2009-2010 Fox Valley Academic Team

Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County

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William Barker

Cary-Grove High School

Hometown CaryParents Bill and Kim BarkerSponsor Jim Kelly, Dean of StudentsClass rank 2 out of 448GPA 4.595 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 34College Purdue UniversityPlanned major EngineeringAwards, honors Salutatorian, AP Scholar with Honors, Illinois State ScholarPersonal statement "From the time I was in preschool, I always wanted to know how and why something worked. I was the kid who asked why two plus two was four and never settled with the fact that it does. Even in high school I find myself probing my teachers with questions to satisfy my desire for knowledge."Sponsor's endorsement "He is the quintessential leader and was the captain of both the varsity football and basketball teams during this past seasons. He has been a great example to his teammates, classmates and to our local community. When he was on the field or the court, no one played harder than he. His efforts stood out due to his hustle, hard work and unselfish play."Graduation photos - Cary-Grove High SchoolRaynette BiermanElgin Academy Hometown WayneParents John and Raynette BiermanSponsor Seth Hanford, Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper SchoolClass rank Students not rankedGPA 4.1 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 31; SAT 1830College University of ChicagoPlanned major NeuroscienceAwards, honors Rotary "Straight A" Award, Cum Laude Society, George Eastman Young Leaders AwardPersonal statement "Over the years, I have worked to satisfy my own goals in the process of fulfilling the guidelines given by my teachers. I consider my work to run parallel with the criteria of the teachers but apart at the same time. I enjoy being able to create something unexpected because it shows more about me as an individual."Sponsor's endorsement "She is keenly interested in making the world around her better and, as such, she spends a substantial amount of time researching problems and finding ways to encourage our community to unite to address them."Graduation photos - Elgin AcademyJess EnnisSt. Charles North High School Hometown St. CharlesParents Sandra and Andrew EllisSponsor Robert Freitag, counselorClass rank 4 out of 547GPA 5.8 on a 5.0 scaleTest scores ACT 33College Emory UniversityPlanned major International relations, theaterAwards, honors Academic High Honors, Prairie State Achievement Award, Illinois Director of Student Activities ScholarshipPersonal statement "Although the marriage of my activities and academics has been a work in progress, it has given me a glimpse into the benefits of combining my studies and community involvement with the arts."Sponsor's endorsement "This student is searching for some way to combine her love of dance, interest in international relations and firm desire to make the world a better place for the impoverished. She has the work ethic, native intelligence and academic background to successfully cope with the rigors of the most selective universities in the world."Graduation photos - St. Charles North High SchoolEdward GibbonsCary-Grove High School Hometown CaryParents Ed and Monica GibbonsSponsor Nora Huff, history teacherClass rank 3 out of 448GPA 4.568 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 35College University of Notre DamePlanned major FinanceAwards, honors Math Student of the Year, 10th in State Math Competition, AP Scholar with Distinction Personal statement "Someone said that it takes a village to raise a child. I owe much to my parents, teachers and community who have provided me with the education and support that have allowed me to enjoy my successes thus far."Sponsor's endorsement "Edward's character is one marked by a strong work ethic and dedication to his commitments. ... His academic work is almost always unmatched by that of his classmates. His assignments and assessments reflect not only careful preparation and attention to detail, but also a level of abstract and critical thinking that is not often seen amongst students his age."Graduation photos - Cary-Grove High SchoolMichelle LisackHuntley High School Hometown HuntleyParents Pam and Tim LisackSponsor Karen Miller, counselorClass rank 1 out of 424GPA 4.795 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 33College Ball State UniversityPlanned major Japanese and international businessAwards, honors Quill and Scroll, Board of Education Award of Excellence (2008-09), McHenry County Honor BandPersonal statement "Becoming an editor during my first year of my yearbook class was a huge accomplishment. Only a sophomore, I had no experience with writing or running a yearbook. In general, my skills were poor, and that led to some major train wrecks over the course of the year. What's that saying? Live and learn? That first year I lived through many painful mistakes. I learned. I improved myself."Sponsor's endorsement "I cannot think of anyone with more integrity and leadership and who is truly deserving of all the top honors that a student of her aptitude and character should receive."Graduation photos - Huntley High SchoolMichael MirskiIll. Math