2009-2010 Lake County Academic Team

Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County

.gradPicsLink {display:block;margin:10px 0;text-align:center;}

.inStory300 {display:none;}

Stephanie Doong

Stevenson High School

Hometown: KildeerParents: Shain-Jer Doong, Shwu-ing ChenSponsor: Melissa Mack, English teacherClass rank: 2 out of 1,092GPA: 4.7882 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2320College: Stanford University; University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major: EngineeringAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar; American Invitational Mathematics Exam qualifier 2009, 2010Personal statement: "I understand that success is earned only with a continual desire to improve. Success is the final triumph; a marker, a declaration of achievement. It seems to trivialize the motivation, hard work, the trepidations that lay the foundations for success. Thus my goal is not to merely succeed - to collect rewards, but to learn from and enjoy the journey that might lead to success."Sponsor's endorsement: "She excelled in all areas of my class; she is a beautiful writer and insightful reader. In fact, I often saved her responses for last as a treat to myself after many long hours of grading."Graduation photos - Stevenson High SchoolKatherine GeuszCarmel Catholic High School Hometown: WaucondaParents: Jeanne and Steven GeuszSponsor: Lynne Strutzel, principalClass rank: 1 out of 348GPA: 4.52 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35College: Loyola University, Chicago; University of Chicago; Illinois WesleyanPlanned major: UndecidedAwards, honors: MathFAX, first place in geometry of Catholic school students nationally; Science department award; National Spanish Exam, gold prize Personal statement: "My accomplishments thus far have convinced me that what I want out of life is to understand people on both intuitive and analytical levels, and to then use that knowledge to reshape society's attitudes."Sponsor's endorsement: "She is the kind of student who serves as a model of excellence to her peers. I have come to recognize her as an outstanding individual, highly motivated - someone who fits the description of a lifelong learner. Among her many assets are her willingness to work hard and her strong sense of responsibility. ... This student seeks knowledge for the sake of knowledge; she pursues beyond what is expected."Graduation photos - Carmel Catholic High SchoolAaron GooneStevenson High School Hometown: Buffalo GroveParents: Linda and Michael GooneSponsor: Melissa Mack, English teacherClass rank: 1 out of 1,092GPA: 4.8022 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2270College: Dartmouth CollegePlanned major: Economics and SpanishAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist; National AP Scholar; Gold Honor Roll throughout high school Personal statement: "Throughout my high school career I have exerted my best effort in all areas because I firmly believe in learning for the sake of learning. While many students structure their time in high school to put themselves in the best position for a certain university and a certain career, I believe that an education should be different. I think that being a well-rounded intellectual is the most worthy end in itself, and a career will follow based on my interests."Sponsor's endorsement: "In addition to his exemplary writing skills and willingness to step out of what was a successful writing comfort zone, this nominee was also a commanding presence in all class discussions. His perspective was always fresh, insightful and compelling."Graduation photos - Stevenson High SchoolSean HoganVernon Hills High School Hometown: Vernon HillsParents: John and Teresa HoganSponsor: Judy Stone, counselorClass rank: 1 out of 297GPA: 4.662 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35College: University of Chicago; Duke University; Carnegie Mellon UniversityPlanned major: MathematicsAwards, honors: Two Time AIME Qualifier; IHSA All-Academic Team; Top finisher, V.S. Physics Bowl Personal statement: "I'm thankful for all the opportunities I've had throughout high school and the accomplishments they brought with them. I am excited to continue to get to try out new activities, strengthen old skills, and learn new ones - and in doing so, follow some of my life goals of helping others, and learning new things."Sponsor's endorsement: "Sean is one of the most naturally brilliant students I have encountered in my 20-plus years in education. Sean is a remarkable thinker; his ability to reason systematically is matched by his wit, cleverness, and zest for learning. I relish Sean's humorous insights as much as I admire the integrity of his ideas."Graduation photos - Vernon Hills High SchoolStephanie OehrleinGrant Community High Hometown: Round Lake BeachParents: Jeffrey and Grazyna OehrleinSponsor: Jinger Moore, counselorClass rank: 2 out of 384GPA: 4.871 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT: 34College: University of Chicago; Northwestern UniversityPlanned major: Secondary math education and visual artsAwards, honors: Salutatorian; top science student of the senior class; National Honor Society Certificate of MeritPersonal statement: "My biggest aspirations include helping others on a wider scale than teaching in a high school. In the same way