November 2022 Students Of The Month Named For Lemont High School

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with November 2022 Student of the Month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Nov. 21. The honorees were senior Suzie Knutte (Music), junior Anthony Scruggs (Mathematics), sophomore Layla Topete (Business) and freshman Kelsey Gottardo (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 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, according to the 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, the school said. This month’s winners selected the PFLAG Chapter of Lockport/Homer Glen to receive the donation.

Lemont High School provided information on the students below:

Kelsey Gottardo, Freshman, Science

The Science Department selected Kelsey Gottardo as the Freshman Student of the Month. Kelsey
says that she most enjoys science and math classes. A member of both the state runner-up Marching Band and Honors Symphonic Band, she also has jumped into being involved in Mathletes and Interact Club during her first semester, and helped the girls’ swimming program to a conference championship. Kelsey already has emerged as a classroom leader with her willingness to participate, set examples, and communicate, the school said. She also enhances the classroom learning environment by working well with her peers. Kelsey plans on pursuing a degree in engineering when she attends college. In her free time, she enjoys swimming and spending time with family and friends.

Layla Topete, Sophomore, Business

Layla Topete was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the Business Department. A high honor roll student, Layla lists Spanish II Honors and Business Law as her favorite classes. Winner of the Illinois Principals Association award in middle school, she stands out among her peers as one of the most engaged students in class, the school said. She consistently asks intriguing and thoughtful questions, exudes a high level of maturity, and comes to class eager to learn. Layla is very inquisitive and yearns for knowledge. She hopes to become a fashion designer and wants to travel the world to experience different cultures. Layla already is a small business owner, works part-time at a local bookstore, and does social media on behalf of a local author. She loves sewing, fashion, thrifting and spending time with her family.

Anthony Scruggs, Junior, Mathematics

The Mathematics Department named Anthony Scruggs as the Junior Student of the Month. Anthony is a high honor roll student who most enjoys classes in the areas of math, science and business. A member of Mathletes, Junior Achievement, and the Investment Club, he also plays baseball and has earned induction to the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and the National Honor Society. Possessing a natural mathematical ability that allows him to fully understand difficult concepts, Anthony has an incredible work ethic and has no problem tackling challenging material, the school said. He is willing to assist his peers so that they can gain an understanding of the material as well. Anthony plans to pursue studies in either business or engineering in college, and likes to play sports and hang out with his family and friends.

Suzie Knutte, Senior, Music

Suzie Knutte was cited as the Senior Student of the Month by the Music Department. Suzie is a high honor roll student who most enjoys Marching Band and Honors Jazz Band. A well-rounded student who excels academically, musically and athletically, she served as a section leader in the state runner-up marching band this fall, and was an all-state soccer player last spring after scoring a team-leading 27 goals, the school said. Suzie has earned induction to the National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Science National Honor Society, and Rho Kappa. Named Lemont’s 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Queen, she plays trumpet in three of the school’s bands and teaches lessons for beginning trumpet players. Suzie has a strong work ethic and a drive to bring people together. She hopes to continue her music career in college while also studying biomedical engineering. She serves as a youth soccer coach and enjoys weightlifting and soccer.