Captain of his high school football team at Morton High School, Nicholas also lettered in track and won awards as a member of the Bass Fishing Team and in the Mid-Illinios High School Art Show. His record of service to others included assisting with food drives in his parish, monthly dinners at a local shelter and fundraisers for American Cancer Society Relay For Life, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Juvenile Diabetes. He is known to be a considerate and hardworking young man. One teacher writes: “Nick is a person of character, integrity and compassion. He is a quiet leader who understands the need to work together and to support each team member.” As one who has a passion for helping others in need and keeping his community safe, Nicholas will pursue studies in fire science technology and Emergency Medical Technician training at Illinois Central College. His career plan is to become a professional firefighter.