November 2014 Students of the Month

Lily Mussalem
Freshman
Science
The Science Department selected Lily Mussallem as the Freshman Student of the Month. Lily states that her favorite classes are Accelerated Geometry Honors and Integrated Science. She exceeds classroom expectations, and her strong charisma and exemplary work make her stand out among her peers. Lily already has joined the school’s Speech Team, and she plans on participating in girls’ track and field in the spring. An honor roll student as a middle schooler, she earned a top-three finish in her first speech tournament this fall. Lily intends on majoring in biology and pre-medicine in college, and ultimately hopes to become a radiologist. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, shopping, cooking and drawing.

Joe Theodore
Sophomore
Business
Joe Theodore was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the Business Department. A high honor roll student,Joe’s favorite subject is mathematics, but he says that he enjoys Accounting and Personal Finance in addition to Accelerated Pre-Calculus Honors. Described as a respectful, conscientious student by his instructors, he balances academics and extra-curricular activities well. He is a member of the school’s football, basketball and baseball programs, is involved in the Future Business Leaders of America, and expects to be inducted into the school’s chapter of Mu Alpha Theta. After graduating from high school, Joe plans on attending a selective college or university and studying either business, pre-medicine or chemical engineering. He enjoys watching sports and hanging out with his friends in his free time.

Matt Filar
Junior
Mathematics
The Mathematics Department picked Matt Filar as the Junior Student of the Month. Matt is a high honor roll student whose favorite classes include AP Calculus BC and AP English Language & Composition. He always is prepared, contributes productively in classroom discussions, and excels in all aspects of student life. A vital contributor to the state-qualifying Mathletes squad, Matt is a Mu Alpha Theta inductee and a member of Interact. He also was chosen by his peers as a Homecoming Prince for the Junior Class. A well-rounded student who succeeds in all curricular areas, Matt is not yet sure what he plans on studying in college. In his spare time, Matt likes to play basketball and soccer with his friends, and also enjoys listening to music.

Steven Brija
Senior
Music
Steven Brija was cited as the Senior Student of the Month by the Music Department. A high honor roll student, Steven lists American Government, AP Statistics, Choir and Band as his favorite courses. He is highly involved in all aspects of the school’s band program. He plays string bass in the Honors Jazz Band, percussion in the Honors Symphonic Band, numerous brass instruments in the Concert Band, and serves as a section leader in the Marching Band. He shows a great desire to be the best he can as a musician, and tries to lead others in the same direction. He recently was cited as an Illinois Music Educators Association All-District pick in the string bass, and he marches with multiple drum corps groups. His goal is to march with a world class drum and bugle corps. He plans on studying music at Belmont University or Butler University. He teaches private music lessons weekly, and he dedicates all of his free time to his musical pursuits.