Lemont High School Honors February Students of the Month

Four  students have been named "Students of the Month" for the month of February for their outstanding work and dedication to community.

Senior Tom Porter, junior Tanya Sheppard, sophomore Andrew Chialdikas and freshman Joe Sciacca were recognized during the Feb. 13 meeting of the District 210 Board of Education.

As part of the honor, Brad Grcevic, of  in Lemont, makes a charitable donation on behalf of the students. Each student is encouraged to nominate a charity, and then the four must come to a consensus on which organization should receive the funds.

This month, the students chose UNICEF to receive the donation.

Only 32 students are honored as Students of the Month from October to May. Students may only be selected once during their time at Lemont High School.

February Honorees

Joe Sciacca, Freshman

Joe Sciacca was selected by the Art Department as the Freshman Student of the Month. His teachers describe him as a creative and talented artists who is admired by his peers, so much that fellow students crowd around his desk to catch a glimpse of his latest work. His work is often showcased in the Art Department's display cases, and one hangs in the PPS Office.

Sciacca plans to participate in boys track this spring. In the future, he hopes to work in drawing or graphic design. He enjoys golf, basketball, skateboarding, snowboarding and riding dirt bikes, and has worked as a golf caddy and a painter.

Andrew Chialdikas, Sophomore

Sophomore Andrew Chialdikas received Student of the Month honors from the Physical Education Department. He teachers describe him as a well-rounded student who sets, works toward and achieves goals. He demands the best of himself, and has been selected to participate in the Junior Physical Education Leadership class next year.

Chialdikas is a high honor roll performer, and has been a member of the varsity boys soccer team since his freshman year. He plans to study mechanical engineering in college. In his free time, he caddies at multiple golf courses, referees socer and works at the .

Tanya Sheppard, Junior

Tanya Sheppard was chosen as the Junior Student of the Month by the Family and Consumer Science Department. Her teachers applaud her excitement and eagerness in class every day, and describe her as a conscientious student who takes pride in her work.

A high honor roll student, Sheppard is a three-year member of the girls bowling team, and has also been involved with Interact and the Foreign Language Club. She plans to attend a college or university with a good teaching program, with hopes of becoming an elementary teacher.

Tom Porter, Senior

Tom Porter was named Student of the Month by the Foreign Language Department. A high honor roll student, Furczon cites German, English and Band as his favorite classes. While his teachers are impressed with his day-to-day preparation, contributions to class and high-quality work, what sets him apart is his willingness to assist classmates who are having difficulty.

Porter is heavily involved in the school's band program as a member of Marching Band, Honors Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Indoor Percussion ensemble. He received Prairie State Scholar accolades last fall, and was named a Presidential Scholar by North Central College. In the future, he plans to continue writing, further his study of foeign languages and other cultures, and playing music.