December Mustangs of the Month
Every 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.
Freshman: Billy O’Kane
The Ritaman from the Class of 2029 chosen to be our December Freshman Mustang of the Month is Billy O’Kane. Billy is a graduate of Independence Junior High School and a member of the Incarnation/St. Terrence Parish community.
Billy has been a standout student in his first semester here at St. Rita. In the classroom, Billy has multiple Honors classes and has impressed his teachers with his respectful nature and work ethic. He has gotten very involved in a variety of clubs. He is a member of the St. Rita Choir, Scholastic Bowl team, Advice Beyond the Classroom, and he also takes our Electrical Wiring Class. Billy is looking forward to joining the Volleyball team in the spring. Outside of school, Billy plays the piano and plays club volleyball. His favorite memory thus far has been making lots of new friends at St. Rita, and he credits his family for supporting him throughout his time so far.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Billy has exemplified the values of a Ritaman early in his career here at St. Rita. He is an excellent leader in the classroom and has a clear passion for the work he completes. Billy's path in his next four years is looking bright as a Ritaman!”
When Billy reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita, he said, “My time at St. Rita has been an amazing experience that has led me to be a better person. I am 100% looking forward to the school years to come. St. Rita is a great place to be.”
Congratulations, Billy!
Sophomore: Elijah Reed
The member of the Class of 2028 chosen as our December Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Elijah Reed. Elijah is a graduate of Andrew Carnegie Elementary School and a member of the New Faith Missionary Baptist Church community.
Elijah is a driven and intelligent Ritaman who has been very successful in the classroom. Freshman year, he earned Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) and a Heeney Award (Straight A’s), and he has kept up that momentum this school year. Elijah is part of the Black Student Union and our Scholastic Bowl team. Elijah is also a key member of the Swimming and Water Polo teams. Outside of school, Elijah went to the Junior Olympics for water polo in Texas last summer and wants to be an Engineer when he grows up. One of his favorite memories so far was from freshman Biology when his class went outside and did an experiment on how sunlight affects grass. Elijah credits his high school success to his parents and grandparents because they make sure he has everything he needs to succeed and encourage him to explore new opportunities.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying, “Elijah is a strong student in the classroom and really pushes himself to do well. He is very friendly with both teachers and students. He does a great job of always supporting both his teammates and classmates at St. Rita.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Elijah quoted Colin Powell, saying, “‘A dream does not become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.’ My time at St. Rita has been great. I have made many new friends and have developed my character along with my integrity.”
Congratulations, Elijah!
Junior: Tony Delgado
Representing the Class of 2027 as our December Junior Mustang of the Month is Tony Delgado. Tony is a graduate and member of the Queen of the Universe Parish community.
Tony is a very hard-working and faithful Ritaman in our school community. In the classroom, Tony pushes himself to succeed. Tony is a member of both the Football and Rugby teams, as well as part of the Big Brothers program, and is an altar server at our masses. Tony’s favorite memory at St. Rita was making kites in Geometry class last year. Outside of school, Tony likes working on cars or bikes and hopes to be a diesel mechanic or a welder after high school. Tony references his mom when asked who has supported him by saying, “She has been there every step of the journey, whether it’s to see me fall or whether it’s her helping me get up. She is one of the most important people in my life, and I don’t know where I would be without her.”
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Tony leads by quiet example; he works hard in class, volunteers, and consistently lifts up his Rita brothers. He embodies the spirit of Caritas (Love) through his humble service, caring presence, and dedication to everything he does.”
Tony spoke of his experience as a Ritaman, saying, “Don’t settle for less than anything you deserve. The people who are there for you and help you will be the people who stay in your life forever.”
Congratulations, Tony!
Senior: Izzy Easley
Representing the Class of 2026 as our December Senior Mustang of the Month is Izzy Easley. Izzy is a graduate of the University of Chicago Charter School in Woodlawn.
Izzy has had a strong positive presence as a Ritaman over the past four years here. Izzy has matured and learned to strive for excellence both in the classroom and on the field. Izzy was a captain on the Football team and was recognized as first team All-Conference. He is also a member of Student Government, the Black Student Union, and a Link Unlimited Scholar. After graduation, Izzy plans to attend a historically black college or university and major in kinesiology, with hope to become a physical therapist. Izzy wants to shout out his friends for making his St. Rita journey fun, and his football coaches for supporting him through it all and molding him into a disciplined young man.
A faculty member who nominated Izzy spoke of him, saying, “Izzy lights up every room he walks into, he consistently works hard, supports others, and shows genuine care for St. Rita. His bright personality, kindness, and strong presence in the senior class leave a lasting impact on everyone around him.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Izzy quoted his dad saying, “‘Don’t only make me proud, but make yourself proud.’ This sticks out to me because it taught me to go into things without leaving any regrets. Whether that be football or academics, whatever I decide to put my mind to, do it and finish it with 100% focus, effort, and dedication.”
Congratulations, Izzy!
