Immaculate High School Students of the Month 2012 - 2013

May - Physical Education

The Recognition Committee met in May to select the physical education Student of the Month.

The students nominated for physical education included freshmen Tom Cherisme and Malaika Gaburungyi, sophomore Darel Bowman, and juniors Minghao Chen, Natalia Diaz and Mike Fredette. Junior Minghao Chen was chosen for “always giving 100% effort regardless of which activity is being done.” He shows a passion for learning by “asking questions when not sure what to do, or asking what work needs to be made up when absent from class.” Minghao shows outreach by “genuinely trying his hardest, giving the best effort and displaying sportsmanship in what is normally a competitive environment. He leads by example.” He demonstrates integrity by “abiding by all of the rules and regulations of each sport or activity done.” Minghao’s teacher said “as an exchange student, he has brought a refreshing sense of character to everything he does. He is diligent, works extremely hard past the point of actually perspiring and seems to enjoy the activities we do. He is very competitive but not to a fault respecting those around him. He is a pleasure to have in class.” For these reasons, the Recognition Committee is pleased to select Minghao Chen as the physical education Student of the Month, and applauds all those students nominated in this subject area at Immaculate.

April - English & Public Speaking

At its April meeting, the Recognition Committee selected the Student of the Month in English and public speaking. The nominated students included freshmen James Barry and Will Bleveans, sophomores Taylor Basile and Alexa Kozlowski, juniors Ralph DeLuca, Rachel Giorgio and Danielle Opinante, and senior Julia Amodeo. The committee chose freshman James Barry. James “is consistent in his effort and exhibits a positive attitude that contributes to the classroom environment”, thus demonstrating good effort and determination. He shows a passion for learning as he “is a deep thinker and is always willing to take a risk during class to contribute ideas and opinions, which significantly contributes to the class discourse.” James exhibits outreach by being “a role model for accepting those who are different from him. He's always willing to partner with students who may easily otherwise be left out.”   He demonstrates integrity as "an honest and engaging person that his teacher appreciates having in class." James' teacher went on to say that he "is a student whose intellectual curiosity fosters his contributions to the classroom and results in excellent work. He always tries to do his best and asks questions when he doesn't understand." For these reasons, the committee congratulates James Barry for his work in English, and recognizes all the students nominated for this subject at Immaculate.

March - World Languages

At its March meeting, the Recognition Committee selected the Student of the Month in World Languages. The nominated students included freshmen Lorena Curtis, Shannon Ducey and Sean McCoy, sophomores Kelly Crotty, Nicholas Hatcher and Rebecca Townsend, juniors Jaclyn Daily, Meredith Keenan and Amanda Loya, and seniors Tiffany Basile and Serena Perera. The committee chose senior Tiffany Basile. Tiffany demonstrates good effort and determination by “meeting every challenge with a consistently positive attitude. For this student learning the language is the top priority – not simply attaining a high grade-point average each quarter.” She shows a passion for learning by “doubling up in Spanish courses in her senior year.” Tiffany's teacher noted that although this happens in other disciplines, this doubling up is a “first” for the teacher.   Tiffany is “challenging herself further in Spanish by not only continuing to Spanish V, but also electing to join Spanish IV Honors class in her senior year.” Tiffany demonstrates outreach by “sharing what she has already experienced in the language and by encouraging other students to join her in speaking the language whenever possible.” She demonstrates integrity by “doing the assigned work alone to the best of her ability and by learning from both successes and failures in her attempts to master the language.” Tiffany's teacher expressed additional praise for her efforts in taking two Spanish courses, one being an honors course, in her senior year. Her teacher said “in a career that spans well over forty years, I have never seen a student as resilient and as willing as this student to work towards this goal no matter how great the obstacles in her path!” For these reasons, the committee congratulates Tiffany Basile for her commitment to Spanish and world languages, and recognizes all the students nominated for this subject at Immaculate.

February - Fine Arts

At its February meeting, the Recognition Committee chose the Student of the Month in Fine Arts. The nominated students included freshmen Siyan “Cheryl” Cai, Jack Garvey and Joseph Natal, sophomores Devin Imperati and Andrea Rivera-Luna, juniors Michael Hudak, Michael Nicolosi and Richard Voight, and seniors Nicholas Arne and Seth Morris. The committee was pleased to select junior Michael Hudak. Michael demonstrates good effort and determination by “...consistently striving to do his best.” He “is always improving himself by watching videos, by direction, or anywhere he can get it. “ Michael “comes to most all rehearsals – even when he doesn't need to – to see if he can add more.” He shows a passion for learning by “totally immersing himself in his character. He went to Washington Heights over Christmas break to see the culture, sits in on Ms. Proverb's classes to improve his Spanish” for the role, and is “reading the composer's favorite book.” Michael demonstrates outreach by “being a model student. Without criticism, he helps those in musical theater class and in the show. He goes to other cast members' houses to review scenes. He has a great ability to stay in character and be focused – which is great for the other students to see.” Michael demonstrates integrity by “making good choices. He does not get caught up in the “drama”. He steers clear and lets the people involved work it out.” Michael's teacher went on to say that “drama, music and musical theater are a passion for him. He takes it very seriously. As of now, he has all his lines almost memorized for April – a great example and work ethic for the other students to see.” For these reasons, the committee congratulates Michael Hudak for his commitment to the fine arts, and recognizes all the students nominated for this subject at Immaculate.

