2008-09 Northwest Suburban Leadership Team
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Renee BergerBartlett High SchoolHometown: West ChicagoClass: SeniorParents: Steven and Christine BergerSponsor: Sarah Schwartz, counselorCommunity service: Made blankets for Africa; sorted cleaned, packed and distributed food for Northern Illinois Food Bank; in New Orleans did support and disaster recovery work during the day; led neighborhood children's activities in evening; volunteered at Naper Settlement as a role-player; community cleanup projects with National Honor Society; Big Sister, Little Sister.Personal statement: "My role model was always the type of person who would perform acts of kindness and I just followed suit. From these experiences I was able to understand the effect community service has on others and the effects it has on the volunteer. My goal is to ... create medicines using a new approach: insect by-products. This is a fairly new field of entomology and is mostly undiscovered, but has the potential to yield highly effective medicinal benefits, including help for currently untreatable diseases."Sponsor's endorsement: "I cannot tell you how impressive this student is and how much she contributes daily to both the school and community. She exudes a quality of compassion and follows through on every commitment. After high school she will pursue a career in entomology. She plans on studying toxins that can possibly cure cancer as well as learn how spider webs can be turned into hip and knee replacements."
Apurva BhattHoffman Estates High SchoolHometown: Hoffman EstatesClass: SeniorParents: Pradip and Vasanti BhattSponsor: Christine Jenkins, English teacherCommunity service: Volunteer trainer at St. Alexius Medical Center; led a fundraising effort that collected $1,000 for a women's center for victims of domestic violence; various projects with Peers and Leaders Helping Other People Everywhere; captain of a John Muir Literacy Academy tutoring team for elementary students with below-average ISAT scores; founder of STAND, a student anti-genocide coalition.Personal statement: "Volunteerism means helping the patient take his first steps after major surgery. Volunteerism means taking the patient who hasn't left her room for many days outside to experience the warm sun on her skin. Volunteerism means putting a smile on a worry-lined face. Volunteering has helped me clarify my values, strengthen my self-confidence and has motivated me to fulfill my twin dreams of becoming a doctor and joining the Peace Corps."Sponsor's endorsement: "She has proved to be a leader in the classroom. Whether she is working out an algebraic equation, comforting an elderly patient about to enter surgery or playing a tennis match, she commits her best effort. ... Intellectual strengths, compassion, energy and service to community and school, (she) has it all. "
Jamieson GrayFremd High SchoolHometown: PalatineClass: SeniorParents: Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan GraySponsor: Mary Schagrin, counselorCommunity service: Volunteers at church PADS site; raised money for Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine; certified as a responder by the Palatine Community Emergency Response Team; projects with National Honor Society including Adopt-A-Family, Appletree campaign, PHD; activities with Service Over Self Club, including food collections, Thanksgiving basket drive, Heart Walk, Relay For Life, Battle of the Bands.Personal statement: "Service is humility. Service is compassion. Service is duty. To me, volunteering is about understanding. Every time I serve dinner to 15-20 guests at my church's homeless shelter, I am reminded how truly blessed a life I live. The people I serve should not be shunned because of their current circumstances; they need to be embraced by those of us gifted to do so. Service is like inhaling a deep breath of autumn air: Just as the cool oxygen regenerates one's lungs, serving can reinvigorate one's life. The cyclical beauty of service is quite simple: By helping others who desperately need the aid, the good one does stimulates more services."Sponsor's endorsement: "He is one of those rare individuals who have been able to interact and function at the very highest levels in everything he pursues. ... His drive to excel and to contribute intellectually and socially will steer him to accomplish many great things; he will be a leader by example."
Megan HodgsonConant High SchoolHometown: SchaumburgClass: SeniorParent: Julie RhodesSponsor: Matt Wiley, counselorCommunity service: Thanksgiving baskets, a winter blanket collection and participated in the Bunny Extravaganza for special-ed program PALS; helped young Girl Scouts plan a food drive for WINGS; Heart Walk; Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation; tutoring; Teen Reach at the YMCA; children's leader at Bible camp; three years of Peer Jury.Personal statement: "The best part of volunteering my time is that it has nothing to do with myself and everything to do with making someone's life better. Knowing I have provided a meal for a family or given children unexpected Christmas gifts is fulfilling in a way that cannot be described by a simple economics definition. Community service has also led me to my career path. In biomedical engineering, I will be involved in research that can improve people's lives through technology."Sponsor's endorsement: "This student has been so covert in leadership, philanthropy and academic success, it took me until her fourth year to realize how extraordinary she really is. Smart, giving, caring and unpretentious, she completed all this while holding down (two) part-time jobs. In school, she has excelled academically while being ultra-involved both athletically and in extracurricular activities."
