1996-97 All-State Academic Team Members--Front row from left: Sarah Cochrane, Greenville; Elizabeth Graffy, Hoffman Estates (H.S.); Julia Cronin, Dwight; Deanna Pihos, Glen Ellyn (Glenbard South); Colean Lamb, Springfield (H.S.); Stephen Berger, Downers Grove (South); Mark Huber, Hillsboro; Brian Sadowski, LaSalle (L.-Peru). Second Row: Kristin Geraty, Elk Grove Village (E.G.); Sarah Shields, Machesney Park (Harlem); Chase Chavin, Chicago (University); Andrea Scheffler, Dixon; Megan Nowicki, Naperville (Central); DeAnna Clough, Rochester; Leslie Harms, Champaign (Central); Amy Anderson, Chicago (Resurrection); Douglas Callahan, Hinsdale (Central). Back row: Trent Anderson, Palatine (Fremd); Jeffery Cook, Carterville; Michael Peterson, Dunlap; Frank Ackerman, Carmi (C.-White County); Eric Varboncouer, Donovan; Dan Rohlfing, Addison (A. Trail); Richard Silvestrini, Rockton (Hononegah); Artur Orkisz, Elk Grove Village (E.G.).

Melody Aiken, Benton
Phillip Alexander, Mahomet (M.-Seymour)
Deanna Balzano, Chicago (Maria)
Esther Bit-Ivan, Chicago (Mather)
Amy Cash, Farmer City (Blue Ridge)
Brian Cicirello, Chicago (St. Patrick)
Claire Collins, West Frankfort (Frankfort)
Daniel Cravens, Springfield (Lanphier)
Meghan Crisham, Sterling (Newman Central Catholic)
Valerie Dixon, Danville (H.S.)
Douglas Drake, Lincoln
Emily Dust, Lansing (T. F. South)
Alex Fischl, Flossmoor (Homewood-F.)
Mary Fitzpatrick, Crystal Lake (South)
Luke Funk, Pleasant Plains
Michael Gilmartin, Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Christa Harris, Bloomington (Central Catholic)
Kimberly Harris, Northbrook (Glenbrook North)
Jeffrey Heitzman, Mt. Prospect (Prospect)
Drew Hester, Chicago (St. Rita)
Melissa Keca, Braidwood (Reed-Custer)
Erin Kiernicki, Chicago (St. Ignatius)
Katie Kietzman, Paxton (P.-Buckley-Loda)
Christina Klippel, Chatham (Glenwood)
Thomas Leineweber, Evanston (Twp.)
Heidi Lorimor, Plainfield
Theckla Louchios, Palatine (Fremd)
James McFadden, Joliet (Twp.)
Jason Meier, New Berlin
Jennifer Miller, Cisne
Melissa Moran, Burbank (Queen of Peace)
Carla Muntz, Spring Valley (Hall)
Jill Newbold, New Athens
Christopher Parish, Palestine
Kimberly Parks, Hampshire
Brian Pearson, Chicago (Brother Rice)
Nathan Popkins, Byron
Chalie Prisco, Evergreen Park
Brian Reaves, DuQuoin
Rebecca Rettig, Rockford (Auburn)
Jacquelyn Richardson, Sherrard
Todd Rimington, Princeton
Tara Ruth, Rushville
Alexander Stacey, Elmwood Park
Jeremie Studnicki, Wood River (East Alton-W.R.)
Wesley Thompson, Colchester
Dennis Wagner, Camp Point (Central)
Antonia Whalen, Chicago (University)
Jonathan Whelan, Streator (Twp.)
Ryan Wood, Rock Island (Alleman)

FRANK WADE ACKERMAN

Three-sport athlete Frank Wade Ackerman learned the value of sportsmanship during his tenure at Carmi-White County High School. Says Wade, "Winning is not everything. I have learned that being a gentleman on and off the playing field is more important than anything. Exercising good sportsmanship was demanded by all of my coaches. They showed me, through example, that no matter what the score was at the end of a game, we were always winners if we played our best and fought hard and fair."

It's a lesson Wade took to heart as he participated in the Drama, Spanish, Science, Technology and Key Clubs, National Honor Society, 4-H and the school speech team. He has been both president and vice president of his class, and acted as president of the Thespian Troupe, Math Club and both the CWCHS and Little Egypt District Student Councils. "He can get more work done, and do it well, than any other student I have worked with in my twenty-five years at Carmi High School," notes Betty Brown, Student Council Advisor and Drama coach.

But it was on the playing field that Wade learned about commitment and confidence. "Having little natural ability, nothing came easily. My coaches encouraged me to be the very best that I could be through hard work and long hours of practice. In the 1995-6 basketball season our team's starters were five juniors. We struggled every game and ended the season with only five wins. However, my four friends and I set a goal to have a winning season during our senior year. Our coach stood beside us every step of the way, and thus far, we have turned everything around with a record of 18-9 and a top seed in our regional. The hard work and dedication have paid off, and that has been a first-hand lesson I have learned."

Wade was named Honorable Mention All-Conference in both basketball and football, won his team's Hustle Award in basketball, and spent four years on the tennis team as well.

With a 4.0 GPA and a No. 1 rank in a class of 135, Wade plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to study pre-med and liberal arts.

Wade Ackerman represents Board of Directors Division No. 7.

AMY K. ANDERSON
CHICAGO (RESURRECTION)

For four years, Amy K. Anderson has led Resurrection High School by example.

Amy has been at the top of her class since her freshman year, including four straight years as class president. As a senior, she also acted as president of Resurrection's chapter of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Junior Engineering Technological Society, secretary of the Math Club, and captain of both the varsity basketball and volleyball squads.

"I have found there is more to being an athlete than simply developing strength and skill," Amy tells us. "Being involved in athletics through the years has taught me a great deal about discipline and how hard work and dedication always pay off in one way or another. As the captain of both the varsity volleyball and basketball teams at my school, I have also learned that the motivational techniques I use to 'pump up' my teammates before a game are essential to being a good leader on and off the court."

