October 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: Colin Corum
Representing the Class of 2023 as our October Senior Mustang of the Month is Colin Corum. Colin is a graduate of St. Josaphat School and is a member of the St. Josaphat Parish community.
Colin is a very high achieving student in the classroom, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) and a Heeney Award for straight As during the second semester of last school year. Colin is a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Soccer Team, Bowling Team, Social Justice Club, and Latin Club. Even though he only has one semester left, Colin hopes to get even more involved by joining the Water Polo Team or start up a Tennis Team. Colin was recently named an Illinois State Scholar and to the All Sectional Academic Team for soccer. Outside of school Colin is also very busy, he is involved with his parish youth group, is a soccer coach, a Peerwise Volunteer at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and works at Men’s Warehouse.
A faculty member who nominated Colin, spoke of him saying, “As a tutor in our Student Success Center, Colin is always on time and ready to help. He has such an amazing rapport with the students he tutors. He is understanding and kind, which is much needed when a student is hesitant to seek help. He is extremely thorough when tutoring, providing many examples for the students and checks for understanding throughout his sessions. Colin is very deserving of the Mustang of the Month Award for how he takes a sincere interest in helping his fellow St. Rita brothers.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Colin said, “St. Rita has been the best years of my life. I have learned countless valuable lessons and am extremely grateful to have come here.”
Congratulations Colin!
Junior: DJ Stewart
Representing the Class of 2024 as our October Junior Mustang of the Month is DJ Stewart. DJ attended Colin Powell Middle School and is a member of the Covenant United Church of Christ community.
DJ is very active at St. Rita. He is a member of the Varsity Football Team, Honors Band, Track, and Black Student Union. Outside of school DJ is involved with the band ministry at his church as a saxophonist and volunteers during the holiday season at the Victory Apostolic Church Food Pantry. DJ hopes to attend a Division 1 university as a student-athlete and major in information technology. During DJ’s 8th grade year, he was selected to the Middle School NFL Hall of Fame and his team won the championship in Orlando, Florida.
A faculty member said of him, “One of the best words to describe DJ is hardworking. From the football field to the classroom, he always gives 100% in everything he does. He has always gone out of his way to strive for success. DJ is a vital part of the St. Rita Family and is a great representative for the Junior Class.”
DJ spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “My time at St. Rita has been a great experience, and I have gained a true brotherhood. The staff as well as my fellow brothers are always around to help.”
Congratulations DJ!
Sophomore: Noah Vaughn
The student for the Class of 2025 chosen as our October Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Noah Vaughn. Noah is a graduate of Prairie Hills Junior High.
Noah works hard in the classroom and achieved High Honors (4.2-4.39 GPA) for the second semester of last year. Noah is involved as a member of the Football Team, for which he was the captain of the Sophomore Team, and the Black Student Union. He also serves as a lector at our all school Masses. In the future he plans to participate in Track & Field. Noah is part of the Link Scholarship Program and served as a camp counselor this past summer.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying “Noah is a great student and wonderful young man. He is dedicated to success in the classroom and is actively involved in athletics and clubs. He is always polite, considerate, and supportive of his classmates. He is a true Ritaman.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Noah replied, “My time at St. Rita has been an amazing experience. St. Rita is definitely a place that can prepare me for life. I have met some amazing friends and my experience keeps getting better.”
Congratulations Noah!
Freshman: Joe Baxtrom
The Ritaman from the Class of 2026 chosen to be our October Mustang of the Month is Joe Baxtrom. Joe comes to us from St. John Fisher School and is an active member at St. Dennis Church.
Joe kicked off his time at St. Rita wasting no time. Joe is currently a member of the Chess Team, Model UN, Natir Satirical Newspaper, Scholastic Bowl Team, Science Olympiad, and a freshman officer on Student Government. In the future he plans to get involved with the Latin Club, Respect Life Club, and work toward induction into the National Honor Society. Outside of St. Rita he enjoys golfing and playing the bagpipes. Joe was also a recipient of St. Rita’s Smialek Leadership Award as an 8th grader.
The following was said of Joe in his nomination, “Since starting at St. Rita Joe has done his best to get involved. He was elected to Student Government where he is doing a great job of being a team player. He also has a great sense of humor with his teachers and fellow classmates. Joe is a great presence here at St. Rita.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Joe replied, “St. Rita gives me the opportunity to be part of a community and prepares me for my future endeavors.”
Congratulations Joe!
Congratulations to our October Mustangs of the Month!
