March 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: Danny Byrne
Representing the Class of 2023 as our March Senior Mustang of the Month is Danny Byrne. Danny is a graduate of Independence Junior High and a member of Our Lady of the Woods Parish.
Danny strives to succeed in the classroom earning High Honors (4.2 – 4.39 GPA) for the first semester. He is a member of the Varsity Hockey Team, Big Brothers, and National Honors Society. In the Fall, Danny plans to attend the University of Dayton, majoring in Health and Fitness, and hopefully later attend physical therapy school.
A faculty member who nominated Danny, spoke of him saying, “Danny is always respectful, hardworking and an overall great young man. He is always personable and yet humble. Danny is a student deserving of this recognition due to his positive attitude and respect by faculty and his peers as well.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Danny said, “For my time at St. Rita, I have gained so many new friendships that will last a lifetime, and it has given me a helpful path for the future. I have made so many memories here that I will never forget.”
Congratulations Danny!
Junior: Jackson Landers
Representing the Class of 2024 as our March Junior Mustang of the Month is Jackson Landers. Jackson attended Central Middle School and is a member of the Parkview Church community.
Jackson excels in the classroom, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester. He was also a Heeney Award Recipient for earning straight As. Jackson is a member of Varsity Lacrosse, Scholastic Bowl, Big Brothers, and the Seinfeld Club. He is also working toward full induction into the National Honor Society. Outside of St. Rita, Jackson is a volunteer at Silver Cross Hospital and a coach with the Beverly Lacrosse Program.
A faculty member said of him, “Jackson has a smile and a kind word for everyone he encounters. I frequently see him interacting in a positive way with his Rita brothers, teachers, and school staff members. I’ve also observed how hard he works on his academic pursuits. He always asks questions and wants to learn more, even going above and beyond what’s required.”
Jackson spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “Ever since my freshman year, this place has been my second home. I’ve felt truly welcomed by not only the faculty but also the students. The faculty here have pushed me to strive to become a better student, and the students here have become some of my closest friends. I hope more and more incoming freshman get to have the same experience I’ve had.”
Congratulations Jackson!
Sophomore: Jake Golick
The student for the Class of 2025 chosen as our March Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Jake Golick. Jake is a graduate of Peotone Junior High School and a member of St. Joseph’s Church.
Jake works hard in the classroom earning High Honors (4.2 – 4.39 GPA) for the first semester. Currently Jake is a member of the Lacrosse Team. In the future he plans to expand his involvement by becoming part of the Broadcasting Club and working toward induction into the National Honor Society.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying “Jake works very hard to always do his best. He goes above and beyond, asking insightful questions. He exhibits great leadership qualities. Whenever he works in a group with others, he keeps everyone on track, especially offering help to a group mate who might need a little clearer explanation or a boost of confidence. He’s honest and forthright; he sets a good example and raises the tone of the class.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Jake replied, “My time at St. Rita has been amazing. I look forward to coming here every day, and I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.”
Congratulations Jake!
Freshman: Chace Martin
The Ritaman from the Class of 2026 chosen to be our March Mustang of the Month is Chace Martin. Chace graduated from CICS Wrightwood and is a member of St. Adrian Parish.
Chace had an outstanding start to his high school career, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester as well as being named a Heeney Award Recipient for earning straight As. Chace is currently a member of Track, Beginning Band, the Broadcasting Club, and the Black Student Union. Outside of St. Rita Chace is involved in a scholarship program known as LINK Unlimited. He is also involved with the organization Rotary International, which has selected Chace for a yearlong foreign exchange opportunity in Colombia. In the future he plans to become more involved at St. Rita by being a part of Honors Band, BSU leadership, improving in Track, trying volleyball, and working toward induction into the National Honors Society.
The following was said of Chace in his nomination, “Chace is a student that you can tell loves being at St. Rita. He walks around with a smile on his face always looking to try something new. He is always up for a challenge and tries his best in whatever he does.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Chace replied, “At first, I didn’t think St. Rita was the school for me but through meeting and getting to know people I was proven wrong. This school has taught me that with just a little patience and an open mind you can get a long way in life. I hope that everyone at St. Rita will grow to have the same joyous and exciting experience that I’ve had here. Have a good day and stay well.”
Congratulations Chace!
