NICK FALCO - CLASS OF 1983
Nick Falco has committed over 26 years to global charitable outreach for those in need as Executive Director of the MDRT Foundation and currently Vice President of Kids Around the World. He has raised and distributed over 25 million dollars for people in need through his leadership at two international charitable organizations. He developed and led teams to build homes and playgrounds and distribute meals to thousands of children and families around the world, including Phuket, Thailand, New Orleans, south-central Los Angeles , Trinidad, inner-city Toronto, Santiago, Chile, Bahamas, Uganda and Tianjin, China. In addition, Nick has coordinated over 3,000 volunteers, including Fenton students, from more than 25 countries to pack meals to be distributed all over the world.
Mr. Falco is the recipient of multiple awards including Beacon of Light Award from Myasthenia GravisFoundation, Associations Advance America Award for Philanthropic Leadership at MDRT Foundation and the nominee for the Philanthropic Award for Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Mr. Falco has coached Fenton High School soccer teams since 1991 and has worked with youth as a volunteer coach of soccer and basketball in both Bensenville and Crystal Lake. Along with his brother, Nick helped to create an indoor soccer league in conjunction with Proviso West High School to provide a place for Fenton athletes and other area teams to play during the winter months.
As the adoptive father of three children, Nick Falco is a recognized public speaker on adoption and adoption issues.
MONICA PEDERSEN - CLASS OF 1988
Monica Pedersen has been described by the New York Times as the “radiant, high-energy mistress of ceremonies” at the recent Kitchen and Bath Industry show. Her enthusiasm for her career as an interior designer and television host is projected in all she does. As a designer on over 90 episodes of HGTV’s hit television series, Designed to Sell, and 50 episodes of Bang for Your Buck, Pedersen quickly became a trusted expert showing viewers how to add value to their homes while working within a tight budget. Her work as an interior design expert and television host can also be seen regularly as the Host of HGTV’s Dream Home and Green Home Giveaways, House Hunter’s Great Escapes and in appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly, the Joy Behar Show, and NBC’s Today Show.
Mrs. Pedersen released her first design book titled Make It Beautiful in May 2012. Her designs and tips have been featured in national publications including Redbook, Town and Country, Traditional Home, Good Housekeeping, InStyle, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s Day, and Family Circle. Monica is a contributing columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times Daily Splash column and was also featured as one of Chicago’s 50 most beautiful people in Chicago Magazine. Pedersen is currently bringing her design style to retail and designing her own lines of home décor accessories, textiles and furnishings.
In addition to her busy schedule as a television personality, Monica is a spokesperson for the National Home Furnishings Association, serves as a member of the Sustainable Green Furnishings Council and volunteers her time to the L.O.S.S. Program of Chicago sponsored by Catholic Charities