Read all about St. Rita’s new construction project and more news in the May 2019 Edition of The Natir, St. Rita High School’s satirical publication!
Breaking News: St. Rita High School Announces New Construction Project
May Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class to be the Mustang of the Month. In order for a student to be considered 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 projects or programs. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to what St. Rita of Cascia High School is all about and whose efforts, accomplishments and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.
Nominations are open to all faculty and staff and final selection is determined by members of Administration and Student Life & Ministry.
Senior Mustang of the Month – Tim Regan
The member of the Class of 2019 selected to be our May Mustang of the Month is Tim Regan. Tim is a graduate of St. Linus School where he is also a member of the parish community.
During his time at St. Rita, Tim has been the President of the Broadcasting Club, a Kairos Leader, part of the St. Rita Choir and has run Cross Country. Outside of his time as St. Rita he is a COR Youth Leader at St. Linus and volunteers with St. Linus Mission Trips. Tim is also an Eagle Scout and after graduation will be moving on to college to major in forensic accounting.
One teacher said of Tim, “Tim is a student who has gone above and beyond to make St. Rita a good experience for himself and his classmates. He is always there for his peers. As his teacher, I admire Tim's commitment to expanding his worldview and becoming more aware of who God is call him to be and what God is calling him to do. He is a shining example of what it means to be a Ritaman!”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Tim said, “My experience at St. Rita has been nothing but good vibes. I cannot believe it is coming to an end, wow, what a journey. I feel like I am leaving home. I am going to miss all my Rita brothers so much.”
Junior Mustang of the Month – Eric Barcelona
Representing the Class of 2020 as our May Mustang of the Month is Eric Barcelona. Eric comes to us from Queen of Martyrs School and is also a member of Queen of Martyrs Parish.
Eric is currently a member of Big Brothers, the Spanish Club, Stock Club, and he will be fully inducted into the National Honor Society this fall. Eric is involved with Queen of Martyrs Youth Ministry which has changed his life in many ways, especially with the Mission Trip he went on to Kentucky. He hopes to go on to college and earn a degree in Computer Science.
In his nomination the following was said of Eric, “His dedication to solve problems as well as his cooperation with other students so they can face their own challenges makes of Eric a good example of a good community and academic performance in St. Rita.”
Eric spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “I have loved my time here at St. Rita and I cannot believe I only have a year left. The people here are just amazing and I have many so many friendships. I cannot wait to see what next year brings.”
Sophomore Mustang of the Month – Noah O’Grady
Representing the Class of 2021 as our May Mustang of the Month is Noah O’Grady. Noah graduated from Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School and is a member of St. Germaine Parish.
In addition to excelling in the classroom these past two year Noah is involved in the Spanish Club and is a caddy at Beverly Country Club. In the future he plans to work toward induction in the St. Rita National Honor Society and become a part of the Advice Beyond the Classroom program.
The following was said of Noah, “Always prepared for class and ready to participate. Honest, genuine and very mature. He is a very kind young man and is always willing to help out.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, he replied, “In my last two years as a Ritaman I have made many new friends and have had lots of fun. I cannot wait for the next two years as a Ritaman and I cannot wait to see who I meet and what my future holds..”
Freshman Mustang of the Month – Connell Moonan
The member of the Class of 2022 chosen to be our May Mustang of the Month is Connell Moonan. Connell comes to us from St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish where he is also a member of the St. Catherine Parish community.
Connell is currently playing volleyball here at St. Rita. He also assists at St. Catherine School with their after school program. Connell plans to work toward being inducted into the St. Rita National Honor Society and hopes to be a part of the Big Brother program in the future.
One member of our St. Rita faculty said, “Connell is an excellent student athlete and leader by example for his class. He takes pride in helping others and treating people nicely. He works hard in the classroom and on the volleyball court.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Connell replied, “I have made a lot of new friends and have had a great time thus far. I cannot wait for the next three years here at St. Rita.”