The list of honors Amy has received show her commitment to excellence. As a high school student-athlete, Amy has been named the Chicago Sun Times/ SportsChannel Athlete of the Week; Wendy's High School Heisman Award bronze medalist; Purdue University Math and English scholar; Kiwanis "Encourage Excellence" Award winner; National Merit Finalist; Tandy Technology Scholars nominee; and recipient of the Principal's Leadership Award, among others awards.

She was also named her team's MVP in volleyball, All-Conference in both basketball and volleyball, and All-Area in volleyball.

In addition, Amy broadened her leadership skills as a student ambassador, a peer tutor, a Eucharistic minister, and senior mentor.

It's no wonder Resurrection principal Therese M. Fenney calls Amy Anderson "one of those people who breathe life into an institution."

Amy's 5.78 GPA (on a scale of 5.0) places her first in her class of 209. Her college plans are undecided, but it is clear she will attack college with the same discipline and self-confidence that made her such a special high school student.

Amy represents Board of Directors Division No. 1.


TRENT MARTIN ANDERSON
PALATINE (FREMD)

Golf, the Scholastic Bowl and the Math team are the perfect combination for Fremd's Trent M. Anderson. It seems that Trent's good spirits have served him well in whatever arena he competes.

"Allow me to say this at once," offers his golf coach, Len Flocca. "Trent Anderson is the finest young man I have had on the golf team during my thirty-one years of coaching and teaching at William Fremd High School in Palatine. Trent can and does make wherever he is a better place to be, and he brings out the best in the people around him."

A team leader, he has also been a moving force on the Scholastic Bowl and Math teams. Trent himself was named to the Mid-Suburban League All-Star Scholastic Bowl team.

In addition, he has served as president of the Self Over Service club; vice president of the Class of ’97; reporter on the school newspaper; and as Fremd's delegate to the Illinois Premier Boys' State conference, where he was a candidate for Attorney General, a finalist for the Samsung scholarship, and received Honorable Mention in the essay competition.

Although he has a host of awards — from being named Mr. Fremd to Student Council Rep of the Year, Chrysler Junior Golf Scholar, Toyota Community Leaders Scholarship nominee, Principal's Leadership Award, Spanish Student of the Month, etc. — there is more to Trent Anderson than honors.

Two years in a row, Trent dedicated time and effort to his golf game, yet both times he narrowly missed qualifying for the state finals. Undeterred, Trent went to state as a fan, to cheer on the boys from his team who did qualify. As one of his teammates noted, "Trent's the best player on the team even when he ain't playing."

It's that kind of support and camaraderie, optimism and unflagging good spirits, that make Trent Anderson stand out.

Trent ranks No. 1 in his class of 622 students with a 4.71 (weighted) GPA. He plans to major in civil engineering at Duke, Princeton, or the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Coach Flocca assures us, "Wherever Trent chooses to go to school, the university will be a better place with Trent as a student."

Trent represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.


STEPHEN JOHN BERGER
DOWNERS GROVE (SOUTH)

Some people stop where the paved road ends. And then there are people like Stephen J. Berger, who clear a new path and just keep going.

As captain of the Downer Grove South debate team, Steve saw that membership had declined and morale was low. There wasn't even a faculty coach to be had. So Steve personally took the responsibility of rebuilding the team, including training new debaters, writing orientation materials, and attending debate institutes at the Universities of Michigan and Vermont. "I take pride," he says, "in our current team's size and dedication. This year, I have the pleasure of working with eleven returning debaters and sixteen novices."

It was the same story when it came to French class. Steve had lived in France, and was an exceptional French student. As a junior, he took French V on independent study, and then scored off the charts on the French AP exam. Downers Grove South had never offered French VI, but because of Steve's motivation and ability his French teacher found a way to make it happen.

Steve feels it's a combination of activities — debate, music, and golf — that keep him a balanced person. Debate hones persuasive and competitive skills, music satisfies "an inner hunger to create sounds that represent me," and swimming offers an opportunity to clear his mind and philosophize a little.

Perhaps it's the balance that's made him so successful — Steve was named first chair bassoon in the IMEA All-State Orchestra, earned first place in the IHSA solo contest on piano, participates in the jazz ensemble and marching band at DGS, received the National Council of English achievement award in writing, is a National Merit semifinalist, a member of the National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society, and earned numerous team and individual awards as a debater.

Stephen's 4.7 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) places him in the top 1 percent of his class of 729. Although he is undecided about his college choice, he expects to study international relations, and has already been accepted at Harvard and the University of Illinois.

Stephen J. Berger represents Board of Directors Division No. 3.

DOUGLAS EDWARD CALLAHAN
HINSDALE (CENTRAL)

Hinsdale Central's Douglas Callahan firmly believes that there is a reason athletes are also scholars.

"As ubiquitous as the dumb jock stereotype is," Doug asserts, "scientific evidence has proven that there is actually a positive correlation between athletic ability and intelligence; that is, those people with high athletic ability are more prone to be intelligent than those without.

"The mechanism behind this connection remains hidden (it possibly deals with the development of motor skills in the brain) but such evidence reinforces my personal belief that physical and mental ability are complementary rather than opposing halves of the human body. To me, high school athletics has always served as a helpful counterpart to my academic life, enriching my high school experience as a whole dramatically."

A positive correlation between athletics and intelligence? You might say that Doug — a football player/wrestler/track-and-field athlete/Scholastic Bowl whiz kid — is living proof of that thesis.

Named the "smartest football player in Northern Illinois" by the Chicago Sun-Times, Doug is also a National Merit semifinalist, an Eagle Scout, an AP scholar, a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society, a nominee for the Tandy and Toyota scholarships, and co-captain of the wrestling team.

