October 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: Richard Glenke
Representing the Class of 2025 as our October Senior Mustang of the Month is Richie Glenke. Richie is a graduate and member of the St. Catherine of Alexandria community.
Richie is a hardworking and friendly Ritaman. He had a strong showing last semester ending up on the honor roll. (4.0-4.199 GPA) Richie is involved in Student Ambassadors, Big Brothers, and plays on the golf, hockey, and lacrosse teams. Richie is a member of the Illinois Junior Golf Association. Just last week, Richie led St. Rita's golf team to winning the Regional Championship and he walked away as the Individual Regional Champion. Richie is also an avid sports photographer, taking both photos and videos at various Rita athletic events. After graduation, Richie plans to go to college to major in electrical engineering.
A faculty member who nominated Richie, spoke of him saying, “Richie is a good candidate because he is heavily involved in athletics, gets good grades, and is a hard worker. He represents St. Rita well. On top of his busy academics and athletics schedule, Richie works well with our athletic and marketing department taking photos at several sporting events.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Richie said, “Your attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference, if you don't have a good attitude you won't have a good time. Without other people coming to school with a good attitude and impacting me, I wouldn’t be receiving this award.”
Congratulations, Richie!
Junior: Maximus Palacios
Representing the Class of 2026 as our October Junior Mustang of the Month is Max Palacios. Max attended St. Therese Chinese Catholic School and is a member of St. Barbara Parish.
Max is a high achieving student who earned Superior Honors (4.0-4.199 GPA) and a Heeney Award for straight A’s every semester thus far. Max is working towards NHS induction, and is also a member of the Mustang Scholar, Spanish, and Spikeball clubs and the St. Rita Baseball team. One of Max’s favorite memories at St. Rita was when he got to design and build a taco truck in Spanish class last year.
A faculty member said of him, “Max is a compassionate, responsible, and hard working young man. He is a strong and organized student who goes above and beyond in the classroom. Max has stepped up as a peer tutor to younger classmen and goes above and beyond. His positive personality and friendliness are contagious.”
Max spoke of his experience as a Ritaman using the quote, ‘be comfortable by being uncomfortable.’ He says, “This quote describes my time at St. Rita because it tells me to try new things. It keeps you in the right mindset and allows you to succeed and perform at your best whether that be academically or athletically.”
Congratulations, Max!
Sophomore: Adan Hernandez Jr.
The student of the Class of 2027 chosen as our October Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Adan Hernandez Jr. Adan is a graduate of St. Gall School and a member of St. Rita of Cascia Parish.
Adan is a dedicated student who achieved High Honors (4.2-4.399 GPA) during his freshman year at St. Rita. In school Adan is involved with the Hispanic Culture Club, Aviation Club, and works at the monthly novenas to St. Rita. Outside of school, he is involved with St. Rita of Cascia parish’s youth group. His favorite memory so far at St. Rita has been the freshman retreat because they were able to visit the site of the old St. Rita campus and St. Rita Parish on 63rd Street.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying, “Adan stands out as a true Ritaman, embodying the spirit of St. Rita in everything he does. His dedication to academics is unwavering as he approaches every class fully prepared, works diligently, and offers thoughtful insights with confidence. Adan is the embodiment of our core values -truth, unity, and love - and serves as a shining example of what it means to be a St. Rita student.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Adan replied, “My time at St. Rita has been amazing, and I’m glad I came here. Time has flown, but that doesn’t stop me from wondering what the rest of my time here will bring. I know St. Rita will prepare me for whatever is to come in college and beyond.”
Congratulations, Adan!
Freshman: Santino Pociask
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our October Mustang of the Month is Santino Pociask. Santino is a graduate and member of the St. Daniel the Prophet community.
In the first two months Santino has been at St. Rita, he has been working hard in all his classes and has gotten very involved. Santino is currently involved in the movie, art, and cooking clubs. He is also a Student Ambassador, Altar Server, and is running for Student Government this month. Santino has also taken on the role of spirit flag bearer at home football games. Outside of St. Rita, Santino is involved and volunteers with his neighborhood and parish. Santino's favorite St. Rita memory thus far was when he received his tie and joined the brotherhood at St. Rita.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Santino demonstrates leadership and commitment. He has already done so much at St. Rita in such a short time and realizes what it means to be a Ritaman.”
When Santino reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he used the quote, ‘St. Rita is not about scholarships or championships; it's about relationships.' Santino said, “I like this quote because it focuses on what St Rita represents. I have already built relationships with not only my classmates, but also with coaches, administrators and teachers and I have realized that they are here to help you develop spiritually, emotionally and academically.”
Congratulations, Santino!
