ICHS announces top honors for the Class of 2011
On May 19, Immaculate Conception High School held its annual Graduation Awards Dinner to honor and recognize the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2011. The evening's awards presentations were kicked off by the announcement of this year's valedictorian and co-salutatorians and the Monsignor Plunkett Distinguished Scholars which included the top 10 highest academic achieving students.
Michelle Navarrete of Bloomingdale earned the valedictorian honors and Patrick Burke and Natalie D'Agostino, both of Elmhurst, earned the co-salutatorian honors.
In addition to these three students, Michael Bosworth, Julie D'Agostino, Deirdre Gillette, Alexandra Hartnett, Matthew Kremske, Bridget McCann and Kyle Siranovic were also named Monsignor Plunkett Distinguished Scholars.
The Monsignor Plunkett Distinguished Scholars were given the opportunity to submit a speech to the ICHS Administration prior to the Graduation Awards Dinner of which two were selected as the student speakers for this special event – Michael Bosworth and Deirdre Gillette.
Michael, who transferred to ICHS after the closing of Driscoll two years ago, reflected thoughtfully on this unique experience and the opportunities it presented. “As I move on to college, the proud mantra ‘Once a Knight, Always a Knight' comes to my mind” explained Bosworth, ”ICHS not only prepared me academically, the school also provided us all the opportunity to successfully go on to college with the confidence that we can achieve anything”.
Deirdre Gillette focused on her gratitude and positive relationships that have been built during her time at ICHS. “As I leave you tonight, I'd like to touch on the wonderful Catholic education we have been privileged to receive here at Immaculate Conception High School” said Gillette, ”We all have learned by now that the most important thing in life is not what we do for ourselves – but rather what we can do for others … I challenge each and every one of us to live by this message”.
Michelle Navarrete is an Illinois State Scholar, President's Award winner, Instrument of Peace Award winner, Christian Service Leader Award winner, 2010-2011 Daily Herald Academic Team – Honorable Mention, IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award winner, Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award winner, American Citizenship award winner, and has received first honors all four years. Michelle is a member of the National Honor Society, Yearbook staff as editor-in-chief, Super Squad, Spanish Club, Math Team, Ecology Club, Knights Theatre, Christian Service Leaders, and a Eucharistic minister. In addition, Michelle was a four-year member of the soccer team and received SCC All-Academic honors in two years. She has been accepted to Northwestern and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Michelle will be attending Loyola University to study medicine and hopes to one day specialize in pediatrics.
Patrick Burke is a President's Award winner, U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar-Athlete award winner, 2010-2011 Daily Herald Academic Team – Honorable Mention, 2010-2011 Daily Herald Leadership Team – Honorable Mention, IHSA All-State Academic Team Nominee, IHSA Scholastic Achievement award winner, National Honor Society Service Award winner, Christian Service Exemplar Award winner, Christian Service Leader Award winner, has received first honors all four years and was named Academic All Conference in two years. In 2011, Pat earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America program. Pat is a member of the National Honor Society as Co-President, Spanish Club, Retreat Leader, Christian Service Leaders, Alter Server, and a Eucharistic Minister. In addition, Pat was a four year member of the Football and Basketball teams and a two year member of the bass fishing team – named team captain for Football. A Knight Pride Award nominee in the Fall, Pat was then selected the Knight Pride Award winner for the winter season. He has been accepted to Augustana, University of Dayton, Marquette University, University of Iowa, Benedictine University, Butler University, and St. Louis University. Pat will be attending St. Norbert College to study Biology in the fall and will also play football for the Green Knights.
Natalie D'Agostino is an Illinois State Scholar, President's Award winner, a U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award winner, FermiLab Science Award winner, IHSA Scholastic Achievement award winner, University of Rochester Award winner, Christian Service Leader Award winner, Student Council Leadership Award winner, St. Genesius Award for Drama winner, has received first honors and was named Academic All Conference in all four years. Natalie is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council as Treasurer, Italian Club, Retreat Leader, Christian Service Leaders, a four year member of Knights Theatre, choir, and served as a team manager for both the Cross Country team and boys basketball team. In addition, Natalie was a four year member of the varsity Soccer team and a two year member of the Cross Country team – named team captain for Soccer. Natalie placed ninth in state, earning All-State honors, in her freshman cross country season. She has been accepted to Purdue University, University of Dayton, Marquette University, and Loras College. Natalie will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign to study biomedical engineering and hopes to one day specialize in the area of prosthetics.
For more information on Immaculate Conception High School, visit www.ichsknights.org.