing tradition of preparing students for service academy appointments, ROTC scholarships, and lives of principled leadership.
We further strengthened that commitment by hosting JROTC Cadet Leadership challenges for Chicago-area students, creating opportunities for collaboration, competition, and growth among young leaders across the region. We also expanded dual-enrollment and college-credit opportunities, giving students a meaningful head start on higher education while still in high school.
In athletics, we welcomed professional player Ian Bennett as Head Soccer Coach, reinforcing our commitment to excellence, mentorship, and character-driven leadership on and off the field.
No matter the path our students choose, whether it leads to a service academy, a university campus, professional athletics, military service, aviation, or a future still taking shape, our responsibility remains the same. We are committed to setting the bar for what a St. John’s Northwestern education can and should be.
That commitment is reflected in every opportunity we offer. From dual enrollment and college credit partnerships to Advanced Placement Courses and the AP Capstone Program, from leadership development and athletics to aviation, JROTC, and experiential learning, we continue to expand what is possible for our students. These programs are designed not only to challenge and prepare, but to inspire confidence, curiosity, and pride.
Taken together, they ensure that every student who walks through our doors leaves with a strong foundation, a sense of purpose, and the confidence to lead wherever life takes them. That is what defines St. John’s Northwestern, and it is a standard we will continue to uphold as we welcome a new year.
About SJN:
St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. SJN is a private co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7-12 and post-graduate. Learn more at www.stjohnsnorthwestern.org