Young Americans - Rockford, IL - Rockford Register Star

See our special report on Young Americans

Year	Winner	School	Bio
Young American Winners

2011	Elizabeth Bald	Aquin High School	Year in School: senior Father: Mike Bald Mother: Joan Bald High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); Presidential Education Award (4 years); Highest Honor Roll (4 years); Good Citizenship Award (4 years); Lassandro Humanitarian Scholarship; George Eastman Young Leaders Award; WYSE Regional Competition 3rd Place Biology; Volleyball MVP; St. Thomas Parish Scholarship (3 years) Contributions Volleyball (4 years); Basketball (manager, 3 years); P.A.W.S. (3 years); D.A.W.G. (2 years, president); Interact (4 years); W.Y.S. E. Competition (3 years); Peer Jury; YAC (2 years); Student Board; Executive Student Board (2 years, secretary); Servant Leadership (2 years); Yearbook; Academic Team (4 years); musicals (4 years); Provena Nursing Home volunteer; Freeport Park District Facilities Attendant; Big Brother/Big Sister mentor; FACC canned food drive; Winneshiek Children's Theater counselor; Brownie Troop helper; blood drives; FNN Festival of Trees; Bocker window painter; Pro-life volunteer; pancake breakfasts Future Plans Elizabeth plans to attend Loras College. She will major in prepharmacy and minor in Spanish.
2011	Jennifer Bowley	Belvidere North High School	Year in School: senior Father: Brian Bowley Mother: Patty Bowley High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; James Scholar recipient in College of Liberal Arts & Sciences; Chancellor's Scholar/Campus Honors Program recipient; National Honor Society (2 years); High Honor Roll (4 years); Discus Award; United States Achievement Academy All-American Scholar; Sectionals Copy Editing: 4th Place 2009-2010 & Yearbook Newcomer 2010-2011; Perfect Attendance (4 years) Contributions Key Club (president); German National Honor Society (3 years); National English Honor Society (2 years); Quill & Scroll Journalism Honor Society (secretary); International Thespian Society (2 years); Tri-M Music Honor Society (2 years); Science National Honor Society (2 years); Student Council (4 years); Marching and Pep Bands (4 years); Pep Drum Major; Symphonic Band (2 years); lifeguard; VanderCook College of Music BandFest; Hometown Christmas; Psychology Club (3 years, secretary); German Club (4 years); Student Ambassador; Theatre (3 years); Yearbook/Journalism (2 years, copy editor); Green Club (3 years); Scholastic Bowl (3 years); Science Olympiad (4 years); as well as numerous other activities Future Plans Jennifer plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in Sociology.
2011	Suzanne Broski	Boylan High School	Year in School: senior Father: Mike Broski Mother: Nonie Broski High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Basketball Nic-10 All Conference; NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (multiple times/multiple sports); Honor Roll-Highest Honors (7 semesters) Contributions Key Club; Natural Helpers; Basketball (4 years); Cross Country (4 years, Nic-10 Honorable Mention); Track (3 years); 2011 IHSA All State Academic Team Honorable Mention; Rock River Pantry; organized 3-on-3 tournament/fundraiser Future Plans Suzie will attend Saint Xavier University, where she will major in education and play basketball. Her ultimate goal is become a high-school science teacher and girls basketball coach.
2011	Tyler Bussian	Lena Winslow High School	Year in School: senior Father: Todd Bussian Mother: Susan Bussian High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (3 years, secretary, vice president); Illinois Association of Chemistry Teachers Award recipient; Elected Lt. Governor of Premiere Illinois Boys State 2010; Principal's Honor Roll (3 years); Best of Day Award Solo Ensemble contest (band, 2008; vocal, 4 in 2009/2011) Contributions Illinois Leadership Seminars Ambassador; University of Wisconsin Platteville Math Contest All Academic Team (2 years); Football (1st place state); Track (discus throw, 5th in school history); National Forensics League; Speech (Sectional Qualifier - Impromptu Speaking 2010; State qualifier - Impromptu Speaking 2011); IDEA Band (Qualifier 2009); IDEA Choir (Qualifier 2010); Solo Ensemble Band; Solo Ensemble Choir Contest; Fall Plays; Spring Musicals (3 years); Winneshiek Community Theater; Academic Bowl (captain; 2nd team, 2010; 1st team, 2011); Senior Class Vice President; Sons of American Legion; Church (vocal, instrumental soloist, usher); On the Waterfront Future Plans Tyler plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in biology. His ultimate goal is to attend medical school and become a doctor.
