IA West Senior Honors Program
Class of 2020
Principal Gibson's Opening Remarks
IA West Class of 2020 Valedictorians & Salutatorian
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
CUM LAUDE HONOREES: These students have maintained a cumulative grade point average between 3.5 and 3.74 and are being recognized as cum laude honorees. Please congratulate these students for their outstanding academic achievement.
Paul Adam
Michael Bakdaleyeh
Ayden Barber
Coren Bargy
Thomas Bonnen
Erin Christmas
Grace Cyporyn
Ethan DeGuire
Thomas Fulton
Che' Hamm
Nathan Heimke
Melody Kondoff
Haley Kryzhan
Mackenzie Palmer
Muhammad Rauf
Dhruv Sharma
Brooke Stempien
Luke Twigg
Mithun Vidhya-Ponraj
MAGNA CUM LAUDE HONOREES: These students are being awarded the designation of magna cum laude for maintaining a cumulative grade point average between 3.75 and 3.89. Please recognize these students for their superior dedication and hard work.
Oluwalayomi Akande
Luke Aman
Tessa Biondo
Jared Bonebright
Alison Brei
Autumn Christensen
Taima Ezzeddine
Stella Fairbanks
Manasvi Goli
Ava Gordon
Matthew Hanson
Sophia Johnecheck
Grant Kanak
William Miller
Madinabonu Nosirova
Elizabeth Sack
Everett Sack
Maya Sheth
Morgan Ullrich
Marta Vaitkaitis
Hemanth Yellagoud
SUMMA CUM LAUDE HONOREES: These students have achieved grade point averages between 3.9 and 4.0 and have earned the distinction of summa cum laude. Please celebrate these students for their exemplary achievements.
Eve Corriveau
Grace Feather
Laura Flores
Seta Hagopian
Lillian Lesniak
Theresa McDonald
Shealy Nielsen
Megan Ploucha
Bianca Pol
Nicholas Stankovich
Lauren Tate
Cassidy Thompson
Abigail Thomson
Adam Vella
Mateusz Walek
Tara Walsh
Isabella Wloch
SCIENCE DEPARTMENT AWARDS
DP2 Physics
BIANCA POL
The recipient of the 2020 DP2 Physics Department Award is Bianca Pol. Now you might be surprised to learn that Bianca almost did not take DP Physics. I vividly remember having conversations with her at the end of sophomore year regarding her decision. She was very interested in theoretical physics, but told me that she did not like mechanics and was worried that that was all DP Physics would be. Well at some point over the summer, she changed her mind and I hope that she has come to be as happy with that decision as I am.
When I think about what sets Bianca apart, the word that comes to mind is passion. Whether it is giving up her entire Spring Break junior year to design and teach a STEM camp for middle school girls, or how just a few weeks ago at 3 in the morning she forwarded me an article from Quanta Magazine about how new evidence has been found that could explain the imbalance between matter and antimatter, Bianca has consistently demonstrated her incredible passion for physics and science in general. Bianca, I am very pleased to be able to give you the 2020 DP2 Physics Department Award. It has been a true honor and pleasure being able to teach you over the past two and a half years. I am so proud of what you have been able to accomplish and look forward to what you will be able to do in the future.
DP Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS) Award:
TESSA BIONDO
This student proclaimed that by senior year, you should be almost 100% self-sufficient in their lives and take consequences to their actions. ESS is a class all about responsibility, actions, and consequences. Only 2 days absent and never a tardy...sounds like a serious case of holding yourself responsible for getting to school on time, ready to learn and the reward, a sense of accomplishment, command of the content and a high scoring grade.
How about actions like getting so into your Internal Assessment research that the topic goes through several permutations until you really feel like you are answering some big questions?
I appreciate the effort, respect, and caring personality, which suits this class's interdisciplinary nature.
Congratulations to Ms. Tessa Biondo, the recipient of the 2020 Excellence in DP Environmental Systems and Societies Award.
