Daily Herald's Fox Valley Leadership Team
Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County • Judges
Amishi Bajaj
Illinois Math and Science Academy
Hometown: Oak Brook%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Dr. Ajay Bajaj and Dr. Ameeta Bajaj%%%%Sponsor: Julia Husen, college and academic counselorCommunity service: Peer tutoring and group tutoring, North South Foundation, Hinsdale Community House Theatre, Kids Institute Program at IMSA, volunteer at Advocate Good Samaritan Personal statement: "Tutoring is one of my greatest hobbies; it is beyond rewarding to take a hand, touch a heart, and give guidance. Watching others succeed provides me with immense satisfaction and strengthens my desire to tutor others and watch them attain their goals, as well. " Sponsor's endorsement: "Due to the sheer number of activities and awards she has accumulated in her lifetime, it's hard to comprehend the fact that Amishi came to our high school as a 'schmen' (our term for students who matriculate directly from eighth grade). Amishi is an independent thinker and decision maker. She is well beyond her years. Amishi will be limited only by the time and space constraints inherent to the universe." Raynette Bierman Elgin Academy Hometown: Wayne%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: John and Raynette Bierman%%%%Sponsor: Seth Hanford, director of Upper SchoolCommunity service: PADS volunteer, Boys and Girls Club of Elgin, Orphanage Outreach, Community Crisis Center volunteer Personal statement: "For me, service does not only mean going to PADS on Thursday mornings and mentoring the students at the Boys and Girls Club, but it is also about educating my school about causes that affect our community, nation, and world. I believe the first step toward action is being aware of the beliefs and missions behind the causes. My goal is to inspire others to find a cause they are passionate about; I want to show others that true volunteerism is about loving that cause and believing in their own ability to make an impact." Sponsor's endorsement: "(Raynette Bierman) is our school's consummate leader and I echo our faculty in giving her my highest recommendation. She has impressed us with her intelligence and work ethic, her leadership, and her care for those around her." Andrew Boston South Elgin High School Hometown: South Elgin%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Mark and Jean Boston%%%%Sponsor: Arlene Enger, counselorCommunity service: Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Foundation conference, peer tutoring, Elgin Youth United Way Personal statement: "Recently, I volunteered as a pumpkin carrier for a local fall festival. I only expected to come home with a tired back and a mud-stained jacket, but as the day progressed I realized I would come home with so much more. I was surprised to find that many people were overflowing with thanks and comments regarding my presence at the event. I went on to mention that I was doing this project as a volunteer and received many thanks and many pieces of advice." Sponsor's endorsement: "Aside from his commendable academics, exemplary leadership, and passion for service, even more outstanding are his personal attributes. His motivation, perseverance, and desire to continually challenge himself are indicative of his potential. He is devoted, exceptionally confident, congenial, talented, and well-liked and respected by both professionals and his peers." Matthew Derrico Marmion Academy Hometown: Batavia%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Jim and Deann Derrico%%%%Sponsor: Julie Garofalo, academic deanCommunity service: Hesed House homeless mentoring, Campus Ministry mission trips to West Virginia and Ecuador, Eucharistic ministry Personal statement: "From mission trips in foreign lands, to serving the community around me, I have had the good fortune to excel in a part of my life others have not. I consider these opportunities to be gifts - gifts that have taught me valuable lessons about being a leader and serving others ... The lessons I learned taught me to live each day as it comes with passion, responsibility, selflessness, and most importantly, balance." Sponsor's endorsement: "As early as his freshman year, (Matt) stood out among his peers as a natural leader. Today, he is a very effective student council president. He takes all opinions into consideration and has a knack for drawing many groups and students together for a common cause. He's not afraid to delegate, stands by those who help, stands up to criticism, includes everyone, and always follows through." Tim Johnson St. Charles East High School Hometown: St. Charles%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Keven and Colleen Johnson%%%%Sponsor: Jeff Bialeschki and Sheila Vining, counselorsCommunity service: St. Mark's Lutheran Church service projects, Special Olympics volunteer, peer tutoring, Salvation Army volunteer Personal statement: "A good friend of mine, Sam, has Down syndrome. Whenever she does something right and she gives me a high-five, I smile and high-five her back, because there is nothing better than that feeling of helping out somebody who isn't as capable. It puts a light in