The administration and faculty are pleased to announce the Students of the Quarter.  These students were selected by the faculty from the list of students who earned high honor roll or honor roll recognition for the third quarter of the 2019-2020 school year.  Please join us in congratulating these students and their families!

Senior Wren Heiligenstein, daughter of Joe and Ann Heiligenstein of Trenton.  Throughout her academic career, Wren has enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science, including Calculus, English Composition 101, English Composition 102, and Physics Honors as a senior.  For her academic achievements, she is a three-year member of National Honor Society, earned two academic letters, and received an award for Chemistry Honors.  Additionally, she earned recognition as an Illinois State Scholar and a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.  Outside the classroom, Wren is a four-year member of the band (as a senior, jazz band, marching band, and wind ensemble), cheerleading squad, and chorus; and a two-year member of the Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) team, Liturgical Music Group, and Peer Tutors.  Finally, she is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church.  Following graduation, Wren plans to attend Arizona State University to study environmental science.

Senior Colby Litteken, son of Mark and Jenny Litteken of Aviston.  Throughout his academic career, Colby has enrolled in all honors courses for math and science, including Physics Honors and Pre-Calculus as a senior.  Outside the classroom, he is a four-year member of the band (as a senior, marching band, pep band, and wind ensemble), chess club, cross country team, fall play crew, and spring musical crew; a two-year member of indoor percussion; and a first-year member of the Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) team.  For his extracurricular achievements, he earned the following awards: for band, a Music Service Award as a freshman, sophomore, and junior; for indoor percussion, an Outstanding Visual Performer Award as a junior; and a Fall Play Award as a junior.  In the community, as a 4-H member, Colby serves as the Clinton County Federation President and has received a Project Achievement Award for robotics and an Inspire Award.  Finally, he is a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, where he serves as a Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) member.  Following graduation, Colby plans to attend Kaskaskia College before transferring to University of Illinois to study mechanical and agricultural engineering.

Junior Myah Helmkamp, daughter of Brent and Jill Helmkamp of Breese.  Since her freshman year, Myah   has enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science, including American Literature Honors, Chemistry Honors, Composition Honors, and Pre-Calculus as a junior.  For her academic achievements, she is a two-year member of National Honor Society and received an award for Algebra I Honors. Outside the classroom, Myah is a three-year member of the volleyball team and pep club; and a first-year member of Student Ambassadors.  In the community, she volunteers at nursing homes, where she assists residents with activities.  Finally, Myah is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church.

Junior Tommy Marron, son of George and Phyllis Marron of Highland.  Since his freshman year, Tommy has enrolled in nearly all honors courses for English, math, and science, including American Literature Honors, Chemistry Honors, Composition Honors, and Pre-Calculus as a junior.  For his academic achievements, he is a two-year member of National Honor Society and earned an academic letter.  Outside the classroom, Tommy is a three-year member of the band (two years concert band, one year wind ensemble), soccer team, and track team; a two-year member of the cross country team and pep band; and a first-year member of the Academic Challenge for Engineering and Science (ACES) team.  Finally, Tommy is a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, where he serves as a St. Paul Youth Organization member.

Sophomore Julia Millikin, daughter of Bill and Ann Millikin of Lebanon.  In both her freshman and sophomore year, Julia enrolled in all honors courses for English, math, and science, including Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors, Biology Honors, English II Honors, and Geometry Honors as a sophomore.  For her achievements, she received an award for Algebra I Honors, English I Honors, Chorus, and Physical Science Honors.  Outside the classroom, Julia is a two-year member of Art and Photography Club, chorus, concert band, marching band, and pep band; and a first-year member of indoor percussion, Liturgical Music Group, and the musical pit band.  In addition, she trained in classical ballet and achieved Grade IV certification from the Cecchetti Council of America.  Finally, Julia is a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, where she serves as a cantor, children’s choir member, and Vacation Bible School volunteer.

Sophomore Matthew Wolden, son of Peter and Amparo Wolden of Centralia.  In his freshman and sophomore years, Matthew enrolled in nearly all honors courses for English, math, and science, including Algebra II & Trigonometry Honors, Biology Honors, English II Honors, Geometry Honors, and Spanish II Honors as a sophomore.  Outside the classroom, he is two-year member of concert band and Spanish Club; and a first-year member of chorus, indoor percussion, marching band, pep band, and Scholar Bowl.  Finally, Matthew is a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where he serves as Catholic Youth Ministry (CYM) member.

Freshman Kayla Zurliene, daughter of Russell and Pam Zurliene of Breese.  In her first year at Mater Dei, Kayla’s courses include English I Honors, Geometry Honors, and Physical Science Honors.  Outside the classroom, she is a member of the cheerleading squad, Student Council, track team, volleyball team, and yearbook staff.  Finally, Kayla is a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church, where she serves as a Breese Youth Ministry member and server.

Freshman Ryan Voss, son of Scott and Theresa Voss of O’Fallon.  In his first year at Mater Dei, Ryan’s courses include Algebra I Honors and Physical Science Honors.  Outside the classroom, he is a member of the baseball team, bowling team, concert band, St. Vincent de Paul Society, soccer team, and Teens for Life.  Finally, Ryan is a member of St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, where he serves as a Luke 18 confirmation retreat team member, St. Clare Church Youth Group member, server, and Vacation Bible School team leader.