2011	Zach Champion	Winnebago High School	Year in School: senior Father: Jeff Champion Mother: Kelly Champion High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (President of the Winnebago Chapter); Honors Night GPA Award (2 years); Academic All-State Football; All-conference Football; English 10 Award; Senior of the Month (9/2010); University of Minnesota Gold National Scholarship recipient Contributions Math Team (state qualifier); Programs for Venturing Crew 605 (Vice President); Khlem Arboretum; Special Olympics; Rock River Valley Blood Center; Salvation Army toy drive; tutor Future Plans Zach will attend the University of Minnesota in the fall to study either electrical or computer engineering.
2011	Katie Christensen	Belvidere North High School	Year in School: senior Father: Daniel Christensen Mother: Jean Christensen High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Excellence in History Award, Rock Valley College; Outstanding Leadership Award, Phi Theta Kappa, Rock Valley College; Honor Roll, High Honor Roll; President's List, RVC; Dean's List, RVC Contributions Key Club; National English Society (2 years); National Science Society (2 years); Green Club (2 years); Art Club (2 years); JV Softball; Habitat for Humanity elected board member; Student Government Association at RVC, International Senator; Multi Cultural Club at RVC; Phi Theta Kappa at RVC (Treasurer); school store worker; Jeremiah Development; Without Shoes Campaign for TOMS Shoes; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Fundraiser at RVC; Peace through Interfaith Conference at RVC; Roadside Cleanup in Belvidere & Rockford; Rockford Rescue Mission; Walk for Homeless (2 years); On the Waterfront; Book Fair; Soldiers & Nursing Home Residents volunteer; Salvation Army Bell Ringer; Blood Drive at RVC Future Plans Katie will attend Loyola University at Chicago where she will major in entrepreneurship. Her ultimate goal is to start a nonprofit organization that assists families with mortgage payments to avoid losing their homes to foreclosure.
2011	Jimmy Clark	Lutheran High School	Year in School: senior Father: Dan Clark Mother: Jean Clark High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Summa-Cum-Laude graduate; Renaissance Award; All-State Basketball Contributions Soup Kitchen volunteer; Freshman Retreat group leader; Basketball Camp counselor Future Plans Jimmy plans to attend a four-year university and hopes to play college-level basketball.
2011	Abigail Combs	Rockford Christian High School	Year in School: senior Father: Rodney Combs Mother: Cyndy Combs High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; High Honor Roll (4 years); Salutatorian Contributions Track (Captain); Cross Country (Captain); Student Ambassador (4 years); Church (productions Arts, KidZone, Vacation Bible School, Inside Out Mission; Mission Emanuel, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) Future Plans Abigail has not yet decided on the university she will attend in the fall.
2011	Winston Cuevas	Guilford High School	Year in School: senior Father: Frank Cuevas Mother: Maleeah Cuevas High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years, T-shirt design contest winner); Honor Roll (3 years); Mayor's Art Award; Rockford Art Museum Young Artist's Show Best of Show Award; RVC Juried High School Art Show 2nd Place/Hon.Mention; Scholastic Art & Writing Portfolio Gold Key Winner; Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Federation 1st & 2nd Dan Black Belts; 2009 U.S. Open Jangsong Taekwondo Sparring Grand Champion: 2009 W. S. Open Jangsong Taekwondo Sparring Flyweight Division 1st Place; 2009 Iowa State University Taekwondo Championship Sparring Bronze Medal recipient; 2008 Korean American Taekwondo (KAT) Illinois State Open Championship Sparring Silver Medal; 2008 Dallas, Texas International Taekwondo Hanmadang Sparring 2nd Place, Forms 1st Place; 2008 U.S. Open Taekwondo Grand Championship Sparring 3rd Place; Junior Best Volunteer Award; 2007 Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo Championship Sparring 1st Place. Contributions French Club; JV Golf (2 years); Ha's Taekwondo Junior Leader Olympic Taekwondo Sparring Team (Captain, 2 years); 2008-2009 Illinois Martial Arts Committee (ILMAC) Illinois State Jr. Olympic Taekwondo Sparring Team; and numerous other activities Future Plans Winston plans to attend Rhode Island School of Design in the fall and study industrial design.
