Lemont High School Honors January Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with January student of the month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting Jan. 21. The honorees were senior Alessandra Turano (Special Education), junior Al Pontrelli (Student Services), sophomore Kaley Cronin (Driver Education) and freshman Dominic Auriemma (Health).

Each month, Lemont High School said it 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. 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 award winners. This month’s winners selected Lemont High School’s Special Olympics team to receive the donation, the school said.

Dominic Auriemma, Freshman, Health

Dominic Auriemma was selected as the Freshman Student of the Month by the Health department. The school said Auriemma is a high honor roll student whose favorite subjects are mathematics, biology and geography. His teachers applaud his ability to ask thought-provoking questions, noting he demonstrates a rare ability to connect those questions to concepts he’s learned in other classes. Auriemma also took it upon himself to assist a peer who had a language barrier, helping the student learn, stay on task and find success. He is a member of both the Mathletes and Chess teams. Auriemma hopes to attend a top university, with University of Southern California as his top choice. He aims to own his own company. In his spare time, Auriemma plays video games and spends time with family and friends, and he hopes to secure a part-time job this summer.

Kaley Cronin, Sophomore, Driver Education

The Driver Education Department cited Kaley Cronin as the sophomore student of the month. A high honor roll performer, the school said Cronin most enjoys classes related to mathematics and science. She is described as bright and respectful and a student who is serious about her education. She recognized the vital role Driver Education plays in her future as a driver. Cronin is heavily involved in extracurriculars, as she is a member of the girls’ tennis program, Leo Club, Mathletes, Interact Club, and the Health Occupation Student Association. She also plays in several of the school’s bands and has earned induction to Mu Alpha Theta and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She plans to maintain her work ethic and dedication and intends on pursuing studies in the medical field. Cronin likes to cut grass, babysit, play tennis and hang out with friends.

Al Pontrelli, Junior, Student Services

Al Pontrelli was tabbed as the Junior student of the month by the Student Services Department. Pontrelli is an honor roll student who most enjoys Woods classes because of the pride he takes from creating items that can benefit others. A standout football player, he twice has earned All-South Suburban Conference-Blue Division honors as a linebacker, and was a second-team all-state performer last fall, the school said. Pontrelli is an outstanding peer mentor who served as a leader in Common Grounds last semester. He worked very well with the four students he supported, and was the most consistent, compassionate and professional intern Common Grounds has had to date. He plans on playing football in college and aims to earn a business degree so that he can open his own business. He works at his dad’s advertising company in the summer.

Alessandra Turano, Senior, Special Education

The Special Education Department picked Alessandra Turano as the senior student of the month.
The school said Turano is an honor roll student who most enjoys mathematics and her work as a Common Grounds intern and as a service project. She serves as a Special Olympics mentor and is a member of a hockey club. Turano has dedicated herself to improving her academic skills and becoming more independent and has shown tremendous growth. She has a gift for working with students who have significant developmental disabilities, and is an excellent role model for her peers. Her future plans include attending College of DuPage, where she plans on pursuing studies in education or medicine. Turano enjoys hanging out with friends, taking part in family activities, watching TV and going to the movies.