December 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: Jason Hicks

Representing the Class of 2023 as our December Senior Mustang of the Month is Jason Hicks.  Jason is a graduate of Christ the King School.

In addition to working hard in the classroom, Jason is a very active student at St. Rita. He is President of the Social Justice Club, member of the Black Student Union, member of Advice Beyond the Classroom, member of the National Honor Society, and the Manager for the Varsity Basketball Team. If school and activities did not keep Jason busy enough, he also works at Baracco’s. As Jason prepares to graduate, he is planning to study Mechanical Engineering at Howard or NIU. 

A faculty member who nominated Jason, spoke of him saying, “Jason has shown leadership qualities. His quiet but commanding presence is welcomed in his leadership roles he takes on here at St. Rita. He is respectful to his teachers and peers. Jason is always striving to be his best self which in turn inspires others. Jason shows what it means to grow and mature into being a true mustang.”

Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Jason said, “My time at St. Rita has been interesting to say the least. I have had many ups and downs, but this place has helped shape me into the person I am becoming. The friends I’ve made and relationships I’ve forged with some of the faculty are ones that I’m incredibly grateful to have, and I am ready for the next chapter.”

Congratulations Jason!

Junior: Aidan Peloquin

Representing the Class of 2024 as our December Junior Mustang of the Month is Aidan Peloquin. Aidan attended St. John Fisher School and is a member of the St. John Fisher Parish community.

Aidan excels in the classroom, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) last semester along with a Heeney Award for straight As. Aidan is also very active at St. Rita. He is a member of the Spanish Club, Big Brothers, Spikeball Club, Cooking Club, and the Volleyball Team. He is also working toward induction into the National Honor Society. Outside St. Rita Aidan is a club volleyball coach.

A faculty member said of him, “Aidan has grown a lot over the past three years. In the classroom he pushes himself above and beyond to excel and perform at a high level. He is always willing to help his other classmates succeed. He is very helpful to all his teachers and has gotten involved in other extracurricular clubs and programs. He will also be a leader on the volleyball team come spring. Aidan always has a positive attitude and presents himself like any Ritaman should.”

Aidan spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “My time at St. Rita has been a time of joy and growth in my life. I am glad to be a part of the St. Rita community and am looking forward to the remaining time I have.”

Congratulations Aidan!

Sophomore: Ciro Pro

The student for the Class of 2025 chosen as our December Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Ciro Pro. Ciro is a graduate of Byrne Elementary School and is a member of St. Cletus Parish.

Ciro works hard in the classroom, achieving High Honors (4.2-4.39 GPA) and the Heeney Award for straight As last semester. Ciro is involved as a member of the Soccer Team, Water Polo Team, Swim Team, and the St. Rita Band. He is also active with the Atlas FC Soccer Club. In the future he plans to get more involved with student activities such as Student Government. Ciro also plans to enroll into early college classes at Daley College and attend a university on the East or West coast to study Engineering.

In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying “Ciro is a very respected member of the sophomore class. In the classroom he goes above and beyond to step up to every challenge and do his best. He helps his classmates and leads by example. Ciro will only continue to step up during the rest of his time at St. Rita.”

When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Ciro replied, “Coming to this school has helped me find out who I am and helped me develop as a person. This school is like a second home to me, and I am glad I chose St. Rita.”

Congratulations Ciro!

Freshman: Gavin Wilczewski

The Ritaman from the Class of 2026 chosen to be our December Mustang of the Month is Gavin Wilczewski. Gavin comes to us from McClure Junior High and is also part of the St. John of the Cross Parish community.

Gavin has focused on success and involvement from the beginning. He is excelling in the classroom and has gotten involved with Advice Beyond the Classroom, the Knights of Augustine, Football, and Baseball. Outside of St. Rita, Gavin is also active as a member of the St. John of the Cross Youth Group, Special Olympics assistant basketball coach, and with travel baseball. In the future he plans to join Scholastic Bowl and work toward induction into the National Honor Society.

The following was said of Gavin in his nomination, “Gavin is an outstanding student who goes about his business in a quiet yet admirable way. He respects his classmates, and he has a great sense of responsibility.”

When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Gavin replied, “From the moment I stepped into St. Rita I felt welcomed. I respect and appreciate the sense of community that St. Rita provides. I look forward to continuing to grow and excel at St. Rita.”

Congratulations Gavin!

Congratulations To Our December Mustangs of the Month!