Avondale High School Celebrates 19 Top Scholars

This year, Avondale High School celebrated 19 members of the Class of 2019 as Top Scholars, recognizing their commitment to academic excellence and honoring their dedication to advanced studies.

Students receiving this prestigious distinction:

Meher Yeda resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her parents Vidya and Shyambabu Yeda. In addition to taking a number of Advanced Placement classes and receiving the College Board AP Scholar Award, Meher was also a member of Class Board, Debate Club, French Club, Theatre, Diversity Club and Varsity Tennis were she received Scholar Athlete designation three times. A member of the AHS Band program for four years, she played flute in both Wind Ensemble and Marching Band and served as President of Band Council and a Co-Section Leader her senior year. Meher was dual enrolled at OCC, taking extensive math classes, Physics, and Astronomy. In addition, she served as an executive member of Amnesty International and the Vice President of Girls Who Code and in 2019 she won the MSCI Novice State Championship in the Oratory Division as part of the Avondale Forensics team. She plans to attend the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University while possibly dual-majoring in Physics or Political Science.

Zoe Williams resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan and is the daughter of Shari and Shawn Williams. As a leader in the Avondale Theatre Company for four years, Zoe served in a variety of capacities including lighting designer and crew chief (Raft of the Medusa, Romeo and Juliet), student director (Wizard of Oz), assistant stage manager (In the Heights), and stage manager (Bamboozled). She earned several theater awards including Rookie of the Year, the In the Wings Award, the Headliner Award, and the Coolman Honors. Zoe was a member of the Avondale Forensics Team, serving as a co-captain and earning honors at the Regional and State levels in categories including Slam Poetry, Multiple Interpretation and Media Broadcasting. In her junior year, she won the state championship in Multiple Interpretation. Part of the Avondale Vocal Music Department since seventh grade, Zoe performed with several groups including the renowned AHS Concert Choir. Zoe plans to study Theater Design and Technology with a focus in lighting.

Lillia Stenger of Troy, Michigan is the daughter of Shelley and Dieter Stenger. A talented Art student, Lillia excelled in Advanced Placement Art classes and presented her portfolio, “Before It’s Too Late” at the AP Art Show in spring, 2019. Prior to that, in 2018, Lilia was recognized as a Mahindra MEDCA Top 20 Honors Hall award recipient with her piece, “Rise” and she received a Silver Key from National Scholastic Art. In addition, Lillia engaged in and mastered myriad technology courses throughout high school, earning her the 2019 Career and Tech Department Senior Award. She was a member of the National Art Honor Society, the Spanish Honor Society, ran cross county and played Varsity softball. Outside of school, Lilia is an accomplished equestrian, winning a First Place “Jumping Over Fences” trophy and more than 90 horse show ribbons (1st to 6th place). She received $182,000 in scholarship offers to assist her as she pursues her goal of earning a degree in graphic design.

Salutatorian, Katherine Silverman, is the daughter of Lisa and Robert Silverman of Rochester Hills, Michigan. During her high school years she was a member of GO Club, National Honor Society, LINKS program, student leadership, and she participated in the school’s Diversity Assembly. In addition, Katherine was on the Varsity soccer team four years, earning OAA Scholar Athlete designation all four years. She was named All-District (twice), All-League (twice), All-Regional, and All-State Honorable Mention for soccer. She was also named captain of the soccer team her senior year. Staying active in the community, Katherine has been a Kensington Church Kkids volunteer and also went on a mission trip to Haiti her Sophomore year. In the fall she will be attending the University of Michigan, School of Nursing.

Nathan Reichenbach resides in Troy, Michigan with his parents, Ron and Michele Reichenbach. He was on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years and a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) for three years serving as the NHS Historian during the 2018-19 school year. Nathan was also a three-year member of the Spanish Honor Society, a two-time performer in the high school’s Diversity Assembly, and an Academic Center tutor. Nathan was a member of the Varsity tennis team for four seasons. He played #1 Singles from 2015 through 2018. Each season, Nathan earned an OAA All-League First Team award, an OAA Scholar Athlete award, and an Avondale High School Scholar Athlete award. He served as one of the team captains during his junior and senior years taking the team to the State Finals in 2019. He was presented with the Coaches Award in 2018. Nathan will attend the University of Michigan, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts in the fall. He was selected to receive the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award and University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship.

Salutatorian Suzanne Pfeiffer lives in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her parents Lynn and Mark Pfeiffer. A member of the National Honor Society for three years, Suzanne was also on the Principal’s Honor Roll for four years and was a four-year Scholar Athlete. She was All-League and All-Region track and field (2 years); All-League and All-Region cross country (1 year); cross country and track State-Qualifier as a Sophomore; cross country team MVP in her senior year; and served as team captain for the cross country and track teams in 11th and 12th grades. Active in the community, Suzanne volunteered at the Senior Olympics and additional senior resident activities as well as supporting the Avondale Athletic Department during events and contests. She also served as a tutor at the high school. Suzanne plans to attend the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) to study Engineering. Ultimately her goal is to pursue a career in biomedical engineering.

