2008-09 Lake County Leadership Team

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Meital CaplanGrant Community High SchoolHometown: Round LakeClass: SeniorParents: Maria and Marcelo CaplanSponsor: Justin Strebel, student council adviserCommunity service: Set up and ran a fashion show fundraiser for Kids Hope United; serves food to the elderly for Catholic Charities; tutor; student council, worked on food, hat and mitten drives; member of National Honor Society, organized and worked at fundraisers.Personal statement: "Through all the different types of volunteer projects I have been involved in, I have learned how to better myself through helping others. I have personally witnessed how a simple act of kindness can completely change a person's life. Those reasons are why I pride myself in taking the time to help others and get myself involved in as many diverse projects as I can."Sponsor's endorsement: "This student is a caring individual with a great attitude and a wonderful sense of humor. She has been a real asset to student council on a continuing basis. She is a selfless individual who always puts the needs of her community and her school at the forefront of everything that she does. In years past she has been instrumental in assuring the success of countless canned food drives, coat and mitten drives, highway cleanups and dodgeball tournaments to raise money for leukemia and lymphoma research. Many of the ideas we have instituted over the past four years have been the brainchild of this individual. ... You would be hard-pressed to find an individual who cares more about the community she lives in and the individuals around her than this student."

Julie CastelliniWoodlands AcademyHometown: WinnetkaClass: SeniorParents: Judy and Jerry CastelliniSponsor: Victoria Browne, math instructorCommunity service: President of school's service club and four-year member; volunteer at Misericordia; volunteer at Women's Residential, a home for women with substance abuse problems and their children; participated in Relay For Life; volunteer at Lambs Farm festival; volunteer at The Wealshire, a facility for people suffering from Alzheimer's. Personal statement: "Through encountering people in volunteering and being able to form relationships, I have been blessed with a deeper understanding of people and the world in which we coexist within. I was able to help rebuild lives, either physically or emotionally (not for them, but with them). Although I cannot eradicate poverty or take away pain, I can make a child whose life was in dire conditions smile. This gives joy for even just a moment."Sponsor's endorsement: "The reason Julie is beloved at so many places is because she genuinely cares about and listens to everyone with whom she interacts. She looks each person in the eye and makes a warm and friendly connection. Moreover, she returns time and time again, allowing that person to realize her heart is with them. Julie is a rare find. From her first service outing, the adults in our school knew she would do great things. She is a person who does more than fulfill service commitments; she embraces them with her whole being. We are incredibly proud to have her represent our school."

Karen DionesotesLake Zurich High SchoolHometown: Lake ZurichClass: SeniorParents: Kathy and Mark DionesotesSponsor: Lisa Andriano, counselor; Dave Voss, teacherCommunity service: National Honor Society, through which has volunteered for Relay For Life, raised money for PADS and organized a book drive; Interact club, projects include highway cleanups and sending supplies to Africa; HEART work camp, where she helped with home improvements for a disabled resident; member of peer ministry.Personal statement: "My goal in life is to make a difference in the world and this also includes in as many places as I can. One of my aspirations is to join the Peace Corps in order to travel the world and provide care to as many people as possible. ... My community has given me so many opportunities and I feel that it is only right to give back to them as much as possible. By volunteering and giving service, I am showing my gratitude to my school, and my town for all that I have been given."Sponsor's endorsement: "Our nominee has been involved in an impressive number of clubs and activities throughout her high school career, serving in a leadership role in many of them. I have been her coach for Scholastic Bowl for the last three years, where her dedication, involvement and leadership have been clearly evident. I can always count on her to serve the team in whatever capacity necessary. ... She is definitely a well-rounded individual who will continue to be involved and impress people with anything she may choose to do in life."

