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Kristel E. Adler, Belleville (East)
Jason Alonzo, Rockford (Auburn)
Kristel Erika Adler Kristel Adler began her running career by being lapped in her first 1600-meter race and finished last. Yet this setback did not drive her away from the mile; it simply made her more determined to conquer the distance. She has truly gone the "extra mile" many times while a student-athlete at Belleville East High School. Kristel is a four-year member and co-captain of the volleyball and track teams, a treasurer for Student Council, co-president of the German Club, vice-president of the German Honor Society and member of the Math Club. No longer is Kristel getting lapped in track. She qualified for the IHSA State Track and Field meet last year and placed in the top 25 for the 3200-meter race. Her determination in running transferred to other activities. She was named most inspirational player in volleyball, and played on the state volleyball team. She is a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society, the recipient of the Bausch & Lomb Science Award, the Illinois Lieutenant Governor's Award, named AT&T Student of the Month and the Gateway Young Achiever. She placed 3rd in the State Math Contest and 2nd in the WYSE science and engineering regional. In her nominating essay Kristel writes: "Dedication, determination, perseverance and the value of teamwork are just a small sampling of the numerous lessons that I have learned through my involvement in sports and activities. Yet I have not only merely learned these lessons, I have experienced them." Kristel's cumulative grade point average is 4.921 on a 4.0 scale, she ranks first in a class of 559 and is hoping to attend Stanford University studying electrical or mechanical engineering. Her principal is Mr. Gerald Rains and Kristel represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 7. Adam Beagley As president of the Lake Park chapter of the National Honor Society, Adam Beagley is described as having the four ideals of the organization: superior scholarship, character, leadership, and service to school and community. Adam is a four-year member of the Lake Park track and cross country teams, and a two-year member of the Scholastic Bowl team. He has brought that dedication and adherence all parts of his high school experience. Adam puts the impact of his interscholastic activities into perspective when he writes in his nominating essay, "A student cannot obtain a complete education by merely attending classes and taking tests. The educational experience is clearly enhanced by participation in sports and activities." Adam has also added to his own
high standards by being involved in a large number
of activities, including committee chairperson of
the Student Council, captain of the Math Team and
patrol leader of the Boys Scouts. He has been
recognized with the Human Relations Award, the
Lieutenant Governor's Award for Academic
Excellence, and has earned scouting's highest
rank, that of Eagle Scout. He has helped organize
Thanksgiving food drives, school supply drives,
and other projects. Adams observes, "I enjoy
all my activities too much to choose a favorite.
Participation in extra-curricular activities has
taught me to manage my time better." His school principal is Martin R. Quinn, and Adam represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No 2. Joseph Binder Joseph Binder's formula for success involves outstanding concentration on whatever activity is important at the moment. This student-athlete at St. Teresa High School in Decatur says, "As I play Scholastic Bowl, I can focus entirely on the game and ignore the essay which is due next Tuesday. Such a temporary escape lets me relax. In that way, my thinking, as well as the focus of my running or the Scholastic Bowl, relieves the overall tension of high school." This mature thinker has combined the important elements of success during his high school days. He has captained the cross country team, is a three-year member of the track team, and four-year member of the Scholastic Bowl team. Also included in the mix are band, the Boy Scouts (in which he earned Eagle Scout honors), American Field Service, and S.A.D.D. This National Merit Finalist and all-tournament Scholastic Bowl team member writes in his nominating essay: "Through the necessity of cooperative efforts in cross country, Scholastic Bowl, and track, I have found the skills of teamwork and the great happiness of collective achievement." Among his awards is a first place finish in the Eastern Illinois University chemistry competition, and a first and second place award in the WYSE competition in English and Biology. One of his teachers observes, "Joe's insights and analytical skills are taken to a new level that's as good or better than any student I taught in eleven years of university teaching." Another states, "He never has an attitude of superiority. He recognizes that he has been given a gift and tries to use it to its fullest." Joseph ranks 1st in his class with a cumulative grade point of 4.5 on a 4.0 scale and an ACT score of 36. He plans on attending either the University of Illinois or Illinois Wesleyan University studying biochemistry. Joseph's principal is Joe McDaniel. He represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No 5. Lydia Bruns If you are looking for proof that hard work pays off, look no further than Lydia Bruns of La Harpe High School. As a teacher noted in her nominating letter: "Lydia has participated in almost every extra-curricular activity offered in our school and community." She is a four-year member of the volleyball, basketball, track and Scholastic Bowl teams, as well as a four-year member of the band. She has received numerous honors including Offensive Player of the Year in volleyball, was selected to the second team Bi-County Conference volleyball team, and is a state qualifier in track. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar, has been honored with the Society for Academic Achievement award, the International Foreign Language Award, and is listed in the Who's Who Among American High School Students. Lydia still finds time for more school involvement as President of the National Honor Society, Co-Editor of the Yearbook Staff, member of the Spanish Honor Society, President of the 4-H, and member of the WYSE team. In her church she is in the youth group and the Praise Band. During the summer she shows livestock at local fairs and has advanced to the State Fair in the sewing category. She is truly a well-rounded young woman. Lydia notes in her nominating essay, "All of my activities have contributed to my educational success. Through IHSA activities, I have developed life skills, useful in both high school classes and the future." Lydia has a 4.168 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale and ranks second in her class. She plans on attending either Lincoln Christian College or Eastern Illinois University to study teacher education. Her principal is Charles Apt and Lydia represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 6. Elaine Croft "While Elaine Croft's biggest asset is her academic ability," writes Assistant Principal Rick Baker. "She is far from being one dimensional." You name it and she has done it at Lexington High School. Elaine is a four-year member of the girls basketball, softball and Scholastic Bowl teams, and has participated three years in choir and band. In addition, she has been involved with the Math Team and the Drama Club, where she was cast as a lead character in two stage productions, and has also worked as a stage manager. She co-founded the literary magazine, "Off the Wall," and has had her poetry published by the National Poetry Association. She has been involved with student government, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist. Her honors include the several regional and state math awards, including a second place from ICTM in oral presentation, a fourth place in the WYSE math and engineering contest, and was a school winner in the AHSME contest. "One thing sets me apart from many," Elaine observes in her nominating essay, "I enjoy every single thing I do. Boredom and mediocrity are my dragon to slay. Greatness is an achievable goal." Elaine has a cumulative grade
point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, ranks first
in her class, and has an ACT score of 35 with a
perfect SAT math score of 800. She plans on going
to the University of Chicago and has yet to decide
her major. Cheryl Anne Cruz Fernandez A four-year member of the track and field and tennis teams whose investment in the Key Club she describes as "instrumental in the formation and cultivation of skills," Cheryl Fernandez of Chicago Lincoln Park High School meets the rigorous demands of a balanced life. In track, she was a member of the state qualifying 3200-meter relay team, and qualified for the state finals in tennis in doubles competition. Cheryl is vice-president of the Key Club, treasurer of the National Honor Society, member of the Service Club, Amnesty International, the Drama Club, plays cello in the school orchestra and volunteers at Ravenswood Hospital. She is a National Merit Finalist, a member of the National Honor Society, has been honored as the Superior Student Historian at the State History Fair, and recognized as an AP Scholar with Honors. One of her teachers describes Cheryl as "a person who knows that she must stretch herself in order to grow." And she's done just that! Whether it's working with little children at a Halloween party, or the annual pancake breakfast from the Farmer's Market, her world has been broadened by those people she has met. She has traveled to the Philippines for family visits, and has enjoyed using her art talents to capture those special moments in her life. She has been described as an optimistic "people person." Cheryl's cumulative grade point average is 5.049 on a 4.0 scale and plans on attending the University of Pennsylvania studying nursing. Her principal is Janis R. Todd and Cheryl represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 1. Laura Fitzgerald During the fall of her sophomore year at Elmhurst York High School, Laura Fitzgerald and her teammates on the cross country team were put in the awkward position of deciding which seven girls would run in the state meet. Even though Laura was a state competitor, she gave up her position on the team to allow a senior to run. That generosity has paid great dividends, in fact, later Laura was elected captain of the cross country team and helped them to a second place finish in the state finals. She was also a member of the state champion 3200-meter relay team! Yes, Laura has been a key four-year member of the cross country and track and field teams, as well as a representative of the Student Council, a section leader in the school band, a Spanish Tutor, a staff writer for the school newspaper, and so much more during her illustrious career at York High School. She received the All-Conference