St. Rita High School Appoints Roshawn Russell '08 as Head Basketball Coach
Chicago – Fr. Paul Galetto, O.S.A., Ph.D., St. Rita of Cascia High School's Head of School and Chief Executive Officer, has appointed current St. Rita Athletic Director, Roshawn Russell, M.B.M., a 2008 St. Rita alumnus, as Head Basketball Coach of the 114-year-old institution. Russell will also retain his position as Athletic Director. Russell will succeed Coach Gary DeCesare, who coached the Mustangs for ten years with an 182-110 overall record. Russell spoke highly of his time working with DeCesare. "He took our basketball program to new heights. We wouldn't be where we are today without him," Russell said.
Roshawn Russell ‘08, St. Rita Head Basketball Coach
Prior to becoming Athletic Director in July 2018, Russell served as an Assistant Admissions Director at St. Rita. Russell has extensive basketball coaching experience, including serving as the Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Fontbonne University. Additionally, Russell enjoyed a very successful playing career on the hardwood. He finished his career with the North Park University Vikings ranked number one for career and season all-time free-throw-shooting percentage. He shot a career-best 88 percent from the line and a record 90 percent during his freshman year. He also ranks tenth all-time in total assists at North Park and scored 939 points over his four-year playing career. Russell is ranked seventh all-time at North Park for career three-point field goals, and ranks eighth all-time in career three-point percentage with 38.5%. Russell graduated from North Park University with a BA in Physical Education, and holds a Masters in Business Management from Fontbonne University. Coach Russell has served as St. Rita's Head Sophomore Basketball coach since September 2015, and has led the sophomore Mustangs to two 20+ win seasons and two Chicago Catholic League titles.
Russell attended St. Rita where he enjoyed a stellar prep career. He was a four-year starter for the basketball team and earned All-Chicago Catholic League Second Team honors as a junior and First Team as a senior, as well as All-Area honors from the Southtown Star. He was voted the team MVP his senior year and earned All-Tournament honors at the McGovern Classic. He averaged 18.7 points, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals in leading the team to an 18-11 record his senior year. Russell also played in the Catholic League All-Star Game in the spring of 2008.
When asked about Russell, Fr. Galetto said, "St. Rita is in a strong position. We have premiere facilities and a great family atmosphere, which Coach Russell understands. His positive and competitive attitude, combined with his basketball knowledge is a winning combination. I'm excited to see his dynamic coaching style on the varsity level."
Russell is equally excited to step into this role, stating, "I've worked very hard to get to this point in my career, and I understand what it takes to succeed. I've been very fortunate to learn from some of the best coaches at every level. St. Rita and its basketball program had a tremendous impact on my life, and I am honored to be able to carry the tradition forward. This is the opportunity of a lifetime."
About St. Rita High School
St. Rita High School is a college-preparatory, Augustinian Catholic high school located on a beautiful 37-acre campus at 7740 S. Western Avenue on Chicago's south side. The all-boys St. Rita has a 114-year old tradition and legacy, is over 24,000 alumni strong and offers 15 athletic teams competing in the Chicago Catholic League and 32 clubs and activities.
St. Rita, Mother McAuley and Carmel Catholic Compete in ABC State Championship
On Monday, April 29, the 30 members of the St. Rita ABC Program (Advice Beyond the Classroom) competed for the state shampionship of their program at UBS Financial Services Inc., along with fellow Catholic schools Mother McAuley and Carmel Catholic (Mundelein).
Students from the competing schools gave final presentations on what they learned from the ABC program—a program that teaches high school students how to network, create a resume, and build communication and job skills, while teaching about investments, financial planning and the business world. This college-level program is a game-changer for anyone in high school.
Part of the competition included meeting and networking with various business leaders, a Q-and-A panel discussion and a team-based competition and exercise.
The ABC program was founded by St. Rita High School alumnus and current Board of Directors member, Mr. Nick LoMagglio ’04 and is comprised of various industry leaders from St. Rita and other schools. The program allows students to gain an understanding on business, marketing, and networking in the real world and features competitions for college scholarships, prize money and various other accolades as well. The program was begun in 2014 at St. Rita.