Abigail LynchProspect High SchoolHometown: Mount ProspectClass: SophomoreParents: James Lynch; Debbie and Tim CullenSponsor: Kathryn Wilkens, foreign language teacherCommunity service: Counselor at Camp SOAR, working and playing with children with mental disabilities; tutors and mentors children in second through seventh grades; Service Club activities, including building houses for homeless; socializes with residents at St. Joseph's Home for Elderly and Little Sisters of the Poor; she helps teach religion to preschoolers at St. James Church.Personal statement: "I was raised in a family that caroled for the elderly at Christmas, and collecting food for the poor was our family tradition. Annual clothes and toy giveaways replaced garage sales. I want to go to medical school, then go to Africa and give help to those who are dying from AIDS. When I was 9, I marched up to my mom and said, 'I'm going to go to Africa and help people there,' and here I am, six years later, wanting to do the same thing."Sponsor's endorsement: "I have been extremely impressed by this student's keen level of maturity and responsibility, not only in her studies but in her everyday life. She strives with genuine warmth and open-mindedness to immediately put those around her at ease. She strives to build bridges between people of different ages, culture and race. This is a person who embodies a generosity of spirit."
Christine NinchichFremd High SchoolHometown: PalatineClass: SeniorParents: Alex and Jeanne NinchichSponsor: John Baima, counselor; Andrew Larson, history teacherCommunity service: Worked with athletes at Special Olympics events, including the annual winter games; volunteered at St. Joseph Home for the Elderly and Little Sisters of the Poor; Service Over Self club activities including Preservation of Human Dignity (PHD), Christmas and Thanksgiving food baskets; holiday gifts for poor families; fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity; PADS; painted houses for needy; peer ministry; plays piano for elderly.Personal statement: "Through volunteering, I have met so many wonderful people, and my experiences have made me more aware that people need each other. Donations of money are wonderful, but there is no substitute for the donation of oneself. I have experienced many things that have shaped my personality." Sponsor's endorsement: "By any definition (she) is a leader. She inspires both students and teachers to excel through her example. She blazes a trail that will lead to her (becoming) a successful member of society through her honesty, integrity and hard work. ... There are many students who merely attend work sessions at service organizations. Christine approaches each cause with the determination and vigor that has become the bedrock of her moral code."
Sonalie PatelElk Grove High SchoolHometown: Elk Grove VillageClass: SeniorParents: Dilip and Bharti PatelSponsor: Scott Deutsch, guidance counselorCommunity service: Volunteered at Alexian Brothers Medical Center; recruited volunteers for Habitat for Humanity projects around the world; coached kids in cheerleading at Elk Grove Park District; raised money for Juvenile Diabetes Foundation; volunteered for Pay it Forward for Autism, the Elk Grove community food drive and Woodfield Area Children's Organization.Personal statement: "I am who I am today because of volunteerism. When I was growing up, my family endured rough times; every day was a struggle to get by. We hoped for a change, a miraculous turn of events. After several years we got that miracle, a volunteer in the community. He helped us work through our hardships, he helped me learn English. This support changed my life forever. No amount of recognition could ever make up for his work; following in his path was the least I could do."Sponsor's endorsement: "I have never met a student more dedicated to the betterment of her school, community and self. She has proved to be a scholar, a leader and an inspiration. Her commitment frequently reflects a maturity and wisdom rarely found among high school students. She is never pushed to act by causes, but rather pulled by her goals to better the community in which she lives."
David PerezHoffman Estates High SchoolHometown: Hoffman EstatesClass: SeniorParents: Beatriz Hernandez and Jesus PerezSponsor: Andres Acosta, social workerCommunity service: Mentors Latino freshmen in public speaking, leadership and about college; as a Peer Leader, helps freshmen with homework; volunteers at Alexian Brothers Medical Center; organized a teen volunteer work force to save his church money; Young Leaders Conference mentor and counselor; co-founded VISION, Youth Volunteer Latino Organization.Personal statement: "What does volunteering mean to me? It means courage - to look at a freshman who is inclining to the darkness of the gang life and tell him he's better than that. I see Latino and African-American students every day who have the potential to succeed and do great things; however, they are missing the spark that ignites the fire. My goal has been to be that spark. People ask me what my greatest accomplishment in high school has been. It's not any title or award I've ever won; it's not any program I've been accepted to. It's small things every day, like reaching my hand out and helping someone stand that defines my success."Sponsor's endorsement: "His strong dedication to academics despite numerous obstacles has been nothing short of astounding. His ability to stay the course and experience success is truly a measure of his resolve and his degree of maturity."
