District 99 Recognizes 24 Seniors in the Top 2 Percent of the Class of 2015

Submitted by Community High School District 99.

Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove recognizes 24 seniors, including students from North High School and South High School, who are part of the top two percent of their senior classes academically in 2015.

“The students in the top two percent in their class have consistently achieved a very high level of academic performance throughout their high school years,” says District 99 Superintendent Mark McDonald. “Their participation in various extracurricular and athletic programs also shows they are well-rounded people, and well-prepared for success in the future.”

North High’s top two percent of the senior class academically in 2015 includes: Front row (l-r): Allison Kirkegaard, Samantha Young, Clare Lohrmann, Megan Scantlen and Emma McDonnell. Back row (l-r): Principal Scott Kasik, Katelyn Edel, Zachary Christensen, Zachary Jahn, Darius Daugvila and Adam Behnke.

The top two percent of students, listed alphabetically, from North High School include:

Adam Behnke is the son of Jennifer and Mark Behnke of Downers Grove. He will major in electrical engineering at Purdue University next fall. Adam’s favorite memory: “The band trip to New York to play in Carnegie Hall. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Zachary Christensenis the son of Janice and Jason Christensen of Downers Grove. Zac plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis and study biochemistry; he will compete on the school’s cross country and track teams. Zac’s favorite memory was placing 2nd at the IHSA State cross country meet his junior year: “We thought we would finish well, but we were not a favorite to win a trophy. When we heard the announcement that we got second, our team didn’t even cheer. We were so shocked that nobody knew what to do.”

Darius Daugvila is the son of Cheryl and Marius Daugvila of Downers Grove. He will attend either Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology or Purdue University next fall. Darius’ favorite memory: “The New York trip for band and playing at Carnegie Hall.”

Katelyn Edel is the daughter of Marcia and Mark Edel of Downers Grove. She plans to double major in biology and graphic design at Beloit Collge. Katelyn’s favorite memory: “All the great spontaneous moments and friendship I found in theater stage crew, from the organized chaos of rehearsal week scenery changes to learning to make break-away glass at the state Thespian festival.”

Zachary Jahn is the son of Sue and Randall Jahn of Downers Grove. He plans to study finance and management at the University of Michigan in the fall. Zachary’s favorite memory: “Spending a summer on the North High France trip with friends and teachers.”

Allison Kirkegaard is the daughter of Margaret and Dana Kirkegaard of Downers Grove. She plans to study next fall at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Allison’s favorite memory: “Touring to NYC with the band and performing in Carnegie Hall.”

Clare Lohrmannis the daughter of Mary and Ulrich Lohrmann of Downers Grove. She plans to study computer science at George Washington University. Clare’s favorite memory: “Participating in the ESRP program at Argonne.”

Emma McDonnell is the daughter of Sandra and Joel McDonnell of Downers Grove. She plans to major in computer science at Northwestern University, in order to pursue a career designing adaptive technology for people with special needs. Emma’s favorite memory: “The experience of getting to assistant direct this year’s fall play, Harvey.”

Megan Scantlen is the daughter of Cheryl and Steve Scantlen of Downers Grove. She will study biology on a pre-med track at Northeastern University. Megan’s favorite memory: “When Annie Wagner was voted Homecoming Queen my junior year. I thought it was so great that our school came together to honor such an inspirational girl.”

Samantha Young is the daughter of Winnie Ruo and Steven Young of Oak Brook. She plans to double major in theoretical physics and mathematics at Loyola University. Samantha’s favorite memory: “Touring Europe with the District 99 orchestra and sitting as first chair cellist for the tour.”

South High’s top two percent of the senior class academically in 2015 includes: Front row (l-r): Timothy Arnold, Summer Bakr, Kyla Swain, Rachele Wen, Allison Williams, Abigail Kargol and Reese Richardson. Back row (l-r): Michael Baer, Zachary Kennedy, Eric Wynne, Cody Becker, Karthik Pillalamarri, Brett Cohen and Christopher Plantz.

South High’s top two percent of students, listed alphabetically, include:

Timothy Arnold is the son of Stacie and Tim Arnold of Shorewood. He will study political science at DePaul University and plans to go to law school. Timothy’s favorite memory: “Working as a Mad Dash director. It not only tested my abilities to effectively plan and teach guidance workshops, it also allowed me to interact with some amazing leaders. The welcoming environment that Downers South provides through this program is truly unique. I’ll never forget how nice it was for me, as a sophomore transfer student, to feel like I had a place in this craziness from the very start.”

