Young American Winners |
| Year |
Winner |
School |
Bio |
|
| 2008 |
Socorro Alegria |
Jefferson High School |
College: Northern Illinois University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; DAR Good Citizen Award; U.S. History Award; NIC-9 Scholars.
Contributions
Girl Scout Leadership Conference attendee; soccer (captain, secretary of defense); JHS Ambassador; Spanish tutor; office volunteer; sporting event volunteer; Aspira; NHS, food drives.
Future Plans
Socorro plans to attend Northern Illinois University and major in education.
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|
| 2008 |
Brandon Amato |
Beloit Memorial High Schoo |
College: University of Wisconsin-Madison
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; High Honor Roll; Academic All Star; Knight's Renaissance Program; Department Award (English); Exemplary Attendance Incentive Award; Perfect Attendance Award; Tennis (second place Edgerton Tennis Invitational, first place tennis regionals No. 2 singles); Marketing I "Apprentice" winner; Beloit Rotary Club Student of the Week; "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" Newspaper Award; Principal's Breakfast Honorary Student; "Brandon Amato" Newspaper Award.
Contributions
Football (Week 1 team co-captain); Tennis; Badger Boys State 1st choice representative; Prom court; Relay for Life; Riverfest volunteer; Lions Club Annual Rose Sale; Salvation Army; community modeling events; Beloit Winterfest; Beloit Boys and Girls Club Football Camp.
Future Plans
Brandon plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to pursue a career in English or communications. He hopes to become a writer/reporter or sports news broadcaster.
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| 2008 |
Catherine Anderson |
East High School |
College: Carthage College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (two years, president); Illinois State Scholar; Salutatorian; DAR Good Citizen Recipient; "Most Likely to Succeed."
Contributions
Art Club cofounder (two years); Scholastic Bowl (three years); Science Olympiad (three years); Math Team (three years); newspaper (Assistant Editor of Freshmen); Thrivent Financial for Lutherans; Zion Development Corporation; RALM; Sharefest 2007; nFACTOR Youth Organization; Children's Holiday Shoppe, Mother House; Doors of Rockford Art Auction; Katie's Cup, Rockford Area Lutheran Ministries; church baby-sitting.
Future Plans
Catherine plans to attend Carthage College and pursue her interest in business or teaching. Her ultimate goal is to give back to society.
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|
| 2008 |
Emily Ansusinha |
Sterling High School |
College: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar; October Student of the Month; Speech Team State qualifier; WYSE State qualifier; IMEA District Orchestra; Chemistry Olympiad (fourth place).
Contributions
All-Sectional Cast in Group Interpretation; Speech coach (middle school); Orchestra; Science Club (vice president); National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine attendee; People to People Student Ambassador; Theater; Madrigals.
Future Plans
Emily plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in premedicine and religious studies. Her career goal is to become a pediatrician.
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|
| 2008 |
Therese Bermingham |
Boylan High School |
College: Notre Dame
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (vice president); Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar Award; Highest Honors (4 years); NIC 9/10 Scholar Athlete (4 years); Swimming (All-Conference 2006); Math Team state qualifier; Outstanding College Algebra Student: Outstanding Geometry Student; Fine Arts Fair Poetry Finalist; National Spanish Exam Silver Medal Award (Spanish 3).
Contributions
Natural Helpers; Key Club; Swimming (Captain); Math Team; Voice for the Unborn (President); Tutor; Peer Ministry Team; Senior Retreat Team Leader; Kyrios; Confirmation Retreat Leader; Food Collections; Spanish Club; SARO Club; Marlins Summer Swim Team; Stingrays Summer Swim Team.
Future Plans
Therese plans to attend Notre Dame this fall.
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| 2008 |
Hannah Bridgeland |
Hononegah High School |
Father: Alan Bridgeland
Mother: Janet Bridgeland
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Northern Illinois Conference Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award; Academic Renaissance Award; Beloit College Porter Scholar Program invitation; Invitation to National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine; High Honor Roll.