that my accomplishments in high school will provide for an attainably excellent teaching career, I believe that all the things I experience and accomplish as a teacher will open doors for making the world a better place on a grand scale."Sponsor's endorsement: "Probably the most impressive quality about this student is attitude. This student is always positive and calm and has a happiness that is contagious."Graduation photos - Grant Community High SchoolWeitao QiangLibertyville High School Hometown: LibertyvilleParents: Wenan Qiang and Jinrong LiuSponsor: Marina Scott, principalClass rank: 1 out of 485GPA: 4,782 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 35; SAT 2360College: Massachutes Institute of Technology; California Institute or Technology; University of ChicagoPlanned major: BioengineeringAwards, honors: 2009 Siemens Competition Semifinalist; 2010 United States National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) National Exam Qualifier; Appointed to the nationally renowned Jackson Laboratory's Summer Student ProgramPersonal statement: "I hope to use my scientific and leadership talents to address the intricate biotech details needed to design and market viable products that will provide treatments and cures for many diseases. With each of my current accomplishments, I am closer to starting the project of my dreams: a biotech company of my own that is sustainable and beneficial for society."Sponsor's endorsement: "He confirmed for me all that is right in education and personified what true academic excellence looks like."Graduation photos - Libertyville High SchoolJeff SimnickLake Zurich High School Hometown: Lake ZurichParents: Diane and Ray SimnickSponsor: Carl Krause, counselorClass rank: 1 out of 550GPA: 4.520 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: University of Chicago; Northwestern University; University of MichiganPlanned major: EconomicsAwards, honors: National Qualifier in Economics for FBLA; National Qualifier in Business Procedures for FBLA; Third place team in College of Lake County Accounting Honors CompetitionPersonal statement: "My mental agendas are structured with life goals ever-present in the back, dreams and wishes alphabetized on the left and daily realities always in the front. But perhaps instead of crossing these off when accomplished I store them as memories of a life full of accomplishments."Sponsor's endorsement: "This young man will succeed in whatever he pursues in his life. But, along with his success, he will help others in various ways. ... He will make a difference with many members of the community that he lives to serve."Graduation photos - Lake Zurich High SchoolJulija VinckeviciuteLakes Community High Hometown: Lake VillaParents: Arturas and Violeta VinckeviciaiSponsor: Cheryl Cox, counselorClass rank: 2 out of 344GPA: 4.63 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33; SAT 2040College: Northwestern University; University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; University of WisconsinPlanned major: EngineeringAwards, honors: National Merit Scholar; AP Scholar with Distinction; Illinois State Scholar Personal statement: "Each day I try to be the best person I can possibly be, but the quality I am most proud of is my dedication. It has been nothing but hours of hard work and late nights that have gotten me to where I am today, and I could not be happier with my achievements."Sponsor's endorsement: "What separates her from my other bright students is that she doesn't focus on what she has learned already, but how much more she wants to learn and experience. She learns not just for the grades, but for the sake of learning. "Graduation photos - Lakes Community High SchoolMichael J. WagnerVernon Hills High School Hometown: Vernon HillsParents: Jeffrey and Nancy WagnerSponsor: DeAnn Firnbach, counselorClass rank: 2 out of 297GPA: 4.635 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36; SAT 2360College: Princeton University; Dartmouth University; Northwestern UniversityPlanned major: Biological sciencesAwards, honors: Summer Science Program, Ojai, Calif.; Abraham Lincoln Book Award Student Reader for 2011 Master List; James Glacking Young Musicians Competition finalistPersonal statement: "The sheer number of different career paths, from biomedical and health sciences to the performing arts, that are available throughout life would align with my interests and fulfill me. I know that any one of the careers will lead me down a path toward creativity, accomplishment, and variety and my goal is to unite all three of them into one profession so I can continue to pursue all the things I love to do."Sponsor's endorsement: "I hope someday I can say, 'That Nobel Prize winner was once a student of mine.'"Graduation photos - Vernon Hills High SchoolYuanxuan XiaWarren Township High School Hometown: GurneeParents: Zhiren Xia and Xiaorong WangSponsor: Jayson Paulus, counselorClass rank: N/AGPA: 4.750 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36College: Washington University in St. Louis; Northwestern University; University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignPlanned major: Biological sciences, biochemistry, molecular biologyAwards, honors: National Merit Finalist; USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) Semifinalist; USA Department