DP2 Chemistry
ISABELLA WLOCH
As usual this year the senior chemistry award will be going to a very deserving and highly intelligent individual. I have known this person for the past two years and have watched them grow into a confident, well rounded student.
When I first met this young person, stress was a major factor in their life. It was getting in the way of learning and making things much more difficult. Convincing this young lady of her god given natural abilities was challenging. She was trying to please everyone and simply couldn’t please herself. Over time, and especially during senior year, things fell into place. It was fantastic to watch this person develop the confidence and understanding that she is an amazing person. She finally realized what her peers and teachers had known for a long time. This young lady is a pleasure to have in the chemistry classroom. She brightens up the room simply by walking in. She is a friend to all and leader when it is necessary. To this person I would like to say it has been a pleasure to have been your teacher.
The person I am pleased to give this award to is Miss Isabella Wloch. You deserve it and so much more. Now go amaze others with your talent and abilities.
DP2 BIOLOGY
MATEUSZ WALEK
Hello True Believers…. When I award this honor, I take many things into my decision.
Have they put in an honest effort?
What are their interactions with fellow classmates and myself?
Have they demonstrated Mastery?
Let’s talk about mastery for a sec...
A master of flashcards.
A master of tea and lemonade.
A master of 80s power ballads.
A master of Justice League or something like that…
Most of those don’t matter too much in the Biology world, except for the thousands of flashcards. This award could go to so many awesome, hardworking members of the Class of 2020, but I can only give this to one.
This student answers Yes to all my questions and does it with the utmost integrity and respect.
I believe this individual will blaze their own trails in the future and I am excited to see what they do!
History department award
DP2 History
SPENCER GOOD
Hello Class of 2020! As you all know, I’m Mr. Greenblatt and I’m here to present the Senior History Department Award.
Mr. McGuire, Mrs. Heffelbower, and I sat down several times to discuss who we wanted to honor with this award. Think of us as a modern day Big Three, though our Yalta Conference took place in the Teacher’s Office. We threw around several names, discussed various metrics, and eventually came to a conclusion. The student that we chose has shown great improvement across their four years at the IA, excelling not only in DP History, but also becoming a more integral and influential part of the Class of 2020.
One quality that always makes a student stand out is passion. A passion for learning. A passion that is shown through discussion, through asking questions, through finding ways to be truly engaged in the classroom. This passion separates the observers from the contributors, the students from the scholars. It is in part the passion of this student that has earned them the Senior History Department Award.
The student receiving this award has boundless enthusiasm for the study of history, politics, and current events. They are always eager to debate, even if they know that very few of their classmates will take the same position. In spite of that, this student will always defend their position with a passion matched by few others. Some of the best moments in my class, as well as in Mr. McGuire’s, are when this individual goes up against other equally passionate students in class debates or discussions. This is indeed where the true learning happens and where lasting memories are made.
I am proud to give Spencer Good the Senior History Department Award. Spencer has truly stood out over his time at the IA. You are passionate, driven, and possess a truth-seeking spirit. You have come into your own as an individual and as a scholar. One of your defining characteristics is that you never take the easy way out. You could have chosen a basic topic for your History Internal Assessment or your Extended Essay, but you didn’t. Instead, you chose to pursue topics that you found interesting, that you wanted to learn more about, and that would challenge you as a critical thinker. You should be proud of the work that you’ve produced, as you have proven that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. You truly embody what it means to be an authentic student of history.
On behalf of myself, Mrs. Heffelbower, and Mr. McGuire: Congratulations on this truly deserved award. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish in the future and wish you the best of luck. Come back to visit anytime, our doors are always open. Congratulations!
