Schools
District 99 Names Seniors in the Top 2 Percent of the Class of 2013
Fourteen students from Downers Grove South and 10 from North were listed among the top 2 percent of their senior classes academically, district officials said.
Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove has announced 24 seniors—10 from North High School and 14 from South High School—who are part of the top two percent of their senior classes academically in 2013.
“Being a member of the top two percent is a most distinguishing academic honor, as it acknowledges a consistently high level of academic performance across seven semesters of high school,” said District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald in a press release. “In addition, these students have excelled in various extracurricular and athletic programs, making them incredibly well prepared for future success.”
The top two percent of students, listed alphabetically, from North High School are:
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Mary Bedalov is the daughter of Lynn and Greg Bedalov of Downers Grove. She plans to attend Boston College and major in biochemistry. Mary’s favorite memory: “When we had the blackout my sophomore year. We played games, laid on the ground and talked. It was so much fun!”
Alex Buckley is the son of Sue and Greg Buckley of Downers Grove. He plans to major in English at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Alex’s favorite memory: “My sophomore year at an overnight speech tournament. We hadn’t filed articles for competition and were trying to do so before rounds, but we ended up with paper cuts and laughter. I recall feeling so at home.”
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Emma Burkhardt is the daughter of Mary and Greg Burkhardt of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Emma’s favorite memory: “The District 99 Orchestra trip to Germany and Spain in June of 2010. We stayed with host families in Bietingheim-Bissigen, Germany and in a hostel in Barcelona, Spain, and we performed four concerts.”
Tristan Burnham is the son of Lee and James Burnham of Downers Grove. He plans to attend the University of Michigan and study engineering. Tristan’s favorite memory: “Participating in the state tournament for tennis.”
Conner Fear is the son of Maureen and Rich Fear of Downers Grove. He is planning to attend Texas A&M and major in mechanical engineering. Conner’s favorite memory: “Going to state for swimming my freshman and sophomore years. The energy in the building was electric and there was no feeling like competing in front of that crowd.”
Mantas Naris is the son of Dalia and Marius Naris of Downers Grove. He plans to major in biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University. Mantas’ favorite memory: “Having nothing to do with, and most definitely not starting an underground newspaper my senior year.”
Alana Osterling is the daughter of Steve Osterling and Anne Sommerkamp of Downers Grove. She plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California. Alana’s favorite memory: “Wading into Prince Pond for a ‘Titanic’ themed calculus project during the spring of my junior year.”
Rebecca Ridderhoff is the daughter of Denise and Rick Ridderhoff of Woodridge. She plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis and major in architecture. Rebecca’s favorite memory: “All of the friendship I found among the girls on the track team. They were like my family and traveling to and from competitions laughing and enjoying each other’s company are some of the things I will miss most.”
Maggie Smith is the daughter of Patty and Mark Smith of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in engineering. Maggie’s favorite memory: “Homecoming week of senior year. Dressing up during the week for school and going to the game and dance were a lot of fun.”
Lydia Zimmerman is the daughter of Cathy and Fred Zimmerman of Downers Grove. She plans to attend Beloit College and major in international relations. Lydia’s favorite memory: “The 2013 musical, Guys and Dolls, stands out plainly in my mind as a turning point in my high school career. I learned a lot about myself and I met amazing people who I will never forget.”
The top two percent of students, listed alphabetically, from South High School are:
Connor Bailey is the son of Ann and John Bailey of Downers Grove. He plans to plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in materials science and engineering. Connor’s favorite memory: “My trip to Spain with other members of the Spanish classes last summer and the 2011 homecoming assembly ‘teacher flash mob.’ I cannot think of a better definition of school spirit than all of the teachers dancing and the students cheering them on insanely!”
Emma Chaplin is the daughter of Monica and Coles Chaplin of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Dallas and is considering studying chemistry. Emma’s favorite memory: “Spending time with other orchestra members each year after the orchestra banquet in May and playing ultimate frisbee. After spending a period together every day for the past four years, we’ve become a family.”
