April Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class to be the Mustang of the Month. For a student to be nominated by a faculty or staff member for the Mustang of the Month Award, he must excel or stand out in at least two of the following areas: academics, activities, athletics, spirituality or community service projects or programs. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to what St. Rita of Cascia High School is all about and whose efforts, accomplishments and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.
Senior: John Emmons
Representing the Class of 2023 as our April Senior Mustang of the Month is John Emmons. John is a graduate of Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School and a member of St. Linus Parish.
John strives for excellence in the classroom earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester. He is a member of the Cross Country Team, Esports Team, Chess Team, and is the Captain of the Scholastic Bowl Team. He scored a 34 on the ACT and is planning to attend the University of Alabama in the Fall to study engineering.
A faculty member who nominated John, spoke of him saying, “John is one of the most active participants in class and has a unique ability to use his humor, wit, and ability to think outside the box to challenge both his teachers and peers to think more deeply about the issues and topics discussed during class. He is a pleasure to teach and makes learning more fun and engaging for all who share a class with him.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, John said, “St. Rita has been an amazing experience with many ups and downs throughout the years. Throughout it all, I have made lasting friendships and I have grown as a person. I could not think of a better place to be.”
Congratulations John!
Junior: Joe Palzkill
Representing the Class of 2024 as our April Junior Mustang of the Month is Joe Palzkill. Joe attended Christ the King School where he is also a member of the Christ the King Parish community.
Joe excels in the classroom, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester. Joe is a member of Varsity Hockey, Varsity Lacrosse, Honors Band, Jazz Band, Praise Band, and Big Brothers. He is also working toward induction into the National Honor Society. Outside of St. Rita, Joe is a Life Scout working towards Eagle Scout.
A faculty member said of him, “Joe is respectful and engaged. He puts forth meaningful effort to make St. Rita a better place.”
Joe spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “My time at St. Rita has been nothing short of incredible. I have learned lessons and made friends that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am very grateful for all the opportunities St. Rita has provided me and will continue to provide.”
Congratulations Joe!
Sophomore: David DeLacy
The student for the Class of 2025 chosen as our April Sophomore Mustang of the Month is David DeLacy. David is a graduate of Village Leadership Academy and a member of Victory Apostolic Church.
David works hard in the classroom earning Honors (4.0 – 4.19 GPA) for the first semester. David is very involved at St. Rita as a member of the Varsity Football Team, Track Team, Praise Band, Band, Jazz Band, Broadcasting Club, and Black Student Union. He also works with the volunteer group Honeycomb Project and plans to get involved with St. Rita’s Social Justice Club.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying “David does a great job of lighting up any room he is in. He always has a smile on his face and is kind to his teachers and other students. He works very hard in everything he does. He is a great team player from the classroom, the field, and in the band. I think he will continue to grow over the rest of his time at St. Rita.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, David replied, “St. Rita has treated me like family ever since I walked through the door. I have loved every experience and cannot wait for what the future holds.
Congratulations David!
Freshman: Javier Rangel
The Ritaman from the Class of 2026 chosen to be our April Mustang of the Month is Javier Rangel. Javier graduated from Queen of the Universe and is a member of Mary Mother of Mercy Parish.
Javier had a very strong start to his high school career, earning High Honors (4.2 – 4.39 GPA) for the first semester as well as being named a Heeney Award Recipient for earning straight As. Javier is a member of the St. Rita Soccer Team. He also helps at his church as an usher and attends bible classes. In his spare time, he rides BMX and fixes bikes. In the future he hopes to get involved with Advice Beyond the Classroom.
The following was said of Javier in his nomination, “Javier is a good example of a Ritaman. He works well with his classmates, is respectful, and finds a way to succeed.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Javier replied, “I think throughout this year I have made many connections with my peers and teachers. I look forward to a good experience in my next three years.”
Congratulations Javier!