Contributions
Key Club; Dance Team; Drill Team; International Club; Student Council; Locks of Love donor; Dance camp teacher; Concessions worker; Mission Trip; Rockford homeless at Jubilee Center; Scout Adventure Crew; Tutor; Class helper; Church youth group; Youth Group Leadership Team; Piano; Trash pickup volunteer; Blood Drive Worker; Relay for Life; Kiwanis Pancake Day; Illinois Growth Enterprises.
Future Plans
Hannah plans to attend a Midwest college and major in pre-med.
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|
| 2008 |
Jennifer Brinkmeier |
West Carroll High School |
College: Beloit College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years); Who's Who Among High School Students; Illinois State Scholar; National High Honors; Most Promising Student in Social Sciences; Most Promising New Artist; IHSA Solo & Ensemble (multiple Division I medals); IHSA State Pep Band; FFA 2nd place State Parliamentary procedure secretary; FFA Parliamentary Procedure Invitational 1st place secretary and 1st place floor member; WYSE (first place in Regional Biology and 1st place in Regional English).
Contributions
Servant Leadership; FFA; Academic Bowl; Environthon; Jazz Band; Concert Band; Pep Band; Marching Band; Drama Club; Spring Musical; Peer Helpers; Gymnastics; Piano; Tae-Kwon-do; Interact; Meals on Wheels; Crop Walk; Light's Youth Group; Blood Drive; Girl Scout; Special Olympics; Humane Society's "Responsible Pet Ownership" program; Relay for Life; Heartland Pet Shelter; Food Pantry; World Vision's "30 Hour Famine"; Church Council representative (Youth and Social ministries); Sunday School aide.
Future Plans
Jennifer will attend Beloit College, where she will major in anthropology.
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| 2008 |
Lindsay Chandler |
Guilford High School |
College: Illinois State University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Illinois Scholar Athlete; Girl Scout Gold Award; Girl Scout Silver Award; Guilford Honorary English Society; National Student Council Award (2004, 2005) President's Volunteer Service Award (Gold, 2005, 2006, Bronze, 2004); NDA All American Dance Team.
Contributions
Student Council (Spirit chairperson, Powder-puff chairperson); Varsity Dance Team (captain); Church Kids Choir (assistant directory, choreographer); Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School Music teacher; Praise Team; Sanctuary Choir; Senior High; Midway Village Museum, Junior Interpreter (2000-05); Active Girl Scouts; Tutor.
Future Plans
Lindsay will be attending Illinois State University in the fall and major in special education, specializing in the deaf and hard of hearing.
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|
| 2008 |
Melissa Cheng |
Boylan High School |
School: Northwestern
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (Secretary); Illinois State Scholar: AP Scholar with Honor; DAR Good Citizen Award; Valedictorian; Principal's Award; Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award; Creative Communication Young Poet's Contest winner; Homecoming Queen.
Contributions
Mock Trial Team, captain; Don Manzullo 21st Century Leadership Conference Attendee; Student Council (President); co-founder and officer of Students Assisting Relief Organizations; Vacation Bible School volunteer; tutor.
Future Plans
Melissa has narrowed her choices for college down to Notre Dame or Northwestern. She is undecided as to her major but assures us that it will be in an area where she can help others.
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|
| 2008 |
Attali Clauson |
Guilford High School |
College: Wheaton College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Who's Who Among High School Students; Excellence in History DAR Award (2004); Outstanding Scholar Athlete (3 years); REA Educational Excellence; All City Orchestra (2 years).
Contributions
Class treasurer; Newspaper (co-executive editor); Tennis (4 years); Student Council (Homecoming Co-Chair); Honorary English Society (Treasurer); Orchestra (3 years); Peer Tutor; Church missions trips; Worship team (2 years); Church summer camp volunteer; Children's church puppeteer; Basketball League Statistics Keeper; In Youth We Trust Volunteer Chair; Youth for Christ tutor (2 years); Touchglobal; Starlight Theatre (5 musicals).
