WOODLAN HIGH SCHOOL
Lucy Gongaware was named Valedictorian (4.34GPA). Her parents are Micki and Jeff Gongaware. She plans to attend Indiana University Fort Wayne pursuing Pre-Dental and Dental Technology. “I chose this field of study because dental has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.”
Her extracurricular activities include: soccer, National Honor Society, student council and GLOW. Her awards and recognitions are Suedhoff Excellence Scholarship, Academic All-State, Rising Star of Indiana, all A’s all 4 years of high school, Principal’s Scholars Honor Roll all 4 years. Outside of school, Lucy enjoys hanging out with friends, reading, and spending time with my family.
What are your insights on your high school experience? “High school is not something that should be taken for granted. You need to enjoy every moment.”
Nevaeh Whitaker was named Salutatorian (4.31 GPA). Her parents are Jennifer Trimm and Scott Whitaker. She plants to attend Indiana University Bloomington. “My future career plans involve working with children in the legal system, whether as a juvenile defense attorney or a child psychologist. A degree in psychology or pre-law would help prepare me for either of these career choices.”
Throughout her high school career, Naveah participated in Show Choir, student council, Service Club, National Honors Society, and the school musical/play; she’s been an active member in her church community by leading the worship team as a vocalist.
Awards and recognitions: straight A’s throughout high school, honor roll and high honor roll all four years, along with the principal scholar’s honor roll; junior year – Rising Star of Indiana award; Best Performer award for show choir. Her hobbies include: she is passionate about music and singing. Besides music, she loves to write. She has notebooks filled with unfinished novels and a million writing prompts.
About high school, Naveah had this to say, “High School was an adventure where I got to explore my creative interests and try new things as well as meet new people. I’ve spent a lot of time in high school trying to figure out who I am and who I’m going to be, but part of graduating is realizing I have more than enough time to decide what I’m going to do with my life.”
EAST ALLEN UNIVERSITY
Alexis Carvajal was named Valedictorian (4.35 GPA). Her parents are Joy Chrisman and Fernando Carvajal. She plans to attend Indiana University Bloomington to study Pre-Law/Law. Alexis says, “I am passionate about the field and helping those who need representation.”
Extracurriculars that Alexis participated in include National Honor Society and Employed by Starbucks. She was on the Dean’s list all four years, Rising Stars of Indiana Award, and IU Cox Legacy Scholarship (full ride).
“Attending EAU has put me in an excellent position for my freshman year of college. I was able to complete college courses with a good high school support system. EAU has prepared me further in my degree and prepared me for college. One thing that helped me be successful was to complete my work in a timely manner,” stated Carvajel. Outside of school she enjoys reading and hanging out with friends.
Erica Edwards was named Salutatorian (4.34 GPA). Her parents are Jodee Hirsch & Jason Edwards. She plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a CPA, because she says, “I enjoy working with money and numbers.”
Erica was involved in National Honor Society, President of National Honor Society chapter, Intramurals, and employed with Dairy Queen. She earned the following awards and recognitions in high school, Dean’s list all four years, Rising Stars of Indiana nominee; Top Student in Social Studies, Accounting, and College Algebra/Trig; University of Northwestern Ohio Salutatorian Full Tuition Scholarship.
Thinking of her high school experience, she comments, “EAU has helped me to be open to collaboration with my peers and problem solve through critical thinking activities and group projects. EAU has also helped prepare me for college. One lesson I’ve learned was that a little effort goes a long way.” Outside of school Erica enjoys hanging out with friends, baking, and reading.
HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL
Claire Bickel was named Valedictorian (4.35GPA). Her parents are Angie and Jon Bickel. After high school, she plans to attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in Kinesiology, saying “I chose this field of study because of my interest in the health and well-being of the body.”
Claire’s extracurriculars include Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, National Honors Society, Fellow of Christian Athletes. She also earned the following awards and recognitions: Sertoma Award, outstanding English student award, Academic all-state in volleyball. First team all- conference in volleyball and basketball., academic all-state honorable mention for basketball. Her hobbies are coaching kids’ sports. When asked about her insights on high school, she stated, “Hard work pays off!”
Raelyn Mullins was named Salutatorian (4.32GPA). Her parents are Jennifer and Casey Mullins. She plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne and pursue a degree in Biology stating, “I feel that it is my calling to work with plants and animals in some way, and I think a biology degree would provide the right education for such careers.”
Her extracurriculars include golf, basketball, and softball. Raelyn earned the following awards and recognitions: Rising Star of Indiana, 1st team all ACAC for golf, Scholar athlete, and Principal’s list. Outside of school, she enjoys gardening, reading, walking, spending time with family/friends, being outside.
