ROCKFORD — Honor students, scholar athletes, church leaders and community activists made up the list of winners at this year’s Young American banquet.
But that’s just the beginning of what these bright students have to offer as they aspire to become lawyers, biologists and engineers.
Kayana Marks, a Winnebago High School senior, wants to get into the medical field, possibly becoming a pediatrician or family doctor.
A National Honor Society member and Illinois State Scholar, Marks also volunteers at the Byron Nursing Home and for Special Olympics.
“I enjoy helping people a lot, and I am very interested in science, so I thought (medicine) was a great field for me,” Marks said.
More than 2,000 students from 120-plus schools have been recognized in the 53 years of the Young Americans award.
Blake Fewell, a Rockford Christian senior, said it was a bit humbling to be among that group.
“This really is a high honor for me,” said Fewell, who plans on attending Moody Bible Institute in the fall.
Fewell is going to study theology and biblical studies in hopes of one day becoming a pastor.
“It is going to be interesting, and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “I’m really excited I got into Moody. That was a blessing.”
A judging panel made up of author Kimberla Lawson Roby, former Rockford police Chief Jeff Nielsen and Patricia Gomez, executive director of La Voz Latina, had to choose the winners from about 200 nominations.
“This is always one of the hardest things I do every single year because there are so many talented children throughout the region,” Roby said. “It is a wonderful thing to see not only children excelling with their grades but also with the contributions they make to the community.”
True, Young Americans juggle academics, athletics and community service. But Guilford High School senior Andrew Conner said it’s important to still have a little fun.
“You have to be able to have fun with your work,” he said. “That’s what can drive you to your goal.”
Reach staff writer Matt Williams at [email protected] or 815-987-1389.
Ethan Baisden, West Carroll High School; son of Dave & Kari Baisden
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years; Brandon Knop Award; All-State Academic (Football Coaches Association); All-Conference outside linebacker, quarterback and safety; Most Valuable Offensive Player; Clinton Herald and Quad City Times All-Area football team; Red Zone Player of the Year Award (2 years); Track 4×800 and 4×200 record holder; Most Valuable Track Award; Most Improved Track Award; All-State Chorus Bass (2 years); 3rd Place music sweepstakes; IMEA District Festival; 3rd Place Greenhand Quiz Bowl; Appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy; Perfect Attendance Award (2 years); Envirothon Team 3rd Place;
Contributions: Football (captain); Track (All-Conference, captain); State Pep Band; State runner-up music sweepstakes (2 years); State soils team (2 years); State Parliamentary Procedure Team; State Record book judging; Academy Introduction; Jo-Carroll Energy Co-op Youth to Washington Trip; Calvary Crusaders (3 years); Savanna Family Moose Lodge (4 years); Blood Donor (3 years)
Future: Ethan will be attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and study marine and environmental science. His goal is to work with animals.
Andrea Behling, Belvidere North High School; daughter of Dave & Becky Behling
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Softball Blue Thunder Dedication Award 2009, Best Leader Award 2007; Journalist of the Year, 2008-09; Placed 1st at Sectionals for sports writing 2008; Placed 4th at State for sports writing 2008; NIC-10 Scholar Athlete 2007-09; 3-Sport Athlete Award 2007-09
Contributions: Science National Honor Society (2 years); English National Honor Society (2 years); Quill & Scroll NHS (2 years); ACES; Student Council (3 years, Executive Board Member); Zonta Club (3 years); Green Club (3 years); Golden Apple Foundation; Letterman’s Club (3 years); Basketball (4 years, Varsity captain – 3 years, Rising Stars Senior Classic 2010, Senior Milwaukee Buck Classic, 2010); Softball (4 years, Varsity captain – 2 years); Volleyball (3 years, JV captain – 1 year); newspaper (4 years, Editor in Chief – 2 years); The Orifici’s; Boone County Journal
Future: Andrea plans to attend University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and major in journalism.
Grace Bodey, Lutheran High School; daughter of Patricia Bodey & Kevin Bodey
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; 2009 Valparaiso University Award for Excellence; Scholastic Award; Honor Roll (4 years); Renaissance (4 years); Perfect Attendance (3 years); Best Buy @15 Scholarship; Kiwanis Club of Rockford Youth Education Service Award
Contributions: Key Club International (3 years); WYSE; Allies (3 years); Class Treasurer; Madrigals; Theater; Spanish Club (publicist, 2 years); Freshman Retreat Cabin Leader; National Anthem Duet Performance; Big Northern Conference choir (3 years); Solo/Ensemble for Choral Performance (3 years); See You at the Pole (3 years); RLS dinner (2 years); Rockford Rescue Mission Food Drive (2 years); 30-Hour Famine (2 years); robe maintenance; student ambassador; Stafford Test Read-A-Loud Partner; Vacation Bible School (6 years); Sunday School Puppets (3 years); Imagine Christmas (2 years); Inside Out Serve Day (3 years); Mission trip to Mexico; On the Waterfront; Trick or Treat to Feed (2 years); Night to Remember (2 years); cancer benefit for Quinn Singh; Toys for Tots (3 years); Teen Challenge International (2 years); Carpenter’s Place (2 years); Teens for Jeans Chair
Future: Grace is undecided as to what she will major in, but she will attend Buena Vista University in the fall.
