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Hawkins, Lillig to speak at commencement
 Seniors Alex Hawkins and Kimi Lillig will address the Class of 2008 during commencement on May 29. The two were selected after presenting their audition speeches to a committee of students, teachers and administrators. Seven submitted applications for the positions, said committee member Katie Cook, who added that Hawkins and Lillig were chosen because their speeches were both "inspiring and meaningful. They focus not just on the past experiences of this senior class, but also on what the future holds for graduates."
Judges used a rubric to evaluate all speeches on content and presentation.
Hawkins said he decided to apply for a spot after being encouraged by family members, teachers, and friends who thought he would represent their class well.
"I was confident in my presentation, but I was not sure what the outcome would be because I was going against tough competition," he said.
His speech will focus on how the Class of 2008 is the first to spend all four years at LCHS as well as the many successes the group has experienced—the product of three and a half weeks of preparation, he said.
Lillig said she was equally thrilled to be chosen to present her speech, "What We've Found."
"I've worked really hard in my time in high school...I want to share my experiences, what I've learned and what I've found," she said. |
Lillig named to IJEA's All-State Journalism Team
Senior Kimi Lillig, editor of the student newspaper the Talon Times, has been accepted onto the Illinois Journalism Education Association's All-State Team. Newspaper adviser Kellie Doyle nominated Lillig for this recognition, and the two collaborated in the application process, which included a letter of recommendation from Doyle. Lillig also had to write an essay and submit five pieces of her best journalistic work from this publication year, such as stories and page designs, as part of the application.
Lillig has been on the staff of the student newspaper for three years. She has held the position of Arts and Entertainment Editor in addition to her current editorship. |
Beckman, Bruett named Outstanding Seniors 
A National Merit Finalist who doubles as a two-sport athlete, and a highly active Student Council representative were named this year's Outstanding Seniors.
For earning this honor, Josh Beckman and Courtney Bruett will receive a trophy and recognition at the May 19 Honors Night. They also will emcee the commencement ceremony. This award, sponsored by the Antioch Women's Club each year, requires candidates to have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be eligible. The winners are selected based on votes from faculty and members of the graduating class.
Beckman, who earned National Merit Finalist recognition this spring, plans to attend either John Hopkins University or the University of Illinois to major in biology. He has participated in varsity soccer and boys' track and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Bruett, who plans to attend Loyola University next fall to study biology, was the Junior Class president last year and is the Senior Class president this year. Additionally, she is a senior advisor and was a member of the graduation and Prom committees.
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Three students bring home gold medals after competing at Special Olympics
Three students earned gold medals for their performances at the Special Olympics. Kyle Dee, Zak Kalter, and Callie Pappas each competed in the 100-meter or 25-meter wheelchair race as well as the softball throw. Dee also earned a silver medal.
Teacher Maureen Wynne said the trio practiced two times a week after school since the end of February to prepare for the event, which took place at North Central College in Naperville over the weekend. Tami Ribbens, girls' track head coach, and teacher's assistant Michelle Curtis coached the student-athletes.
More than 500 students from four counties participated in this particular Special Olypmics.
"We only had the three participants but hope to get more involved next year," said Wynne, who added that this is the first year her students have entered.
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Photo by sophomore Rebecca Nestor
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Eagles run 5K race to raise money for local families in need
Administrators, faculty members, and students participated in Reach Out and Run on April 12 at Independence Grove in Libertyville. The 5K run/walk raises money for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, which provides temporary assistance to individuals and families in the Lake County area who need help with housing, utilities, food, or other basic necessities due unemployment, health issues, or other emergency situations.
Students enrolled in the Physical Best P.E. classes were invited to race in the event and have been training for the 3.1 mile run during class since the beginning of the semester. Those who were unable to run in the 5K were expected to run a timed race of the same distance during class on April 15.
The school has tried to increase its efforts to give back to the community, particularly in recent months, by participating in the 5K, filling Easter baskets for needy children, and more.
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April's Eagle Pride recipients start day with good breakfast
Twelve students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of April. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Allyssa Schoenke, Erin McGill, Kelsey McGill, Rachael Dean, Sarah Toporek, Aaron Piekarz, Ashley Page, Emma Howard, Sophia Leary, Mariela Hernandez, Adrienne Herman, Joey Culat.
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Students recognized for scores on German test
Junior Kaela Talley came close to qualifying for a free, three-week long trip to Germany because her score on the National German Test was in the top 93rd percentile in the country. Talley interviewed on Feb. 29 for the award, presented by the American Association of Teachers of German; the interview lasted about 10 minutes and was conducted solely in German. Talley said she believes the "intense" interview went well, but she was recently informed that another candidate was selected for the prize. She hopes to learn soon if she won the alternate prize—a language camp in Minnesota.
