Avondale High School announces Top Scholars

“Students come to us like rockets full of fuel,” explained John Biegun during the annual Top Scholars Breakfast held at Fieldstone Golf Course on Thursday, “we don’t put the fuel in them - but we get to light it.” Biegun, one of 12 teachers selected as an Honored Educator by a student named as an Avondale Top Scholar for 2015 was on hand to celebrate the students’ academic achievements and receive a framed essay written and read during the event by former student, Thomas Coonan.

Coonan, along with seniors Marie Clark, Leah Clifton, Garrett Cook, Mia Dexter, Carly Gomez, Andrew Gretkierewicz, Claire Gwilt, Jason Koberstein, Madeline Smith, Shima Sadaghiyani and Allison Silverman, who represent the top five percent grade point averages in the Avondale Class of 2015 were the guests of honor at the breakfast event. As part of the celebration, each student selected an educator from their school career and wrote a personal account detailing how that educator impacted not only their education but also their life.

In addition to Biegun, Honored Educators included Chris Chlebek, Aaron Donaghy, Leigh Wright, Josh Neuenschwander, Rick Kreinbring, Laura Phou, Anqi Yu, Noelle Collis, Ray Went, Amy Brown, Carolyn Benson. The educators had the opportunity to speak about the students too, noting that along with achieving academic success, the scholars also exemplified the epitome of hard work, perseverance and courage.

· Garrett Cook, son of Alan and Anita Cook of Troy, is graduating as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biomedical engineering. Garrett was a member of the GO club and helped produce the school’s yearbook. Additionally, he had an internship with global automotive supplier, Magna, and has received a certificate for the completion of the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Flight Exploration program and a Certificate of Excellence for his design skills in the General Motors You Make A Difference automotive design program.

· Mia Dexter, daughter of Matthew and Frances Dexter of Auburn Hills, is also graduating as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art after receiving a $50,000 scholarship. Mia was a member of the National Art Honor Society and National Art Honor Society where she served as secretary and historian. She is the recipient of a Silver Key and two honorable mentions in the Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition, and she received a full scholarship to the Oakland University Summer Art Intensive. Additionally, Mia took design classes through the dual enrollment program from Kendall College of Art and Design.

· Allison Silverman, daughter of Robert and Lisa Silverman of Rochester Hills, is graduating as salutatorian with a 3.99 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Michigan to study nursing. Allison was a member of the GO club, class board, the leadership class and the National Honor Society. She received the Student of the Month Yellow Jackets Award, the 3D Art Student of the Year Award and the National Scholastic Art Award Honorary Mention. Allison participated in an independent study in advanced anatomy, was on the track and field and cross country teams, where she was named All-League and served as captain.

· Marie Clark, daughter of Mark and Teresa Clark of Troy, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA. She plans to attend Michigan State University to study engineering. Marie was a class board member, was in the leadership class, debate club and the GO club. She also was on the volleyball and track and field teams and was co-captain of the gymnastics team. Marie received the Avondale Purple and Gold Award twice for leadership and citizenship.

· Leah Clifton, daughter of Phil and Julie Clifton of Rochester Hills, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA. She plans to attend LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas to study materials joining engineering. Leah was a member of the symphonic band and marching band where she served as drum major. She was also in the Avondale Theatre Company where she received multiple excellent and superior awards for sound execution and stage management during the Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association (MIFA) one act competition.

· Thomas Coonan, son of Patrick and Karen Coonan of Rochester Hills, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Detroit Mercy to pursue a master’s degree in engineering. Thomas was a member of the Avondale Robotics Team.

· Carly Gomez, daughter of Paul and Kim Gomez of Troy, is graduating with a 3.96 GPA. She plans to attend Michigan State University to study bio systems engineering; Carly received a scholarship from MSU that will allow her to work with a professor on a paid research project. She was a Future Problem Solver since sixth grade, which earned her trips to five international conferences. Carly also ran cross country for Avondale since seventh grade and played tennis for Avondale High School her junior and senior years.

· Andrew Gretkierewicz, son of Sean and Cari Gretkierewicz of Rochester Hills, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to study pre-medicine and Spanish. He was a member of the National Honor Society and served as vice-president during his senior year. Andrew was a member of the class board and served as vice-president his junior year, participated in the leadership class and was a member of the Avondale golf team.

· Claire Gwilt, daughter of Tony and Jennifer Gwilt of Troy, is graduating with a 3.97 GPA. She plans to attend Hillsdale College where she received merit scholarships worth 55% of her tuition. Claire’s goal is to become a pediatric oncologist and to work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She was a member of the debate club and was involved with Amnesty International. Claire won the AP Scholar with Honor Award from the College Board and was captain of the varsity softball team.

· Jason Koberstein, son of Fred and Karin Koberstein of Troy, is graduating with a 3.96 GPA. He plans to attend Michigan State University and study mechanical engineering. Jason was a member of the National Honor Society, German Honor Society, class board and Multiply Bible Study Club. He was also on the JV baseball team, varsity lacrosse team and varsity soccer team where he served as captain and was named All-League.

· Shima Sadaghiyani, daughter of Jamshid Sadaghiuani and Elham Mahmoudi of Rochester Hills, is graduating with a 3.94 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Michigan to study psychology and neuroscience. Shima was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and was the recipient of a Silver Key Award in the 2014 Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. She participated in two mission trips to Haiti through Mission of Hope in 2013 and 2014 and is a violinist and member of the Oakland Youth Orchestra, holding first chair position for several years.

· Madeline Smith, daughter of Dave and Debra Smith of Troy, is graduating with a 3.96 GPA. She plans to attend Michigan State University to study journalism. Madeline was a member of the class board, co-president of the Amnesty Club and a Future Problem Solver who qualified for the international competition. She was also a finalist in the Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition and was awarded several Silver Key Scholastic awards.

[5/.