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARDS
DP2 English
SETA HAGOPIAN
In every graduating class there are students who just seem to be good at everything. Well-rounded, hard working, academically gifted - these words could describe so many members of the class of 2020. The recipient of the English Departmental award is exceptional even among this impressive group. This student could have easily won an award in any subject area, but they are more than just academically impressive. This year’s winner is creative - an incredibly talented musician, prolific crafter, and, of course, a skilled writer. They are funny, sharp, kind, and generous. In speaking to this student’s parents back in October at conferences I remember telling them that this person was who I wanted to be when I grow up. Seta Hagopian - you are a rockstar. Literally. It has been such a pleasure having you in class and I can’t wait to see what you do next. Congratulations on being this year’s English Departmental Award winner!
MATH DEPARTMENT AWARDS
DP2 MATH STUDIES
TARA WALSH
I will be presenting this year’s Math Studies Award. The recipient of this award for the class of 2020 is Tara Walsh.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know and work with Tara over the course of this school year. Everyday Tara comes to class with a positive attitude and is always willing to assist others when needed. She is very polite and eager to participate in class discussions and activities. Tara has also been great during our online learning experience, where she has attended the google meets we have had and has continued to participate through class learnings. It has been a delight getting to know Tara and I will miss her next year. I wish you all the best Tara at Auburn University and congratulations.
dp2 MATH SL
ETHAN DEGUIRE
This student embodies all the qualities you want in an honors recipient - kind, intelligent, hard working… I could go on. He always comes in with a f"(x)>0 function on his face (that’s concave up, or a smile), always willing to help his peers, and his sick math pun game is just as on point as his unique hairstyles. I can’t wait to see what the future holds because his potential grows at a positive exponential rate! I am excited to give this DP2 Math SL Award to Ethan DeGuire!
dP2 MATH HL
MUHAMMAD RAUF
I will be presenting this year’s Math HL award. The recipient of this award for the class or 2020 is Muhammad Rauf.
I have enjoyed getting to know Muhammad and see him excel in Math this school year. Muhammad comes to class with an excitement that is contagious. He is eager to learn, which he does with patience and determination. He truly gets excited when he finally understands a higher level math topic and he shows this excitement by explaining it to other students. Muhammad has continued be just as much a participant in class virtually as he was in the classroom. It has been a pleasure getting to know Muhammad this school year and I will miss him next year. Muhammad I wish you the best of luck in your futher math related career. Congratulations.
Theory of Knowledge Award
DP2 Theory of Knowledge
CHE' HAMM
Describing the Theory of Knowledge class to an outsider is tricky. The simplest explanation is that it is a course that asks students to investigate how they know what they know. This kind of abstract thinking is often challenging, but it seems second nature to the winner of this year’s departmental award. This student frequently stopped after class or shot me an email with an idea for class discussion; for example: “How many tires can you remove and then replace from the Michelin man until he is no longer the Michelin man?”. I have loved every minute of teaching this student, who brought this inquisitive, TOK spirit into every class, even back in freshman World Lit and even in classes that he was not technically a member of. Che’ Hamm, thank you for sharing your insight and your humor the past four years. Congratulations on being this year’s TOK Departmental Award winner!
laNGUAGE AWARDS
DP2 FRENCH
LILLIAN LESNIAK
I have been overjoyed to meet so many amazing students this year, especially in my senior class. In searching for a student to receive the French Departmental Honors, I was looking not just for the student with the best French, but for a lifelong learner of language and culture. This student has exceptional skills in French, and she plans to continue to study language. She speaks frequently and fondly about her time with her host family in France and is still in contact with her host sister. She spent her oral exam explaining how deeply she was affected by the fire in Notre Dame. Honestly, this decision was made for me the day she asked if she could read the HL novel, even though she was taking the SL test. OF COURSE! I would never stop anyone from joining the journey of Le Petit Prince! It’s this commitment to exploring beyond what is asked of that has gotten her to this stage. She even convinced others to challenge themselves with her. I am very proud to present the French Departmental Honors to Lillian Lesniak for her independence, drive, and enthusiasm for the French language and francophone cultures. Félicitations et bonne chance, Lily!
DP2 SPANISH
MEGAN PLOUCHA
This class of 2020 has so many great students. Deciding on the recipient of this award was not easy. However, there is one particular student who stands out. Megan Ploucha.