Congratulations to all teams and members involved and a special thank you to all the sponsors and mentors for the ABC program for sharing their time and wisdom to these young men, women and future entrepreneurs!
April Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class to be the Mustang of the Month. In order for a student to be considered 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 projects or programs. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to what St. Rita of Cascia High School is all about and whose efforts, accomplishments and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed. Nominations are open to all faculty and staff and final selection is determined by members of Administration and Student Life & Ministry.
Senior Mustang of the Month – Quinn Eaheart
The member of the Class of 2019 selected to be our April Mustang of the Month is Quinn Eaheart. Quinn is a graduate of Keller Elementary School.
During his time at St. Rita, Quinn has been involved with Scholastic Bowl and the Latin Club. He has also been a Kairos Leader, Big Brother, member of the National Honor Society and he is currently playing Varsity Lacrosse. Outside of his time at St. Rita he helps coach 3rd and 4th grade lacrosse.
One teacher said of Quinn, “Quinn is a great candidate for Mustang of the Month. As a Big Brother, he's been very attentive to his little brothers. Quinn truly goes out of his way to meet with his little brothers. He was a great leader on Kairos and brings people together. He is a motivator, he is outgoing, he is a very kind and respectful young man.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Quinn said, “St. Rita has become a second home to me. The friendships I have made will last a lifetime and I will always love my Rita brothers.”
Junior Mustang of the Month – Daniel Burns
Representing the Class of 2020 as our April Mustang of the Month is Daniel Burns. Daniel comes to us from Mount Greenwood Elementary and is a member of the Queen of Martyrs Parish.
Daniel is a member of the St. Rita Swimming and Water Polo teams, the Latin Club and is currently working toward induction into the St. Rita chapter of the National Honor Society. He plans to apply to be a Big Brother during his senior year. Daniel has been named to All-State for Water Polo, earned the Heeney Award for straights As three times and has received a Smialek Award Scholarship.
In his nomination the following was said of Daniel, “Daniel is a very dedicated when it comes to his studies. Daniel truly lives out the Augustinian Core Value of Veritas. He loves learning and is insightful. Daniel is also one of the kindest people I know.”
Daniel spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “With my time so far I have found a lot of great mentors in my teachers and coaches. I look forward to my last year learning with the boys.”
Sophomore Mustang of the Month – Owen Kelly
Representing the Class of 2021 as our April Mustang of the Month is Owen Kelly. Owen graduated from St. Cajetan School and is a member of St. Cajetan Parish.
Owen is a Sophomore Officer for Student Government, plays football and is currently a member of the volleyball team. In the future he is considering getting involved with the Big Brother Program.
The following was said of Owen, “Owen is a leader who leads without words. His hard work and positive attitude when faced with challenges motivates his peers to elevate their performance in and outside of the classroom. Owen is willing to help those around him without reward, he gives and expects nothing in return.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, he replied, “I have had a great time at Rita so far. The people I have met are unbelievable and I cannot wait for the next two years.”
Freshman Mustang of the Month – Dylan Cooney
The member of the Class of 2022 chosen to be our April Mustang of the Month is Dylan Cooney. Dylan comes to us from St. Barnabas School where he is also a member of the St. Barnabas Parish community.
Dylan is a Freshman Officer for Student Government, participates in Advice Beyond the Classroom, played basketball this year and is currently running track. In the future he hopes to be a part of the Big Brother Program and work toward induction into the National Honor Society. Outside of his time at St. Rita Dylan is a caddy at Beverly Country Club and is active in the Beverly community assisting with the elderly.
One member of our St. Rita faculty said, “Dylan is just a really good kid. He is kind, polite and respectful.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Dylan replied, “My time at St. Rita thus far has been phenomenal. I have met many new people and have been able to participate in many new activities. I look forward to the years to come and all that St. Rita has to offer.”