Meet our 54 Merit Roll students

by The Plain Dealer Staff

Tuesday May 06, 2008, 8:46 PM

Sashua Aquino | Joshua Blackwell | Holly Bourgeois

Blane Butcher | Antonio Francisco Caballero | Alyssa Cohen

Daniel J. Cohn | Daniel W. Conner | Alexis D. Crosby

Myles S. Davis | Laura DiScenna | Kevin Fischer

Lediana Goduni | Yuh Jung Han | Christopher Herbert

Alexander Hurst | Apoorv Khandelwal | Katherine Koltiska

Sophia Korovaichuk | Melissa Kory | Megan Krakowiak

Katherine Lambert | Kevin Luu | Claire Markwardt

Chelsea Mason Melissa McCarthy | Clare McGrath

Lauren McGrath | Jenna Miller | Meghan Miloscia

Mohammad Najafi | Mark Noviski | Shanon Phillips

Elizabeth Pogue | Taryn Pryor | Anastassia Radeva

Rubina Ratnaparkhi |Vivek Sampathkumar | Renuka Shenoy

Kathryn Singer | Stephanie Sobek | Daniel J. Somrack

Marlena T. Spikes | Victoria Stewart | Vidya Sundaram

Hannah Emile Maher Tatar |Sarit Toltzis | John Vogelgesang

Christina Wang | Iris Mengzuan Wang | Elizabeth Wells

Harrison Werner | Ellen Wittenberg | Matthew Zhu

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Sasha Aquino | Valley Forge High School (Parma Heights)

Fast Facts: Academic Decathlon Scholastic Gold Medalist for interview competition
• First-stage featured writer by Poets & Writers League of Greater Cleveland
• AP Scholar for outstanding achievement
• National Honor Society
• Participant French and Indian War Living History educational re-enactments

Fast Facts:

Academic Decathlon Scholastic Gold Medalist for interview competition
First-stage featured writer by Poets & Writers League of Greater Cleveland
AP Scholar for outstanding achievement
National Honor Society
Participant French and Indian War Living History educational re-enactments.

Quote: "Sasha has nurtured both sides of her brain, and they equally display her incredible talents." -- Gary Maurer, biotechnology teacher

Parent: Mary Aquino

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Joshua Blackwell | Bedford High School

Fast facts: 2004-05 Jason Disappearing Wetlands Argonaut participant
• Student Senate, president Student Government Day
• Class secretary Student Advisory Board
• President Community Service Board
• Orchestra, Acappella Choir and Madrigal Singers
• Church usher and junior deacon
• Plans to attend Ohio Northern University

Quote: "Joshua, once involved in an activity, will see it through." -- Carol Dean, senior guidance counselor

Parents: Lori and Aldean Blackwell

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Holly Bourgeois | Olmsted Falls High School

Fast facts: National Merit finalist
• Perfect score National Latin Exam
• Rensselaer Medal Award
• Fifth place state Power of the Pen competition
• Editor-in-chief literary magazine
• Academic Team
• Key Club
• Girl Scouts Silver Award


Quote: "Holly is unassuming and humble and will undoubtedly use her intellectual abilities to improve the quality of life of others" -- Mike Von Gunten, senior counselor

Parent: Rachel Bourgeois

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Blane Butcher | Buckeye High School (Medina)

Fast facts: Second place, VFW Freedom of Democracy essay competition
• Regional honors, Ohio mock trial
• President, Student Council
• National Honor Society
• President, senior class
• Captain Academic Challenge Team
• Model United Nations
• Salvation Army volunteer
• Plans to attend Cornell University

Quote: Blane "excels because he is relentless and people are attracted to his enthusiasm and passion for what he does." -- Jessica Henry, guidance counselor

Parents: Delores and Alan Butcher

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Antonio Francisco Caballero | Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills)

Fast facts: Rockwell Automation Engineering intern
• Honor Council president
• Founder, Lancers For Life
• National Honor Society
• National Spanish Honor Society
• Jazz ensemble
• Varsity soccer
• Plans to attend Cornell University

Quote: "A quintessential learner, Tony is not content just to learn about something, he wants to understand it." -- Michele Klaus, director of college counseling

