Montini Catholic High School in Lombard is proud to announce senior Jacob Velazquez (from Downers Grove) as their November Student of the Month. Jacob was nominated by dean, Andrew Weisenburger '05, for his outstanding attitude and professionalism as a worker in Montini's Student Services office. "Jacob is incredibly reliable, professional, and courteous. He goes above and beyond to learn who our students are. He knows the vast majority by name and what they are involved in. He is friendly to both adults and students and tries to make everyone's day better. He is an incredibly valuable asset to Montini and the Student Services team!"
"As anyone would probably say, I was very surprised to have been chosen," said Jacob - who is one of only eight students who will be chosen this year for the honor. "It’s a special privilege and honor to be a student of the month and there’s obviously a wide range of students that the administration and faculty could choose from - so I am grateful."
Jacob primarily works in the Student Services office writing and distributing tardy passes, and an is an 'on-call' assistant to Mrs. Vanderleest and the deans, Mr. Weisenburger and Ms. Anne Westerkamp '84. "I do what they need me to do! That could include tasks such as running papers or passes around the school in the morning, guiding other students to places around the school they may not be familiar with, or any other kind of student informational distribution."
"Working with the deans is awesome! Both Mr. Weisenburger and Ms. Westerkamp treat me with the utmost respect and I can only return the same. They’re so genuine and helpful all the time and are always understanding of any kind of meeting with a counselor or teacher that would prevent me from doing my usual duties within student services. I truly value them as individuals and I truly believe that they’re some of the best people around Montini Catholic."
"One of my favorite things about working with them is when, once in a while, somebody brings in donuts. Regardless of who brought them in, Mrs. Vanderleest, Ms. West, or Mr. Weisenburger will always say, “you’re more than welcome to have some, Jacob.”
It’s these moments that I really cherish because I feel valued - it shows how much they think of me and the work I do for them."
"It's the snowy morning rushes, when students are arriving late, that Jacob would list among his least favorite aspects of the job - if he had to make a list that is. "I’m one who certainly prides himself at being a fast writer of tardy passes, but those days require Mrs. Vanderleest and Ms. Weisenburger to help me out a bit in order to get everyone to class on time."
Jacob is a very involved young Lasallian. He is a member of Montini's Student Government as well as their National Honor Society. He also served as captain of the Bronco Varsity Football Team this past fall. He was among those chosen to represent Montini Catholic as a student 'ambassador' during the fall, accompanying the Admissions team on grade school visits to represent the 'Bronco student perspective'
to prospective students. He was also chosen among his peers to be a member of the Homecoming Court this past December.
Although he has not yet honed in on a college decision, he is certain of his desire to major in Finance. "I have aspirations of achieving my MBA and being a financial consultant for a Fortune 500 company!" There's no doubt that with his professionalism and tenacious attitude he will have no problem achieving his dream.
"Jacob is the epitome of what it means to be an inspired and an inspiring Bronco," said President Jim Segredo. "His attitude is one that will get him very far in high school, college and in life! He is well deserving of our Student of the Month honor."
Image above: Jacob with Montini Catholic Dean, Andrew Weisenburger '05.
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