Joliet Catholic Academy Names February Students of the Month

(The following press release is from Joliet Catholic Academy.)

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Catholic Academy President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz announced the school's February Students of the Month. Andrew Farris, Benjamin Vercelote, and Ella Heinen received recognition for their accomplishments. The academy acknowledged the success these students have shown in both their academic studies and their community involvement.

Andrew Farris, of Plainfield, is the son of Alana and Scott Farris. He is a graduate of Holy Family Grade School. Farris is involved in several honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. He is also an Illinois State Scholar and a recipient of the JCA Heritage Award and Franciscan / Carmelite Entrance Exam Top Scorer Scholarship. Farris serves as the Key Club treasurer, a Kairos retreat leader, Eucharistic Minister, and Student Ambassador. He is also a member of the varsity basketball team. Outside of school, Farris works as a youth umpire and volunteers at a STEM camp. He plans to major in biomedical engineering and minor in physics, with a goal of becoming a medical physicist.

Benjamin Vercelote, of Shorewood, is the son of Joanne and Michael Vercelote. He also graduated from Holy Family Grade School. Vercelote is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. He is a Kairos retreat leader and Aviation Club treasurer. Vercelote participates in Key Club, Habitat for Humanity, Tech Club, Cooking Club, and intramural basketball. His activities outside of school include learning piano, playing sports, spending time with friends, and serving as a camp counselor at the Joliet Park District. Vercelote intends to major in mechanical engineering and aims to become a design engineer or manufacturing engineer.

Ella Heinen, of Plainfield, is the daughter of Carrie and Andrew Heinen. She is a graduate of St. Mary Immaculate Grade School. Heinen is an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. She is a captain of the varsity track and cross country teams. Heinen is active in the Student Council and Key Club. During the summer, she works at an ice cream shop. Heinen plans to major in a pre-dental program with the goal of pursuing a career as a dentist.