November 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: Nicholas Donohue
Representing the Class of 2025 as our November Senior Mustang of the Month is Nick Donohue. Nick is a graduate and member of the St. Daniel the Prophet community.
Nick is a hardworking and friendly Ritaman. Nick is part of the National Honor Society and is a positive presence in our school community. Nick is involved in the Spanish and Art clubs. During the rest of his time at St. Rita, Nick wants to finish strong academically, contribute more to the school community, build new friendships, and eventually go to college to major in marketing. Outside of school, Nick enjoys creating and editing sports videos especially for his favorite teams the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
A faculty member who nominated Nick, spoke of him saying, “Nicholas is a wonderful student to have in class, and he is an active member of our school community. Nick is often looking for new ways to get involved and does his best to represent himself in those clubs and organizations. He is a great role model for his fellow Ritamen.”
Speaking about his experience as a Ritaman, Nick says, “I have learned that strength isn’t always about holding onto the memories I have made. Now in my final year at St. Rita, I need to recognize that strength includes moving forward in life. I am grateful for the friends, teachers, and moments that have shaped me but I’ve learned that being strong means accepting change and moving forward, even when it’s hard. It’s about finding the courage to say goodbye to something so special and important, yet being open to whatever comes next.”
Congratulations, Nick!
Junior: Gavin Jedlicka
Representing the Class of 2026 as our November Junior Mustang of the Month is Gavin Jedlicka. Gavin attended Parker Junior High School and is a member of St. Augustine Catholic Parish.
Gavin is a high-achieving and personable student who earned Superior Honors (4.0-4.199 GPA) last year. Gavin is working towards NHS induction and is a member of Big Brothers and the Student Ambassador programs. Gavin also plays on the Varsity hockey and golf teams. Gavin has started working with the athletics and marketing departments to get involved with sports photography at our sporting events. Gavin’s favorite memory so far at St. Rita was when his Spanish Class got to create a Food Truck last year.
A faculty member said of him, “Gavin actively participates in class, showing a keen interest in discussions and consistently displaying a willingness to engage. Gavin’s respect for teachers and classmates alike, along with his adherence to school values, make him an exemplary Ritaman.”
Gavin spoke of his experience as a Ritaman saying, “My time here at St. Rita has been very memorable. I knew from the first day of school freshman year that I made the right decision to come here. I’ve created friendships that I know I’ll have for the rest of my life and learned life lessons that will stick with me forever. It’s crazy to think that my time here is almost up, but I’m excited to see what this next year and a half holds for me.”
Congratulations, Gavin!
Sophomore: Diego Castro
The student of the Class of 2027 chosen as our November Sophomore Mustang of the Month is Diego Castro. Diego is a graduate of Our Lady of Charity School and a member of St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish.
Diego is a dedicated student who finished strong academically during his freshman year and is currently working hard this semester. In school, Diego is part of the Varsity Chess and Esports teams as well as a member of the Art Club. Outside of school, Diego is involved in youth group and teen peer ministry. Diego’s favorite memories from St. Rita so far include the Sophomore Retreat, going to State for Chess last year, and having pie for Pi Day in Algebra class last year.
In his nomination, a St. Rita faculty member is quoted saying, “Diego walks around St. Rita with a smile on his face. In the classroom, he always tries his best and is successful. He is already starting to take leadership roles in clubs as a sophomore and he will only continue to grow over the rest of his time at St. Rita.”
When asked to speak about his experience as a Ritaman, Diego replied, “My time at Rita is truly about relationships. The teachers are always open to giving you the help you need. I’m happy with the friendships I have made along the way and the many more that are sure to come. Even though I’m a shy person, I have still made many friends. This school has made me feel valued and loved.”
Congratulations, Diego!
Freshman: Jahmel McGee
The Ritaman from the Class of 2028 chosen to be our November Mustang of the Month is Jahmel McGee. Jahmel is a graduate of Queen of Martyrs School and a member of St. Gianna Parish.
In the first few months, Jahmel has made an impact in our community. Jahmel is a Daniel Murphy Scholar and currently has straight A’s in his classes. Jahmel is a member of the Black Student Union and plans on running track this school year. Jahmel wants to get more involved at St. Rita by joining more clubs and running for Student Government next school year. Outside of school, Jahmel is an accomplished gymnast. He is a 2x National Champion and is currently ranked third in the country in his age group. Jahmel attributes his success at St. Rita to his mom who has made countless sacrifices for him and Brother Joe who always makes him feel welcome whenever he walks into his class.
In his nomination, a faculty member stated, “Jahmel is an exceptional student. He's respectful and kind. He's a role model Ritaman. Jahmel is certainly deserving of the Mustang of the Month Award.”
When Jahmel reflected on his time thus far at St. Rita he said, “My time at St. Rita has been good so far. I have plans for the future that I hope I can accomplish, and I know I will have help when I need it. I’m thankful for all the people who have made my time at St. Rita feel great, and I can’t wait to see what’s in my future.”
Congratulations, Jahmel!
