Joliet Catholic Academy President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz is pleased to announce the April Students of the Month: Kathryn Ann Araneta (Kiwanis Club), Dillan Johnson (Rotary Club) and Thomas Rzasa (Lions Club).   JCA is proud of the success these students have exhibited both in the classroom and out in the community.

Kathryn Ann Araneta, daughter of Ma Leah Ochong-Araneta and Alvic Araneta of Romeville is a graduate of St. Andrew the Apostle grade school.   Kathryn Ann is a member of the National Honor Society, Honors Program, National Art Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, is the Vice President of the National French Honor Society.  She is a Bronze and Silver Medal winner for the National French Contest and she is the President of the French Club.  Kathryn Ann is the co-editor of the Student Newspaper, and is a member of the Key Club, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, and Medical Science Club. Kathyrn Ann volunteers at her previous grade school and she plans on majoring in Biochemistry in college.  

Dillan Johnson, son of Jocelyn and Eric Johnson of Plainfield is a graduate of Accellus Academy.  Dillan is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the High Honor Roll for all semesters.   He is involved with Habitat for Humanity where he renovated a local church and made blankets for people in hospice.   Dillan has had a highly accomplished career in both Football and Wrestling.   He is a State Football Champion in 2021 and State Runner-up in 2023.  He is a 4-time State Individual Wrestling Champion (2020-2024), and he has a Wrestling Team State Championship in 2022.  Dillan is the #1 Heavyweight wrestler in the US, and he was a 2-time Conference Defensive Player of the Year in Football.  Dillan will be attending the University of Wisconsin, majoring in Business and Entrepreneurship. 

Thomas Rzasa, son of Ann and Jeff Rzasa of Morris is a graduate of Immaculate Conception grade school.  He is a member of the National Honors Society, National English Honors Scoiety, Mu Alpha Theta, and Honors Program.   Thomas is a Heritage Award winner.  He has been involved with Habitat for Humanity, Economics Club, Spanish Club, Pickleball Club, and is a Student Ambassador.  Thomas is part of the Basketball and Track team and was a State Qualifier in Track for the 4 x 100 and 4 x 200.  Away from school, Thomas volunteers at his parish, Special Connections, and the Ben Price Foundation.  He plans on attending Butler University and majoring in Finance and Economics.