Kathy WischhusenPalatine High SchoolHometown: PalatineClass: SeniorParents: Tom and Karen WischhusenSponsor: Fran LeBeau, family and consumer science department chairCommunity service: President of Special Olympics chapter; has coached special athletes for more than three years; director, Youth Hunger Opposition in Palatine; on executive board of Best Buddies for students with intellectual disabilities; cleanup and conservation projects; fundraised for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.Personal statement: "Volunteering and serving my community is important to me because it has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and take initiative. Volunteering grounds my values and morals. Service is not just something you do for two hours on a Saturday; it's a way of living every day of your life. As we go through life we witness situations that are simply wrong. We can choose to sit back and hope someone else fixes them or we can enact change ourselves."Sponsor's endorsement: "(Kathy) is not the type of person to do nothing when people in her community are going hungry. She mobilized her peers, brought together archrival schools and rallied local churches and businesses to stamp out hunger in her community. They raised over $100,000 in six months. If anyone were to meet her, it would dispel the myth of the apathetic teen forever."
Jordan WohlnerBuffalo Grove High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParents: Roger and Kyung WohlnerSponsor: Richard Schram, physics teacher, student council sponsorCommunity service: Peer Jury; camp counselor for underprivileged Latino children who live summers at the racetrack; tutor; Buddy Baseball, for disabled young people; PADS; coordinated fundraising fashion show for Special Olympics; member, Student Leadership Advisory Board to Congressman Mark Kirk; coordinated the collection, donation and volunteers for a school food drive and fundraiser for autism research.Personal statement: "The past two summers I volunteered as a counselor for underprivileged Hispanic (preschoolers). While I hope I temporarily improved their lives, I know they permanently shook mine. As I move forward, I hope to continue my volunteer work and eventually incorporate it into my career."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is easily the most well-rounded student I have known and I am proud I had the opportunity to work with her. She wants to help others and she expects nothing in return. While she understands the value of this experience in terms of a college resume, she is always hesitant to discuss it because she truly does the work because it is good for the community. Her academic ability, leadership and upstanding character make her deserving of recognition."
Honorable mentions
Brittany BaranRolling Meadows High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParents: Jeffrey and Vicki BaranSponsor: Katie Page, NHS adviser and physics teacherCommunity service: Works with young adults and teens at Northwest Special Recreation Association; volunteers through National Honor Society; picked up garbage over Fourth of July week with Youth Services.
Tom CannonHersey High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParents: Steven and Janet CannonSponsor: Mark Gunther, service learning coordinatorCommunity service: Teen Advisory Group, at Arlington Heights Memorial Library; volunteer for Frontier Days; food drive; Special Olympics; Senior Citizen Day; Euclid School fun fair; activities with disabled children.
Lauren CironeSt. Viator High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParents: Frank and Sharon CironeSponsor: Principal Eileen MannoCommunity service: Visited elderly and sick at Lutheran Home for Aged; coach and choreographer for cheerleading squad; St. Viator Ambassador's Club; leader at religious retreats; raised money for breast cancer research.
Katherine DziedzicSt. Viator High SchoolHometown: Hoffman EstatesClass: SeniorParents: Thaddeus and Jean DziedzicSponsor: Principal Eileen MannoCommunity service: PADS soup kitchen; visited with residents at St. Joseph's Home for the Elderly; led retreat for St. Anne's Church; helped Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll sales; teacher assistant at St. Theresa School; led retreats and tours at St. Viator.
Tucker EricksonBartlett High SchoolHometown: BartlettClass: SeniorParents: Kent and Lynn EricksonSponsor: Tom VanBooven, counselorCommunity service: Organized food drive for Hanover Township Food Pantry; volunteer coach for Bartlett Bandits youth baseball; raised money for Little City, played with children; ran eyeglass drive for Lions Club; ski patrol assistant.
