Class of 2010 Top Students
Posted by Laura Nelson on August 1, 2009
Nelson’s Today Top Students …
Moving to the Head of the Class
Members of the Class of 2010 show great potential for the future–they are leaders in many of aspects of student life, both in and out of the classroom.
On Our Cover–Many thanks to our cover-model students! They include, from left, Meghan Grant, Wheaton Academy; Olivia Bukowski, Glenbard East; Rachel Johnson, Naperville Central; and Mike Heaton, Wheaton Warrenville South.
Here’s what makes them Nelson’s Today’s top achievers:
Olivia Bukowski, Glenbard East High School
“In order to be successful, you have to go outside of your comfort zone. In and out of school, I always try to go beyond what I can normally do. I never let myself give up, and I’m never afraid to try new things.” Olivia enjoys choir and math and aspires to become a teacher: “We can learn from kids just as much as they learn from us.” She most admires her mother for her constant support. “She is always there for me. I can turn to her whenever I need help, and she is also a great friend,” says Olivia. Her favorite teacher is choir teacher Mr. Heise, because he gives inspiration to all students and genuinely loves to teach. Additional hobbies include photography and astronomy. Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye.
Mike Heaton, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
“I most admire my grandmother, who raised a family of 15 and is the most caring and selfless person I know.” Mike enjoys physics and psychology, and plans to pursue a career in marketing. He plays baseball and football, as well as intramural basketball. Mike’s favorite teacher is Mr. Stankevitz, who teaches physics, because he provides the tools to solve a problem and challenges students to find the answers themselves. Mike says he learned a valuable life lesson while observing a neighbor battle Lou Gehrig’s Disease: “Throughout his six-year battle, Mr. Harris has remained strong in his faith and actively used his illness to help others dealing with adversity. He has opened my eyes to where my real focus should be, which I will take with me the rest of my life.” Favorite books: The Call of the Wild and The Things They Carried.
Meghan Mandel, Lisle High School
Meghan enjoys chemistry and math and hopes to follow a career in biomedical engineering. She participates in cheerleading and competitive gymnastics, which has taught her the importance of time management: “I am very determined in everything that I do, which requires a lot of self-motivation.” Meghan most admires Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, for maintaining a normal life while competing at the elite level. “Gymnastics has been a huge part of my life growing up, and I practice between 16-20 hours a week. The time commitment has helped me stay focused and motivated to balance sports, school work, and family.” Her favorite teacher is Mr. Jeagle, for his positive attitude and patience to help students understand class materials.
Shanon Lavin, Naperville North High School
Shanon’s keys to success include dedication and determination to accomplish her goals: “I find that if I have a clear goal in mind, I will go to any extreme to accomplish it.” Shanon enjoys drawing and calculus classes and plans to pursue a career in government intelligence. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Rinker, who made calculus interesting and fun and helped her to realize her full potential. Shanon also enjoys figure skating, dancing, and sketching. “My most influential experience has been participating on the NNHS varsity dance team. I have found a place where I feel like I belong, and the team and coaches have become my second family. The experience has taught me leadership and teamwork, and I have made so many great friends.” Shanon most admires her parents for their constant dedication and support. Favorite books: Harry Potter and My Most Excellent Year.
Dean Quaranta, St. Francis High School
“I most admire Lance Armstrong because of his endless dedication and work ethic.” Dean prefers math classes, and plans to pursue a career in medicine. His keys to academic success are determination and time management: “I am very persistent and strive for perfection with everything that I do.” Dean’s extracurricular activities include baseball, golf, tennis, and football. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Kustak, for her desire to help each student and for her passion in teaching. “My most influential experience has been getting to know major league baseball player Jim Thome. He has been a great role model and has taught me many important life lessons.” Favorite book: The Kite Runner.
Rachel Johnson, Naperville Central High School
Rachel enjoys math and Spanish and hopes to become a teacher. “The key to success in school is determination. I am very goal-oriented, I constantly push myself, and set a standard of what I want to accomplish. I never give up until I reach that goal,” says Rachel. Her favorite teacher is Sr. Davis, Spanish, for his natural love of teaching, which makes Spanish enjoyable and easy to learn. “His class is fun and energetic, and it makes me love learning Spanish. It’s obvious that he cares about teaching and his students.” Rachel’s extracurricular activities include cheerleading and working with special needs children. “I volunteer with the Big Buddies program and help with the Special Olympics, which is the most important thing I have done so far. I have so much fun and the other kids teach me a lot about what is really important in life.” Favorite book: Marley & Me.