"Rather than an extra-curricular activity, I view athletics as an integral part of my education," he says.

Venturing outside the world of athletics, Doug has tutored other students, volunteered at two hospitals, and developed a railroad safety program for Boy Scouts.

Valedictorian of his class, Doug has earned a 5.95 GPA on a scale of 6.0, ranking him No. 1 in his class of 428. He plans to attend Princeton University to study pre-med. Perhaps he'll be looking into that mysterious mechanism that ties intelligence and athletics together.

Doug represents Board of Directors Division No. 3.

CHASE CHAVIN
CHICAGO (UNIVERSITY)

Chase Chavin is unique among our All-State Academic team.

His remarkable achievements in sports and academia would set him apart in almost any group, but it's his status as an identical twin that makes him unique here. Perhaps that status gave him early insights into teamwork and competition. Whatever the story, it's obvious his is a special story.

And, twin or not, Chase Chavin is a singular individual. He combines a heady blend of brain power — Math team recognition honors, a science excellence award, a nominee for the Eunice McGuire writing award, a National Merit finalist, no grade below an A in his four years at the University of Chicago Lab School — with basketball, tennis, cross country and soccer, and then manages to find time for major amounts of community service.

A Peer Leader at school, Chase steers sophomores in their own field work. He has also tutored elementary school students, participated in community initiatives, worked on behalf of Amnesty International, helped out inner city kids in a Saturday park program, and this year he co-heads an organization called Empty Bowls, which creates and sells clay bowls to benefit a local food pantry and soup kitchen.

He is also a Peer Health Leader, which involves disseminating health information and mentoring younger students. As part of a continuing interest in health and medicine, Chase volunteered at the U of C asthma lab to help with ongoing asthma research. Asthmatic himself, he "seized the opportunity to take this trial and make it into a triumph," says counselor William E. Tracy.

But amid all that academic excellence, he admits he has a passion for basketball, with a trip to Los Angeles's Maccabi Games in 1995, and an ISL championship in 1996 with his Maroon team. In tennis, Chase is a 3-time All-Conference selection, 3-time state qualifier, and 2-time sectional champ (all in doubles).

Chase's perfect 4.0 GPA has garnered him the No. 1 spot in his class of 109 at the University of Chicago Lab School.

Chase Chavin represents Board of Directors Division No. 1.

DEANNA CLOUGH
ROCHESTER

A four-year starter on the Rochester High School volleyball and basketball teams, DeAnna Clough hit the High Honors Honor Roll every semester of her high school career, meaning she never saw any grade less than an A. In addition to volleyball and basketball, DeAnna competed in soccer for four years, and Scholastic Bowl for two.

When faculty members at Rochester High School speak of DeAnna, they return to the same themes of dedication, determination, and a generous spirit.

"I believe DeAnna's tremendous success is directly related to her commitment for excellence not only in her own academic ability, but in her desire to see a better world," says Deirdre Zobrist, chairman of the Foreign Language department at Rochester.

Teacher/coach Kate Ruggless echoes that theme of an unselfish nature. "As a competitor, DeAnna competes both on and off the court. Her extra athletic activities are evidence of her dedication to athletic excellence, not just to enhance herself, but to help others become more competitive."

DeAnna's competitive success is clear in every part of her eclectic life. She is a member of the National Honor Society, the German National Honor Society and JETS, the recipient of the Tandy Technology Scholar Award, numerous science fair awards (including outstanding paper and project in IJAS Region 10), three national Gold Key awards for art projects, a math award, and Principal's Leadership Award.

Her community activities include work with food pantries and basket projects, holiday deliveries to shut-ins, and summer basketball and volleyball camps.

"In addition to the many lessons I have learned in sports," DeAnna says, "I have further developed my skills in the areas of cooperation, understanding and self-determination."

With a perfect 4.0 GPA, DeAnna is ranked first in her class of 124. Her college plans will take her to the University of Illinois to study mechanical engineering, with a minor in biomedical engineering.

DeAnna represents Board of Directors Division No. 6.

SARAH ELIZABETH COCHRANE
GREENVILLE

Greenville's Sarah Cochrane lists 29 separate activities that occupied her throughout her high school career, ranging from math team to pep club to school newspaper and yearbook; from JETS team to Key Club to Sunday School teacher; from swing choir to Student Council to president of her sophomore class to four years in supporting roles in the school musical.

And that list of 29 doesn't count four years of volleyball, two years of track and band, and three years of chorus.

That's a pretty heady achievement for someone who also took the most challenging courses her high school had to offer.

"Sarah's academic record speaks for itself in that she ranks first in her class and has taken an extremely rigorous curriculum throughout high school," says her guidance counselor, Mary Anna Freeland. "At a young age, Sarah was diagnosed with diabetes. She dealt with her illness as a challenge to meet rather than as an obstacle which stood in her way. She is mature far beyond her years."

English and journalism instructor Kathy Stone also notes Sarah's grace under pressure. "As a sophomore, Sarah exhibited notable maturity when she entered the local Optimists speech contest, delivered with poise an excellent speech to local community leaders, and won the high school competition."

No stranger to competition, Sarah is a five-time letter winner (track and volleyball) and an Illinois state scholar, took first place in the ensemble category in IHSA solo/ensemble contests (94, 95, 96), was named D.A.R.E. Community youth role model as well as MVP of her summer swim team, and also won an I Dare You Leadership award.

As guidance counselor Freeland concludes, Sarah Cochrane "is truly one of the best!"

Ranked No. 1 out of 145 seniors, Sarah is co-valedictorian of the Class of ’97 at Greenville High School. She has achieved a flawless 4.0 GPA, with no grade less than an A (even including extra, non-GPA courses like band, chorus and PE). In college, she will study architecture.

Sarah represents Board of Directors Division No. 7.

