Lemont HS Honors October Students of the Month

Four Lemont High School students were honored with October “Student of the Month” accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on October 19. Included among the honorees were senior Clare Rachwalski (Physical Education), junior Kiara Hardy (Art), sophomore Laura Hunter (World Languages) and freshman Gabrielle Ognar (Family and 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. 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. (Lemont), contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the “Student of the Month” award winners. This month’s winners selected Hope and Friendship Ministries to receive the donation.

Gabrielle Ognar
Freshman, Family and Consumer Sciences
Gabrielle Ognar was selected as the Freshman Student of the Month by the Family & Consumer Sciences Department. Gabby states that she is most enjoying English and Family & Consumer Sciences this year, but that she also is interested in psychology and forensics. She is described as a hard-working, engaged learner who actively participates in class. She is thoughtful and inquisitive on subject matter. A member of the Girl Scouts, Gabby already has joined the school’s Drama Club, Foreign Language Club, Photography Club and Interact organization. As a middle schooler, she was Vice President of the National Junior Honor Society. Gabby hopes to earn a scholarship to a good college and find a fulfilling career. She enjoys babysitting, reading, baking, working out, hanging out with friends and watching YouTube.

Laura Hunter
Sophomore, World Languages
The World Languages Department picked Laura Hunter as the Sophomore Student of the Month. Laura’s favorite classes include Chemistry Honors, AP Physics and Accelerated Pre-Calculus Honors, because those classes have taught her to appreciate hard work and dedication. Described as a model student, she is always looking to extend her learning outside the classroom and challenges herself to reach her goals. A high honor roll student, Laura is part of the girls’ tennis program and Mathletes squads, is a member of the Foreign Language Club and Debate Club, and tutors in the Math Center. She also is a Mu Alpha Theta math honor society inductee. She plans on pursuing a profession that incorporates math, technology, and science. Laura’s enjoys baking, reading and babysitting, and she hopes to soon have a part-time job.

Kiara Hardy
Junior, Art
Kiara Hardy was chosen as the Junior Student of the Month by the Art Department. A high honor roll performer, Kiara lists Digital Photography, AP Language & Composition, Drawing & Painting and P.E. Leadership as her favorite classes. Her teachers describe her as a kind and caring person who is a pleasure to have in class. She is an accomplished artist whose work has appeared in the school’s hallways, the Spark literary magazine, and the Lemont Center for the Arts. She is a member of the cross country, basketball and track and field programs; is a Mu Alpha Theta math honor society inductee; and is part of the Student Advisory Council, Acceptance Club, Speech Team and Yearbook Club. Kiara plans on becoming a professional photographer. She enjoys attending sporting events, drawing, and playing with her dog.

Clare Rachwalski
Senior, Physical Education
The Physical Education Department tabbed Clare Rachwalski as the Senior Student of the Month. Clare is a high honor roll student whose academic interests include English, Biology and Art. She is applauded for her positive attitude, energy and kindness, and is looked upon as a role model for her peers. Clare is involved a wide variety of student activities, including the Mu Alpha Theta, Foreign Language Club, Yearbook Club and Interact. She serves a Speech Team captain, and is the President of the National English Honor Society, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and Treasurer of the Student Council. Her artwork has been recognized at the Illinois High School Art Exhibition, and she recently was named a National Merit Commended Student. Clare plans on studying industrial design and hopes to attend either Purdue University or Georgia Tech. She enjoys reading, playing guitar, painting, running, volunteering, and being outside.