Joliet Catholic Academy is proud to announce the December Students of the Month: Ryan O’Connell (Kiwanis Club), Meghan Harrison (Lions Club), Juan Diaz (Rotary Club), and Jack Geissler (Exchange Club).

Ryan O’Connell, the Kiwanis Club Student of the Month.

Ryan O’Connell, the son of Michael and Jodi O’Connell, has been named the Kiwanis Club Student of the Month. O’Connell currently boasts a 3.11 GPA (on a 4.0 scale), while maintaining a busy schedule heavily involved in extra-curricular activities. O’Connell is a member of the National Honor Society an International Thespian Society Member, a Tri-em Music Society Member, and a past Kairos leader. In addition, O’Connell serves as the Vice President of the JCA Band, President of the Drama Club, and President of the Improv Comedy Club. He also has received the Theology Award. Upon graduation, O’Connell (who has been heavily involved in JCA Drama Productions, often times as a lead actor) plans to attend film school in California, while hoping to become successful in the entertainment industry.

Meghan Harrison, the Lions Club Student of the Month.

Meghan Harrison, the daughter of John and Susan Harrison, currently boasts a 4.63 GPA on a 5.0 scale and has been named the Lions Club Student of the Month. She’s been named to the Honor Roll every quarter during her high school career, and is also a member of the Honors Program, National Honor Society, an Illinois State Scholar, and the Spanish National Honor Society. Harrison is a member of the Leo Club, Varsity Club, Student Council, and also a Student Ambassador. Additionally, Harrison was the captain of the varsity volleyball program in 2015, and also is a member of the varsity softball program.. In volleyball, Harrison helped lead the Angels to the runner-up finish in Class 3A at this year’s IHSA State Volleyball Finals. For her efforts, she was named First Team All-Area for volleyball in both the Daily Southtown and the Joliet Herald News. Harrison plans to attend Loyola University in Chicago upon graduation, where she will study nursing.

Juan Diaz, the Rotary Club Student of the Month.

Juan Diaz, the son of Juan Diaz Sr., currently has a 3.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale, and has been named the Rotary Club Student of the Month. Throughout his academic career at JCA, Juan has been accepted into Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and the Kazma Scholars. He’s also received a medal in Theatre Arts, a certificate in Algebra I, a medal in Theology III, and Honorable Mention for the National Spanish Exam in Spanish II and IV. In addition to his academic distinctions, Diaz is a member of the Spanish Club, the Math Team, JCA’s Art and Literary Magazine: “4188”, Movie Club, Victory View Media, and the Respect Life Club. Juan is also currently the President of Mu Alpha Theta, the President of National Spanish Honor Society, and the Treasurer of the Spanish Club. Outside of school he volunteers his time as a Fellow in Youth Ministry while also participating in the Cathedral Teen Choir. He is employed at Our Lady of Angels and Diaz Remodeling and Painting. Diaz plans on attending either the University of Chicago or the University of Minnesota, where he plans on studying Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry in hopes of becoming a medical examiner, a surgeon, or a chemical engineer.

Jack Geissler, the Exchange Club Student of the Month.

Jack Geissler, the son of Douglas and Lanette Geissler, currently boasts a 4.75 GPA on a 5.0 scale, and has been named the Exchange Club Student of the Month. Geissler is a member of the Student Council (where he serves as the treasurer), student ambassadors, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, National Art Honor Society, Math Team, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Geissler has been named an Illinois State Scholar, while also being honored in 2015 as the East Suburban Catholic Conference Most Valuable Student-Athlete. On the athletic side of things, Geissler was named the 2015 Singles Player of the Year in the ESCC, and is committed to play tennis at Grand Valley State University. He plans to major in biomedical science in hopes of becoming a dentist.