2011	Richard Gessert	Belvidere High School	Year in School: senior Father: Zimbo Gessert Mother: Christina Gessert High School Achievements National Honor Society; Validictorian; Art Institute of Chicago Recognition Scholarship Award; Rock Valley College President's List; Summa cum Laude; High Honor Roll (4 years); Perfect Attendance (4 years); Gold Member for I.D.E.A. (3 years); Belvidere Woman's Club Art Scholarship (2 years, Best of Show and 1st Place (twice); Paul Simon Essay Contest honorable mention; RVC History Achievement & Excellence Awards; Sister Cities Young Artists Competition (3rd & 4th Places); RVC Promoting & Inclusive Community 3rd Place Inaugural Poster Contest Contributions Key Club (past editor of Key club International); Chicago Festival Association (3 years); Math Club (3 years, T-shirt designer); RVC Student Government Association (numerous events, Secretary); RVC Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society; Boone County Relay for Life (2 years); RVC Circle K International for Kiwanis Brat Days (president, student leader chairman/principal officer); Mural painting for Rise & Shine Daycare, Belvidere High School; Homecoming Parade (3 years); and numerous other activities Future Plans Richard will graduate from Rock Valley College as the Class of 2011 completing his undergraduate degree at an art school. His ultimate goal is to become an art director or art critic.
2011	Ezekiel Hartman	Eastland High School	Year in School: senior Father: Dale Hartman Mother: Annette Hartman High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; IHSA All-State Academic Team, Honorable Mention; 31 ACT Score; High Honor Roll (4 years); 3.75 Club (4 years); Governor's Volunteer Service Award — 2011 Adult Recipient/Northwest Illinois Contributions Student Council (4 years, executive board); Highland Community College Servant-Leadership Program (2 years); Freeport Community Foundation Advisory council (2 years, president); Northwest District of Student Councils (Vice president); Charter Member of IHSA Student Advisory Committee (3 years); Golf (3 years, Captain, All conference); Basketball (4 years, Courage Spirit Award); Baseball (4 years); Yearbook (4 years, sports co-editor); Altar Server and volunteer (4 years); Lake Carroll Golf Course (2 years); United Way of Northwest Illinois Charity Auction (3 years) Future Plans Ezekiel plans to attend Augustana in the Fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in premedicine. His ultimate goal is to become an anesthesiologist.
2011	Sarah Heeg	Oregon High School	Year in School: senior Father: Randy Heeg Mother: Megan Heeg High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years, Vice President); Senior of Distinction; Student of the Quarter; All Conference Scholar Athlete Contributions Key Club (3 years, senior representative); Cross Country (4 years, co-captain); Track (4 years); Fellowship of Christian Athletes (2 years); Basketball (2 years); Math Team (1 year); Senior Class Officer (secretary); Servant Leadership (2 years); Academic Bowl (2 years); Prom Committee; International Club; Choir; 150 hours of community service during senior year; 100 hours of community service during junior year Future Plans Sarah plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the fall. She would like to attend medical school thereafter.
2011	Tanner Hendrickson	Rockford Christian High School	Year in School: senior Father: Trace Hendrickson Mother: Tami Hendrickson High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); National Merit Commended Scholar; High Honor Roll (4 years); Student Leadership University 101 Contributions Student Council (3 years, treasurer); Band (4 years, officer, tours); Pep Band (4 years); School Chapel Technician (3 years); Praise Band setup (3 years); Serv-A-Thon (4 years); Cross Country (Manager); Leadership Seminars in Florida and Illinois (2 years); Science Olympiad (2 years); Track (Manager); Senior High Youth Group (4 years); Youth Leadership Committee (3 years); Home renovation work camps in impoverished areas (4 years:) 30 Hour Famine (3 years); Rockford Rescue Mission youth church services (4 years); Vacation Bible School leader; Adopt-A-Highway (2 years); Church; Election Judge (2 years) Future Plans Tanner will attend the Robert R. McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. He plans to major in Computer Science.
2011	Katherine Hernandez	Belvidere North High School	Year in School: senior Father: Rene Hernandez Mother: Maria Hernandez High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete; Honor Roll; High Honor Roll; A.C.E.S.: Academic Champions Excelling in School; Illinois Women's Press Association Photography Award; Science National Honor's Society; English National Honor's Society; Quill & Scroll International Honor's Society; Soccer (Captain) Contributions : Quill & Scroll Honors Society (2 years, president); National English Honors Society (2 years); School Ambassador; Yearbook Journalism (3 years, editor, junior editor, Editor and Chief); Chorus (2 years); Soccer (4 years, Captain); American Field Service (President); Swimming & Diving; Soccer (manager); Paint the Dam; Illinois Girls State; JEA National Convention; KEMPA; Meals for Haiti; Altar Server; Coats for Kids; Boone County Conservation District; Special Olympics (4 years); Ysleta Mission Trip Future Plans Katherine is planning to attend college in the fall and major in pre-med concentrating on biology. Her ultimate plans include becoming a family physician and join Doctors Without Borders.