my day. That high-five symbolizes something. It shouts out to the world that even people with special needs, like Sam, understand life. Maybe they understand it better than we do." Sponsor's endorsement: "The positive aspects of his character communicate a genuine sincerity that is often lacking in today's youth. He is very in tune to those individuals around him. He has the ability to 'turn lemons into lemonade' so to speak. He is a very friendly and outgoing individual who can always make the best out of a situation." William Jolly St. Charles North High School Hometown: St. Charles%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Steven and Florence Jolly%%%%Sponsor: Shannon Von Essen, English teacherCommunity service: Renovating Fox Valley Pregnancy Center, Key Club, Boy Scouts roadside cleanup Personal statement: "Being a leader can oftentimes be a frightening endeavor, and I am certainly not exempt from this feeling; nonetheless, there is no better position to be in if you are honestly looking to benefit an organization and the individuals in that organization. One of my first major leadership positions was Senior Patrol Leader for my Boy Scout troop. This role taught me to never settle for the bare minimum as a leader, but rather to do my best to exceed all foreseen limitations. Sponsor's endorsement: "He is one of the most talented, hardworking, and dedicated young men with whom I have had the opportunity to work with. No matter what his position or goal, he gives everything he has to everything he does. ... He is kind, compassionate, and patient." Alexandra Pace Geneva High School Hometown: Geneva%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Jim and Carie Pace%%%%Sponsor: Cindy Kovach, counselorCommunity service: Frillz Inc. charity drive for homeless, Geneva History Center, Environmental Club, National Honor Society, Key Club Personal statement: "I have co-developed Frillz Inc., a nonprofit organization in the State of Illinois. Frillz builds self-esteem in homeless and disadvantaged women by providing tools for health and beauty and encouraging the development of good personal habits. Volunteers organize and assemble care packages containing cosmetic and hygienic products for women. We have initially targeted local areas of need, such as Lazarus House, but eventually hope to become widespread." Sponsor's endorsement: "The high school years for this student have been much more than simply academic success. The myriad of ways she has extended herself and her experiential learning through activities outside the classroom is truly impressive and inspiring. With great vision, this student has served others and led others." Sarah Rot Larkin High School Hometown: Elgin%%%%Class: Junior%%%%Parents: Cliff Rot and Ellen Locke%%%%Sponsor: Jon Tuin, principalCommunity service: Redbird Missions trip to Kentucky, nursing home volunteer, Easter Seals telethon Personal statement: "Last year, I traveled to Kentucky on a mission trip with my church. While there, we put in a completely new ceiling and windows in a small house, and repainted every room (including the outside). At the end of the week, I felt such an immense pride for our group for being able to help out a family in such a drastic way. " Sponsor's endorsement: "As principal of a large high school, I am often asked to write letters of recommendation, but it is rarely that I have the opportunity to write one for such an amazing student. (Sarah Rot) is a well-rounded student who performs at a high level academically, artistically, athletically and in her service to the school. ... However, the aspect that impresses me the most is her willingness to serve her community and school. Some students perform acts of community service to meet admissions standards or to receive awards, but she obviously serves out of a driven passion for others." Nikki Smith Kaneland High School Hometown: Elburn%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Warren and Carol Smith%%%%Sponsor: Maria Mecic, counselorCommunity service: Girl Scouts day camp leader, vacation Bible school volunteer, Appalachian mission trip Personal statement: "I have volunteered in much of my free time during high school, but the experiences that have been the most meaningful and left an impression are the times when I have found myself drastically changed. My ability to interact with children, and to learn from them, has improved since I first began baby-sitting. Through my volunteering I have realized that we can all learn from children if we watch them closely and open ourselves to the idea that their behavior is something to be modeled and respected." Sponsor's endorsement: "She is polite and respectful of all people of all cultures. She is an earnest individual who is always grateful for opportunities that present themselves, whether they are academic, artistic, or of service to others. In both the classroom and her extracurricular activities, much of Nikki's success has come from her willingness to listen and always be there for others." Jennifer Wood Batavia High School Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Bryan and Lori Wood%%%%Sponsor: Dr. Hichens, principalCommunity service: Relay For Life, Key Club, peer tutoring Personal statement: "Losing a grandparent motivated me to make a difference. I wanted to be a part of helping find a cure for cancer through fundraising, so I became devoted to Relay For Life." Sponsor's endorsement: "Jennifer Wood, the vice president of Key Club, has given to our school and our community in a number of meaningful ways. In addition to her leadership role in Key Club, Jennifer also serves as treasurer for the National Honor Society, secretary for Tri-M, and as vice president of the National French Honor Society. She is also involved with Relay For Life, and her fundraising efforts have earned thousands of dollars for this organization. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and she has previously been recognized through the Prudential Spirit of the Community Award." Honorable mentions Jennifer Allen St. Charles East High School Hometown: St. Charles%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Rodney and Maureen Allen%%%%Sponsor: Jeff Bialeschki and Mark Pereda, counselorsCommunity service: Math Honors Society, Model U.N., Peer Leadership, Girl Scouts of America day camp aide, vacation Bible school volunteer Kelly Barabasz Geneva High School Hometown: Geneva%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Jeanne O'Donnell and Robert Barabasz%%%%Sponsor: Mary Jane Johnson, director of counseling and advisingCommunity service: Key Club member, Students Against Disastrous Decisions (SADD), Children's Theatre volunteer, National Honor Society, International Thespian Society president Joseph Carrothers Dundee-Crown High School Hometown: Algonquin%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Joseph and Susan Carrothers%%%%Sponsor: Kim Gavigan, Student Learning Experience coordinatorCommunity service: Religious Education teacher's aide, soup kitchen volunteer, math tutor, National Honor Society executive board member August Domel St. Edward Central Catholic High Hometown: Sleepy Hollow%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: August and Gina Domel%%%%Sponsor: Kerry O'Brien, guidance counselorCommunity service: National Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Big Brother/Big Sister volunteer, St. Catherine of Siena Parish volunteer, Tri-Cities Little League volunteer Brigid Duggan St. Charles North High School Hometown: St. Charles%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: John and Sheila Duggan%%%%Sponsor: Dr. Robert Freitag, counselorCommunity service: Church volunteer, camp counselor, church retreat coordinator, Delnor Community Hospital day care volunteer Kevin Garofalo Marmion Academy Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Michael and Julie Garofalo%%%%Sponsor: Frank Giangrego, instructorCommunity service: Special Olympics volunteer, Justice Walking volunteer, Campus Ministry volunteer, National Honor Society, JROTC Jordan Graf Marian Central Catholic High School Hometown: Woodstock%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Rod and Amy Graf%%%%Sponsor: Rebecca Reed, guidance counselorCommunity service: National Honor Society, religious education teacher, Tri-M National Music Honors Society, Freshmen mentor program volunteer, Respect for Life Awareness Group co-founder Elizabeth Halvorson Jacobs High School Hometown: Algonquin%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Michael and Suzanne Halvorson%%%%Sponsor: Tamara McKenna, school counselorCommunity service: Community service: Student council member, Fox Valley Leadership Conference, elementary school activities volunteer, madrigal group member Meena Iyer Illinois Math and Science Academy Hometown: Elmhurst%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Kannan and Jayanthy Iyer%%%%Sponsor: Julia Husen, coordinator of college and academic counselingCommunity service: Habitat for Humanity, Elmhurst Peer Jury, Elmhurst Hospital volunteer, Leadership Education and Development member, student council cabinet member Rikki Johnson Dundee-Crown High School Hometown: East Dundee%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Gary and Terese Johnson%%%%Sponsor: Melissa Baker, Family and Consumer Science/Rotary InteractCommunity service: Rotary Interact club secretary, Beta Club, National Honor Society Preksha Maiya Jacobs High School Hometown: Carpentersville%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Manoor and Prathibha Mahesh%%%%Sponsor: Katherine Atkins, school counselorCommunity service: National Honor Society, Interact Community Service Club president, H2O for Life president and founder, High Schools Against Cancer, Service Learning Team/Jacobs Safety Initiative member Mitchel Malatek Kaneland High School Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Troy and Phaedra Malatek%%%%Sponsor: Andrew J. Franklin, counselorCommunity service: National Honor Society, Model U.N., summer camp volunteer, small-group leader for junior high students Rachel Martinez Huntley High School Hometown: Lake in the Hills%%%%Class: Junior%%%%Parents: Fernando and Vanessa Martinez%%%%Sponsor: Cathleen O'Donnell, English teacherCommunity service: Alliance for Youth Services Humanitarian Expedition, Special Olympics volunteer, Community Service Club, Church Service Youth