For starters, she has been extremely helpful & proactive in Spanish Honor Society with the planning and organizing meetings and events. She was one of the most reliable tutors.
In class she consistently speaks Spanish and always goes way beyond the minimum expectations for every assignment.
I can always count on her to encourage others. She was a great group leader during the HL novel and it was clear that she was very enthusiastic about the book.
She is very dedicated to Spanish both in and out of the classroom. She took it upon herself to host a Spanish exchange student and share her culture and form international connections.
She is definitely a risk taker. In Spain she stepped outside of her comfort zone and tried all kinds of new foods.
Overall she is just an awesome person who is hard working, intelligent, and has a great sense of humor. It is my honor to present the IB2 Spanish Department award to Megan Ploucha.
Felicitaciones! Buena suerte en el futuro.
eCONOMICS AWARD
dp2 ECONOMICS
JARED BONEBRIGHT
When it comes to Economics, I think the best way to describe Jared is as “a natural”. He just always seems to get it, usually right away. He’s also humble enough to say that this isn’t always the case, although I’m not quite sure I’d believe him. Jared’s extended essay on the extremely high housing prices in Hong Kong was masterfully done, which is definitely not easy to do in an Econ EE. This really highlights his ability to connect all the concepts we learn in class to real-world scenarios along with his naturally inquisitive nature. Jared has also taken the time to help his classmates and underclassmen during lunch periods. In fact, he and another incredible senior, Nicholas Stankovich, approached me last year in order to set up these tutoring sessions. It’s clear that while Jared strives to perform well himself, he also enjoys helping others just as much. It’s been an honor to help guide Jared on his academic journey and I’m excited to see what comes next for him. Congratulations, Jared!
MUSIC DEPARTMENT AWARDS
DP2 MUSIC
SETA HAGOPIAN
I am honored to tell you a little bit about two very outstanding musicians that I have had the opportunity to teach over the past four years. This information has been properly vetted and cross checked many times because...I’ve spent a lot of time with these two students. So, I’m fairly certain I’ve made the right decisions here.
I’ll begin with Seta Hagopian. She’s this year’s recipient of the Senior DP Music Award. When she’s not politely correcting me for still mispronouncing her name after four years, Seta can be found making music in any way possible. She’s an outstanding performer, composer, and theorist, and a true all-around musician.
Seta began taking piano lessons in elementary school which planted the seed for her love of music. As she grew as a keyboard player, Seta joined a local kids rock band called "Interface." Seta started off as keyboardist, but became a vocalist for the band. Seta also played flute in band during middle school and high school. She also plays some guitar. And bass. And there’s been a little cello and ukelele in there, too, for fun. She’s always experimenting as a musician.
In high school, Seta has grown tremendously. She’s a truly outstanding singer. She has a fantastic voice. She’s been involved in our select Women’s ensemble Bluebirds, Lakeland Singers, and a frequent lead in our Spring Musical. As a vocalist she’s a huge asset to an ensemble because she sight reads so well. She’s the kind of kid you have in your group to anchor a section.
Now while I’ve digressed far from the subject of IB Music it’s all of this--all of these real life, musical experiences that have led to her success DP Music. In class she always has the most detailed analysis of any music we are studying. In her fantastic Extended Essay, Seta examined the musical, “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim and analyzed it using Set Theory. Now, that’s an upper level music analysis tool usually applied to works from the 20th century. It’s a pretty high level way to analyze music.
She’s also great composer. Here’s an excerpt of her brand new string quartet, Glow in the Dark, which was, coincidentally, the name of Mozart’s third string quartet. This really is a beautiful work. She’s not been able to hear it played by a live string quartet yet, but I can assure you--and her--this thing is a really tremendous work for such a young composer.
