Senior Anjay Dhir Earns Bronco Student of the Month Honors
Barb Dawson • April 24, 2024

Congratulations, Anjay!  Well Deserved!

Montini Catholic is proud to recognize senior Anjay Dhir as their March Student of the Month. Anjay, who was pleasantly surprised when hearing the news, was nominated by Principal Chris Tiritilli (above with Anjay) for his outstanding academic accomplishments and extraordinary extra-curricular involvement at Montini Catholic. 


"Anjay exemplifies all of the traits and characteristics of what we want all Broncos to be," said Mr. Tiritilli on the heels of an all-school clap-out for Anjay and his teammates as they prepare to leave for the VEX World Robotics Championship in Dallas Texas (April 25-27, 2024). Anjay, who has been involved in Robotics since his first year at Montini, played a leading role in getting Montini to Worlds for the second year in a row.


Technology Director and Robotics coach, Pete Farina '87 was happy to hear the news of Anjay's Student of the Month achievement. "He has been an honor and a pleasure to teach and coach," he said. "Over the last four years he has demonstrated an unparalleled level of focus, determination, maturity, and motivation in his Robotics classes and as a leader of our Robotics Team! Back to back Worlds would not have been possible without him!"


"I’m extremely excited to be heading to Robotics Worlds for a second time," expressed Anjay.  "More importantly, I’m glad I’m going this year with the other two seniors who didn’t go last year. They have worked incredibly hard and put numerous hours of dedicated effort into our team. I’d like us to leave a lasting mark on the team!"


Anjay, who most recently earned Academic All Star status at Montini Catholic (by attaining a cumulative GPA of 3.95 or above after seven semesters​) is a leader who wears many hats at Montini. The Illiinois State Scholar and AP Scholar is the Vice President of Montini's National Honor Society, Vice President (Junior Year) and current PR Officer of Montini's Tri-M Music Honor Society, President of Mu Alpha Theta and President of Montini's Math Team - a team he helped accelerate to a 6th place State ranking earlier this Spring. 


"Anjay Dhir always gives 100% no matter the task​,​" said Math teacher and Math Team coach, Mrs. Chrissy McManus '88. "He wants to be the best he can possibly be. More importantly, he wants the best for everyone else. He is constantly striving to reach these goals. His enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious. He possesses great empathy for others and is always willing to help. He truly cares about his classmates, teachers, and the school in general. He takes great pride in Montini Catholic.​" 


Anjay is also a member of the Spanish Honor Society, Spanish Club, Broadcasters Club, Audio Crew and Flight Club - and serves as a Peer Tutor, making himself available to help​ fellow students struggling with specific ​a​cademic courses.


Athletically, Anjay played Volleyball during his freshman and sophomore years and has been a member of the Bronco Golf Team for all four years - landing the captain position during his senior year. 


Anjay has earned every bit of the adulation and respect from his teachers and peers with his positive attitude and welcoming spirit. He has been commended by many faculty and staff members for always having a smile on his face.  To top off his senior year, he was nominated by his peers to the 2024 Montini Prom Court. "Being nominated by your peers for Prom Court says so much about the kind of student and friend Anjay is," said Mr. Tiritilli. "We are very proud of Anjay and the success he has accomplished during his senior year."


Anjay will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida this fall. "His commitment to excellence and attention to detail in all of his work is​ simply outstanding​," added Mr. Farina. "Anjay has developed an exceptional and diverse set of engineering skills and abilities from coding to design and building and I am confident that he will succeed in his studies at Embry-Riddle. ​W​e can't wait to hear about his adventures in Engineering!"


When asked about what advice he would give to those getting ready to start their high school adventures, this student of the month had some very sound advice. "​Get outside of your comfort zone! Try new things, talk to people you don’t know, and find something you like​.  My involvement in school has served me very well. I figured out what I wanted to do with my future, met some of my best friends, and got to be on a team that made Montini history, all because I tried a new​ (Robotics) club I knew nothing about!​"


Anjay graduated from Glenn Westlake Middle School in Lombard. 


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