Lemont High School Honors February Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with February “Student of the Month” accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Feb. 19. The school said the honorees were senior James Tauer (World Languages), junior Tygar TeSelle (Family & Consumer Sciences), sophomore Brendan Neale (Physical Education) and freshman Natalia Ciesla (Art).

Each month, Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community. According to the school, 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. Students may be selected for this prestigious honor only once in their careers at Lemont High School.

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. This month’s winners selected the #EllieStrong GoFundMe page, which benefits classmate Ellie Cuiching.

Natalia Ciesla, Freshman, Art

Natalia Ciesla was selected as the Freshman Student of the Month by the Art Department. Ciesla is a high honor roll student whose favorite classes include Introduction to Drawing & Painting, Biology Honors and Spanish I. The school said she earned a spot on the school’s varsity dance team as a freshman, and is active in the Allegro Dance Academy. She has a fantastic gift for drawing and a great eye for detail. Her classmates look up to her as an artist, and she already has had her works displayed in classrooms, hallways and GALLERY 306. Ciesla also is described as a leader who offers advice and critique to help others in class. After high school graduation, she plans on attending college. In her free time, Ciesla loves to draw, enjoys playing the piano, and serves as a babysitter.

Brendan Neale, Sophomore, Physical Education

The Physical Education Department cited Brendan Neale as the Sophomore Student of the Month.
An honor roll performer, Neale lists AP World History as his favorite class because he is intrigued
about past events. LHS said Neale is a member of the boys’ soccer program and also plays travel soccer. His teachers note he works hard on a daily basis in order to improve himself. Neale asks the appropriate questions to gain knowledge and never hesitates to help others in class. Whenever
something is needed in class, he is happy to volunteer. After graduating from high school, he plans on continuing his studies in college and pursuing a degree in marine biology. In his spare time, Neale plays soccer as much as he can, works out, and volunteers at a dog rescue.

Tygar TeSelle, Junior, Family & Consumer Sciences

Tygar TeSelle was named the Junior Student of the Month by the Family & Consumer Sciences
Department. Tygar is a high honor roll student whose interests include kinesiology and sports and
exercise science. The school said he is a member of the school’s track and field team for three seasons, he also has been named to the Homecoming Court and is a Mr. LHS candidate. Tygar’s teachers applaud him for showing exemplary respect and leadership. Extremely well rounded, he handles challenges with grace and demonstrates excellent problem solving skills. When asked about his future, Tygar replied that it’s not about what you want to do in life, but who you want to be... and he wants to serve people and be loving, kind and generous. He serves as a swim instructor and lifeguard, and also works at 3 Corners Grill & Tap.

James Tauer, Senior, World Languages

The World Languages Department tabbed James Tauer as the Senior Student of the Month. A high honor roll student, Tauer says he most enjoys Spanish IV Honors, AP Calculus BC, AP ;Macroeconomics, and serving as an aide in Adaptive Physical Education. The school said he is described as a standout student, and consistently displays the positive attitude and focus needed to succeed. He is a model student who helps set the tone for a positive, encouraging classroom culture, and helps others by modeling a growth mindset. Tauer is a four-year member of both the baseball and football programs, and also earned induction into the National Honor Society. He is an Illinois State Scholar, as well as an Academic All- State honoree in football. He earned a baseball scholarship to Triton College, and looks forward to studying Spanish and engineering in college. Tauer enjoys fishing trips to northern Wisconsin with his cousins.

Photos provided by Lemont High School