Parents: Elena and Antonio Caballero

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Alyssa Cohen | Shaker Heights High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Summer Science intern
• National Merit finalist
• National French Exam top 10 in Ohio
• Honorable mention state, National History Day competition
• AP Scholar
• Varsity crew coxswain
• Marching and symphonic band
• Youth Ending Hunger participant
• University Hospitals volunteer

Quote: "Alyssa never thinks to settle for second best and always pushes herself toward excellence in all dimensions of her life." -- Ronald Morgan, guidance counselor

Parents: Heidi Cohen and Andrew Cohen

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Daniel J. Cohn | Walsh Jesuit High School (Cuyahoga Falls)

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Summer Science intern
• Gold Key Scholastic Art Award winner
• Fourth place regional competition Science Olympiad (entomology)
• Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar representative
• Class officer student government
• President SADD
• National Honor Society
• Literary magazine
• President International Club
• Mock trial
• Academic Challenge
• Peer mentor

Quote: Dan has "a strong work ethic, a love of learning . . . . excellent listening skills, the ability to interact with a diverse group and an outstanding intellect." -- Tony Ciavarella, counselor

Parents: Cindy and Terry Cohn

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Daniel W. Conner | Woodridge High School (Peninsula)

Fast facts: Buckeye Boys State delegate
• National Honor Society
• Senior class president
• Spanish Club vice president
• Executive board, Student Government
• Captain varsity soccer and varsity track teams
• Active church volunteer
• Plans to attend Penn State

Quote: "Dan has unsurpassed talent, drive and extraordinary attitude." -- David A. Weaver, chemistry/physics instructor

Parents: Terri and George Conner

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Alexis D. Crosby | Glenville High School (Cleveland)

Fast facts: Case Western Clips Polymer Envoys program
• Dominion East Ohio Strong Men and Women: Excellence in Leadership essay contest winner
• City Club of Cleveland Youth Council
• Hospice of the Western Reserve volunteer
• Candidate for an associate degree of science in May from Cuyahoga Community College
• Plans to attend Case Western Reserve University

Quote: "Alexis has a keen sense of receiving data and processing the information analytically." -- Sandra Johnson, guidance counselor

Parents: Dorothea and Adam Crosby

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Myles S. Davis | Twinsburg High School

Fast Facts: Gold and Silver Key winner Scholastic Art Competition
• Regional finalist Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition
• National Honor Society
• Secretary French National Honor Society
• Vice president Foreign Language Club
• Plans to attend Columbus College of Art & Design


Quote: "Myles never fails to impress. ... with his artistic creativity and maturity." -- Sharon Misanko, visual arts teacher

Parents: Marnie and Gregg Davis

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Laura DiScenna | Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School

Fast Facts: Cleveland Clinic Summer Science intern
• National Merit Finalist
• American Legion Americanism and Government Test winner
• Ohio Governor's Youth Art Exhibition regional award winner
• Yearbook co-editor-in-chief
• Vice president Model United Nations
• Assistant editor school newspaper
• Orchestra
• National Honor Society
• HUDDLE
• Kids Korner volunteer
• Plans to attend Notre Dame

Quote: Laura "has tremendous depth, sense of purpose and drive." -- Jaci Owens, guidance counselor

Parents: Carolyn and Pascal DiScenna

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Kevin Fischer | Bay High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Technical Societies Council Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
• Three gold cups Ohio Federation of Music Clubs Festival
• AP Scholar With Distinction
• Principal oboist Contemporary Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony
• Oboist Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra
• Academic Challenge
• Science club
• Symphonic/concert bands
• Eagle Scout

Quote: Kevin "is an intellectual with an inquiring mind who thrives on learning for the sake of learning." -- Linda M. Ferris, director of guidance

Parents: Amy and Carl Fischer

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Lediana Goduni | Fairview High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Summer Science intern
• Michelson-Morley Award
• Cleveland Technical Societies Council Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
• Academic Team
• National Honor Society
• Spanish Club vice president
• Fairview Hospital volunteer
• Math and science tutor

Quote: Lediana is a "focused, dedicated young woman who will make a difference in this world." -- Cary Willgren, principal

