Whether he is on the soccer field or off it, senior Jacob Gonzalez is an ideal representation of what it means to be a Battlin’ Bear. 

Last month, Gonzalez was chosen by The Orange Chamber of Commerce to receive the LCM Student of the Month Award, which comes with a $500 scholarship. 

“I was very surprised and honored to receive this award,” Gonzalez said. “I feel very proud to represent LCM as Student of the Month.” 

Gonzalez was chosen by the Orange Chamber of Commerce for his good standing attendance, discipline, and grades. He was also chosen for being dependable, making others smile, leading by example, and being an ideal representative of what a model LCM student should be. 

“Jacob is a go to person to get the job done,” activities director Stacey Smith. “Jacob is loyal and responsible along with being a great friend and teammate to his peers. He always strives to produce the best quality of work in the classroom, at work, and on the pitch. I am so proud of Jacob.”   

Gonzalez is a part of Key Club, Interact, and National Honor Society. He serves as Student Council President and has been involved in the school’s welding program for three years, along with being a Battlin’ Bear soccer player for four years.  

“Jacob is an ideal student athlete,” head boys soccer coach Michael Thompson said. “He works hard both on and off the soccer field. He’s a great role model for younger athletes to learn from. He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him and does so with a positive attitude.” 

Gonzalez has received LCM’s Bear of the Week award, along with being selected as a Texas Association of Student Councils Junior Counselor for 2022 Summer Leadership Workshop at Trinity University. He has also been part of the Orange Leader Bright Futures Student Features. 

“Jacob is a great example of the habits you form today will be the habits that follow you through life,” welding teacher Ricky Viator said. “Jacob’s work ethic and life choices now sow what a great man he will be in the future. He is a great role model for students in the welding program.” 

According to Gonzalez, he has big plans for college and his future career. 

“I plan to attend the Texas A&M college of Engineering,” Gonzalez said. “I want to graduate with my mechanical engineering degree and find a job in the surrounding area. A&M is a tough and competitive college to get into so I’m very proud of myself for being accepted.” 

Gonzalez holds many positions of leadership around the school. According to Gonzalez, he has been a part of Student Council since middle school, which has helped elevate him to these positions. 

“I strive to be a leader each and every day,” Gonzalez said. “I try to be the be the reason someone smiles every day. I strive to do the right thing even when no one is looking. I have been in Student Council since fifth grade which has helped me be a leader, and I try to encourage everyone at LCM to be a leader.” 

According to Gonzalez, he is very thankful for the people who have helped shape him. 

“I would like to thank my parents and family for always being there for me,” Gonzalez said. “I would also like to thank my teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School and LCM for always pushing me to be the best person I could be. Without these people I could not have gotten to be Orange Chamber of Commerce’s LCM Student of the Month.”