Academic award, and is a member of the National
Honor Society, and Spanish Honor Society. In her
nominating essay Laura describes a her high school
academic and athletic experience by writing:
"I find every day the lesson is another
challenge, every quiz is an obstacle, and every
time I amaze myself with what I have learned is a
reward. Track and cross country have taught me
about the rewards that come with hard work. Most
importantly, they have taught me to never sell
myself short by settling for anything less than my
best." Laura has a 5.711 cumulative grade point on a 4.0 scale and ranks 2nd in a class of 489. She plans on attending Notre Dame or the University of Illinois in Champaign. Her principal is Mrs. Linda L. Yonke. Laura represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 2. Jessica A. Frogge Jessica Frogge is the kind of person every coach would want on the team and every teacher would want in the classroom. One of her instructors at Kankakee McNamara High School describes Jessica this way: "To see Jessica in the classroom, or on the athletic courts, or in the hallway, is to see an outstanding young lady who is the personification of class." As Captain of the volleyball team, Jessica was selected as the Most Valuable Player and was named to the Daily Journal newspaper Volleyball First Team. As Captain of the basketball team, she was selected to the Sun-Times Chicago Area First Team, and received her team's Most Rebound Award every year. Other athletic honors include being recognized as the Wendy's Heisman Scholar Area Athlete and is a semifinalist for the National Coca-Cola Scholars award. In extracurricular clubs she was Vice-President of the Spanish National Honor Society, and Students for a Better Earth. Jessica is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Club, Amnesty International, and the Student Council. She is a tutor in math, science and Spanish, and also works on the Yearbook. She is an Illinois State Scholar, a National Merit Finalist and has received the Xerox Award for Excellence in Humanities and Social Science. In the community she volunteered for the Nature Conservancy, is a student coordinator for the Migrant Worker Assistance Program, and is a student instructor for the Special Olympics. In her nominating essay, Jessica notes that: "Athletics afforded me an unparalleled experience that illustrate the truth of human character, the results of great effort, and the value of a balanced life." Jessica has a cumulative grade point average of 4.476 on a 4.0 scale and is first in her class. She has yet to decide on a college or course of study. Her principal is Father Christopher Howe and she represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 3. Ann Gaffigan While some students are tabbed athletes and others intellectuals, Ann Gaffigan of Springfield's Sacred Heart-Griffin High School cannot escape being one of the best in both categories. An instructor of Ann's writes: "Ann has consistently been at the top of her class and has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability as well, participating in track competitions at the state level. Every day, as I drive into Springfield to work, I see her name on a sign at the south end of town: Ann Gaffigan, State Champion. That word "Champion" fits Ann very well." Ann is a four-year member of the cross county, track, and soccer teams. She is a four-time city cross country champion, a three-time conference cross country champion, and the 1998 Girls Class AA Cross Country State Champion. Ann was named the 1998 Conference Track Athlete of the Year, the 1998 3000-meter Junior All-American, and recognized in the Who's Who in American High School Sports. However, her excellence has not all been in athletics. She's also been involved for two years in the National Honor Society, three years with the Class Council, four years with the Spanish Club, the Wilderness Adventure Club and Peer Counseling. In Ann's nominating essay she states: "Without extracurricular activities during my high school career, my education would have missed the benefits that come with being a well-adjusted and well-rounded student, and thus it may have fallen short of the standards I had set." Ann's cumulative grade point average is a 4.836 on a 4.0 scale and she ranks second in her class. She will be attending the University of Nebraska and will run cross country and track for the Cornhuskers, while studying computer science. Her principal is Sr. Kathleen Anne Tait and Ann represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 6. Benjamin C. Gilfillan Peoria Notre Dame High School's mission is to nurture the spiritual, emotional, intellectual and physical development of its students. As a Parish Sunday School teacher, a member of the National Honor Society and a three-sport athlete, Notre Dame's mission has been accomplished for Benjamin C. Gilfillan. The Director of Guidance at his high school observes, "Ben is unfailingly courteous and considerate of his teachers and fellow students. He is so friendly and out going, he is well-liked and respected by all." As a four-year