D99 Recognizes Students in Top Two Percent of their Senior Class

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Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove recognizes 27 seniors, including students from and , who are part of the top two percent of their senior classes academically in 2012.

“Being a member of the top two percent at each campus is a most distinguishing academic honor, as it acknowledges a consistently high level of academic performance across seven semesters of high school,” says District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald. “We are proud of these students and know that each one has an incredibly bright future.”

The top two percent of students from North High School include:

Sarah Batchu is the daughter of Dr. Barbara Loeb and Dr. Koteswara Batchu of Downers Grove.  She is an Illinois State Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honors, a National Spanish Exam Bronze Winner and received fifth place in the IHSA State Speech Tournament in Original Oratory. She’s been part of the speech team, the student newspaper, The Omega, has performed in numerous plays and has served on the class board. She has also played badminton, and has served on the Downers Grove Environmental Concerns Commission and the Downers Grove Historical Society Museum. She plans to major in political science in college. Sarah’s favorite memory: “When I got to go onstage at the state speech tournament, it was gratifying—not just as an individual competitor, but as a member of my team. Our performances may have been individual, but for four years, we have relied on each other during practices and competitions.”

Kayla Chapa of Downers Grove is the daughter of James and Elaine Chapa. She is a National Merit Finalist, an Illinois State Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Spanish Exam Gold Key Winner. She has been a leader and director of Operation Snowball, as well as Link Crew leader. She’s been part of the cross country and track and field teams, and was involved with the Chicago Cares community organization. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina and major in global studies. Kayla’s favorite memory: “Directing the fall Snowball this year. It was a lot of work, but my fellow directors (both student and adult) were wonderful. After all my years of involvement with the program, being able to shape the event so much was a very rewarding experience.”

Anne Marie Coultrap is the daughter of Paul and Gail Coultrap of Downers Grove. She has received the Chick Evans Scholarship, as well as Math Department Student of the Month and Social Studies Department Student of the Month awards. She has also received the North Star for Chemistry, Direct Action and Law. She’s been a member of the National Honor Society, Government Club, Township of Downers Grove Peer Jury, and CITRA (Community Involvement through Recreational Activities), which is part of the Downers Grove Park District. She was a member of the cross country team and served as volunteer at Loyola Hospital.  She plans to attend the University of Missouri and study nursing. Anne Marie’s favorite memory: “The advice I got from teachers that will change my life after high school, from Mr. Hayman’s advice that you must show up because you never know what doors will be opened, to Mr. Thornquist’s two day lesson on investing.”

Hannah Henson is the daughter of Linda and Brian Henson of Downers Grove. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, an Illinois State Scholar and received the Downers North PRIDE award in athletics. She is vice president of the National Honors Society, and also part of the Humanitarian Club, Link/DARE and Student Athletic Council. She’s played on the volleyball and badminton teams. She has also volunteered at SEASPAR and PADS and was a camp counselor at her church. She plans to attend Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and study special education. Hannah’s favorite memory: “When my doubles team made it to the state meet for badminton. To work hard in something you love, attain your highest goal, and be able to compete with other people from around the state is amazing. I learned so much from that state meet and that season in general. I will never forget that experience.”

Michelle Hsu is the daughter of Agnes and Pei Pei Hsu of Downers Grove. She has been on the 4.0 honor roll for four years, is an AP Scholar with Honors, and an Illinois State Scholar. She received the North High Band Legacy Award for three years. Michelle has been a member of the marching band, serving as drum major her senior year. She’s also been active in the science club, Northwind and Scholastic Bowl, and played badminton. She has volunteered at Loyola Medical Hospital in Maywood, and is part of the National Honor Society. She is considering attending Washington University in St. Louis, and plans to study biological sciences or English. Michelle’s favorite memory: “Spray painting orange dots on the dusty practice field during the dog days of summer so the band could learn drill moves. I’m so glad I have been able to be part of such a special organization, and I will really miss it!”

Faisal Khurshid is the son of Drs. Naila and Abid Khurshid of Downers Grove. He has received the National Spanish Exam Gold Prize, is a National Merit Commended Student, received the Science Department Award for AP Chemistry and was selected to the Illinois Music Educators Association District I Honors Band. He has been a member of the band, Math Team, National Honor Society and is currently president of the World Languages Club. He has played volleyball, and was a member of the varsity track and field team. He has volunteered at both Good Samaritan Hospital and the People’s Resource Center Food Pantry. He plans to study biomedical engineering at Brown University. Faisal’s favorite memory: “Performing in the New Year’s Day Parade in 2011 was a truly enchanting experience. It was a tantalizing feeling of both nervousness and ecstasy to perform for a huge international audience. This event was the pinnacle of my experiences with DGN bands.”