2011	Athena Holevas	Rockford Christian School	Year in School: senior Father: John Holevas Mother: Celeste Holevas High School Achievements National Honor Society (vice president); Rotary Club Recognition Award; High Honors; Homecoming Queen Contributions Student Council (president, vice president); Cheerleading (captain); Rockford Mayor's Youth Advisory Committee; Leadership University 101; Rockford Public and Private School Conference; Rockford Memorial Hospital pediatric volunteer; Rockford Rescue Mission; Milestone volunteer (2 years); ARCH volunteer; Bethesda Covenant Church Troubled Youth Outreach; Heartland Community Church Night to Remember; Covenant Harbor Bible Camp Youth Camp Future Plans : Athena will be attending the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall majoring in psychology and hopes to one day have her own practice as a certified adolescent psychotherapist.
2011	Rebecca Jacobs	Jefferson High School	Year in School: senior Father: Jeff Jacobs Mother: Janet Jacobs High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (secretary) Contributions Key Club; Quill & Scroll; Jefferson newspaper (editor-in-chief); Student Advisory Council; Church (Youth Group, mission trip); Forest City Swing Dancing; Million Meals for Haiti; CROP Walk; Out of Darkness Walk for Suicide Awareness; Salvation Army Future Plans Rebecca plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and major in journalism.
2011	Kalah Kazmerski	Boylan Catholic High School	Year in School: senior Father: Greg Kazmerski Mother: Jennifer Kazmerski High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; High Honor Roll; Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society: published poem in A Celebration of Young Poets Contributions Student Council; Servant Leadership; Key Club (3 year, junior year editor); attended Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference and President Obama's Inauguration; golf (4 years); SARO Club (4 years, treasurer, vice president, president); Senior Retreat Team Leader; tutor; Rockford Pro-Am volunteer (6 year) Future Plans Kalah plans to attend Bradley University and double major in English and history, minor in philosophy with prelaw emphasis. She plans to attend law school after undergraduate.
2011	Andrew Kortze	Lutheran High School	Year in School: senior Father: Don Kortze Mother: Joyce Kortze High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years, vice president); Valparaiso Collegiate Scholarship recipient; Baseball All-Conference 2009; Soccer All-Conference 2009; Baseball MVP 2010; Soccer MVP 2010; WYSE Academic Challenge third Place Physics at Regional Contributions IDEA District VIII and All-State Alternate; IHSA Solo/Musical Competition; soccer (2 years, co-captain); band (4 years, All Conference Honors 2009, 2010); theater; musicals; baseball (4 years); basketball (2 years); Renaissance Club (4 years); English teacher aide; WYSE Academic Team (physics, computer science, English, calculus); Senior Showcase; orchestra (2 years, president); Jazz Band (3 years); Madrigals (2 years); Chapel Band (4 years); Bonzi Productions; Starlight Theatre; RYSO; Christmas production; provides music to various organizations (churches, P.A. Peterson, fundraisers, breakfasts) Future Plans Andrew plans to attend Valparaiso University in the fall, majoring in engineering as well as participating in the music and drama departments.
2011	Clayton Lewis	Hononegah High School	Year in School: senior Father: Richard Lewis Mother: Mary Lewis High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Porter Scholar; Scholar Athlete Football (4 years); Scholar Athlete Basketball (4 years); Scholar Athlete Track (4 years); High Honor Roll (4 years); 2008 Outstanding Tight-end Award; Midwest Collegiate Elite 1st Team All Combine; NIC 10 Rising Stars Classic Team - Basketball; All Star Classic Team - Basketball; Sports International Top 50 Award for Football Contributions Key Club; National Society of High School Scholars; RUDE; Varsity H Club; Roscoe-Rockton Lions/Jr. Indians football; football (All Conference 1st Team, All Area 1st Team Defense); basketball (All Area Honorable Mention); D.A.R.E. Role Model; Chicago Bears Youth Football Camp; National Young Leaders State Conference Delegate; Salvation Army; Martin Luther King Tournament; NFL Punt-Pass-Kick; Village fundraisers; Magazines for the Military; church Future Plans Clayton plans to attend a yet-to-be decided college and major in premedicine. He'd also like to play college football and perhaps basketball. His ultimate goal is to make a difference.