Erin Brannick, Aquin High School; daughter of Tim & Wendy Brannick
High achievements: Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (3 years); Sons of the American Revolution Award; High Honor Roll (4 years)
Contributions: Student Council (4 years, Executive Student Body President); Volleyball (4 years, Most Spirited Award); Basketball (4 years, co-captain, Regional Champions 2010); School Musicals (3 years); Academic Team (2 years); Pro-Life Advocates Willing to Stand (3 years); Interact (4 years); Highland Community College’s Servant Leadership Program (2 years); Cancer Awareness Week (Chairperson); Crosstown Classic (co-chair); Peer Mentoring (3 years); Area Service Workers (2 years, mission trips to Appalachia and Kentucky)
Future: Erin plans to attend Loras College where she will major in biology in a pre-pharmacy program.
Zachary Buchanan, Lutheran High School; son of Jim & Julie Buchanan
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois Scholar; National Society High School Scholars (4 years); Daughters of the American Revolution; U.S. History Award; Honor Roll; Dedicated Football Award
Contributions: Key Club (4 years, Vice-President); College Board–Advisory Panel on Student Concerns (4 years); Spanish Club (4 years); Math Team (2 years); WYSE Team; Christian Service Leader; Football (4 years); Spanish Class Study Abroad; Why Catholic? (2 years); Discovery Preschool Fun Fair; tutor; Illinois Food Bank (3 years); Football Camp (2 years, assistant coach)
Future: Zach plans to attend University of Illinois in the James Scholar Honors Program.
Katherine Cicolello, Auburn High School; daughter of Beverly Cicolello & Theresa Taphorn
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Honor Roll (4 years)
Contributions: French Honor Society (secretary); Key Club (4 years, Vice President); Becca’s Closet; In Youth We Trust grant writing; Equestrian (dressage, 7 years); Theatre (2 years); French Club (3 years, secretary); Students for Gifted Education; Jingle Bell Run (3 years); Northern Illinois Blood Bank Phone-a-Thon (2 years); Carpenter’s Place (2 years); middle school tutor
Future: Katie plans to attend Macalester College in the fall and major in neuroscience. Her goal is to attend medical school and become a psychiatrist.
Andrew Conner, Guilford High School; son of John & Karen Conner
High achievements: National Honor Society; Top 25 Academic All-Stars; Scholar Athlete Award; Rockford School District All-City Band; Rockford Wind Ensemble Honors Band
Contributions: Illinois Certified Nursing Assistant; Football (4 years); Concert and Marching bands: Jazz band: teaching assistant in Chemistry; Baseball (9th); Tennis; Powder Puff Football; Homecoming and Prom Planning Helper; church: Youth group, youth group leadership team, Praise Band, Summer home repair work camps, Mexico Mission trip, Vacation Bible School; Boy Scouts; Rockford Rescue Mission; Salvation Army Kettle Campaign; Adopt-a-Highway
Future: Andrew plans to attend NIU or SIU-Edwardsville to study biology, possibly with an Air Force ROTC scholarship. His goal is to work in health care in a rural medicine setting.
Seth Cory, Lena-Winslow High School; son of Darrell & Ranee Cory
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, Vice President); Illinois State Scholar; School Scholarship Award (3 years); All Conference Academic Team; Golf All Conference 1st Team (3 years); Principal’s Honor Roll (3 years)
Contributions: Student Council (4 years, Treasurer, Executive Assistant); Highland Servant Leadership participant; Illinois Boys’ State Delegate; UW-Platteville Math Competitor (2 years); Golf (4 years, 1st Team All-Conference); Servant Leadership (2 years); Baseball (4 years, 2nd Team All-Conference); Basketball (3 years); Teacher’s Aide (2 years); Lena Sports Association – Little Kids Basketball & Baseball (3 years); Youth Group; Lena Lions Club; Jaycees; Lingle Design; Lena Golf Course; Beach’s Supper Club
Future: Seth plans to attend Clarke. He plans to further pursue his education and earn a masters and doctorate in biochemistry.
Lauren Delaney, Guilford High School; daughter of Elizabeth Squire-Delaney & Mark Delaney
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, Vice President); Illinois State Scholar; Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; Essay Contest Scholarship; Frost & Friends Scholarship; Renaissance Award (4 years); Scholar Athlete (4 years); Academic All-Star.
Contributions: Illinois Girls State delegate; Artwork in All-City/All-Star/Young Artist Show (RAM)/RVC exhibits; Key Club (2 years); Cross Country team (4 years, co-captain); Track Team (3 years); Writers Club (2 years); school spring musical; MELD 4th of July Classic (5 years); Alpine Kiwanis Brat Days (5 years); Sinnissippi Snow Sculpting Competition; All-City Band Festival (2 years); Rockford Rescue Mission Walk A Mile in My Shoes (2 years); Burpee Museum/Discovery Center volunteer
Future: Lauren plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and major in industrial design.
