2007-08
Liya Thachil (Andrew)
Inside the classroom Liya has demonstrated her skills and abilities through successful completion of a challenging schedule of coursework. Her grades and achievement are evidence of her intelligence and work ethic and have placed her among the 10 percent of her class. Following graduation Liya will attend New York University in Florence, Italy. An active member of the class of 2008, Liya has been involved in Project Diversity for four years; served as Chief Justice her senior year for Youth in Government, and was an active member of Model United Nations. It is clear she has a knack for her chosen fields of study in law and international relations.
Robyn Szablewski (Sandburg)
Robyn has completed a challenging schedule of coursework while at Sandburg. She is among the top 10% of the graduating class. She is a PSAE Scholar and earned the Class of 2008 Senior Leadership Award. Next year Robyn will attend the University of Pittsburg and plans a career as a physical therapist. An active member of the class of 2008; Robyn has been involved in National Honor Society, Orchesis and Badminton. She also is active in People Aid working with multi-needs students in physical education class.
Dan Kelleher (Stagg)
Dan has challenged himself through his coursework and has received high honors throughout his career. He was an Evening with the Stars award recipient last year. Following graduation Dan will attend Loyola University. In addition to focusing on academics, he has already secured a position as manager for the Loyola basketball team. He was prepared for this position through his experience at Stagg as varsity team manager for the past four years. An active member of the class of 2008, Dan has been involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Leadership Conference, Extra Mile, Peer Mediation and Superintendent’s Student Advisory.
Andrew Withrow (Andrew)
Andrew High School Senior Andrew Withrow has successfully completed a challenging schedule of course work and has maintained a grade point average that puts him among the top of his class. His teachers cite his ability to lead classroom discussions beyond the typical scope of student interest. Andrew is well prepared to attend Boston University next year where he plans to study Math and Physics. Andrew has participated in a variety of school and community activities. He has been involved in the football and basketball programs for all four years. He has been an invaluable leader, manager and extra coach for the football team. He also has performed in the annual Variety Show for all four years. In addition, he has participated in track, Class Council, Mathletes and the Ambassador Program which helps transfer students become acclimated to Andrew High School. In the community, he has been involved in a variety of church youth groups and mission trips.
Gabrielle Tate (Sandburg)
Sandburg High School Senior Gabrielle Tate has demonstrated her skills and abilities through successful completion of a challenging schedule of course work while at Sandburg and has earned a 4.975 grade point average. She is an Illinois State Scholar and has earned IHSA All-State Academic Honorable Mention. Next year Gabrielle will attend either Notre Dame or the University of Illinois. An active member of the class of 2007, Gabrielle has been involved in National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She also is Senior Class President, a First Class Leader and a District 230 Leaders Forum participant.
Stagg High School Senior Helen Oliver has excelled in school including taking a challenging schedule of course work including Advanced Placement and Honors classes as well as active participation in band and choir. Helen will attend Indiana University next year where she plans to study education. Helen has shown an outstanding commitment to the extra curricular program including participating in a variety of school and community activities. Her resume of involvement includes tennis, marching band, Student Council, National Honor Society, drama club, musical cast, Natural Helpers, pep band, play cast, Snowflake and Youth in Government. She has also exhibited strong leadership skills as a three-time Class President, Student Council President and member of the Principal's and Superintendent's Advisory Committees. Helen has made her mark on the Stagg community by leading the charge for advancements through the student government.
Amanda Dexter (Andrew)
Inside the classroom Amanda demonstrated her skills and abilities through successful completion of a challenging schedule of coursework. She showed particular talent in the field of science, which she planned to make her college major in preparation for a career in medicine. She was an Illinois State Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. Amanda was an active member of the class of 2006, serving as Student Council President during her senior year and Student Council Historian as a junior. She was a member of the pep club, and was elected Defensive Player of the Year by the Girls Basketball Team; was named winner of the Hustle, Pride and Effort Award as a member of the Varsity Volleyball Team; and was named the Most Valuable Player of the Varsity Soccer Team. Amanda was also the recipient of the Andrew Leadership Award and received special recognition for her more than 390 hours of community service.