Talley is one of three LCHS students who scored in the 90th percentile on the test. More than 25,000 students took the voluntary test in mid-January, including about 50 LCHS German students from three levels. Junior Mariah Donner scored in the 91st percentile, and senior Jessica Wehrheim scored in the 90th. Sophomore Jack Kenney scored in the 89th.
Only one student from each level from each school is chosen to enter the interview process for the trip to Germany; Talley was chosen for level three after completing a short survey, writing a letter to a German host family, sending her high school transcript, and asking German teacher Melissa Haines to write her a letter of recommendation. Wehrheim was not eligible because she lived in Germany last year with the Rotary Exchange Program. |
More than 50 receive Eagle Pride recognition for March
Fifty-eight students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of March. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Josh Beckman, Robert Bock, Eric Breitbach, AdamCamp, Sara Cleland, Timothy David, Jonathan Degrave, Colin Drayton, Carol English, Blake Ford, Lindsay Frisby, Kyle Gallagher, Michael Garver, Emily Gebhardt, Timothy Gehrke, Ethan Hahn, Matthew Hamel, Michael Heisel, Kaitlin Hoff, Hans Johansen, Johannah Karstedt, Nora Kenney, Shannah Kluetz, Cody Ksioszk, Paul Latza, Kimi Lillig, Matthew Lincoln, Chelsea Mayers, Kelsey McGill, William McGrath, Craig Messner, Tia Miller, Ross Morway, Lauren Mruk, Devin Murray, Travis Musich, Megan Nute, Anokhi Patel, Donald Pierce, Lisa Raetzman, Jennifer Ray, Andrew Rehm, Brett Scheffler, Kimberly Smith, Davalyn Stepzinski, Daniel Szuhay, Anthony Thommes, Stephanie Visconti, Daniel Wardzala, Thomas Weber, Van Emmanuel Wilhoite, Hua Xiao, Jessie Yorko, Erica Montes, Christina Goldman, Kelly Bol, Justin Shea, and Shawn Carlson. |
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Four students accept scholarship offers to play college sports
So far, four seniors
have signed paperwork pledging to participate in athletics under scholarship at the college level. Kevin Guirand and Richard Hayes will play football at Ferris State University and Central Michigan University, respectively. Rachael Dean and Ethan Hahn have committed to run cross country at Judson University in Elgin.
Last fall, Dean became the first LCHS athlete to medal at the state level, after placing 14th at the AA level at the state girls' cross country meet. She also was named to the All-Regional, All-Sectional, and All-Conference teams, and holds the school record for the fastest three-mile race time of 18:07. Hahn was the lead runner for the boys' team and holds the school record for the fastest three-mile race time of 16:16. He also earned All-Conference recognition last fall, and twice has competed at the sectional meet. The two runners signed papers, alongside their parents and coaches, with Judson University Coach Rich Weinhandl on Feb. 19.
Hayes and Guirand signed their papers on Feb. 6, also National Letter of Intent Day. Hayes played on the offensive line for the Eagles, and Guirand was a wide receiver; both are three-year varsity starters. Both seniors also earned All-Conference and All-Area recognition, and Hayes was named to the All-State team. Guirand led the Eagles in receiving yards and touchdowns. Football head coach Luke Mertens said that the football program is proud that in two years time, two players have earned Division I football scholarships, two have entered the Division II arena, and many other have signed to play at the Division III level.
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Students receive Eagle Pride recognition for February
Twelve students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of February. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Cassia Gass, Robert Kerpan, Tyler Zumbrock, Nora Bock,
Travis Musich, Josh Beckman, Natalie Chrapla, Deanna Ottinger, Ben Schnurbusch, Josh Ptasienski, Robbie Crowell, Paul Latza. |
Beckman named National Merit Finalist
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Josh Beckman has accomplished something no other LCHS student has done before. The senior recently was named a finalist in the running for thousands of dollars in scholarships from the National Merit Scholarship Program. Beckman is one of only 15,000 seniors across the nation to earn this prestigious recognition.
In November, he was notified of his status as a Semifinalist out of more than 1.4 million students who opted to take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test, which enters them into the competition in the first place.
About 8,200 finalists will be selected for Merit Scholarship awards based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments. Judges determine whether a finalist should receive an award using the student's academic record, information about the school's curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, a school official's written recommendation, information about the student's activities and leadership, and an essay written by the finalist.
Beckman will be notified in March if he is selected as a winner.
