December 2009 Students of the Month

Charities: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Heart Association

Helena Fugiel
Freshman
Business

Helena Fugiel was chosen as the Freshman Student of the Month by the Business Department. Described by her teachers as a conscientious and focused student, Helena lists Business & Technology Concepts, Accelerated Algebra II Honors and Choir as her favorite courses. A personable and mature student, she has already shown a knack for balancing academics and extra-curricular activities. She is a member of the school’s girls’ swimming team and Foreign Language Club, and is also an award-winning gymnast. An honor roll student as a middle schooler, Helena is a past recipient of the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. In the future, she may pursue a career as a pharmacist, teacher, accountant or gymnastics coach. In her free time, she helps out around her house, babysits, and plays piano.

Kara Gikas
Sophomore
Physical Education

The Physical Education Department selected Kara Gikas as the Sophomore Student of the Month. A well-rounded student who works well with classmates and teachers, Kara enjoys Mathematics classes - including Accelerated Geometry Honors - because she likes to solve problems and apply those skills to real-life situations. Her teachers note that she leads by example and is committed to giving her best effort. A high honor roll student and member of the girls’ golf team, Kara is also involved in Mission Possible, Student Council and Foreign Language Club, and serves as a sophomore class officer. In the future, she hopes to attend a Big Ten university and ultimately become an elementary school teacher. In her spare time, she enjoys babysitting, spending time with family and friends, and doing volunteer work.

Clare Rogers
Junior
Social Studies

Clare Rogers was picked as the Junior Student of the Month by the Social Studies Department. A high honor roll student and National Honor Society selection, Clare is described as an academically gifted student whose analytical skills are beneficial in the classroom. She lists Choir, Advanced Placement U.S. History, Accelerated Pre-Calculus Honors and French III Honors as her favorite courses. Despite her strong academic commitments, she is involved with myriad extra-curricular activities, including Mathletes, Drama Club, Inkspot, Foreign Language Club, Community Service for Everyone (CSFE), and Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE). She hopes to attend the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and become a speech pathologist. She enjoys volunteering, reading, singing and acting in her free time.

Kirby Reese
Senior
Family and Consumer Science

The Family and Consumer Science Department tabbed Kirby Reese as the Senior Student of the Month. A high honor roll student, Kirby’s teachers indicate that she is helpful to her fellow students and serves as a role model for her classmates. She lists Psychology, Culinary Arts and Ceramics as her favorite courses. A four-year member of the girls’ bowling team, Kirby is also involved with Foreign Language Club and Community Service for Everyone (CSFE). She and her sister have also coordinated book drives at local schools for the Book Worm Angels organization. She plans on attending Illinois State University and pursuing a career in elementary education. In her spare time, Kirby holds down a part-time job, and also enjoys hanging out with friends, reading and creating art.