December Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class as the Mustang of the Month. For a student to be nominated by a faculty or staff member for the Mustang of the Month Award, he must excel or stand out in at least two of the following areas: academics, activities, athletics, spirituality or community service. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to St. Rita of Cascia High School and whose efforts, accomplishments, and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.
Senior: Luke Lunny
Representing the Class of 2025 as our December Senior Mustang of the Month is Luke Lunny. Luke is a graduate and member of the St. Catherine of Alexandria community.
Luke is a hardworking and sociable Ritaman. Luke achieved high honors (GPA 4.2-4.399) last semester. He is currently a leader of the Spanish Club, as well as a member of the Big Brother program. Luke credits his success to his sheer grit and determination. Luke has applied to a variety of colleges and is looking to major in Finance. Luke’s favorite memory at St. Rita so far was when he finished his 3D animation final project last year for Mr. Tellez’s class.
A faculty member who nominated Luke, spoke of him saying, “Luke has grown up a lot over the past four years. Luke is responsible, works well with his classmates, and always is looking to solve challenges in class. He has a positive presence in class, is down to earth, and gets along with anyone.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Luke quoted David Goggins saying, “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.” “My time here at St. Rita has been a journey the whole way through. I have never stopped working though I only ever stop when I’m done.”
Congratulations, Luke!
Junior: Colin Cooney
Representing the Class of 2026 as our December Junior Mustang of the Month is Colin Cooney. Colin is a graduate and member of the St. Barnabas Parish community.
Colin is a hardworking and outgoing student who last year earned Superior Honors (GPA 4.4 and higher) and the Heeney Award for straight A’s. Colin is working towards NHS induction, is a current Student Government Representative, the vice president of the ABC program, and a member of the Student Ambassador and Investment Clubs. Colin is also a part of the varsity lacrosse and golf teams. Colin attributes his success and hard-working mentality at St. Rita to his two older brothers who paved the way at St. Rita before him.
A faculty member said of him: “Colin is a leader in the classroom, activities, and athletics. When he found out his coach was leaving St. Rita, Colin stepped up and was a voice for the team. He spoke honestly and offered his opinion as to what would help the program grow with a new coach. Colin wants what is best for St. Rita, his classmates, and teammates.”
Colin spoke of his experience as a Ritaman saying, “These past 3 years have been some of the best of my life. The programs I’m involved in have completely transformed me into the person I am today and prepared me for my next steps in life. St. Rita will always be a part of who I am and I’m very thankful for the many people who helped me thus far.”
Congratulations, Colin!
Sophomore: Sean Ford
The member of the Class of 2027 chosen as our December Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Sean Ford. Sean is a graduate and member of the St. Gabriel Parish community.
Sean is a successful student, achieving high honors (GPA 4.2-4.399) his freshman year as well as a Heeney Award for Straight A’s. Sean is a member of St. Rita’s Hockey, Lacrosse, and Chess teams. Outside of school, he is a member of the LUV Michael program. Sean plans next year to become a Big Brother and a member of the National Honor Society. Sean's favorite memory so far at St. Rita has been the flag football games the past two years during Homecoming Week.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying: “Sean goes above and beyond in the classroom and puts one hundred percent into everything he does. Sean is a great team player and is always willing to help anyone out. Sean is a great representative of the sophomore class.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Sean replied, “My time at St. Rita so far has been memorable. I have further developed my academic and physical skills, while also making many new friends. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time at St. Rita has in store for me.”
Congratulations, Sean!
Freshman: Izaius Dukes
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our December Mustang of the Month is Izaius Dukes. Izaius is a graduate of the Academy of St. Benedict the African School.
Izaius is off to a great start at St. Rita. He is a friendly and vocal student who gets along with his classmates and teachers and always has a smile on his face. Izaius works hard in all his classes, was on the JV football team, and is currently on the freshman basketball team. Izaius attributes his success so far at St. Rita to his parents and coaches. His favorite memory so far was the freshman overnight at the beginning of the school year.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Izaius is a kind young man who exemplifies what we look for in a Ritaman. He is respectful, kind, and one who treats all of his Rita brothers well. He always has a smile on his face and always puts his best foot forward in class.”
When Izaius reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he said, “My time at Rita has been great. The environment here has changed my life and the way I act inside and outside this school. My time at St. Rita has been a journey of growth and learning. The sense of community and the opportunities for personal development have made it a truly enriching experience.”
Congratulations, Izaius!