Heidi Erbsen, Pearl City High School; daughter of Jeff & Linda Erbsen
High achievements: National Honor Society (3 years); Illinois State Scholar; DAR Good citizen; High School Wendy’s Heisman Winner; Highest Honors (4 years); American Legion High School Oratorical Contest Winner for Illinois (2 years); American Legion Oratorical Contest for Illinois – 3rd Place, 2010; Girl Scout Silver Award
Contributions: Upward Bound (4 years); Girl Scouts (11 years); Basketball (3 years): Track & Field (3 years); Cross Country; Speech Team (4 years); Spanish Club (4 years); Band; Choir (Upstate representative, 2 years); Show Choir; A-Team (4 years); Student body secretary (10); FAA (2 years); student mentor (2 years); Football team manager; Theatre (3 years); Academic team (4 years); Softball; FCCLA (3 years); St. John’s Lutheran Church youth group (6 years, secretary 2 years); church council representative (2 years); Bible School helper; Memorial Day parade and service; student mentor (2 years); speaker at American Business Woman’s Association, Prairie Ridge Community Center, Republican Woman’s Group, Legion meeting, Lions Club; highway cleanup (twice a year for 4 years
Future: Heidi plans to attend Seton Hall University where she will major in international relations and minor in writing. Her ultimate goal is to work with international relations and write.
Mason Faulk, Boylan High School; son of Brian & Lisa Faulk
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; National Merit Commended Student 2010; AP Scholar; Illinois Wesleyan University Alumni Scholarship recipient – merit based; Creative Communication Young Poet’s winner; Regional Math First Place, 2008; NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (3 years, swimming and tennis); Three Varsity Swimming school records; High Honors and First Honors (4 years); Excellence in AP U.S. History; perfect attendance, 2009
Contributions: National Honor Society (2 years); Natural Helpers (3 years); Key Club (4 years); Math Team (3 years, state qualifier, 2 years); Geometry Team (Regional Math Champion First Place, Fresh-Soph Eight-Person team); Swim Team (3 years, Captain, All-Conference team, 2 years and Sectional Champion, Relay, Free Relay); Tennis (4 years, team conference champion, 2009); Spanish Club: basketball; golf; Marlins Swim Club (12 years); Mauh-Nah-Tee-See swim team (7 years, squad leader); Volleyball league (3 years); tutor; Red Cross CPR-certified; Share Fest, Catholic n’Cool Kids Camp counselor; On the Waterfront; Carpenter’s Place; Rockford Rescue Mission; Polar Plunge; Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis, food, clothing, household supplies drive; swim coach; division; swim instructor; lifeguard
Future: Mason plans to attend Yale University or the University of Notre Dame to major in physics or chemistry.
Mitchell Faulk, Boylan High School; son of Brian & Lisa Faulk
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; IHSA All-State Academic; AP Scholar; NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (swimming/tennis, 4 years); NIC-10 All-Conference (3 years); NIC-10 100 Backstroke conference champ (2 years); NIC-10 medley relay champ; Two Varsity swim school records; Highest Honors (4 years); Outstanding Spanish III Student: National Spanish Exam; gold medal & first place Chapter 019; National Merit Finalist 2010; Creative Comm. Young Poet’s Top 10; Illinois Wesleyan: Alumni Scholar; NIATAM Ind. Champ; Geometry Team (Hon. Invitational Ind. Champ., 2 years); Excellence in AP U.S. History; Excellence in AP European History; Excellence in Critical Thinking; Nat’l Language Arts League Winner; Math Team State (Reg. first place Oral comp., Reg. first place); Geometry team (two-person team, ind., third place reg. champ. Oral comp.)
Contributions: Valedictorian; Key Club (4 years); Swim Team (4 years, captain 2 years, rookie of year, MVP); Varsity Tennis (4 years); Math Team (3 years); Spanish Club; JV Cross Country; Marlins Swim Club (12 years) Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Swim (7 years, squad leader); Volleyball (3 years); volunteered for numerous other organizations
Future: Mitchell plans to attend Yale University or the University of Notre Dame. He will major in mathematics or neuroscience as well as Spanish.
Blake Fewell, Rockford Christian High School; son of Jeff & Tina Fewell
High achievements: National Honor Society; High Honors; Irwin Fischer Award for Conducting (2007; Bernard Smith Award for Top Student Conductor (2009); Harkins Youth Volunteer Award Finalist (2008)
Contributions: Student Council/class Treasurer (4 years); band (4 years, Vice-President); Bowling team (2 years); Spring Musical (2 years); Salvation Army Social Service (Christmas Party, Care-a-thon, Client Choice Food Pantry, Clothes for Kids, Food for the Needy, Night Patrol, Red Kettle Campaign, Winnebago County Fair); United States Postal Service Food Drive; Kiwanis Brat Days: church (Senior Brass Band, Junior Brass Band, Youth Group Treasurer, leadership/discipleship course, media); Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra (2 years); The Salvation Army Bible and Leadership Institute peer group leader (2 years), media manager (2 years); Salvation Army Metro Youth Band (3 years)– marched in 2010 Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, California; 3 Trails Camp, Kansas City, Missouri; United Way of Rock River Valley Youth Volunteer of the Year nominee (2008)
Future: Blake will attend Moody Bible Institute in Chicago in the fall where he will work to earn a bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministries and biblical studies followed by seminary.
Max Fortuno Madrid, East High School; son of Irma Nunez Madrid and Max Fortuno
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Science Olympia Technical Problem Solving – First Place
Contributions: Natural Helper; Science Olympia; Yearbook (2 years); newspaper; tutor; Million Meals for Haiti; Burpee Museum volunteer
Future: Max is undecided as to which university to attend. However, he plans to study molecular nanotechnology.
