Lemont High School Recognizes November Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with November student of the month accolades at the district’s board of education meeting Nov. 18. The honorees were senior Megan Zhou (music), junior Ethan Ragasa (mathematics), sophomore Michael Stricker (business) and freshman Stone TeSelle (science).

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 student of the month award winners. This month’s winners selected the Lemont Food Pantry to receive the donation, the school said.

Stone TeSelle, freshman, science

Stone TeSelle was selected as the freshman student of the month by the science department. TeSelle states his favorite class in his first semester of high school is journalism, because he loves writing and communicating about current events. LHS said TeSelle already has involved himself in the school’s Drama Club and Student Council. His teachers applaud his superior performance in the classroom, and describe him as an exemplary student who can be counted on for thoughtful contributions to classroom discussions. He does not take success for granted, and works hard regardless of the task ahead of him. TeSelle states that when it comes to his future, he does not care what he does, but rather how he does it, and hopes to be kind, friendly, encouraging and supportive. He loves to play the guitar and volunteer at his church.

Michael Stricker, sophomore, business

The business department tabbed Michael Stricker as the sophomore student of the month. Stricker is a high honor roll student who lists Personal Finance and Integrated Math II as his favorite classes. The school said he captained the undefeated sophomore football team this fall, and last spring was a thrower on the track and field team. Stricker has proven himself to be an outstanding business student who is a natural leader in class. His contributions are insightful, and he is willing to help out whenever it is needed. He is a great role model who has learned the benefits of investing at a young age. In the future, he hopes to become either a Certified Financial Analyst, Chief Financial Officer or a Certified Public Accountant. He enjoys weight lifting, football and golf, and plays the piano during services at his church.

Ethan Ragasa, junior, mathematics

Ethan Ragasa was cited as the junior student of the month by the mathematics department. A high
honor roll performer, Ragasa most enjoys classes in mathematics, science and English. He continues to work on increasing his mathematical knowledge and challenges himself in class and in extra-curricular activities. The school said he is a member of the band program, Mathletes, Academic Challenge, Health Occupations Student Association, Link Crew, and the boys’ swimming and boys’ volleyball teams. Ragasa has earned induction to the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Tri-M Music Honor Society and Rho Kappa. He hopes to attend Johns Hopkins University and study biomedical engineering. He spends most of his free time as a math tutor, and also volunteers with Project C.U.R.E.

Megan Zhou, senior, music

The Music Department picked Megan Zhou as the senior student of the month. Zhou is a high
honor roll student who lists biology, chemistry and calculus among her favorite subjects. The school said Zhou is a member of the girls’ tennis team, and also is active in many of the school’s bands, including the Marching Band, Concert Band, Jazz Band and Honors Symphonic Band. As a tenor saxophonist, she twice has been chosen as an all-district musician in both the jazz and concert band ensembles, and last year participated in the Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference. Zhou is a reliable mentor for her peers, and demonstrates a drive to be the best she can be. In college, she plans on studying biomedical or chemical engineering. In her spare time, she enjoys playing the piano, teaching saxophone and watching “The Office.”