LA GRANGE PARK – Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park welcomed back alumni, new teachers and faculty for the 2015-16 school year on the first day of class Aug. 19.

This year, several graduates of the school will return to its halls in a different capacity – as teachers and staff.

“[I’m] very excited to return to my roots, especially in a position to help give back to a place that helped shape the person I am today,” said Amy Klod Boyle, the school’s new database and event coordinator and Class of 1996 graduate.

Boyle isn’t the only former student returning to the school this year.

“Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner.” said Amber Hitney, Nazareth’s new Spanish teacher and Class of 2008 graduate. “I am really looking forward to returning to the Nazareth family and helping to continue in the service and spirit of the Nazareth community.”

Bethany Mager, a Class of 1999 graduate and Nazareth’s new math teacher, said she also looks forward to doing her part toward the development of Nazareth students.

“I hope to carry the mission of St. Mother Theodore Guerin with me at Nazareth and her decree to love the children first, then teach them,” Mager said.

Nazareth’s school theme for the year is “Building Understanding … That All May Be One.”

“The creation of academically and culturally responsive classrooms begins with the underlying understanding that we each have more to learn,” Principal Deborah Tracy said. “When we are open to building understanding about unique gifts, talents and experiences that everyone brings to the table, the possibilities are endless.”