I think it’s interesting to think about Seta and ask the question, “Why is she such a good musician?” I think the answer to that question has to do with the attitude she approaches everything she does in music. It’s always about having fun, experimenting, finding new things. Being curious about the way music is put together. Seta looks at music and thinks, “Let’s try that.” Yes, she’ll sometimes obsess over it or stress over what she has to do in her musical studies or performances, but most of the time she just embraces music for its beauty, for the its fun, for its enjoyment, for the way it can be intellectually stimulating, for the way it connects you to other people. I think that’s the secret to her success.
Now, next year Seta plans to major in biomedical engineering at University of Michigan. And she will be hugely successful. But I know that Seta will always be connected to music because it’s so much a part of her. I am so grateful for my time teaching her and very pleased to be present her with the International Academy-West DP Music Award for 2020.
cHORAL MUSIC
GRACE FEATHER
The second student I’d like to talk to you about today is a student I have known since the beginning of my time teaching at International Academy. It was a rough start, moving to Michigan and taking over a choir program, learning all the International Baccalaureate ins and outs. On the second day I met my freshmen choir--students from the Class of 2020--and I met Grace. I was instantly relieved because I saw a kid who was a musician, who loved to perform, who sought out ways to be more involved as a performer. When I met Grace I thought, this is the kind of kid that’s going to be here for the long haul while we build this program.
When Grace came to the choir program at Lakeland/IA, she was well on her way to becoming a serious musician. Grace started piano in elementary school and--despite an early unfortunate performance of “Maybe” from that classic Annie--continues to play piano to this day. She began voice lessons after sixth grade. Among her theater credits as a young musician include a role in Peter Pan and the cow in her church’s Christmas show (either the show or the cow was name Moosicality). But most importantly--and similar to Seta--music is part of Grace’s family’s life. One of Grace’s first musical memories is singing songs from the musical Wicked while her mom played the piano.
All of these experiences prepared Grace to be an integral member of our choir program. She’s been in a curricular choir all four years, including Lakeland Singers during her junior and Senior years. She’s a founding member of our women’s ensemble, Bluebirds. She’s been deeply involved theatre and had multiple lead roles in our musicals. Grace has performed at Solo and Ensemble all four years, continued to take voice lessons, and excelled tremendously in DP Music. She also wrote her Extended Essay in music. Grace is an all around musician.
Over the past three years Grace has also taken an active role in the Lakeland/IA Choir Council. She takes care of all sorts of things for us from designing a website, creating a weekly calendar for students, helping run fundraisers and other events, “designing” impromptu costumes for a concert, and pretty much anything else I can come up with. Grace takes care of all of it.
And that idea---that students come in and help run the program--is so important. I can’t do this alone. I always tell my students, “If I were to disappear one day, you should be able to keep the program running on your own.” Grace is someone that could keep it running. She would make sure that everything happened. Concerts, fundraisers, festivals. She could do it. And that’s what you need as a high school music teacher. Someone to rise to that level that the program belongs to them.
I haven’t even said anything about Grace’s beautiful voice,her outstanding performances in our spring musicals, or the way she focuses and concentrates in rehearsal. She works so hard. She practices. She works ahead. She plans ahead. She takes your advice, your feedback and puts it into action.
At the end of this, my first term as the director of the Lakeland/IA Choir, I look back and I am well aware: we couldn’t have done it without Grace. You know, there’s a statistic in baseball called Wins Above Replacement. It measures a player's value in all facets of the game by deciphering how many more wins they’re worth than a replacement-level player at his same position. Grace is responsible for many wins for the Lakeland and IA Choir over the last four years and for that I’m very appreciative.
So, for everything she has done for the choir over these first critical four years, I am honored to present Grace Feather with the International Academy-West Vocal Music Award.
Thank you.
