Northwest Suburban • Fox Valley • DuPage County • Lake County
Hometown Palos Park
Parents Habes Abdallah, Bothaina Zahdan
Sponsor Saad Quadri, dean
Class rank 1 out of 26
GPA 4.63 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35; SAT 2350
College University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania or Northwestern
Planned major Economics and political science or math and physics
Awards, honors Coca-Cola Scholar; James Scholar Honors Program at University of Illinois; WYSE state level first place physics and second place chemistry; Fermilab Science Award
Personal 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. "
Hometown Carol Stream
Parents Thomas and Catherine Biebel
Sponsor Sagar Gokhale
Class rank 1 out of 672
GPA 5.7273 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 36; SAT 2320
College Cornell University
Planned major Plant sciences
Awards, 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."
Hometown Wheaton
Parents Ronald and Kathryn Creswell
Sponsor Cynthia Budzikowski, teacher
Class rank 1 out of 453
GPA 5.81 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 32; SAT 2070
College Pomona College
Planned major Undecided, but possibly Spanish or linguistics
Awards, honors Math Honor Society president; National Honor Society; AP Scholar; Illinois State Scholar; Academic All-Conference
Personal 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."
Hometown Glen Ellyn
Parents Ken and Audrey Hartigan
Sponsor Evelyn Schneider
Class rank 1 out of 606
GPA 5.837 on a 5.0 scale
Test scores ACT 35
College University of Michigan, Purdue University or University of Illinois
Planned major Biomedical engineering
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar; National Honor Society; AP Scholar; Illinois State Scholar
Personal 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."
Hometown Bensenville
Parent David Huang
Sponsor Lillian Reed, counselor
Class rank 1 out of 347
GPA 4.4545 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 33
College Northwestern University or University of Illinois
Planned major Industrial engineering
Awards, 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."
Hometown Naperville
Parents Dasarath and Roshani Jayewickreme
Sponsor Deb Green, counselor
Class rank 1 out of 781
GPA 4.740 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores SAT 2340
College Stanford, Yale or Princeton
Planned major Biology, biochemistry, bioengineering
Awards, 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."
Hometown Downers Grove
Parents Rob and Becky McKay
Sponsor Melissa Carlson, English teacher
Class rank 1 out of 480
GPA 4.7826 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35
College Tufts University
Planned major International relations
Awards, honors IHSA All State Academic Team; Bausch & Lomb Science Award; Le Grand Concours National French Competition; Illinois State Scholar; National Merit finalist
Personal 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."
Hometown Glen Ellyn
Parents Michael and Rebecca Nelson
Sponsor Chuck Manson, counselor
Class rank 1 out of 314
GPA 5.74 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 32
College University of Notre Dame
Planned major English or Spanish
Awards, 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."
Hometown Naperville
Parents Aichang Lu and Daniel Wei
Sponsor Michelle Kirincich, counselor
Class rank School does not rank
GPA 4.653 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34; SAT 2220
College Washington University in St. Louis
Planned 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."
Hometown Villa Park
Parents Gregg and Susan Williams
Sponsor Daniel Krause, principal
Class rank 2 out of 543
GPA 4.6939 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 32
College University of Wisconsin-Madison
Planned major English
Awards, 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. "
Honorable mentions
Hometown Roselle
Parents Ramiro and Margarita Aranda
Sponsor Gary Campana, counselor
Class rank 3 out of 725
GPA 5.56 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 33
College Loyola University, Northwestern University or University of Chicago
Planned major Political science or international studies
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar, Spirit of Excellence Award Winner, National Hispanic Recognition Program scholar
Hometown Downers Grove
Parents John and Antonette Cesarz
Sponsor Amy Wesley, counselor
Class rank 2 out of 324
GPA 4.41 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34; SAT 2280
College Washington University in St. Louis
Planned major Undecided
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar
Hometown Naperville
Parents Libin Chen and Ping Zang
Sponsor Pam McNeeley, counselor
Class rank School does not rank
GPA 4.725 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35
College University of Chicago or Northwestern University
Planned major Chemistry
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar
Hometown Bartlett
Parents Faustino and Marie Gina Dictado
Sponsor Tom VanBooven, guidance counselor
Class rank 1st out of 635
GPA 4.863 on a weighted 4.0 scale
Test scores ACT 33
College Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Loyola University
Planned 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 English
Hometown West Chicago
Parents Dan and Lois Easley
Sponsor Margaret C. Becker, English teacher
Class rank School does not rank
GPA 4.63 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34; SAT 2260
College Wheaton College
Planned major Secondary education, English literature
Awards, honors John and Vera McNally Achievement Award, National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society
Hometown Villa Park
Parents Daniel and Nancy Fahlgren
Sponsor Daniel Krause, principal
Class rank 3 out of 543
GPA 4.6875 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34
College University of Chicago
Planned major Psychology
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, District 88's Best
Hometown Villa Park
Parents Mohammed and Shahnaz Fatani
Sponsor Amanda Razeq, teacher
Class rank 2 out of 26
GPA 4.4909 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 30
College Benedictine University, University of Illinois at Chicago or Loyola University
Planned major Pre-pharmacy