and Science Academy Hometown NapervilleParents Dr. Aleksander and Beata MirskiSponsor Roberto Suarez, College and Academic CounselorClass rank Students not rankedGPA Not availableTest scores ACT 35; SAT 2360College University of PennsylvaniaPlanned major FinanceAwards, honors National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Honors, Illinois State ScholarPersonal statement "Entrepreneurialism has always been a cornerstone of my identity. I love finding the perfect idea. I love feverishly working, losing sleep, and simply thinking of ways to improve it. But most of all, I love seeing the final masterpiece succeed."Sponsor's endorsement "His confidence and sense of humor bring out charming characteristics. Michael's highly motivated approach is based on the concept of never settling with the status quo. He strives for perpetual progression and relentlessly challenges himself."Joan SteffenIllinois Math and Science AcademyHometown ElginParents Kerin Kelly and F. John SteffenSponsor Bart Gregersen, College and Academic CounselorClass rank Students not rankedGPA Not availableTest scores SAT 2320College Northwestern UniversityPlanned major Anthropology or chemistryAwards, honors National Merit Finalist, "Le Grand Concours" Certificate of Honor - National Laureate, Level 3A, 2009 AP Scholar Personal statement "I have always loved traveling and I have visited Vietnam, England, France and Australia with my family in the past, but I never realized that my interest in other cultures could be translated into an academic experience."Sponsor's endorsement "From an early age, Joan's parents taught her the importance of working hard and being self-driven. They also modeled the importance of using knowledge and skills gained to benefit the community in which they lived."Lauren SteimleElgin AcademyHometown St. CharlesParents Jon and Dr. Cynthia SteimleSponsor Seth Hanford, Assistant Head of School and Director of Upper SchoolClass rank Students not rankedGPA 4.04 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 32; SAT 2070College Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major Biomedical EngineeringAwards, honors Quill and Scroll Society, Cum Laude Society, Rotary "Straight A" AwardPersonal statement "I am still not entirely sure of my career goals, or even my further education goals. I do know, however, that I want a career that will allow me to make an impact on the lives of others in a huge way."Sponsor's endorsement "Her academic accomplishments are especially impressive when one views them in light of her varied and significant commitments outside of the classroom. We laud her ability to exhibit maturity, as she chooses her activities wisely and balances her time appropriately. It is this even, mature demeanor that allows her to be such a successful leader by example."Graduation photos - Elgin AcademyFiona WeeksMarian Central Catholic High Hometown HuntleyParents Margaret Flood and Patrick WeeksSponsor Rebecca Reed, counselorClass rank 1 out of 174GPA 4.5987 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 36; SAT 2370College Tufts UniversityPlanned major Pre-Medicine, community healthAwards, honors Semifinalist, U.S. Presidential Scholar (final pending); National Merit Finalist; State Finalist, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Academic ChallengePersonal statement "I want to make a huge impact. More specifically, my goal is to improve maternal health care in developing countries. At this point, I see myself working as an obstetrician or gynecologist in Central or South America, but I am open to pushing other channels of improving health care."Sponsor's endorsement "She is not only gifted in her intelligence, but she truly loves learning for its own sake, not just for the grades. She is a very motivated, serious student who will put in whatever time is needed to put forth her best efforts."Runnan YangCrystal Lake South High SchoolHometown Crystal LakeParents Hongzhuan Yang and Dan ZhuSponsor Colleen Cameron, AP English language teacherClass rank 3 out of 475GPA 4.49 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 36; SAT 2370College University of ChicagoPlanned major Economics, Computer ScienceAwards, honors American Mathematics Contest, School Winner (10,12)Personal statement "I want rebellion to be the status quo, heterodoxy to be mainstream, being different to be normal. In modern society, there are simply too many rules and rulings, explicit and implicit that constrict the kaleidoscope of self-expression that we are capable of. I want to fix this; I want every man, woman and child to have his own day in the sun."Sponsor's endorsement "Although grades are important to him, teachers report that he has a true love of learning and is always prepared. Over the past four years, there has been a growing respect for him by his peers when he participates in class."Graduation photos - Crystal Lake South High School Honorable mentionsElizabeth BertnessBatavia High School Hometown BataviaParents Kevin and Juli BertnessSponsor Steven Lesniak, school counselorClass rank 1 out of 501GPA 4.00 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 32College University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major Mechanical