competitor on the football, baseball, and basketball teams, Ben has had plenty of opportunities to succeed, and he's done just that. He been a student ambassador, has assisted handicapped children, has been a member of the Spanish Club, and a staff writer for the school magazine. Ben's honors include being President of the National Honor Society, a Wendy's High School Heisman State Finalist, a recipient of the Coach Merv Haycock Memorial Award for hard work and dedication, as well as the Rotary Club and Optimist Club Student of the Month, and the WHOI Home Team Hero. Benjamin writes: "The combination of academics and athletics renders a remarkable educational experience. My experience in IHSA sponsored activities has played a major role in my high school years. I will take the values I have learned through my involvement, and utilize them in my future, to become the very best person I can be." Benjamin has a 4.840 grade point on a 4.000 scale and ranks first in his class of 227. Benjamin will attend the University of Notre Dame, majoring in law or medicine. His principal is Ronald Dwyer. Benjamin represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 4. Jennifer Harber Jennifer Harber's formula for success at Marion High School combines the elements of athletics and academics. She is a four-year member and captain of the basketball and track teams, a three-year member of the cross country team, and a two-year member of the WYSE. Team. In addition, she is a member of the National Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, participates in the Math Club, the Spanish club and the Olympiad Team. In Jennifer's nominating essay she summarizes: "Participation has supported my academic endeavors and provided me the self-confidence I need to set and stretch objectives for myself. Participation in these activities has inspired me to establish and reaffirm my values, visions, and hunger to succeed." Her honors include the MVP award, the Hustle Award, and Defensive Player of the Year award in basketball. She was named to the South Seven All-Conference team and has been honored as the Most Improved and the Most Valuable in distance running for track. Jennifer also earned the Wildcat Award in cross country. In addition, she attended the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., and has been nominated for the National Young Leaders Medical Conference, the Global Leadership Conference and the National Sports Ambassadors Programs sponsored by the U.S. Congress. Jennifer has a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale and ranks first in her class. Jennifer is currently undecided on her college choice, but will be attending either Loyola University-Chicago, University of Dallas, or Washington University-St. Louis, majoring in biology with a pre-medicine specialty. Her principal is John Harland and she is representing the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 7. John Hawes One of his teachers at Lutheran High School in Springfield, describes John Hawes as "being extremely coachable and intelligent. He is responsible and committed, a mature young Christian with strong moral values, respected by faculty and his peers alike." A four-year member of both the soccer and basketball teams at Lutheran High, John Hawes still finds time to be involved with Student Council, Spanish Club, Boys Scouts, the school newspaper, SADD and drama. As he writes in his nomination paper, "My involvement in school sports has helped me develop a strong competitive spirit and an understanding of the importance of teamwork. Out-of-class activities have not just made my high school years more exciting, they have given me the opportunity to meet new people, discover new ideas and develop valuable skills that will last a lifetime." John's honors include National Honor Society, soccer All-Conference Team, National Merit Commended Scholar, Bank One Student of the Month, four-year All-Conference Scholar-Athlete, Spanish National Honor Society, United States Achievement Academy, Who's Who Among American High School Students and the Boys Scouts Order of the Arrow award. He has been President of the Spanish Club, Scribe and Quartermaster of the Boys Scouts, and a writer and photographer for the school newspaper. John has a grade point of 4.121 on a 4.0 scale and is second in his class. He plans to attend the University of Illinois majoring in pre-med. John's principal is Ralph Nitz. He is representing the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 6. David Patrick Huber Take a look at leadership at Hillsboro High School and you'll see signs of David Huber's presence everywhere. His involvement includes everything from being class president for two years to singing barbershop, where he was president of the school choir. Add items like president of the National Honor Society, member of the Student Council, baseball, basketball, and cross country, and you have a picture of a complete student. David has competed in four years of baseball and basketball, making the All-Conference team in baseball. In his junior and senior year he was member of the cross country team, a two-year member of the football team, and he captained the cross country and basketball teams. He's a four-year member of the show choir, a cast member for the school's annual musical, a peer tutor, and a huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He