September 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: Liam Stanek
The Ritaman from the Class of 2029 chosen to be our September Mustang of the Month is Liam Stanek. Liam is a graduate of St. Mary’s Mokena and a member of the St. Mary’s Parish community.
Liam is off to a great start in the classroom, currently achieving straight A’s after his first month. Liam is a member of the football team and participates in the Advice Beyond the Classroom program. He plans to get more involved at St. Rita through playing baseball, running for Student Government, and joining Student Ambassadors, Sports Media Management, Seinfeld, and Mustang Blackjack Clubs. Liam’s favorite memory thus far at St. Rita was in the summer before school started, getting to spend time in the McCarthy Center and meet all his new classmates between camps.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “As a student, Liam’s passion for learning is clearly evident in everything he does. He is the type of student who is consistently striving to do better. As a person, Liam is friendly, kind, and respectful. He is certainly a leader for the Class of 2029. We are so lucky that Liam chose to be a member of the St. Rita Family, and I can't wait to witness all of the amazing things he is going to accomplish over the next four years.”
When Liam reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita, he said, “High school feels like it is moving fast. My time at St Rita is short, but it is what I do with that time that will matter in the end. I want to make every single day meaningful to myself and to others while I am still here.”
Congratulations, Liam!
Sophomore: Favio Angel-Camarena
The member of the Class of 2028 chosen as our September Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Favio Angel-Camarena. Favio is a graduate of Richardson Middle School and a member of the St. Rita-St. Clare Parish.
Favio is an intelligent and driven Ritaman who has achieved a Heeney Award (Straight A’s) last semester and has earned Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) this past year. Favio is a member of the soccer and volleyball teams and part of the Cooking Club and Scholastic Bowl Team. Favio is strong in his faith, participating as part of the Augustine’s Acolytes as well as altar serving outside of school and being part of his church’s youth group. Favio credits his mom, who has supported him the most during his time at St. Rita, as well as the Augustinians, for being great spiritual help to him in his journey of faith.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying: “Favio is a dedicated student who got very involved freshman year. He is involved in all aspects of St. Rita, including campus ministry, activities, and athletics. He also excels in the classroom and goes above and beyond to do well. Favio has a great personality and really strives for excellence in everything he does.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Favio said, “My time here at Rita has been nothing short of amazing. From the teachers, to the coaches, to the Augustinians, and my friends, it is just an experience that cannot be relived. Everyone has let me know that this is home, and I will always be welcome here.”
Congratulations, Favio!
Junior: Jimmy Carter
Representing the Class of 2027 as our September Junior Mustang of the Month is Jimmy Carter. Jimmy is a graduate of Mount Greenwood Elementary School and a member of St. Christina Parish.
Jimmy is a very personable Ritaman who strives for excellence both in and out of the classroom. Last semester he earned High Honors (4.2-4.39 GPA). Jimmy is also a Big Brother, Student Ambassador, and a member of the Volleyball Team. He volunteers with the Special Olympics Unified Team and is working toward induction into the National Honor Society. Jimmy’s favorite memory at St. Rita so far was his Freshman Orientation Overnight. Looking to the future, Jimmy wants to become a fireman or go into the trades.
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Jimmy is such an engaging person. He's always smiling and always happy. He's quick to give others a compliment, an encouraging word, and even simply a smile. Jimmy brightens the classroom and the hallways here at St. Rita with his presence.”
Jimmy spoke of his experience as a Ritaman, saying, “My time at St. Rita has been fun and very impactful. I have made so many memories in and out of the classroom here at St. Rita. St. Rita has taught me many important things in my life, especially how to be the best Ritaman I can be.”
Congratulations, Jimmy!
Senior: Jack Hogan
Representing the Class of 2026 as our September Senior Mustang of the Month is Jack Hogan. Jack is a graduate of Peotone Junior High School and a member of the St. Jude Parish.
Jack is a consistent and determined Ritaman who never gives up and constantly pushes towards greatness. Academically, Jack has achieved High Honors (4.2-4.39 GPA) throughout his time at St. Rita. Jack is a key member of the Wrestling Team, being a two-year captain and finishing 3rd in State his sophomore season. He has earned All-State and First Team in the Chicago Catholic League. Jack is preparing this year to work hard with his team and win a State Title for St. Rita. Off the mat, Jack will be inducted into the National Honor Society next week and is also the Hospitality and Inclusion Director of the Big Brother Program. Jack is looking forward to majoring in accounting or business in college next year.
A faculty member who nominated Jack spoke of him, saying, “For both wrestling and academics, Jack has made the most of his time at St. Rita. He takes his commitments seriously and has had success both in and out of the classroom. He has grown into a mature, conscientious student and a nice young man who will succeed when he leaves St. Rita.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, Jack said, “The only reason I am a good student is because of the great teachers who have helped me along the way. They’ve gone out of their way to make sure that we will be prepared for college and see us as not only students but as family.”
Congratulations, Jack!
