South High School Names Class of 2011 Top Two Percent

Community High School District 99 in Downers Grove has named the North and South High students who ranked academically in the top 2 percent of their senior classes. Twenty-five students in the district made the cut -- 10 from North and 15 from South.  

“Being a member of the top two percent at each campus is a most distinguishing academic honor, as it acknowledges a consistently high level of academic performance across seven semesters of high school,” said District 99 Superintendent Dr. Mark McDonald in a district release. “We are proud of these students and know that each one has an incredibly bright future.”

Bobby Baer of Woodridge, son of Bob and Mickie Baer, attends South High School. He has received the Silver Math Award, Distinguished Secretary-Key Club International award, and been named English Student of the Semester and an Illinois State Scholar. He has been involved in the Key Club, National Honor Society, RUSH Corps and Spanish Honor Society. Bobby has been part of the Woodridge Sea Lions Swim Team, and volunteered for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church and The Giving Tree. He plans to major in engineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign.Favorite memory: “From making a Spanish horror/thriller movie to drawing and acting out the stories we read, my AP Spanish IV class was so much fun that it didn’t even feel like learning.”

Vincent Michael Errichiello of Westmont, son of Susan and Peter Errichiello, attends South High School. He is an Illinois State Scholar. He was an IHSA All-State Honorable Mention, Scholastic All-American for USA Swimming and Illinois Top 3 Event Swimmer. He is part of the National Society of High School Scholars and Spanish Honor Society. He has been a member of the swim team and has volunteered at The Sharing Connection. Vincent will major in chemical engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Favorite memory: “In consecutive years, I placed in the top 12 at the IHSA state meet. This shows the culmination of the past 13 years of hard work. Also, it earned me a spot on the UIC Men’s Swim team this upcoming year.”

Julianna Estall of Downers Grove, daughter of Martin and Susan Estall, attends South High School. She is a National Merit Finalist. She received the NCTE Achievement in Writing Award, 10 Scholastic Art Awards in drawing, painting and mixed media and “Best of Show” at the Elmhurst Art Museum Senior Portfolio Exhibition. She has been involved with the Stage Crew, Calliope Literary Magazine and Poetry Café, Operation Snowball and National Honor Society. She has been a member of the Maple Hill Swim Team, and has volunteered at the Naper Settlement and Exchanges Culturelles Internationaux (Foreign Exchange Program). Julianna will major in studio art and anthropology at the University of Chicago. Favorite memory: “As a result of the support provided by the dedicated and passionate art teachers at South High School, I was able to participate in Elmurst Art Museum’s Senior Portfolio Exhibition, where I was able to see my work hung in a museum space and be surrounded by a community of uniquely creative student artists.”

Michael Holz of Downers Grove, son of Mary and Werner Holz, attends South High School. He has received the IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award for School and Activity, Silver Math Award and Bronze Science Award. He has been on the 4.0 and above Honor Roll. He has been the Girls’ Diving Manager and been part of ACE. He has been on the Diving Team and has played soccer. Michael has volunteered for Companions Youth Group and Our Lady of M. Caramel. He plans to major in engineering physics at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Favorite memory: “Filming the junior year Hamlet project for AP English in 40 degree freezing rain, 25 mph winds, and making some great friends.”

Matthew Hroma of Downers Grove, son of Robert and Laura Hroma, attends South High School. He has received the Bronze Science Award, West Suburban Conference Academic Achievement Award, and is an AP Scholar and Illinois State Scholar. He has been part of the RUSH Corps, Mustang Superfan Club, Athletes Committed to Excellence, and National Honor Society. He has played basketball and soccer, as well as baseball with the Babe Ruth League and soccer with the Downers Grove Roadrunners Travel Soccer team. Matthew has volunteered for St. Mary of Gostyn Church and as a junior high basketball camp coach. Matthew will major in chemistry and physics at Northwestern University. Favorite memory: “I don’t know if I can pinpoint one amazing memory, but my favorites are leading the ACE stampede, directing the Mad Dash and also winning regionals in the state tournament for basketball.

John Phillip Kaufman of Darien, son of Maureen and Steve Kaufman, attends South High School. He received a Silver Math Award, is an Illinois State Scholar and is part of the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society. He has been involved in the Key Club, Junior Statesmen of America, Companions (a church youth group), and Church Leadership Group. John has volunteered for Feed My Starving Children and Mount Carmel Church. He plans to major in nuclear engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Favorite memory: “My favorite memory would have to be my AP Spanish IV class Christmas party. From Apples to Apples to an excellent buffet, it was an amazing cultural experience." 

Sherilyn Munoz of Darien, daughter of Zack and Susan Munoz, attends South High School. She received the Dartmouth Book Club Award and a Rising Stars Scholarship, and was a member of the IMEA All-State Honors Band. She’s been part of the Key Club, National Honor Society, RUSH Corps and Wind Ensemble. Sherilyn has played badminton and has been part of the Filipino Christmas Choir. She plans to major in bioengineering at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Favorite memory: “In my AP Psychology class we learned easily applicable yet fascinating information. The teacher was easy going and caring, but constantly used my fear of birds against me. It made life less predictable. I’ve never dreaded and loved coming to class the way I did with AP Psychology.”

