2009-2010 Northwest Suburban Academic Team

Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County

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Christopher A. Baker

Schaumburg High School

Hometown: SchaumburgParents: Kurt and Kathy BakerSponsor: Darrell Robin, English teacherClass rank: 1 out of 603GPA: 5.11 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 32College: Caltech or University of IllinoisPlanned major: Electrical engineeringAwards, honors: AP Scholar with Distinction Award; IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award 2009, 2010; Dist. 211 Academic ScholarPersonal statement: "I am fascinated by electronics. I hope to lead research in the development of advanced computer and electronic technologies. I began teaching myself about computer hardware my freshman year by assembling my own computer. I learned all the parts in a standard computer and their roles in making the computer work as well as how changes would affect the overall performance."Sponsor's endorsement: "He will always carry the desire to learn. He will enhance and improve the lives of others regardless of which specific teams recruit him."Graduation photos - Schaumburg High SchoolAakash BavishiHoffman Estates High School Hometown: Hoffman EstatesParents: Amit and Aesha BavishiSponsor: Heidi Davey, teacherClass rank: 1 out of 523GPA: 5.143 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2240College: Northwestern University, University of ChicagoPlanned major: Chemical engineeringAwards, honors: American Cancer Society research program intern; National Spanish Exam Level 3, Level 4 school high scorer; Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago summer research internPersonal statement: "Challenges are inevitable. Character developed in Boy Scouts will help overcome them (and) drive me to improve the lives of cancer patients. Einstein said, 'Most people say it is the intellect which makes a great scientist. They are wrong: it is character.' It is this character, not accolades or grades, that anchors my journey."Sponsor's endorsement: "He is willing to do what many top ranked students will not, ask legitimate questions. He brings up things that trouble him, or that he finds interesting. This starts the group down the road of sincere academic discourse."Graduation photos - Hoffman Estates High SchoolJonathon GravenProspect High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Tracey Graven and Lee GravenSponsor: Lynn Thornton, counselorClass rank: 1st out of 566GPA: 5.69 on a weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35College: University of Illinois at UrbanaPlanned major: Mathematics, physicsAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; two-time AMC12 school winner; division orals championPersonal statement: "The service act that most influenced my goals and helped to focus my intentions was the Ron Santo JDRF Walk. I joined my friend to support his battle against juvenile diabetes years ago, and have returned at every opportunity because of the awe-inspiring dedication of the program. Seeing so many people coming together to fight a disease that affects millions of children made me realize I need to do my part."Sponsor's endorsement: "He is one of those rare individuals who can do most anything with excellence. He can tackle the toughest curriculum and end up with a number one ranking. He can also take on strong membership in athletics and math team, excelling in both. He is passionate about learning."Graduation photos - Prospect High SchoolKathryn HaszSchaumburg High School Hometown: SchaumburgParents: Pam and Russ HaszSponsor: Mary Lopez, social studies teacherClass rank: 5 out of 603GPA: 4.8890 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36; SAT 2250College: Oberlin College, Macalester College or Illinois WesleyanPlanned major: UndecidedAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; National Council of Teachers of English writing award; AP Scholar with Honor Personal statement: "In my lifetime, I hope to help people who face the types of illnesses that lead them to self-destructive behaviors. Depression, self-injury, eating disorders - all cause harm to the victim and to surrounding family members and friends. I hope to find a way to better the current treatments and lessen the horrible effects."