Buffalo Grove High School Salutes Its February 2013 Students of the Month

     An outstanding student has been selected from each academic division at Buffalo Grove High School to be honored as the February 2013 Student of the Month.

     Senior Jacob Katz-Berger of Arlington Heights was nominated as the honoree of the Career Technology Education department by foods teacher, Ronna Pflanz. "Jacob has completed three full years of instruction in the Culinary Arts/Foods Program here," said Pflanz.  "He has also completed the two-year ProStart Culinary program (a college level, dual credit course, written by the National Restaurant Association), the ProStart Internship Program and is currently the ProStart Student Intern at BGHS. Jacob is currently being sought out by multiple culinary schools, such as Johnson & Wales, Kendall and the Culinary Institute of America, and has numerous scholarship opportunities. Through the years, Jacob has matured and taken his interest in Culinary Arts seriously. I have seen his skills improve greatly and I am positive he will make BGHS and District 214 proud, wherever he chooses to go."

     The World Languages/Social Sciences/English Language Learners division has chosen sophomore Emily Hwang of Arlington Heights.  History teacher Lisa McCullough describes Emily as "a delight to have in class.  She has an impeccable work ethic and has a true desire to learn and see the connections in world history.  Emily frequently contributes to classroom discussions and her enthusiasm toward what she is learning inspires her peers.  Her positive attitude and her infectious learning spirit create a positive classroom environment."  

     Sophomore Ulysses Gonzalez of Wheeling is Student of the Month for English/Fine Arts.  Teachers Peter Eriksson and John Morton nominated him for the honor with the comments, "Ulysses is an all-around great kid, distinguishes himself intellectually above all his peers, and displays character and exceptional enthusiasm that helps increase general motivation in the classroom.  Ulysses is always respectful, completes his work, and consistently participates."

     The Physical Education/Health/Driver's Education department selected senior Jose Aguirre of Arlington Heights to be recognized this month. Physical Education teacher Christopher North said, "Jose has performed at a very high level in all his P.E. classes.  His efforts are consistently exceptional in performing all exercises while completing his strength training.  He has taken it upon himself to extend opportunities for maximizing his own ability by even coming into the fitness center on numerous mornings before school.  This past semester, Jose scored well enough on his fitness testing to earn the highest scores for each of his tests, earning the Bison Best Award."   

     Sophomore Philip Thoenen of Arlington Heights is the Math/Science honoree.  Math teacher Brian Foecking said, "Philip is a mathematical force to be reckoned with!  He has earned a 100-percent score in my Accelerated Honors Geometry class, thus far.  He has great attention to detail and a strong work ethic.  While some students with his level of ability might 'tune out,' work on an assignment for another class, or be tempted to play on their phone/iPad, Philip is an active participant in class discussions.  Additionally, he works well in small group activities by interacting with other members of the class in a positive and patient manner."

     Student Services has named sophomore Caleb Jones of Buffalo Grove as Student of the Month.  Instructional Assistant and Head Cheerleading Coach Jeff Siegal commented, "Caleb is a responsible, honest, giving, involved, and helpful student-athlete and leader. He has learned to balance school and athletics, is very diligent in his studies, and a definite asset in classroom discussions.  Caleb is highly motivated and the kind of student who genuinely wants to do well, and is willing to listen to criticism and learn from it. Pleasant and courteous to others, Caleb is highly respected by his peers and staff.  As a member of the BGHS State Champion Cheerleading Squad, he learned how to work not only with guys, but also with girls.  He was one of the quiet leaders on the floor and would never let his team down."