Congratulations to our Students of the Quarter for the third quarter (front, from left) freshmen Abby Brandt and Mason Schrage, sophomores Savannah Wesselmann and Ben Kassen; (back, from left) juniors Elyse Faust and William Schleper, and seniors Mai Khuc and Reese Bradford.
The administration and faculty are pleased to announce the Students of Quarter for the third quarter. Please join us in congratulating these students and their families!
Senior Reese Bradford is the son of Rich and Joan Bradford of Albers. Throughout his academic career, Reese has enrolled in the honors science courses. As a senior, in addition to Physics Honors, Reese is enrolled in Calculus and English Composition 101 and 102. Outside the classroom, Reese is a four-year member of the indoor percussion ensemble and marching band; a three-year member of the musical pit band and National Honor Society; a two-year member of the concert band and wind ensemble; and a first-year member of Science Club (current secretary) and Teens for Life. He also served on the prom committee as a junior. For his musical achievements, Reese earned the Best Attitude Award as a freshman and the Most Improved Award as a junior. Finally, he is a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, through which he served as a confirmation retreat team member this year. Following graduation, Reese plans to study computer engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Senior Mai Khuc is the daughter of Hoa Khuc and Huyen Pham of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. While at Mater Dei as an international student, she lives with Lyle and Jennifer Shafer of Highland. As a senior, Mai is enrolled in college-preparatory courses, including Calculus and Physics. Outside the classroom, she serves as a key member of the WYSE team, for which she advanced to the WYSE Academic Challenge State Finals, and the Scholar Bowl team. Mai is also a member of the musical pit band. Following graduation, Mai plans to study mechanical engineering at a university in the United States.
Junior William Schleper is the son of Tim and Lorien Schleper of Breese. Since his freshman year, William has enrolled in college-preparatory courses, including Algebra II & Trigonometry and Advanced Placement (AP) American History as a junior. Outside the classroom, he is a two-year member of the musical cast and a first-year member of the cross country team. He will also earn the Boy Scouts of America’s highest rank of Eagle Scout in April. Finally, William is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and Breese Youth Ministry, through which he has served as a confirmation retreat team member for three years.
Junior Elyse Faust is the daughter of Ed and Betsy Faust of St. Rose. Since her freshman year, Elyse has enrolled in the honors mathematics courses. As a junior, in addition to Algebra II & Trigonometry, she is enrolled in Chemistry Honors. Outside the classroom, Elyse is a three-year member of Student Council, the cross country team, and the track team. She was named the cross country MVP her freshman, sophomore, and junior years; and the track MVP her sophomore year. She was also selected as the junior homecoming attendant. Finally, Elyse is member of St. Rose Catholic Church and St. Rose CYM (Catholic Youth Ministry).
Sophomore Ben Kassen is the son of Dave and Phyllis Kassen of Damiansville. Since his freshman year, Ben has enrolled in the honors English, mathematics, and science courses. Currently, his courses include Algebra II & Trigonometry, Biology Honors, English II Honors, Geometry Honors, and Spanish II Honors. For his academic achievements as a freshman, Ben received awards for English I Honors and Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a two-year member of the basketball team, the football team, and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Ben earned the football team’s Offensive Line Award his sophomore year and qualified for the Illinois FBLA State Leadership Conference his freshman and sophomore years. Finally, Ben is a member of St. Damian Catholic Church and St. Damian CYM (Catholic Youth Ministry), through which he served as a confirmation retreat team member this year.
Sophomore Savannah Wesselmann is the daughter of Gary and Perri Wesselmann. Since her freshman year, Savannah has enrolled in college-preparatory courses, including her current enrollment in Spanish II Honors. Outside the classroom, she is a two-year member of the color guard, concert band, St. Vincent de Paul Society, and technical crew for both the plays and musicals. As a freshman, she earned the Musical Technical Crew Award. Finally, Savannah is a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church.
Freshman Mason Schrage is the son of Butch and Tammy Schrage of Albers. In his first year at Mater Dei, Mason’s courses include English I Honors and Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a member of the chorus and the casts of the play and the musical. Finally, Mason is a lector and server at St. Bernard Catholic Church, through which he also served as a confirmation retreat team member this year.
Freshman Abby Brandt is the daughter of Michael and Amy Brandt of Centralia. In her first year at Mater Dei, Abby’s courses include Algebra I Honors and Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, she is a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Teens for Life, and the softball team. Finally, Abby is a server at St. Mary Catholic Church (Carlyle) and a member of St. Mary CYM (Catholic Youth Ministry.