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is modest and hard working, which combined with her innate academic skill makes her an exceptional individual. I'm not sure how many students like her I will encounter - she has all the skills requisite to succeed at any challenge and the work ethic to actually do so."Graduation photos - Schaumburg High SchoolDaniel MalsomWheeling High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Mike and Diane MalsomSponsor: Rick Watson, counselorClass rank: Shares 1st with 3 others; out of 487GPA: 5.0 on a 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36; SAT 2320College: University of Illinois, UrbanaPlanned major: Environmental engineering; environmental scienceAwards, honors: Provost and Matthews scholarships from University of IllinoisPersonal statement: "My environmental roots lie in the firm, sound soil of natural curiosity and out-in-the-field conservation work, and I will fortify those traits with a more problem-solving, tinkering, building and design-oriented education. My passion: Conserving resources and preserving Earth's natural beauty so everyone can appreciate and respect the time they spend in nature."Sponsor's endorsement: "I have never known a student who has earned the level of respect Dan has from the entire student body as well as the faculty. Whatever track he takes, he wants to commit himself to improving the environment either as an engineer or scientist."Graduation photos - Wheeling High SchoolPaul OrganHoffman Estates High School Hometown: Hoffman EstatesParents: Anne and Jim OrganSponsor: Cathy Loh, science teacherClass rank: 5 out of 523GPA: 4.9842 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36; SAT 2260College: George Washington, Georgetown or Boston U.Planned major: International affairsAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; Goethe Institute of Chicago Excellence in German Award; ICTM State Math Contest qualifierPersonal statement: "I plan to combine my passions for service and math with my interest in politics and international affairs in (order) to lead an exciting and meaningful life. New technologies will continue to drastically change the way we live, and international relations is a field where this will be especially true."Sponsor's endorsement: "Academically, he is one of the top five students I have ever encountered. He is that rare student who sees the world from a higher vantage point than others. His world is bigger. He works independently as a matter of course. He likes to be challenged continuously, and does better with more difficult material."Graduation photos - Hoffman Estates High SchoolCatherine ParkJohn Hersey High School Hometown: Mount ProspectParents: Kirk and Heasun ParkSponsor: James Miks, English teacherClass rank: Tied for 1st out of 513GPA: 5.69 on a weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2240College: University of Chicago, UIC or NorthwesternPlanned major: BiochemistryAwards, honors: AP Scholar with Honor, National Merit ScholarSponsor's endorsement: "(When) her grandfather became ill, 4-year-old Catherine told him, 'I am going to grow up and fix you - so we can live together forever.' She told me the story because I asked her to explain her intellectual drive. High marks matter to her, but they do not compare to the knowledge she hopes to acquire to become a doctor."Personal statement: I have never lost sight of what is most important to me: my family. Yet my desire to become a doctor has never changed. To this day, my grandfather calls from (Korea) to ask me the question he has never forgotten: "Do you remember the promise you made to me years ago?" How could I forget? It was the first promise I had ever made in my life.Graduation photos - John Hersey High SchoolParth PatelConant High School Hometown: Elk Grove VillageParents: Hitesh and Nita PatelSponsor: Matt Wiley, counselorClass rank: One of 3 tied for 1st, among class of 672GPA: 5.0636 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2190College: UIC, GPPA Medicine programPlanned major: BiochemistryAwards, honors: AP Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Commended Scholar; Illinois State Scholar Personal statement: "My social and academic accomplishments at high school thus far have shaped my path toward my future life goals: Not only to become a caring physician, but also to become a sociable, well-rounded individual. These accomplishments have taught me valuable lessons that I will be able to imbibe in my life."Sponsor's endorsement: "I find Parth to be personable, intelligent, driven and all-around impressive. He is always a pleasure to talk with and his questions are pertinent and goal-driven. The student's unassuming attitude is the model of modesty and leadership for both student and faculty alike."Graduation photos - Conant High SchoolArjun PuranikFremd High School Hometown: PalatineParents: Mr. and Mrs. Ranganath PuranikSponsor: Matt Zimolzak, science teacherClass rank: 1 out of 747GPA: 5.2382 