Features

Getting real with Edward Resendiz

Julia Macari, Stella Macari, Nadia Wodziak, Julia Trench, and Ema Gaidukevicius

September 11, 2025

Excited for his first year, Edward Resendiz is prepared to take on any challenge thrown his way.

A new school year at Lemont High School comes with a handful of new teachers. Business and Technology teacher Edward Resendiz is both new to Lemont and LHS, however he is not new to teaching in the slightest.

“This is my 16th year teaching,” Resendiz said. “I student taught, then taught for 10 years at West High School in Glennellen.”

His teaching career stems straight from the heart of Business, Technology and Math, having taught classes in each of those categories.

“I started as a math teacher, and then [West High School] needed somebody to teach computer science and they threw me into that,” Resendiz said.

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It’s to no surprise that Resendiz plans to carry his expertise to similar classes here at LHS, too.

“I am teaching Tech. Concepts, AP Computer Science Principles and AP Cybernetworking […] and the other course I’m teaching is Intro to Business,” Resendiz said..

Resendiz attended Northern Illinois University and majored in Math, as well as Music. Music has been an important part of his life, and he’s even participated in professional choirs and performances.

“I started off as a Music [Education] major, and then switched to vocal performance along with [majoring] in Math,” Resendiz said.

While entering a new environment can be a little nerve-wracking for some, Resendiz is excited to take on the challenge.

“Driving over the bridge, I thought [Lemont] was beautiful,” Resdeniz said.

Coming into a new school means new faces, classes and classrooms. A big change in the environment can make for some strong opinion on how things are going to be.

“[I think] just getting to learn about the community and students, I think is what I am most excited about,” Resendiz said..

This adjustment to his new surroundings can feel a bit overwhelming, but not something Resendox can’t handle.

“Im most excited about just feeling fully at home” Resendiz said.”It’s all so new so I’m not 100% comfortable yet”

To Resendiz it’s not just the school that’s new, it’s also the whole town of Lemont.

“I thought there was a mix of a very traditional, like historical [feel]. I like the small town feel,” Resendiz said..

With this new school environment, Resendiz plans to make a difference. While he’s only starting his first year at LHS, he knows exactly what impact he wants to make on the school.

“I think one of the great things about teaching is you learn so much about students and their roles,” Resendiz said. “Every year it seems I end up learning more than my students.”

Resendiz wanted to find a school that’s right for him, so he did exactly that. LHS is a smaller campus compared to what he was used to in his recent years of teaching.

“I realized that I had less of an ability to deflect any change, so I realized that a smaller school and a smaller school district would be better if I wanted to make my mark,” Resendiz said.

As for Resendiz’s life outside of the classroom, he enjoys learning many new languages. Resendiz speaks Spanish, French and also a little bit of German and Italian. At the moment, Resendiz is beginning to learn Polish along with Lithuanian.

“I know I have some Lithuanian students, so I know ačiū

means thank you,” Resendiz said..

At former schools Resendiz has taught at, he always tries to learn the languages his students speak to build a stronger connection with his students.

Outside of learning languages, Resendiz also enjoys playing around with technology. This allows him to become more involved in his technology classes and furthers the information he gathers on these topics. Resendiz also partakes in different clubs as he is involved with a chess and book club. But he is more than open to any and all activities.

“I’ll dabble in like everything and anything that presents itself,” Resendiz said.

Resendiz is more than thrilled to begin his journey at LHS and to connect with the community. So, if you end up seeing Resendiz on your schedule, be prepared for a passionate and eventful class.

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About the Contributors

Julia Macari, Co-Editor-In-Chief

Going into her senior year, Julia is ready to make every moment count. This being her third year in Journalism (and first time taking on the position of Co-Editor-In-Chief), she is so excited to get back to writing and having fun with her classmates. Outside of Journalism, Julia is heavily involved in Lemont’s Drama Club and theatrical productions. If she’s not cranking out a story, chances are she’s practicing in the Performing Arts Center. This year, she also holds many titles throughout the school as the President of the Thespian Society, Vice President of the National Honors Society, Vice President of Drama Club and Publicity Chair of Rho Kappa. Despite having a lot on her plate, Julia still wants to spend a lot of time with her friends and make long lasting memories during her final year at LHS. As for her time after high school, she plans on pursuing musical theater at any college that lets her in.

Stella Macari, Staff Writer

Stella Macari is a freshman at Lemont High School and is excited for her first year on the Tom-Tom. Her friends and family would describe her as charismatic and definitely creative. Stella plans to be very involved with LHS by joining the drama club, baking club and student council. Additionally, Stella plans on partaking in the theatrical productions -here at LHS. If she isn’t on the stage you will probably find her hanging out with her friends or watching “Modern Family” with her mom. She is so excited to be a part of such an amazing team of journalists.

Nadia Wodziak, Staff Writer

Nadia Wodziak is a senior at Lemont High School and is super excited to participate in her first year of Journalism. Having thought about a career in broadcast journalism, taking Journalism felt like the best thing she could do to test out that path. Outside of writing, you can find Nadia on the stage. Having participated in numerous productions throughout her life, the stage has become her second home. Although senior year is full of multiple sad lasts, Nadia is thrilled to have Journalism as an exciting first.

Julia Trench, Staff Writer

Julia Trench is returning to Lemont High School as a sophomore and is ready to kick-start one of her many passions in her first year of Journalism. Julia is a familiar face around the school, participating in a wide range of activities including Drama Club, Speech Team, Spring Musical, Group Interpretation and more. When not at LHS, she continues to pursue her career of musical theater through her work with Stage Door Fine Arts; a local community theater. Julia has always loved writing and English, so joining the Journalism family felt like a natural fit. She’s looking forward to growing her skills and building strong connections with her classmates this year.

Ema Gaidukevicius, Staff Writer

Ema Gaidukevicius is a senior and first-year member on the Tom-Tom staff. Her friends would describe her as energetic and understanding. Lots of the time you can find Ema reading, on the court or listening to music. Ema likes to be busy all the time, whether it’s playing volleyball for the school team, being a part of her church, volunteering for the Chicagoland Rotary club, being involved in Ateitininaki or just hanging out with her friends. She is also very involved in her Lithuanian culture and is looking into studying psychology.