Honorable mentions: Fox Valley Academic Team, 2017-2018
Justin Ariel Ave
Larkin High School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Elmer and Adelwisa Ave
Sponsor: Adriana Espinoza, student counselor
GPA: 4.620 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1330
Planned major: Medical related field - biology/pre-med track
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, Healthcare Science Award for Annual Career & Technical Education Senior Awards, Academic All-Conference volleyball, National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, student government, HOSA Health Care Professionals State Competition, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society secretary, Spanish Honor Society
Grace Brolly
Geneva High School
Hometown: Geneva
Parents: AnnMarie Brolly and Rich Brolly
Sponsor: Cathy Pool, school counselor
GPA: 4.49 on a weighted 4.0 scale; 4.0 on a traditional 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 35
Planned major: Biomedical engineering
Awards, honors: National Merit Finalist, Illinois State Scholar, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering (2nd in state in chemistry), National Honor Society, Math Team, Spanish National Honor Society president, Hank Pinter Scholarship (orchestra), Key Club GIVE Award for 200-plus hours of volunteer work, and All-Conference Academic teams
Beth Bunnetto
West Aurora High School
Hometown: Aurora
Parents: Ricki and Gwen Bunnetto
Sponsor: Tricia Schrope, school counselor
GPA: 4.53 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 30; SAT: 1310
Planned major: Biochemistry with a pre-med track
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, student government, vice president of drama troupe, Scholar Athlete Award 2017
Justin Chu
Batavia High School
Hometown: Batavia
Parents: Alice Chu and John Chu
Sponsor: Gia Russo, school counselor
GPA: 4.375 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 35
Planned major: Applied mathematics
Awards, honors: National Honor Society, No. 1 class rank, 4-year student council member, National Merit commended scholar, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, National English Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, Math Team (state qualifier in geometry and pre-calculus), National Science Honor Society, Tennis Academic All Conference, Chess Team captain, Student Ambassador to the board of education, and Principal Student Advisory Team
Matthew Cilano
Burlington Central High School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Karen and Greg Cilano
Sponsor: Brian Melvin, counselor
GPA: 4.40 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 33; SAT: 1480
Planned major: Biochemistry with a pre-med track
Awards, honors: Elgin Rotary Club "Straight A" Luncheon (four years), 11 outstanding achievement awards at Central, Illinois State Scholar, valedictorian, National Merit commended scholar, AP Scholar, National Honor Society president, Varsity Academic Bowl Captain, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering Team (2nd in chemistry and 1st in biology at sectional meets), German Honor Society treasurer, Illinois History Fair ribbon of superiority, and Varsity Academic Bowl All Conference
Alexander Cordogan
Geneva High School
Hometown: Geneva
Parents: Steve Cordogan and Sandra Anderson-Cordogan
Sponsor: Cathy Pool, school counselor
GPA: 4.28 on weighted 4.0 scale; 3.66 traditional 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1530
Planned major: Civil engineering
Awards, honors: National Merit Finalist, Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering, Math Team, Illinois Music Education Association, District 9 Jazz/Orchestra, All-State Honors Orchestra & Composition, Outstanding Leadership Award (orchestra), Geneva Community School District Academic Excellence Award
Jordan Cumpata
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Maria and Paul Cumpata
Sponsor: Benjamin Snow, biology and AP psychology teacher
GPA: 4.63 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 31
Planned major: Actuarial science
Awards, honors: Rotary Straight A Award (4 years), High Honor Roll (4 years), Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, student government executive treasurer, Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering Team, and cross-country coach's award
Will DeHaan
Westminster Christian School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Dave DeHaan and Micki DeHaan
Sponsor: Fred Versluys, principal
GPA: 4.13 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34
Planned major: Political science and economics
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, Illinois High School Association Scholastic Achievement Award, National Honor Society, Elgin Rotary Club Award, IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award, and 10-time Northeastern Athletic Conference All-Academic Team
Samuel De La Paz
Huntley High School
Hometown: Huntley
Parents: Karin and Arturo De La Paz
Sponsor: Cindy Fuhrer, science department chair
GPA: 4.640 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34; SAT: 1490
Planned major: Engineering
Awards, honors: National Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, AP + Project Lead The Way Student Achievement in Engineering Award, National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, Science Olympiad, Robotics Club
Reno Domel
St. Edward Central Catholic High School
