May Mustangs of the Month
Each month St. Rita of Cascia High School honors one student from each class to be 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 projects or programs. Nominees for Mustang of the Month are those students who are vital elements to what St. Rita of Cascia High School is all about and whose efforts, accomplishments and contributions to our community sometimes go unnoticed.
Senior: Kyler Sumpter
Our May Senior Mustang of the Month and final Mustang of the Month for the Class of 2023 is Kyler Sumpter. Kyler is a graduate of St. Bede the Venerable School and a member of the Church of God Community.
Kyler is a hardworking and involved Ritaman. Kyler has been a member of the St. Rita Football Team and Black Student Union. Outside of St. Rita, Kyler plays soccer for Chicago Empire FC. In the fall Kyler plans to attend the University of Louisville where he will major in Marketing and play soccer.
A faculty member who nominated Kyler, spoke of him saying, “Kyler has grown so much over the past four years. He has opened himself up while at St. Rita. He has grown into a leader and a great example of what it takes to be a Ritaman.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Kyler said, “The last four years have been the most formidable years of my life. I have grown so much and met so many people. I am so thankful to know all my brothers and wish them all the best.”
Congratulations Kyler!
Junior: Zackary Clark
Representing the Class of 2024 as our May Junior Mustang of the Month is Zackary Clark. Zack attended Lake Ridge New Tech Middle School and is a member of the Hammond First Baptist Church community.
Zack works hard in the classroom and is very involved in extracurriculars. Zack is part of the St. Rita Football Team, Black Student Union, and Broadcasting Club. In the future he plans to join the Track Team and deepen his faith. Outside of St. Rita he is a Pop Warner Coach and runs his own photography business. This past year, Zack won the Wayne Tomas Award for being one of the best underclassmen on the St. Rita Football Team.
A faculty member said of him, “Zack is always a bright light here at school. He is very pleasant with his teachers and constantly strives to do better. In the classroom Zack is always up for the challenge. I have been impressed with his addition to the Broadcasting Club and his passion for athletics.”
Zack spoke of his experience as a Ritaman by saying, “Coming to St. Rita was the best decision I have ever made. I have made many friends and learned new lessons. I feel like I came here as a boy, and I will be leaving as a man.”
Congratulations Zack!
Sophomore: Joseph Katalinic
The student for the Class of 2025 chosen as our May Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Joseph Katalinic. Joe is a graduate of Sutherland Elementary School and a member of St. Barnabas Parish.
Joe works very hard in the classroom earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester and earned the Heeney Award for straight As. Joe is very involved at St. Rita as a member of the Varsity Football Team. He is currently applying to be a Big Brother and plans to work toward induction into the National Honor Society.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying “Since I have met Joe he has gone above and beyond in the classroom. He consistently performs above and beyond what is expected and truly is an example of a leader. Joe always shows a sense of determination in whatever he does, from the football field to the weight room, he always strives for excellence.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Joe replied, “St. Rita has provided me with numerous opportunities to grow academically and spiritually. I look forward to continuing to grow as an athlete and create more friendships here at St. Rita.”
Congratulations Joe!
Freshman: Aidan Ewald
The Ritaman from the Class of 2026 chosen to be our May Mustang of the Month is Aidan Ewald. Aidan graduated from Kinzie Elementary School and is a member of St. Faustina Parish.
Aidan had a very strong start to his high school career, earning Superior Honors (4.4+ GPA) for the first semester as well as being named a Heeney Award Recipient for earning straight As. Aidan is a member of the St. Rita Golf & Basketball Teams. In the future he hopes to get involved with Advice Beyond the Classroom.
The following was said of Aidan in his nomination, “Since starting at St. Rita Aidan has gone above and beyond what is asked of him. He is very friendly, organized, and all around a great Ritaman. He loves to help his classmates and excels in everything he does. Aidan will only continue to grow in his four years at Rita.”
When asked about his experience as a Ritaman, Aidan replied, “So far, my time at St. Rita has been unforgettable. I have made new friends, learned valuable lessons, and overall have become a better person. I'm looking forward to enjoying my next 3 years at St. Rita.”
Congratulations Aidan!
