District 230 announces National Merit Finalists

Consolidated High School District 230 congratulates three seniors for being named National Merit Finalists.

Geirard Fernandez (Victor J. Andrew HS) is a 4-year member of Mathletes and Scholastic Bowl teams and a 2-year member of ACES Team (Academic Challenge in Engineering and Science). He also serves as Secretary for National Honors Society, Community Service Chair for Spanish Honors Society, Secretary for Senior Class Council, and Lead for Peer Communications Group. Fernandez is a tutor, transfer student ambassador and a member of Varsity Athletic Leadership Team. He is also been the boys' basketball manager for three years and a member of the track team for three years. Outside of school, he volunteers at the Tinley Park Public Library for their Fairy Tale Theatre productions and at Advocate South Suburban Hospital.

After Andrew, he plans to study biology in hopes of becoming a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist. He says, “I think Andrew prepared me very well academically with stellar teachers and full access to all the AP courses that I could need. There is a great support system here, and I have never felt like I haven't been able to get academic assistance.”

Tia Johnson (Victor J. Andrew HS) is currently involved in the Chess Club and the Theater Department, and while she does not currently hold a leadership title, she frequently mentors newer members and leads when necessary.

Among the top 5% of her class, Tia is a stellar student. Beyond Andrew Johnson plans to attend Illinois Institute of Technology where she will major in Computer Science or a similar field.

Ranked in the top 10% of his class, Ian Orbeck (Carl Sandburg HS) has been an active member of the Chess Team, Mathletes, eSports, and Mu Alpha Theta - all while balancing a rigorous course load.

School counselor Matt Matkovich says, “As a student, he not only acts as an active learner, but he is a role model and mentor for those around him. Teachers have reported on so many occasions that Ian is an ultimate collaborator and teammate. He is open to new ideas, loves collaborating, and does everything in his power to bring the best out of those around him.”