Awards, honors AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, Chemistry Olympiad 6th in state
Hometown Naperville
Parents Susan and Guy Francesconi
Sponsor Trudy Rigney, director of guidance
Class rank 2 out of 183
GPA 5.0486 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 33; SAT 2130
College Creighton University, St. Louis University or University of Wisconsin
Planned major Social work
Awards, 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 Scholar
Hometown Lisle
Parents Kohila and Chitra Gunaratne
Sponsor Ron Logeman, principal
Class rank 1 (tie) out of 124
GPA 5.2742 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35
College University of Miami
Planned major Medicine
Awards, honors National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society
Hometown West Chicago
Parents Ken and Linda Kelley
Sponsor Kori Hockett, assistant principal
Class rank School does not rank
GPA 4.6689 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35
College Northwestern University, Grove City College or Wheaton College
Planned major Economics
Awards, honors John and Vera McNally Achievement Award, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society
Hometown Wood Dale
Parents Michael and Nancy Lehmann
Sponsor Lillian Reed, counselor
Class rank 2 out of 347
GPA 4.3542 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34
College Washington University in St. Louis
Planned major Architecture
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, All-Conference Academic Award
Hometown Lombard
Parents Jack and Eileen Maggiore
Sponsor Maryann O'Neill, principal
Class rank 2 out of 155
GPA 4.517 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34
College University of Notre Dame
Planned major Pre-medicine
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Thespian Society member
Hometown Bloomingdale
Parents Paul and Diane Malinowski
Sponsor Christine Ward, counselor
Class rank 4 out of 725
GPA 5.54 on a 5.0 scale
Test scores ACT 34
College University of Illinois, Northwestern University or Bradley University
Planned 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),
Hometown Addison
Parents David and Laura Merkel
Sponsor Amy Ferraro, English teacher
Class rank 1 out of 458
GPA 4.69 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 32
College University of Chicago, Northwestern University or University of Illinois
Planned major Undecided
Awards, honors District 88's Best, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Presidential Scholar
Hometown Naperville
Parents Dr. Aleksander and Beata Mirski
Sponsor Roberto Suarez, College and Academic Counselor
Class rank Students not ranked
GPA Not available
Test scores ACT 35; SAT 2360
College University of Pennsylvania
Planned major Finance
Awards, honors National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Honors, Illinois State Scholar
Hometown West Chicago
Parents Patrick and Sari Nash
Sponsor Kristina Mallon, mathematics teacher
Class rank 1 (tie) out of 477
GPA 4.0 on a 4.0 scale
Test scores ACT 32
College University of Iowa, Illinois State University or Northern Illinois University
Planned major Elementary education
Awards, honors Illinois State Scholar, PSAE Achievement Award, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar
Hometown Carol Stream
Parents Duc and Mai Nguyen
Sponsor Janice Clark
Class rank 2 out of 672
GPA 5.7209 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 32; SAT 2030
College University of Notre Dame or Northwestern University
Planned major Psychology and business
Awards, honors Illinois National Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Spanish Honor Society
Hometown Lombard
Parents Helen and Dave Pankiewicz
Sponsor Christine A. O'Neill-McManus, mathematics teacher
Class rank 1 out of 155
GPA 4.4688 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 36
College University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business), Duke University or Dartmouth College
Planned major Economics
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Presidential Scholar
Hometown Wheaton
Parents Ray and Michelle Peterson
Sponsor Julann Ferguson, counselor
Class rank 1 out of 508
GPA 5.8 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 34; SAT 2250
College Pomona College, Vanderbilt University or University of California, Berkeley
Planned major Economics, political science
Awards, honors Dean's List 5.0 Academic Award, National Merit commended scholar, AP Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society
Hometown Naperville
Parents Chih-Wei Rei and Yazhang Wang
Sponsor Laurel Kennedy, counselor
Class rank 2 out of 781
GPA 4.702 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 33; SAT 2130
College Saint Louis University, University of North Carolina or Washington University at St. Louis
Planned major Medicine
Awards, honors Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, National Honor Society, AP Scholar
Hometown Carol Stream
Parents Peter and Christine Rubino
Sponsor Nancy Blume, division head for information technology
Class rank 1 (tie) out of 477
GPA 4.0 on a 4.0 scale
Test scores ACT 32
College Loyola University, University of Illinois at Chicago or Northwestern University
Planned major Biology
Awards, honors Illinois State Scholar, Honor roll, Illinois General Assembly recognition, National Honor Society, AP Scholar, Spanish Honor Society, National Leadership Award
Hometown Naperville
Parents Navin and Alka Tyle
Sponsor Chris Ruffolo, counselor
Class rank 12 out of 1100
GPA 4.49 on a 4.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 35; SAT 2230
College Vanderbilt University or MIT
Planned major Biomedical sciences (premedical)
Awards, honors Sieman Science Competition semifinalist, National Merit finalist, Illinois State Scholar, National Honor Society, AP Scholar
Hometown Glen Ellyn
Parents James and Patricia Zettinger
Sponsor Sue Sanders, counselor
Class rank 4 out of 484
GPA 5.80 on a 5.0 (weighted) scale
Test scores ACT 36; SAT 2210
College University of Illinois
Planned major Engineering
Awards, honors National Merit commended scholar, National Merit semifinalist, National Merit finalist, Honor roll, National Honor Society, Presidential Scholar, Illinois State Scholar, Outstanding Junior Math Award
* Named a winner on the Fox Valley Academic Team