Emily Temple-Wood is the daughter of Laura Temple and Andrew Wood of Downers Grove. She received second place in the state in extemporaneous speaking, 19th in the nation in international extemporaneous speaking, is a National Merit Finalist and National AP Scholar. She’s been a member of the speech team and marching band, served as captain of the Scholastic Bowl, and has been a member of the pit orchestra. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to major in physics at Loyola University in Chicago. Emily’s favorite memory: “Winning conference in Scholastic Bowl. We worked really hard all year and it finally paid off in a very satisfying win.”

Andrea Vetrone is the daughter of Laura and Jim Vetrone of Westmont. She is a National Merit Finalist, a National Spanish Exam Gold Award winner, a North Star recipient, and received the North High Band Legacy Award for four years. She’s been in the marching band, serving as drum major and head music librarian, is publicity officer for the World Languages Club, and is a member of the Math Team and National Honor Society. She has participated in track, cross country and basketball, and has volunteered as part of the Brookfield Zoo’s Youth Volunteer Corps and Group Workcamps, which involved mission trips to rebuild homes in New Mexico and North Carolina. She plans to study environmental engineering or environmental science at the Georgia Institute of Technology or the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  Andrea’s favorite memory: “All of my favorite memories involve the DGN marching band. Last year, we had an incredible opportunity to perform in London’s 125th New Year’s Day Parade. The pride that I felt, marching past thousands of cheering fans on international television, was unforgettable.”

Kelsey White is the daughter of Karen Kobialka and Bill White of Downers Grove. She is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, received a University of Illinois Provost Scholarship, and received the Science Department Awards in both Physics 400 and Chemistry 400. She’s been involved in orchestra, choir, the math team and the National Honor Society. She has also served as a junior coach for Panthers Jr. Cheerleading. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and double major in aerospace engineering and physics. Kelsey’s favorite memory: “My first Mole Day sophomore year. Waking up to walk 6.02 laps at 6:02 a.m. was easier than I expected due to the enthusiasm of my teachers and classmates (and the food).”

Hannah Young is the daughter of Faith and Michael Young of Oak Brook. She is a National Merit Finalist, an Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, and was part of the IMEA All-State Orchestra and Honors Band. She’s served as a leader in the Northwind Literary Magazine, and has been a member in the Gay Straight Alliance/Prism, District 99 orchestra, and band organizations. She has made harp presentations at the District 58 elementary school classes and various retirement homes. Hannah’s favorite memory: “Attending All-State Orchestra and Bands. I learned so much musically and it was great to be among other people who care about music like I do. Not to mention the fun times I had with other musicians at our school.”

The top two percent of students from South High School include:

Mohammad Salman Ali is the son of Ashraf and Ruqia Ali of Downers Grove. He has received the Downers Grove Community Bank Scholarship and an AP Scholar with Distinction award. He has participated in the Key Club, Math Team, Scholastic Bowl, Saturday Morning Physics at Fermilab, National Honor Society, and National Spanish Honor Society. He has been part of the volleyball and track teams. He works at the Kumon Math and Reading Center in Darien, and has volunteered with Tzu Chi, Polar Express, and The Giving Tree. Salman plans to attend the University of Chicago. Mohammad’s  favorite memory: “While filming the death scene of Principe Ali in the middle of the street for AP Spanish, Matt Balsamo almost ran me over!”

Rianda Artis is the daughter of Doug and Rebecca Artis of Downers Grove.  She’s been the captain of the varsity bowling team, leader of her youth group worship band, and a member of the National Honor Society. Rianda will be attending Asbury University on a full ride scholarship and will be majoring in media communications.  Rianda’s favorite memory:  “Playing Frisbee in the courtyard, naming the turtles in the pond, and the feeling of finally being a senior.”

Scott Blessing is the son of Beth and Ralph Blessing of Downers Grove. He is a National Merit Finalist, an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He is a member of the swim team and received the team’s sportsmanship award. He has been a member of Boy Scout Troop 57 since the sixth grade, and has reached the rank of Eagle. He plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign in the fall and study computer science. Scott’s favorite memory: “Going to DeVry University my junior year to compete with my friends in a Java coding competition.”

