The administration and faculty are pleased to announce the Students of the Quarter for the first 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 Dominic Hagan, the son of Lance and Ashley Hagan of Patoka. Since joining the Mater Dei family as a junior, Dominic has enrolled in numerous honors courses, including English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 as a senior. For his academic achievements, he earned an academic letter as a junior. He also earned an award for Weightlifting & Conditioning. Outside the classroom, Dominic is a two-year member of National Honor Society, the newspaper staff, and Scholar Bowl; and a first-year member of FFA and the football team. Following graduation, Dominic plans to pursue a degree in political science, but has not yet selected an educational institution.
Senior Elyse Strader, the daughter of Jason and Carey Strader of Aviston. Throughout her academic career, Elyse has enrolled in numerous honors courses, including English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 as a senior. For her academic achievements, she earned an academic letter as a junior and a sophomore and an award for Physical Science. She also earned recognition as an Illinois State Scholar. Outside the classroom, Elyse is a four-year member of Pep Club and the volleyball team and a three-year member of National Honor Society. For volleyball, she received the Co-Best Offensive Player Award as a junior. Additionally, as a member of the 2023 IHSA Volleyball Class 2A State Champion team, she was named to the IHSA Volleyball Class 2A All-Tournament Team. Finally, Elyse is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in biology and to continue her volleyball career at Stephens College.
Junior Luke Hilmes, the son of Chris and Tara Hilmes of Pocahontas. Since his freshman year, Luke has enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science. As a junior, his courses include Advanced Placement (AP) American History, American Literature Honors, Chemistry Honors, Composition Honors, and Pre-Calculus. For his academic achievements, Luke received awards for Geometry Honors and Theology II. Outside the classroom, he is a three-year member of the track team; a two-year member of National Honor Society, the soccer team, and Student Council; and a first-year member of the Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science (ACES) team and Student Ambassadors. In addition, he volunteers at the Carlyle Haunted Trail and serves as a stage crew member and lighting and sound tech for Clinton County Showcase.
Junior Ella Paterson-Heier, the daughter of William Paterson and Lora Heier of Trenton. Since her freshman year, Ella has enrolled in all honors courses for English and math. As a junior, her courses include Algebra II Honors, American Literature Honors, and Composition Honors. Outside the classroom, she is a three-year member of Art Club, Book Club, Chorus, Concert Band, Liturgical Music Group, and the musical cast; a two-year member of Marching Band, National Honor Society, the newspaper staff, Pep Band, the play cast, and Scholar Bowl; and a first-year member of Student Council. She has received two awards for Liturgical Music Group and an award for the newspaper. Finally, Ella is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church (Trenton), where she serves as a lector, and St. George Catholic Church, where she serves as a choir member.
Sophomore Isaac Chambers, the son of Matthew and Stephanie Chambers of Fairview Heights. In his sophomore year, Isaac’s courses include Biology Honors and Geometry Honors. For his academic achievements, he received an award for Spanish I. Outside the classroom, he is a two-year member of Chess Club, Concert Band, Marching Band, the musical pit band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, and the play cast. Additionally, he serves as a greeter and an usher for all-school Masses. Finally, Isaac is a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, where he serves as a greeter, a nursery co-leader, and an usher.
Sophomore Cynthia Wylie, the daughter of Curtis and Heather Wylie of Greenville. In her sophomore year, Cynthia’s courses include Biology Honors, English II Honors, and Geometry Honors. For her academic achievements, she received awards for American Government, Drawing & Design, and Theology I. Outside the classroom, Cynthia is a two-year member of Art Club, Chess Club, the musical crew, the play crew, and the yearbook staff. She received an award for yearbook as a freshman.
Freshman Andrew Sinnock, the son of Wayne and Jill Sinnock of Highland. In his first year at Mater Dei, Andrew’s courses include Algebra I Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a member of the basketball team, Concert Band, Marching Band, and Pep Band; serves as the freshman class treasurer; and plans to join the baseball team. Finally, Andrew is a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he serves as a St. Paul Youth Organization member and server.
Freshman Addison Hilmes, the daughter of Corey and Tina Hilmes of St. Rose. In her first year at Mater Dei, Addison enrolled in college-preparatory courses. Outside the classroom, she is a member of Teens for Life and the volleyball team and plans to join the soccer team. Finally, Addison is a member of St. Rose Catholic Church, where she serves as a St. Rose Catholic Youth Organization member.
