As the new year begins at GFESS, there are even more athletes to be recognized. With winners decided
based on qualities such as attitude, skill, coachability, and academic performance, the Athlete of the Month
award acknowledges the accomplishments of GFESSs’ athletes. For each month, two recipients are chosen.
Read more to find out who won in January and February!
.jpeg?sfvrsn=6c9e0f1e_1 "Adrian (1)")
Starting off 2026 strong was Adrian Italia as the January male Athlete of the Month. During the
basketball season, grade 10 student Italia has made a major impression on the court. The team's shooting
guard is described as “a defensive standout who consistently brings intensity, focus, and effort” by his coach,
David Adamek. One of Italia’s most memorable moments this season came during a tightly contested matchup
at E. L. Crossley Secondary School, where the team secured a narrow victory in a thrilling game. Beyond
basketball, Italia is a multi-sport athlete. Additionally, he plays soccer and played GFESS football for the first
time this year, scoring an unforgettable touchdown. Looking ahead to life after high school, Italia plans to
remain involved in sports while also considering a future career as an electrician or heavy equipment operator.
The second winner for January was Giana Giampaolo. Giampaolo competes in volleyball at both the
school and club levels in addition to participating in track and field. She’s had huge achievements in both
areas, including an impressive streak of five consecutive ace serves in a recent volleyball match and breaking
the DSBN 100m relay record in track last spring. Lauren Stradwick, the Junior Volleyball Team’s Coach, has
said that Giampaolo is "versatile and adaptable”, “excels in any position we ask her to play”, and that she’s “a
true role model for her teammates.” Outside of sport, she is a fan of the Nebraska Women’s Volleyball Team,
particularly standout hitter Harper Murray, and enjoys listening to music by Drake. As she is only in grade 9, we
are excited to see what her future holds here at GFESS.
February was a strong month for the GFESS swim team, with both of the winners being from their
roster. Leading the way is Quinn Rungi-Ruston, who has advanced to OFSSA in the 50m backstroke and 50m
freestyle. He’s a multi-talented athlete, taking part in volleyball, badminton, track and field, tennis, and
pickleball when he’s not in the pool. According to his swim coach, Kerry Brisbois, he is “an outstanding student
athlete who demonstrates great effort, skill, and a willingness to learn.” Quinn’s strong work ethic has
translated into impressive results. This season, he recorded personal bests of 34.7 seconds in the 50m
backstroke and 28.7 seconds in the 50m freestyle. In addition to his swimming accomplishments, he earned a
silver medal in pole vault at OFSSA last year. He is looking forward to the chance to try and go for OFSAA gold
this spring.
Lastly is Rileigh Arts, a grade nine student who not only shows her talent through her various sports
such as swim, track and field, badminton, and basketball, but is also a Student Council and Mayor’s Youth
Advisory Committee member. Arts is known to demonstrate “quiet determination and hard work” as stated by
Kerry Brisbois. She has surpassed her goal of making it to SOSSA in her rookie year, with her 50m
breaststroke qualifying for OFSSA. Arts is an extremely driven and dedicated athlete, inspired by her older
sister and GFESS graduate Mackenzie Arts. In the future she aspires to get her lifeguarding certification and
pursue a career in engineering.