Megan Gendron, Boylan High School; daughter of Larry & Margie Gendron
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Highest Honors (4 years); First Honors for Academics (4 years); Scholar Athlete (4 years); OSF Saint Anthony Athlete of the Week; NIC-10 All Conference (2 years); All Tournament Volleyball Teams: Stillman Valley High School (2 years), Jacobs High School
Contributions: Key Club (4 years); Spanish Club; senior retreat team leader; Volleyball (4 years, Captain 2 years); Summer Volleyball Camp (Team Assistant, 3 years); Club Fusion Volleyball (4 years, Captain); Volunteer for: OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center, Children’s Home and Aid Society Christmas Shoppe, Saint Elizabeth Food Pantry and Clothing Shop, Rock River Regatta, UNICEF, Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Literacy Council, Church Youth Group, Vacation Bible School Assistant, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, MELD
Future: Megan plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Saint Anthony College of Nursing.
Katrina Granberry, Guilford High School; daughter of Cynthia O’Toole-Granberry & Alfred Granberry
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Rockford Association for Minority Management (RAMM), 2010; Harriet Treadwell Award for Academic Excellence; crowned Miss Fashionetta; Best Essay Award, 2009; Athletic Award for Tennis, 2008; Athletic Award for Softball, 2006
Contributions: Key Club (2 years); Student Council (2 years); Writer’s Club (2 years); Drama club (4 years); Environmental Club; Yearbook; school musicals; Rockford Dance Company; Softball; Tennis; Powder Puff Team; Ground Water Festival (2 years); Trinity Day Care; Barnes & Noble Book Fair; Brookview Fun Fair; Rockford Rescue Mission Walk a Mile (2 years); Puppy Wash at Petland (2 years); Sock Monkey Fest; Salvation Army bell ringer; Haunted Hay Ride; Page Park (2 years); PaleoFest; Bookerfest; Black Family Reunion; church: nursery, Vacation Bible School, Hallelujah Party
Future: Katrina plans to earn her doctorate and work in the field of medicine.
A.J. ‘Andrew’ Green, Harlem High School; son of Tom & Shelly Green
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (2 years); National Honor Roll; Rockford Icemen JV MVP Underclassmen Award; Finalist Pinnacle Parks Award
Contributions: Who’s Who Academic Scholar (2 years); Who’s Who in Leadership and Service: Tri-M Music Honor Society (2 years); fall plays (4 years); All School Musical; school musicals (4 years); Rockford Icemen JV; 2009 Graduation and Baccalaureate Processional Leader; Homecoming Court class representative (3 years); Junior Class President; Student Council (4 years, Vice President); Football (4 years); Voices of Harlem (3 years); International Thespian Society (3 years, Historian); Congressional Student Leader; Toys for Tots Committee (2 years); blood drives (4 years); Relay for Life (top team fundraiser); National Night Out; Pennies for Peace; Glee Club; Prom Chairman; Drug Awareness Advocate; Red Ribbon volunteer; Vacation Bible School teacher; Activity Night & School Registration volunteer; Dvorak Tournament volunteer; International Walk to School Day; Wing Ding valet parking; Homecoming (4 years)
Future: A.J. will attend either the University of Illinois or the University of Iowa as a theater arts major with a minor in broadcasting or film.
Zahed Haseeb, Auburn High School; son of Irfan Abdul-Haseeb & Asra Haseeb
High achievements: National Honor Society (president); Illinois State Scholar; IHSA Scholastic Bowl State Championship, 2008, runners-up, 2009 & 2010, varsity captain; All Sectional Quiz Bowl Team; Illinois All-State Quiz Bowl first team; Regional Science Bowl Champion; AP Scholar with Distinction
Contributions: Key Club; Students for Gifted Education officer; 7th-Place finish at 2009 NAQT High School National Championship Tournament for Quiz Bowl; National Science Bowl; WYSE State Qualifier (English); mosque volunteer
Future: Zahed plans to attend the University of Chicago this fall. He will major in biology with a focus on immunology, neuroscience or molecular biology and hopes to minor in either philosophy or humanities.
Amy Hicks, Rockford Christian High School; daughter of Robert & Mary Hicks
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; All A Honor Roll (2 years); Honor Roll (2 years); Rockford YWCA “Bright Future” Scholarship nominee
Contributions: Student Council (Vice President, Secretary); Basketball (3 years, co-captain); Soccer (co-captain); Grounds for Life Homeless Breakfast (2 years); “Pet-a-Pet” Work Camp (3 years); Mexico Mission Trip (2 years); blood drives; roadside trash pick-up volunteer; church youth group (4 years); 2nd-grade church Sunday School teacher (2 years)
Future: Amy plans to attend Augustana College and pursue a degree in biology. She will also participate in its women’s basketball program.
