September 2012 Students of Month Honored at Buffalo Grove

     Buffalo Grove High School has chosen Students of the Month for September 2012, with selections based on the efforts and contributions of one student in each of the six divisions of the school.

     Senior Megan Rullo of Arlington Heights was nominated as English/Fine Arts Student of the Month by orchestra director, Elizabeth Bennett. "Megan is the epitome of a professional musician," said Bennett.  "She is involved in all three music programs: Band, Choir, and Orchestra, and is a top woodwind player and a leader of many sections.  Additionally, Megan is a current drum major for the BGHS Marching Band.  She can often be found playing in the Jazz Band I, Expressions Band, Symphony Orchestra, musical pit orchestras, and more.  Fellow student musicians look up to Megan for her hard work ethic and professionalism." 

     Senior Thomas Topalis of Arlington Heights was nominated by social science teacher Peter Duffer to be honored as the World Languages/Social Science/English Language Learners Student of the Month. "Tom has started the year participating in class discussion with a positive and enthusiastic attitude," said Duffer.  "He has helped to create a classroom environment of respect and productivity." 

     Sophomore Benjamin Strauss of Buffalo Grove is Student of the Month for Student Services.  "Ben has consistently maintained A's and B's since starting at BGHS," said Individual Resource teacher, Laura Stock. "In a classroom setting, he is very quiet, but consistently hardworking and always on task.  He is friendly, kind, compassionate, and an excellent role model for others.  Ben's attendance is excellent, and he goes above and beyond in his willingness to work with a tutor outside of school.  He is a member of the BGHS track team and also participates in a community youth group."

     The Math/Science department recognized sophomore Kaila Day of Buffalo Grove for her achievements. Teacher Binh Huynh commented, "Kaila is an outstanding student in my Honors Geometry course and takes great pride in her work.  In a course that takes an inquiry-based instructional approach and promotes a sense of 'thinking outside the box,' Kaila takes ownership in her learning and is always diligent and conscientious with her work.  Her enthusiasm and continuous contributions to class discussions enrich the learning environment, and her personality certainly adds to the livelihood of the class.  I am proud of her outstanding performance at a high level and her willingness to take risks in order to develop a better sense of her learning to achieve academic success for herself and her classmates."

     Career and Technical Education selected junior Brandon Gooden of Buffalo Grove as the department's honoree. Teacher Kyle Pichik said, "Brandon has taken or is currently in all of the Project Lead the Way classes.  He is an excellent role model to his fellow classmates and is always willing to help out when some one is in need.  Brandon is not the most outspoken person, but he always has a way of showing his true colors as an engineer.  He will move on and do wonderful things with whatever he does."

     Senior Aimee Schneider of Buffalo Grove has been named the Physical Education/Health/Driver's Education Student of the Month. Teacher Jamie Kapsimalis commented, "Aimee is an organized and respectful young lady. She is always on time and prepared for dance class. She is kind to others in class and follows direction well. She continues to stay focused and works on her dance skills. Aimee is a great example for her peers."