Sean GoldenConant High SchoolHometown: RoselleClass: SeniorParents: Richard and Nancy GoldenSponsor: Kathy O'Dell, counselorCommunity service: Math, science and Spanish tutor; mentors freshmen daily; volunteers on various projects with National Honor Society; volunteers for Strays Halfway House at fests and pet shows; cares for cats up for adoption.
N. Catalina GomezHersey High SchoolHometown: Mount ProspectClass: SeniorParent: Mireya VegaSponsor: Mark Gunther, service learning coordinatorCommunity service: Translator and consultant for families needing public benefits; worked on organic farm on Native American reservation; volunteered for Tammy Duckworth's congressional campaign; senior citizen advocate with S.O.S. club.
Erin HedrickBarrington High SchoolHometown: BarringtonClass: SeniorParents: Michael and Susan HedrickSponsor: Jill Bauer, student volunteer program coordinatorCommunity service: Trained volunteer for WINGS; BHS Snowflake leadership team; peer tutoring; made video for freshman orientation; National Leadership Conference on Underage Drinking Enforcement.
Diana KuhiwczakEast Leyden High SchoolHometown: River GroveClass: SeniorParent: Susan KuhiwczakSponsors: Cindi Gustafson and Bill Mitchell, counselorsCommunity service: Student Council blood drive; blanket-making for charity; daily mentor for freshmen students; setup for Homecoming Dance; Polish translator for charity silent auction.
Valerie LelleWheeling High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParents: Mr. and Mrs. Larry LelleSponsor: Stephen May, assistant principal for student activities.Community service: Fundraiser for Make A Wish; Relay For Life fundraiser and team captain; peer tutoring; fundraiser for school in Angola; counselor at church camp; Northwest Community Hospital Medical Science Academy.
Alejandro MonzonSchaumburg High SchoolHometown: SchaumburgClass: SeniorParents: Miguel and Lori MonzonSponsor: B.C. Juettner, counselorCommunity service: San Francisco Church in Ceyala, Mexico, where he sets up church and also volunteers for youth group; blood donor; Secret Santa for children at Pilsen Academy; food sorter, Northern Illinois Food Bank.
Alexandra 'Ola' PitcherBarrington High SchoolHometown: BarringtonClass: SeniorParents: John and Ewa PitcherSponsor: Jill Bauer, student volunteer program coordinatorCommunity service: Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital; peer jury; Snowflake leader (promotes drug-free lifestyle); United Way Youth Board; Barrington Area Council on Aging youth board; Key Club homeless sleepout.
Kimberley ReedBuffalo Grove High SchoolHometown: Arlington HeightsClass: SeniorParent: Felicia RockefellerSponsor: Mark Schaetzlein, assistant principalCommunity service: Religious education teacher; peer and youth minister; home building projects in inner cities and poor rural areas; organized Special Olympics fundraiser; organized Denim Day for cancer research.
Amanda RooneySchaumburg High SchoolHometown: SchaumburgClass: SeniorParents: Dan and Sue RooneySponsor: Marvin Leavitt, counselorCommunity service: Home repair in Appalachia; worked at inner city soup kitchen; Christmas shopping with needy children; fed homeless at PADS shelter; volunteer, 5K run/walk for Shelter Inc.
Lauren SchauerWheeling High SchoolHometown: WheelingClass: SeniorParents: Mr. and Mrs. Michael SchauerSponsor: Stephen May, assistant principal for student activitiesCommunity service: Sunday school helper at Kingswood United Methodist, helping direct children's choir and developing lesson plans; fundraises to build classrooms in Angola; helps elderly with household chores.
Jonathan StramagliaEast Leyden High SchoolHometown: Schiller ParkClass: SeniorParents: John and Jeannine StramagliaSponsor: Cindi Gustafson, counselor; Mark Reeves, teacherCommunity service: Organized new high school softball league with more than 100 teens; collected more than 500 coloring books and crayons for Elmhurst Hospital; led children in park district physical fitness program.
Nestor ZavalaMaine West High SchoolHometown: Des PlainesClass: SeniorParents: Javier and Irene ZavalaSponsor: Ashley Simpson, teacher; Kathy Dollaske, Key Club sponsorCommunity service: Helped raise funds for Bear Necessities; repeated volunteer work with senior citizens at Oakton Arms; volunteer projects with Key Club and Hispanic Club; freshman guide and other school service. <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=268014">Lake County 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>