If you can dream it, you can do it

Leo and Kari Congenie

I was trying to share some alumni information and some well deserved recognition to the Villa Park school system.

Below is a summary of our son Leo's academic journey of a lifelong dream which began in the Villa Park school district (York Center, Jackson, Albright), including WBHS, and has been a dream come true for him. An extra special thank you to WBHS for continuing to provide exploratory classes such as Human Anatomy and Physiology and Animal Science Lab which he took while attending the school.

Extra special thanks also goes out to the WB wrestling coaching staff, particularly TJ Artman, for teaching him to refuse to lose. Coach Artman had a tremendous influence on Leo's perseverance and will to succeed. It's the structure, foundation, and encouragement to reach high that helps people to reach their goals and dreams.

Leo Congenie IV graduated from U of I Champaign with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in May 2014. He graduated from Albright MS in 2002, WBHS in 2006, and Elmhurst College in 2010 with a Biology degree, minoring in Chemistry.

At Elmhurst College, he led the creation of the school's first animal science/veterinary medicine student association in collaboration with other students.

While in the U of I veterinary program, Leo served as team leader in their Wildlife Medical Clinic and had the unique opportunty to travel abroad to Nicaragua for a clinical rotation in surgery.

Leo recently accepted a DVM position at Banfield Pet Hospital beginning mid June where he will continue his passion caring for small animals. His goal is to establish his own veterinary medicine practice.

"If you can dream it, you can do it." ~ Walt Disney