Evan Jarzynski, Jefferson High School; son of Mark & Joni Jarzynski
High achievements: Illinois State Scholar; DAR Good Citizen Award; Senior Portfolio Scholarship Award – Rockford Art Museum’s Young Artist Show; Rock Valley College SIFE Youth Economic Summit Best Speaker; Best of Show – NIU’s High School Art Show; National Scholastic Regional Gold Key Art Portfolio Winner; 1st Place Rockford Area High School Snow Sculpting Competition (2 years); Scholar Athlete (3 years); Rockford Art Museum’s Young Artist Show, Best of Show; Palatine High School’s 4”x5” Art Show Honorable Mention; Violence Prevention Collaborative Art Contest winner; 1st Place Rock Valley College High School Art Show; Honor Roll (4 years); Most Outstanding Honors Geometry Student; Top 25 student
Contributions: Student Council (3 years, Treasurer); Student Art Initiative (Founder); Snow Sculpting (Captain); Cross Country (2 years, Tri-Captain, All Conference); Track (2 years); Reaching Out for Christ (2 years); Delta Youth Group (4 years); Million Meals for Haiti; Gifting a Family in Need for Christmas (2 years); Sharefest; concessions; Heartland donation sorting volunteer
Future: Evan plans to attend a 4-year university and major in graphic design. His goal is to pursue a career as an art director for an advertising firm.
Mahalia Kahsay, Auburn High School; daughter of Haile & Marianne Kahsay
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, volunteer committee chair); National Achievement Finalist 2010; AP Scholar with Honor, 2009; Illinois State Scholar; Read for a Lifetime Award (2 years); Top 5% of Class, 2010; Renaissance (4 years); Lincoln Bicentennial Writing Contest 2nd Place, 2010; Chandler Starr Miller Piano Competition, 4th Place; University of Illinois Salute to Academic Achievement 2010; RAMM Scholar; Straight A Honor Roll; AP Scholar with Honor; Teen Bible Quiz Sectional Meet – 6 states, 1st Place
Contributions: Key Club (4 years, Statistical Secretary, event chair for various events); Kiwanis Peanut and Brat Days; Rockford Health System Gala volunteer; Becca’s Closet; 100 Men Who Cook; Ethnic Heritage Museum Events; Saturday Kids’ Club; Red Shoe Run; Angelo Tree Banquet; 911 Run; Tennis (4 years, 1st place at conference and several tournaments); Soccer (2 years); Auburn Book Club (2 years); piano; Teen Bible Quiz (2 years); church (youth group student leader, yearly city wide cleanup participant, kids’ volunteer); Next Generation Discipleship Program (including mission trip);
Future: Mahalia plans to earn a political science or sociology degree from either the University of Chicago or Northwestern University. Her goal is to become a lawyer.
Katherine Kleinmaier, Dixon High School; daughter of Bruce & Patricia Kleinmaier
High achievements: National Honor Society; President’s Volunteer Service Award; Illinois State Scholar; National Merit Commended Scholar; IHSA All-State Academic Team; Girls’ Bowling State Tournament (13th Place, 2010); Student of the Month; Elks Teenager of the Month; All Conference 1st Academic Team (3 years); 2008 Who’s Who Registry of Academic Excellence; Superior Honor Roll (4 years); Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar
Contributions: Key Club (4 years, Historian, Statistical Secretary, Fun Fair chairperson); Student Council (2 years); Volleyball (4 years, Captain); Bowling (4 years, Captain for 2 years); Soccer (3 years); Academic Bowl (2 years); band (4 years); Jazz band (4 years); Musical (2 years); tutor; Library Summer Reading Program; Reagan 5K Run; altar server
Future: Katherine plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in the fall where she will major in multimedia design and participate in its women’s bowling team.
Patricia Lee, Hononegah High School; daughter of James Lee
High achievements: National Honor Society, National Spanish Exam gold medalist (3 years); Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar; 1st place, 2006 ISMTA Junior Piano competition; Beloit-Janesville Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition winner; consecutive 2nd prizes in Northwest District contest of ISMTA Senior Piano Division; Illinois Summer Youth Music Achievement Awards at U of I at Urbana-Champaign winner; 3rd in Biology and English at 2010 WYSE Regional Competition; 2nd in Biology in 2010 WYSE Sectionals; 1st in Elementary, Junior, and Senior Piano Divisions of Mendelssohn Performing Art Center’s Annual Starr Miller Scholarship Competition (3 years)
Contributions: Key Club (4 years); WYSE (3 years); Measure 5 performance group of Rockford College (5 years); track; missions work in Logan, West Virginia; Vacation Bible School leader; pianist for area retirement homes and churches; Paint-a-thon; Sharefest; Heartland’s A Night to Remember; pianist for 2008 Rockford College Presidential Inauguration; Relay for Life; 2009 piano soloist for Asian American Cultural Event at UIC-College of Medicine at Rockford; tutor of math and Spanish; Peppermint Swirl; Sunday School helper; Rockford Rescue Mission
Future: Patricia has not decided on a college. However, she plans to attend and study biology and music.
Benjamin Logli, Boylan High School; son of Paul & Jody Logli
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State School; First Honors (4 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete; Named “Outstanding Mock Trial Attorney” by Illinois State Bar Association; achieved a perfect score on ISBA’s Mock Trial Law exam; published poet by Creative Communications; Don Manzullo’s “Model Congress”; Excellence in AP U.S. History; IHSA Solo/Ensemble Division 1 Ratings
Contributions: Student Council (Treasurer); Natural Helpers program; Mock Trial Team (Captain); Cross Country (co-Captain); Homecoming Court; Senior Retreat Team; Kairos Retreat Leader; church cantor; grade school Volleyball coach; Concert Choir; Boylan Octaves; “Those 4 Guys” Quartet; broadcasting team; Advancement Office volunteer
Future: Ben plans to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana this fall. He is interested in pursuing a career in law.
