LHS Honors April Students of the Month

LEMONT, IL - Four Lemont High School students were honored with April “Student of the Month” accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on April 17. Included among the honorees were senior Gabby Rabianski (English), junior Jake Wilk (Industrial Technology), sophomore Matt Gasienica (Social Studies) and freshman Blake McGrath (Learning Resource Center).

According to LHS, each month, Lemont High School honors students 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.

LHS said 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 Will Power Challenge through the Hope and Friendship Foundation to receive the donation.

Blake McGrath, Freshman, Learning Resource Center

Blake McGrath was named the Freshman Student of the Month by the Learning Resource Center, LHS said. McGrath is a high honor roll student whose favorite classes include Spanish I, Integrated Math I and Integrated Science. His teachers describe him as a hardworking student who is both responsible and respectful. He has a great sense of humor, often offers help to classmates, and is anxious to try something new. He is a member of the school’s baseball program, and also serves on the Student Council. In the future, he hopes to attend college in Florida while playing baseball and studying psychology. McGrath enjoys hunting and fishing, and recently wrote a piece for Outdoor Notebook Magazine. He also works in the construction field with his father, and likes to run with his dog and play golf.

Matt Gasienica, Sophomore, Social Studies

The Social Studies Department selected Matt Gasienica as the Sophomore Student of the Month. According to a release, Gasiencia is a high honor roll performer, and states that he most enjoys AP Physics, AP World History and Chemistry Honors. A member of the varsity boys’ soccer team, he is involved in a host of other extra-curricular activities, including the Health Occupations Student Association, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering, Mathletes and Model United Nations. He is described as a classroom leader, and also has demonstrated leadership and preparation at Model UN conferences this year. Gasienica has shown tremendous growth in writing, reading and analysis. He hopes to pursue studies in engineering and the sciences in college. In his free time, Gasienica likes hanging out with friends, biking, fishing and reading.

Jake Wilk, Junior, Industrial Technology

Jake Wilk was tabbed as the Junior Student of the Month by the Industrial Technology Department. According to a release from the school, Wilk is a high honor roll student whose favorite classes this year include Advanced CAD II Honors and Robotic Engineering. A member of the Marching Band and Concert Band, Wilk is involved with both the Robotics Club and Technology Student Association. He spends most mornings in the robotics classroom with other students, demonstrating good character and a willingness to help others. Wilk recently finished first in a regional competition and soon will compete in the Illinois Drafting Educators Association State Finals. His future educational and career plans still are up in the air. In his spare time, Wilk works with his dad in remodeling, and likes to work on cars and hang out with friends.

Gabby Rabianski, Senior, English

The English Department cited Gabby Rabianski as the Senior Student of the Month. LHS said Rabianski is a high honor roll student whose favorite subjects include English and Spanish. As an intern with the English Language Learners program, she has worked patiently and diligently with students and has excelled when asked to create and lead class activities. She also works on the Tom-Tom staff, was half of the first Lemont doubles team to qualify for the IHSA Girls’ Tennis State Finals in 2015, and is both a National Honor Society and National English Honor Society inductee. Rabianski’s teachers note that she finds ease in analyzing and thinking critically, and always seems to have a smile on her face. She plans on majoring in business in college, and is deciding between Lewis University and Benedictine University. Rabianski enjoys playing tennis, baking, scrapbooking and hanging out with friends.

Photos provided by Lemont High School.