Buffalo Grove High School Salutes Its May 2014 Students of the Month

     Buffalo Grove High School has selected one student from each academic division to be honored as the May 2014 Student of the Month.

     Senior Ryan Schmidt of Arlington Heights was nominated by business teacher Tom Mroz as the Career Technology Education department’s honoree. "Ryan is "BEST IN CLASS" this year for CTE's College Accounting Program," said Mroz.  "He was Buffalo Grove's top performer at the 2014 Mid-Suburban League Accounting Contest, hosted by Harper College in April, and he led our team of varsity accountants to a 3rd place victory! Ryan also earned college credit (four semester hours) for Harper's ACC 101 Financial Accounting course by completing College Accounting and passing the Harper College Final Exam.  Ryan knows his debits and credits and is always in balance!"

     The World Languages/Social Sciences/English Language Learners division has chosen junior Brayan Quintana of Wheeling.  History teacher Michael McCabe nominated Quintana for the positive changes he has made in his academic performance.  "After a difficult first semester, Brayan made a renewed commitment to do his best in class this second semester.  His attitude about school has turned a complete 180 degrees from the start of the year and has made him deserving of this award," said McCabe.

     The Student Services division has also named Quintana as Student of the Month.  Special education teacher Pete Karamitos commented, "In Strategies for Learning and also Chemistry class, Brayan has totally taken a turn for the better.  He has improved his grades and learned to positively advocate for himself, attending class on time, prepared to work.  His bright personality and positive attitude provide a good influence for his classmates."         

     Senior Samuel Dykes of Buffalo Grove is Student of the Month for English/Fine Arts. Art teacher Michelle Price nominated him for the honor with the comment, "Sam is a hard-working Advanced Photo student who embraces risk-taking and experimentation with his photography.  His current series takes a unique look at the subject of trees and branches by combining alternative cameras and darkroom processes with an abstract, painterly approach to his work."

     Freshman Megan Gamber of Arlington Heights is the Math/Science honoree. Teacher and Division Head Chris Marks said, "Megan brings a work ethic and leadership quality to her Biology class that is unmatched.  When working in groups, she is looked upon by her peers as a natural leader, and she fits the role well, always ready and willing to help others.  She advocates for herself in an extremely effective manner, never unwilling to ask a question or seek clarification in an effort to reach her potential.  This approach to her education has resulted in her rising to the top of her class."

     The Physical Education/Health/Driver's Education department selected freshman

Samuel Dekhterman of Buffalo Grove to be recognized. Physical Education teacher Michael Naughton said, "Sam has had perfect attendance in class and is always ready for any activity with excitement and joy.  He is polite to his peers and his teacher, and there is always a smile on his face.  There is never a concern with a lack of effort on Sam's part; everything he does in P.E. he gives 100-percent of his effort.  He is a pleasure to have in class, and I am thankful for the opportunity to teach such a fine individual."