Future Plans
Attali will be attending Wheaton College in the fall where she will major in communications.
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| 2008 |
Michael Dobler |
Lutheran High School |
Father: Stan Dobler
Mother: Lori Dobler
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Renaissance, Honor Roll; 1st Trumpet in Concert and Jazz Bands.
Contributions: Key Club; Tennis; Band; Spiritual Leadership Team; Concert Band; Chapel Band; Kantorei; Sunday School teacher; Youth Group; Class President; Student Council; Madrigals; theater productions (3 years); Gray's grocery store.
Future Plans
Michael has not decided his career yet, but he will begin preparing for whatever the future holds as he attends college next year.
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| 2008 |
Abbi Erickson |
Rockford Christian High Shool |
College: Indiana Wesleyan University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; 4.43 GPA
Contributions
Junior class treasurer; Senior class Treasurer; Sunday school volunteer; service projects; Mission trip to Kentucky; Mission trips to Scotland; Mission trip to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Future Plans
Abbi will be attending Indiana Wesleyan University in the fall and plans to study nursing.
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| 2008 |
Caitlin Hanson |
Guilford High School |
Father: David Hanson
Mother: Cynthia Hanson
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years, treasurer); Who's Who Among American High School Students; Illinois State Scholar; President's Silver Volunteer Award; Girl Scouts "Sister to Every Girl Scout" Award; Girl Scouts Silver Award; All-City Band (2 years); National Honor Roll (2 years); NIC-9 Scholar Athlete (3 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete; Project First Rate Bright Future Scholarship; Girl Scout Scholarship; Rockford Wind Ensemble Honors Band; "Most Likely to Succeed" class of 2008.
Contributions
Volleyball; Golf (co-captain); Soccer; Scholastic Bowl (co-captain); Student Council (class rep, class president, council secretary); Guilford Honorary English Society; Girl Scouts (12 years, troop president); Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (2 years, co-chair); Band.
Future Plans
Caitlin has not decided on which college she will attend. However, she plans to pursue a career in genetics and/or journalism.
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|
| 2008 |
Cameron Jones |
West Carroll High School |
College: University of Illinois
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; High Honors (4 years); Rotary Youth Leadership Awards; WYSE (2 years); WYSE (third place in Mathematics and Physics; 1st place in Math; 1st place in Math; 3rd Place in English); Yearly Algebra 2 Academic Achievement Award; Rotary Top 20% of Class Award; Tech Trek (3 years); First team all-conference Academic Bowl; second-team all-conference Academic Bowl; Quad Cities Salute to Excellence Math/Science; Yearly Physics Award; Thor Award; All Conference Honorable Mention in Golf; 11th place at conference golf tournament.
Contributions
Church mission trips; Big Meadows nursing home volunteer; Moose Club day care; Youth group fundraiser.
Future Plans
Cameron plans to attend the University of Illinois and earn his bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. His ultimate goal is to become a pilot in the U.S. Air Force or work with a large engineering company.
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| 2008 |
Rebecca Kamp |
Auburn High School |
Father: Roger Kamp
Mother: Martha Kamp
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar with Honor; National Merit Commended Scholar; NIC-9 Scholar Athlete.
Contributions
Key Club; Spanish Honor Society (Secretary); Soccer; Tennis; Dance Team; Creative and Performing Arts Program Dance; Student Council; Church Gardening Committee; Tutor; Kiwanis Pancake Day; Kiwanis Brat Days; Kiwanis Peanut Day; Becca's Closet; Empty Stocking; Tinker Swiss Cottage Halloween Party.
Future Plans
Rebecca has narrowed her college search down to three schools: Knox, Augustana and North Central colleges. She will major in elementary education.
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| 2008 |
Mackenzie Kelling |
Hononegah High School |
Year in School: Senior
Father: Edwin Kelling
Mother: Cindy Kelling
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Girl Scout Gold Award; Girl Scout Silver Award; FC Rockford International Soccer Team (co-captain); Honor Roll; Renaissance Award; AP Scholar; Scholar Athlete; Outstanding Young Women of Rockford.
