Noonan Academy Standout Student of the Week

Riley Kearns is a 7th grader at Noonan Elementary Academy in Mokena and has been selected by his teacher, Mrs. Antioniolli, as this week's Standout Student. Congratulations Riley and to the Kearns family.

What is one essential you must have when studying?

I like to have music on in the background when I do homework. When studying, I have to have silence, my book, and my brain.

What do you like to do when not in school or studying?

When I am not in school or studying, I like to play video games and create new business ideas.

What is your dream job?

My dream job would be to be a mechanical engineer.

What are some of your most played songs on your iPod?

I have a lot of favorite songs. Some of my most played songs are: A Natural Acrobat, Symptoms of the Universe, and Hole in the Sky, which are all by Black Sabbath and all Beatles songs.

What is one thing people don't know about you?

There are things that I like to keep personal for a reason, but will share that most people in school don’t know that I ride a dirt bike.

Whom do you look up to and why?

I look up to President Donald J. Trump. He has been a role model to me all my life. He has made a big impact on this country ever since his inauguration on January 20, 2017. Our President has also made a huge impact with recent peace treaties in our world. I am most proud of the fact that he fights so hard to keep our First and Second Amendments true for American Citizens.

What do you keep under your bed?

First of all, I think that this question is an invasion of privacy, however, I will share that I have a couple of snare drums under my bed for the sake of this interview.

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

First, just a quick disclaimer to all of my teachers, please know that you are all great. I have two teachers that I like the most. One is Mrs. Kavanaugh, my English teacher, because she always makes every lesson fun. The other is Mr. Evers, my Social Studies teacher, because he is very entertaining.

What is your favorite class and why?

I don’t really have a favorite class. I like all of them.

What's one thing that stands out about your school?

Our school stands out from all the other schools because of how deeply we study religion and pray every day.

What extracurricular(s) do you wish your school had?

I wish that our school had multiple language classes, because I really want to learn German and Russian.

What's your morning routine?

I wake up, roll out of bed, eat my breakfast, get ready for school, put my uniform on, and head to school.

If you could change one thing about school what would it be?

I wish that our school could have Lazy Boy recliners instead of our normal chairs.

What's your favorite thing to eat in the cafeteria?

Our school does not have a cafeteria, but I do enjoy my lunch from home.

What's your best memory from school?

I have a lot of good memories at Noonan. This year, I have to say that the worst memory will be having to wear masks every day in school. I pray the masks go away soon and COVID, too.

Noonan Elementary Academy is an independent Catholic school in Mokena serving preschool through 8th grade. Noonan provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program that is academically challenging and personally supportive. Noonan is committed to developing the full potential of each student by fostering intellectual development, strong character formation, and spiritual growth. Scholarships are available; please contact Mr. Dunn, Principal of Noonan Elementary Academy, for more information or visit their website at www.noonanacademy.org