Lemont High School Honors April Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with April “Student of the Month” accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on April 15. The school said the honorees were senior Jordyn Smith (English), junior Billy Bozue (Industrial Technology), sophomore Ryan Madera (Social Studies) and freshman Sophia Semenic (CITGO Innovation Academy).

Each month, Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community. The school said selections rotate among the school’s various departments from month to month. Only 32 students earn “Student of the Month” accolades each school year, with four individuals honored each month from October through May.

Local businessman Brad Grcevic, of Edward Jones, Inc., contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the Student of the Month award winners. The school said this month’s winners selected the #EllieStrong GoFundMe page, which benefits classmate Ellie Cuiching.

Sophia Semenic, Freshman, CITGO Innovation Academy

Sophia Semenic was tabbed as the Freshman Student of the Month by the CITGO Innovation
Academey. The school said Semenic is a high honor roll student who most enjoys courses in science and drawing and painting. She also says that she loves working at the Common Grounds coffee house in the CITGO Innovation Academy because she likes talking with customers and making them happy. Semenic approaches her job at Common Grounds with a “try it” and “can do” attitude, and is a strong leader among her peers. She takes tremendous pride in her work, and it’s evident in the quality of her efforts. Semenic plans on attending college, and could pursue careers in science or art. Outside of school, she enjoys drawing, playing with her cats, and playing video games.

Ryan Madera, Sophomore, Social Studies

The Social Studies Department selected Ryan Madera as the Sophomore Student of the Month.
A high honor roll performer, Madera enjoys history, English and physics. He is described as a natural leaders who provides meaningful and reflective conversation to the classroom environment. The school said he has taken on challenging roles in Model United Nations conferences at Carthage College and Georgetown University. Madera also is a member of the Scholastic Bowl team and the lacrosse program, and participated in a forensic science camp in Washington, D.C., last summer. Madera already is looking ahead to college, and is considering Georgetown University, University of William & Mary, and Penn State University. He also is interested in joining the Peace Corps after college. In his spare time, Madera works at 3 Corners and likes traveling.

Billy Bozue, Junior, Industrial Technology

Billy Bozue was named the Junior Student of the Month by the Industrial Technology Department.
Bozue is a high honor roll student whose academic interests include science, history, psychology and computer aided design. His work in Advanced CAD is of the highest quality, and his teachers applaud him for his dedication and his ability to work well with his classmates. The school said Bozue recently earned a berth to the IDEA State Finals in the Architectural Board category. A member of the basketball and soccer programs, he earned National Honor Society induction this year. In the future, Bozue hopes to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant and would love to travel more. In his free time, he plays AAU basketball, teaches piano to younger students, and enjoys traveling and attending sporting events.

Jordyn Smith, Senior, English

The English Department cited Jordyn Smith as the Senior Student of the Month. A high honor roll student, Smith includes AP Biology, College Writing and Outdoor Education among her favorite classes. In addition to being an outstanding student, she is very involved in the school’s extra- curricular program. The school said Smith serves as President of both the Student Council and the Senior Class, is a National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta inductee, and is a member of both Link Crew and the tennis program. Named an Illinois State Scholar earlier this year, Smith’s academic success, school spirit and overall caring nature exemplify the best Lemont High School has to offer. She plans on attending the University of Minnesota, where she has earned direct admission status for the nursing program. Smith also serves as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Lemont Park District.