Bloom High School Celebrates Three Valedictorians and $12 Million in Scholarships

It was a great year for Chicago Heights’ Bloom Township High School District 206, as Bloom High School graduated more than 350 students, with an approximate total of $12 million in scholarships awarded among the group.

The school’s graduation rate throughout the district has climbed in recent years, and the 2016-2017 school year was no exception. This year the school was thrilled announce three valedictorians.

Among those valedictorians was Johnny Avila. Johnny has proven to be a strong role model and leader to his peers. During his senior year, Johnny participated in Bloom’s Early College Initiative which allowed him to take classes at Prairie State College while still a high school student. Johnny is an active member of National Honor Society where he has completed over 150 hours of community service, he is the bi-lingual coach for Bloom’s Ambassador Leadership Team, President of Key Club, member of mathletes and a member of Bloom’s scholastic bowl team. He has also been named a 2017 Illinois State Scholar. In the fall, Johnny will attend Northwestern University, working toward a career in optometry.

Also a valedictorian is Garesia Woods. Garesia is a member of the National Honor Society, an Illinois State Scholar and she also received the Cook County Sheriff’s Youth Medal of Honor. Garesia is a team leader of the student ambassador program at Bloom, a member of Mathletes and a mentor in the RAY mentoring program. Ms. Woods has been on the varsity track team all four years of high school as a middle-distance runner and she is the co-captain of the Maximum Quotient Track Club. Garesia plans to attend the University of Iowa on an academic scholarship with the goal of becoming a pediatrician.

Last but not least is Stephanie Patzelt. Stephanie is a member of the National Honor’s Society and has been on the high honor roll every semester since she entered high school. Stephanie has earned more than 400 hours of community service for her work at Bloom High School and in the community. She has been a member of mathletes, drama club, and Business Professionals of America. During her senior year, Stephanie participated in Bloom’s Early College Initiative which allowed her to take classes at the community college while still a high school student. Stephanie will attend Purdue Univeristy in the fall with the goal of becoming an accountant.

“Three top scholars,” said Bloom 206 Superintendent Lenell Navarre. “Our students are hard workers, brilliant minds and dedicated learners. Johnny, Stephanie and Garesia are all wonderfully gifted young people, but they are not alone in that space. The educators of Bloom High School got to watch 352 students leave this institution with bright futures ahead. I am thankful to those students for their determination, thankful to their families for trusting in us, and thankful to the teaching staff for pouring their hearts into education.”