BGHS Names January Students of the Month

Buffalo Grove High School has chosen Students of the Month for January, with selections based on the efforts and contributions of one exceptional student in each of the six divisions of the school.

Freshman Nijole Laverd of Arlington Heights was nominated as English/Fine Arts Student of the Month by English teacher, Breanne Makovec, who commented, "Nijole is always highly engaged in class and demonstrates a love of reading and critical thinking. Her upbeat attitude is an inspiration."

Senior Clark Becker of Arlington Heights was nominated by social science teacher Pete Duffer to be honored as the World Languages/Social Science/English Language Learners Student of the Month. "Clark is an intrinsically motivated student with a unique intellectual curiosity," said Duffer. "His desire to learn new concepts and to try new methods of learning is infectious in Advanced Placement Economics. He has a great sense of his current knowledge base and is able to expand it on a daily basis. Clark is able to evaluate the class expectations for learning and self assess his own set of skills and content knowledge. He is a model student and helps make teaching and learning exciting."  

Senior Michael Howell of Arlington Heights is Student of the Month for Student Services. "Throughout Michael's four years, he has displayed consistent efforts to maintain above average grades," said Individual Resource teacher, Chris Loberg.  "He has participated in the BGHS Marching Band for four years and has been a member of the BGHS football program. Mike recently received the distinguished honor of Eagle Scout. His teachers report that he is respectful, honest and willing to help other students on a regular basis."  

The Math/Science department recognized freshman Natalie Murtaugh of Arlington Heights for her achievements. Biology teacher Paige Fullhart commented, "Natalie an outstanding student. She grasps concepts very quickly and because of this, ends up being my assistant on a regular basis and helps other students almost daily. She always comes in with higher-level questions the following day, showing that she truly takes the time to absorb and think about material.  She is also an incredible role model for her peers in that she is always in class on time and ready to work. Natalie has done such a tremendous job, I am moving her to honors biology for the second semester. I feel truly blessed to have a student like Natalie in my class!"

Career and Technical Education selected senior Ravi Soni of Wheeling as the department's honoree. Automotive teacher Sean Murrin said, "Ravi is a wonderful third-year auto student currently enrolled in Vocational Auto. He has challenged me as much as I have challenged him. Ravi is constantly working to solve any problem that I throw at him. I look forward to watching him grow during 2nd semester and in his future career plans."

Junior Brittany Olson of Buffalo Grove has been named the Physical Education/Health/Driver's Education Student of the Month. Teacher Tim Roe commented, "Brittany is the epitome of an excellent P.E. student. Her efforts on a daily basis are outstanding. She has shown strong resilience through an injury from cross-country, yet maintained daily activity in our seventh-hour P.E. class. Brittany gains a true workout from the daily Physical Education program. This young lady will take these efforts a long way in her quest for maintaining a very healthy body."