Lake County Gazette

An eighth-grade soccer player has received high praise from the Big Hollow School District 38 after recently being named the district's Student of the Month during a recent board meeting.

Alexander Luna was given the award during the meeting on Oct. 11.

"I can't think of a more deserving student than Alex Luna," Lisa Swidersky, one of Luna's soccer coaches, said during the meeting. "He exemplifies student expectations at Big Hollow and is most deserving of this honor."

School officials say Luna was both surprised and grateful to be selected for the honor. His coaches praised his work ethic and dedication to not only lifting up, but also helping his teammates. During the meeting, his coaches also said even people from other teams have noticed Luna's actions and have complimented him as a player too.

The board also took time to recognize another eighth grader, Abigail Daniele, for her accomplishments in golf. Deniele qualified for state competition after placing tenth in sectionals. She is only the second student from the district to advance to that level of play, the only other student to do so was Daniele's older sister.

Kerry Hubbard, a paraprofessional in the district, was also recognized as the district's Employee of the Month during the meeting. She wasn't able to attend, but officials planned to try to restate the recognition at the next board meeting when Hubbard could be there.