Kavita GrewalWauconda High SchoolHometown: WaucondaClass: SeniorParents: Swarnjit and Ranjeet GrewalSponsor: Louisa J. Gatsis, guidance counselorCommunity service: Volunteers at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, assisting cardiac patients and nurses; member of PEACE (People Educating and Cultivating Elderly), which visits local nursing homes; member of school tech crew for programs such as choir or band concerts; vice president of National Honor Society, which includes organizing community and school events and tutoring; secretary of student council.Personal statement: "For me, volunteering is like a club or sport that I can find great experiences in and meet new friends. When I volunteer I don't feel like I'm being pressured to do it. The occasional smile, hug or thank you I receive for my work makes me genuinely happy. To be able to help someone out, whether it be making a grandparent in a nursing home feel less lonely or picking up trash on a highway, has become a passion for me."Sponsor's endorsement: "Kavita is currently the vice president of the National Honor Society, which prides itself in being an organization that gives back to the community. She is able to participate in Adopt a Highway cleanups and assists in organizing events such as Open House or triathlons. ... She visits the Liberty Arms nursing home during her study hall period of the school day. She interacts with the elderly and supports them. ... Kavita is energetic, motivated, intelligent and driven. Her compassionate nature has touched the lives of many people that she has encountered throughout her life."

Samantha LeeVernon Hills High SchoolHometown: Vernon HillsClass: SeniorParents: Nan and Donald LeeSponsor: Tiffany Heinlein, counselorCommunity service: Volunteer tour guide at Cuneo Museum; participated in Youth Works! mission trips through Lakeview Presbyterian Church for three summers, helping in a variety of ways; Appalachia Service Projects through Lakeview Presbyterian, where she helped with home improvements for low-income residents; participated for four years in the World Vision Refugee Day, where 100 refugees gather in Chicago for an annual festival; National Honor Society, through which she has worked with the Sharing Hands Furniture Ministry at St. Mary's of Vernon Church.Personal statement: "I believe that each individual person has the ability - no, the obligation - to function selflessly for the benefit of his or her fellow world citizens. I try to do this. This is why I volunteer at my church, participate on mission trips and lead tours for the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills. ... Through these experiences, I am reminded each day that charity is its own reward."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is highly motivated and has a desire to learn. She is an assiduous student who challenges herself and others. ... Her compassion follows her throughout the day whether she is immersed in a classroom discussion or involved in one of her many activities. She truly is a remarkable young woman who is always ready to learn and grow, personally and academically. ... This student is a young woman destined for success."

Clifford NelsonVernon Hills High SchoolHometown: Vernon HillsClass: SeniorParents: Lisa and Matthew NelsonSponsor: Deann Firnbach, counselorCommunity service: President and four-year member of student council, through which he started an annual variety show fundraiser; leads a group of mildly autistic boys who meet weekly to discuss social issues; raised money and participated in Y-Me walk in Chicago in honor of family friend; Relay For Life; member of Interact Club, which helps train dogs to work with disabled people; works with rescue group to foster and find homes for dogs.Personal statement: "Community service means using the gifts I've been given to help others in need. Of all the community service I have been involved in so far, none has approached the true spirit of community service more than my leadership of a support group for students with Asperger's syndrome. The greatest challenge these students face is their difficulty connecting with others on a social level, and our weekly meetings with the school psychologist and social worker are a lifeline for them."Sponsor's endorsement: "This dynamic young man is an example for his peers to follow. He has never ceased to amaze me through the years with his tireless dedication, enthusiasm, and ability to model the expectations for others to follow. He has made a positive impact on those around him while seeking no recognition from his peers or the staff at the high school. His intuitive and observant personality lead him to help others unconditionally. He tirelessly organizes event after event and always wears a smile."

Ryan Harrison OrnsteinGrayslake North High Hometown: Round Lake BeachClass: SeniorParents: Clarese and Steve OrnsteinSponsor: Todd Grunloh, teacher, coachCommunity service: Winner of 2008 Kohl's Kids Who Care Award for community service; Student Advisory Council for the Illinois State Board of Education; serves on audiovisual team at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church; Eagle Scout; creates sports media presentations for high school teams; high school recycling program; volunteer with Lake County Forest Preserve District; captain of football team.Personal statement: "As an Eagle Scout, I plan to lead by example, and continue to volunteer as an adult in my community. Goal-setting skills will also help me be successful in life. Volunteering is a win-win situation ... As you can see, the choices I've made to serve others have helped define who I am as well as direct my future plans."Sponsor's endorsement: "His leadership has not gone unnoticed at our high school. He is currently a member of the Peer Mediation Team, a group of students that helps bring about reconciliation among members of the student body. He was also chosen to represent our high school at our conference's Leadership Conference, which demonstrates not only his dedication to the school but also how the faculty at our high school views this student. He is a hardworking, earnest scholar - a rare student who is both passionate about a wide variety of academic coursework while continuously seeking ways to create works of his own."