2011	David Lynch	Boylan Catholic High School	Year in School: senior Father: Richard Lynch Mother: Teresa Lynch High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; AP Scholar; 2011 Southern Illinois University Presidential/Chancellor Scholar; Eagle Scout w/ Bronze Palm; Order of the Arrow-Brotherhood; NIC-10 Scholar Athletes (2 years) Contributions Natural Helpers (3 years); ISBA Mock Trial State Qualifier (3 years); Boy Scouts of America (7 years, senior patrol leader, Junior Assistant Scoutmaster); National Youth Leadership Training (4 years, senior patrol leader); cross country (4 years, senior leader); Mock Trials (4 years, team captain); Students Assisting Relief Organizations (3 years, president); Rockford Wildcats Youth Cross Country (assistant coach - 2 years); Senior Retreat Team; Broadcasting Club (3 years); Bass Fishing Team (2 years) Future Plans : David plans to attend Southern Illinois University-Carbondale as a Presidential/Chancellor Scholar. At this time, his major is undecided
2011	Kirsten Mancosky	Lena-Winslow High School	Year in School: senior Father: John Mancosky Mother: Natalie Mancosky High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (secretary); Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Award for Lena-Winslow High School and District 2 of Illinois; homecoming queen; Track & Field MVP Contributions Honeywell Leadership Challenge Academy of U.S. Space & Rocket Center; Student Council (president, executive president); band (4 years, Flute Section Leader); track & field (4 years, captain, State Finalist Qualifier); chorus (4 years); musicals (4 years); volleyball (3 years, JV captain); church (Youth Group, Bible Study, Children's Helper, Vacation Bible School Helper); Lena YouthWorks Program Future Plans Kirsten plans to attend Iowa State University and attain a bachelor's degree in dietetics. She would like to become a registered dietitian.
2011	Jaylen Marks	Guilford High School	Year in School: senior Mother: Cyndi Marks High School Achievements Honor Roll; Outstanding Escort Award tor Fashionetta Cotillion sponsored by Pi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority; Perfect Attendance Contributions Sports Trainer (football, volleyball, boys & girls basketball); YMCA Junior Tackle Football concessions); On the Waterfront; Black & Hispanic Youth Achievers program; Ethnic Heritage Museum; Kantorei (7 years); musicals; Madrigals; Chamber Choir; wrestling; track; Rockford Area Arts Council Emerge program for young performers; Youth in Action Program; church (usher board) Future Plans Jaylen has not yet decided on the college he will attend. However, he will pursue a career in theater.
2011	Hannah Mesa	Auburn High School	Year in School: senior Mother: Kelly Mesa High School Achievements National Honor Society Contributions Key Club; CAPA; band; All Stars Music Festival; track; MAYA House organizer of Welcome to the Jungle fundraiser (raised more than $4,000); OSF Saint Anthony Hospital volunteer; church (Youth Group) Future Plans Hannah plans to study premedicine at a yet-to-be determined college. She would like to save lives by working in the medical field.
2011	Rachel Miller	Keith Country Day School	Year in School: senior Father: Robert Miller Mother: Laurie Miller High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar: National Honor Society (2 years); volleyball MVP (2 years); volleyball All Conference; Volleyball Oregon All Tournament; Volleyball Harlem All-Tournament Team; Super Student Award (2 years); National Latin Award (3 years); Head of the School's List (4 years); President's Education Award (3 years); Rockford Woman's Club Poetry Award: Right Stuff Award; homecoming queen; Volleyball Elgin Westminster Christian Tournament (3 years); Wendy's 2010 High School Heisman Award Contributions Volleyball (4 years, captain); Student Activities Board (4 years); Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics Math Competition (3 years); Interact Club; Ambassadors' Club/Tour Guide (4 years); Model United Nations of University of Chicago (3 years); Theater (4 years); French Honor Society (2 years); Covenant Harbor; Prom Court; Northern Illinois Food Bank; church (Lector); Pecatonica Playhouse Children's Theatre Camp (4 years); Pecatonica Playhouse Murder Mystery Dinner (3 years); Advanced Space Academy at U.S. Rocket and Space Center (4 years); Scholastic Bowl; soccer (2 years) Future Plans Rachel plans to attend Case Western Reserve University and major in chemical engineering. She is committed to play volleyball for the Case Western Spartans.
2011	Ryan Miller	Harlem High School	Year in School: senior Father: Darren Miller Mother: Catrina Miller High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Mount Mercy University Holland Scholarship; U.S. Achievement Academy National Leadership Award; 4.0+ Honor Roll (4 years); Northern Illinois Conference Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award (3 years); Bowling All-Conference; Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship; Sylvia Staley World Languages Scholarship; United States Bowling Congress: 11 Strikes in a Row Award; Youth of Northern Illinois Bowling Foundation Scholarship; Bowling Writers Association of America - Chuck Pezzano Scholarship Contributions Who's Who in All-American Scholars; Bowling; Spanish Club (4 years); DECA; Community Foundation of Northern Illinois - In Youth We Trust Program (Advisory Council, Membership Committee, Grants Officer); Magic for Muggles Magic Workshops; Harlem Community Center (baseball, junior coach, scorekeeper, umpire); United States Bowling Congress Youth Bowling (15 years); Bowlin' 4 Kids Program; Intercultural Student Exchange host Future Plans Ryan will attend Mount Mercy University on the prestigious Holland Scholarship (full tuition for 4 years). He plans to major in business management and finance and minor in Spanish. He is signed to bowl there. His ultimate goals are to become a business owner and to bowl a perfect game.
