Joliet Catholic Academy President/Principal Dr. Jeffrey Budz is pleased to announce the March Students of the Month: Matthew Perez (Kiwanis Club), Zachary Beitler (Rotary Club) and Ellie Blotnik (Lions Club). JCA is proud of the success these students have exhibited in both the classroom and in the community.

Matthew Perez, son of Sonia and Victor Perez of Plainfield, is a graduate of Drauden Point Middle School. Matthew is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. He is a JCA Heritage Award scholarship recipient and has received an award certificate for Computer Applications. Matthew is on the varsity tennis team, and active in Broadcasting Club, Key Club, Student Ambassadors, Student Council, and Stitch ‘n Fix Club. Outside of his school responsibilities, Matthew plays on a travel baseball team and enjoys working out as well as his job as an umpire. After graduation, Matthew plans on attending Marquette University. He plans on majoring in communications with a focus on sports and participating in club and intramural sports and service projects.

Zachary Beitler, son of Michael and Sarah Beitler of Shorewood, is a graduate of Minooka Junior High School. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta, and has been recognized as an Illinois State Scholar. Zachary is a varsity football and baseball player and was named Academic All American for both football and baseball in 2024. He is active in Student Ambassadors, Euchre Club and intramural basketball. Zachary is busy outside of his school duties as he volunteers for various community organizations and likes to golf, fish, weightlift, and train for his sports. Zachary will attend Butler University in the fall where he is committed to play football and plans to study construction management and finance. He would eventually like to work at one of the top construction companies in the country.

Ellie Blotnik, daughter of Steven and Kathryn Blotnik of Shorewood, is a graduate of St. Raymond grade school. Ellie is a member of the National Honor Society and also serves as President, National English Honor Society, National French Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. Ellie is active in Key Club where she serves as Vice President, Student Ambassadors, Habitat for Humanity, French Club, and Economics Club. She has played varsity volleyball all four years of high school, for which she was named to numerous All State Teams and served as a Captain during junior and senior year. In Ellie’s spare time, she actively volunteers at the Cathedral of St. Raymond parish and grade school, and works at Ask Dress Boutique, the Jacob Henry Mansion, and babysits often. She enjoys running and is currently training for a half marathon in April. Ellie plans to attend the University of Arkansas where she will major in marketing and journalism. Ellie aspires to have a career in marketing in the hospitality industry.