Joliet Catholic Academy President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz is pleased to announce the September Students of the Month: Ryan Bell (Kiwanis Club), Jack Smith (Rotary Club), and Megan O’Brien (Lions Club). JCA is proud of the success these students have exhibited both in the classroom and out in the community.

JCA senior Ryan Bell

Ryan Bell, son of Tom and Denise Bell, has attained a 4.55 GPA in the JCA Honors Program. Bell is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. He serves as treasurer of JCA’s senior class Student Council, president of Ski Club, vice-president of Spanish Club, and vice-president of Bass Fishing Club. He is also a member of the JCA varsity golf program. Bell plans on attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison or Miami University (OH), where he will pursue a major in business with plans to receive his M.B.A. He would like to work for a private equity firm upon graduation.

JCA senior Megan O’Brien

Megan O’Brien, daughter of James and Ann O’Brien, has attained a 4.39 GPA at JCA. O’Brien is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She has received a certificate of honor in freshman Theology, and medals of honor in junior Sociology and junior English classes for academic excellence. O’Brien participates in the Respect Life Club, Student Ambassadors, Bowling Club, Key Club, and Leo Club. She is also a member of the JCA swim team, medaling at sectional her junior year taking 6^th in the 100 butterfly and 3^rd in the 500 freestyle. She also been swimming competitively for ten years with the Joliet JETS Swim Team. In her spare time, she altar serves at St. Bernard Catholic Church, volunteers at Feed My Starving Children, and also works at the Smith Family YMCA teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding. O’Brien plans on attending Lewis University, majoring in early childhood education with plans on becoming a kindergarten or first grade teacher.

JCA senior Jack Smith

Jack Smith, son of James and Kathleen Smith, currently holds a 4.97 GPA in JCA Honors and Advanced Placement courses. Smith is a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. In the spring of 2018, Smith recorded a perfect score of 36 on his ACT. He is a member of the JCA Tech Club, Spanish Club, and JCA Student Ambassadors. He is also captain of the tennis team and captain of the cross-country team. In his spare time Smith works at McAlister’s Deli and volunteers at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. He plans on attending the University of Notre Dame, with plans to study Finance, Mathematics, and Computer Science.