engineeringAwards, honors High School Highest HonorsGraduation photos - Batavia High SchoolLindsay ClarkDundee-Crown High School Hometown Sleepy HollowParents Annette and John ClarkSponsor Kimberly Gavigan, Spanish teacherClass rank 1 out of 530GPA 5.92 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 33College University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major BusinessAwards, honors AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Dundee-Crown High SchoolAlyssa DiGilioSt. Edward Central Catholic Hometown West DundeeParents Scott and Andrea DiGilioSponsor Kerry O'Brien, head of counseling servicesClass rank 4 out of 100GPA 4.53 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 31College Marquette UniversityPlanned major MathematicsAwards, honors Rotary Club Straight 'A' Award, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, third place in Biology in 2010 state finalsGraduation photos - St. Edward Central Catholic High SchoolGrant DixonH. D. Jacobs High School Hometown West DundeeParents Chris and Michelle DixonSponsor Michael Bregy, principalClass rank 17 out of 579GPA 5.71 on a 6.00 scaleTest scores ACT 33College University of Southern CaliforniaPlanned major ArchaeologyAwards, honors National Honor SocietyGraduation photos - H. D. Jacobs High SchoolChristie GlemkowskiRosary High School Hometown BataviaParents James and Deborah GlemkowskiSponsor Patricia Burke, principalClass rank 1 out of 103GPA 4.30 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 34College Franciscan University of SteubenvillePlanned major Middle Childhood EducationAwards, honors First place in Chemistry in Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Sectionals CompetitionGraduation photos - Rosary High SchoolChristine JohnsonBatavia High School Hometown BataviaParents Colin and Lisa JohnsonSponsor Alton Rollerson, guidance counselorClass rank 1 out of 501GPA 4.00 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 32College Northwestern UniversityPlanned major BiologyAwards, honors National Honor Society, National French Honor SocietyGraduation photos - Batavia High SchoolErik MelchersH. D. Jacobs High School Hometown AlgonquinParents David and Barbara MelchersSponsor Tamara McKenna, counselorClass rank 15 out of 579GPA 5.75 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 33College University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major Civil engineeringGraduation photos - H. D. Jacobs High SchoolNhu NguyenHuntley High School Hometown HuntleyParents Ha and Tina NguyenSponsor Karen Miller, counselorClass rank 2 out of 424GPA 3.97 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 34College Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major BiologyAwards, honors National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Huntley High SchoolGina PaxsonDundee-Crown High School Hometown AlgonquinParents Donald and Linda PaxsonSponsor Brian Fruits, English and drama teacherClass rank 3 out of 530GPA 5.81 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 32College Illinois State UniversityPlanned major PsychologyAwards, honors Illinois State Scholar, Envirothon Regional Team ChampionGraduation photos - Dundee-Crown High SchoolDan PhelanSt. Edward Central Catholic Hometown Hoffman EstatesParents Bill and Lynn PhelanSponsor Kerry O'Brien, head of counseling servicesClass rank 3 out of 100GPA 4.57 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 33College University of Notre DamePlanned major Liberal artsAwards, honors High Honor Roll, First place at Elgin Community College Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering for EnglishGraduation photos - St. Edward Central Catholic High SchoolSanjay PrakadanMarmion Academy Hometown AuroraParents Mathews and Cissy PrakadanSponsor Paul Weberg, senior honors teacherClass rank 2 out of 121GPA 4.82 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 34College University of ChicagoPlanned major Economics Awards, honors Class Salutatorian, National Merit Commended ScholarGraduation photos - Marmion AcademyEric SchwendnerMarmion Academy Hometown St. CharlesParents Lee and Carla SchwendnerSponsor Paul Weberg, senior honors teacherClass rank 3 out of 121GPA 4.80 on a 4.00 scaleTest scores ACT 33College University of IllinoisPlanned major Computer engineeringAwards, honors AP Scholar, Math Team Captain State FinalistGraduation photos - Marmion AcademySteven SheldonCrystal Lake South High School Hometown Crystal LakeParents Richard and Barbara SheldonSponsor Brian Adcock, AP calculus teacherClass rank 2 out of 475GPA 4.64 on a 4.00 scale Test scores ACT 34; SAT 2240College University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major Computer science Awards, honors National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with HonorGraduation photos - Crystal Lake South High 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=386527">NW Suburban Academic Team <span class="date">[6/10/10X]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=386542">DuPage Co. Academic Team <span class="date">[6/10/10X]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=386515">Lake Co. Academic Team <span class="date">[6/10/10X]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>