2011	Taylor Moore	Belvidere North High School	Year in School: senior Father: Robert Moore Mother: Susan Moore High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); High Honors (2 years); Honors (2 years); NIC-10 Scholar Athlete (4 years); Cheerleader All Conference; ICCA All State Cheerleader; ACES Contributions Science National Honor Society (2 years); Spanish National Honor Society (2 years); English National Honor Society (2 years); Letterman's Club (4 years); Z Club; Student Council; cheerleading (4 years, Captain); Special Olympics (3 years); Committee to Establish School Traditions (4 years); Tackle for the Kids/Tummy/Cure Fundraisers (3 years); Hospice Fundraiser; Student Government Day; Junior Cheerleading Camp leader (4 years) Future Plans Taylor will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and pursue a degree in the medical field.
2011	Eric Mortensen	Belvidere High School	Year in School: senior Father: Scott Mortensen Mother: Lynn Mortensen High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (President); IFME Student Leader Award; Homer Theatre Award; Mr. BHS Runner-Up, Prince Charming Contributions Student Council (4 years, Executive President, Executive Treasurer, President); American Field Service (Co-President); Illinois Association of Student Councils (Treasurer); Homecoming Court; DECA (2nd place in Community Service Projects, Co-Chair of Community Service); National Student Council conference attendee; National DECA competition; Superintendent's District 100 Student Advisory Panel; AFS (president); Football (3 years); Theatre (Improv, Script); Jazz Ensemble; Symphonic Band; Choraliers; B Club; Church; Basketball (2 years) Art Club (2 years); Track & Field (2 years) Future Plans Eric plans to attend the University of Iowa to study civil engineering. His ultimate goal is to pursue a career which will directly benefit the Rock River Valley.
2011	BethAnn Pospischil	Acquin High School	Year in School: senior Father: Steve Pospischil Mother: Marsha Pospischil High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; High Honor Roll Contributions Interact (Executive Officer); Student Board (Executive Treasurer); Servant Leadership; Pro-Life; Peer Tutoring; Veritas Yearbook; Volleyball (Co-Captain); Basketball (Manager); Musical; Church (Vacation Bible School Teacher, Eucharistic Minister, Altar Server, Appalachian Service Week) Future Plans BethAnn plans to attend Monmouth College majoring in premedicine.
2011	Aubrie Sabin	Rockford Christian High School	Year in School: senior Father: Mike Sabin Mother: Kelli Sabin High School Achievements National Honor Society; High Honor Roll; Silver Medalist 2010 World Championships of Performing Arts, Los Angeles (Spokesmodel); Industry Medal 2010 World Championships of Performing Arts, Los Angeles (Most Likely to Succeed) Contributions Theatre; Concert Choir; Band; Pep Band; Praise Band; Volleyball; Basketball; Powder Puff; Mission Trips (Kentucky, Ukraine, Dominican Republic); Vacation Bible School Teacher; Trunk-or-Treat; created Uniforms for Youth to collect used uniforms for homeless children in the public schools (benefitted 130 families and 243 students); Heartland's A Night to Remember; Salvation Army; Rockford Sharefest; Rockford Rescue Mission; Christian Youth Theater; 4-H Club (7 years, President, Junior Leader); Tennis instructor; Red Cross CPR-certified Future Plans Aubrie plans to have a career in nursing or in the field of forensic science.
2011	Javan Samp	Harlem High School	Year in School: senior Father: Jay Samp Mother: Karen Samp High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years); National Honor Society (president/head of Service Committee); RAMI Youth Charity Jam winner (Hope Respite 2008, 2010) Contributions Basketball (MVP 2006, Captain 2 years); Cross Country; Harlem Teen Peer Court (Prosecuting and defense attorney & Jury Member 4 years); WYSE (Engineering, English, Chemistry); Track and Field; Church Worship Team (4 years); Church Basketball League (2 years); Hope Despite, local band (4 years, guitarist, pianists back up vocalist); Academic Team Future Plans Javan plans to become a successful student of engineering and architecture.