even shaved his head for the regional basketball game. As David writes in his essay: "We were willing to shave our precious hair to capture the regional trophy. We would win together with shaved heads, or we would lose together with shaved heads. Such events as this in high school athletics have improved my confidence as a student-athlete, taught me cooperation and given me important leadership skills." David has been regional medalist in physics and chemistry, has received the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and earned Academic All-Conference honors. He ranks 1st in his class and has a cumulative grade point of 5.111 on a 5.0 scale. He's received appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy and West Point, but has decided to attend the University of Notre Dame studying engineering. David's principal is Larry Ackerman, and he represents IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 6 Patrick Hudson Miles and miles of training in cross country, swimming, and track and field have kept this two sport co-captain and two-sport state final qualifier on course for a biology degree when his interscholastic days are done at Peoria High School. Patrick Hudson is quick to point out: "A student's first priority is academics, but extracurricular activities are what make high school a memorable experience. Extracurricular programs have broadened my outlook on life, prepared me for the future, provided me valuable leadership experience, and given me experiences to remember." His counselor at Peoria Central says, "What separates Patrick from the rest of the field is his outstanding character." Among his honors, Patrick is a Scholar Finalist in the National Hispanic Recognition Program, a Peoria High Sterling Merit member, a French Honors Society member, and a recipient of the Truman State University's most prestigious scholarship, the General John J. Pershing award. He's also earned the Lieutenant Governor's Award for Youth Excellence. As an athlete he was sectional champion in track and swimming, and a Mid-State Conference champion in pole vault, swimming and diving. In fact, this past school year, Patrick Hudson was the only male athlete to qualify for the IHSA state finals in both swimming and diving. As Patrick states: "I strongly believe that my participation in sports has influenced my performance in the classroom. The privilege to compete is very motivational." Patrick has a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. He ranks 2nd in his class and plans to attend Truman State University. His school principal is Richard Greene and Patrick represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 4. Andrew Kimble Actor, writer, director, that's Andrew Kimble, Minooka's future filmmaker. Andrew has paved the way for his career as a filmmaker through his experiences in a wide variety of activities, both in and out of school. Whether he's assisting with Market Day at a local grade school or helping build a community playground, Andrew observes, "All of these experiences have helped me to understand different types of people as well as become more well-rounded myself." Andrew is an All-Conference wrestler, a four-year member of the football team, an assistant editor of the school newspaper, a member of the Student Council and has had roles each year in the school play. He placed 1st in the Suburban Prairie Conference Math Contest, earned the Bausch and Lomb Science Award, and is an Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers Award winner. One of his teachers writes: "Andy Kimble is the sort of student who is every teacher's dream: he is bright, gifted, and industrious. In addition, he has strong family ties. He's part of the youth group at his church. His parents are in education and believe that education is important to succeed." Andrew's cumulative grade point is a 4.73 on a 4.0 scale, he ranks 1st in his class and scored a 35 on his ACT score. He plans on attending the University of Southern California and study Film Production. His principal is Janice Jack and he represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 5. John Michael King His guidance counselor at Chicago Marist High School sums up John King in this way: "John is truly amazing in that he is an exceptional student, an accomplished athlete, a talented band member, and a natural leader." But you can't summarize a person like John is just one sentence. He is right at home as a competitor both on the field and in the classroom. On the field he has been a four-year member of the cross country team and track and field team, specializing in pole vault. He also has shown a diversity of interests, being involved in everything from the jazz or concert bands to the Marist Ski Club. He's played in the Imperial Youth Band, as a trumpet section leader, and been actively involved in his school's Math Club. As he writes in his nominating essay: "High school has often been described as the best four years of your life. It is my belief, however, that a person must make it great. The best way to do this is to get involved in the school through co-curricular activities." John has been a National Merit Finalist and a member of the National Honor Society. He's been recognized in the Who's Who Among American High School Students, he has placed first in the National Mathfax Algebra II Competition, first in the WYSE Regional Physics Competition, and first in the Catholic Math League Competition. John's cumulative grade point of 5.88 on a 5.0 scale and an ACT score of 35 placed him first in his class. He plans on attending the University of Illinois in Champaign studying Aeronautical/Astronautical Engineering. His high school principal is Larry Tucker and John represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No.1. Amanda Jo Kreuder Amanda Krueder is surely the