Amy Nagle of Downers Grove, daughter of Joe and Cindy Nagle, attends South High School. She received the Daughters of American Revolution Good Citizenship Award, the Silver Math Award and the Arts & Writing Award for 2010, with a Certificate of Merit for Excellence in Visual Arts. She is an Illinois State Scholar. Amy has played soccer. As part of the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation, she has helped to donate food to the FISH food pantry. She will major in business at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Favorite memory: “Sophomore year I was selected to represent South High School in the J. Kyle Braid (JKB) Leadership Foundation. After a resume and an interview, I was one of two girls selected to attend the JKB Leadership Ranch in Colorado in the summer before my junior year. JKB has been the best experience of my life.”

Jennifer Nichols of Darien, daughter of Dave and Dorothea Nichols, attends South High School. She was a 2011 Illinois State Scholar, and was on the 4.0 and Above Honor Roll. She received an Academic Letter. She was selected as a finalist in the Chicago Tribune’s All-State Academic Team. She’s been part of the Key Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, RUSH Corps and Operation Snowball. She has played softball and basketball. Jennifer has volunteered with Peer Jury and Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School. She plans to major in chemical engineering with a pre-med track at the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. Favorite memory: “I loved being on the varsity softball team for three years, travelling to games and playing in a state semifinal game last year. I love to play with this group of girls, they are so amazing.”

Alexandria Osborn of Downers Grove, daughter of David and Jan Osborn, attends South High School. She has been part of the IMEA All-State Band and was named “Most Valuable Freshman Band Member.” She has been part of the Key Club, Wind Ensemble, RUSH Corps, Student Activities Leadership Council, Student Council and National Honors Society. She has volunteered for Peer Jury as well as the First Congregational United Church of Christ. She will major in political science at Northwestern University. Favorite memory: For the Honors Orchestra European trip this past summer, we stayed with host families in Germany and then stayed in a hostel in Barcelona. I loved spending time with my friends in a completely new culture, and I still am in contact with my German host family.”

Shannon Patula of Downers Grove, daughter of Dave and Michelle Patula, attends South High School. She is a National Merit Commended Scholar and received the American Musical Foundation Award, James Scholar Award and Cohn’s Scholar Award. She’s been part of the Marching Band, Pep Band, Flute Choir and Wind Ensemble. She has volunteered for Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and the Eisenhower Jr. High Summer Band program. She plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign and major in Spanish. Favorite memory: “My favorite high school memory is making it into finals competition with the marching band at our state competition. Getting recognized as a finalist band for the first time in over 20 years was the perfect way to end my marching career.”

Meredith Richard of Downers Grove, daughter of Diane and Mike Richard, attends South High School. She received first place in the IMEA All-State composition contest, was named “Most Valuable Player” in golf, and received the Gold Math Award and J. Kyle Braid Leadership Award. She’s participated in choir, Athletes Committed to Excellence, Operation Snowball and Speech Team. She has played golf and badminton. Meredith has volunteered for Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and vacation bible school. She will major in business at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was the school trip to Spain this past June. It was amazing to finally see the art and cities we had studied, and to apply our Spanish speaking skills! I will never forget it.”

Edward Roberge of Darien, son of James Roberge and Ruby Roberge, attends South High School. He is an Illinois State Scholar and National Merit Commended Scholar. He qualified for the National Forensics League’s National Tournament and was an IHSA Speech State Finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking. He has participated in the Speech and Debate Team, National Honor Society, Curriculum Advisory Committee and Mock Election: Gubernatorial Candidate. Edward has volunteered at the public and elementary school libraries. He will attend Northwestern University and major in economics and social policy. Favorite memory: “My favorite memory was representing Bill Brady and the Republican Party in the school mock election and mock debate. The irony? I’m a liberal.”

Egle Sirvinskaite of Woodridge, daughter of Asta Sirvinskiene and Zydrunas Sirvinskas, attends South High School. She received an All Academic Award, and has been involved in student government and National Honor Society. She has served as the Boys’ Basketball Manager and as a student aide in the Writing Center. She participated in junior varsity cheerleading, and has volunteered at the Woodridge Pantry. She plans to study accounting in college. Favorite memory: “Freshman year when our JV cheer team won first place at the Elk Grove competition.”

Tiffany Wu of Woodridge, daughter of Pamela and James Wu, attends South High School. She has received an “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” Scholarship, a Woodridge Pro-Logic Scholarship, and an NCTE Writing Award. She has been part of the IMEA All-State band. She has participated in Key Club, Wind Ensemble, National Honor Society and the Percussion Ensemble. She has been part of the badminton and fencing teams. She has volunteered with A.I.D. Summer – Teaching English to the Disadvantaged, and The Giving Tree. Tiffany plans to study neuroscience at Northwestern University or the University of Chicago. Favorite memory: “Every day in Senor Garcia’s eight period AP Spanish IV class!”