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Joliet Catholic Academy has announced its January Students of the Month, recognizing Nick Bueno, Matthew Simmons, and Sofia Araneta for their achievements both academically and in extracurricular activities. The announcement was made by JCA President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz.
Nick Bueno, from Crest Hill and a graduate of Timber Ridge Middle School, is acknowledged by the Kiwanis Club. He is involved in multiple honor societies including the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. Bueno is also active in sports as a varsity football player with accolades such as Academic All-Conference and Player All-Conference awards. Post-graduation, he plans to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to study civil engineering while continuing his football career.
Matthew Simmons, recognized by the Rotary Club, hails from Joliet and graduated from St. Mary grade school. He participates in various honor societies like the National English Honor Society and has received awards in Theology I, 2D Design, and Graphic Design. Outside academics, Simmons plays travel baseball and assists with his sister’s softball team. He aims to pursue a business major but remains undecided on his college choice.
Sofia Araneta represents the Lions Club as a standout student from Romeoville who graduated from St. Andrew the Apostle grade school. Her leadership roles include serving as President of the National French Honor Society where she has earned a Bronze Medal in the National French Contest. Araneta's interests extend to clubs such as Drama Club and eSports competitions alongside hobbies like volleyball and reading. She intends to enroll at Benedictine University for biochemistry studies before pursuing medical school.
Dr. Budz expressed pride in these students' accomplishments within their academic pursuits and community involvement.