Michael Baer is the son of Mickie and Bob Baer of Woodridge. He will study industrial engineering with a minor in business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall. Michael’s favorite memory: “Being a part of the Photography program at DGS. There were so many fun field trips, projects, and just a great atmosphere to relax and work in a completely different way than I normally would in my other classes.

Summer Bakr is the daughter of Nadera and Ahmad Bakr of Downers Grove. Her plan is to attend Northwestern University and major in biology and pursue a pre-medicine track in order to become a pediatrician.Summer’s favorite memory: “Senior homecoming and all of the accompanying festivities like the football game and parade.”

Cody Becker is the son of Patricia Becker of Woodridge. He will study computer engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign next fall. Cody’s favorite memory: “My favorite high school memory is of walking out, under the lights, onto the home field for my first varsity football game.”

Brett Cohen is the son of Kim and Bill Cohen of Woodridge. He plans to pursue an independent study of neuroscience as a James Scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brett’s favorite memory: “Being part of the musicals. To end my high school career as the lead role in the musical is a dream come true and I have cherished the entire experience.”

Abby Kargol of Downers Grove is the daughter of Ann Marie and Jeff Kargol. She will attend the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities and major in biomedical engineering in order to pursue scientific research. Abby’s favorite memory: “Running in the state meet for track last year was amazing! I ran at noon and had the best race of my life. Then I got to sit out in the sun with my coach and watch two of my teammates set records too! I’ll never forget any part of that day.”

Zachary Fleming Kennedy is the son of Linda and Kevin Kennedy of Darien. He is in the process of deciding where to study chemical engineering in the fall. Zachary’s favorite memory: “Spending the weekend with my closest friends in Peoria for the 2015 State Speech Tournament was a lot of fun! I got to share a successful, memorable, and meaningful experience with my teammates, coaches and friends. I’ll never forget the memories we made together.”

Karthik Pillalamarri is the son of Venhatesh and Sree Vani Pillalamarri of Downers Grove. He plans to attend The Ohio State University and major in biomedical engineering with a pre-med track. Karthik’s favorite memory: “My time at DECA State Competition was a truly rewarding and fulfilling experience. I learned more about business skills and how to be adequately prepared for my future career than I could ever imagine.”

Christopher Lawrence Plantz is the son of Lynn Sheppard and Jeff Plantz of Downers Grove. He plans to study materials engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall. Christopher’s favorite memories: “Playing at Purdue University and other showcases with the Jazz Ensemble.”

Reese Richardson is the son of Kelly and Michael Richardson of Woodridge. He plans to major in both biology and physics at North Central College. Reese’s favorite memory: “Going to Kansas and competing at the 2014 National Speech and Debate Tournament with my speech teammates. It was an enriching experience that made me a better communicator as well as taught me to aspire to only the highest goals.”

Kyla Elizabeth Swain is the daughter of Judi and Robert Swain of Downers Grove. She will major in biomedical engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the fall. Kyla’s favorite memory: “Going to marching band competitions and performing with all of my friends. There is something magical about such a big group of people sharing a passion and working towards a common goal.”

Rachele Wen is the daughter of Ting and Yung Wen of Downers Grove. She plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and study bioengineering. Rachele’s favorite memory: “Due to the size of our class, meeting new people each year. Becoming friends, I have been able to create high school memories with them and I truly appreciate that.”

Allison Sarah Williams is the daughter of Terri and Glenn Williams of Downers Grove. She will attend the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado in the fall, where she will study chemical engineering and pursue a career in energy use or environmental science. Allison’s favorite memory: “Performing with the ILMEA 2014-15 All-State Orchestra… The powerful sound and incredible ensemble of that orchestra are something that I may never get to experience again, and it was unbelievable and breathtaking to make music with amazingly talented musicians.”

Eric Michael Wynne is the son of Sherri Baker and Michael Wynne of Woodridge. He will attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and study physics, with a minor in computer science. Eric’s favorite high school memory: “Running the lighting console for the musical The Wiz my sophomore year.”

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