JEFFERY KENNETH COOK
CARTERVILLE

"If it seems like Jeff Cook has it all," Carterville High School principal Tim Bleyer tells us, "he truly does. He is outstanding in every way."

Let's count a few of the ways:

• Four-year class president.
  
• Four-year starter on Carterville's 3A state championship football team, twice named to the Black Diamond All-Conference defensive team.
  
• Student Chairman of the Children First campaign in support of a school bond referendum.
  
• Member of the National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, National Merit Finalist.
  
• Winner of Discover Card Gold Tribute, Lions Club Junior Citizenship and Tylenol Scholarship awards.
  
• Three-year features editor on the school newspaper.
  
• Competitor in Scholastic Bowl, Junior/Senior Olympiad and JETS.
  

Still, it wasn't an easy ride. "Athletics and I got off to a rocky start," he says. "I moved to Carterville in the middle of my third-grade year. The adjustment left me with a lack of confidence, especially in the realm of sports. My dad tried to convince me to play football, only to be continually met by my stubborn refusal."

How did he get from there to a state championship? "I had to come out of my comfort zone if I was ever going to conquer my fears. He told me then, as he still tells me now, that sometimes in life you have to do things that are not easy or comfortable."

And as for that trophy: "We believed in that dream with all our hearts. We had faith in each other and refused to let anything stand in the way of our ultimate goal. We accomplished that goal and brought home to our small town of Carterville more than just a trophy. We brought home a lesson that has molded our character. We learned that faith, commitment and perseverance are the marks of a true champion."

After asking school leaders to individualize their curriculum to offer him the most academically challenging classes possible, Jeff ranks No. 1 in his class of 127 with a 5.02 GPA (on a 5.0 scale). He has chosen to attend George Washington University to study political communication.

Jeff represents Board of Directors Division No. 7.

JULIA CRONIN
DWIGHT

With high school experience in volleyball, basketball, track, cross country, and softball, Dwight Township High School's Julia Cronin has tried it all.

Why so many different sports? "High school is a time to grow and learn," Julia tells us, "a time to try new things and experience the joy of a rival victory or a sectional defeat. It is a time for students to participate in activities they never dreamed of trying."

Dreaming big seems to have worked very well for Julia, and made her into a very well-rounded young lady, willing to take on challenges at home and elsewhere.

"Good examples of this are Julia's European trip as a Rotary foreign exchange student and her work as a page for the U.S. House of Representatives," notes Patricia R. Tucker-Ladd, Superintendent of Schools in Dwight.

With all that behind her, Julia says she has learned the value of giving 110 percent every time she tries. "I have learned," she says, "that the person on the bench yelling is just as essential to the team as the person shooting free throws. I have learned that each runner in a race faces his or her own battle...that it is important to support each individual where they are."

Julia ends her high school career as a National Merit Commended Scholar, an Illinois State Scholar, a Kankakee Journal All-Area Student-Athlete, Academic All-Conference, a member of the National Honor Society, a nominee for Wendy's High School Heisman, two-year winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy award, four-year captain of the "Mathletes" team, three-year member of the Scholastic Bowl team, four-year band member, editor of the yearbook staff, and winner of the Xerox award for humanities and social science.

In her community, Julia has been active in many church activities as well as Habitat for Humanity and a peer advisor program working with elementary and high school students.

With a weighted GPA of 4.23 (on a 4.0 scale) and a No. 1 ranking in her class of 76, Julia looks forward to studying international business, economics and politics when she attends college.

Julia represents Board of Directors Division No. 5.

KRISTIN GERATY
ELK GROVE VILLAGE (E.G.)

Every member of the All-State Academic team combines a sterling record in the classroom with athletics or activities. Elk Grove's Kristin Geraty goes one step further, tackling — and conquering — academics, athletics, and a whole range of fine arts.

"In a society where people tend to focus the majority of their time on a single aspect of their life, I am proud of the fact that I am not solely a musician, athlete, writer or student, but rather an individual who has managed to blend all of these things together to make a more complete person," Kristin says.

"My experiences with band, choir, orchestra, three sports, student council, and the school newspaper have made me aware of the many different personalities that exist. But more importantly, they have allowed me to experience the thrill of making a shot at the buzzer, the anxiety of performing a marching band show, the devastation of losing a championship, and the intimacy of sharing all of those feelings with my teammates and peers."

Kristin is a stand-out in every single one of her chosen fields — All-Conference and MVP in volleyball, a member of the varsity basketball team as a freshman, a member of the All-State Band, managing editor of the school newspaper, drum major for the marching band, principal clarinet in the orchestra, a member of the homecoming court, a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. In addition, she has been a member of the Youth Symphony of DuPage and the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Youth Symphony Orchestra, and she writes a column for the Daily Herald.

She has put her writing skills to a different use this year — she is tutoring other students in Elk Grove's writing lab.

Kristin ranks No. 13 in her class of 410 students with a 5.26 (weighted) GPA. Still taking delight in diversity, she plans to double-major in English and music at the University of Notre Dame.

Kristin represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.

ELIZABETH A. GRAFFY
HOFFMAN ESTATES (H.S.)

To Elizabeth Graffy, athletics and activities are all about lessons learned. In fact, because of her extracurricular experiences, she's amazed at how much she's grown and matured since she was a freshman at Hoffman Estates High School. "I see the kids who only set foot in the school between the hours of 7:30 and 2:45 and I ask myself, How do they learn all the lessons I've learned? When?"

And what exactly has Liz learned?

"I have learned the virtues of patience and listening and when to act or speak up," she says. "I've realized that competitiveness doesn't necessarily mean cutthroat animosity and that losing the game doesn't mean you're a loser. I used to thrive on compliments, but now I know that I don't need the praise of others to feel good about my accomplishments, and it's okay to be proud of yourself."

When you're Liz Graffy, you have a lot to be proud of.