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2380College: Stanford, Harvard or MITMajor: Math; computer scienceAwards, honors: Intel Science Talent Search finalist; Research Science Institute scholar; USA Math Olympiad qualifier all 4 yearsPersonal statement: "I try to keep in mind that it is my responsibility and overreaching goal to try to help people, and, in my case, I want to ... link my academic interest in math and science to something of value to people - be it our understanding of economics or a direct benefit to human health."Sponsor's endorsement: "He stood out early, not just for his academic achievements, but also for his high level of maturity and love for learning. He is not interested only in the grade; he sincerely strives for an understanding of concepts. This is the main reason why he is so special and such a favorite of mine."Graduation photos - Fremd High SchoolNatasha ThondavadiBarrington High School Hometown: BarringtonParents: Dr. Mrs. Nandu and Paru ThondavadiSponsor: Jill Argall, guidance counselorClass rank: 1 out of 725GPA: 4.733 on a weighted 4.0 scale.Test scores: ACT 36; SAT 2320College: Yale, Princeton or HarvardPlanned major: Greek, Latin literatureAwards, honors: National Latin Exam - Maureen O'Donnell Book Award for 4 Consecutive Gold Medals; Top scorer, Illinois Latin Exam; National AP ScholarPersonal statement: "To me, accomplishments are less about tangible goals than they are an expression of passion. Awards can be earned and competitions won, but these things matter only in the context of how they relate to who I am and what I care about. Since sixth grade, this has been Latin."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is truly among the best and brightest I have ever encountered. To have the highest GPA in a class of 725 students, a perfect ACT score and to already have perfect scores on nine different AP tests is amazing. Despite choosing our most rigorous curriculum, I do not think she has yet been pushed to her academic limit."Graduation photos - Barrington High School Honorable mentionsZach Bakal Barrington High School Hometown: South BarringtonParents: Debra Bakal and Jeffrey BakalSponsor: Laura Beacom, college counselorClass rank: 2nd out of 680GPA: 4.708 on weighted 4.0 scale Test scores: ACT 36; SAT 2360College: Yale UniversityPlanned major: Ethics, politics and economicsAwards, honors: A Scholar with Distinction; National Merit Scholar; four-time National Latin Exam gold medalistGraduation photos - Barrington High SchoolBrian Bourn Rolling Meadows High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Ron and Diane BournSponsor: Katie Page, physics teacherClass rank: 2nd out of 446GPA: 5.69 on weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36; SAT 2190College: University of Southern CaliforniaPlanned major: Business administrationAwards, honors: U.S. Presidential Scholar; Physics Student of the Year from the Illinois Association of Physics Teachers; AP Scholar with DistinctionGraduation photos - Rolling Meadows High SchoolClare Burke St. Viator High School Hometown: BarringtonParents: Christine and Andrew BurkeSponsor: Eileen Manno, principalClass rank: 1st out of 265GPA: 103.96 on a weighted 100/100 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: University of Notre DamePlanned major: Pre-med/biologyAwards, honors: Class of 2010 Valedictorian; three-year St. Viator English Department Award recipient and St. Viator Science Department Award recipient sophomore yearGraduation photos - St. Viator High SchoolMeaghan Deegan Palatine High School Hometown: PalatineParents: Mary and Larry DeeganSponsor: Mike Campbell, AP Calculus teacherClass rank: 2nd out of 648GPA: 5.0117 on weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2210College: Dartmouth CollegePlanned major: Neuroscience or mathematicsAwards, honors: AP Scholar with Honors; Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award; National Merit Commended ScholarGraduation photos - Palatine High SchoolNicole Delaney Buffalo Grove High School Hometown: Buffalo GroveParents: Marlene DelaneySponsor: Maxine Levy, counselorClass rank: 1st out of 473 GPA: 5.69 on weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2340College: University of Wisconsin-MadisonPlanned major: Political scienceAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist; National Honor Society President; AP Scholar with DistinctionGraduation photos - Buffalo Grove High SchoolJermaine Dictado Bartlett High School Hometown: BartlettParents: Faustino and Marie Gina DictadoSponsor: Tom VanBooven, guidance counselorClass rank: 1st out of 635GPA: 4.863 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola UniversityPlanned major: Biological sciences Awards, honors: Illinois State Leadership Conference - State Finalist, 1st place Medical Math; National Leadership Conference - Nationals Finalist, 10th place Medical Math; Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering - Regionals, 2nd place EnglishGraduation photos - Bartlett High SchoolAshley Doody East Leyden High School Hometown: Schiller ParkParents: Terry and Melba DoodySponsor: Bryan Miller, music department chairmanClass rank: 2nd out of 424GPA: 4.4528 Test scores: ACT 32College: Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Wheaton CollegePlanned major: Math or musicAwards, honors: Leyden High School Top Ten Percent Award, Helen St. John Award in music and physical education, certificate in math and the Fern Award in MusicGraduation photos - East Leyden High SchoolStephanie Doong*Stevenson High School Hometown: KildeerParents: Shain-Jer Doong, Shwu-ing ChenSponsor: Melissa Mack, English teacherClass rank: 2nd out of 1,092GPA: 4.7882 on weighted 4.0 scale Test scores: ACT 35; SAT 2320College: Stanford University, University of Illinois at UrbanaPlanned major: EngineeringAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; National AP Scholar; American Invitational Mathematics Exam qualifier 2009, 2010Graduation photos - Stevenson High SchoolAnna Galusza East Leyden High School Hometown: Schiller ParkParents: Jan and Lucyna GaluszaSponsor: Heather Shannon, school counselorClass rank: 4th out of 424GPA: 4.4902 Test scores: ACT 35College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, DePaul University, University of California-BerkeleyPlanned major: Mathematics and computer scienceAwards, honors: Outstanding Career and Technical Education Student; perfect attendance, seven semesters; earned a Polish High School graduation diplomaGraduation photos - East Leyden High SchoolAaron Goone* Stevenson High School Hometown: Buffalo GroveParents: Linda and Michael GooneSponsor: Melissa Mack, English teacherClass rank: 1st out of 1,092GPA: 4.8022 on weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2270College: Dartmouth CollegePlanned major: Economics, Spanish languageAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; National AP Scholar; Gold Honor Roll all through high schoolGraduation photos - Stevenson High SchoolRachel Hunt Prospect High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Jeff and Peggy HuntSponsor: Dr. Lynn Thornton, counselorClass rank: 5th out of 566GPA: 5.63 on a weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2200College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Case Western Reserve University, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major: Biological engineeringAwards, honors: National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State Scholar and an AP ScholarGraduation photos - Prospect High SchoolEthan Husak Elk Grove High School Hometown: Des PlainesParents: Dan and Kathy HusakSponsor: Peter Wang, physics teacherClass rank: 1st out of 473GPA: 5.66 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, Marquette UniversityPlanned major: Computer engineering, electrical engineeringAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist, Illinois State Scholar, National Merit commended scholar and AP ScholarGraduation photos - Elk Grove High SchoolRichard Hutyra St. Viator High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Waldemar and Eva HutyraSponsor: Eileen Manno, principalClass rank: 2nd out of 265GPA: 102.84 on a weighted 100/100 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: U.S. Naval Academy, Webb Institute, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyPlanned major: Aerospace engineering or naval architectureAwards, honors: 2006 IHSA State Science Fair Best-in-Category in Engineering - Senior High School Division; American Association of Physics Teachers 2009 Outstanding Student of the Year award; National Merit Commended ScholarGraduation photos - St. Viator High SchoolKelly KillpackConant High School Hometown: Elk Grove VillageParents: Susan and Tim Fahy and David KillpackSponsor: Kathy O'Dell, school counselorClass rank: 1st out of 672GPA: 4.0 on traditional 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 29College: DePauw UniversityPlanned major: Psychology or communicationsAwards, honors: National Honor Society; four-year Straight "A" Honor Roll member; Illinois State and Presidential ScholarGraduation photos - Conant High SchoolKaitlin Leopold Lake Zurich High School Hometown: Hawthorn WoodsParents: Andrew and Barbara LeopoldSponsor: Kaye Polakoff, guidance counselorClass rank: 3rd out of 549GPA: 4.4953 on weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34College: University of Iowa, Tulane or Georgia Institute of TechnologyPlanned major: Biomedical engineeringAwards, honors: American Legion School Award; Illinois State Scholar; Special Recognition for exceeding standards on PSAE testGraduation photos - Lake Zurich High SchoolKexin (Alice) Liu William Fremd High School Hometown: PalatineParents: Mr. and Mrs. Jianli LiuSponsor: Jason English, science teacherClass rank: 2nd out of 747GPA: 5.2224 on weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2330College: Dartmouth, Georgetown, University of Pennsylvania Planned major: Business, international relationsAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar, Honor Roll and National Honor Society Member and Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Fremd High SchoolKyle McCall Palatine High School Hometown: PalatineParents: Mathew and Jennifer McCallSponsor: Richard Splitt, guidance counselorClass rank: 3rd out of 648GPA: 4.91 on weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2240College: University of Notre Dame, Northwestern University, Harvey-MuddPlanned major: MathAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar and Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Palatine High SchoolJessica Mueller Elk Grove High School Hometown: Elk Grove VillageParents: Thomas and Linda MuellerSponsor: Dan Davisson, social science teacherClass rank: N/A out of 483GPA: 5.63 on a 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35College: Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major: Biomedical engineeringAwards, honors: Student of the Semester in calculus; seven-semester Honor Roll member; IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award; AP Scholar and Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Elk Grove High SchoolMichael Ozga John Hersey High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: David and Mary Lynn OzgaSponsor: Dawn Francis, biology teacherClass rank: 2nd out of 513GPA: 5.65 on weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: Duke University, University of Notre Dame, University of California- BerkeleyPlanned major: Biochemistry, neuroscienceAwards, honors: On the 'A' Honor Roll seven consecutive semesters; National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, Presidential Scholar and Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Hersey High SchoolDan Phelan St. Edward Catholic High School Hometown: Hoffman EstatesParents: Bill and Lynn PhelanSponsor: Kerry O'Brien, head of counseling servicesClass rank: 3rd out of 100GPA: 4.57 on traditional 4.0 scale Test scores: ACT 33College: University of Notre DamePlanned major: Liberal artsAwards, honors: High Honor Roll all four years; 1st place at ECC's Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering competition; Rotary Club "Straight A" award freshman yearGraduation photos - St. Edward Catholic High SchoolJeff Simnick* Lake Zurich High School Hometown: Lake ZurichParents: Diane and Ray SimnickSponsor: Carl Krause, counselorClass rank: 1st out of 550GPA: 4.520 on weighted 4.0 scale Test scores: ACT 33College: University of Chicago; Northwestern; University of ChicagoPlanned major: EconomicsAwards, honors: National qualifier in economics and in business procedures for FBLA; third place team in CLC's accounting honors competitionGraduation photos - Lake Zurich High SchoolMichelle Thai Wheeling High School Hometown: Buffalo GroveParents: Nqoc Thai and Van Sang ThaiSponsor: Michael Burke, teacherClass rank: UnknownGPA: N/A on a 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 31College: Northwestern UniversityPlanned major: ChemistryAwards, honors: Received a Northwestern University scholarshipGraduation photos - Wheeling High SchoolGregory M. Ward Buffalo Grove High School Hometown: Arlington HeightsParents: Martin F. and Teri L. WardSponsor: Peter Duffer, economics instructorClass rank: 2nd out of 479GPA: 5.67 on a weighted 5.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2250College: University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major: Economics, political scienceAwards, honors: Member of American Mensa; AP Scholar with Distinction, AATG German Assessment Distinguished Scholar, National Merit finalist and Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Buffalo Grove High School* Named a winner on the Lake County Academic Team <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><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><li><a href="/story/?id=386771">Fox Valley Academic Team <span class="date">[6/10/10X]</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div>