2011	Patrick Sayles	Hononegah High School	Year in School: senior Father: John Sayles Mother: Becky Sayles High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); AP Scholar with Honors; Outstanding 4-H'er of the year; Energy Education Council Award; ICTM 1st place team Region Math Competition; WYSE Regional 1st and 2nd Place - Engineering Graphics Contributions WYSE (2 years, 6th in the State for Engineering Graphics); Math Club (4 years, state participant); Freshman Mentor Program (2 years); 4-H (4 years, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, President, Ambassador); R.U.D.E. (3 years): U of I Winnebago County Extension Council (2 years); Altar Server (4 years, Captain); tutor (math, science); House painter baby sitter; Summer farm work (4 years); Blood donation (3 years); Keep Northern Illinois Beautiful Clothing drive (3 years); Winnebago County Fair (4 years); On the Waterfront (3 years) Future Plans Patrick plans on attending the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana majoring in Chemical Bio molecular Engineering in the fall.
2011	Patrick Schiller	Auburn High School	Year in School: senior Father: Thomas Schiller Mother: Karen Schiller High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Two-time Bio-Olympiad national semi-finalist; Science Olympiad State Champion (Ecology, Chemistry lab); NIC-10 1st Team All Conference (2 years); Scholar Athlete (4 years); YMCA short-course national qualifier Contributions WYSE (State Qualifier Biology, Chemistry); Swimming (4 years, Captain); Math League/ Science Bowl team; Grounds of Life Soup Kitchen; Rockford Rescue Mission's Women's Shelter; SwedishAmerican Health System; Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (Chairman); Band (3 years, officer) Future Plans Patrick plans to attend Harvard University to major in biology with a minor in psychology.
2011	Rachel Sealby	Byron High School	Year in School: senior Father: Randall Sealby Mother: Jan Sealby High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (President); National Language Arts Award; Academic Award (3 years, Volleyball); Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (3 years, Volleyball); Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, (3 years, Basketball); Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (3 years, Soccer); Outstanding Academic Achievement Award (Speech Team); Straight A Honor Roll (2 years); High Honors Honor Roll; Student of the Month (2 months); Volleyball Coaches Award 2008; Volleyball Most Improved Award 2008; Basketball Most Improved Award 2008 Contributions Key Club (3 years); National Who's Who Among Honor Students; National Who's Who Among American Scholars; Speech Team (3 years, 1st Place Impromptu Novice Division, 1st place Impromptu, Novice Division Lena-Winslow tournament); Future Farmers of America (3 years, Award Livestock Evaluation); Senior Youth Group (2 years, President); SADD; Be the Change Team (2 years); Chamber Choir; Concert Choir (4 years); Madrigals (2 years); Soloist (2 years); IDEA Choir member; Jazz Choir; Band (3 years); Musicals (3); Augustana Music Festival Group performer (2 years); Volleyball (4 years) Future Plans Rachel plans on attending Clemson University and studying premedicine.
2011	Emily Stich	Lena-Winslow High School	Year in School: senior Father: Scott Stich Mother: Lisa Stich High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years); National Honor Society (3 years, student council representative, President); Scholastic Bowl 1st team All-Conference; IHSA Solo and Ensemble (Bassoon solo - 4, Woodwind Quintet - 3); Best of Day Awards (4); Northwest Upstate Illini Conference Band 1st Chair (4 years); District Festival (6 years, 5 first chairs, 1 second chairs); All-State Festival (2 years, 2nd & 3rd in All-State Honors Band) Contributions Track (4 years, sectional place winner for 2 years); Speech Team; Scholastic Bowl (3 years); Student Council (2 years, NHS representative); Musical (4 years); Fall Play (4 years); Marching Band (4 years, bass drum captain, drum major); Concert Band (4 years) Concert Choir (4 years); Teacher's Aide; Church (liturgy, audio-visual); Lena Lions Pork Chop Dinner (4 years); On the Waterfront (4 years); Lena Public Library volunteer; Lena Business Association; Lena Lions Club; Lena Historical Society Future Plans Emily plans to attend Illinois Wesleyan University and major in music performance.
2011	Alexa Sughroue	Hononegah High School	Year in School: senior Father: Jim Sughroue Mother: Lisa Sughroue High School Achievements National Honor Society; Valedictorian; Scholar Athlete; All-American Scholar Award; Illinois Principal's Association Student Leadership Award Contributions WYSE; Student Council (Secretary); Relay for Life; National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine Nominee; National Spanish Exam (Finalist); National French Contest (Finalist); National Student Leadership Conference (Nominee); Congressional Student Leadership Conference (Nominee); Suicide Prevention Committee; Organizer of Orphan Aid Africa Fundraiser; Organizer of St. Jude's Business Penny Drive; Biology Peer Tutor; Church food pantry volunteer; Caritas food pantry volunteer; United Way Walk (Group Leader); Parent/Teacher Conference Guide; Freshmen Orientation Tour Guide; Peppermint Swirl Craft Show volunteer Future Plans Alexa plans to double major in Biology and Spanish in college and to then attend medical school. Her ultimate goal is to become a medical practitioner as well as practice oncology.