epitome of what the interscholastic experience at
Thomson High School is supposed to be. Her
principal shares this about Amanda: "She is a
student who is not satisfied with achievement, but
one who strives for perfection. She is not happy
with knowledge, but searches also for
understanding." She has participated for three years in music, solo & ensemble, and three years of music organization. Amanda has been on the yearbook staff, the newspaper staff, was this year�s President of the National Honor Society, a member of the marching band and concert band as well as a member of the chorus. As Amanda writes in her nominating
essay, "When I think of all the opportunities
I would have missed, if I would have decided not
to become involved, I am even more convinced of
the positive impact athletics and activities have
had on my life." Amanda has a cumulative grade point of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale, ranks #1 in her class and will be attending a college where she will study pre-veterinary medicine/biology. Her principal is James Mann and she represents the Board of Directors Division No. 4. Michael Lebeter A four-year member and captain of both the basketball and football teams at Chicago De La Salle Institute, Michaeal Lebeter still finds time to be involved with the Math Competition Team, tutor and coach younger students, work as a volunteer for the Special Olympics, and assist in homeless shelters. In Michael's essay he writes about the values of his interscholastic experiences, stating, "An education is more than just going to class. It's experiencing the environment and all it has to offer. Participation in sports and activities has allowed me to develop as a person intellectually, socially, and emotionally. It made high school something that I will never forget." Michael is one of only 24 student-athletes to be awarded the U.S. Navy Scholastic All-America Award, the Chicago Catholic League All-Academic Team, 1st Team All-Conference in basketball, 1st Team All-Conference and Honorable Mention All-State in football, and a member of the National Honor Society. The Dean of Applied Sciences at De La Salle says this about Michael: "He is very inquisitive and a highly motivated student. Mike is at his best when he is confronted with a difficult problem or a tough situation." Michael has a cumulative grade point of 4.9 on a 4.0 scale, which ranks him third in his class. He plans to study business in college. His principal is Dr. James M. Gay. Michael represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 1. James T. Lehan Nothing is out of balance in James Lehan's life. In fact, his ability to mix sports and academics, with service to his school and community, has led to four remarkable years as a standout athlete and superior student at DeKalb High School. Whether he's working with the Spanish Club, Habitat for Humanity, or his church youth council, James is clearly outstanding in each effort. In his nominating essay James writes about his interscholastic experiences: "The leadership qualities that I have gained, the ability to manage my time that I have acquired, and the friendships that I have formed are all due to this wonderful experience." Jim is a four-year soccer, basketball and track performer, who served as captain and elected MVP in all three sports. He also participated on the Math Team and in the Spanish Club. He will certainly leave his mark on the school�s athletic program, being named All-Conference in three varsity sports, and distinguishing himself as a member of the USA Track and Field Jr. Olympics in which he placed 2nd in the decathlon. His honors also include the DeKalb Rotary Student of the Month, a member of the National Honor Society for two years, and now, of course, being named to the All-State Academic Team. His principal at DeKalb says, "I have been in public school education for twenty-nine years and without question Jim Lehan is one of the top five students I've had the pleasure of working with." James ranks 1st in his class and has a cumulative grade point of 4.0 on a 4.0 scale. His principal is Jerome G. Dunbar, and James represents the Board of Directors Division No. 4. Karlyn A. Martin Karlyn Martin is the kind of person every teacher would want in a class. That's probably why a Barrington High School instructor writes, "She is the best all-around student I have had in any of my classes. She writes excellent essays, excels in cooperative situations, demonstrates strong debate skills and outscores all of her classmates on tests." In athletics, she is a four-year member of the tennis and basketball teams, and a three-year member of the water polo team. She captained the tennis team to the IHSA State Finals, in which Karlyn and her sister Ashley won the state doubles championship defeating, ironically, another set of twins. In basketball, she was a member of the regional championship team, and was a Three-Point