District 207 Board Honors Three Students for Achievement in Extracurriculars
The District 207 Board of Education honored three students as "207's Best" in the area of achievement in extracurriculars during its April meeting. The students recognized were Teddy Gianaris from Maine South, Lukasz Iwanowski from Maine East and Andrew Stutheit from Maine West.
Teddy Gianaris
Teddy has cemented himself as a crucial member of multiple extracurriculars during his time at Maine South. He has been on the varsity football team for three years, including being a captain on the team that finished second in state this past fall. He was named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association honorable mention team for 8A, Chicago Sun-Times all-area first team and second team all-state by the PrepRed Zone. He is a two time CSL all-conference selection including being named the CSL defensive MVP this year. He is a two-time academic all-state selection. He was also a wrestler for three years and participated in track and field. When he's not on the field, Teddy has consistently proven himself within the classroom having taken AP Math, AP Science, AP English and AP Government and Politics. He also plays clarinet in the concert band and marching band and is a member of the Spanish National Honor Society.
"He is one of the most uniquely multi-talented individuals that I have ever had the pleasure of working with," says counselor Bob Tortorelli. "His talent and level of performance as a student, as an athlete, and as a musician are all exceptional but it is the modest and calm way that he goes about his business that I find most impressive. His contributions to our football, wrestling, and track programs have been many in both his performances in competition as well as the example he displays when practicing his outstanding work ethic and excellent sportsmanship. Teddy is a very talented musician as well. His performance places him in a group of the top six clarinet players in a school that puts great value in the arts just as Teddy does. He genuinely enjoys playing and often volunteers to play at extra performances. He has really made a very positive impact on our school's band program."
Lukasz Iwanowski
Lukasz's efforts at Maine East have made him a role model for his peers in athletics and academics. Lukasz has been a member and leader of both the cross country and track and field teams. He qualified for state in cross country as a senior. He was named CSL all conference for track and cross country. In addition, Lukasz has been a violinist in Demon Strings, played basketball and volleyball as a freshman, and has been involved in East's Polish and German clubs. He has taken AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Language and Composition, AP Literature Literature and Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP Macro/Micro Economics, AP US History, AP European History, AP World History, and Virtual Enterprise International. He's also taken four years of Spanish, four years of orchestra, and has earned High Honor Roll every semester.
"This year, Lukasz has transformed from being a "good' athlete, into an exceptional one," Math teacher and track and field coach Scott Schultes says. "His hard work and dedication to the sport of running throughout the summer has manifested itself in standout performances during cross country and has created a profound belief in himself that has carried over into his track season. He is a great leader for his peers as he raises the standards and expectations for what it means to be a Maine East student athlete both on and off the track. Additionally, Lukasz is a model student who takes ownership over his learning and challenges himself to be the best he can be in all of his classes."
Andrew Stutheit
Andrew has passionately involved himself in a long list of activities and extracurriculars at Maine West. To name a few of his accomplishments, he is President of the Computer Science Club, a COACH tutor and a member of Science Olympiad. Andrew also participates in cross country, Choraliers, Drama Club, DECA Fall Play Cast and Crew, National Honor Society, Marching Warriors, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), National English Honor Society, Pi Sigma Pi, Principal's Leadership Team, Jazz Band, Quill & Scroll, Tech Crew, Model UN West Side Dance Company, the Westerner, West's Got Talent, PE Senior Leader and WMTH.
Andrew views these clubs and activities as genuinely affecting his life for the better and for the long term. "I got better at a lot of things," he says. "I learned how to sing, dance, act, and run. All of these things will help me live a meaningful life."
Physical education teacher Stacy McCluskey described Andrew as "one of the best senior leaders I have ever worked with in my 23 years of teaching. I feel so blessed to have him working with our freshmen in physical education. He teaches by leading through example, forming positive relationships, and being consistent with his daily leadership."
"I have seen time and time again that no matter how talented and enthusiastic Andrew is, his skills are overmatched by the strength of his character," says English teacher Joel Walsh. "What a gift he has been to me this year, and to the entire school-what extraordinary leadership and exemplary performance in every phase of his time here at Maine West."