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Students receive Eagle Pride recognition for January
Nine students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of January. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Matt Holmes, Kimi Lillig, Abbi Pendley, Yuri Bockwinkel, Becky Helgeson, Joe Pilkington, and Paul Vickers. |
Students honored in December for demonstrating Eagle Pride
Twenty-seven students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of December. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Ashley Page, Catlyn Elkins, Brianna Mehl, Brittany Chlopek, Kaela Talley, Natasha Persinger, Kristina Elberling, Billy McGrath, Jacob Cieslewicz, Christa Voss, Christina Goldman, Allison Galat, Rosie Metallo, Ashton Hartman, Amber Selzer, Maggie Roberts, Alex Layoff, Brittany Springer, Julia Keenan, Samantha Lohrmann, Danielle Lindquist, Jennifer Shea, Alex Keenan, Patrick Yates, Nicole Richter, Sean Cullen, Jenna Vanderwall. |
Patel selected for 2007-2008 Daily Herald Leadership Team
For her outstanding work with volunteer and community service, senior Anokhi Patel was chosen for the 2007-2008 Daily Herald Leadership Team. She is one of just a few students in the region who were selected by an independent panel of judges. Patel initially was nominated for the recognition by faculty and staff at LCHS.
Patel will appear alongside other Leadership Team members in the Wednesday, Jan. 9 Neighbor section of the Daily Herald. She also was invited to attend the Leadership Team award reception and ceremony, which will take place on Jan. 14.
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Bock, Tumminello advance in choir, band state competitions
Seniors Robbie Bock and Kateri Tumminello have been invited to participate in the all-state choir and band, respectively, after completing successful auditions at the District Festival in November. They are the first fine arts students to receive this honor in Lakes history.
The two will travel to Peoria for a three-day festival from Jan. 30-Feb. 2. The festival is organized by the Illinois Music Educators Association. There, they will perform with other high-caliber musicians from across the state and attend workshops and clinics led by college and professional musicians from across the country.
"...making the all-state level is a great honor for these students and our department," said band director Matt Kastor. "Plus the experience of being in a band or choir with the all the best students from their respective schools and a college level conductor will be powerful."
Prior to acceptance into the all-state groups, Bock and Tumminello were named to the all-regional ensembles. Bock is a member of the aCappella Choir at LCHS and Tumminello plays the tenor saxophone in Wind Ensemble.
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Sundin to co-produce all-state show, Hairspray
Drama teacher Bridget Sundin has accepted an offer to co-produce the all-state performance of Hairspray at the 2009 Illinois High School Theatre Festival.
Sundin said the opportunity opened itself up to her after Snow Angel, the play that she directed at LCHS last fall, received an invitation to perform at the festival this January.
As co-producer, Sundin said she will be assisting in the organization of the rigorous all-state auditions and the selection of a cast for the show. She also will be charged with coordinating day-to-day rehearsal needs for the more than 100 high school-aged actors and technicians.
Sundin says she expects that she often will be traveling to Nazareth Academy, a high school in La Grange Park, because the show's director teaches there. She also plans to make trips over the summer and on weekends to the University of Illinois, which is where the January 2009 festival will be held and the show performed. |
Eagle Pride recipients honored for November
Fifteen students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of November. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients included Anthony Ward, Ethan Hahn, B.J. Fuller, Natasha Persinger, Curtis Urbanik, Melanie Andrews, Kathy Akers, Brandon Long, Nicole Zacarias, Megan Gorski, Kelsey McGill, Ashton Hartman, Dan Kitterman, Kaela Talley and Rachael Dean.
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Doyle honored with JEA Rising Star Award
Newspaper adviser Kellie Doyle was named last week as the recipient of the Rising Star Award by the Journalism Education Association (JEA). Doyle is one of 10 nominees selected nationwide and will be recognized at the JEA spring convention in Anaheim, California.
Doyle was nominated for the award by her own high school newspaper adviser Randy Swikle. Principal Jim McKay wrote a letter of recommendation supporting the nomination. McKay said Doyle is a talented teacher who has, in a short time, built a journalism program that the school and community is very proud of. Doyle's students, senior Kimi Lillig and junior Joe Pilkington, also wrote letters on Doyle's behalf.
JEA recognizes journalism teachers with the Rising Star Award for demonstrating a commitment to journalism education and showing a passion for their work to help students create outstanding publications.
Last year The Talon Times was named as a finalist for the Pacemaker Award, scholastic journalism’s highest honor. Under Doyle’s guidance, the newspaper has consistently earned top marks in regional and national competitions.
Besides advising the newspaper staff, Doyle teaches Introduction to Journalism and English II. She also serves as LCHS’ webmaster, keeping readers informed about Lakes High School news and events.