Joanna Domanski is the daughter of Magdalena Domanska and Piotr Domanski of Downers Grove. She plans on attending the University of Illinois-Chicago and wants to become a doctor of physical therapy. Joanna’s favorite memory: “When I qualified for State in tennis. It was one of the most intense matches I have ever played and I would not have been able to get through it if I did not have my teammates, coaches, family, and friends there to support me all the way through.”
Marjorie Fera is the daughter of Eileen and Dorin Fera of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and major in either civil or aerospace engineering. Marjorie’s favorite memory: “Traveling to Rome and Germany with the Wind Ensemble in the summer of 2012.”
Rebecca Marie Si-Rei Ficht is the daughter of Lilian and David Ficht of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in bioengineering. Rebecca’s favorite memory: “Dressing up and going to basketball and football games, and when NBC came to DGS for a morning pep assembly before a football playoff game. There was so much energy in our gym even though it was 5 a.m. and everyone was going crazy for the cameras!”
Ammar A. Kalimullah is the son of Shaheda and Mohammad Kalimullah of Downers Grove. He plans to attend the University of Chicago. Ammar’s favorite memory: “The time I spent with my friends on the speech team. We have shared so many wonderful moments together at practice and in competition, and I know I’m going to miss them quite a lot next year.”
Daniel Leahy is the son of Mary and Tom Leahy of Downers Grove. He plans to attend Northwestern University and double major in theatre and biology. Daniel’s favorite memory: “Performing in the musical The Wiz my senior year. It is one of the favorite roles that I have ever portrayed and it was just a very entertaining production overall. I was having fun every step of the way.”
Samarth Malhotra is the son of Alka and Rajesh Malhotra of Downers Grove. He plans to attend The Ohio State University and double major in accounting and finance. Samarth’s favorite memory: “My entire experience with DECA. It was a great opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, become a more effective leader, and have a lot of fun. Whether it was parties, competition, or a field trip to Six Flags, I enjoyed every moment as a DGS DECA member.”
Supal Mehta is the daughter of Megha and Jayesh Mehta of Woodridge. She plans to attend Loyola University and major in biochemistry. Supal’s favorite memory: “Competing at the national speech tournament in Dallas and Indianapolis. It was a great experience to compete and watch the best speakers in the country. There was a lot to learn not just about speaking, but about hard work and dedication as well.”
Blake Mueller is the daughter of AJ and Matt Mueller of Darien. She will be attending Yale University and majoring in chemical engineering while pursuing a pre-med track. Blake’s favorite memory: “Some of my favorite moments from high school have come from both running on the track team for three years with the same girls and just hanging out with my best friends.”
Sheena Panthaplackel is the daughter of Alphonsa and Antony Panthaplackel of Darien. She plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in computer science. Sheena’s favorite memory: “I can never forget winning ‘Best Actress’ for the AP Spanish IV video project despite my catastrophic acting. I thank my AP Spanish IV friends for their generous votes.”
Dhara Puvar is the daughter of Dhirendra and Jayshree Puvar of Darien. She will attend Loyola University and double major in psychology and political science. Dhara’s favorite memory: “Attending the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Ranch in Colorado. It was an amazing week where I learned so much about being a leader and improving the lives of others because of it.”
Emily Seranko is the daughter of Julie and Thomas Seranko of Downers Grove. She will be attending the University of Notre Dame and majoring in finance and international business. Emily’s favorite memory: “Being a Winter Snowball Director. I loved working with my fellow directors to plan the event, and seeing all of our work culminate in a great event. Snowball has been a very influential activity in my high school career so it was an amazing opportunity to direct my final Snowball in high school.”
Alvin Wu is the son of Pamela and James Wu of Woodridge. He plans to attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and major in electrical engineering. Alvin’s favorite memory: “Playing tennis against New Trier under the lights at night. I got to watch an exciting doubles match and we didn’t get back until after midnight.”
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