Rachel Pastori resides in Troy, Michigan and is the daughter of Heather and James Pastori. While a student at Avondale High School she participated in theatre for four years including two competitive seasons. She led the business office as Producer in three productions and served as the Assistant Stage Manager in one. Recognized on the Regional and State level for her performance program designs, lobby displays, and coordination of festivals, she received many awards and had the opportunity to travel with the Avondale Theatre Company to the International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. She also traveled to France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands with the National Art Honor Society where she was a two-year member and held the position of historian / photographer. Serving more than 200 volunteer hours as a member of the National Honor Society for two years, Rachel ran three blood drives with the Red Cross, tutored across all areas of curriculum and grade levels, and assisted at multiple MSVMA and MIFA competitions. She was a founding member of AHS Girls Who Code and received the high school’s Science Department Award.

Nicholas Kubert of Rochester Hills, Michigan is the son of Christine and Mike Kubert. Nicholas was a member of the National Honor Society (receiving the Highest Academic Achievement Award three times); a member of the Spanish Honor Society; an OAA Scholar Athlete (four years); an Individual Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association All-Academic (four years); and on the AHS Principal’s Honor Roll (four years). In addition, he was on the Varsity soccer team for four years, serving as captain during his junior and senior years and earning All-District, All-Region, All-League honors for three years and All-State Honorable Mention in his senior year. Nicholas was also awarded the soccer MVP in his senior year. Volunteering his time as a Spanish tutor, he was also a member of the Diversity Club and the Super Smash Bros. Club and served the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church community in various capacities. He received both the Presidential Gold Scholarship and Legacy Scholarship Awards from Oakland University; the Presidential Scholarship Award from Lawrence Tech; the Presidential and Legacy Scholarship Awards from Hope College; and the Michael Carter Scholarship. Nicholas will be attending Hope College in the fall, playing soccer as a Flying Dutchman.

Heather Kroesche is the daughter of Laura and Kenneth Kroesche of Rochester Hills, Michigan. A member of the National Honor Society, Heather has served the chapter by planning events and fundraisers and most notably, as a tutor for students in elementary through high school. She was also on the Board for the Avondale High School Class of 2019. Throughout high school, Heather was a member of Valentina’s School of Ballet pre-professional dance program. Training up to 30 hours a week, she competed at many competitions and worked with countless world-renowned choreographers and teachers. In addition, she participated in summer training programs through professional companies including BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio, and Complexions Detroit Summer Intensive Theatre and Dance (on scholarship.) For the past three years Heather has taught dance to many ages at Marygrove College Institute of Music and Dance, and Valentina’s School of Ballet. Heather plans to continue her dance career and education at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, as a double major in Dance and Psychology.

Simran Khurana resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her parents Renu and Rakesh Khurana. Simran has been a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Diversity Club, Amnesty International, and the Varsity tennis team where she received Scholar Athlete designation four times. She also served as Vice President for a non-profit organization designed to raise cultural awareness and tolerance by conducting assemblies at elementary schools. She has received a number of awards for community service on a school, city, and statewide level, including recognition by state senators and city officials. Simran organized the school’s annual Blood Drive, volunteered to plant trees and build greenhouses in Haiti, and partnered with the non-profit BuildOn to fundraise to build schools in 3rd world countries. She earned a National Merit Commended designation and was recognized by the American Red Cross with a scholarship. Simran will attend University of Michigan - Ross Business School and is considering pursuing a career in computer science.

Benjamin Gratsch is the son of Robin and Bill Gratsch of Troy, Michigan. Benjamin was a member of both the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society and a three-sport athlete playing soccer, baseball and three years of Varsity tennis. As a senior, he was captain of the Varsity tennis team, earned All-League honors, and became a personal and team Regional Champion. In addition, he helped lead the team to their first appearance at the state-level of competition. Benjamin received the Avondale High School Foreign Language Department Spanish Award and the Purple and Gold Award.

Seth Gooden is the Son of Angela and Keve Gooden and resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Enrolled in multiple AP and Honors classes, Seth was named to the Principal’s Honor Roll four times in his high school career. In his junior year, he enrolled in Baker College through the Avondale EMC program and earned his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. As a member of the Avondale High School Vocal Music Department, Seth performed with the Men of Avondale Choir and the Honors Choir, earning Excellent and Superior ratings at District and State level festivals. He was an active participant in the AHS Diversity Assembly, Black History Month activities, and the Rochester College Youth Conference. Seth received the AHS English Department Award for academic excellence. He plans to attend Wayne State University in the fall.