Audra Lundquist, Ashton-Franklin Center; daughter of Carl & Sharon Lundquist
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years (Vice President); Illinois State Scholar; Who’s Who Among High School Students; Homecoming Queen; High Honors (4 years); Student of the Month (4 years); Employee of the Month (2 years); Raider of the Week (5 times); Dixon Telegraph Athlete of the Week (2 years)
Contributions: Class Officer (4 years, Secretary/President); Volleyball (4 years, Captain 2 years, Outstanding Freshman, Outstanding Sophomore, Leadership Award); Basketball (4 years Captain 3 years, Outstanding Freshman; All-Conference Honorable Mention; All-Conference 2nd Team; MVP 2010); Dixon Telegraph All-Area 2nd team, 2010; Softball (4 years, Captain, Outstanding Freshman, 2008 MVP, All-Conference 2nd team—2008 & 2009, Best Offensive Player 2009, Dixon Telegraph All-Area 2nd team 2009); Concert Band (4 years); Pep Band (4 years); Musical (4 years); Girls State Attendee; Varsity Club (4 years); Weightlifting Club (4 years, Summer Captain); tutor (4 years); Market Day (4 years, head organizer); Spanish Club (2 years); concession stand (2 years, head organizer); Bitty Basketball Coach; Prom committee; Yearbook Staff; Leydig Center
Future: Audra plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan University and major in business.
Mary Lyvers, Lena Winslow High School; daughter of Robert & Martha Lyvers
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, Treasurer); Illinois State Scholar; Citizen’s State Bank Scholarship (3 years); Concert solo/ensemble medalist 4 times; Academic All-Conference; High Honor Roll (4 years)
Contributions: Student Council (President, Secretary, Treasurer); Volleyball (4 years co-captain, 2 years, Libero, Best Defense Award 2 years, Honorary Captain Award); Basketball (4 years, point guard 2 years, All-Area Honorable Mention); Track & Field (4 years, co-captain, state qualifier 2 years); Club Soccer (5 years); Club Volleyball; Blood Drive (3 years); Concert/Marching Band (4 years, co-section Leader 12); conference music festival (3 years); Musical (2 years); Academic Bowl (2 years); Platteville Math Competition (3 years); teacher’s aide; Youthworks, haunted barn; Stephenson County Ag (3 years); soup kitchen, Music in the Park; Little Kids Basketball Camp (4 years); concession stand; Teacher Appreciation Week; Adopt-a-Family; Breakfast with Santa (2 years); Relay for Life; Out of the Darkness Suicide; Altar Server (9 years); Blair Farms, Splashland food court cashier; volunteered for numerous other organizations
Future: Mary plans to attend Highland Community College, then University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Her goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Kayana Marks, Winnebago High School; daughter of Eldwin & Debra Marks
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Honor Roll (7 consecutive semesters); First Place in Winnebago High School Art Show for the Art 2 self-portrait Drawing 2009
Contributions: Carpenter’s Place; Special Olympics; Vacation Bible School teacher; bingo volunteer at Byron Nursing Home; Salvation Army; tutoring
Future: Kayana plans to attend Howard University and study biology. Her goal is to attend medical school and become a pediatrician or family doctor.
Courtney McGill, Belvidere North High School; daughter of Lisa Volkman & Thomas McGill
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar: NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (2 years); National Best Buy Comm. Scholar; Presidential Service Award-Gold Level; Mantle Award-Outstanding Junior; English Honor Society (2 years); Tri-M Honor Society (2 years); Illinois semifinalist William Randolph Hearst U.S. Youth Senate Award; Finalist 2010 Coca-Cola Scholars Award; Federal Reserve Money Smart Regional Essay Winner
Contributions: Student Council (2 years, Executive Board president and chairwoman of: Comm. Serv., Blood Drive, Parade, Adopt an Angel, Foster Child Awards Program, Election); Illinois State Board of Education Student Advisory Council; Student Ambassador (2 years); Student Office Assist. (3 years); Prom; Cheerleading: Fall (3 years, Captain) Competitive Basketball (3 years, Captain); Baseball Manager (4 years)/Summer/Fall league (3 years); Vocal Music; Frosh Chorus; School musical (2 years); Interact (2 years, Treasurer/charter member, Secretary); Scribe (3 years, editor); Z-Club Service Club; KARE/GREEN Club (2 years); Illinois MAP Restoration; volunteered for numerous other groups and fundraisers
Future: Courtney will be attending Illinois State University, where she will major in speech pathology with a minor in civic engagement and social leadership.