January - Science

The Recognition Committee selected the Student of the Month in Science at its January meeting. The committee had an extremely difficult decision process, given the quality and number of students nominated. The committee selected freshman Julia Rist. Julia demonstrates good effort and determination by “...always striving for the very best.”   She “will only settle for perfection and works very hard for it.” and “always asks and answers questions on a higher level.” Julia shows a passion for learning by “always going above and beyond in any activities assigned. She does a great amount of outside research as well and is always willing to share information and knowledge with the class.” Julia demonstrates outreach by being “always willing to help and share knowledge.” She “never judges” others. Julia exhibits integrity by “demonstrating great character”, being “very honest and takes constructive criticism well, and grows and learns from it.” Her teacher also said that she is “wonderful, a sweet and polite student” who is “such a pleasure in class and a very hard worker!”   For these reasons, the committee congratulates Julia Rist for her work in the subject of science, and recognizes all the students nominated for this subject at Immaculate. The students who were nominated included freshmen Sean McCoy and Julia Rist, sophomores Paige Davis, Robert Mancini and Victoria Matero, juniors Cara Capilli, Jaclyn Daily, Emma Gallagher, Amanda Loya and Mallory McCann, and seniors Julia Amodeo, Ruilin Li, Connor O'Brien, and Serena Perera.

December - Religion

Freshman Lorena Curtis has been selected as the December Student of the Month in Religion. Lorena exhibits good effort and determination by having “...homework always done...” by being “reflective” in class discussion, and always having “excellent tests”. Aside from her classroom achievements, which were documented by her teacher, Lorena also “...has taken the opportunity to put her faith into action.” Her teacher says that she invites all of her classes to participate in the Morning Glory program, and while freshmen usually hesitate to make this commitment, Lorena “checked at home, volunteered and came on the first one this year!” Lorena's teacher went on to say that Lorena “did a terrific job” and that she “was not afraid to jump in and help in any way she could. She brings the faith we try to teach in class out into the volunteer work she does outside of class.” For these reasons, the committee congratulates Lorena Curtis for her conscientious work and practice of her faith, and recognizes all the students nominated for their efforts in religion at Immaculate. The students who were nominated included freshmen Maren Brady, Lorena Curtis and Joshua Porta, sophomores Devin Imperati and Jamie Peirce, junior Rebecca Vodola, and seniors Julia Amodeo, Tyler Nathanson and Connor O'Brien.

November - Social Studies

Junior Julia Stevens was selected for “…never missing an extra help session.” She is “determined to improve herself” and “is not satisfied until she has totally understood the topic at hand”. Julia “asks good questions in reviews”. She shows a passion for learning by “coming prepared to class every day. If she doesn’t fully grasp an idea in class, she stays after to ask questions”. Julia shows outreach by “helping others with reviews. She encourages other to try harder and not get “discouraged or down”. She demonstrates integrity by doing “her own work. She helps others with finding answers in the text or on iPad – not by giving them her worksheet or work papers”. For these reasons, the Recognition Committee is pleased to recognize Julia Stevens as the Social Studies Student of the Month, and congratulates the other students who were nominated in this subject area at Immaculate. Among the students nominated were freshmen William Bleveans and Tyler Plumb, sophomore Anna Pucci, juniors Jack Guidera, Meredith Keenan and Julia Stevens, and senior Corrinne Daly.

October - Mathematics

The Recognition Committee selected junior Alex Read as  the Student of the Month in Mathematics at its October meeting. Alex exhibits good effort, determination and improvement by “...being very determined to improve.”  Although this subject is one with which he “struggled through the beginning of last year”, he has progressed “…tremendously by coming every day for extra help and watching video tutorials that come with the textbook.” Alex shows a passion for learning by making sure “...to study math all summer in order to move to honors level.” Alex works very well with others, and he demonstrates integrity by “...being honest and conscientious.” For these reasons, the committee congratulates Alex Read for his hard work and achievements, and congratulates all the students nominated for their efforts in mathematics at Immaculate.The students who were nominated included freshman Julia Lagas, sophomore Drew Valentine, juniors Michael Hudak, Amanda Loya, Evan Porco and Alexander Read, and seniors Jason Feng, Jin Kang and Megan McDermott.

At its April meeting, the Recognition Committee selected the Student of the Month in English and public speaking.  The nominated students included freshmen James Barry and Will Bleveans, sophomores Taylor Basile and Alexa Kozlowski, juniors Ralph DeLuca, Rachel Giorgio and Danielle Opinante, and senior Julia Amodeo.  The committee chose freshman James Barry.  James “is consistent in his effort and exhibits a positive attitude that contributes to the classroom environment”, thus demonstrating good effort and determination.  He shows a passion for learning as he “is a deep thinker and is always willing to take a risk during class to contribute ideas and opinions, which significantly contributes to the class discourse.”  James exhibits outreach by being “a role model for accepting those who are different from him.  He's always willing to partner with students who may easily otherwise be left out.”   He demonstrates integrity as "an honest and engaging person that his teacher appreciates having in class."  James' teacher went on to say that he "is a student whose intellectual curiosity fosters his contributions to the classroom and results in excellent work.  He always tries to do his best and asks questions when he doesn't understand." For these reasons, the committee congratulates James Barry for his work in English, and recognizes all the students nominated for this subject at Immaculate.