A four-year member of the volleyball team, she was named Honorable Mention All-Area as a senior. She also played two years of basketball, and ran two years of track and field, including being named Most Improved and All-Conference for the 1600 relay as a junior. She's been involved with junior and senior class government, Student Council, peer mediation, the National Honor Society, Varsity Club, WYSE, and the math team, and was a state qualifier for the math team as a sophomore.

Outside the classroom, Liz serves as a math tutor, a church baby-sitter, a hospital volunteer, and an American Cancer Society volunteer.

"Liz is one of those students that comes your way every twenty years or so," says her geography teacher, Tim Little. "If you are lucky enough to have her as a student, an athlete, a participant or a volunteer, you can look at your next twenty years with renewed confidence. Liz is a committed, dedicated and involved person who has unselfishly given of herself to others. I am truly honored to be her teacher."

Ranked No. 1 in her class of 527 at Hoffman Estates High School, Liz intends to pursue an academic career in biomedical engineering and biochemistry.

Elizabeth Graffy represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.

LESLIE HARMS
CHAMPAIGN (CENTRAL)

In addition to her many other accomplishments, Champaign Central's Leslie Harms is also a very fine writer. Illustrating the skills learned as features editor of her high school newspaper, Leslie writes, "I decided, in a tribute to my Norwegian grandfather, to treat high school as a smorgasbord and sample as much as I could put on my plate.

"It's been a wonderful meal.

"I have played varsity tennis, basketball, soccer, and track, and I will graduate with ten varsity letters. I have been captain of both the tennis and basketball squads. I played in the state tennis tournament twice, made three goals in soccer, pulled down 278 rebounds, scored 153 baskets and missed almost as many free throws, and very briefly held the school record for the two-mile relay. Athletics have allowed me to shake hands with Jackie Joyner-Kersee, play guard and center in the same basketball game, and lose (decisively but gracefully) to the eventual state champions in both basketball and tennis."

Leslie has also found outlets in the world of performing arts, where she's sung madrigal tunes, danced to show choir songs, accompanied the choir on the piano, and performed in vocal ensembles. She sang and danced in productions of "Fame" and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," and topped off her acting career by playing two roles in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" — the butler and the rear end of the camel!

Given that experience, it's not surprising that Leslie says she knows when to lead and when to follow.

Leslie has been active in many groups, ranging from Math and Spanish Club to the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, Quill and Scroll, and J.E.T.S. She is a National Merit Finalist, and has received the Big Twelve Scholar Athlete Award three times.

How is it possible to accomplish all this? Once again, Leslie Harms puts it best herself:

"I've learned to prioritize, to be efficient, and to operate at times on an insufficient amount of sleep... As my Norwegian grandfather would say, 'Takk for god matten.' Thanks for the great meal!"

Her 5.0 GPA placed her 5th (weighted rank) in a class of 278 after the seventh semester, and she plans to attend the University of Michigan to study pre-med.

Leslie is from Board of Directors Division No. 5.

MARK HUBER
HILLSBORO

When Mark Huber of Hillsboro says high school has taught him how to plan ahead and prioritize, he knows what he's talking about.

With four years of cross country, basketball, baseball, choir and show choir, a year of band, and three years as the lead in the school operetta behind him, Mark had plenty of items to pencil in on his schedule.

He succeeded so well at athletics that he was named to two All-Tournament teams in basketball, and was one of only two starters from the freshman team still playing as a senior.

Still, Mark remains firm that he always gave his in-class curriculum top priority. That emphasis on education earned him Academic All-Conference, Boatmen's Student of the Month and Illinois State Scholar honors, as well as membership in the National Honor Society.

At Hillsboro, Mark acted as a class officer three times, including president of his senior class. He was also active in Student Council, Spanish Club, Key Club, Varsity Club, WYSE and his church choir.

"Through four years participation in organizations, clubs, and especially sports, I have learned how to accomplish goals as part of a group effort," Mark tells us. "As a class officer and member of student council, I have learned respect for others' opinions and compromise in my own... As a member of the show choir and three sports teams, I have seen how every person involved in a project is equally important to group achievement."

When it comes to Mark's own achievements, his teachers mention his personality, moral standards, determination, initiative, loyalty and leadership. Marks' freshman basketball coach, Ronald E. Deabenderfer, says of Mark Huber, "His leadership on the floor was as important as his shooting ability."

Mark's 5.08 GPA (on a 5.0 scale) places him No. 1 in his class of 141. Mark will attend the United States Naval Academy to study nuclear engineering.

Mark represents Board of Directors Division No. 6.

COLEAN ANN LAMB
SPRINGFIELD (H.S.)

Springfield High School thinks so much of Colean Lamb that they voted her this year's Homecoming Queen.

"She is always the person students and staff look toward for leadership in projects around the school," says principal William A. Scheffler.

And no wonder. Colean Lamb has done a lot to put herself front and center in her class, with ten varsity letters, numerous awards and activities, and all-around excellence since she began as a freshman.

In volleyball, Colean earned MVP honors her freshman year. She was All-Conference Academic as a sophomore, All-Conference Honorable Mention as a junior, won the Varsity Hustle Award both her junior and senior years, and co-captained the team as a senior.

Basketball tells more of the same story — Colean was All-Conference Academic as a sophomore, won the Hardest Worker award as a junior, and became co-captain as a senior.

And then there's soccer. How about being named All-State Downstate Eleven First Team? All-Sectional First Team? All-Conference First Team? Colean's got 'em all, plus All-Conference Honorable Mention as a sophomore and All-Conference Academic all four years.

She's won SHS's DAR Good Citizen Award and been named their female athlete of the month, as well as WTAX radio's Athlete of the Month and the State Journal-Register's Female Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

At school, Colean has participated in Student Council, the Philos service organization, JETS, the math and French clubs, the student advisory council, the school improvement team, and acted as treasurer of her senior class.

She is also a chem lab assistant, and volunteers at Ronald McDonald House and the Springfield Art Association.

