Partington is Newman Central Catholic High School’s January student of the month

STERLING — Ryan Partington, 18, of Dixon, is Newman Central Catholic High School’s student of the month for January.

He is the son of Betsy and Clay Partington and has an older brother, Brady, and a younger sister, Anna.

What class do you find really engaging and why?: Engineering Design with Mrs. Rhodes is a very engaging class. I have taken Engineering Design 1 and Engineering Design 2, and I am currently in Engineering Design 3. I am fascinated by how one can design an object on a digital computer and then bring it to life using the school’s 3D printers. We have constructed specific parts and put them to use in the real world, which is very interesting to me. Recently, I have had the honor of working on and improving the 3D printing department at Newman, and I highly enjoy this.

What are your career and post-graduation plans? What school(s) or other instruction, travel or endeavors do you have planned?: I plan to attend Bradley University for mechanical engineering in the fall of 2025. I would also like to minor in something else, such as business. Afterward, I hope to pursue a career as a mechanical engineer at a large corporation like John Deere or Caterpillar, working my way up the ranks. I dream of having my own company one day, with my own product.

What are your two favorite extracurricular, volunteer or community activities you participate in?:

1. One of my favorite extracurricular activities is playing the guitar. Every Monday, I go to Woodlawn Arts Academy and play guitar with James M., which I really enjoy. He is very talented at both the piano and guitar, and each week, we come with new songs to work on and critique. I think this is valuable for my well-being, as it’s a healthy hobby that challenges me.
2. Another one of my favorite extracurricular activities is buying, refurbishing and selling John Deere garden tractors and compact utility tractors. John Deere machines hold their value very well, so I find old models from auctions and marketplaces to fix up. I enjoy working with my hands to adapt and improve parts, making them look and function as well as they did when they were new. I find the process fascinating, as I’m intrigued by how all the moving parts work together as one. I also learn about the mechanics of each machine as I move from one project to the next. In the end, I hope to make a profit.
3. I also volunteer every Wednesday morning during the summer at my church, St. Anne’s. I help with landscaping and maintaining the exterior of the school/church, and I take great pride in providing a well-kept outdoor space for others to enjoy.

Please share a moment, group event or activity at school that was meaningful or memorable.: Something that is very meaningful to me at school is the amount of support I have received as a Newman student. Whenever I have trouble in class or need assistance from a teacher, they have always been willing to help me understand. This supportive environment helps me thrive as a student, and I am deeply grateful to my teachers – without them, I would be nowhere.

What is your hope for the future?: I have high hopes for the future. I hope to continue pursuing the passions, hobbies and activities that I love. I also hope for a successful career and, most importantly, to make a positive impact on others.