Oliver RoseAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolHometown: Buffalo GroveClass: SeniorParents: Beth and Gary RoseSponsor: Aaron Wellington, student activities coordinatorCommunity service: President and four-year member of student council, which has included planning of school and community initiatives such as Adopt a Highway, school dances and community car washes; participated in Freshman Mentor program, which helps freshman transition to high school; developed Freshman Leadership Program; volunteered at Chicago Marathon; volunteer at Beth Judea, leading religious services for first- through third-graders.Personal statement: "Beyond the benefits to others, volunteerism has a profound impact on those who participate. Volunteerism reveals an individual's contagious zest for life, passion for success, and sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of the people he meets."Sponsor's endorsement: "In the spring of 2008, Oliver was elected to be the student council president. ... The president of the student council is a very visible student who must oversee the activities of the 250 members of the council and its Executive Board. The president's responsibilities also extend to work directly with the administration and staff of the school. Needless to say, the student council president is under constant scrutiny of academics, involvement and demeanor. Oliver has demonstrated the ability to handle each of these demands with great integrity, commitment, and pride."

Reba Mary VargheseGrayslake North HighHometown: GrayslakeClass: SeniorParents: Sali and Mathew VargheseSponsor: Andrea O'Loughlin, teacherCommunity service: Volunteer at Terrace Nursing Home; member of environmental club, including habitat restoration at Grand Woods Forest Preserve; tutor through National Honor Society at Avon School District 46; volunteer at Veterans Administration Medical Center in North Chicago.Personal statement: "Volunteerism is not just about giving back to the community, but it is also about learning from the community. While volunteering at the Veterans Affairs hospital, I met many veterans who selflessly volunteered to serve in various countries when our country needed them. Several people I encountered had been abandoned by families or friend, had suffered through addictions to drugs or alcohol, were lonely, had low self-esteem, or were mentally or physically disabled. In all these cases, they were anxious to just have someone listen to their problems and be a moral support to them."Sponsor's endorsement: "I can honestly say that Reba ranks among the best students in my 30-plus years as a teacher. She is not only a responsible scholar who takes her studies seriously; she is also one of the kindest, most generous young women I have ever know. ... In this sometimes self-absorbed world, such an attitude of generosity for the sheer joy of giving is rare indeed. Reba has a good heart, and that heart gives freely and of its own volition, without expectation of reward."