Contributions
Soccer (3 years); Yearbook (2 years); R.U.D.E. (3 years); Spanish Club; Rockford United Soccer Club (2 years); Rock Run United Soccer Club; Girl Scouts (Secretary, event coordinator); Hillcrest Animal Clinic; Rockton Veterinarian Hospital; Church volunteer; Rockton PTO; Christmas Stars of Rockton; Rockton Fishing Derby; Rockford soup kitchen; 100 Men Who Cook; Navy Pier Christmas tree ship; Thin Mint Sprint; Rockton Christmas Walk; Easter Egg Hunt; Church playground construction; tutor.
Future Plans
Mackenzie will enter a pre-vet program in the fall.
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| 2008 |
Alison Kopelman |
Lutheran High School |
College: Wheaton College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Honor Roll (4 years); State Art Award; Women's Writing Club short story competition finalist; Soccer State Champions; Soccer All Conference; Soccer All Sectional; Soccer All State.
Contributions
Class treasurer (2 years); Soccer (captain); Prom chair; Winter Formal; Delta group leader; Night to Remember-A prom for special needs children; Share-
fest; Church group; Church missions.
Future Plans
Alison plans to attend Wheaton College next year and major in business as well as continue to play soccer.
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| 2008 |
Karly Korbol |
Beloit Memorial High Schoo |
College: Edgewood College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; High Honor Roll; Academic All Star; Principal's Certificate of Recognition; Knight's Renaissance Program; Exemplary Attendance Incentive Award: Department Award–English; Beloit Rotary Club "Student of the Week"; Band Merit Award; Outstanding Musician Award; Wisconsin School Music Association Awards (Highest Ratings at Regional and State Competitions); Perfect Attendance Award (4 years).
Contributions
Wind Ensemble; Relay for Life (6 years); Band Boosters; Stateline Area Lions Club Annual Rose Sale; Haunted Harmonies Community Event; Beloit School District Chili Pops Fundraiser; Salvation Army; Community Modeling Events: Beloit Winterfest; Highlight Modeling and Casting Agency, Inc.; Prom Court; Miss America Organization.
Future Plans
Karly will be attending Edgewood College in the fall and plans to major in elementary education. Her career goal is to become a kindergarten teacher.
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| 2008 |
Brianna Kuhn |
Jefferson High School |
College: Illinois State University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; Valedictorian; Outstanding Scholar Athlete; Perfect Attendance; Cheerleading Character Counts Award; District 205 Violence Prevention essay contest winner; Cheerleading (Dedication Award, Best Smile Award, Best Back Award); Volleyball (Hardest Worker Award, the Cheerleader Award); Softball (Best Attitude Award, Good Sport Award).
Contributions
Cheerleading (4 years, Captain); Student Council (4 years, Vice President, President); Softball (2 years, Captain); Volleyball (2 years); Prom committee; Post Prom committee; Homecoming Float committee; Cherry Valley Recreation Board Junior member; 4th of July parade; Easter Egg Hunt; Village street dance; Cherry Valley Festival Days; Home Depot Kids workshop; concession stand; ShareFest High School Cleanup; Flood Victims Relief Collection; Northern Illinois University Club; Cherry Bowl employee; Competitive Cheerleading; National Youth Leadership Conference nominee; Congressional Student Leadership Conference.
Future Plans
Brianna will be attending Illinois State University in the fall and will major in graphic design.
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| 2008 |
Alyssa Lantz |
East High School |
College: North Central College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years); Illinois State Scholar; Volleyball All-Conference Honorable Mention; Spirit Award (4 years); German National Honor Society; Student of the Month.
Contributions
Natural Helper (4 years); Student Commission (4 years, president, 2 years); Senior class president; class secretary (3 years); Math Team (4 years); Yearbook (Copy Editor); Daily Announcements; Soccer; Track (3 years, Captain); Volleyball (4 years, Captain 2 years); Ski Club (2 years); NIC-9 Leadership Conference (2 years); Church senior high work camps (4 years); Soccer; Rockford Volleyball Association and Rockford Park District coach and referee; blood drives.