Nina Vachhani (Sandburg)
Nina completed a rigorous schedule while in the classroom at Sandburg. She received the High Academic Achievement Award, was an AP Scholar and a member of the National Honor Society. Nina was involved in Student Council, Model United Nations, Youth and Government, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Debate, Orchestra and First Class. She was Student Council Vice President and Student Council Issues Advisor, President of the Model United Nations, Leader of First Class and Committee Chairperson for Youth and Government. Through Nina’s leadership, the Sandburg Student Council created an Open Forum Process allowing all students an opportunity to express concerns or ideas for school improvements. Nina planned to attend the University of Michigan to enroll in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts following graduation.
Jordan Bucci (Stagg)
Jordan excelled in the classroom at Stagg. He was a member of the National Honor Society, an AP Scholar, a PSAE Scholar and one of 22 senior soccer players in Illinois to be named to the All-State All-Academic Team. Jordan was involved in Mathletes, Youth and Government, and was captain of the Stagg Varsity Soccer Team during his senior year. He tutored in the Academic Skills Center, participated in the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, and helped plan and organize Stagg’s Fall Leadership Conference. Following graduation, he planned to attend the University of Notre Dame to major in finance.
Timothy Politano (Andrew)
T.J. distinguished himself in both academic and co-curricular activities. He maintained a high Grade Point Average while taking many challenging honors and Advanced Placement courses. He ranked third in his class, scored a perfect 36 on the science portion of the ACT exam, and earned a composite ACT score of 35. He participated in National Honor Society, math and science tutoring, musicals, band as drum major, three time All-Conference Mathlete, All-State Choir, as well as Madrigal singers, solo and ensemble contests as a singer and musician, speech team and chess team. T.J. planned to attend the University of Notre Dame to major in engineering following graduation.
Michael Weglarz (Sandburg)
Throughout Carl Sandburg High School’s academic history, not many students have accomplished more than Mike. His diligence, attention to detail, and pursuit of excellence distinguished him from most students. He ranked first in his class of 808 students, had a GPA of 5.141, was a National Merit Scholar and was named to the Chicago Tribune All-Illinois Academic Team. In addition to his classroom excellence, Mike was a member of the National Honor Society, Mathletes, JETS Team, Mu Alpha Theta, Scholastic Bowl team, Youth and Government and Key Club. Following graduation, Mike planned to attend Harvard University.
Kristyn Hegner (Stagg)
Kristyn transferred to Stagg in her sophomore year to pursue the expanded theater program. She was a member of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council and was Stagg’s Student Representative to the School Board. Her demanding schedule of academic classes, including four AP courses, was rivaled only by her involvement in more than 25 activities at Stagg. Kristyn maintained a high G.P.A., was a member of the National Honor Society, and served as Student Council Vice President and President of the Drama Club. She played the leading role in several Stagg musical and theater productions and assumed leadership roles in her community and church. The combination of her academic and co-curricular experiences spoke volumes about her potential as she began her college studies at the University of Illinois, majoring in theater.
Sarah Albarran (Andrew)
Sarah was a talented student who combined a stellar academic record with numerous co-curricular activities that accentuated her leadership qualities. In addition to being Student Council President, her leadership demonstrated itself in many ways including her volunteer work at the Bremen Youth Service and “More to Life” teen group. She also was a member of the Andrew Student Advisory Group and a Student Representative to the District 230 Board of Education. Sarah planned to continue her studies at Illinois Wesleyan University studying health care.
Nicole Crofton (Sandburg)
Nicole worked diligently as a student and steadily increased her Grade Point Average over her four years at Sandburg. In addition to her continued academic growth, Nicole was a proven leader, serving as captain of Orchesis and the Eaglettes, as well as choreographing many routines for the Sandburg Dance Show. Nicole participated in the Teaching Internship Program at Sandburg and planned to enroll in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher Education Program at MacMurray College following graduation.
Alexandra Faklis (Stagg)
Alex was a talented student with an outstanding academic record. Her positive and cooperative personality encouraged her peers to participate in school and community projects. As Student Council President her commitment to excellence was inspirational. Alex also was involved in the Stagg Student Advisory Group. Alex planned to continue her studies at Boston College following graduation.