2011	Mary Verdun	Byron High School	Year in School: senior Father: Peter Verdun Mother: Mary Verdun High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years); Presidential Service Award; A B Honor Roll; Straight A Honor Roll (2 years); Student of the Month; 1st Place Award (Solo and Ensemble Duet, 2 years) Contributions Key Club; Habitat for Humanity; Rockford Memorial Hospital volunteer; Tutus Tuus Kids Camp Counselor (2 years); Crimson Pointe; Byron Women's Club Luncheon; Knights of Columbus (fish fries, 50th Anniversary dinner); St. Therese Camp Vocation Camp; Rockford Rescue Mission; Byron Church (rummage sale, Altar Server, usher, St. Joseph's Altar, weeding); Byron History Museum; Spring Musicals (2 years); Silver Burch Ranch Cleanup; Tee-Pee Campout counselor; St. Elizabeth Center Future Plans Mary plans to attend Saint Mary's College of Notre Dame. She will pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and continue on to obtain a Master's Degree as a nurse practitioner.
2011	Bradley Wells	Oregon High School	Year in School: senior Father: Steve Wells Mother: Donna Wells High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society; Eagle Scout Rank - Boy Scouts of America; Scholastic Achievement Award; National Mathematics Award; High Honor Roll (4 years) Contributions National Society of High School Scholars; Eagle Scout project: improvements to the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Facility; Academic Bowl; Boy Scouts of America; Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Jazz Band; First Robotics Team; Bass Fishing team; church (Youth Group); food pantry volunteer Future Plans Bradley plans a career in software engineering to improve the lives of the mentally and physically challenged. His inspiration for his choice is his brother, Tim, who has Down syndrome.
2011	Evan Weyrauch	Rockford Christian High School	Year in School: senior Father: Daniel Weyrauch Mother: Joy Weyrauch High School Achievements National Honor Society; Swimming MVP (2010 & 2011) Contributions Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (2 years, Vice President); Swimming (4 years, captain); Marlins Swim Club; Mock Congress Representative; Class Co-President; Student Council; Student Leadership University representative; Rockford Christian Middle School assistant swim coach (2 years); River Valley Community Church Worship Arts Team (3 years); Spring Brook Swim & Tennis Club (3 years, lifeguard, assistant swim coach, instructor, snack bar attendant) Future Plans Evan plans to continue his swimming for and attend Carthage College. He will study History/Pre-Law.
2011	Andrew Wieting	Rockford Lutheran High School	Year in School: senior Father: Brian Wieting Mother: Susan Wieting High School Achievements Illinois State Scholar; National Honor Society (2 years); Summa Cum Laude; Presidential Academic Award; Scholastic Scholars Award; All State Academic Team Class 3A Football; Big Northern All Conference - Football, Basketball, Baseball Contributions Student Council (President); Class President/Vice President (4 years); Freshman Retreat Leader (2 years); Coordinated blood drive and food drive; Group Work Camp (4 years); remodeled school locker rooms and landscaping Future Plans Andrew plans to attend a six-year physical therapy program to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy Degree.
2011	Lucas Winebaugh	Rochelle Township High School	Year in School: senior Father: Tom Winebaugh Mother: Barb Winebaugh High School Achievements National Honor Society (2 years, Treasurer); Football Conference All-Academic Team; Boy Scout Order of the Arrow (2 years); Wendy's Heisman School Winner; High Honor Roll (3 years); WRHL News Talk 1060 Good Neighbor of the Day; Chess Runner-Up Champion Contributions Who's Who Among High School Students candidate (3 years); Football (3 years, Captain); Basketball; Baseball (3 years); Natural Helpers (4 years); Student Council (4 years); Class President; Math Team (4 years); Academic Team (2 years, Captain); Soccer (1st Team All-Conference, Academic All-Conference); Indoor Soccer (2 years); Homecoming Court; Fall Baseball (2 years); Summer Baseball (3 years); Boy Scouts (4 years); Hub Power conditioning Program (4 years); Iron Club (4 years); Elite Lifter; Chess Team (4 years); Class President (4 years); Student Council (Secretary, Vice President); Boy Scouts of America (3 years); and numerous other activities Future Plans Lucas plans to attend Southern Illinois University and study pre-dentistry. His ultimate goal is to become an orthodontist.

Search for Young American winners going back to the first award given in 1957. Search results will display the biographical information we have of past winners.

Young American Winners