February 2011 Students of the Month

Samantha Baltierres
Freshman
Special Education
The Special Education Department selected Samantha Baltierres as the Freshman Student of the Month. An honor roll student in the first semester, Samantha lists English and Cultural Geography as her favorite courses. She has embraced and implemented strategies to help overcome challenges, and has shown a strong desire to achieve goals she set for herself at the outset of the year. She has demonstrated a solid work ethic, and not only has proven to be resourceful and focused, but also is a friendly individual who shows empathy and care for her classmates. Samantha is a member of the Foreign Language Club, and also plans to play soccer this spring. Her future plans include studying law, and she may pursue a career with the FBI. She enjoys playing soccer and volleyball, baking, and spending time with friends.

Paul Grossi
Sophomore
Industrial Technology
Paul Grossi was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the Industrial Technology Department. An honor roll performer, Paul enjoys his mathematics courses because, while challenging, he feels the subject comes naturally to him. His teachers note that he displays an eagerness to learn new skills and put them to good use. His curiosity about how things work and the manufacturing process benefitted him well in Woods Technology I. He shows great attention to detail and a disciplined work ethic, and makes sure to help others when he can. Paul hopes to attend a good college and enjoy a successful career. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball and golf, snowboarding, and hanging out with his friends.

Ankit Amlani
Junior
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department chose Ankit Amlani as the Junior Student of the Month. A National Honor Society student and high honor roll performer, Ankit fittingly lists mathematics as his favorite course of study. He is involved in several extra-curricular activities, ranging from boys’ tennis to the Scholastic Bowl, and has led the school’s Mathletes squad in scoring most of the year. His teachers laud him for seeing the most efficient ways to solve problems, and for utilizing natural mathematical talent and insight to succeed. Ankit allows himself no “down time” in the classroom, and his ability to communicate concepts allows him to assist his classmates. Ankit plans on attending the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and studying computer engineering. He enjoys playing video games and spending time with his friends.

Marija Zimkute
Senior
Art
Marija Zimkute was picked as the Senior Student of the Month by the Art Department. An honor roll student who never has missed a day of school, Marija notes that she enjoys Art IV, Biotechnology, and Anatomy & Physiology Honors. A member of the school’s Photography Club, Marija is described as a student with a fantastic gift in drawing, drafting, painting, and various other art media. Extremely creative with a strong visual sense, her passion and work ethic are evident through her art work. Last spring, she held a solo art exhibition in “The Bridge,” the school’s Writing Center; her “opening” included 12 original works, which were celebrated both by faculty and students. Marija plans on attending college and majoring in pharmacy; she also hopes to attend an art academy in Lithuania someday. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, drawing and creating art, and also works at the Lithuanian World Center.