Parents:Ladi and Pellumb Goduni

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Yuh Jung Han | Beachwood High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Technical Societies Council Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
• Science Olympiad team captain placing sixth in regional competition,
• Principal flute Beachwood Band
• Secretary Band Council
• Fifth-chair flute section Cuyahoga Valley Conference honors band
• Reading and math tutor
• Nursing-home volunteer

Quote: Yuh Jung's "natural talents and abilities are humbly and proudly woven into her character." -- Carolyn Beeler, college counselor

Parents: Seung Soon Park and Dong Han

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Christopher Herbert
| Lutheran High West (Rocky River)

Fast facts: National Merit Commended Student
• Class salutatorian
• National Honor Society president
• Peer tutor in math, science, English, Spanish and religion
• Member Senior Men's Dance Program

Quote: Christopher "brings a love of learning, spirit and enthusiasm to his academic pursuits. ... He's a superior student and a person of exceptional character." -- Dennis Haberhern, guidance counselor

Parents: Robin Herbert, Kevin Herbert (deceased)

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Alexander Hurst | St. Ignatius (Cleveland)

Fast facts: National Merit finalist
• University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences
• Multiple medals Ohio regional competition Academic Decathlon
• President Democratic Ignatians on Politics
• Co-founding member Cleveland Nonviolence Network
• National Honor Society
• Intern for U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich
• Volunteer Interreligious Task Force on Central America

Quote: "The passion Alexander displays in all of his activities is encouraging and infectious." -- Hugh McManamon, college counselor

Parents: Maria A. Smith and Charles V. Hurst

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Apoorv Khandelwal | Copley High School

Fast facts:Greater Akron Chess League winner
• American Regions Mathematics League participant
• National Merit finalist, Harvard Book Award
• National Honor Society
• Key Club
• Varsity tennis
• Library volunteer

Quote: "Apoorv is able to strike a very difficult balance between modesty and a display of exceptional intellect." -- Stephen D. Zimmerer, Advanced Placement U.S. history teacher

Parents: Alka Khandelwal and Ashok Khandelwal

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Katherine Koltiska | Lakewood High School

Fast facts: Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted
• University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities and Social Sciences
• Summa cum laude National Latin Exam
• National Merit finalist
• Wind ensemble
• Symphonic orchestra
• Symphonic band
• Soloist recognition Tri-C JazzFest
• National Honor Society, Ronald McDonald House volunteer

Quote: Katherine "has authentic integrity" and is "an example of quiet leadership and excellence." -- Laura Abrahamsen, Latin teacher

Parents: Elizabeth and Gerard Koltiska

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Sophia Korovaichuk | Mayfield High School

Fast facts: Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted
• Nicholas Green Distinguished Student of Ohio
• Honorable mention Scholastic Art Show
• Art Club president, National Honor Society
• Junior varsity tennis
• Children's rehabilitation center volunteer in Ukraine
• Member of Plast (international Ukrainian scouting organization).

Quote: Sophia has "a true selflessness, a commitment to service and a strength of character." -- Shirlee I. Shoben, gifted coordinator

Parents: Nadia Kuchminsky and Igor Korovaichuk

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Melissa Kory | North Ridgeville High School

Fast facts: Ninth in state Ohio State Economic Challenge
• Buckeye Girls State
• Dean's list Lorain County Community College
• National Honor Society, co-editor school newspaper
• STAND
• Key Club
• Intern, North Ridgeville Press
• Habitat for Humanity

Quote: Melissa "possesses exceptional analytical skills." She's "an independent thinker who leads by example." -- Robert Haseley, school counselor

Parent: Janet Lowstetter

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Megan Krakowiak | Holy Name High School (Parma Heights)

Fast facts: Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
• Michelson-Morley Award
• National Merit Commended Student
• National Honor Society president
• Varsity basketball captain
• Campus ministry
• Relay for Life team captain
• Irish step-dancing instructor

Quote: Megan "is unafraid to speak her mind or take a stand, even an unpopular one." -- Linda B. Chambers, English teacher

Parents: Patricia and Mark Krakowiak

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Katherine Lambert | Padua Franciscan High School (Parma)

Fast facts: Summa cum laude National Latin Exam
• National Merit Commended Student
• Superior rating Ohio Music Education Association Class A for violin
• AP Scholar
• Orchestra first-chair first-violin
• Varsity soccer
• Peer Ministry Leadership Council, National Honor Society
• Volunteer Camp Cheerful therapeutic riding program