Allison Drabek resides in Rochester Hills, Michigan with her parents, Jeff and Bridget Drabek. Allison was secretary of National Honor Society, an executive member of Spanish Honor Society, and on the Class of 2019 Board. She excelled in athletics playing Varsity softball and Varsity volleyball, receiving the Purple and Gold Award in volleyball. In softball, she was named All-League and team captain. Allison received a Scholastic Art Honorable Mention for her work in ceramics and her portfolio, “Also Known As”, was featured in the 2019 Avondale High School AP Art Show. Allison volunteered her time to the school’s Red Cross Blood Drive, Kids Against Hunger initiative, Mr. Avondale Charity Week, and Gift of Giving through Moments Photography. She will be attending Oakland University on a full scholarship through Huntington Ford to study nursing.

Ari Dotan is the son of Julie and Benny Dotan of Rochester Hills, Michigan. As a member of National Honor Society, Ari volunteered in the school and community. He also played football and basketball throughout high school, joining the Varsity teams in his junior year. A Scholar Athlete for four years, Ari also won the Purple and Gold Award in his freshman year. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team in his senior year, and was named All-League and All-State Academic Honorable Mention. Ari received the AHS Math Department Award during convocation. He plans to study Movement Science or Sports Management at University of Michigan in the fall.

Crystal Czarniecki resides in Auburn Hills, Michigan and is the daughter of Sandra and Jeffrey Czarniecki. She was a member of the Debate Club for two years, the Avondale Theatre Company for three years, NHS for two years, and the National Art Honor Society for four years, serving as President for one year. In addition, Crystal was part of the Varsity girls swim and dive team, earning a Varsity letter and Scholar Athlete pin for each of her four years on the team; the Purple and Gold Award her Sophomore year; three medals at League / District meets; and she was the captain of the team her senior year. As an Art student, Crystal earned a Scholastic Art Gold Key in the Ceramics and Glass category as a junior; and two Scholastic Art Silver Keys as a senior in the Ceramics and Glass category and the Sculpture category. In addition, she was part of a team of entrepreneurs who started the non-profit coffee roasting company, Beans to Bags. Crystal won the Janet Davison Art Scholarship, the U.S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, the Foreign Language Department French Award, and the Mathematics Department Award.

Sabrina Brinker of Rochester Hills, Michigan is the daughter of Diane and Steven Brinker. As a member of the National Honor Society, Sabrina volunteered many hours to the improvement of her school and local area and to the enrichment of the lives of her classmates and local community members. She was also a member of the Avondale High School French Club and the girls Varsity golf team. Sabrina received the Scholar Athlete Award and the Coach’s Award while on the team and also the Avondale High School English Department Award. She will be attending Wayne State University in the fall.

Emily Bowery is the daughter of Mary and Robert Bowery of Rochester Hills, Michigan. Emily was in National Honor Society for two years, served on the Class of 2019 Board for two years and was named Editor of the yearbook in her senior year. She played softball for four years, receiving a Varsity letter her Sophomore year and the Purple and Gold Award her freshman year. She was also an OAA Scholar Athlete four times and earned the Dick Bye Scholarship. Spending time volunteering in the school, Emily was active in the Diversity Club and Mr. Avondale fundraising initiative. She is planning to study biomedical sciences and psychology at Wayne State University in the fall.

Noah Baliat, Class of 2019 Valedictorian, is the son of Courtney and Ishmael Baliat of Rochester Hills, Michigan. An active member of the Avondale High School RoboJackets FIRST robotics team for four years, Noah was skilled in CAD, design, and fabrication. He was a member of National Honor Society and volunteered many hours in the school and community. He was also a section leader in the Avondale Drumline for two years and hopes to continue playing the tenor drums in college. A National Merit Finalist, Noah was the first recipient of the Avondale Excellence Scholarship, honoring academic excellence. He plans to study mechanical engineering at Michigan Tech in the fall.

Kayla Adams resides in Auburn Hills, Michigan and is the daughter of Candice and James Adams. She was the president of National Honor Society, the Class Board secretary, and was on the Principal’s Honor Roll for three years. In addition, she was a member of the Queens of Melanin Club, a camp counselor, a member of choir for six years, a member of Peacekeepers, a LINK, and the Board of Education student representative. She was a Scholar Athlete and designated All-League on the Varsity volleyball and Varsity track teams and captained both teams. She was also named Yellow Jacket of the Year, received the U.S. Marine Corps Scholar Athlete Award, and earned the Dick Bye Scholarship. Kayla is planning to pursue a career as a veterinarian.