May Mustangs of the Month
Each 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.
Senior: James Kingsbury
Representing the Class of 2025 as our May and final Senior Mustang of the Month is James Kingsbury. James is a graduate of Hickory Creek Middle School and a member of the St. Mary Mokena Parish.
James has worked hard over the past four years in all aspects of St. Rita. In the classroom, he has earned Superior Honors (GPA 4.2-4.39) and multiple Heeney awards (Straight A’s) over his time here. James was a football captain this year and has also been part of the basketball program. James is a member of ABC, Big Brothers, National Honor Society, and Broadcasting Club. After he graduates this month, James will be attending Ave Maria University in Southwest Florida. He will be playing both Football and Basketball and double majoring in Sports Management and Business.
A faculty member who nominated James spoke of him, saying, “James actively engages in class discussions, offering valuable insights and encouraging others to participate. His strong leadership skills inspire his classmates, and he is consistently respectful toward both peers and teachers. James shows a commitment to excellence, and he embodies the school’s values in everything he does.”
Speaking about his experience at St. Rita, James said, “ If you try to spend your whole life trying to please everyone, then you will never truly be happy. To be happy, you must be yourself. St. Rita has helped me find myself as well as some friends who will be with me forever. I am grateful for St. Rita and the opportunity to be great.”
Congratulations, James!
Junior: Evan Mahere
Representing the Class of 2026 as our May Junior Mustang of the Month is Evan Mahere. Evan is a graduate of McClure Junior High and a member of St. John of the Cross Parish.
Evan always leaves a quiet but lasting mark at St. Rita. In the classroom, he has received multiple Heeney Awards (Straight A’s) as well as Superior Honors(4.4+ GPA). Evan plays on the soccer team and is a member of ABC, Big Brothers, Spanish Club, Mustang Scholars, and the Black Student Union. Evan is also currently working towards National Honor Society induction. His favorite class thus far was Brother Joe’s freshman Theology class. He credits his success to his teachers challenging him in the classroom and his family making sure he makes the right decisions.
A faculty member spoke of him, saying, "Evan is a very bright student and asks very thoughtful questions in class. He has a strong grasp of difficult topics. He is a quiet leader and incredibly respectful in every situation and interaction.”
Evan spoke of his experience as a Ritaman, saying, “ ‘Don’t be afraid of failure. This is the way to succeed.’ This quote sticks out to me because it shows my experience at St. Rita. Throughout my time at St. Rita, I have made mistakes in sports and the classroom, but I kept going. I recognized that learning from these mistakes is the way for me to succeed.”
Congratulations, Evan!
Sophomore: Ryan Jones
The member of the Class of 2027 chosen as our May Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Ryan Jones. Ryan is a graduate and member of the St. Damian Parish Community.
Ryan is an intelligent and driven Ritaman who has achieved multiple Heeney Awards (Straight A’s) and has earned Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) in his past semesters. Ryan is a member of the Baseball program, Investment Club, ABC, and Student Ambassador Club. He also represented St. Rita on the SAVI (Student Augustinian Values Institute) trip to San Diego last semester. His favorite memories of his time at St. Rita were the food truck competition last year and beating St. Laurence in the Freshman CCL Championship.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted as saying: “Ryan is an excellent student who works hard in the classroom. He has a great rapport with his peers and his teachers. He works hard not only to get good grades but to be a good person. Ryan leads by example and shows true Ritaman qualities.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Ryan quoted coach Nee, saying, “The little things are really the big things” Ryan says, “My time at St. Rita has been nothing short of amazing. I have grown a lot as a person and have been able to learn what it truly means to be a part of something that is bigger than myself. Meeting new people and being able to attend an all-boys school has truly helped me become the confident person I am today.”
Congratulations, Ryan!
Freshman: Cesar Diaz
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our May Mustang of the Month is Cesar Diaz. Cesar is a graduate of Liberty Junior High and a member of the St. Albert Parish community.
Cesar is a hardworking and motivated Ritaman who achieved Honors (4.0-4.19 GPA) in his first semester. Cesar is a member of the Swimming, Water Polo, Hispanic Culture Club, and Cooking Club. In the future, Cesar wants to get more involved with Campus Ministry and other events at St. Rita. Cesar's favorite memory at Rita thus far has been meeting, hanging out, and competing with all his water polo and swim friends. Cesar credits his Mom with being his biggest supporter throughout his first year and says, “She has always helped me, sees the best in me, and pushes me to my limits.”
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Cesar's grit and determination have allowed him to embrace everything St. Rita has to offer. Cesar takes the initiative to not only help others but also taps into the various layers of support available to better himself.”
When Cesar reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita, he said, “Freshman year was like diving into deep water, not always knowing what was ahead but learning to trust myself with each stroke. I faced many challenges I didn’t expect, but they helped me grow more independent and stronger. This year taught me to be more grateful for the things I have, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”
Congratulations, Cesar!
