December 2013 Students of the Month

Jake Kirkman
Freshman
Industrial Technology
Jake Kirkman was selected as the Freshman Student of the Month by the Industrial Technology Department. Jake lists Algebra II as his favorite course, but also has done outstanding work in Orientation to Industrial Technology. His teachers note that he demonstrates strong work ethic and leadership skills, and shows a genuine desire to learn. Consistently engaged in classroom activities, Jake assists his peers and often steps up as a leader during group work. He already has been part of both the football and wrestling programs in his first semester. On the wrestling mat, Jake’s goal is to follow in the path of his older brothers - each of whom qualified to compete in IHSA State Finals competition. He plans on attending college after graduation.

Taylor Campos
Sophomore
English
The English Department picked Taylor Campos as the Sophomore Student of the Month. A high honor roll student, Taylor cites Accelerated Pre-Calculus Honors and Chemistry Honors as her favorite classes. Her teachers applaud the consistent effort that she puts forth, and appreciate the insight and thought that she brings to class discussions. She loves to write and always looks for way to strengthen her skills. Taylor qualified to compete at the IHSA Girls’ Cross Country State Finals earlier this fall, is involved in Student Council, was inducted into the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society, and is a member of the girls’ track and field program. She plans to study medicine in college and hopes to run at the collegiate level. She enjoys hanging out with friends, running, and volunteering through the school’s Interact organization.

Kyra Udziela
Junior
Learning Resource Center
Kyra Udziela was named the Junior Student of the Month by the Learning Resource Center. A high honor roll performer whose favorite classes include AP U.S. History and an AP European History independent study, she assists both staff and students in the LRC, and offers insights on books read through monthly LRC meetings. A member of the National Honor Society and National English Honor Society, she also contributes to the school’s literary magazine. An all-conference bowler, she competed at last winter’s IHSA Girls’ Bowling State Finals, and also qualified for the Junior Gold national tournament. Kyra hopes to bowl in college, and will major in history before heading to law school. In her free time, she serves on the Joliet Youth Bowlers’ Association council and enjoys writing stories and reading Stephen King works.

Kristen Parham
Senior
Social Studies
The Social Studies Department tabbed Kristen Parham as the Senior Student of the Month. Kristen is a high honor roll student whose favorite subjects include mathematics and social studies. She notes that she enjoys social studies because she finds history and current events interesting. An active learner who regularly helps drive classroom discussions, her positive contributions help to encourage her peers to give their best effort. Described by her teachers as upbeat and enthusiastic, Kristen serves as Co-President of the school’s Acceptance Group, and also is a member of the Foreign Language Club. She plans to attend Aurora University and will major in sociology. She holds down a part-time job at a local Goodwill store.