Quote: "Katherine is a student possessing a rare combination of intellectual ability, academic motivation and a true love of learning." -- David G. Stec, principal

Parents: Patricia and Kevin Lambert

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Kelvin Luu | Trinity High School (Garfield Heights)

Fast facts: Mock trial regional qualifier
• Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership ambassador
• National Merit Commended Student
• Ohio Music Education Association excellent rating in piano
• Junior Statesmen of America, National Honor Society
• District champion cross country
• Board member Catholic Committee for Service and Justice
• Plans to attend Case Western Reserve University

Quote: Kelvin is "infused with grace, charm, generosity, talent and relentless commitment." -- Thomas M. Maher, executive principal

Parents: Alexandria Luong and Phat Luu

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Claire Markwardt | Berkshire Junior-Senior High School (Burton)

Fast facts: Buckeye Girls State delegate
• Harvard Book Award
• National Honor Society vice president
• French Honor Society president
• Secretary C.A.R.E. team
• Co-captain and individual state qualifier varsity cross country
• Co-captain varsity track
• President 4-H horse club
• Church youth group

Quote: Claire "has always known how to work hard and be successful." -- Daniel Itschner, school counselor

Parents: Nancy and Richard Markwardt

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Chelsea Mason | Lakewood High School

Fast facts: Rensselaer Medalist
• Maxima cum laude
• National Latin Exam
• National Merit Commended Student
• AP scholar
• Band
• Model United Nations
• National Honor Society
• Chemistry Olympiad
• Captain varsity volleyball
• Varsity track
• Varsity gymnastics

Quote: "Chelsea excels without any expectation of outward reward or glory." -- Gerard A. Stupiansky, social studies teacher

Parents: Susan Lust and John Mason

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Melissa McCarthy | North High School (Eastlake)

Fast facts: Multiple medal winner and co-captain Academic Decathlon
• American Legion essay contest winner
• National Honor Society
• a cappella jazz ensemble

Quote: "Melissa is a self-motivated, lifelong learner who has a positive effect on the people around her." -- William Kennelly, social studies teacher

Parents: Debra and Kevin McCarthy

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Clare McGrath | Saint Joseph Academy (Cleveland)

Fast facts: National Merit finalist
• National Merit finalist
• Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference representative
• Girl Scout Silver Award
• National Honor Society
• Math Club
• Peer tutor
• Eucharistic minister

Quote: "Clare is thoughtful, humorous, hard-working, diligent, intuitive, focused and mature." -- John J. Ryan, college counselor

Parents: Karen and Kevin McGrath

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Lauren McGrath | Wickliffe High School

Fast facts: Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference representative
• Leadership Lake County
• Class president
• Student council
• Varsity soccer
• Captain varsity track and field
• Junior Leadership Academy mentor
• Plans to attend Ohio University

Quote: Lauren "makes everyone feel as if they are the most important person and their opinion is just as important." -- Vicki Wheatley, principal

Parent: Carol McGrath

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Jenna Miller | Manchester High School (Akron)

Fast facts: Buckeye Girls State delegate
• Akron Council of Engineering and Scientific Societies award
• President Spanish Club
• Vice president Key Club
• President Science Club
• Treasurer National Honor Society
• Art Club
• Student council
• Track
• Cross country
• Camp Wonderlung counselor
• Plans to attend Ohio University

Quote: "Good character, integrity, compassion. ..." describe Jenna. -- Sam El Faye, guidance counselor

Parents: Lorrie and James Miller

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Meghan Miloscia | St. Vincent-St. Mary (Akron)

Fast facts: National Vocabulary Championship regional qualifier
• Superior rating state Science Fair
• National Merit Commended Student
• Vice president National Honor Society
• Co-director Kairos Retreat Team
• Track and field district champion long jump
• Captain cross-country team
• Teen choir

Quote: Meghan "seeks no recognition, but her hand is always there helping others." -- Shawn-Paul Allison, award coordinator

Parents: Kathy and Chris Miloscia

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Mohammad Najafi | Twinsburg High School

