Joliet Catholic Academy President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz is pleased to announce the January Students of the Month: Nick Bueno (Kiwanis Club), Matthew Simmons (Rotary Club) and Sofia Araneta (Lions Club). JCA is proud of the success these students have exhibited in both the classroom and in the community.

Nick Bueno, son of Ernie Bueno and Carri Bueno of Crest Hill, is a graduate of Timber Ridge Middle School. Nick is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. He is a member of the varsity football team and has received Academic All-Conference and Player All-Conference awards in football. Outside of his school responsibilities, Nick works and enjoys going to the gym. After graduation, Nick plans to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology to study civil engineering and play football.

Matthew Simmons, son of David and Michelle Simmons of Joliet, is a graduate of St. Mary grade school. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, and has received awards for Theology I, 2D Design, and Graphic Design. Matthew is active in Key Club and Big Buddies / Little Buddies. Matthew is busy outside of his school duties as he plays on a travel baseball team and also assists with his younger sister’s softball team. Matthew is undecided on where he would like to attend college but plans to major in business.

Sofia Araneta, daughter of Alvic Araneta and Ma Leah Ochong-Araneta of Romeoville, is a graduate of St. Andrew the Apostle grade school. Sofia is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the National French Honor Society on which she serves as President. Sofia has been awarded a Bronze Medal and Honorary Certificates in the National French Contest. She is active in the Yearbook Club, Victory View Newspaper Club as Co-Editor, French Club as President, Drama Club as Secretary, Band as an Officer, and as an individual competitor for eSports. In Sofia’s spare time, she enjoys volleyball, badminton, reading, and watching movies. Sofia plans to attend Benedictine University to study biochemistry and molecular biology and eventually attend medical school.