January 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: Zach Anderson
The Ritaman from the Class of 2029 chosen to be our January Freshman Mustang of the Month is Zach Anderson. Zach is a graduate and member of Christ the King Parish community.
Zach had a very successful first semester at St. Rita, both in and out of the classroom. Last semester, he finished with high marks and all his teachers praised him for his effort in the classroom. Zach is an elected member of the Freshman Student Government as well as part of the ABC Program, Aviation, and Photography Clubs. Outside of school, he is involved with a rowing team, and he hopes to get involved with more clubs this semester, including the Cooking Club. Zach’s favorite memory from St. Rita thus far was walking through all the clapping and cheering from the Big Brothers at freshman orientation because he felt in that moment that it was the start of his journey to be a Ritaman.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Zach deserves Mustang of the Month for his active participation, problem-solving skills, cooperation with classmates, empathy, and respectful attitude. He is a positive role model and a great leader in our learning community.”
When Zach reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita, he said, “Though my time has been short, it has been incredibly meaningful. I've been able to try things I would never have. I have made so many new friends with unique backgrounds and amazing stories of their own. I'm so happy to have had the opportunity to attend St. Rita.”
Congratulations, Zach!
Sophomore: Nico Pro
The member of the Class of 2028 chosen as our January Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Nico Pro. Nico is a graduate of Michael M. Byrne Elementary School and a member of the St. Daniel the Prophet Parish community.
Nico is a friendly and hardworking Ritaman who has been very successful in his time so far at St. Rita. In the classroom, he is a dedicated and kind student who works well with his classmates. Nico is a three sport athlete, being part of the Soccer, Swimming, and Water Polo teams. He is also involved in student activities as a member of the Hispanic Culture, Photography, and Spanish Clubs. Nico is looking to get involved in Student Government or Big Brothers next year, and outside of school is a Boy Scout. Nico’s favorite memory thus far has been his freshman orientation, where he met his closest friends today, learned about the tradition of St. Rita, and had such a special and unforgettable experience.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying, “Nico is an excellent student and a caring young man. He's always smiling, cheerful, and uplifting. He works hard in the classroom, on the soccer field, and in the pool. Nico is polite and friendly, and he shows his talents by being well-rounded.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Nico stated, “St. Rita is not just a place where I learn, but a place where I can grow as a person and in faith. My time at St. Rita has been a positive and meaningful experience so far. The teachers and staff have supported me and pushed me to work hard and improve each day.”
Congratulations, Nico!
Junior: Logan Shields
Representing the Class of 2027 as our January Junior Mustang of the Month is Logan Shields. Logan is a graduate of Central Middle School and a member of the St. John Fisher Parish community.
Logan is a very talented and dedicated Ritaman in our school community. In the classroom, he pushes himself to succeed, earning both Superior Honors (4.4 and higher GPA) and a Heeney Award (Straight A’s) last semester. Outside of the classroom, Logan is part of our Golf team, one of the leading members of the Caritas Club, as well as a member of the Irish Heritage Club, Spanish Club, and Student Ambassadors. Logan is also a very talented artist who has been developing a strong portfolio since his freshman year and uses his creativity and artistic abilities to positively contribute to our community. Logan's favorite memory thus far was getting to do the Polar Plunge last year with his Rita brothers.
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Logan is a hard-working, positive student who is always willing to help out and truly cares for others, consistently living out the values of Caritas and Unitas through his active involvement at St. Rita.”
Logan spoke of his experience as a Ritaman, saying, “My time at St. Rita has allowed me to realize the kind of person I want to be. The brotherhood has created a feeling like no other. As time has flown by, I realize that I can’t take each day for granted, and instead use each moment to become stronger and work towards the goals I have set for the future.”
Congratulations, Logan!
Senior: Dom Colorato
Representing the Class of 2026 as our January Senior Mustang of the Month is Dom Colorato. Dom is a graduate of John H. Kinzie Elementary School and a member of the St. Faustina Parish community.
Dom has had a strong positive presence as a Ritaman over the past four years here. His teachers say he is the epitome of a Ritaman in the classroom, where last semester he earned both Superior Honors (4.4 and higher GPA) and a Heeney Award (Straight A’s). He also achieved the ranking of Illinois State Scholar this school year. Dom is one of the captains on the Hockey team, a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of the Big Brother program. Dom wants to thank his parents for always guiding him towards the right path and supporting him. His favorite project at St. Rita was making food trucks in Spanish 2, and next year he wants to attend a top business school.
A faculty member who nominated Dom spoke of him, saying, “Dom takes his role as a student very seriously, continually challenging himself with rigorous coursework while remaining kind, respectful, and thoughtful to everyone at St. Rita.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Dom shared, “St. Rita has become much more than a school to me. I have made so many friends that I consider family, and I know they will be large parts of my future. Coming to Rita has been the best decision of my life, and I don't know where I would be without it.”
Congratulations, Dom!