Fast facts: First-place team Youngstown State University Mathfest
• First-place team Lego Robotics
• National Merit finalist
• AP Scholar With Distinction
• President Asian Club
• Manager Strategy Club
• National Honor Society
• Volunteer Khattam Hospital in Iran
• Plans to attend Columbia University

Quote: "Mo has tremendous problem-solving ability. ... He asks pertinent questions that help him and others in the class reach a better understanding of material." -- Edward Hrbek, science department head

Parents: Roza Sheykoleslam and Mahmoud Najafi

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Mark Noviski | Mentor High School

Fast facts: Senior captain and multiple winner National Science Olympiad team and member of 2007 team that took fifth place overall in nationals
• Academic Challenge
• National Merit finalist
• National Honor Society
• Ski/Board Club
• Varsity track
• Service project in Dominican Republic

Quote: "When Mark's musical score is someday written, its notes will reflect the life of a bright, contemplative, realistic, determined, achieving young man." -- Daniel E. Litzinger, coordinator of guidance

Parents: Cheryl and Victor Noviski

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Shanon Phillips | Shaw High School (East Cleveland)

Fast facts: People to People Student Ambassador to China
• National Honor Society
• Student council
• Volleyball
• Nursing-home volunteer
• Church usher
• Elementary school tutor

Quote: Shanon is "a standout student through her commitment to academics" and "consistent leadership," and her ability to inspire positive reactions for her peers and teachers alike." -- Sandra Brown, principal, GCGA

Parents: Sharon Thompson and Harvey Phillips

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Elizabeth Pogue | Westlake High School

Fast facts: 10th in state National French Test
• Model United Nations Super Delegation award
• National Merit Commended Student
• Captain Bible Bowl Champion
• National Honor Society
• Leadership Challenge
• Band
• Softball
• Tennis
• Peer tutor
• NASA Exploring program
• Plans to attend Cornell University

Quote: "What makes Lisa so special? It may be that she gets so excited about what she is learning or doing." -- Betsy Ruper, counselor

Parents: Gail and Daniel Pogue

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Taryn Pryor | Charles F. Brush High School (Lyndhurst)

Fast facts: Co-master of ceremonies, 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland Inc. gala
• International Theatre Association musical call-back
• YWCA Bright Futures Award, Student Congress president
• National Honor Society
• Orchestra
• Chamber ensemble
• Show choir
• Drama Club
• Expect Respect performance troupe

Quote: Taryn is an"insightful, focused, self-motivated young woman ... academically accomplished, yet socially conscious." -- Sharon E. Davis, counselor

Parents: Brenda and Eric Pryor

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Anastassia Radeva | Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Science intern
• Cleveland Technical Societies Council honoree
• Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted
• Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
• AP Scholar
• National Merit finalist
• Model United Nations
• Captain Academic Challenge
• Spanish Club
• Swim team
• National Honor Society
• Drama
• Track
• Plans to attend Dartmouth

Quote: "Anastassia has both native intelligence, and fabulous motivation and work ethic." -- Susan Kozimor, guidance counselor

Parents: Milena and Boyko Radeva

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Rubina Ratnaparkhi | Lake Ridge Academy (North Ridgeville)

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Science intern
• Engineering Survey intern
• National finalist Coca-Cola Scholars
• President student council
• Editor-in-chief school newspaper
• National Honor Society
• Girl Scout Gold Award
• Model United Nations
• Mock trial
• Varsity volleyball
• Peer tutor
• Plans to attend Brown University

Quote: Rubina is an "extraordinary young woman ... intelligent, mature and an academically motivated student." -- Chandana Mozumdar, dean of students, upper school

Parents: Shrikrishna and Basabi Ratnaparkhi

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Vivek Sampathkumar | Strongsville High School

Fast facts: Optimist Club oratorical contest four-time medalist
• Science Olympiad medalist
• Mensa member
• National Merit finalist
• AP Scholar With Distinction
• National Youth Leadership Forum
• Vice president Math Honor Society
• Captain Academic Challenge/Brain Game
• National Honor Society
• Volunteer St. Thyagaraja Music Festival

Quote: Vivek is dedicated "to becoming the best he can be." -- Julia Williams, guidance counselor

Parents: Geetha and P. Sampathkumar

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Renuka Shenoy | Magnificat High School (Rocky River)