Colean has earned a 5.47 (weighted) GPA on a scale of 5.0, ranking No. 3 in her class of 259. She plans to major in engineering at Duke University.

Colean represents Board of Directors Division No. 6.

MEGAN A. NOWICKI
NAPERVILLE (CENTRAL)

"Come on, Megan. You can do it!" Those are the words Naperville Central's Megan Nowicki lives by.

As a cross country runner, she heard her coach give her that very pep talk, as Megan strained to push harder, to reach the finish line in time to send her team to the state finals.

As Megan tells the story, the finish line drew near, and her attention focused on the chute and the runner before her.

"'Come on, Megan...you can do it,' my mind shouts, propelling my legs past pain and into submission. 'Come on, Megan...you can do it.' Gradually, my body responds, gliding across the course in hot pursuit of my goal. Faster and faster my feet fly, eventually edging past the girl before me and across the line. Hands on my knees, sweat trickling into my eyes, I realize that I have done it, that we have done it. Our team is going to the State meet!

"In those exhausted few moments, I realized how special an experience a simple race had turned out to be. The feeling that comes with the achievement of a goal is indescribable; that moment was one I will never forget."

A four-year member of the cross country team, Megan was also a four-year basketball player, with three years on the track and field team. She was president of the Student Council twice (as a sophomore and again as a senior), on the student advisory committee all four years, a staff writer for the school newspaper, and a volunteer for students with special needs.

Her honors include seven semesters of High Honor Roll, National Honor Society, Academic All-Conference all four years in cross country, basketball and track, All-Conference in cross country as a senior, and varsity captain of both the cross country and basketball teams.

All of those achievements are pretty impressive, but as Naperville Central Athletic Director Marty Bee notes, "Anyone can list activities and honors. Megan Nowicki lives her list every day. She is an energizer, organizer, an active participant in life."

Megan ranks 20th in her class of 630 at Naperville Central, with a 4.46 GPA (on a scale of 4.0). Megan foresees a college career at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she will major in secondary education.

Megan Nowicki represents Board of Directors Division No. 3.

ARTUR PATRYK ORKISZ
ELK GROVE VILLAGE (E.G.)

Only five years after Artur Patryk Orkisz emigrated from Poland to America — speaking no English — he wrote an essay chosen by the President of the United States for inclusion in a speech.

Five years after he arrived on American soil, his words were heard 'round the world. Seven-and-a-half years after his arrival, he will graduate from Elk Grove High School with the highest honors and accolades the school has to offer.

About his remarkable essay and the President's speech, his counselor Maxine Levy says, "All the attention reinforced Artur's determination to be his own person and to be proud of his Polish heritage — the work ethic, the culture, and the values that go with it. He likes being different. Through his essay on education used in part by President Clinton, his work with the World of Difference, Student Council and Varsity Club, and his helping others less skilled than he, Artur is most certainly leading by example and establishing his own path."

To say Artur Orkisz has become acclimated to the U.S. is an understatement.

He has spent four years on the basketball, tennis and math teams, with two years in the Science Olympiad. In 1996, he placed 2nd in the MSL in singles in tennis, and was honorary captain of the basketball team all four years. He has participated in Student Council, the Senior Class Board, yearbook staff, Youth in Government program, and the National Honor Society, including organizing projects such as the READ-A-THON to raise money for the American Cancer Society. He is also a National Merit Commended Scholar.

Artur lists the opportunity to make new friendships on the basketball team as among his most memorable experiences, as well as becoming a writing tutor and acting as a counselor for sixth graders. "I discovered," he says, "that nothing is more rewarding than being able to help someone and put a smile on that person's face."

Artur's 5.37 (weighted) GPA has earned him the No. 3 ranking in his class of 410. He hopes to attend Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service to study political science and pre-law.

Artur represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.

MICHAEL E. PETERSON
DUNLAP

The building blocks of Michael Peterson's success are leadership, pride, teamwork, and perseverance.

He has created a firm foundation through his high school years at Dunlap, learning leadership as he became involved with school organizations, pride and self-confidence from musical performance and competition, and the concepts of teamwork and perseverance through golf and basketball.

"Golf has especially built my confidence because I had to work hard to improve my game over the four years," Mike says. "Our varsity basketball team has not had the best record the past two years, and I have had to learn how to deal with disappointment while still keeping a positive attitude."

That positive attitude has carried him to much success, with no grade lower than an A in his high school career. He was named MVP in golf, Most Improved Player in basketball, and took a first rating in trumpet solo in the band state contest. He has advanced to state in JETS, participated in the Leadership Lab, National Young Leaders Conference, Kappa Chi church youth group, Habitat for Humanity, Heart of Illinois Harvest, the Race for the Cure, Student Council, the National Honor Society, and the Key Club. He has also served as vice president of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) the past two years.

An Illinois State Scholar, Mike received his school's SAR award, was a nominee for Wendy's High School Heisman, and was named a Purdue University Junior Scholar.

"Never have I met a young man with so many outstanding traits as Mike Peterson," writes William R. Collier, Superintendent of Schools for the Dunlap district. "He is the best of the best and will someday bring much honor to his school, his family his community, his church and himself."

With a perfect 4.0 GPA and a No. 1 ranking in his class of 141, Mike will attend Bradley University's Foster College of Business on an academic scholarship through the Department of Accounting.

Michael E. Peterson represents Board of Directors Division No. 4.

DEANNA NICOLE PIHOS
GLEN ELLYN (GLENBARD SOUTH)

You'll find Deanna Pihos in a lot of arenas — on volleyball and basketball courts, on the softball diamond, even arguing motions as the lead attorney on one of the best mock trial teams in the state.

But you'll also find Deanna smiling from the front of a brochure for "Seniors Helping Seniors," which asks high school seniors to reach out and make a difference in the lives of the elderly. Deanna Pihos invented it.