Shoot-Out state qualifier. In her school, Karyln is a member of the National Honor Society, a delegate to the Class Board, a student Ambassador, Math Peer Tutor, and member of the French Honor Society. Honors include being named a National Merit Finalist, her water polo teams qualified for the state meet, the Chicago Sun-Times selected her to the All-time Illinois State Tennis Tournament Team and the Chicago Tribune selected her as the Athlete of the Week. In addition she was placed on the Barrington All-Century Team in athletics, and received the Best of Barrington Athletic Award. Karlyn writes about her high school experience in her nominating essay stating: "The skills that athletics have taught me helped me in my academics as well as in life. I believe that my intense participation in sports programs ultimately enhanced my educational experience." Karlyn has a cumulative grade point of 4.631 on a 4.0 scale and ranks 3rd in a class of 569. She plans on attending an Ivy League School and has not yet determined her field of study. Her principal is Dr. Edward J. DeYoung, and Karlyn represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 2. Matthew J. Meinhart You might call the contributions of Matthew J. Meinhart of Newton High School the "3 D's. That's 3 D's" as in discipline, dependability, and dedication. In fact, one of his teachers at Newton High School says, "Matt is a self-motivated and self-disciplined student, who long ago accepted that he is responsible for his learning. He has great maturity and determination, making him a truly outstanding student." An all-conference performer is football, basketball, and track, Matt has captained both the football and basketball teams at Newton. He was named to the East-West Shrine All-Star football team. He is equally skilled in the classroom and in school organizations. He's been president of the Math Club, a state math qualifier, member of the Spanish Club, Student Council, Beta Club, and National Honor Society. Matt has worked on the Relay for Life, the Blood Drive, and Future Eagles Basketball Camp. In an essay accompanying his nomination Matthew writes, "Participating is athletics in high school has taught me more than any single class or course of study. In so many ways I believe athletics mimic life. Preparation, competition, teamwork, and the desire to succeed, are not only facets of athletics, but they are also very important aspects of life in general." Matthew's has a 5.006 grade point average on a 5.0 scale and ranks 3rd in his class. He plans on attending University of Illinois or Rose-Hulman studying engineering. Matthew's principal is Ron Alburtus and he is representing the Board of Directors Division No. 7. Kate Mulligan One of her teachers at Downers Grove South High School says, "When Kate Mulligan graduates, the day will not be as bright because of the loss of her laughter; the day won't be as cheery because of the absence of her wit; the day will seem longer because her smile will not be seen coming down the hallway!" Kate is a four-year member and captain of the cross country team, and a four-year member of the track team, having been a state qualifier in both. She has also been a four-year member of the speech team. The honors course has been home for Kate as she excelled in her studies. In music Kate has been a French horn player for four years in the band, and is a member of one of the state's most successful speech teams. Kate was a state finalist in speech three times, and qualified for the National Speech Tournament. In addition, Kate was President of the Masque and Gavel Society, and even helped back-stage in the school's dramatic presentations, and will make her premiere in the spring musical. Kate has been honored as a nominee for the Wendy's Heisman Scholarship, is the recipient of the DAR Award, was the Most Valuable Runner in cross country, a state runner-up in original comedy at the state speech tournament. She also won the sectional championship in prose reading, and placed in the top 30 duos at the National Speech Tournament. Kate has a cumulative grade point of 4.05 on a 4.0 scale. She will be attending Northwestern University, majoring in Theater. Her principal is Dr. Craig Zeck. Kate Mulligan represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 3. Eric Paul Reinbold Eric Reinbold of Lyons Township High School puts the importance of interscholastic participation into perspective when he writes: "I cannot imagine having gone through high school devoting all of my time to academics. My extracurricular activities have helped to make my high school experience an exceptional one, and I will carry the memories and lessons I have learned from them for a lifetime." A National Merit Finalist, the United States Presidential Scholarship candidate, the Chicago Tribune Illinois High School All-State Academic Team Nominee, and his membership in the National Honor Society, gave Eric plenty of opportunities to succeed. And he has. He was chosen for the All-State Honors Choir and has sung with the Senior Madrigal Singers. Eric is a cross country captain and four-year member of the cross country team, the track team and the chorus, but still found time to participate on the math team, assist with his church youth group, work with Habitat for Humanity, and earn a black belt in karate. One of his teachers at Lyons
Township says, "I find Eric to be a very