Matt O’Brien, Naperville Central High School
“I most admire my older brother Kevin. He works hard to achieve his goals while being a kind and understanding person.” Matt prefers accounting and history classes, and aspires to build a career in finance or business. “The keys to success in school are to always give one hundred percent no matter what, and to maintain a balance between school, athletics, family, and friends. Also, find things you enjoy and get involved in your school,” says Matt. His hobbies include competitive swimming, reading, and participating in Student Government. Nick’s favorite teacher is Mrs. Hicks, for presenting accounting materials in a fun, interesting and practical way. Favorite books: Shadow Divers and Me Talk Pretty One Day.
Abbie Krentz, Wheaton North High School
“The person I most admire is my mom. Even when she is overly busy, she manages to keep things in perspective and keep herself and the family under control. She is always a strong guide and role model for me when I need help.” Abbie enjoys social studies and plans to pursue a career in musical theater or public relations. Abbie’s key to success in school is her a strong work ethic: “I have the drive and ability to keep working until the job is done and do the best I can with each task. I also have a lot of support from family and friends, who keep me going when I’m stressed out.” Abbie’s extracurricular activities include speech team, singing, and swimming. Last summer, Abbie participated as a volunteer counselor at a camp for special needs children: “The week gave me a whole new perspective, and also gave me a passion for reaching out and helping other people.” Favorite book: Harry Potter.
Kyle Newhouse, Wheaton North High School
Kyle enjoys calculus and science, and aspires to become a marine officer or mechanical engineer. “I most admire my grandfather, Tim Klenk, because he does what is right even when it is not easy.” Kyle credits his success in school to integrity, hard work, and determination. His favorite teacher is Mrs. Budzikowski because “she is passionate about teaching and her primary goal was our learning.” Kyle’s most influential experience took place when he traveled to the Dominican Republic: “While there, I learned that no matter how different people may seem, we all share similarities.” He also enjoys running, spending time with friends, and youth group. Favorite book: Lord of the Rings.
Sonja Bromann, Glenbard West High School
Sonja prefers biology, chemistry and math, and hopes to pursue a career in science. She says that one of her most inspiring and influential life moments occurred during a discussion in English class. “A quote verbalized was, ‘Do you know how much easier your life could be if you just led it?’ It was and continues to be inspiring in the sense that I should focus on the good and important aspects in life and carry on no matter what.” Sonja also enjoys reading and volunteering at church. She is most inspired by her friend’s mother, Gina Houghton-Larsen, for her ability to take on any situation with ease. Sonja credits her teacher Mr. Billings for sparking her interest in science. Favorite book: The Golden Compass.
David Kelly, Wheaton Academy
David most enjoys his classes in chemistry and biology, and hopes to pursue a career in economics. He most admires Dr. Wayne Martindale, a professor at Wheaton College, for his dedication as a leader and passion for helping others. David credits his academic success with his ability to follow directions and stay focused. “I most appreciate my chemistry teacher, Mr. Mack. He provides students with challenges but treats everyone equally,” says David. He says a 23-day trip to China was an eye-opening experience, as he was able to examine and appreciate a new culture. David also plays piano and tennis. Favorite books: The Bible, Freakonomics.
Jill Langlas, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Jill finds inspiration and support from her grandparents: “My grandmother is 91 and still full of life. She has been through a lot in her lifetime and I respect and take in all of the advice she gives me. My other grandparents live close by and support me in all of my activities.” Jill enjoys physics and math and hopes to become an engineer. She participates on the school soccer and basketball teams, student council, and the yearbook club. “The key to academic success is managing time and working ahead of schedule. But hard work is always the most important ingredient to success,” says Jill. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Stankevitz, physics, who has the ability to answer any question and keeps class interesting with his unique sense of humor. Favorite book: The Rescue.
Sara Francesconi, St. Francis High School
Sara most admires her father, Guy Francesconi: “He puts others ahead of himself and treats everyone with respect. He always makes time for my family, no matter how busy he is with work.” Sarah enjoys choir and math, and hopes to pursue social work. Her extracurricular activities include cross country, choir, and math team. “I try my best with every task, and never sell myself short,” says Sara. One of Sara’s best experiences occurred while she was traveling to West Virginia on a mission trip to help underprivileged children. “Though the people there had little, they were welcoming and happy. They taught me far more than I taught them, and the experience gave me the desire to help other people.” Sara travels on a second mission trip to Haiti this summer. Favorite book: The Truth About Forever.
