The administration and faculty are pleased to announce the Students of the Quarter for the second 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 Anderson Wilke, son of Linus and Leann Wilke of Breese. Throughout his academic career, Anderson has enrolled in 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 earned an academic letter both his sophomore and junior year and received an award for Drafting. He also earned recognition as an Illinois State Scholar. Outside the classroom, Anderson is a four-year member of the cross country team and Pep Club and a three-year member of National Honor Society. For cross country, as a senior, he earned both the Most Improved Award and the Bailey George Leadership Award. Finally, Anderson is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church and Breese Youth Ministry. Following graduation, Anerson plans to pursue a degree in engineering, but has not yet selected an educational institution.
Senior Samantha Muscarello, daughter of Dominic and Lynn Muscarello of Breese. Throughout her academic career, Samantha has enrolled in numerous honors courses, including English Composition 101 and English Composition 102 as a senior. Outside the classroom, Samantha is a four-year member of the basketball team, Liturgical Planning Team, Pep Club, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, and Teens for Life; and a three-year member of National Honor Society and Spanish Club. She has received two awards for Liturgical Planning Team and an award for Student Ambassadors. Finally, Samantha is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, where she serves as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and Breese Youth Ministry. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a degree in occupational therapy at Maryville University.
Junior Reid Innes, son of Nancy and the late Bob Innes of Damiansville. Since his freshman year, Reid has enrolled in college-preparatory classes. Outside the classroom, he is a three-year member of the baseball team and the soccer team and a two-year member of National Honor Society. For soccer, as a junior, he was named to the IHSSCA All-Sectional Team. Finally, Reid is a member of St. Damian Catholic Church, where he serves as an altar server.
Junior Ava Millard, daughter of Joe and Tracy Millard of Aviston. Since her freshman year, Ava has enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science. As a junior, her courses include Advanced Placement (AP) American History, American Literature Honors, Chemistry Honors, Composition Honors, and Pre-Calculus. For her academic achievements, she earned an academic letter her sophomore year and has received awards for Algebra I Honors, Geometry Honors, and Theology II. Outside the classroom, Ava is a three-year member of Pep Club and Student Council, for which she serves as recording secretary; and a two-year member of National Honor Society and Student Ambassadors. She is also a member of the Lodge of Ondessonk and Tekakwitha. Finally, Ava is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Sophomore Beckett Wade, son of Brandon and Julie Wade of Aviston. In both his freshman and sophomore year, Beckett enrolled in honors courses for English, math, and science. This year, his courses include Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors, Biology Honors, English Honors, and Geometry Honors. For his academic achievements, he received an award for Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a two-year member of the basketball team, the football team, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and Pep Club. Finally, Beckett is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Sophomore Sylvia Heiligenstein, daughter of Steve and Susan Heiligenstein of Centralia. In both her freshman and sophomore year, Sylvia enrolled in honors courses for English and science. This year, her courses include Biology Honors and English II Honors. Outside the classroom, Sylvia is a two-year member of band (concert band, marching band, pep band, percussion ensemble), chorus, Liturgical Music Group, the musical cast, the play cast, and the yearbook staff; and a first-year member of Scholar Bowl and the soccer team. As a freshman, she received awards for chorus and yearbook. Finally, Sylvia is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church (Carlyle).
Freshman Rhys Wheelan, son of Ben and Cindi Wheelan of New Baden. In his first year at Mater Dei, Rhys’ courses include Algebra I Honors and Physical Science Honors. Outside the classroom, he is a member of the baseball team, the cross country team, the soccer team, and Student Council. He also serves as a freshman class officer (vice president). Finally, in his community, Rhys serves as a referee for the recreational soccer program.
Freshman Mia Thompson, daughter of Chad and Heidi Thompson of Carlyle. In her first year at Mater Dei, Mia is enrolled in college-preparatory courses. Outside the classroom, she is a member of the yearbook staff. In her community, she volunteers at the summer horseback camp hosted by Bond Christian Service Camp. Finally, Mia is a member of Zion United Church of Christ.
