2009-2010 DuPage County Academic Team

Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County

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Mohamad H. Abdallah

College Prep School of America

Hometown Palos ParkParents Habes Abdallah, Bothaina ZahdanSponsor Saad Quadri, deanClass rank 1 out of 26GPA 4.63 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35; SAT 2350College University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania or NorthwesternPlanned major Economics and political science or math and physicsAwards, honors Coca-Cola Scholar; James Scholar Honors Program at University of Illinois; WYSE state level first place physics and second place chemistry; Fermilab Science AwardPersonal statement "I now see obtaining an education as a means of broadening my understanding and expanding my capacity to help those around me. "Sponsor's endorsement "There are many qualities that make Mohamad who he is. He is a skilled orator, a brilliant debater, co-captain of our basketball team, and a student leader. What makes him special is that he never let it get to his head. "Nicholas BiebelGlenbard North High SchoolHometown Carol StreamParents Thomas and Catherine BiebelSponsor Sagar GokhaleClass rank 1 out of 672GPA 5.7273 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 36; SAT 2320College Cornell UniversityPlanned major Plant sciencesAwards, honors National Honor Society president; National Merit finalist; Presidential Scholar nominee; honor roll; Illinois State Scholar; District Honor Band Personal statement "The idea of asking someone who is still 17 years old what his life goals are has become increasingly ludicrous to me lately - but only lately. Last year, for example, I thought I knew my life goals. I thought I had grasped them, but they were really just apparitions blown away by the winds of maturity. Of course, who knows if it is maturity? I certainly don't. In any case, my life goals are up in the air. My real question right now is not 'What are my life goals?' but 'Why do I have life goals?'"Sponsor's endorsement "He demonstrates maturity, initiative, determination, and individual and civic responsibility well beyond his age."Graduation photos - Glenbard North High SchoolMarilyn CreswellWheaton North High School Hometown WheatonParents Ronald and Kathryn CreswellSponsor Cynthia Budzikowski, teacherClass rank 1 out of 453GPA 5.81 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 32; SAT 2070College Pomona CollegePlanned major Undecided, but possibly Spanish or linguisticsAwards, honors Math Honor Society president; National Honor Society; AP Scholar; Illinois State Scholar; Academic All-ConferencePersonal statement "I have had much experience tutoring and teaching children, usually around 10 hours per week. I really enjoy being a part of how students learn material and I love working with youth. I have also had many opportunities to work with persons with disabilities, and I really love doing that. ... No matter what I end up doing, I hope to continue helping people and working hard to achieve my best."Sponsor's endorsement "She is an incredibly successful student on both academic and extracurricular levels, she takes time to help others in need both inside and outside the classroom, and she is one of the kindest individuals you could come in contact with."Graduation photos - Wheaton North High SchoolMatthew HartiganGlenbard East High School Hometown Glen EllynParents Ken and Audrey HartiganSponsor Evelyn SchneiderClass rank 1 out of 606GPA 5.837 on a 5.0 scaleTest scores ACT 35College University of Michigan, Purdue University or University of IllinoisPlanned major Biomedical engineeringAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar; National Honor Society; AP Scholar; Illinois State ScholarPersonal statement "Today's world is plagued with problems and people in need of assistance. Having expertise in a field such as engineering would enable me to be more effective in my philanthropic endeavors by enabling me to provide lasting solutions to dilemmas rather than just 'Band-Aid' style relief. "Sponsor's endorsement "This young man has outshined all other students with his humble, unobtrusive demeanor. The dedication, determination and work ethic he exemplifies is evident in the success he has in school, sports, church involvement and beyond. He truly touches the lives of everyone with whom he comes in contact."Graduation photos - Glenbard East High SchoolBasil HuangFenton High School Hometown BensenvilleParent David HuangSponsor Lillian Reed, counselorClass rank 1 out of 347GPA 4.4545 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 33College Northwestern University or University of IllinoisPlanned major Industrial engineeringAwards, honors Illinois State Scholar; All-Conference Academic Team (2008, 2009); National Honor Society; AP Scholar Personal statement "My accomplishments support my life goal, which is to take every opportunity for a better life. This simple, yet profound, goal was inspired by my mother because she moved to America with my father in order to give my siblings and me better opportunities. ... My mother set the high goal of having each of her five children go to college to achieve this dream."Sponsor's endorsement "This individual is a quiet, dedicated and highly intelligent student. He has a work ethic and a dedication to academics that is well above and beyond that of other students. This