Marissa Mendoza has been chosen Student of the Month for February at Community High School in West Chicago.

Marissa was an easy choice for the selection committee as both teachers and coaches nominated her for this honor. One teacher writes, "Marissa is an exemplary representative of Community High School’s Class of 2004. She consistently goes above the expected. In everything she does, she strives for excellence. She is truly a young woman committed to her education, her family and her friends. She truly deserves this honor."

One of her coaches wrote, "Marissa is a hard-worker with great leadership qualities. She is the epitome of what a West Chicago student-athlete should be."

Academically, Marissa has been a member of the Honor Roll, and has been a math winner. She has been actively involved in Challenge, our school yearbook, for four years. She served as assistant editor on the yearbook staff last year; and this year, she is serving as editor-in-chief. She also enjoys writing poetry and has had many of her poems published in different publications.

Athletically, Marissa has been a four-year member of the softball program. She is looking forward to this season and has high expectations for the team.

As of now, Marissa is undecided about her college choice. She does, however, plan to major in education. She cites her passion for children as the underlying reason to pursue this career. Marissa is the daughter of Mercedes and Cipriano Serrato of West Chicago.