Anthony DeCarlo is the son of Liz DeCarlo of Darien. He has received Academic All Conference, Spanish National Honor Society and 4.0 & Above Honor Roll recognitions. He has been involved in Peer Leaders and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has played on the football team all four years, and also participated in track and field. He has served as a volunteer for Misericordia’s Candy Days. He plans to attend Iowa State University and major in mechanical engineering. Anthony’s favorite memory: “Going undefeated in football sophomore year and spending the past four years with all my teammates.”

Gabrielle Fatora is the daughter of Carol Anna and Paul Fatora of Woodridge. She is an Illinois State Scholar and an AP Scholar, and has received National Merit Commended, Platinum and Gold Math, Gold and Bronze Science and Illinois Science Teachers Association awards. She is a member of the marching band, as well as the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. She has been an Irish dancer with the McNulty School of Irish Dance for 14 years. She has volunteered at First Presbyterian Church and the Woodridge Community Resource Center. Gabrielle plans to attend Rice University and major in bioengineering with a pre-med track.  Gabrielle’s favorite memory:  “My favorite memory would have to be when the marching band placed 4th in state this past year. It was amazing seeing the band transform over the last four years, and this was a great way to end my time as a Marching Mustang.”

Rosaley Gai is the daughter of Ping Han and Wei Gai of Woodridge. She is a National Merit Finalist and is a member of the Math Team and choir. Rosaley has been a member of the badminton team for four years, her senior year in a shared leadership role. She has volunteered at the JASC Senior Center. She plans to attend the University of Chicago and major in psychology. Rosaley’s favorite memory:  “Senior night at badminton this year was absolutely fantastic—one of the many times that the team has truly been together at all points of the evening. It was that coveted sense of honor I’d watched put on for three years prior, and I couldn’t have been more excited and proud of my teammates.”

Maura Killian is the daughter of Catherine and Patrick Killian of Woodridge. She’s an Illinois State Scholar, and recipient of the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award, Silver Math Award and English Department Academic Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Wind Ensemble, and has served as a leader for Mad Dash, Enter with Pride and Physical Education. She has played on the basketball team, and has also served as the assistant girls’ basketball coach at Lakeview Junior High School. She has volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital. In the fall, she will attend Purdue University and study dietetics/nutrition, fitness and health. Maura’s favorite memory: “Though I have experienced many amazing classes, my favorite has been my AP Psychology class. The material that we learned was intriguing and surprising, and I enjoyed having a teacher that was very interested and involved in the subject.”

Zachary Kuerschner is the son of Tracey and Timothy Kuerschner of Woodridge. He is an Illinois State Scholar, and recipient of the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award and West Suburban Conference Academic Achievement Award. He has been a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leaders and Athletes Committed to Excellence, and of the football team. He has volunteered with Group Workcamps, which helps underprivileged families with home renovations, as well as Feed My Starving Children. He plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington, and major in operations management. Zachary’s favorite memory: “My favorite high school memory was football team dinners on Thursday nights.  Laughing and joking with my teammates and friends after practice, while eating some good food provided by the boosters, was a great way to relax before the competition of the big game.”

Kaitlyn Lapen is the daughter of Janet and Robert Lapen of Downers Grove. She has received the Girl Scout Gold and Silver Awards, and is an AP Scholar and Illinois State Scholar. She has been a member of the symphonic orchestra and National Honor Society, as well as a member of the cross country and track teams. She has volunteered at the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana Day Camp programs and at St. Mary of Gostyn. She plans to attend Emory University and major in biology. Kaitlyn’s favorite memory: “My favorite High School memory was traveling to Europe with the District 99 orchestra the summer before my junior year.  We stayed with host families and toured landmarks such as the Gaudi Cathedral in Barcelona and the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.  It was an amazing experience!”

