March 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: Max Zapata
The Ritaman from the Class of 2029 chosen to be our March Freshman Mustang of the Month is Max Zapata. Max is a graduate and member of the St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish community.
Max is a kind and faithful Ritaman who has had a very successful start at St. Rita, both in and out of the classroom. Last semester, he finished with superior honors (4.4 and higher GPA) and received a Heeney Award (Straight A’s). Max is a member of our swim team, ABC Program, and the cooking club. Next year, he wants to get even more involved at St. Rita, especially with Campus Ministry. Max credits his brother Isaac, Class of 2019, as the main reason he decided to attend St. Rita, and says he has always supported him in his life decisions. Max’s favorite memory thus far was his first swim meet, when all his teammates were cheering him on during his races.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Max is grateful to be here, deeply appreciative of his teachers, and grounded in a strong relationship with God, truly embodying what it means to be a Ritaman. While his academic achievements are excellent, it is his grit, determination, creativity, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges that make his success especially impressive.”
When Max reflected on his time so far at St. Rita, he said, “I’ve enjoyed every second of my time here, and I plan to get more involved in what St. Rita has to offer. Every day is a blessing that allows me to fulfill my responsibilities as a Ritaman.”
Congratulations, Max!
Sophomore: Sam Hudy
The member of the Class of 2028 chosen as our March Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Sam Hudy. Sam is a graduate and member of the St. Germaine Parish community.
Sam is a respectful and hardworking Ritaman who has pushed himself to succeed so far at St. Rita. In the classroom, Sam puts forth strong effort and always strives for excellence. Sam is a member of both the golf and baseball teams and is a founding member of our photography club. This past football season, Sam learned how to work our new Doyle Stadium video board and has worked behind the scenes to help the football program. In the future, he hopes to become a student ambassador. Sam’s favorite memory so far during his time here was his freshman baseball season, because it allowed him to interact with his classmates and make more friends.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying, “Sam always greets others, comes to class ready to learn, and takes his studies seriously. He is a respectful and kind classmate who represents St. Rita well, actively participates in multiple activities and sports, helps others, and contributes positively to the school community.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Sam stated, “Rita is a place where I know I can have fun but also be serious when I have to, and I know that everyone at Rita is willing to help me if I need it.”
Congratulations, Sam!
Junior: Greg Zaber
Representing the Class of 2027 as our March Junior Mustang of the Month is Greg Zaber. Greg is a graduate and member of the St. Christina Parish community.
Greg is an intelligent and confident Ritaman. In the classroom, he has gone above and beyond, achieving superior honors (4.4 and higher GPA) last semester. Athletically, Greg competes at the varsity level in both football and baseball, while also has joined the powerlifting club. Beyond sports, he is actively involved in Tolle Lege, ABC, and investment club, and serves as an altar server here at St. Rita. Greg has a long term goal of attending a prestigious university and pursuing a career in investment banking. His favorite memory in the classroom was his Shark Tank project in geography class, where his team was tasked with ending deforestation in South America. Outside the classroom, Greg enjoyed his whole experience on Kairos 160.
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Greg is an outstanding leader who embodies what it means to be a Ritaman academically, spiritually, and within the school community. Through his involvement in all he does, he demonstrates selflessness, encourages others, and positively impacts both his peers and the future of St. Rita.”
Greg spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by quoting Matthew 16:24 and saying, “My time at St. Rita has been about seeking truth, and the greatest truth I’ve found is surrendering myself to the Lord. I hope to offer my will in service to others and grow closer to God.”
Congratulations, Greg!
Senior: Matt Teneyuque
Representing the Class of 2026 as our March Senior Mustang of the Month is Matt Teneyuque. Matt is a graduate of Bridgeport Catholic Academy and a member of the Nativity of Our Lord Parish.
Matt is a caring and determined Ritaman who has grown so much over the past four years at St. Rita. In the classroom, Matt has achieved high honors (4.2 - 4.39 GPA) and continuously pushes himself and his interests. Matt has been involved with activities such as caritas club, cross country, and NHS. He was also a Kairos leader this past fall. Outside of St. Rita, Matt is a member of the National MS Society and works alongside the MS Walk each year. This year, Matt has been named the Captain of the Chicago Walk and, along with his friends and family, has raised over $30,000 over the past four years. He looks forward to the walk this year and raising even more for MS. Matt will be attending Marquette University next year and majoring in civil engineering.
A faculty member who nominated Matt spoke of him, saying, “Matthew is a quiet leader in the Class of 2026. He always tries his best to make sure everyone is included and welcomed. He has really shone his entire senior year. He strives his best in the classroom and is a prime example of what it means to be a Ritaman.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Matt said, “My time at St. Rita has been the best years of my life. I am happy that I made so many friends and memories here. I could not see myself at any other school.”
Congratulations, Matt!