Dr. Nelson's Recorded Speech for Seta & Grace:
CONCERT BAND
EVERETT SACK
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Everett Sack on being awarded the IA Senior Award for Concert Band. Everett has worked tirelessly for 4 years in the IA to be a part of our music program, growing as a musician and a leader every single year. As a freshman he was extremely quiet, introverted, and kept to himself, but he absolutely gave his best every day to the band program. He grew as a musician, as a performer, and became more and more confident as time went by. Over his time with us he has become a section leader and true role-model for not just the percussion, but the entire band. He has been a part of the IA Concert Band, LHS Marching Band, Huron Valley Percussion, and even took time his senior year to work on his own outside of school to perform with the Lakeland Wind Ensemble at their 2020 MSBOA Band Festival performance, where the group earned straight Superior Ratings from all 4 judges. It was one of their best performances in the last 20 years, and Everett was a big part of that success. Congratulations Everett!
ART DEPARTMENT AWARD
DP2 ART
MARTA VAITKAITIS
My name is Tara Johnson and I am the visual art instructor at the International Academy, West Campus. This year culminates my fifth year here at the IA, which means that I have had the privilege of engaging with this amazing group of seniors from their freshman year. Time has gone by so fast, but if I think back to all of the memories, the growth and accomplishments (while tough to decide on just one individual) but this student one goes without saying. The Academic Honor for Visual Art goes to a student that has shown hard work and perseverance from day 1 as a freshman. This student is Marta Vaitkaitis.
I can still remember one of the strongest Freshman works, a repeating design of glasses where the background was black and white and everything seen through the lenses was in vivid color. This is just one example of how the world changes through her perspective. One of the most humble students that I’ve ever met, she creates with passion and patience, delving into the most complicated projects without ever seeking recognition. Another example of this, she chose to create a piece called “Ambiguous”, which explores the subconscious memory of faces and assumptions that one often makes about strangers. This is an oil painting of not one, but close to 20 portraits.
Her DP Visual Art Exhibition focus was on “The way that connections between people change our perspectives: I want my exhibition to explore and emphasize the smallest social cues, the simplest elements that every person experiences in their life. This exhibition intends to bring these types of emotions to public interest, and to develop an understanding, appreciation, and awareness for small interactions, details, and gestures. I hope this exhibition puts into perspective the importance and effect that people have on each other.” In relation to the current Covid Crisis, this collection of work speaks truth to many of us as we are experiencing a shift in our thinking, personally refocusing on our priorities, the relationships and connections in our lives.
Demonstrating quality and growth from every angle, I’d like to congratulate Marta for this award. She has been a privilege to have in the classroom, as an artist and overall to get to know as a person that I can respect and admire. Congrats!
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
Each October, juniors take the PSAT 11 exam. This is the qualifying exam for students to be considered for the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarship.
2020 National Merit Commended Students
2020 National Merit Scholarship Finalist
Out of the 1.6 million entrants into the National Merit Scholarship Competition, only 15,000 reach the Finalist level. Finalists represent the highest scoring entrants in each state. To become Finalists, students were required to have an outstanding academic record, the highest PSAT/NMSQT Selection Index scores in the state of Michigan, a written recommendation from their counselor, a high level of activities and leadership, and an exceptional personal essay. We are incredibly proud of the West Campus student, Bianca Pol, who has earned the National Merit Scholarship Finalist designation.
BIANCA POL
SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
Dr. Mark Snow Award
TAIMA EZZEDDINE
Hi, I’m Joanne Juco the International Academy’s IB Coordinator.
At this time I would like to present the Dr. Mark Snow learner profile award. This award is named in remembrance of Dr. Snow, former IA biology and Mathematics teacher. Dr. Snow exemplified what it is to be knowledgeable, caring, principled and balanced. He was an inspiration to all staff and students of the IA.
The Dr. Snow award honors an exceptionally well rounded student that possesses all ten of the IB Learner profile characteristics. The student must be an Inquirer, a thinker, a communicator, a risk-taker, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, balanced, caring and reflective.
This year’s recipient is someone who has modeled these characteristics throughout their four years at the International Academy. Taima Ezzeddine is “engaging, inquisitive and capable”. Ms. Piagentini said that Taima is “a humanitarian. Her empathy and concern for other human beings coupled with her intelligence makes her a force of nature.” She is intelligent, thoughtful, kind and excited about learning. She is passionate about creating equity and raising her own consciousness as well as that of those around her. Her desire for knowledge and the skills to find it make Taima Ezzeddine this year’s recipient of Dr. Mark Snow Learner Profile Award.