Matthew Zettinger, Glenbard West High School
“The most important thing in school is efficiency. Getting work done in a timely manner helps balance my schedule,” says Matthew. He enjoys statistics and math classes and hopes to pursue engineering. Matthew also enjoys sports, reading, and playing chess. “I most admire my dad, because he can fix anything with diligence and problem solving.” His favorite teacher is Mr. Kertay, for telling great stories that make him more eager to learn. “My family is the most important thing to me. We are very close, and do lots of activities together. Without a doubt, this has been the biggest and most positive influence in my life.” Favorite books: To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby.
Meghan Grant, Wheaton Academy
Meghan credits her academic success with organization, time management, and involvement in school activities. “I am very involved in the athletics I play at school. I play soccer, volleyball, and basketball, and I love being part of a team,” says Meghan. Her favorite classes include English and math, and she aspires to pursue a career in social work. Meghan most admires her mother for setting a good example: “She always encourages me and continues to guide me. Her compassion and hospitality are two traits that I really appreciate and love about her.” Meghan says a trip to Kenya with her family two years ago changed her worldview. “The trip gave me an appreciation for people around the world and made me more grateful for all of the things I have.” Meghan enjoyed the experience so much that she is following up with a trip to Zambia this summer. Favorite book: To Kill A Mockingbird.
Adin Lykken, Glenbard West High School
Adin enjoys his economics and history classes, and he hopes to pursue a political career. “I most admire Michelle Obama, who worked very hard in her youth and serves as an example of a selfless professional. She represents the best of America.” Adin participates with the track and cross country teams, as well as the speech and scholastic teams. Adin’s success factors include organization, discipline, and patience. He also enjoys helping others in both classes and sports. In 2007, Adin received a grant from Youth Venture to begin his own non-profit called Woofin & Hoofin. “This has given me the opportunity to give back to the community, while learning the skills it takes to manage and lead others.” Favorite book: The Talented Mr. Ripley.
Mitch Dzugan, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
“The key to my success in school is my thirst for knowledge. Through this, I have explored and been able to excel in all the school subjects.” Mitch likes physics, band, and math classes and plans to become an engineer. He says he has learned valuable lessons by playing trumpet: “I have learned the value of hard work. But, more importantly, I have also learned that no matter how hard you work, someone will always be better.” Mitch’s favorite teacher is his choir teacher, Mr. Burlace, who inspires his students and shares his love of music. Mitch says he draws inspiration from family members: “I most admire my brother Matt. He is the person I relate to most in my life.” Favorite book: Atlas Shrugged.
Jamie Schertz, Naperville North High School
“I most admire my parents because they are so supportive of everyone in my family. Even if they are busy, they always make time for me. My parents also work hard to accomplish their own goals: my mom runs marathons, and my dad completes Ironman races.” Jamie enjoys English and aspires to become a teacher. She stresses the importance of hard work, respect, and empathy for others. “I am always determined to do my best, whether it’s with school work or in a race,”says Jamie. She enjoys running, scrapbooking and spending time with family. Jamie was most inspired by her experience at the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Ranch in Colorado: “Spending time with girls who shared the same beliefs and attitudes continues to have a positive influence on my life.” Favorite book: Harry Potter.
Taylor Graham, Wheaton North High School
Taylor enjoys math and gym and aspires to play football professionally or coach. He most admires his father “because he is a good man who teaches me everything I need to know about how to be a man.” Taylor says his parents are a key ingredient to his success in school. His favorite teacher is Mr. Samide, because he encourages students to to try every problem and to never give up. Graham says his faith was tested when he injured his ankle during football season: “I had to trust in God that he would take care of me. I have always wanted to play college football and because of my injury, I didn’t get to play a full season, which you need to show colleges. Thankfully, God took care of me.” Favorite Book : The Hatchet.
Margarita Altidis, Naperville Central High School
“I most admire my mother, who has given me all the tools for success and showed me that hard work and determination can pay off.” Margarita enjoys English classes, and hopes to become a high school English teacher. She serves as class president, Freshman mentor, and teaches a youth choir at church. “The keys to success in school are being organized, personable and compassionate with everyone,” says Margarita. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Zientarski, P.E., for teaching her that being a leader is more than just being the boss. “The biggest lesson I have learned is to always look at the bigger picture. A situation is never about one person, and you have to take all factors into consideration in order to be successful.” Favorite book: Walk Two Moons.
Jack Merrithey, Glenbard East High School
“I most admire my father. He has taught me to never give up, even when things could not be worse.” Jack’s favorite classes are math and history, and he also enjoys playing golf. “The keys to my success in school are focus and determination. As long as I take things one at a time and never give up, I feel like I can accomplish anything,” says Jack. His favorite teacher is Mr. McGivern, for making class fun and challenging each day. One of Jack’s most influential experiences was his failure to make the 8th grade basketball team: “Because of that, I decided to work hard and prove that I could do it, despite what others may have thought.” Favorite book: Friday Night Lights.
