The Austin Noon Kiwanis Student of the Month is Sonia Ramirez, a senior at Pacelli High School, who has been involved in a variety of activities during her years at Pacelli.

“I have taken Advanced Placement classes at Pacelli and PSEO post-secondary classes through Riverland Community College. Science is a particular interest as well as mathematics and humanities. Over time, I have learned various skills which have allowed me to flourish as a student both at Pacelli and at Riverland.”

Sonia has placed high in several science-related knowledge tests at the state level.

“I have had many opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities at Pacelli, including drama, Student Councils, HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America), and Lyle-Pacelli athletics (softball, volleyball, track and field) – in addition to doing volunteer / service work both in and out of school.”

Sonia, along with six other Pacelli students, will be advancing to the HOSA International Leadership Conference / competition in June. She is an inaugural member of HOSA which started at Pacelli during this school year; HOSA does service projects for the elderly throughout the community. Sonia has also helped serve at the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfasts. She also serves as a teacher’s aide in the elementary school during the school day.

Regarding post-secondary plans, “I will be attending Iowa State University in the fall with a double major in chemistry and biology. As a pre-pharmacy student, my work will have an emphasis on molecular biology.

“I hope to ultimately have a career in pharmacy, possibly conducting pharmaceutical research, but am yet unsure in which area I will focus. I am intrigued by the variety of areas in which pharmacists can work. I am an ambitious person and know that regardless of the career path I choose, I will work hard and strive to be a leader in the workplace.”

“The person who has had a notable impact on my life is Pacelli’s high school science teacher, Mr. Jonathan McDonough.

“He has taught with a distinct passion for the material he teaches and the field of science as a whole. The content, his teaching methods, and the privilege of taking five classes  with him ultimately promoted a similar passion for science in my life, most notably chemistry. I have finally found something I am really interested in and have found the drive to work hard.

“He is an outstanding teacher and was named Pacelli’s Teacher of the Year. He is also a fantastic coach who has pushed me and taught me that I get out what I put in and that putting in the extra work is worth it.”