February 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: Cormac Lacy
Representing the Class of 2025 as our February Senior Mustang of the Month is Cormac Lacy. Cormac is a graduate and member of the St. John Fisher community.
Cormac is a fantastic team player both in and out of the classroom. In the classroom over the past four years, Cormac has earned both Superior Honors (GPA 4.4+) and Heeney Awards (Straight A’s) each semester. This past fall he was named an Illinois State Scholar. Cormac was a strong member of the football team as well as part of NHS and Student Ambassadors. Cormac is the Vice President of the ABC program. Cormac is proud of being the first person in his family to go to St. Rita and leaving a legacy that continues with both his brothers at St. Rita next year. His favorite memories from St. Rita were beating Brother Rice at their home field this past season as well as dominating intramural basketball.
A faculty member who nominated Cormac, spoke of him saying, “Cormac has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of responsibility and a strong dedication to his academic and personal growth. He approaches every task with a positive attitude and determination. He is not only an excellent individual contributor to class discussions and projects but also a team player who actively listens to others’ ideas, fosters collaboration, and steps up to lead when needed.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Cormac stated, “St. Rita has given me everything I could ask for in an amazing high school experience. The friends and memories I have made while at St. Rita will stick with me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful for these last 4 years and everything St. Rita has done for me. ”
Congratulations, Cormac!
Junior: Michael Pigott
Representing the Class of 2026 as our February Junior Mustang of the Month is Michael Pigott. Michael is a graduate and member of the St. Gabriel Parish community.
Michael is a hardworking student who embodies the meaning of Ritaman. In the classroom, Michael has achieved Superior Honors (GPA 4.4+) and attributes his success to his confidence and strong work ethic with the support of his parents, teachers, and coaches. Michael is currently a leader on the varsity volleyball team as well as working towards NHS induction. His favorite memories so far were winning volleyball regionals last year as well as attending Kairos 156 last month.
A faculty member spoke of him saying, "Michael brightens up every room he is in. You can tell he loves being a student at St. Rita. He works hard, respects his teammates and coaches, and represents St Rita very well. He has a lot of untapped potential for the rest of his time here at St. Rita.”
Michael spoke of his experience as a Ritaman saying, “Coming to St. Rita was the best decision of my life. The community here is what makes it so great because we are a community full of strong leaders. St. Rita has introduced me to some of my best friends, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without the support of every one of them.”
Congratulations, Michael!
Sophomore: Ignacio Serrano
The member of the Class of 2027 chosen as our February Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Ignacio “Nacho” Serrano. Nacho is a graduate and member of the Our Lady of Charity Parish community.
Nacho is a charismatic and positive Ritaman who always smiles, works hard in all his classes, and is very involved in all aspects of St. Rita. He is a member of the volleyball and chess teams and is also a student ambassador. Nacho is involved in spirituality at St. Rita through altar serving, and at his parish, he lectors and delivers the Eucharist to the sick and elderly. His two favorite memories at St. Rita thus far were the freshman overnight and the chess state finals which he competed at last weekend.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying: “Nacho is a great example of what it means to be a Ritaman. He cares about his fellow Rita brothers and gives back to his community. Whether he is hosting a shadow, or giving his time back to St. Rita outside of school hours, Nacho exemplifies Caritas in all that he does.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Nacho stated, “Throughout my career at St. Rita, my faith has helped me persevere. In rough times, I have always looked to God for help, letting him lead the way into the path that is right for me.”
Congratulations, Nacho!
Freshman: Niko Velazquez
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our February Mustang of the Month is Niko Velazquez. Niko is a graduate and member of the St. Daniel the Prophet Parish community.
Niko worked diligently in his first semester, academically achieving Superior Honors (GPA 4.4+) and a Heeney Award (Straight A’s). Niko has gotten very involved with student life at St. Rita. Niko is on both the soccer and basketball teams. He is a member of student government, the ABC program, Spanish and Blackjack clubs, as well as an altar server at Mass. In the future, Niko hopes to be involved in Big Brothers and the Investment Club. Niko attributes his success to his family who encourage him to be himself and try new things. Niko’s favorite memory so far was volunteering at the Special Olympics Illinois MedFest.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Niko has gotten very involved during his freshman year. He is a friendly student who works hard and goes out of his way to help those around him. You can tell that Niko enjoys being a Ritaman and is a great example for others.”
When Niko reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he said, “Even though I am in a new environment and it might seem intimidating, God is always by my side. He has given me the blessing of an opportunity to attend St. Rita and has put many great people into my life during my time at St. Rita.”
Congratulations, Niko!
