May 2013 Students of Month Honored at Buffalo Grove High School

Buffalo Grove High School has chosen Students of the Month for May 2013, 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 band director Ed Jacobi. "Megan has been an outstanding member of our band program for four years," said Jacobi.  "She has played every woodwind instrument in our band program, has been a drum major of the marching band, and section leader of the clarinet section.  She also made it to All-State this year. She will end her high school career performing in Europe with our Band."

Freshman Quinn O'Meara of Arlington Heights was nominated by Social Science teacher Jim Farrell as the World Languages/Social Science/English Language Learners Student of the Month. "Quinn is deserving of the Student of the Month in Human Geography," said Farrell.  "He holds one of the top grades in the class, while always looking to take an active role in class room activities and discussions. His classmates look to him for leadership as well as appreciate his points of view. Quinn helps to elevate the level interest of all students in the room."

Senior Violet Luczak of Arlington Heights is Student of the Month for Student Services.  "Violet is has maintained high grades throughout her high school experience," said her teacher, Stacey Baylen.  "She has matured to be an independent young lady who is a fabulous artist!  Violet has a great sense about herself."

The Math/Science department recognized sophomore Selena Groh of Arlington Heights for her achievements. Science teacher Andy Park commented, "Selena is an exceptional honors chemistry student.  Her ability to absorb new information, process it, apply it, and summarize it to others is phenomenal.  She asks pertinent questions that enhance the depth of the class discussions, and her work is flawless.  She is clearly operating at a level that is beyond her peers in a notoriously difficult class--she makes it look easy!"

Career and Technical Education selected senior "John" Won of Arlington Heights as the department's honoree.  Division Head Randy Hoff said, "John has an intrinsic motivation that surpasses almost all of his classmates.  Unlike many of the top high school students, John does not just work hard because it is expected or to get the grade, he has a natural curiosity and passion for learning that motivated him to often push beyond classroom expectations.  He has a very strong technical knowledge that fuels his desire to know more."

Sophomore Natalie Murtaugh of Arlington Heights has been named the Physical Education/Health/ Driver's Education Student of the Month. Physical Education teacher Tom Sullivan commented, "Natalie is an excellent example for all students, and an ideal representative of the school. She gives her all in everything she does.  Even when class is difficult physically or cognitively, Natalie makes the teacher feel like what is going on in class at the moment is the most important concept in the world.  She goes out of her way to make other students welcome in her groups and always says 'hi.'  She continually works harder in class than just about any student I have, and she does it with a smile on her face."

Health teacher Betsy Ludemann adds, "Natalie is an awesome student!  She demonstrated an authentic love of learning as well as nurturing and kindness towards classmates in my class."