Story by Mark Thompson |
Eagle Pride recipients honored for October
Sixteen students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of October. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast earlier this month.
Recipients: Jeff Hopkins, Devin Murray, Davalyn Stepzinski, Kimi Lillig, Josh Beckman, Kateri Tuminello, Hua Xiao, Ashley Phillips, Chris Heerema, Colin Drayton, Craig Franke, Taylor Breum, Abbie Horan, Tyler Menheer, Shannon Wibright, Grant Franson.
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Music students advance in state competitions
Four students have been asked to audition for placement into one of two all-state choirs, following their acceptance into the regional choir. Kaela Talley, Kenzie Connor, Mat Braden and Robbie Bock will audition for that recognition on Nov. 17 at the District Festival at Crystal Lake High School. The audition includes singing two selections from the music performed at the festival, a scale and triad test, and two sight-reading excerpts. If selected, they will attend a conference in Peoria in late January to work with choral clinicians, rehearse and perform alongside other top high school singers from across Illinois.
Devin Brookover and Laura Gorski also earned a place in the regional choir, bringing the total to six - a new record for LCHS. Nine auditioned for the honor, which is organized by the Illinois Music Educators Association. They will participate in the festival along with other top choral singers in the North Suburban area.
Kateri Tumminello earned similar recognition for her skills on the tenor saxophone. The IMEA welcomed her into two district ensembles, the concert and jazz bands. She was named first chair in the concert band, which opens up an opportunity for her to qualify for the all-state band. This is the first time a student from Lakes has been invited to participate in two groups.
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Students recognized for PSAT scores
Three seniors earned high honors from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for their high score results on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Qualifying Test, which they took last October as juniors.
Josh Beckman already has been named a Semifinalist in the running for merit scholarships. He is one of 16,000 seniors from across the nation to advance to this level; more than 1.4 million students took the test.
Mike Heisel and Craig Messner acheived Commended Student recognition from the organization for their academic promise, as demonstrated by their test scores. Although they will not continue in the competition for scholarship money, they received a Letter of Commendation from NMSC.
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Twenty-five recognized at September breakfast
Twenty-five students earned Eagle Pride recognition for the month of September. These students were nominated by staff members for various reasons, including outstanding achievements and helpful contributions. Each received a certificate during a breakfast on Sept. 18.
Recipients included Adrian Bahena, Sarah Beckman, Callie Bretthauer, Alex Heaney, Alexis Hobach, Thomas Knowles, Kara Koman, Alison Potochnik, Kristine Bennecke, Tyler Zumbrock, Erika Bidlingmaier, Anthony Gumino, Michael Heisel, Nicole Hopton (two nominations), Jennifer Ray (two nominations), Dan Wardzala, Melissa Werfelmann, Damian Brown, Sharifa Bilalli, Morgan Robinson, Faren Kirkland, Nicole Gumino, Brianna Bilalli and Steffanie Fisher.
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Petersen climbs Sears Tower steps for cancer
Sophomore Zach Petersen will conquer the Sears Tower for the fourth time this November. How? He will race up its 2,109 steps — or 103 floors — all in the name of cancer research. Petersen is seeking donations from the Lakes community to raise money for his race to the top of the highest building in Chicago. The race is sponsored by the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. His goal right now is to raise at least $100 in donations. To pledge Petersen, click here.
Petersen first got the idea to participate in the benefit race through his father. This year, Petersen will join his father and sister for the event. Last year he took 4th place in his division after completing the race in about 37 minutes.
He says he takes part in the largest indoor stair-climbing event in the world for his family and for his friends and their families, some of who are suffering from cancer.
The race will take place on Nov. 11.
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Illinois buys copyright for Van Dellen's winning stamp design of Bufflehead Duck
Junior Christina Van Dellen's acrylic painting of a Bufflehead Duck, which is a small sea duck, may not have made it all the way to the top in the 2007 Federal Jr. Duck Stamp competition in Washington D.C. — the last phase of the national competition — but the state of Illinois continues to give her praise for her work. The state plans to purchase a one-time copyright of her stamp design, a 1st place state winner, which will be the 2007 Migratory Waterfowl Stamp for collectors.
Van Dellen qualified for the national finals after achieving a first place and Best of Show at the Illinois level. Her work will be on display at Outdoor World in Gurnee on Aug. 24-26 during the store's Fall Hunting Classic.
This is the third time that Van Dellen has entered that contest; in 2001 she received a first place and last year she placed second. Click here to visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources web site to view all state results. She also has entered photographs tino OutdoorIllinois Magazine's photography contest.
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