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Science intern, National Merit finalist
• Model United Nations
• AP Scholar With Honor Michelson-Morley Award winner
• Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
• Captain and multiple regional award-winner Science Olympiad
• First place Math League contests
• Captain varsity gymnastics
• Look Up to Cleveland
• Hospital volunteer

Quote: Renuka "is ferociously devoted to ... improving her mind and making a difference" in this world and in her life. -- David V. Pohlman, college counselor

Parents: Rani and Sreekumar Shenoy

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Kathryn Singer | Black River High School (Sullivan)

Fast facts: Governor's Award of Excellence in Energy Research Regional Science Fair
• Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award
• Co-vice president National Honor Society
• HUDDLE
• Drama Club
• Band
• Competitive figure skater
• 4-H
• Plans to attend University of Michigan

Quote: Katie is "a self-motivated, organized student who shows persistence in every endeavor." -- Mary Lou Ford, counselor

Parents: Sandra and Art Singer

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Stephanie Sobek | Brunswick High School

Fast facts: Buckeye Girls State delegate
• Martin W. Essex School for the Gifted alternate
• Dance team
• Varsity cheerleading
• National Honor Society
• President and founder STAND
• Plans to attend Ohio State University

Quote: Stephanie "has distinguished herself ... as a scholar, a leader and a highly talented, diverse young lady." -- Tracy L. Wheeler, assistant principal

Parents: Sue and Ed Sobek

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Daniel J. Somrack | Notre Dame Cathedral Latin (Chardon)

Fast facts: Academic Challenge winner
• National Merit Commended Student
• Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology
• Rensselaer Medal winner
• AP Scholar
• Leadership Geauga Emerging Leader
• Eagle Scout
• Executive president student council
• President Science Olympiad
• National Honor Society
• Drama
• Band
• Case Western Reserve University Lego Robotics competition
• School newspaper

Quote: Dan "is logical, persistent, deliberate, thorough and effective" and "demonstrates the cognitive flexibility, global thinking, refined academic skills, focused motivation and personal maturity needed for success." -- Karen Szentkeresti, guidance counselor

Parents: Colletta and Lawrence Somrack

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Marlena T. Spikes | Maple Heights High School

Fast facts: Hugh O'Brian Leadership Award
• YWCA Bright Futures Award
• second-place Ohio DECA winner (an association of marketing students) district competition
• Universal Cheerleaders Association varsity all-star winner
• Captain cheerleading squad
• Flag line
• Drama
• First-chair band
• National Honor Society
• Student government
• Track
• Volleyball
• Look Up To Cleveland

Quote: Marlena will "do what it takes to be successful." -- Michael J. Wagner, guidance dept. chair

Parents: Wanda and Michael Spikes

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Victoria Stewart | Archbishop Hoban High School (Akron)

Fast facts: National Merit finalist
• National Honor Society
• Varsity volleyball
• Track
• SADD
• Peer counselor
• Mission trips to Mexico
• Justice Akron Ministry
• Peer tutor

Quote: Victoria "is goal-oriented and motivated to always doing her best." She is organized ... pays attention to details and "always gives total effort." -- Vince Andreani, counselor

Parents: Deb and Doug Stewart

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Vidya Sundaram | Stow-Munroe High School

Fast facts: National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine
• President and regional, state and invitational awards Science Olympiad winner
• Bradshaw and Buono National Piano Competition participant
• First-prize winner Pacesetter Performance Piano Competition
• Orchestra
• Key Club treasurer
• Junior Classical League
• National Honor Society
• Chorus
• Plans to attend Northeastern Ohio Universities college of Medicine

Quote: "Vidya possesses an innate passion for learning in all areas and for the arts." -- Teresa D. Miller, guidance counselor

Parents: Meena and Venkatachalam Sundaram

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Hannah Emile Maher Tatar | Cleveland Heights High School

Fast facts: Scholastic Silver Key winner Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
• Princeton University Arts and Humanities Symposium participant
• National Merit Commended Student
• National Honor Society
• AP Scholar
• President Political Awareness Club
• Treasurer French Club
• Co-president Japanese East Asian Culture Club
• Phone bank MoveOn.org worker

Quote: Hannah "is globally aware, politically active, and, of course, academically exceptional." -- Haethem Rasul, school counselor