Branden Tracey ZollarWoodlands AcademyHometown: ChicagoClass: SeniorParents: Nikki M. Zollar and William A. vonHoene Jr.Sponsor: Mary Salemi, director of Learning ProgramCommunity service: Certified National Runaway Switchboard volunteer; volunteer with Bottomless Closet, which helps homeless and battered women; Saturday Dreams volunteer, which involved tutoring students residing in Cabrini Green; Jack and Jill of America, a national organization for African-American youth; National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine; Road Less Traveled, where in Ecuador she taught English and assisted in building greenhouses.Personal statement: "There is no better feeling than knowing I've made a positive impact on another person's life. It is my responsibility, due to all of the privileges I have been given, to help those that have less or are in need of help. Community service never, ever feels like a responsibility or an obligation to me. I love it. It is my passion."Sponsor's endorsement: "For a school assembly, our nominee spoke about her summer service in Ecuador in the pueblo of Larcacunga, two hours north of Quinto. She painted a school, built a greenhouse, planted trees, packed dirt in bags and tutored children in English. ... They were eager to learn because they do not attend school regularly. Our nominee humbly acknowledged that, 'We were supposed to teach them, but they certainly impacted my life and taught me much more than I could ever teach them.' "Honorable mentionsMelanie BacalingWarren Township High SchoolHometown: GurneeClass: SeniorParents: Rosanne and Fred BacalingSponsor: Gail Triveline, guidance counselorCommunity service: Member of National Honor Society, which involves numerous service projects; member of St. Dismays Youth Group, participated in bake and vegetable sales to benefit PADS; member of music ministry at St. Dismays Church; assistant director of musicals at St. Dismays Church.Charlie GarlockLake Zurich High SchoolHometown: Hawthorn WoodsClass: SeniorParents: Kim and Chuck GarlockSponsor: Lisa Andriano, counselor; Chris Bennett, teacherCommunity service: Organized Charity Bash fundraiser, including soliciting donations and planning the event; raised money for PADS through Pennies for PADS program; worked in kitchen at Emmaus House; delivered food for Meals on Wheels; ran auditions for children's production of "Wizard of Oz."Steven HeissAdlai E. Stevenson High SchoolHometown: Long GroveClass: SeniorParents: Michelle and Mark HeissSponsor: Janet Gonzalez, principalCommunity service: Vice president of GIVE, a volunteer club with 1,000 members who visit nursing homes and children's hospitals weekly; coordinator for Project Dance, a fundraiser that last year raised $32,000 for Riverside Foundation, a home for developmentally disabled adults; volunteer, Freshman Mentor Program; member of National Honor Society.Marissa KachurGrant Community High SchoolHometown: Fox LakeClass: SeniorParents: Brenda and James KachurSponsor: Erin DeYoung, guidance counselorCommunity service: Secretary for student council, which is involved in numerous service and fundraising activities; volunteer with church youth group, member of National Honor Society.Alyssa MerblerWarren Township High SchoolHometown: GurneeClass: SeniorParents: Maria and Steve MerblerSponsor: Heather Ecklund, guidance counselorCommunity service: Member of mission group from Gurnee Community Church, which involved giving aid and running children's activities; confirmation leader, Gurnee Community Church; mentor for SEDOL student; member of highway cleanup crew from high school; member of club that does cleanup of the Des Plaines River. Lauren PennyWauconda High SchoolHometown: WaucondaClass: SeniorParents: Betsy and Mark Coulter, and Lisa and Kent PennySponsor: Brian Roy, guidance department coordinatorCommunity service: Volunteer Good Shepherd Hospital cardiac care unit; counselor at Camp Maclean; led cheerleading tryouts at Matthews Middle School; member of National Honor Society, where she helped with tutoring and highway cleanup, member of Leadership Conference.Khushali RamiMundelein High SchoolHometown: MundeleinClass: SeniorParents: Kiran and Asmita RamiSponsor: Chris Green, guidance counselorCommunity service: Member of student leadership group that organized can food drive, highway cleanup and Toys for Tots programs, among others; member of National Honor Society; member of After School Coalition, which organized Red Ribbon Week, the Halloween Dance and National Night Out activities; raised funds and helped build homes for Habitat for Humanity; member of Interact, which organized myriad fundraisers for a variety of causes.Michael SavageMundelein High SchoolHometown: MundeleinClass: SeniorParents: Suzanne SavageSponsor: Ron Girard, yearbook adviserCommunity service: Member of National Honor Society; member of school Boosters Club; member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes; volunteer for Goodwill Industries.Erin SchoenfelderAntioch Community HighHometown: AntiochClass: SeniorParents: Kathy and Steve SchoenfelderSponsor: Tim Borries, P.E. teacher and basketball coachCommunity service: Volunteer tutor for autistic students; volunteer coach at children's basketball camp; runs scoreboard and does other tasks at Antioch High School and Lakeland Predators wrestling meets; volunteer for Lion's Club of Antioch; volunteer at Village of Antioch's fun fair.Luke SkarzynskiLake Forest AcademyHometown: WilmetteClass: SeniorParents: Caren Skarzynski, Peter SkarzynskiSponsor: Andrew Poska, associate dean of college counselingCommunity service: Volunteer instructor, American Hearing Impaired Hockey Association; peer leader; volunteer instructor, Lake Forest Academy hockey camps; member of Prefect, a liaison group between school faculty, administrators and students; member of Student Athletic Advisory Committee, which works to improve the athletic environment at school. <div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=267323">Daily Herald honors students at Leadership Team dinner <span class="date">[1/27/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=268069">Leadership Team judges <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267710">Northwest Suburban Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267725">DuPage County Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=267709">Fox Valley Leadership Team <span class="date">[1/30/09]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>