News

Neuqua Valley High School

Posted June 09, 2020 1:00 am

Neuqua Valley High School Daily Herald File Photo

<h3 class="breakHead">Graduates in Class of 2020: 872</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Graduation Speakers: Brendan McCluskey (academic speaker); Sam Garabedian (reflection speaker)</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Class Officers: President Grace Lee, Vice President Meghna Gopalan, Secretary Kavya Karthi, Treasurer Kiran Pillai</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Academic achievements: 61 students earned Seal of Biliteracy; Gabriel Scharosch named Chicago North Suburban Region Bridge Building Champion; Jonathan Li qualified for the second round of the U.S. Physics Olympiad; nine students earned perfect ACT scores; one student earned perfect SAT score; 28 students named National Merit Finalists; 278 students named Illinois State Scholars.</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">U.S. Presidential Scholars: Tyler Chen, Anushka Gupta, Arneet Gurtatta, Jessica Mann, Kiana Mohammadian, Dhyan Patel, Courtney Redey, Rushil Vellala</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Athletic achievements: Girls Swimming and Diving won second consecutive state championship; Male Athlete of the Year: Mark Gronowski (football, basketball, baseball); Female Athlete of the Year: Julia Rushing (soccer, cross country); Academic Athlete of the Year: Matt Appel (football, track).</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Extracurricular achievements: Riley Ebert and Matthew McDonnell earned Student Production Award from the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Neuqua Valley Theatre Program Award Winners: Madison Young (Maree Russavage Spirit Award), Sara Richter (Star Director), Luke Wujek and Matthew McDonnell (Most Valuable Players in Theatre).</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Theater productions: "The Improv Show," "Snow White," "Things To Not Do," "Almost, Maine," Freshman One Acts, Monologue Show, "Intersections," "The Wizard of Oz." </h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Senior Class gift: Updating the athletic entrance/hallway, new signage, awards, uniform theme.</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Homecoming King and Queen: Shashank Gaddamanagu and Daria Garrison</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Homecoming Theme: Out Of This World 2019</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">What was new for the Class of 2020: New Principal Lance Fuhrer, new Assistant Principal for Student Services Sharon Ruff, new Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Wilson; new Athletic Director Branden Adkins; new Director of Guidance Jessica Torres-Proctor; collaborative spaces; Chromebooks - 1:1 devices.</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Notable visitors: U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood</h3>

<h3 class="breakHead">Principal's reflections on the Class of 2020: It's no longer just about what you will become. What matters is who you aspire to be. Don't let an occupation be the only outcome of achievement. Become an engineer, designer or nurse. But who you are is equally important: an innovator, a creative thinker and a problem solver. Grow your rank, but also your resilience. Seek the awards, affirmations and accolades that a career offers, but know that being a strong self-advocate is how you will earn those. Step into a future you will write. Create your own definition of success to become the who you are capable of becoming.</h3>

- Principal Lance Fuhrer

Neuqua Valley High School 2020 graduation sign in Naperville. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Neuqua Valley players cheer after a score against Oswego during a regional basketball contest. Sean King/ for Shaw Media Illinois

Neuqua Valley goalkeeper Luke Molnar makes a save against Waubonsie Valley during boys soccer in Aurora. Daily Herald File Photo

Neuqua Valley's Mark Gronowski, left, throws a pass. Daily Herald File Photo

Neuqua Valley team member Jane Riehs stands in the bleachers to take a selfie with her teammates after they won the girls state swimming and diving championship at New Trier High School in Winnetka. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

Neuqua Valley's Rachel Stege wins the 500-yard freestyle at the girls state swimming championships. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com

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