"I fell...and I mean, fell hard, in volleyball," she explains. "I had literally broken my back to score the point. But without the freedom of time with which I had suddenly been blessed, I might never have discovered that there were other possibilities in the world to explore, like when I discovered Mrs. Muzzy. She was half-blind and had no family, so having time on my hands, I asked her if she needed someone to do any errands. Before I knew it, I was at Mrs. Muzzy's house every day and we had become friends. Beneath her surface I heard a wisdom I could gain nowhere else. This to me was a real education."

After recovering from her back injury, Deanna led her volleyball team to an undefeated conference championship. For the second year in a row, she was named team and MVP, selected for the All-Conference team, and given All Area Honorable mention. A three-sport team captain, Deanna led her softball team to a conference championship as well, and was three times named MVP of her club swim team.

She is a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar, a Saturday Scholar, and a regional and state winner in Odyssey of the Mind. She has participated in a legion of projects and activities, ranging from the Space Academy to the Pacific Gardens Mission soup kitchen.

After the sixth semester, Deanna had achieved a 5.22 GPA (on a 5.0 scale), earning a rank of 21 in her class of 289 at Glenbard South. Although she has not yet made a final decision on which college to attend, she looks forward to a studying pre-law.

Deanna represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.

DAN ROHLFING
ADDISON (A. TRAIL)

Addison Trail's Dan Rohlfing is the most well-rounded student of his graduating class, according to his math teacher, David T. Porter.

What constitutes "well-rounded"? Maybe it's spending four years on the basketball team (three years as captain), four years on the tennis team (one year as captain), and a year on the varsity academic team; being honored as English department student of the quarter and Social Studies student of the month; putting in extra service as an enthusiastic volunteer and political activist, a member of the band and the orchestra, and an Eagle Scout.

"When I feel that I have done my best in something, it makes me work harder in everything else I do," Dan says.

When you look at all that he's doing, you realize just how hard that means Dan's working.

Maybe that's why he was named Most Improved Player in both basketball and tennis.

Maybe that's why he's received the Order of the Arrow in scouting, School District 88's Best award, Addison Trail High School's Best award and SAR award, scored the highest possible mark on the AP American History Exam, hit High Honor Roll four years in a row, and was named to Addison Trail's Homecoming Court.

It's Dan's attitude that makes his basketball coach, Matt Thompson, think of him as a winner. "The leadership skills that he has shown have had a tremendous impact on our team. He is consistently one of the hardest workers, both in practice and in games. Dan has always been a player who puts the 'team' first and 'me' second. This attitude has not only made him a role model, but also a favorite among the players in the entire program. His individual ability as well as his ability to make his teammates better are two key factors to the success our team has enjoyed."

Dan ranks No. 2 in his class of 466, and he has earned a 4.68 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). His college plans will include a computer science or business major.

Dan represents Board of Directors Division No. 2.

BRIAN M. SADOWSKI
LASALLE (L.-PERU)

"Outward bound, a ready adventurer." That's how LaSalle-Peru High School teacher Harriette Gillespie describes her student, Brian Sadowski.

You might understand why when you hear that Brian completed a massive manuscript for Ms. Gillespie's class, wherein he envisioned himself as a time traveler, encountering fictional characters created by Hemingway, Oates, Faulkner, and Stafford.

That's a pretty heady adventure all by itself, casting a little light on a bright and talented student with a passion for learning.

That learning wasn't limited to the classroom. "Involvement in sports throughout my high school career has been an excellent personal enrichment," he writes. "I have learned more about responsibility and leadership and realize that the best reason to do my best is the joy of success."

Brian discovered the joy of success with four years on the golf and tennis teams. As a senior, he was chosen captain of the golf team and recognized for having the lowest average. He was also honored two years in a row for leadership, sportsmanship, scholarship, and golf ability.

Brian was an active participant in the Spanish and Science Clubs, JETS/WYSE, as well as Green Club, math and computer clubs, and the President's Club. A two-year Peer Tutor, he found time for volunteer activities at food pantries, blood drives and his church.

Perhaps it is the breadth of his interests that has given him an interest in diversity and a healthy curiosity about the world. Says his teacher, "He was in the classroom because he wanted to be there. He had questions to ask, experiences and reading to share, and a willingness to take on any challenging assignment to see where it might take him. What I remember is his interest, his attention, his probing question. It came from the heart."

Brian Sadowski....outward bound, a ready adventurer.

Ranked No. 1 in his class of 289 at LaSalle-Peru, Brian enjoys a 4.88 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). College life will find Brian at Rice University, where he will begin a career in medicine.

Brian represents Board of Directors Division No. 5.

ANDREA ROXANNE SCHEFFLER
DIXON

At Dixon High School, A stands for Andrea. Andrea Scheffler, who will graduate at the top of the Class of ’97, has never had a grade lower than A at Dixon High.

But in Andrea's life, A stands for academics, athletics...and attitude.

Andrea's attitude is positive and determined. It's the attitude that made her a three-year starter on her basketball team, carrying her through four years of track, a year of volleyball, and another year of cross country. It's the attitude that earned her the Hustle award in track, the Hardest Practice Player award in basketball, and the Most Dedicated award in cross country.

She's been named NCIC All-Academic in three sports, NCIC Honorable Mention in basketball, DHS/Amcore Student of the Month, a Rotary Youth Leader and an Illinois State Scholar.

And yet part of her winning spirit is cooperative, not competitive.

"Working with my teammates for four years to achieve a common goal was one of my greatest experiences," Andrea says. "Eleven girls who never would have been friends became friends because we all held one common goal."

That ability to make friends sets her apart, according to the teachers who know her best.

"It is a rare moment when her warm, friendly smile is not shared with those around her," writes Merlin W. Willard of Dixon's English department. "And in all of Andrea's efforts, there is not a hint of self-serving. She is purely genuine and considerate."

