Seniors at Sterling High School are given the option to apply for one of the school’s greatest honors: Student of the Month (SoTM). SoTM are two individuals who have academically challenged themselves, participated in extracurricular activities/athletics, displayed themselves as a natural leader, and displayed S.H.S. and their community in a positive light. Seniors Delia Block and Kevin Marquez Mendez were awarded the distinguished title for May.
Within her high school career, Block has reached an outstanding GPA of 4.25. While taking rigorous courses including AP Human Geography, AP United States History, AP Government, AP Precalculus, AP Calculus AB, AP Psychology, AP Biology, AP Language and Composition, and AP Literature and Composition. She earned prestigious titles of Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. Additionally, she has taken a multitude of accelerated courses as an underclassmen. In addition to her heavy course load, Block dedicates her time to the school’s cross country and soccer teams. On each team, she served as a captain. Block is also involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, and Young Doctor’s League, along with her internship at CGH Medical Center.
Outside of school, Block volunteers at the St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry and enjoys running, hiking, crocheting, and traveling to new places. Following her high school career, Block will attend the University of Iowa and major in nursing. Ultimately, she hopes to become a family medicine nurse practitioner.
The second SoTM for May is Kevin Marquez Mendez. Marquez Mendez is a proud leader academically, achieving a GPA of 3.97. To achieve this goal, he took AP Computer Science and the dual-enrolled Math 121 and 122 courses. This has earned him academic honors for his last three years of high school. Additionally, he serves as CEO of Marquez’s Tacos, a small business he opened as a part of Whiteside Area Career Center’s CEO program. He is a member of the NAMI: On Campus group, four-year member of the soccer team, and participated in track and robotics in his freshman and sophomore years.
When not completing challenging coursework or being a vital member on the field, Marquez Mendez volunteers for United Way, S.H.S. Athletic Boosters, and the Granny Rose Animal Shelter. He also enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his family and dog in his free time. After high school, he plans to attend Sauk Valley Community College to complete his general education, then will transfer to a four year university and earn a degree in civil engineering.
These two individuals have taken major strides towards these awards and they will go on to accomplish great things after their time at S.H.S.