student's mother passed away in March 2010, and I know that it is his wish to honor his mother's memory through his success in school and in life."Graduation photos - Fenton High SchoolTeshika JayewickremeNaperville North Hometown NapervilleParents Dasarath and Roshani JayewickremeSponsor Deb Green, counselorClass rank 1 out of 781GPA 4.740 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores SAT 2340College Stanford, Yale or PrincetonPlanned major Biology, biochemistry, bioengineeringAwards, honors Bausch-Lomb Honorary Science Award; National Merit finalist; AP Scholar; National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Science Olympiad (state level competition)Personal statement "When I first moved to the United States, I never imagined that I would one day compete to be the valedictorian of my class and win numerous academic competitions. All I ever wanted from America was a chance to go to college, a chance that my parents never received."Sponsor's endorsement "The student is a thoughtful and, at the same time, dynamic young man who exhibits an ability to fully express his ideas. He is also quite confident, with limitless possibilities."Graduation photos - Naperville North High SchoolElizabeth Andersen McKayDowners Grove N. Hometown Downers GroveParents Rob and Becky McKaySponsor Melissa Carlson, English teacherClass rank 1 out of 480GPA 4.7826 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35College Tufts UniversityPlanned major International relationsAwards, honors IHSA All State Academic Team; Bausch Lomb Science Award; Le Grand Concours National French Competition; Illinois State Scholar; National Merit finalistPersonal statement "I recognize that I was blessed with a wonderful support network of family and teachers. For their sake, and for the sake of my dreams, I will never stop pushing myself to my full potential."Sponsor's endorsement "In a time when student motivation and societal compassion has dwindled, Elizabeth is a ray of hope - hope that bright students can discover on their own, hope that considerate people can earn respect from peers, and hope that willing risk-takers can see their efforts pay off."Mary Kate NelsonGlenbard South High SchoolHometown Glen EllynParents Michael and Rebecca NelsonSponsor Chuck Manson, counselorClass rank 1 out of 314GPA 5.74 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 32College University of Notre DamePlanned major English or SpanishAwards, honors Spanish Honor Society; Quill Scroll International Journalism Society; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Academic All-Conference Personal statement "From then on, I understood that the extent to which my writing can impact others is limitless. Because of my experience in ACHIEVE, I look forward to pursuing an education and career in writing."Sponsor's endorsement "What separates (Nelson) from other high achieving students is a very fine line. She seems to be just a little more organized, a little more focused, works a little harder, is a little more caring, etc. than other students. (Nelson) will go that 'extra mile' to accomplish her goal. She's intelligent and is a hard worker. It is a combination that guarantees success."Graduation photos - Glenbard South High SchoolAnne WeiNaperville Central High Hometown NapervilleParents Aichang Lu and Daniel WeiSponsor Michelle Kirincich, counselorClass rank School does not rankGPA 4.653 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34; SAT 2220College Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major English and chemistry (biochemistry)Awards, honors National Merit finalist; AP Scholar; District 203 Excellence in Education award recipient; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society Personal statement "My school records proved that I could handle the academic vigor; my extracurricular dedication proved that I could handle the workload; my own convictions proved that I could handle the mental and emotional strain. I'm still keeping my options open I haven't limited myself to becoming a doctor, but, until I'm led elsewhere, I can't think of any more fulfilling way to spend my life."Sponsor's endorsement "She is an honest, strong-willed young woman who is bright, positive and very motivated to learn in a challenging academic environment."Graduation photos - Naperville Central High SchoolNancy WilliamsWillowbrook High School Hometown Villa ParkParents Gregg and Susan WilliamsSponsor Daniel Krause, principalClass rank 2 out of 543GPA 4.6939 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 32College University of Wisconsin-MadisonPlanned major EnglishAwards, honors Outstanding Senior of the Department-Social Studies; AP Scholar; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Science Honor Society Personal statement "I have learned I cannot live with fear, but instead with hope and assurance in prosperity and a strong future. I have developed ways to deal with different people and how to embrace diversity. I plan to pursue a career in international studies and law. I have a passion for learning about the world's cultures and how they apply to my life."Sponsor's endorsement "Nancy's work ethic, commitment and dedication to success are evident in all that she does. She is a visible member of our student body, leading by example in our hallways and classrooms. "Graduation photos - Willowbrook High School Honorable mentionsLaura Mariela ArandaLake Park