Hometown: Sleepy Hollow
Parents: August and Gina Domel
Sponsor: Pamela J. Klein, mathematics department chair
GPA: 4.65 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34
Planned major: Computer science
Awards, honors: Rotary Club Straight "A" Award (4 years), National Merit commended scholar, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, student government, Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering regional winner in physics, Spanish Club (public relations), all-conference academic for basketball and volleyball
Erika Ford
Rosary High School
Hometown: Batavia
Parents: Richard and Kristen Ford
Sponsor: Lisa Sustersic, senior school counselor
GPA: 4.310 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34; SAT: 1510
Planned major: Microbiology
Awards, honors: 14th Congressional District STEM Scholar, Academic Excellence Award (3 years), Catherine of Siena Scholar, National Honor Society, Math Team, Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering team (regionals - 1st place), Smithsonian Quest Program, Mu Alpha Theta math team state finalist (2 years), National Latin Exam magna cum laude, City of Aurora Art Show, Special Congressional Recognition in Congressional Art Competition, Academic All Conference (4 years), and Scholar Athlete Award (4 years)
Jack Herbster
Cary-Grove High School
Hometown: Cary
Parents: Jason and Nancy Herbster
Sponsor: Hank Harvey, student services coordinator
GPA: 4.883 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 33
Planned major: Neuroscience
Awards, honors: AP Capstone Diploma, salutatorian, National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, IMEA Music Festival wind ensemble performer, Math Team State qualifier, Science Olympiad fifth place in regional and state qualifier
John Hintz
Marian Central Catholic High School
Hometown: Lake in the Hills
Parents: John and Sharon Hintz
Sponsor: Rebecca Reed, guidance director
GPA: 4.5919 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 33
Planned major: Statistics
Awards, honors: Valedictorian, Principal's List (4 years), Academic Excellence Awards in Geometry, AP Statistics and AP Physics, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, student government
Riley McCue
Rosary High School
Hometown: Aurora
Parents: Robert and Brenda McCue
Sponsor: Lisa Sustersic, counselor
GPA: 4.438 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 31; SAT: 1480
Planned major: Engineering
Awards, honors: Academic Excellence Award, 2018 IHSA All-State Academic Team nominee, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, student government, Worldwide Youth of Science and Engineering team, National Spanish Exam honorable mention, Interact Club, Sports: Most Dedicated Award (4 times); Coach's Award in basketball and softball, Academic All-Conference, Scholar Athlete
Jacob Metz
Hampshire High School
Hometown: Carpentersville
Parents: Bill and Cheryl Metz
Sponsor: Joanne Yakes, counselor
GPA: 4.0 on a traditional 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1440
Planned major: Engineering
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, Honors Graduate, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Society, Varsity Scholastic Bowl
Michaela Newton
Westminster Christian School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Robert Newton and Katryn Newton
Sponsor: Fred Versluys, high school principal
GPA: 4.24 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 33
Planned major: Acting
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, valedictorian, National Honor Society, ACSI Writing Festival superior ribbon winner
Sophia Oury
Hampshire High School
Hometown: Gilberts
Parents: Anna and Bruce Oury
Sponsor: Frank Simoncelli, school counselor
GPA: 3.91489 on a traditional 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 30; SAT: 1330
Planned major: Biochemistry, with a minor in psychology, Spanish or political science
Awards, honors: AP Scholar; honor roll; all conference cross country and track
Cameron Pedersen
Aurora Central Catholic High School
Hometown: Malta
Parents: Joe and Liz Pedersen
Sponsor: Bridget Buckley, guidance director
GPA: 4.46 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 35; SAT: 1530
Planned major: Biology, biomedical engineering or chemical engineering
Awards, honors: National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Honor, 2018 Illinois Worldwide Youth of Science and Engineering (second place in biology), Illinois State Scholar, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics team, treasurer for National Honor Society and Math Honor Society, school newspaper editor
Hayley Popiel
St. Charles East High School
Hometown: St. Charles
Parents: Rick and Mary Popiel
Sponsor: Jamie Swenson, counselor
GPA: 5.805 on a 5.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1470
Planned major: Neuroscience and applied mathematics
Awards, honors: Chronicle Achievement Program Award, Human Relations Award, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, math team (regional championship), soccer MVP, Academic All Conference
Kaelie Randolph
Burlington Central High School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Vicki Miceli-Randolph and Brian Randolph
Sponsor: Megan Marciniec, school counselor
GPA: 4.10 on a traditional 4.0 scale; 3.75 on a nonweighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1450
Planned major: Law and public policy
