The administration and faculty are pleased to announce the Students of the Quarter for the third quarter of the 2023-2024 academic year. These students were selected by the administration and faculty from the list of students who earned high honor roll or honor roll recognition. Please join us in congratulating them and their families!
Senior Aidan Toennies, son of Tim and Jodi Toennies of Damiansville. Throughout his academic career, Aidan has enrolled in nearly all honors courses for English, math, and science, including Calculus, English Composition 101, English Composition 102, and Physics Honors as a senior. For his academic achievements, he received an award for Theology III. Outside the classroom, Aidan is a four-year member of the baseball team, for which he serves as a team captain, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Pep Club; and a three-year member of National Honor Society. Finally, Aidan is a member of St. Damian Catholic Church, where he serves as an altar server and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, a member of St. Damian and St. Bernard Catholic Youth Ministry, a confirmation retreat leader, and a Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreat volunteer. Following graduation, Aidan plans to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Missouri.
Senior Cameron Foster, daughter of Chad and Tonya Foster of Carlyle. Throughout her academic career, Cameron has enrolled in nearly all honors courses for English and science, including English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 as a senior. For her academic achievements, she earned an academic letter both her sophomore and junior year. She also earned recognition as an Illinois State Scholar. Outside the classroom, Cameron is a four-year member of Spanish Club, a three-year member of National Honor Society and Pep Club, a two-year member of Student Council, and a first-year member of St. Vincent de Paul Society and Student Ambassadors. Finally, she is a member of First United Methodist Church. Following graduation, Cameron plans to pursue a degree in biochemistry, but has not yet chosen an educational institution.
Junior Nathan Kuhl, son of Doug and Diane Kuhl of Breese. Since his freshman year, Nathan has enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science, including American Literature Honors, Chemistry Honors, Composition Honors, and Pre-Calculus as a junior. For his academic achievements, he earned an academic letter his sophomore year. Outside the classroom, he is a three-year member of Pep Club, a two-year member of National Honor Society, and a first-year member of Student Ambassadors and Student Council. Finally, Nathan is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and Breese Youth Ministry and a volunteer for Teens Encounter Christ (TEC) retreats and Luke 18 confirmation retreats.
Junior Amelia Rapien, daughter of Kendra and Cody Clark of Mt. Vernon and Dan Rapien of St. Louis. Since her freshman year, Amelia has enrolled in college-preparatory courses. For her academic achievements, she received an award for Essentials of Geometry. Outside the classroom, Amelia is a three-year member of chorus, the fall play cast, Scholar Bowl, the spring musical cast, and St. Vincent de Paul Society, for which she serves as vice president; a two-year member of Liturgical Music Group and National Honor Society; and a first-year member of Sisters in Christ, Student Council, and Teens for Life. She has received an award for St. Vincent de Paul Society and for Scholar Bowl. She is also a member of the Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha. Finally, Amelia is a member of St. Mary the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, where she serves as a St. Mary Life Teen member, youth bible study leader, and children’s liturgy volunteer.
Sophomore Ethan Wheelan, son of Clay and Corynn Wheelan of Carlyle. In both his freshman and sophomore year, Ethan enrolled in college-preparatory courses. For his academic achievements, he received an award for Physical Science. Outside the classroom, he is a two-year member of band (concert band, marching band, and pep band), the baseball team, and the golf team. Finally, Ethan is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.
Sophomore Melaina Rakers, daughter of Mark and Karrie Rakers of Aviston. In both her freshman and sophomore year, Melaina enrolled in honors courses for English, math, and science. This year, her courses include Algebra II and Trigonometry Honors, Biology Honors, English II Honors, and Geometry Honors. For her academic achievements, she received an award for American Government and for Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, Melaina is a two-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Pep Club, Student Ambassadors, and Student Council. As a freshman, she received an award for Student Council. Finally, Melaina is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church and St. Francis Catholic Youth Ministry.
Freshman Gavin Klostermann, son of Tom and Kirby Klostermann of Highland. In his first year at Mater Dei, Gavin’s courses include Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a member of the baseball team. Additionally, in his community, he serves as a referee for the youth soccer program and an umpire for the youth baseball program. Finally, Gavin is a member of St. Paul Catholic Church and St. Paul Youth Organization.
Freshman Olivia Kunz, daughter of Kate Rivera-Kunz and Lance Kunz of Breese. In her first year at Mater Dei, Olivia is enrolled in English I Honors and Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, she is a member of band (concert band, marching band, and pep band), Book Club, chorus, the fall play cast, Liturgical Music Group, Pep Club, Scholar Bowl, the spring musical cast, and the yearbook staff. Finally, Olivia is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, where she serves as an altar server.