Caitlin Schwark, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Caitlin enjoys her social studies and plans to pursue a career in education or orthopedic medicine. Her favorite teacher is Mr. Stellwagen, who makes class interesting and easy to understand. “He prepares our class so well and makes every aspect of the class really enjoyable,” says Caitlin. She attributes her success in school to time management and self-motivation. Caitlin’s extracurricular activities include basketball and running. She most admires her family members for their constant support. “My most influential experience was transferring schools in sixth grade and choosing to go to Wheaton Warrenville South. If I hadn’t done that, everything in my life would be different, and I’m so grateful for the high school experiences I have had so far.” Favorite book: The Last Lecture.
Grace Wright, Wheaton Warrenville South High School
Grace has been most encouraged by her grandfather: “He encouraged me to pursue my passions, and always listened with great interest to anything I had to say. He taught me to appreciate the small things in life.” Grace enjoys English and French and aspires to become a film score composer. She plays piano, sings, and enjoys creative writing and drawing. Grace also admires her mother, who started and leads an all-girls show choir at Wheaton Warrenville South. “I try as hard as I can to incorporate my hobbies and passions into my work. When you enjoy what you do, success comes as a bonus.” Favorite book: The Princess Bride.
Nick Linne, Naperville Central High School
Nick’s key success factor is all about attitude: “Walking around with a positive attitude is important. It will carry on and reflect on the people around you.” Nick prefers marketing and English, and he hopes to become a professional athlete or work in advertising. One of Nick’s favorite teachers is Mrs. Bell, who first sparked his interest in accounting. His hobbies include playing football, basketball, and baseball, and he enjoys being part of a team: “Each of my teammates fights for one another. I am lucky to be a part of three great groups of guys. Knowing every day that my teammates will be there for me is a great feeling.” Favorite book: Holes.
Ben Aymond, Naperville North High School
“I discipline myself to work hard both in and outside of school. Although I take school seriously, I value my faith, family and friendships. My parents remind me that balance is important.” Ben enjoys math and hopes to pursue a career in business or economics. He also participates in soccer, tennis, and enjoys learning about cars. Ben’s favorite teacher was his sixth grade math teacher, Mrs. Bryan, for her continued passion for teaching. “I have learned to live more day to day and worry less about the little things. My dad experienced a life-threatening event, which gave me a new outlook on life. Sometimes, life can throw you a curve ball, so it is important to live every day like it’s your last.” Favorite book: Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Meggie Exner, Wheaton North High School
Meggie’s most interesting experience occurred last year on a mission trip to Mexico: “I learned how rewarding mission work is, and I met a group of very welcoming and warm people.” Meggie prefers art and math classes, and she hopes to become a children’s book illustrator. She also participates in track, cross country, and likes drawing and painting. Meggie’s favorite teacher is Mr. Samide, math, for his positive energy and for challenging students to do their best. “I most admire my fellow teammates on the cross country team. There are so many girls on my team who might not get a lot of recognition, but they always try their best anyway.” Favorite book: The Last Lecture.
Michael Wiest, Naperville North High School
Michael enjoys math and plans to pursue a career in education. “My favorite teacher is Mr. Wachtel, my accounting teacher, because he really cares about his students and makes his class fun for us. He is the kind of teacher I hope to become.” Michael also enjoys basketball, football, and sudoku. He most admires Brett Favre, for being a great leader and never giving up. Michael’s most interesting experience was a bike trip across Wisconsin with a group of fifteen families: “We biked 60-100 miles a day for eight days. We also canoed, went bowling, enjoyed the beaches and so much more. I have biked thousands of miles, all while meeting so many great new people along the way.” Favorite book: The Harry Potter series.
Michael Reeves, Lisle High School
“The keys to success in school are a positive attitude, determination, and always doing your best. These are the keys because you can not regret anything when you learn to do your best.” Michael enjoys math and science and hopes to become an elementary school teacher. His extracurricular activities include football, basketball, and track. Michael draws inspiration from the classroom: “I most admire my teacher Mr. Jeagle, who teaches lessons that are applicable both in and outside of the classroom.” He also admires his parents for their constant support. Michael says he learned valuable life lessons through his participation with People to People’s Global Youth Forum in 2007. “I met students from around the world. I learned about child soldiers in Uganda and the genocide in Darfur. I learned about ways to help around the world and how fortunate we are in the United States.” Favorite book: Catcher in the Rye.
Tags:Top Students