Awards, honors: National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, Spanish Honor Society president, Central High School Peer Leaders executive, honor roll, Spanish Language Award, History Award
Caroline Rausch
Crystal Lake South High School
Hometown: Lake in the Hills
Parents: Chris and Christine Rausch
Sponsor: Michael Collins, counselor
GPA: 4.558 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34; SAT: 1510
Planned major: Engineering
Awards, honors: U.S. patent holder, 2017 FIRST dean's list finalist, AP Scholar, National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, Science Olympiad, First Tech Challenge, and Worldwide Youth of Science and Engineering team captain
Emily Renteria
Larkin High School
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Rocio Gonzalez and Juan Carlos Renteria
Sponsor: Jill Hunt, counselor
GPA: 4.175 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1100
Planned major: Major in Spanish education, minor in psychology and obtain a Ph.D. in educational leadership
Awards, honors: National Honor Society vice president, National Spanish Honor Society, All Conference Academic, student government, Alternate Student Board Member and Senior AVID Ambassador
Carista Ritchie
Harvest Christian Academy
Hometown: Pingree Grove
Parents: Robert and Donna Ritchie
Sponsor: Simona Bonica, English teacher
GPA: 4.174 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 23; SAT: 1270
Planned major: Organizational leadership, business management, communication, psychology or sociology
Awards, honors: Elgin Noon Rotary Club Third Year Award for straight A's first semester; Association of Christian Schools International Distinguished Christian High School Student Award for Academics and Fine Arts; National Honor Society secretary; AP Scholar; student government
Alex Somera
St. Charles North High School
Hometown: St. Charles
Parents: Ray and Wendy Somera
Sponsor: Natalie Rosin, integrated chemistry-biology instructor
GPA: 5.708 on a weighted 5.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34
Planned major: Aerospace engineering
Awards, honors: National Hispanic Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit commended scholar, Presidential Scholar candidate, Illinois State Scholar, Academic All-Conference Award (soccer), Scholar Athletes member, National English Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, National Science Honor Society treasurer, Key Club treasurer (two years)
Thomas Stanila
St. Viator High School
Hometown: Algonquin
Parents: Radu and Simona Stanila
Sponsor: Stephanie Spiewak, counselor
GPA: 107.07 on a 100 point weighted scale
Test scores: ACT: 36; SAT: 1560
Planned major: Biology
Awards, honors: Valedictorian of the Class of 2018; National Merit finalist; U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate; National Honor Society; honor roll; St. Viator High School Corporate Works Study Program; Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar; National Achievement scholarship program; Hugh O'Brien conference representative; WYSE Academic Team competition; ICTM Regional/State competitions; Violin I in the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra; Illinois Music Education Association District VII violinist; school newspaper; Science Club; 2018 WYSE Biology State Champion, Division 1500; National Spanish Honor Society; Spanish Club
Chase Stanke
Marmion Academy
Hometown: Sugar Grove
Parents: Michael and Stacy Stanke
Sponsor: Dan Thorpe, guidance director
GPA: 4.776 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34
Planned major: Finance
Awards, honors: Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, Illinois General Assembly recognition, Aurora Noon Rotary student of the month, ROTC company commander, and student government
Nathanael J. Strissel
Harvest Christian Academy
Hometown: Elgin
Parents: Derek and Michelle Strissel
Sponsor: Jacklyn Enger, teacher
GPA: 4.176 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: SAT: 1420
Planned major: Psychology and biomedical sciences
Awards, honors: Valedictorian, student body president, National Honor Society president, AP Scholar, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics math contest, 4-H Robotics Engineering Design Award 2016, Association of Christian Schools International Distinguished Christian Student Award in Academics
Jane Voris
West Aurora High School
Hometown: Aurora
Parents: Michelle and Scott Voris
Sponsor: Sue Fowler, College and Career Readiness
GPA: 4.28 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 26; SAT: 1200
Planned major: Arts management
Awards, honors: National Honor Society, honor roll, Blackhawk Pride Award, Restorative Justice conference leader, Student Ambassadors
Casey Wells
Marian Central Catholic High School
Hometown: Woodstock
Parents: Tom and Blaine Wells
Sponsor: Rebecca Reed, guidance director
GPA: 4.5919 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores: ACT: 34
Planned major: English
Awards, honors: Valedictorian, Academic Excellence Award in AP Literature, Read for a Lifetime Award, National Honor Society president, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Mentor Program co-president, Best Speaker - Junior State of America Fall State 2016, IHSA Solo and Ensemble Division 1 Group Performance and Division 1 Duet Performance, National Student Leadership Conference Acting Intensive 2017, and 2017 American Legion Illinois Premier Boys State