Raelyn’s insights about high school: “Grow through what you go through!”
LEO HIGH SCHOOL
Haylee Schott was named Valedictorian (4.41 GPA). Her parents are Trent and Lindsay Schott. She plans to attend University of Saint Francis and major in Biology/Pre- Physician Assistant. “I selected biology as my chosen major because I have always been passionate about science. Science courses are a favorite of mine and greatly interest me, especially the PLTW biomedical classes offered at my high school. As a physician assistant, I will have the ability to meet with and help patients firsthand. I will also be able to achieve my goal of giving help to those in need,” Haylee stated.
Haylee participated in the following high school activities: varsity softball, varsity basketball, junior varsity basketball, junior varsity volleyball, National Honor Society, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She received several awards and recognitions including: softball All-Conference Honorable Mention and 2nd Team; Basketball All-Conference Honorable Mention, as well as ICGSA Academic All-State and IBCA 1st Team Academic All-State; National Merit Commended Scholar and a Rising Star of Indiana.
Outside of school, she enjoys playing sports such as basketball and softball, reading books, baking, drawing, and spending time with her friends and family.
Haylee’s advice about high school? “High School isn’t all about grades or tests because those aren’t the things you will remember after graduation. It’s about the connections you make with one another, as well as how you grow and mature throughout your four years. I might not remember what exact question I missed on my statistics quiz, but I will reminisce about Friday night games with my friends!”
Emma Tkacz was named Salutatorian (4.40 GPA). Her parents are Anne and Kevin Tkacz. She plans to attend Seton Hill University. “I have been admitted into the B.S./M.S. Physician Assistant Program at Seton Hill. I will earn a bachelor’s degree in Medical Studies and then go on to earn my master’s and become a Physician Assistant. I have always been interested in healthcare, and over the last year, it became apparent to me that the Physician Assistant (PA) path is the best choice for me.”
Emma participated in the following extracurricular activities: Leo girls’ varsity soccer team and the National Honor Society; member and volunteer at St. Mary’s Church; played travel soccer at Fort Wayne United Futbol Club. She also earned the following awards and recognitions: All-Conference Player, Principal’s Honor Roll all four years; Student of the Month, Indiana Rising Stars list; All-District and Academic All-State Player, junior and senior; Third Team All-State, junior; Elizabeth Ann Seton Scholarship, and athletic scholarship. Outside of school Emma enjoys playing soccer, spending time with family and friends, listening to music, reading, and shopping.
Emma had this to say about high school, “The time goes by fast, so enjoy every moment. Get involved in extracurricular activities and in the community.”
NEW HAVEN HIGH SCHOOL
Rebekah Fortman was Valedictorian (4.38 GPA). Her parents are Mary and Joseph Fortman. She plans to attend Ball State University to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture & Ball State Honors College. “Being able to impact the community through art and models by designing structures for public use amazes me. The thought of positively impacting people through architecture has always been a dream of mine.”
Rebekah participated in the following extracurricular/community activities: Student Council (VP), National Honors Society (VP), Students Against Destructive Decisions (P), Band, Campus Life Student Leader, Lifeway Youth Student Leader, and Internship at Architecture Firm. She earned the following awards and recognitions: DAR Good Citizen recognition, Rising Stars of Indiana, American Legion Auxiliary Hoosier Girls State, Presidential Scholarship of Ball State.
Rebekah had these insights to share about high school, “Even though high school is very stressful a lot of the times, it has been one of the best experiences. The welcoming environment from many of the teachers and students is unmatched. High School is something I’m definitely going to miss.” She enjoys listening to music, going to the gym, babysitting, spending time with my family, cleaning/organizing.
Jessica Same was named Salutatorian (4.37 GPA). Her parents are Mike and Lynn Same. She undecided about her college currently but she is planning on receiving a BA or BS in Environmental Science. “I care a lot about environmental protection, research and sustainability because it is the key to our health and future.” Her extracurriculars include marching band all 4 years, Winter Guard, Studio dance, National Honor Society, Club meetings, Academic Superbowl, Show Choir band (1 year). Her awards and recognitions: Rising Star of Indiana, Presidential Scholarship from Loyola University Chicago, and selected for the Lilly Scholars program at Purdue.
Jessica says this about high school: “High school is the best opportunity for youth to explore their interests. Challenge yourself inside and outside of school before you become an adult. As Feris Bueller put it, ’Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.’”
Out of all my interests I love listening to music the most, watching different types of series and movies, reading, drawing, and interested in travel.
