October 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: Carter Beard
The Ritaman from the Class of 2030 chosen to be our October Mustang of the Month is Carter Beard. Carter is a graduate of Dixon Elementary School and a member of the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Community.
Carter has been off to a great start as a Ritaman. In the classroom, his teachers notice his work ethic and how engaged he is in their classes. Carter is a member of the beginning band as well as a newly elected member of the Freshman Student Government. He was also voted football captain and then moved up to the Sophomore football team due to his hard work on the field. Carter has already gotten involved with the Caritas Club, and during the rest of his time at St. Rita wants to continue his success on the football team, join the track and field team, and represent St. Rita by mentoring any incoming students. Carter has already made so many awesome memories at St. Rita and attributes his early success to all his football coaches, his parents, and all the rest of his family who support him.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Carter has demonstrated what it means to be a Ritaman through his kindness, hard work, leadership, and involvement. He has also excelled as a student ambassador, hosting many prospective students and ensuring they feel welcomed and engaged, making him an outstanding role model for the Class of 2030.”
When Carter reflected on his time so far at St. Rita, he said, “So far my time at St. Rita has been one of the best experiences. I have gained great relationships with the staff, my peers, and teammates. And I’m looking forward to making more memories because I know that the sky is the limit.”
Congratulations, Carter!
Sophomore: Frank Wuertz
The member of the Class of 2029 chosen as our October Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Frank Wuertz. Frank is a graduate of Queen of Martyrs School and a member of the St. Gianna Parish.
Frank has really stepped up during his time here so far here. Academically, Frank has challenged himself and works hard in the classroom and is a great student that all his teachers enjoy having in their class. Frank is a member of the Volleyball and Bowling programs. Outside of school, he plays club volleyball year-round as well as being involved in his youth ministry group. In the rest of his time at St. Rita, he hopes to continue to meet and bond with his fellow classmates and continue to develop the brotherhood that exists at St. Rita. His favorite memory inside the classroom was his Biology Pig Dissection last year. Frank enjoyed the hands-on experience and says that it will always stand out to him.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying: “Frank exemplifies St. Rita’s core values through his kindness, friendliness, respect, and daily interactions with classmates and teachers. He is a thoughtful and hardworking student who consistently demonstrates excellent manners and sets a positive example for his peers and younger Ritamen.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Frank said, “My time at St. Rita has truly shown me the strong bond shared between the students. Whether we are cheering in the stands or working together on a difficult group project, there is a constant sense of support. This brotherhood has made my high school experience unforgettable and has given me friendships that I know will last a lifetime. ”
Congratulations, Frank!
Junior: Landon Fullerton
Representing the Class of 2028 as our October Junior Mustang of the Month is Landon Fullerton. Landon is a graduate of Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School and a member of the New Life Covenant Southeast Church Community.
Landon has had plenty of success during his time here thus far. Landon shines in all his extracurriculars. Landon is part of the Football and Fishing teams as well as a member of the Caritas, Spikeball, ABC, and Tolle Lege Clubs. He was also selected this year as President of the Black Student Union. Outside of St. Rita, Landon is involved in both the 100 Black Men of Chicago program and the NAACP: Act-So Achievement Program. In the rest of his time here, Landon hopes to get more involved in Sports Media/Management Club, Big Brothers, and even Student Government. Landon's favorite memory out of the classroom was the school trip to Ireland this past summer. Landon said, “I was able to get to know my classmates and teachers on a more personal level. It was an experience I'll never forget because I was able to explore a different country and experience a new culture. It helped me build stronger friendships and appreciate the opportunities St. Rita has given me.”
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Landon consistently works hard, strives to do his best, and embraces new opportunities despite occasional challenges, making the most of his high school experience by exploring a variety of sports and clubs.”
Landon spoke of his experience, saying, “I've learned that no matter what challenges I face, I can always rely on God to give me strength. My faith reminds me to keep pushing myself to the highest standard and never give up, and St. Rita has helped me grow as a student, athlete, and an all-around young man.”
Congratulations, Landon!
Senior: Charlie Abernethy
Representing the Class of 2027 as our October Senior Mustang of the Month is Charlie Abernethy. Charlie is a graduate and member of the St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish Community.
Charlie consistently strives for success in every aspect of school life. In the classroom, he has earned Superior Honors (4.4 and higher GPA) and Heeney Awards (Straight A’s) in all his previous semesters. He is a key member of both the Hockey and Lacrosse programs and is a leader as the Alternate Hockey Captain this school year. Charlie is also a member of the ABC program, Big Brothers, and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. After graduation, Charlie plans to attend a competitive college and major in Engineering. Charlie credits both his parents as supporting him the most. Whether it is in the classroom or athletics, they are always pushing him to do the best he can and encourage him to never stop trying. Charlie’s favorite school memory was at the end of last year after AP Stats class when he and his classmates would play Hacky Sack together.
A faculty member who nominated Charlie spoke of him, saying, “Charlie is an outstanding example of a Ritaman, demonstrating humility, dependability, and respect toward both faculty and classmates while consistently working hard and encouraging others to do the same. His natural leadership, thoughtful consideration of others, and genuine enthusiasm for learning make him an excellent role model for the community.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Charlie quoted Ted Lasso and said, “‘Living in the moment is a gift. That’s why they call it the present.’ Being at St. Rita, there are always more memories to make. Enjoy all the little things because it all goes by fast.”
Congratulations, Charlie!