of Education Presidential Scholar CandidatePersonal statement: "I have embraced my good fortune wholeheartedly, delving into my passions with an enthusiasm I know firsthand not everyone gets to enjoy. Luckily for me, the maxim, 'Do what you like,' has always led me back to the three S's: scholastics, service and sports - in my opinion, all prerequisites to success in college and in life."Sponsor's endorsement: "He has proved to be one of the finest students I have encountered in my 23 years in education. Professional, thorough and responsible are words that come to mind when trying to describe his personality and work ethic."Graduation photos - Warren Township High School Honorable mentionsKathleen Burch Grayslake North High Hometown: GrayslakeParents: Mary Miller and Dan BurchSponsor: Jeff Schagrin, social studies teacherClass rank: 2 out of 332GPA: 4.591 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 31College: University of North CarolinaPlanned major: Political scienceAwards, honors: National Merit Commended Student; AP Scholar with Distinction; Outstanding Social Studies StudentGraduation photos - Grayslake North High SchoolJames E. Hennessy Warren Twp. High School Hometown: GurneeParents: Janice and James HennessySponsor: Katherine A. Duffy, lead guidance counselorClass rank: N/AGPA: 4.70 on a traditional 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2150College: University of IllinoisPlanned major: Accounting/economicsAwards, honors: National Merit finalist; Honor Roll; National Honor SocietyGraduation photos - Warren Township High SchoolKristen King Libertyville High School Hometown: Green OaksParents: Don and Becky KingSponsor: Marina Scott, principalClass rank: 4 out of 485GPA: 4.553 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 36College: Emory University; Washington University in St. Louis; Carleton CollegePlanned major: BiologyAwards, honors: National Merit Commended Scholar; National Honor Society; Honor RollGraduation photos - Libertyville High SchoolMarisa Lastres Carmel Catholic High School Hometown: Lake ZurichParents: Rick and Kathy LastresSponsor: Lynne Strutzel, principalClass rank: 2 out of 348GPA: 4.45 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2270College: University of Chicago; St. Louis University; Marquette UniversityPlanned major: EnglishAwards, honors: Superior Honors student; Department Award in Social Studies; Service Club Bronze AwardGraduation photos - Carmel Catholic High SchoolKaitlin Leopold Lake Zurich High School Hometown: Hawthorn WoodsParents: Andrew and Barbara LeopoldSponsor: Kaye Polakoff, guidance counselorClass rank: 3 out of 549GPA: 4.4953 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34College: University of Iowa; Tulane University; 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 SchoolCaitlin Mrowiec Antioch High School Hometown: AntiochParents: Mark and Mary MrowiecSponsor: Johnna Slocum, guidance counselorClass rank: 3 out of 311GPA: 4.636 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: Northern Michigan UniversityPlanned major: ZoologyAwards, honors: Outstanding student, English department; Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Antioch High SchoolRobert Nogle Antioch High School Hometown: AntiochParents: Greg and Mary NogleSponsor: Marni Polakow, teacher and coachClass rank: 5 out of 311GPA: 4.62 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 33College: Milwaukee School of Engineering, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Benedictine UniversityPlanned major: Biomedical engineeringAwards, honors: Straight A Honor Roll; school winner of AMC 12; Illinois State ScholarGraduation photos - Antioch High SchoolMitchell L. Post Lakes Community High School Hometown: LindenhurstParents: Michael and Annette PostSponsor: Gwen Varney, guidance counselorClass rank: 1 out of 344GPA: 4.63 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 32College: Drake University; Purdue University; Illinois State UniversityPlanned major: Actuarial science/financeAwards, honors: AP Scholar; Illinois State Scholar; Chicago Fire All Academic Second TeamGraduation photos - Lakes Community High SchoolDaniel Sambor Lake Forest Academy Hometown: Lake ZurichParents: George and Lisa SamborSponsor: Andrew Poska, associate dean of college counselingClass rank: N/AGPA: 3.96 on a traditional 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 26College: Brown UniversityPlanned major: EngineeringAwards, honors: Cum Laude Society; AP Scholar with Distinction; Academic Performance ListShannon Zalewski Grayslake North High SchoolHometown: GrayslakeParents: Shannon ZalewskiSponsor: Veronica Lujano, guidance counselorClass rank: 1 out of 332GPA: 4.605 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores: ACT 34; SAT 2040College: Purdue University; University of Minnesota; Butler UniversityPlanned major: Pre-pharmacyAwards, honors: AP Scholar with Honors; Illinois State Scholar; 7th Semester Honor RollGraduation photos - Grayslake North High School <div class="infoBox"><h1>More Coverage</h1><div class="infoBoxContent"><div class="infoArea"><h2>Stories</h2><ul class="links"><li><a href="/story/?id=386527">NW Suburban Academic Team <span class="date">[6/10/10X]</span></a></li><li><a href="/story/?id=386542">DuPage 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>