April Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class as 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. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to St. Rita of Cascia High School and whose efforts, accomplishments, and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.
Senior: Frank Gallagher
Representing the Class of 2025 as our April Senior Mustang of the Month is Frank Gallagher. Frank is a graduate and member of the St. Daniel the Prophet community.
Frank is an adaptable and dedicated Ritaman who earned both High Honors (GPA 4.2-4.39) and a Heeney Award (straight A’s) last semester. Frank has maintained a strong GPA over the past four years and attributes his success to his time management skills. Frank is a member of the National Honor Society and plays on the baseball team. Frank will be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign next fall. Frank’s favorite memory at St. Rita was Kairos 154. Kairos allowed him to learn more about himself, connect with others, and build new relationships.
A faculty member who nominated Frank, spoke of him saying, “Frank has grown so much over the past four years. Frank’s positive attitude is contagious; he has grown into a caring and respectful student who not only cares about his grades but also the people around him. Everyone at St. Rita appreciates Frank and what he brings to our community.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Frank said, “Someone once told me, high school is only four years, but they are the best four years of your life! My time at St. Rita has been some of the best times in my life. I have made lifelong friends, and have made many memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Congratulations, Frank!
Junior: Langston Smith
Representing the Class of 2026 as our April Junior Mustang of the Month is Langston Smith. Langston is a graduate of Kellogg Elementary School and a member of Trinity United Church of Christ.
Langston has a big presence here at St. Rita. In the classroom, he puts in a lot of effort to succeed. Langston is a member of the Black Student Union, plays percussion in the band, and sings in the worship choir at our masses. Langston is also a key member of the football and track teams. When asked about next year, Langston plans on continuing to shine in football and “do his thing” with track. His favorite memory from his time thus far was making it to the state semifinals with the football team. Langston states that he “genuinely enjoyed football to the fullest during that time and spending all the time with my teammates.” Langston would like to thank his family, friends, and teachers who have supported him during his time here.
A faculty member spoke of him saying, "Langston has a great personality and is always a team player. He works hard and is respectful in class. His classmates look up to him as a leader.”
Langston spoke of his experience as a Ritaman saying, “No matter how hard life gets, pray and believe in yourself. There have been times when school work gets hard, or times when football gets hard. I didn’t quit. I put more time into studying, and I put more time and effort into getting better.”
Congratulations, Langston!
Sophomore: Kyle Keyser
The member of the Class of 2027 chosen as our April Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Kyle Keyser. Kyle is a graduate of Central Middle School and a member of Most Holy Redeemer Parish.
Kyle is a hardworking and helpful Ritaman who goes above and beyond in many different aspects at St. Rita. Kyle plays on the football and baseball teams and hopes to bring home a state football championship before he graduates. Kyle represents his class on student government. He also participates in the ABC program, spike ball club, and student ambassadors. Kyle attributes his success to his parents for allowing him to be at St. Rita and his classmates for helping him stay on track. His favorite memory about his time at St. Rita thus far has been being able to meet a lot of new people.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying: “Since Kyle came to St. Rita, he has worked hard to get involved and make the most out of his time. He is genuine and tries his best to be a good classmate and teammate to his peers. He is always willing to step up and help when needed.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Kyle stated, “My time at St. Rita has been great so far. I’ve made a lot of friends in the classroom and on the field. St. Rita feels like a family; everyone knows each other.”
Congratulations, Kyle!
Freshman: Cole Radejewski
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our April Mustang of the Month is Cole Radejewski. Cole is a graduate and member of the St. Gabriel Parish community.
Cole is a compassionate and supportive Ritaman. Since Cole started at St. Rita, he has worked hard in the classroom and has also gotten very involved outside of the classroom. Cole is a member of the chess, fishing, and cooking clubs. In the future, Cole hopes to be part of the Big Brother program to help out the underclassmen. He attributes his success to his teachers who are very helpful and his family who encourages him with everything he chooses to do. Cole's favorite memory so far was getting to compete at State for chess as a freshman.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Cole is a kindhearted and great classmate. He treats his classmates, teachers, and everyone around the building respectfully. He is always willing to lend a helping hand and tries his best in everything he does. ”
When Cole reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he said, “Never Give Up! This reminds me to keep working hard. It tells me to continue to push myself even when things get difficult. It reminds me that even if I struggle or fail, it’s okay. I can continue to try my hardest to do my best.”
Congratulations, Cole!
