February 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: Christopher Adduci
The Ritaman from the Class of 2029 chosen to be our February Freshman Mustang of the Month is Christopher Adduci. Christopher is a graduate of Noonan Academy and a member of the St. Anthony Parish community.
Christopher is a friendly and enthusiastic Ritaman who has had a very successful first semester at St. Rita, both in and out of the classroom. Last semester, he finished with high honors (4.2 - 4.39 GPA) and received a Heeney Award (Straight A’s). Christopher was elected as a member of the Freshman Student Government and is part of the Mustang Blackjack, Augustine Acolytes, Caritas, and Mustang Broadcasting clubs. He is also a member of our varsity hockey program. Christopher's favorite memories thus far include the freshman overnight and doing labs in Biology class. Christopher wants to thank his older brother Dominic, who has had a positive influence on him and is a key reason why he is here at St. Rita today.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Christopher has really done a great job so far at St. Rita. He can be seen everywhere, from clubs, sports, and our St. Rita Instagram; he really has made his presence known. You can see he loves being a Ritaman, and it is a very contagious energy.”
When Christopher reflected on his time so far at St. Rita, he said, “St. Rita has a standard for who I want to be, and I plan to carry that standard with me throughout my high school years. To me, being a Mustang means representing St. Rita with integrity, effort, and respect. On and off the ice!”
Congratulations, Christopher!
Sophomore: JJ Clanton
The member of the Class of 2028 chosen as our February Sophomore Mustang of the Month is JJ Clanton. JJ is a graduate of Crete-Monee Middle School.
JJ is a hardworking and driven Ritaman who has done well in his time so far at St. Rita. In the classroom, he is a student that teachers can count on to always be respectful and perseverant. Teachers see him as a leader in the classroom. JJ is a member of the Black Student Union and was a strong underclassman on the varsity football team this year. He also plans to help win the State Championship for St. Rita in the next two years. JJ would like to thank his mom because she is the reason he works so hard and she has supported him through every step of his journey.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying, “JJ is a strong presence in his class and someone that people look up to. As a student athlete, he does what he is supposed to do and really pushes himself for greatness.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, JJ stated, “Never let the past affect your future. You can take that in whatever way it hits you, just always remember to keep going, and your biggest enemy is yourself.”
Congratulations, JJ!
Junior: Bobby Rusch
Representing the Class of 2027 as our February Junior Mustang of the Month is Bobby Rusch. Bobby is a graduate and member of the St. John Fisher Parish community.
Bobby is an intelligent and personable Ritaman. In the classroom, he has gone above and beyond, achieving both Superior Honors (4.4 and higher GPA) and receiving a Heeney Award (Straight A’s) for all his previous semesters. Outside of the classroom, Bobby is a member of the football program, an elected student government member, and part of the ABC Program and Investment Club. Bobby is currently working towards NHS induction and is ready to bring home a football State Championship next year. Outside of school, he is a caddy at Ridge Country Club.
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Bobby has a contagious and confident positive spirit that makes him a natural leader both in and out of the classroom. He gives 100% in everything he does and has truly grown into his own as a Ritaman.”
Bobby spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by quoting Chicago Bears Head Coach Ben Johnson, “‘Good Better Best.’ I can always do better and never settle for anything less than what I am capable of. It shows me to always do my best. When I think it is good, I can then make it better and turn it into my best.”
Congratulations, Bobby!
Senior: Mickey Bossard
Representing the Class of 2026 as our February Senior Mustang of the Month is Mickey Bossard. Mickey is a graduate and member of the St. Gabriel Parish community.
Mickey is a respectful and determined Ritaman who has put a lot of hard work into his past few years here at St. Rita, including this past semester, where he achieved Honors (4.0 - 4.19 GPA). Through his commitment to his coursework, involvement in the Big Brothers program, and positive support of his classmates, he exemplifies the spirit of our core values. His favorite memories from his time at St. Rita include the entire freshman basketball season and all of the various technology classes he has taken with Mr. Tellez. Outside of school, Mickey works two jobs and enjoys playing softball with his friends. After graduation, Mickey plans to join the Local 2 Elevators Union.
A faculty member who nominated Mickey spoke of him, saying, “Mickey consistently demonstrates excellence through his curiosity, hard work, and commitment to setting a positive example in the classroom. A great student and an even better classmate, he collaborates well with others and truly embodies the values of a Ritaman.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Mickey said, “My time here at St. Rita has made me realize that coming here was the best decision in my life so far. I have met so many great teachers, staff, and lifelong friends. As graduation approaches, I’m starting to realize how much I will miss this place.”
Congratulations, Mickey!