Caitlin Monigold, Dakota High School; daughter of Mark & Becky Monigold
High achievements: National Honor Society (3 years); Academic All-Conference; Scholastic Achievement Award; Excellence in Science Award; Prairie State Scholar; Presidential Scholarship from Aurora University; Honor Roll (4 years)
Contributions: Student Council (3 years); Varsity Club (4 years, Vice President); Art Club (President); Tech Trek (2 years, Captain); Band (3 years); Yearbook committee (4 years); school musical; Volleyball (4 years, Captain); Club Volleyball; Track (4 years, Captain); Assistant Athletic Director (3 years); Dakota Volleyball Camp; Dakota Junior High Volleyball Camp; Vacation Bible School; Christmas program; Kiwanis Brat Days; Alzheimer’s Memory Walk; Blues in the Schools program for elementary school; ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” volunteer
Future: Caitlin plans to attend Aurora University in the fall and major in biology. She will pursue a career in radiology.
Luis Morales, Keith Country Day School; son of Alberto & Cristina Morales
High achievements: Helen A. Johnson Award; Super Student Award for Academic Excellence in Math and AP History; school record in Cross Country (3 miles); Random Act of Kindness Award; Soccer MVP; Soccer Best Offensive Player
Contributions: International Club; Ambassadors Club; Model United Nations; Covenant Harbor Leadership Camp; Class Treasurer; Upper School Chorus (2 years); Soccer (4 years, All-Conference); Cross Country (4 years); Basketball (2 years); Big Brothers Big Sisters Program; Seniors’ Parent Night Out; Latin Dance Club; Fine Arts Performer; Classics and Chrome Car Show Committee
Future: Luis plans to attend a regional college to study international business and play soccer.
Derrick Nelson, Oregon High School; son of Rick & Michelle Nelson
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; FAA: District 1 Swine Production Entrepreneurship Winner; FAA Section 2 Star Farmer; 4-H Outstanding Club President; Student of the Quarter; National Society of High School Scholars; Baseball IHSA Scholar Athlete Award
Contributions: Soccer (MVP, All-Conference, Sauk Valley Athlete of the Week; Desire, Pride, and Hustle Award: Baseball (All-Conference Scholar Athlete, Desire, Pride, and Hustle Award); Performing Arts Guild; church usher; Sunday School teacher; Senior and Bell Choir, band; mentor; concessions; Ogle County Pork Producers; Park District Baseball; Park District Soccer; Pegasus Horse Therapy; Soccer camp; roadside cleanup worker
Future: Derrick plans to attend the University of Iowa and major in mechanical engineering.
Kirsten Olson, Hononegah High School; daughter of Rodney & Marie Olson
High achievements: National Honor Society (Secretary); Illinois State Scholar; High Honor Roll (4 years); Top Chemistry Student; Top Math Student in Class (3 years); Top first-year Chemistry Student in Regional Chemistry Olympiad; National Spanish Exam Oro Award (2 years); National Spanish Exam Plato Award; First Place in Math and Chemistry at Sectional WYSE Competition; First Place in Individual Geometry, Individual Algebra II, and Individual Pre-Calculus at Regional Math Competitions; IMEA All State Band (2 years); IMEA District Band (3 years); Scholar Athlete; National Merit Finalist
Contributions: Tri-M Music Honor Society (Treasurer); Marching Band (4 years); Drum Major (2 years); Pit Band; Math Club (President); WYSE Team (3 years); Cross Country (3 years); Soccer (2 years); JV Drill; CROP Walk; Honopolooza; Penny War fundraiser; church missions; Habitat for Humanity; National Park Service; Lutherdale Bible Camp; tutor; Sunday School helper
Future: Kirsten has not decided which college to attend. However, she is planning on majoring in math or a math-related field.
Dayne Rogers, Auburn High School; brother & ward of Joelle Sumpter
High achievements: Illinois State Scholar; JROTC Awards: Superior Cadet, Cadet of the Year, Distinguished Cadet; National Merit Finalist
Contributions: Key Club; Junior ROTC (Battalion Commander, Drill Team, Color Guard, Saber Guard); OTW Green Team; Scholastic Bowl (4 years, 2008 State Championship squad member, 2009, 2010 runner–up squad); WYSE; Math League Team; Spanish Honor Society
Future: Dayne plans to major in aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach.
Katie Schulz, Keith Country Day School; daughter of Bill & Tammy Schulz
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; National Latin Exam – Maureen O’Donnell Memorial Award; AP Scholar with Distinction; National Greek Exam – Level 2 Highest Honors; Certamen League MVP; Mathlete Contest (Regional 1st Place in Algebra 1, 2, State, Regional, 1st in Oral Comp.); WYSE (1st in Math & English); Oxbridge Class Award – Fiction in to Film; Presidential Academic Fitness Award (3 years); DAR American History Award: Belle Emerson Keith Scholarship (4 years); Head of School’s List: High Honors with Distinction (4 years); Barbara Zavadil Memorial Award; Super Student Award (3 years); Rockford Area Music Industry Awards – Best Classical Instrumentalist; Illinois H.S. Assoc. Solo & Ensemble Comp.– Best of the Day Award; National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist; Coca-Cola Scholars Program semifinalist
Contributions: Illinois Council of Teachers of Math, Mathlete Contest (4 years); WYSE (3 years); Certamen, Latin Quiz Bowl; French Honor Society (4 years, Treasurer, President); Honor Council (3 years); Tri-M Music Honor Society (3 years, VP); 20/20 Club (4 years)/ Int’l Club; Model United Nations-U of Chicago; Volleyball (2 years); cello (4 years); participated in numerous other organizations
Future: Katie is undecided as to her college choice. However, she plans to attend as a classics/pre-medicine major.