As a student, she's been involved with the Key Club, Student Council, Math League, National Honor Society and Foreign Language Club, and acted as secretary/treasurer of her sophomore class. Outside the classroom, she's sold peanuts for the Kiwanis, rung bells for the Salvation Army, played bingo at nursing homes, and helped out at the Special Olympics.

"Andrea Scheffler holds high standards for herself academically, athletically and in her personal life," notes Dean of Students Rockton L. Gentry. "Her work ethic and compassion set her apart from her peers."

A 4.07 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) places Andrea No. 1 in her class of 232. She will major in accounting or finance in college, as she prepares for a career in business.

Andrea Scheffler represents Board of Directors Division No. 4.

SARAH SHIELDS
MACHESNEY PARK (HARLEM)

In Sarah Shields' opinion, involvement is the most essential part of high school.

"When asked to give one important piece of advice to future high school students, my advice is to get involved," Sarah writes. "Whether it is an athletic team or a community organization, all are important."

She adds, "As I look back upon my high school career, I have found it advantageous to be involved. I believe my participation in school, community and church activities is equipping me for the future. It instills a great pride for my school and creates memories for a lifetime."

Combining volleyball, basketball, softball, JETS, math team, Young Life — and playing the harp — Sarah has learned how to make beautiful music out of all her activities.

Her harp has enabled her to earn funds for college, as well as entertain at church and community events. It's also earned her an Illinois Summer Youth Music Achievement award.

But volleyball at Machesney Park Harlem has given her even more recognition. Team captain for three years, she was named MVP and All-Conference First Team as a senior, plus All-Conference Honorable Mention as a junior.

She was twice team captain in basketball as well, and named a Rising Star by the Rockford Register Star. Treasurer of her sophomore class and vice president of her junior class, Sarah has been involved with Student Council, Target Committee, Student PRIDE, JETS, the math team, SADD and DARE. She is a member of the National Honor Society and received a Red Ribbon Youth Award for drug awareness.

Sarah has been honored as a four-year Scholar Athlete in both volleyball and basketball, and a three-year Scholar Athlete in softball.

Sarah's 4.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) places her No. 7 in her class of 401 at Harlem High School. As she looks forward to college, Sarah has decided to pursue a major in dentistry, although she has not as yet selected a school.

Sarah represents Board of Directors Division No. 4.

RICHARD SILVESTRINI
ROCKTON (HONONEGAH)

Rockton Hononegah's Rick Silvestrini is a real Renaissance man.

He's even received the Renaissance Student award nine out of nine possible semesters, making it official.

According to English department coordinator Barbara LaSalle, this irrepressible young man, "comfortable discussing a foreign film or a play with the same passion he exhibits playing football," has Renaissance written all over him. LaSalle continues, "His gifts and enthusiasm span the academic, the fine arts, pop culture, and just plain rowdiness. Because of his prodigious talent in many areas, he eagerly participates in all arenas of school and community life."

His r�sum� bears her out, with four years of football, basketball, track, Scholastic Bowl, Spanish club and AFS; three years as a soccer coach at the South Beloit Boys Club, three years of Natural Helpers and Students Orienting Students, two years of math team, the school newspaper and the Student Leadership Council, and volunteer stints at the local library and recycling center.

But Rick Silvestrini is also a man with a mind of his own.

Listen to this anecdote Ms. LaSalle tells about the Renaissance Man: "When school spirit was dampened [at Hononegah], Rick found ways to curtail obnoxious behavior, have fun and involve many students and faculty. His tailgate breakfasts stand as a new tradition at Hononegah, and his involvement of local media in homecoming, the contests among teachers, and competition among students created an exciting atmosphere within the parameters of behaving well. Rick Silvestrini makes a difference in every area of his experience."

A National Merit Finalist and Illinois State Scholar, Rick received the Best Attitude award for football in 1996. About his own experiences as a scholar/athlete, Rick says, "Every day, sports are making a difference in the lives of young adults. I know, because they made a difference in mine. I am proud to be a student athlete."

With a 6.64 GPA (on a 6.0 scale), Rick is ranked No. 2 in his class of 366. He will attend the University of Notre Dame to study mechanical engineering.

Rick represents Board of Directors Division No. 4.

ERIC VARBONCOUER
DONOVAN

Most valuable offensive and defensive lineman in football, twice MVP in basketball, Scholastic Bowl MVP, president of Student Council, vice president of the National Honor Society, a National Merit finalist, four years of straight A's, number one in his class... Is it any wonder Eric Varboncouer is called "Mr. Everything" at Donovan High School?

Eric certainly didn't shy away from participating in everything, in keeping himself challenged in high school, taking on activities from 4-H to JETS to the senior class appeals committee.

"Extracurricular activities have shown me how to work with people, the value of hard work, and the importance of challenging myself," he says. "I feel these lessons that I have learned outside the classroom are just as important to my educational experience as the ones that were taught through books and teachers. I feel that I can confidently declare that every hour I spent in the locker room, on the court, or in a heated debate about school policy, has made me into a better person who will be able to deal with whatever life has to offer."

Don't doubt his word. Anyone who has this many awards — DAR Good Citizenship, U.S. Army Reserves Scholar-Athlete, first-team All-Conference in football twice, All-County and All-Conference in Scholastic Bowl, first-team All-Area, All-Conference and All-County in basketball, four years of High Honor Roll, Illinois State Scholar — knows how to accomplish what he sets out to.

He's even won the Most Spirited award for football and the Most Accurate Typist award, just to keep things interesting.

"There are not enough positive words to describe the impact he has had on the school, the student body and everyone with whom he comes into contact," offers Mary Fisher-Miller, principal and counselor in Donovan. Mr. Everything, indeed.

His 4.30 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) places him 1st in his class of 32, and he plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan University to study pre-med. Eric's future plans include a career in pediatric medicine.

Eric represents Board of Directors Division No. 5.