JCA Student Takes Stock of Life

Unlike most of us, Joliet Catholic Academy senior Darren Stockl stuck to his New Year’s resolution.

Stockl has been helping out at the MorningStar Mission in Joliet since the start of 2012. But what began as another way to earn a few extra volunteer hours has turned into a strong desire to serve others.

While Stockl also volunteers his time at the retirement home, in and Soaring Eagle Ranch in Plainfield, his work at the MorningStar Mission developed into the opportunity to raise money for the organization’s outreach programs.

Through Exxon Mobil, which encourages employees and their families to volunteer in their communities, Stockl earned a $1,000 grant for MorningStar Mission by totaling 40 hours. He has worked at both the mission’s shelter and resale store, resulting in the contribution by Exxon Mobil to MorningStar Mission.

Stockl, a Plainfield resident, is the son of Daniel and Claire.

Serena the scholar

JCA senior Carley Serena has been honored as a Discus Award winner for her achievements in the areas of community service and athletics. The Discus Awards is a national program that provides recognition and scholarship opportunities to all-around high school students who excel in three of 10 key attributes. Serena, a Shorewood resident, is the daughter of Joseph and Heidi. A cheerleader, she is co-founder of the Huggables, a dance program for girls with Down syndrome.

Latin Districts

Twelve JCA students are competed in the District level of the State Latin Contest. The participants are: juniors Frank Bruno (Frankfort), Michael Fredrickson (Shorewood), Junica Lugod (Romeoville) and Cailea Styx (Joliet); sophomores Jessica Gnutek (Joliet), Julia Shemaitis (Joliet) and Lucas Tyler (Joliet); and freshmen Jeff Budz (Joliet), Emily Gorski (Plainfield), Natalie Nemanich (Joliet), Sam Ryan (Wilmington) and Matt Wyman (Plainfield).

Where are they now?

JCA graduate Mitchell Cunnea (’10), a cadet at The Citadel, was recently named to the Dean’s List. Cunnea, a Shorewood resident, is the son of Bill and Kim. He is seeking a bachelor’s degree in political science. Dean’s List recognition at The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, is awarded for a grade-point average of 3.2 or higher and with no grade below a C for the previous semester’s work. Cunnea was honored during The Citadel’s Jan. 27 military dress parade.