Parents: Terre Maher and Steven Tatar

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Sarit Toltzis | Fuchs Mizrachi School (University Heights)

Fast facts: National Merit Commended Student
• AP Scholar With Distinction
• Model United Nations
• National Honor Society
• Co-vice president student council, head of Chesed Committee
• Co-creator and assistant editor literary magazine
• Varsity volleyball
• Elementary school tutor
• Chapter board member National Conference of Synagogue Youth

Quote: "Sarit is beloved by her classmates and respected by her teachers, and that is what makes her truly amazing." -- Rabbi Binyamin Blau, principal, upper school

Parents: Hasida and Phillip Toltzis

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John Vogelgesang | Chagrin Falls High School

Fast facts: National Merit finalist, AP Scholar With Distinction
• Chagrin Falls Superintendent's Advisory Committee
• National Honor Society
• Band
• Stage crew
• Literary publication
• Captain varsity swimming
• Sunday school volunteer

Quote: John "is consumed by a desire to learn and jumps into academics and extracurricular choices with energy and passion. He knows no limits in terms of what he can achieve." -- Karen K. Lewis, counselor

Parents: Susan and William Vogelgesang

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Christina Wang | Shaker Heights High School

Fast facts: Science research at Case Western Reserve University
• Third-place winner Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair
• Michelson-Morely Award
• 10th in nation National French Test
• Editor-in-chief creative arts magazine
• Co-president French Club
• Crew
• Elementary school tutor
• Volunteer Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland.


Quote: Christina "is every teacher's dream as she loves to learn, she is able to analyze material quickly and her well-thought-out comments spur strong class discussions." -- Gerimae Kleinman, guidance counselor

Parents: Jingfang Li and Aimin Wang

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Iris Mengzuan Wang | Firestone High School (Akron)

Fast facts: Silver Key winner Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
• National Merit Commended Scholar
• AP Scholar
• International Baccalaureate program
• Captain Academic Challenge
• Global Scholars
• National Honor Society
• Vice president Spanish Club
• National Art Honor Society
• Designed and constructed mural for Education Center at Akron Zoo

Quote: Iris is "very bright, disciplined, mature and incredibly motivated. Her academic potential is unlimited." -- Deborah M. Christy, counselor

Parents: Shaohua and Qiong Wang

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Elizabeth Wells | Garfield Heights High School

Fast facts: Member state championship-winning Academic Team
• Honor Bar Thespian
• President National Honor Society
• Executive board member Students of Service
• Drama Club
• Districtwide Harvest for Hunger program

Quote: "Elizabeth is self-motivated, well-organized and has a thirst for knowledge." -- James Di Marco, director of guidance

Parents: Sandra and David Wells

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Harrison Werner | Bedford High School

Fast facts: National Merit Commended Student
• Medal winner Ohio Academic Decathlon
• Treasurer National Honor Society
• Varsity cross country
• Varsity swimming/diving
• Member Art Ambassadorship Program Cleveland Museum of Art
• Jazz band
• Orchestra
• Hunger center volunteer
• Plans to attend University of Cincinnati

Quote: "Harrison leads by example." His "quiet demeanor and easygoing personality have shown his peers more about him than spoken words could ever convey." -- Carol Dean, senior guidance counselor

Parents: Sheila and Harry Werner

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Ellen Wittenberg | Westlake High School

Fast facts: Cleveland Clinic Science intern and peer mentor
• YWCA Bright Futures participant
• Member eighth-place state convention Latin Certamen Team
• Varsity soccer
• Wrestling statistician
• Hunger center volunteer
• Assistant coach youth boys soccer

Quote: Ellen "is organized, has excellent communication skills and gets along well with her classmates." -- Carol Fisher, chemistry teacher

Parents: Gina and John Wittenberg

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Matthew Zhu | Wadsworth High School

Fast facts: Certificate of excellence in Science and Mathematics Cleveland Technical Societies Council
• National Merit finalist
• Captain Academic Challenge Team
• Captain Envirothon
• Harvard Book Award, National Honor Society
• Hospital volunteer
• Peer tutor

Quote: "Matt is a scholar who loves to challenge himself by delving into the deeper reaches of subject matter." -- Crystal Ake, school counselor

Parents: Shiqi and Rulian Zhu