February 2012 Students of the Month

Charity: UNICEF

Joe Sciacca
Freshman
Art

Joe Sciacca was named the Freshman Student of the Month by the Art Department. An honor roll student, Joe cites Art I, Drawing & Design, English I and Integrated Science as his favorite courses. His teachers describe him as a creative and talented artist who is admired by his peers for his outstanding gifts, so much so that fellow students crowd around his desk to catch a glimpse of his latest work. His pieces often are featured in the Art Department’s display cases, and one hangs in the conference room in the PPS Office. Joe plans to be a part of the boys’ track team this spring. In the future, he hopes to work in the fields of drawing or graphic design. Joe enjoys golf, basketball, skateboarding, snowboarding and riding dirt bikes, and has worked as a golf caddy and a painter.

Andrew Chialdikas
Sophomore
Physical Education

The Physical Education Department picked Andrew Chialdikas as the Sophomore Student of the Month. Andrew lists Geometry, Trigonometry, Physics Honors and Drafting/CAD I among his favorite courses. A high honor roll performer, his teachers describe him as a well-rounded student who sets, works towards, and achieves goals. A member of the varsity boys’ soccer program since his freshman year, Andrew also is a member of the boys’ tennis squad and Model United Nations. He demands the best of himself, and has been selected to take part in the Junior Physical Education Leadership class next year. Andrew plans on studying mechanical engineering and obtaining a job in that field after graduation. In his free time, he caddies at multiple golf courses, referees soccer and works at Pancake Café, and enjoys cars and music.

Tanya Sheppard
Junior
Family and Consumer Science

Tanya Sheppard was selected as the Junior Student of the Month by the Family and Consumer Science Department. Tanya says that she has enjoyed all of the Family and Consumer Science classes she has taken, but that her favorite course has been Introduction to Teaching. A high honor roll student, she is applauded for the excitement and eagerness with which she attends class daily. She is conscientious and takes pride in her work, and has the potential to become a vibrant educator. A three-year member of the girls’ bowling squad, she also has been involved with Interact and the Foreign Language Club. She plans to attend a college or university with a good teaching program, with an eye on becoming an elementary school teacher. Tanya likes to bake and take part in scrapbooking in her spare time.

Tom Porter
Senior
Foreign Language

The Foreign Language Department tabbed Tom Porter as the Senior Student of the Month. Tom is a high honor roll student whose favorite subjects have included German, English, Band, and other English and music electives. While his teachers are impressed with his day-to-day preparation, contributions to class discussions and high quality of work, what sets him apart is his willingness to assist classmates who are having difficulty. Tom is heavily involved in the school’s band program, as a member of the Marching Band, Honors Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Indoor Percussion ensemble. He received Prairie State Scholar accolades last fall, and has been named a Presidential Scholar by North Central College. In the future, he plans to continue writing, further his study of foreign languages and other cultures, and continue writing and playing music. Besides music, Tom also enjoys writing, playing video games, and watching anime.