High School Hometown RoselleParents Ramiro and Margarita ArandaSponsor Gary Campana, counselorClass rank 3 out of 725GPA 5.56 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 33College Loyola University, Northwestern University or University of ChicagoPlanned major Political science or international studiesAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar, Spirit of Excellence Award Winner, National Hispanic Recognition Program scholarGraduation photos - Lake Park High SchoolAlison CesarzBenet Academy Hometown Downers GroveParents John and Antonette CesarzSponsor Amy Wesley, counselorClass rank 2 out of 324GPA 4.41 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34; SAT 2280College Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major UndecidedAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP ScholarGraduation photos - Benet AcademyVictor ChenNaperville Central High School Hometown NapervilleParents Libin Chen and Ping ZangSponsor Pam McNeeley, counselorClass rank School does not rankGPA 4.725 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35College University of Chicago or Northwestern UniversityPlanned major ChemistryAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP ScholarGraduation photos - Naperville Central High SchoolJermaine DictadoBartlett High School Hometown BartlettParents Faustino and Marie Gina DictadoSponsor Tom VanBooven, guidance counselorClass rank 1st out of 635GPA 4.863 on a weighted 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 33College Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola UniversityPlanned major Biological sciences Awards, honors Illinois State Leadership Conference State Finalist, 1st place Medical Math; National Leadership Conference - Nationals Finalist, 10th place Medical Math; Worldwide Youth Science and Engineering - Regionals; 2nd place EnglishGraduation photos - Bartlett High SchoolChristopher EasleyWheaton Academy Hometown West ChicagoParents Dan and Lois EasleySponsor Margaret C. Becker, English teacher Class rank School does not rankGPA 4.63 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34; SAT 2260College Wheaton CollegePlanned major Secondary education, English literatureAwards, honors John and Vera McNally Achievement Award, National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor SocietyMartha FahlgrenWillowbrook High SchoolHometown Villa ParkParents Daniel and Nancy FahlgrenSponsor Daniel Krause, principalClass rank 3 out of 543GPA 4.6875 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34College University of ChicagoPlanned major PsychologyAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, District 88's BestGraduation photos - Willowbrook High SchoolHinna FataniCollege Prep School of America Hometown Villa ParkParents Mohammed and Shahnaz Fatani Sponsor Amanda Razeq, teacherClass rank 2 out of 26GPA 4.4909 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 30College Benedictine University, University of Illinois at Chicago or Loyola UniversityPlanned major Pre-pharmacyAwards, honors AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, Chemistry Olympiad 6th in stateSara FrancesconiSt. Francis High SchoolHometown NapervilleParents Susan and Guy FrancesconiSponsor Trudy Rigney, director of guidanceClass rank 2 out of 183GPA 5.0486 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 33; SAT 2130College Creighton University, St. Louis University or University of WisconsinPlanned major Social workAwards, honors Dartmouth College Book Award, Suburban Catholic Conference All-Conference (2006, 2007, 2008), National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Presidential ScholarGraduation photos - St. Francis High SchoolNaiomi GunaratneLisle Senior High School Hometown LisleParents Kohila and Chitra GunaratneSponsor Ron Logeman, principalClass rank 1 (tie) out of 124GPA 5.2742 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35College University of MiamiPlanned major MedicineAwards, honors National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor SocietyGraduation photos - Lisle High SchoolDavid KelleyWheaton Academy Hometown West ChicagoParents Ken and Linda KelleySponsor Kori Hockett, assistant principalClass rank School does not rankGPA 4.6689 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35College Northwestern University, Grove City College or Wheaton CollegePlanned major EconomicsAwards, honors John and Vera McNally Achievement Award, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor SocietyErika LehmannFenton High SchoolHometown Wood DaleParents Michael and Nancy LehmannSponsor Lillian Reed, counselorClass rank 2 out of 347GPA 4.3542 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34College Washington University in St. LouisPlanned major ArchitectureAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, All-Conference Academic AwardGraduation photos - Fenton High SchoolKaitlin MaggioreMontini Catholic High School Hometown LombardParents Jack and Eileen MaggioreSponsor Maryann O'Neill, principalClass rank 2 out of 155GPA 4.517 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34College University of Notre DamePlanned major Pre-medicineAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Thespian Society memberGraduation photos - Montini Catholic High SchoolKelly MalinowskiLake Park High School Hometown BloomingdaleParents Paul and Diane MalinowskiSponsor Christine Ward, counselorClass rank 