Group, Link Crew (transitional program for underclassmen) Jomar Mendoza West Aurora High School Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Juan Mendoza and Freda Davis-Mendoza%%%%Sponsor: Andrew Scharm, Director of Student ActivitiesCommunity service: Boys to Men mentor, Progressive Baptist Church volunteer, Make A Wish Foundation volunteer, National Honor Society president, Student Ambassador Jessica Minott Aurora Central Catholic High Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Kenneth and Marsha Minott%%%%Sponsor: Sharon Elgar, AP biology and chemistry teacherCommunity service: National Honor Society, Student Ambassador, Girl Scouts, St. Joseph Church volunteer Patrick Peterson Batavia High School Hometown: Batavia%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Philip and Patricia Peterson%%%%Sponsor: Lisa Hichens, principalCommunity service: National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, Students Against Destructive Decisions, music lesson assistant Mark Pfotenhauer Aurora Central Catholic High School Hometown: DeKalb%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Jim and Susan Pfotenhauer%%%%Sponsor: Sharon Elgar, AP Biology and Chemistry TeacherCommunity service: Meals On Wheels, DeKalb Public Library volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, National Honor Society, Key Club Emily Piech Rosary High School Hometown: Geneva%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: John and Mary Piech%%%%Sponsor: Joseph Gibbons, math teacherCommunity service: Student Ambassador, Relay For Life volunteer, student council president, National Honor Society, Human Rights Club Marcus Popenfoose Huntley High School Hometown: Huntley%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Joel and Kim Popenfoose%%%%Sponsor: Chris Maxedon, teacher and coachCommunity service: XXNational Honor Society, Link Crew (transitional program for underclassmen), tech and service teams at Westlake Community ChurchXX Ryan Smith Larkin High School Hometown: Elgin%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Chuck and Karen Smith%%%%Sponsor: Dr. Jon Tuin, principalCommunity service: National Honor Society, student government, class officer, Crop Walk for Hunger, Elgin Crisis Center Elizabeth Spaargaren West Aurora High School Hometown: Aurora%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Rose and Edward Spaargaren%%%%Sponsor: Andrew Scharm, Director of Student ActivitiesCommunity service: Student Ambassador, National Honor Society, Madrigal Singers, Drama Club historian Cailey Stancl South Elgin High School Hometown: Bartlett%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Mr. and Mrs. James Stancl%%%%Sponsor: Dominique Zewde and Angelica Cordova, counselorsCommunity service: Student government president, church volunteer, National Honor Society, Students Today, Leaders Forever volunteer Madeline Stone Elgin Academy Hometown: St. Charles%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Christine and Jim Stone%%%%Sponsor: Seth Hanford, Assistant Head of School/Director of Upper SchoolCommunity service: PADS volunteer, Salvation Army volunteer, Model United Nations, School Ambassador, Big Brother/Big Sister program volunteer Kelsey Taldone Crystal Lake South High School Hometown: Crystal Lake%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Amy and Joe Taldone%%%%Sponsor: Brian Adcock, teacher and National Honor Society sponsorCommunity service: National Honor Society, Student Leadership Group, soup kitchen volunteer, service project coordinator Marius Volkhart Crystal Lake South High School Hometown: Crystal Lake%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Hans and Heike Volkhart%%%%Sponsor: Bill AltmannCommunity service: Boy Scouts of America, National Honor Society, student council member, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Fiona Weeks Marian Central Catholic High Hometown: Huntley%%%%Class: Senior%%%%Parents: Margaret Flood and Patrick Weeks%%%%Sponsor: Rebecca Reed, guidance counselorCommunity service: National Honor Society, church retreat counselor, Bread of Healing Clinic volunteer, school literary magazine editor, founder and director of Students for Women's Interests, Rights, and Legislation Full list of teamsbull; Daily Herald's Northwest Suburban Leadership Teambull; Daily Herald's Fox Valley Leadership Teambull; Daily Herald's DuPage County Leadership Teambull; Daily Herald's Lake County Leadership Teambull; Daily Herald's Leadership Team judges <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=353975">Daily Herald's Northwest Suburban Leadership Team <span class="date">[01/27/10]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=353969">Daily Herald's Fox Valley Leadership Team <span class="date">[01/27/10]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=353968">Daily Herald's DuPage County Leadership Team <span class="date">[01/27/10]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=353961">Daily Herald's Lake County Leadership Team <span class="date">[01/27/10]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=353931">Daily Herald's Leadership Team judges <span class="date">[01/27/10]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>