January 2023 Students Of The Month Honored By LHS

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored as January students of the month at the district's Board of Education meeting on Jan. 17. The honorees are senior Omar Khraiwesh (Special Education), junior Raegan Duncan (Student Services), sophomore Barbora Lesa (Driver Education) and freshman Kinga Strzalka (Health).

Each month, Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community. Selections rotate among the school’s various departments from month to month, the school said.

Local businessman Brad Grcevic, of Edward Jones, Inc., contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the award winners. This month’s winners selected New Moms Chicago to receive the donation, the school.

Lemont High school provided biographical information about the student winners below.

Kinga Strzalka, Freshman, Health

The Health Department tabbed Kinga Strzalka as the Freshman Student of the Month. Kinga is a
high honor roll student who lists Integrated Math III Honors and Introduction to Studio Art among her favorite classes. Her teachers describe her as an excellent student who consistently participates in class and provides help to her peers. Hard working and conscientious, Kinga never seems to have a bad day and always is smiling and enjoying her time in class. She was a member of the girls’ swimming program in the fall, has joined the Art Club and Drama Club, and attends Polish School. A National Junior Honor Society inductee in middle school, she hopes to attend college and pursue studies in a STEM related field. In her free time, Kinga enjoys knitting, embroidery and riding her bike.

Barbora Lesa, Sophomore, Driver Education

Barbora Lesa was cited as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the Driver Education Department. A high honor roll performer, Barbora’s favorite academic interests include classes in English and STEM. Described as a hard working student who strives to do her best, she is mature, positive, and respectful to students and teachers alike. She understood the importance of Driver Education and the role it will play in her future as a driver, which was evident in her performance on homework, quizzes and tests. Barbora is a two-year member of the Scholastic Bowl team, and joined the Speech Team this year. In the future, she plans on attending college and pursuing a career in the medical field. Barbora enjoys reading in her free time.

Raegan Duncan, Junior, Student Services

The Student Services Department named Raegan Duncan as the Junior Student of the Month.
Raegan is a high honor roll student who most enjoys AP U.S. History and American Sign Language
III. An all-state softball player, she earned all-conference honors in each of her first two seasons,
helping the team to a state runner-up finish as a freshman and a state title as a sophomore. She also has earned induction to the National Honor Society. Raegan serves as a student intern in the school’s LIFE program, where she supports and engages with students with varying disabilities. Her positive attitude, patience, kindness, and willingness to always help make her ideal for this position. She hopes to play softball in college and wishes to work with kids. Raegan serves as a youth softball coach and enjoys spending time with her brother.

Omar Khraiwesh, Senior, Special Education

Omar Khraiwesh was selected as the Senior Student of the Month by the Special Education
Department. Omar is a high honor roll student who lists social studies courses among his favorite
classes. He is a terrific advocate for both himself and his peers, and has a great sense of humor. Kind, respectful and caring, Omar has a genuine demeanor that carries over in his empathy for others. He is personable, regularly demonstrates a genuine interest in others, and comes to class with a smile and ready to participate in class discussions. Omar is in his second year on the school’s wrestling team. He hopes to attend college and establish a career where he is able to make a good living. He enjoys playing video games and spending time with friends, and works part-time at Dunkin Donuts.