4 out of 725GPA 5.54 on a 5.0 scaleTest scores ACT 34College University of Illinois, Northwestern University or Bradley UniversityPlanned major Undecided (considering mathematics, secondary education or psychology)Awards, honors National Merit finalist, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Pride in Performance for Activities (Year 9, Year 11),Graduation photos - Lake Park High SchoolRyan MerkelAddison Trail High School Hometown AddisonParents David and Laura MerkelSponsor Amy Ferraro, English teacherClass rank 1 out of 458GPA 4.69 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 32College University of Chicago, Northwestern University or University of IllinoisPlanned major UndecidedAwards, honors District 88's Best, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Presidential ScholarMichael Mirski*Ill. Math and Science AcademyHometown NapervilleParents Dr. Aleksander and Beata MirskiSponsor Roberto Suarez, College and Academic CounselorClass rank Students not rankedGPA Not availableTest scores ACT 35; SAT 2360College University of PennsylvaniaPlanned major FinanceAwards, honors National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Honors, Illinois State ScholarEmily NashWest Chicago Community HighHometown West ChicagoParents Patrick and Sari NashSponsor Kristina Mallon, mathematics teacherClass rank 1 (tie) out of 477GPA 4.0 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 32College University of Iowa, Illinois State University or Northern Illinois UniversityPlanned major Elementary educationAwards, honors Illinois State Scholar, PSAE Achievement Award, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Presidential ScholarGraduation photos - West Chicago Community High SchoolKevin NguyenGlenbard North High School Hometown Carol StreamParents Duc and Mai NguyenSponsor Janice ClarkClass rank 2 out of 672GPA 5.7209 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 32; SAT 2030College University of Notre Dame or Northwestern UniversityPlanned major Psychology and businessAwards, honors Illinois National Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Spanish Honor SocietyGraduation photos - Glenbard North High SchoolDavid PankiewiczMontini Catholic High School Hometown LombardParents Helen and Dave PankiewiczSponsor Christine A. O'Neill-McManus, mathematics teacherClass rank 1 out of 155GPA 4.4688 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 36College University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business), Duke University or Dartmouth CollegePlanned major EconomicsAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Presidential ScholarGraduation photos - Montini Catholic High SchoolEmma PetersonWheaton Warrenville South Hometown WheatonParents Ray and Michelle PetersonSponsor Julann Ferguson, counselorClass rank 1 out of 508GPA 5.8 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 34; SAT 2250College Pomona College, Vanderbilt University or University of California, Berkeley Planned major Economics, political scienceAwards, honors Dean's List 5.0 Academic Award, National Merit commended scholar, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor SocietyGraduation photos - Wheaton Warrenville South High SchoolChristina ReiNaperville North High School Hometown NapervilleParents Chih-Wei Rei and Yazhang WangSponsor Laurel Kennedy, counselorClass rank 2 out of 781GPA 4.702 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 33; SAT 2130College Saint Louis University, University of North Carolina or Washington University at St. LouisPlanned major MedicineAwards, honors Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP ScholarGraduation photos - Naperville North High SchoolPeter Rubino Jr.West Chicago Community High Hometown Carol StreamParents Peter and Christine RubinoSponsor Nancy Blume, division head for information technology Class rank 1 (tie) out of 477GPA 4.0 on a 4.0 scaleTest scores ACT 32College Loyola University, University of Illinois at Chicago or Northwestern UniversityPlanned major BiologyAwards, honors Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, Illinois General Assembly recognition, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Spanish Honor Society, National Leadership AwardGraduation photos - West Chicago Community High SchoolAneesh TyleNeuqua Valley High School Hometown NapervilleParents Navin and Alka TyleSponsor Chris Ruffolo, counselorClass rank 12 out of 1100GPA 4.49 on a 4.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 35; SAT 2230College Vanderbilt University or MITPlanned major Biomedical sciences (premedical)Awards, honors Sieman Science Competition semifinalist, National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, AP ScholarGraduation photos - Neuqua Valley High SchoolMatthew ZettingerGlenbard West High School Hometown Glen EllynParents James and Patricia ZettingerSponsor Sue Sanders, counselorClass rank 4 out of 484GPA 5.80 on a 5.0 (weighted) scaleTest scores ACT 36; SAT 2210College University of IllinoisPlanned major EngineeringAwards, honors National Merit commended scholar, National Merit semifinalist, National Merit finalist, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Outstanding Junior Math AwardGraduation photos - Glenbard West High School* Named a winner on the Fox Valley Academic Team <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=386515">Lake 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>