Future Plans
Alyssa plans to attend North Central College to study math education and work toward her teaching degree. While there, she will play volleyball for the Cardinals.
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| 2008 |
Stavhn Leavy |
Guilford High School |
College: Briar Cliff University
High School Achievements
National Honor Roll; Scholar Athlete: Renaissance Program–Carpe Diem; RAMM Scholarship recipient; Dean's Scholarship recipient, St. Joseph's College; All-Conference RB; All-State honorable mention RB.
Contributions
Football (speaking captain); Basketball (floor captain); Hunger Connection; Illinois Boys State Conference representative (alderman); Male Minority Leadership conference; "Truth Talk" Black History Month debate; Rockford Park District ecologist; St. Paul Academy C.O.G.I.C. usher.
Future Plans
Stavhn will be attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where he will major in accounting.
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| 2008 |
Jeff Liles |
Lena-Winslow High School |
College: Western Illinois University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Eagle Scout with three Palms; Lt. Governor of Premier Boy's State; Highland Community College Servant Leadership program; co-valedictorian.
Contributions
Student Council; Track; Teacher's aide; Piano; Musicals and plays; Marching band; Concert Band; Jazz Band; Golf; Basketball; Church youth group; Humane Society.
Future Plans
Jeff will be attending Western Illinois University before entering medical school to pursue a career as a physician's assistant or M.D.
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| 2008 |
Jordan Liles |
Lena-Winslow High School |
School: Palmer College of Chiropractic
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (president); Boy Scouts Eagle Scout; Boys State Model Citizen Award; Highland Community College Servant Leadership program; All-State Academic; Speech state finals; Track state finals.
Contributions
Football; Track; IMEA Chorus; Musical productions; Jazz Band; Concert Band; Marching Band (Drum Major); Humane Society; Church Group; Speech Team; Basketball.
Future Plans
Jordan will be attending Western Illinois University before attending Palmer College of Chiropractic to become a chiropractor.
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| 2008 |
Margaret Modica |
Lena-Winslow High School |
College: University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (3 years, secretary); Illinois State Scholar; DAR Good Citizen Award; Conference Art Rally Best of Show Award; Bausch & Lomb Award; Chemistry Teacher's Award; Homecoming Queen.
Contributions
Student Council (president); Volleyball; Basketball; Softball; Speech; Academic Bowl; Spring musical; Highland Community College Servant Leadership program; co-valedictorian; Friends Forever Humane Society; Relay for Life; Adopt a Family.
Future Plans
Maggie plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign as a business major.
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| 2008 |
Diana Ogbevire |
Hononegah High School |
College: Columbia University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; RAMM Scholars; Illinois State Journalism team champions.
Contributions
Yearbook (editor in chief); Newspaper (news editor); Upward Bound; Red Cross Clean-Up Day, Relay for Life (4 years); Salvation Army (4 years).
Future Plans
Diana plans to attend Columbia University, where she will work toward a master's degree in communications.
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| 2008 |
Danielle Ostendorf |
Boylan High School |
College: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Illinois State Scholar; Highest Honors; First Honors (2 years); Young Artist' Show Honorable Mention; First Team NIC-10 All Conference; NIC-09 Scholar Athlete (2 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete; National Spanish Exam Award.
Contributions
Key Club (2 years); Natural Helpers Club (4 years); Volleyball; Vacation Bible School; Church lector (4 years); Kid's Club (2 years); Basketball and Volleyball Assistant Coach for Junior High; Locks of Love; NHS Volleyball Tournament chairwoman.
Future Plans
Danielle plans to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania on an academic and athletic (volleyball) scholarship and pursue a degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology.
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| 2008 |
Kalah Polsean |
Auburn High School |
College: University of Illinois
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years); Rory Zuba Spirit Award; Golf (MVP); Sports Scholastic Award; Irish Dancing Solo Competition Awards (Regional Feis); National Block Kids Competition (third place).