gifted young man. I'm award of his academic
achievements in other subject areas and the
demands put on him by fellow faculty members. I
have literally watched Eric walking to school
while reading a book! How many high school
students do that?" His high school principal is John Young. Eric represents IHSA Board of Directors Division 3. Carrie Elizabeth Wolffe Carrie Wolffe has been described as "a person who displays stamina, common sense, good humor and flexibility while requiring herself to excel in her endeavors." Everything that Carrie does at Metamora High School she does well. Carrie lives by Charles Kettering's words: "You will never stub your toe standing still. The faster you go the more chance of stubbing your toes, but the more chance you have of getting somewhere." So Carrie looked around and thought, "Well, what's a stubbed toe or two." Carrie is a four-year member of the cross country and soccer teams. She has participated for four years in the marching band, jazz band and choir. She has been a representative of Student Council and student governments, is editor of the school newspaper, and secretary of the National Honor Society. She has received the National English Merit Award, was recognized as the Peoria Journal Star Athletic Scholar Award, and was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in soccer, as well as the Most Improved Runner in cross country. This gifted young woman still finds time to play piano and French horn, and has been in her school's spring musical four years. A professor at Bradley University said this about Carrie: "She is a substantial presence through her positive energy, creative ideas and upbeat disposition toward life. She cares about people deeply, and reflects on life with complexity that suggests a bright future for her." Carrie's cumulative grade point average of 4.350 on a 4.0 scale ranks her first in her graduating class. She will be attending either Bradley University or Truman State University, and has not yet determined her course of study. Carrie's principal is Gregory A. Christy and she represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division No. 4. Ariel Zodhiates The first impression Ariel made on the Urbana University High School Admissions Committee was on a written document typecasting her as "the class genius." It was soon proved that this phrase was well deserved. Described as a person who can laugh at herself, is fun to be with, kind and outgoing, and one who thinks of others, Ariel has involved herself in interscholastic and community activities. Ariel has been a four-year member of the cross country and track and field teams. She was co-captain of her cross country team earning All-Conference and Most Inspirational honors. Her team qualified and competed at the IHSA State Cross Country Meet. She was president of the French Club, secretary of the Spanish Club, a thespian in the drama club, a volunteer worker in the community, and even finds time to baby sit. Ariel is a Math Contest state qualifier, an International High School Diplomat and a National Merit semifinalist. She also speaks fluent French, and has expanded her languages by taking Spanish her junior and senior years. In her nominating essay she writes about her high school experiences: "Sticking with cross country and track, even though I was never the star of the team, gave me such a sense of achievement that I really began to love the sports and being part of the team. High school certainly presented academic challenges, and cross country and track training taught me the discipline and determination that I needed to meet these challenges." Ariel has a 3.98 cumulative grade point on a 4.0 scale. She has been admitted to Brown University and will study pre-med. Her principal is Dr. John Hedeman and Ariel represents the Board of Directors Division No. 5. Adam J. Zwirkoski Writer, actor, athlete, scholar. That's Oak Lawn's Adam J. Zwirkoski. Adam is a four-year member of the soccer, tennis and chess teams, a three-year member of the forensics team, and two-year member of the mathletes team, and he has captained three of these teams. As vice-president of the National Honor Society, president of Student Helpers, secretary of the Thespians and Dramatics clubs, member of the 3rd place speech team, and staff writer for the OLCHS Newspaper, Adam has truly demonstrated his leadership. As an athlete, Adam's honors include 1st team All-Conference and Most Valuable Player in soccer, and a member of the championship conference tennis team. Adam says, "I am grateful for a variety of involvement and feel that I have become a very well-rounded individual. I believe if I had limited myself to only one sport or activity, I would have been much more narrow-minded." A member of the Oak Lawn faculty says this about Adam: "He is highly respected by his peers, and demonstrates the qualities of intelligent decision making and problem solving. In my thirty years here, he is one of the most outstanding young men I have been in contact with." Adam's cumulative grade point average is a 4.275 on a 4.0 scale and ranks 3rd in a class of 349. He plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University to study Mathematics and Education. Adam's principal is Dr. Catherine Fronczak and he represents the IHSA Board of Directors Division 3. |
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