Colin Stalter, Guilford High School; son of Paul & Marcia Stalter
High achievements: National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Scholar’s Diploma; NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (3 years); NIC-10 Boy’s Swimming Conference Champion (2 years, 100-yard butterfly); Guilford Booster Club Certificate of Outstanding Achievement (2 years)
Contributions: Key Club; American Legion Premier Boy’s State Delegate (2009); Junior Class President; Student Council Vice President; Youthworks Mission Trip; Swimming (NIC-10 1st Team All-Conference); Walk A Mile in My Shoes Rockford Rescue Mission; Special Olympics volunteer; Church Youth Group: Student leader, mentor, Summer Kid’s Program, Vacation Bible School; On the Waterfront volunteer photographer; Bethesda Alley Walk (4 years); Rockford Memorial Hospital Children’s Health Fair (3 years); Food for Haiti, blood donor, All-City Music Festival cellist
Future: Colin is undecided as to what he will major in, but he will attend the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana in the fall.
Jaime Storjohann, West Carroll High School; daughter of Thelma Coyle & Mark Storjohann
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, president); Illinois State Scholar: DAR Good Citizen Award: Orientation to Art Award; Thunder Award (track); Most Improved (track); Top 10% of the Class (3 years); Quad City Times Salute to Academic Achievement
Contributions: Student Council (4 years); Interact (2 years); Track & Field (4 years, captain 2 years); Choir; Class Secretary (10); Class Vice President (11); Class President (12); Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar (HOBY); Science Club (3 years); Spanish Club (3 years); A.Y.P. Club; Upward Bound (4 years); Servant Leadership (2 years); Big Meadow’s Adopt a Grandparent (2 years); tutor; Special Olympics (2 years); Brinkman’s Building Center (2 years); Big Meadow’s Nursing Home (2 years)
Future: Jaime will attend Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa in the fall. She plans to pursue a degree in secondary special education with an emphasis in vision impairment.
Brecken Swanberg, Harlem High School; daughter of Lisa Swanberg & Paul Swanberg
High achievements: National Honors Society; Illinois State Scholar; Parks Pinnacle Award Winner; High Honor Roll; NIC 10 Scholar Athlete (4 years); ICCA Senior Scholar Athlete; Bradley Forensic Institute Award; UCA All Star (3 years)
Contributions: International Thespian Society; Tri-M Music Honor Society (secretary, 12); HOBY ambassador (10); Student Council (4 years); Class Secretary; Speech Team (4 years); Varsity Cheer (4 years); Competition Cheer (4 years); Drama Club (4 years); Spanish Club; Voices of Harlem (4 years); Pride Committee (2 years); Special Olympics (3 years); Vacation Bible School teacher’s aide (3 years); Sunday School teacher’s aide (2 years); North Suburban Library Reading Buddies (2 years); homeless shelter volunteer (4 years); Machesney School fine arts volunteer (3 years); Thespians (3 years); Rotary Road Clean Up Participant; Ralston School Literacy Night; Red Ribbon Campaign; Santa’s Workshop; Wellness Fair; Northern Illinois Blood Drive (4 years);
Future: Brecken plans to attend Seton Hall University pursing a degree in public relations, challenging herself in the honors program.
Valerie Verdun, Byron High School; daughter of Pete & Mary Verdun
High achievements: National Honor Society (secretary); Illinois State Scholar; High Honor Roll (4 years); Student of the Month (2 years); Academic Award – highest GPA among girls’ cross country team (2 years)
Contributions: Drum Major (2 years); Marching Band (4 years); Jazz Band (4 years); Pep Band (4 years); Pit Band (2 years); Cross Country (3 years); Bishop Lane Retreat Center volunteer camp counselor (4 years); Church: lector, usher, altar server
Future: Valerie is undecided as to the university she will attend. However, she plans to pursue a career in the health profession.
Kayla Marie Witcik, Harlem High School; daughter of Thomas & Cindy Witcik
High achievements: National Honor Society (2 years, Vice-President); Illinois State Scholar; All-American Scholar; A Honor Roll (3 years); Valedictorian; Number one in class (3 years); Student of the Month; Perfect Attendance (3 years)
Contributions: Student Council; Indoor Track (4 years, captain); Track (4 years, captain); Cross Country (3 years, captain); WYSE (2 years); Students for Action; Academic Team; A Night To Remember volunteer; Wellness Fair; Christmas gift collection for children in hospital organizer; Thanksgiving turkey collection for Families organizer; Halloween Trick or Treat Food Drive, Students for Action; Sharefest; Community Races; Concessions; KidCare worker; Delta Youth Group (2 years); Living Beyond Yourself Small Group member; baby sitter
Future: Kayla plans to work pursue a career in the health care field, specifically pediatrics.
Michael Woods, Guilford High School; son of Coley Foote & Etta Jane Woods
High achievements: Alpha Phi Alpha Martin Luther King Scholarship recipient
Contributions: Debate Team (co-captain); Phi Beta Sigma Truth Talk Debates
Future: Michael plans to attend Rock Valley College in the fall and major in education. His goal is to become a high school teacher.