Contributions
Key Club (Lt. Governor Division 12, Illinois-Eastern Iowa District board of directors, Statistical Secretary); Class President; Golf (Team Captain); Yearbook (Editor, Editor-in-Chief); Class President (2 years); Church mission trips; Children's Theater Project assistant stage manager (2 years): Kinder Camp Leader (5 years); Midway Village Interpreter (3 years); Starlight Theatre (3 productions); Becca's Closet (2 years); Royal Servants' Summer Mission Trip; tutor.
Future Plans
Kalah plans to attend the University of Illinois to study physiology. She would ultimately like to obtain a master's degree in child physiology and work in that field.
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| 2008 |
Marina Shawd |
Belvidere North High School |
Father: Michael Shawd
Mother: Deborah Shawd
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Who's Who Among American High School Students; Quill and Scroll Society for High School Journalists (Secretary); High Honor Roll.
Contributions
Zonta Club (vice president); Yearbook (junior editor); Red Ribbon Leadership Conference Attendee; School Ambassador; Cheerleading (varsity captain); Youth Group; Special Olympic volunteer.
Future Plans
Marina plans to attend a four-year university after graduation.
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| 2008 |
Jenner Sio |
Christian Life High School |
College: Northern Illinois University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years, vice president); Illinois State Scholar; Spanish National Honor Society; High Honor Roll; Track and Field six-time sectional champion (3 years); Track State Qualifier, Long Jump; Track second place 2007 state track meet-triple jump.
Contributions
Track and Field 3 years, Captain, MVP, High Points Scorer, eight school records; Homecoming committee; Figure Skating Club of Rockford; Special Olympics; School Worship Team; On the Waterfront; Booster Club; MDA Telethon/Walk; Limited Edition Jazz Choir; Concert Choir; Basketball (3 years); Cross Country; Competitive Figure Skating (12 years); employed at American Eagle Outfitters and Sapora Playworld; Rockford Park District Learn to Skate Assistant Instructor.
Future Plans
Jenner will attend Northern Illinois University in the fall where she plans to major in business and minor in coaching. Her ultimate goal is to open her own business.
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| 2008 |
Bruce Spencer III |
East High School |
College: Vanderbilt University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years, treasurer); Who's Who Among American High School Students; Illinois State Scholar; AP Scholar with Honor; Illinois Scholar Athlete Award (4 years); class valedictorian; Illinois Scholar Athlete Award (4 years); Baseball Heart of the Team Award; Baseball Most Improved Player; Scholastic Bowl All-Conference (4 Years); Scholastic Bowl All-Sectional (2 years); Scholastic Bowl All-State; Wendy's High School Heisman Winner; National Honor Roll; Spanish National Honor Society; French National Honor Society.
Contributions
Football (4 years, captain); Baseball (4 years); Scholastic Bowl (4 years, Captain 3 years, MVP 3 years); Science Olympiad (3 years, Captain); Math Team (2 years, Captain); Physics Club (2 years, President); Environmental Key Club (2 years); French Club; Cross Country; Rockford Toy Shoppe; Alpine Veterinary Clinic; Roman Catholic Initiation for Adults.
Future Plans
Bruce plans to major in chemical engineering at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.
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| 2008 |
Jordan Stanley |
Harlem High School |
College: Drake University
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (2 years); A/B Honor Roll (4 years); NIC-9/10 Scholar Athlete (4 years); Dan Lang Award for Athletic and Academic Excellence (2007); Soccer All-Sectional; Soccer All-Conference.
Contributions
Student Council (4 years, Vice President); Freshman Class Vice President; Sophomore Class Vice President; Junior Class Vice President; Blood Drive; Toy Drive; Special Olympics; Rockford Park District Summer Soccer Camp Coach; D.A.R.E. program role model.
Future Plans
Jordan will attend Drake University in the fall, where he will be working toward a degree in international business. While there, he will also be a member of the Drake men's soccer team.
