Lemont High School Honors October 2026 Students Of The Month

LEMONT, IL — Four Lemont High School students were honored with October student of the month accolades at the district’s Board of Education meeting on Oct. 19, the District shared in a news release. The honorees were senior Makenzie Kulaga (Physical Education), junior Jillian Rea (Art), sophomore Rimia Kliucinskas (World Languages) and freshman Cassandra Krupa (Family & Consumer Sciences).

Each month, Lemont High School honors a student from each grade level for hard work and dedication to the school and the community, the school said. Students may be selected for this prestigious honor only once in their careers at Lemont High School.

Local businessman Brad Grcevic, of Edward Jones, Inc., contributes a donation each month to a charity selected by the award winners. This month’s winners selected SEASPAR to receive the donation, the school said.

Lemont High School provided information on the student winners below:

Cassandra Krupa, Freshman, Family & Consumer Sciences

The Family & Consumer Sciences Department cited Cassandra Krupa as the Freshman Student of the Month. Cassandra lists English I and Family & Consumer Sciences Survey as her favorite high school courses. Her teachers note she already stands out as a natural leader. Kind and welcoming to her classmates, she is active in class discussions, takes initiative without hesitation, and demonstrates a willingness to help others and an enthusiasm for learning. Cassandra is a member of the Dance Team and Baking Club, competes with Elevation Dance Company outside of school, and has danced in a production of “The Nutcracker.” She is interested in becoming a teacher and helping students with special needs. In her free time, Cassandra enjoys volunteering at her church, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Willie.

Rimia Kliucinskas, Sophomore, World Languages

Rimia Kliucinskas was tabbed as the Sophomore Student of the Month by the World Languages Department. Rimia is a high honor roll performer who enjoys her Integrated Math II and Chemistry classes, and who also has taken an interest in creative writing. She is described as an absolute pleasure to have in class who advocates for herself and takes extra steps to ensure she understands the material. Rimia also takes the initiative to assist her classmates, and while she may be shy at times, her actions speak loudly. She plans to pursue a career in nursing or something else within the medical field, and looks forward to volunteering to help adults, children, and animals. Rimia enjoys reading, playing the piano, writing stories, hiking, traveling, and making art. She also works part-time as a swim instructor.

Jillian Rea, Junior, Art

The Art Department selected Jillian Rea as the Junior Student of the Month. A high honor roll student, Jillian’s favorite courses include AP Biology, AP Studio Art 2D, and AP Psychology. She is a member of the Art Club and Science Club, and earned induction to both the National Art Honor Society and National English Honor Society. Jillian is an award-winning artist who demonstrates a strong work ethic, passion, and dedication to her craft. She continually pushes herself to grow and willingly explores new media, techniques, themes, and concepts, serving as a positive example for her peers. Jillian intends on studying psychology or product design in college, while also pursuing studies in American Sign Language. She serves as a receptionist at Franciscan Village and enjoys hanging out with friends in her spare time.

Makenzie Kulaga, Senior, Physical Education

Makenzie Kulaga was named the Senior Student of the Month by the Physical Education Department. Makenzie is a high honor roll student who lists P.E. Leadership and Local History as her favorite classes. A member of the girls’ track and field team, she was the conference champion in the pole vault as a junior. Makenzie serves as a senior leader in Adaptive P.E. and consistently has positive interactions with the students enrolled in the course. She always is upbeat and finds a way to ensure students get the most out of class, both emotionally and physically. She truly has a positive impact on each student in every class and goes above and beyond to get things done. Makenzie plans on studying nursing in college. She works two part-time jobs and likes watching movies and baking in her free time.