March 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: Issiah Morales-Chavez
Representing the Class of 2025 as our March Senior Mustang of the Month is Issiah Morales-Chavez. Issiah is a graduate and member of the Our Lady of the Snows Parish community.
Issiah is a hardworking and dedicated student earning Honors (GPA 4.0-4.19) last semester. Throughout his time at St. Rita, he has earned multiple Heeney Awards and is a member of the National Honor Society. Currently, Issiah is a member of the Bowling team, Jazz Band, and the E-Sports Clubs. Issiah’s favorite memory during his time at St. Rita was when he finished freshman year with straight A’s. This was the first time in his school career that he earned this, and he felt both happy and accomplished.
A faculty member who nominated Issiah, spoke of him saying, “Issiah is the definition of a consummate professional. He carries a level of maturity that is deeply respected by his peers and teachers, and his knowledge and perseverance drive him to be his best every day.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Issiah stated, “My time at St. Rita has been like a fever dream. I still remember my first day when I was nervous about going through the line of seniors and through the chapel doors. My time at St. Rita has been grand. I hope it’s like that for everyone else and may you all do well and keep your head up, for the ride still goes on.”
Congratulations, Issiah!
Junior: Josiah Sutton
Representing the Class of 2026 as our March Junior Mustang of the Month is Josiah Sutton. Josiah is a graduate of Luke O'Toole Elementary School.
Josiah is elated to receive this award stating, “Winning Mustang of the Month means a lot to me, and I am very happy. I appreciate the St. Rita Family for recognizing me for this award.” At St. Rita, Josiah is part of the football and rugby teams and also sings in the worship choir at our masses. In the future, Josiah wants to get more involved with track and field as well as the outdoors club. One of Josiah's favorite memories this year includes his time spent on Kairos 156 with his Rita brothers because he learned more about himself while connecting and learning about others.
A faculty member spoke of him saying, "Josiah is consistent in the way he approaches his schooling and is a great asset to every class. He is considerate and approachable to all his fellow students.”
Josiah spoke of his experience as a Ritaman saying, “My time at St. Rita so far has been amazing. I remember when I was a freshman after day one returning home to tell my mom how much I loved St. Rita. I’ve enjoyed Rita very much, and I can’t wait to become a senior next year. I want everyone to know that nothing is impossible. It always seems impossible until it is done, so keep trying.”
Congratulations, Josiah!
Sophomore: Brandon Johnson Jr.
The member of the Class of 2027 chosen as our March Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Brandon Johnson Jr. Brandon is a graduate of Kankakee Junior High.
Being Mustang of the Month means a lot to Brandon, and he credits his hard work to his determination in his studies. Brandon stated that whenever he did not understand a topic in school, he would go see a teacher during Unitas period or after school to help him understand. Brandon is a key member of the St. Rita football team as well as part of the Black Student Union and yearbook club. Brandon also attended the ski trip with the outdoors club last month. In the future, Brandon hopes to win a State Championship for football and help out more in the community. Brandon attributes his success at St. Rita to his Dad, Mom, Coach Hopkins, and Coach Nee saying that these people believed in him before he believed in himself.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying: “Brandon is a hard worker, always giving his best efforts towards everything he does. Even if he struggles, he always tries his best and reaches out for help when needed. He is very kind and respectful to those around him, teachers and peers included.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Brandon stated, “Never give up, never lose your faith in God, and trust yourself.”
Congratulations, Brandon!
Freshman: Brady Smolarczyk
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our March Mustang of the Month is Brady Smolarczyk. Brady is a graduate of St. John of the Cross Parish School and a member of the St. Faustina Kowalska Parish.
Brady is consistently engaged in the classroom and during his first semester, he achieved Superior Honors (GPA 4.4+) and a Heeney Award (straight A’s). Brady plays on the football, basketball, and baseball teams and is part of the ABC and Student Ambassador programs. Brady also frequently participates in the Mustang Blackjack Club and Fantasy Sports League. In his future at St. Rita, he hopes to keep getting involved with clubs like cooking club and broadcasting. Brady attributes his success to being a good team player, staying focused, and being responsible. His favorite memory this far was the freshman overnight.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Brady is a good candidate because he is a great classmate, teammate, and student. He works hard and is kind to those whom he encounters. He has a lot of pride in St. Rita and works hard on the field and in the classroom. Brady is a true Ritaman.”
When Brady reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he said, “High school is a long journey. Yes, there will be the low points, but once you're done, and can see all your hard work pay off, you realize that the journey is worth it.”
Congratulations, Brady!
