Lemont High School Honors October 2023 Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with October Student of the Month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 6. The honorees were senior Michael Leonard (Physical Education), junior Jenna McCleary (Art), sophomore Sonia Strzalka (World Languages) and freshman Hailey St. Hilaire (Family & Consumer Sciences).

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 in a release. 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. This month’s winners selected the Lemont Art & Culture Commission to receive the donation, according to LHS.

The information below was provided by Lemont High School:

Hailey St. Hilaire, Freshman, Family & Consumer Sciences

The Family & Consumer Sciences Department selected Hailey St. Hilaire as the Freshman Student
of the Month. Hailey states her favorite classes include Family & Consumer Sciences Survey, English I, and Spanish I. Though she is early in her high school career, she already is involved in multiple activities, including Student Council and Yearbook Club. She also has been selected to participate on the Principal’s Student Advisory Committee. Hailey’s teachers applaud her participation in classroom discussions and high quality work, and also note she is respective, creative, and a positive leader among her peers. Hailey is unsure of her future plans, but knows she wants to continue her education in college. As a middle schooler, Hailey won Old Quarry’s Warrior Legacy Award and Encore Award.

Sonia Strzalka, Sophomore, World Languages

Sonia Strzalka was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the World Languages
Department. Sonia is a high honor roll student who most enjoys Stage Production, English II Honors, and Chemistry Honors. She was a member of the girls’ track and field team as a freshman, competing in the discus throw and shot put. She also has contributed to theater productions, was a member of the Mathletes team, and served as a class officer. Although she can be quiet, Sonia stands out with her willingness to work hard, help her peers, and tackle challenging material. She assists classmates who may be struggling, and does so with humility and kindness. She hopes to pursue a career as a teacher. In her free time, Sonia enjoys crocheting, music (including playing the accordion), and spending time at the quarries at The Forge.

Jenna McCleary, Junior, Art

The Art Department cited Jenna McCleary as the Junior Student of the Month. A high honor roll
performer, Jenna’s favorite class this year is Drawing & Painting III, because she enjoys utilizing her creative side and demonstrating her artistic ability. Her teachers note she creates beautiful work, and that she consistently pushes herself to improve and grow as an artist. Jenna’s compositions, techniques and creations are extraordinary, and she inspires classmates with her talents and hard work. Jenna has been a member of the Art Club and the National Art Honor Society, and has had work featured in The Spark literary magazine and Gallery 306. She plans to attend college and major in art and political science. In her spare time, Jenna likes drawing, making videos, and watching educational videos.

Michael Leonard, Senior, Physical Education

Michael Leonard was named the Senior Student of the Month by the Physical Education Department. Michael has earned high honor roll recognition. He lists Business Law as his favorite class because he is interested in both business topics and content related to the law. His teachers state that Michael is a joy to have in class. He consistently shows up to class prepared, and always participates to the best of his abilities, regardless of the activity. He is described as a natural leader, and is very respectful of classmates and teachers alike. Michael hopes to major in business in college, and may pursue postgraduate studies at law school. He works as a lifeguard at the Lemont Park District and likes to work out.