West Chicago Community High School has selected Melanie Coss of West Chicago as Student of the Month for November 2022. Melanie was selected by her teacher who said, “She is motivated to do well and has the potential to become a future leader and policy maker. Melanie has an eagerness to work hard and a desire to become a lawyer.  In the nineteen years I have been an educator, she is in the top 10% of students, not only in academics but also in regards to work ethic, communication skills, integrity, leadership and positivity.”

A senior, Melanie has been on High Honor Roll all but one semester of her high school career, earning a cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) of 5.049. She is a member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society, has a Seal of Biliteracy, as well as Academic Excellence in Mathematics.

Melanie has been involved in Interact Club, Student Council and the Young Adult Advisory Council at West Chicago Public Library. She also serves as a Student Ambassador, a Roar Director and on Women’s Leadership Executive Board.

Outside of the school, Melanie gives back to her community through WeGo Together for Kids events, monthly visits to Feed My Starving Children, Rise Against Hunger and the JDRF Foundation supporting individuals with Type 1 Diabetes. She also assists Leman Middle School and the WCCHS AVID program with translating. Additionally, Melanie offers afterschool tutoring in the subjects of Math, History and Spanish.

When asked about her favorite high school memory, Melanie said, “Being elected as the Speaker of the House for the government's 57th legislative session was a once in a lifetime experience! Having the opportunity to comprehend and hear divergent ideologies was astonishingly distinctive from other events during my high school career.”

Melanie has this advice for future Wildcats, “Enjoy your last years before “entering the real world,” your high school journey will conclude faster than you think, therefore--balance your social and school life; read, educate yourself on topics you dislike, party, join a club, and get involved!!! WeGo is a place to grow, and they have all the tools you need, but it's YOU who initiates the interest.”

After graduation, Melanie plans to double major in Political Science and History Education to either become an educator and/or immigration attorney.