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| 2008 |
Danielle Steffa |
Oregon High School |
College: Carthage College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; High Honor Roll; Honor Roll; Volleyball Academic All-State Team (2 years); Volleyball Special Mention All-State Team; Sauk Valley Volleyball Player of the Year (2 years); Volleyball (Unanimous All-Conference 4 years); Senior of Distinction.
Contributions
Student Council (historian, representative); Coach Kiddie Camp Volleyball; Blood Drives; tutor; teaching assistant for special education; Subway and Pizza Hut employee.
Future Plans
Danielle will attend Carthage College in the fall. She would like to major in English and minor in special education. She also will be playing volleyball for the Carthage Lady Reds.
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| 2008 |
Alison Stern |
Rockford Christian High Shool |
College: Wheaton College
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Valedictorian; Soccer Coach's Award; Soccer Offensive MVP; National Merit Finalist; Illinois State Scholar.
Contributions
Soccer (captain, all-tournament team at Winnebago Invitational); Youth Soccer Camp coach; Girls soccer team coach; Choir (3 years); Musicals (3 years); Bonzi Theater Productions (Wizard of Oz, West Side Story).
Future Plans
Alison plans to attend Wheaton College this fall. She is undecided as to her major.
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| 2008 |
Molly Stiffler |
Hononegah High School |
College: UW-Madison
High School Achievements
National Honor Society; Who's Who Among High School Scholars; Illinois State Scholar; Scholar Athlete; High Honor Roll; Cheerleading All-Conference.
Contributions
Student Council (President); R.U.D.E. (President); Cheerleading; RocVale Children's Home; Whitman Post Elementary School teacher assistant; Rockford Memorial Neonatal Reunion Volunteer; Rockford MELD; D.A.R.E. Role Model; Red Ribbon Week.
Future Plans
Molly will be attending UW-Madison to study journalism.
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| 2008 |
Aimee Winebaugh |
Rochelle Township High School |
College: University of Illinois-Springfield
High School Achievements
National Honor Society (secretary); Who's Who Among High School Students (4 years); Illinois State Scholar; Illinois State Wendy's High School Heisman for Exemplariness in Athletics, Academics, and Community Service; Principal's Renaissance Award; High Honor Roll; Softball All-Academic; Strongest Senior Girl Award; Golf All-Academic and MVP; Boys' Basketball All-Academic; Girls' Basketball (Coach's Award, Best Free Throw Best Defender); Volleyball (Most Assists); KV Storm Traveling Softball (Most Valuable Opponent); People to People in Sports and Academics; 4-H (Leadership Award; Service Award; Citizenship Award; Top 30; Quonlam Award); French Honors Award; YWCA Bright Recognition Award.
Contributions
Student Council (4 years, secretary); Honorary Senate Page; Representative Pritchard's Youth Advisory Council; Softball (4 years); Golf; Boys Basketball (statistician); Basketball (3 years, Captain); Volleyball (4 years, Captain); KV Traveling Softball (2 years, Captain); Iron Club; recycling program founder; Youth Basketball Coach; Youth Soccer Coach; Speech Meet Judge; Snug Hugs for Kids; Counseling Center; Tutor; Make A Difference Day Chair; Giving Tree Chair; Snowcoming chairman, Founder; Library Sleepover; volunteer at many community events.
Future Plans
Aimee plans to attend the University of Illinois-Springfield and major in political studies.
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| 2008 |
Matthew Yardley |
Belvidere North High School |
College: University of Mississippi
High School Achievements
Quill and Scroll; Illinois Press Association Scholarship to Eastern Illinois University; Illinois Press Association and Journalism Education Association's All-State Journalism Team member; School Ambassador; Raised nearly $6,000 for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Contributions
The North View (editor in chief, designed the entire newspaper); Rockford Chapter of Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Executive Board member (team captain); Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Certified Trainer; School Ambassador; Milestone Christmas Parties; Interned at Danville, Ill., newspaper.
Future Plans
Matthew will attend the University of Mississippi and major in marketing communications and journalism.
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