Lisa Ledvora is the daughter of Beth Ledvora-Riedel of Darien and Ronald Ledvora of Berywn. She is an AP Scholar with Honors, a National Merit Scholarship Commended Student, a member of the Spanish National Honor Society and received the Dartmouth Book Award. She’s been an active member of the Student Activities Leadership Committee, National Honor Society (Parliamentarian), Spanish Club and served on the class board. Lisa has been a gymnast since age eight, and has competed as a member at Elite Sports Complex and the United States Tumbling and Trampoline Association National team. She’s been an elite-level athlete and a recreational and competitive coach for four years. She has volunteered at Indian Prairie Public Library as part of the “VolunTEEN” group, and has served as a teacher and office aide in numerous South High departments. She plans to attend Lake Forest College and attend graduate or law school after graduating. Lisa’s favorite memory:  “I find class discussions to be amusing and enlightening. In social studies and English classes, I enjoy reading a text and discussing various perspectives of the subject matter because I am then better able to understand differences in viewpoints.”

Milica Mihajlovic is the daughter of Zorica and Dali Mihajlovic of Darien. She is an AP Scholar and member of the National Honor Society and Math Team. She has also served in leadership positions in the German Club. She is actively involved in peer tutoring, and has volunteered at the American Heart Association. She plans to attend Beloit College and major in anthropology/Russian and German. Milica’s favorite memory: “Playing UNO during lunch for all my second semester of senior year. It got really intense and so funny!”

William Moroney is the son of Eileen and Patrick Moroney of Downers Grove. He has received All State Musician and Outstanding English Student awards, and the University Scholar Award from NIU. He’s been a member of the Jazz Lab Band, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Wind Ensemble. He is an Eagle Scout, and has been part of Boy Scout Troop 57.  He will be attending Northern Illinois University and studying electrical engineering. William’s favorite memory: “By far the best high school experience I had was travelling to New York with the DGS Jazz Ensemble as finalists in the Essentially Ellington competition.  We were immersed in a whole new culture, a music we loved, and surrounded by so many incredible musicians that it truly made for an unforgettable experience.”

Cory Mosiman is the son of Giesela and David Mosiman of Downers Grove. He has been part of the soccer team and track, and is the recipient of several soccer awards, including the Chicago Fire All-State All-Academic 1st Team, Chuck Novotny Coach’s Award and Rookie of the Year, as well as Most Improved Athlete in track. Cory has been involved in the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation, Athletes Committed to Excellence, Peer Leaders and Superfans. He has also been actively involved in community and charitable work, including the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, Campus Life STRIVE, Feed My Starving Children, the Downers Grove Park District’s Polar Express program, and the West Suburban Conference Leadership Conference. He also has participated in mission trips to New Orleans and Joplin, Missouri to help rebuild homes devastated by hurricanes and tornadoes. In the fall, he will attend the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign and major in civil and environmental engineering. Cory’s favorite memory: “My favorite memories from DGS would have to be with my soccer and track teams.  I absolutely loved playing sports here and am so glad because of all the wonderful people I met and all of the great times we had together.”

Brendan O’Sullivan is the son of Mary and John O’Sullivan of Downers Grove. He is a Wendy’s High School Heisman School winner, an Illinois State Scholar and four-year Academic Letter recipient. He also received the Commitment to Excellence Award in Voluntary Service from the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. He is a member of the National Honor Society, and has been a D.A.R.E. leader and a member of Athletes Committed to Excellence. Brendan has been part of the baseball and basketball teams at school. He has volunteered at Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital since he was ten, and has been involved in JDRF, actively fundraising for more than 19 years. He plans to attend Saint Louis University and study chemistry and pre-medicine in the fall. Brendan’s favorite memory: “Playing on the same baseball team with my older brother Jack during the summer after my sophomore year. My teammates and coaches made it the most fun and memorable baseball season I ever experienced.”

Mark Plantz is the son of Lynn Sheppard and Jeff Plantz of Downers Grove.  He has been a member of the Wind Ensemble, the Jazz Lab Band and Jazz Ensemble. He has volunteered at the Working Bike’s Cooperative and the Communications and Neural Systems Research Lab. Mark will attend Northwestern University next year and study biomedical engineering. Mark’s favorite memory: “Basically every day in Kaim’s Calc BC class was a good time!”

Joseph Sombeck is the son of Shar and Tim Sombeck of Downers Grove. He has been involved in the Athletes Committed to Excellence, Superfans and German clubs, and has played soccer all four years, serving as captain his senior year.  He plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign and major in biomedical engineering. Joseph’s favorite memory:  “During my senior year, the soccer team went to the finals of the Greater Midwest Classic.  Even though we lost the final, beating a nationally ranked team in the semi-finals was a great accomplishment for the team.”

* NOTE: Heather Bird is also a member of the top two percent of the Class of 2012.