Congratulations, Taima!
CAS Award
JOSHUA THOMAS
It’s my pleasure to award Joshua Thomas with this year’s CAS Award. Josh’s experiences are varied and offer lots of skill development to emerge, two of the learning outcomes in this CAS journey. As part of IA West’s new IASA chapter, Joshua took on the leadership and creativity that came along with this endeavor. This activity, along with his CAS project which was to get more fit, reminds us of the role balance plays in our lives: that we can only be our healthiest when we spend time taking care of our bodies. About his project, he wrote, “helped me focus better and has helped me discover more about myself and the things I am capable of.” Josh also contributes significantly to his religious community, combining service with creativity to play an important role in the children’s Vacation Bible School experience. The balance that Josh demonstrates through his CAS journey by taking care of himself and the way he contributes to his various communities are to be commended. Congratulations, Joshua! Thank you for inspiring our creativity, activity, and service!
Science Olympiad Award
MATEUSZ WALEK
The recipient of the 2020 Science Olympiad Award is Mateusz Walek. When I took over the coaching responsibilities for Science Olympiad two years ago, I honestly had no idea what was involved. The only reason that the team has been successful has been the many wonderful captains that I have had to help me. When I look over the time, I can say without a doubt that Mateusz stands out as a driving force behind our success. His dedication and desire to have everyone develop and succeed has been instrumental to how the team has come together. Between selling Arnold Palmers to raise funds to implementing practice tests to help his teammates study, Mateusz has been an integral leader. Mateusz, thank you for all you have done to improve the team. I am very proud to give you the 2020 Science Olympiad Award in recognition of all your hard work.
HOT ROBOTICS AWARD
The following are IA West's 4 year HOT Robotics team members. They have distinguished themselves in build and competition. Their area of expertise is listed next to their name.
Programming and Programming control
Wiring and Electrical Controls
Robot Assembly
Scouting User Interface Creation &
Data Analysis and Strategy
Spirit and Control Station User Interface
DECA Award
EMMA HAHN
Emma Hahn is in her second year as a DECA member. After a rocky start, she came back this year ready to compete. She decided to compete in a role play scenario. Emma had a natural ability to meet the performance indicators and to solve the problem at hand. She came in first place at the DECA District Conference and was a State Finalist at the DECA State Career Development Conference in the Apparel & Accessories Marketing Series Event. I am proud to honor Emma Hahn with the Senior DECA Award.
The Society of Women Engineers - Certificate of Merit
LILLIAN LESNIAK
The recipient of this award had been selected based on a large body of work. This student’s name came to the top of the list when science and math teachers came together to bestow this honor. The Society of Women Engineers Merit Award is centered on 3 aspects of student life.
Excellence in Mathematics
The recipient was described as enthusiastic even about learning Calculus, having quite a positive rate of change. This student is always concave upward when it comes to their future, also known as positive acceleration.
Excellence in Experimental Science
This student always strives to know more about a topic. This is probably why they have elected to take 2 Diploma Programme Sciences, Biology and Chemistry. If it has to do with science it probably is their interest.
In both subject areas, this student is constantly working through complex, thought-provoking topics on top of the required content. Holding themselves to high standards, their work always includes precision and detailed explanations.
Actively engagement in community
This student is a born leader, there is always a plan when they are in charge. If they say they will do something, consider it done. This student has been one of the leaders of our after school groups for the past two years. They have organized meetings, set up after school lab activities, and recruited and trained new members.
Congratulations to Ms. Lillian Lesniak, the recipient of the 2020 Society of Women’s Engineering - Certificate of Merit.
mODEL uNITED NATIONS AWARD
CASSIDY THOMPSON
Last school year I found out that taking over an existing club is no simple feat. However, it really helps when you have the support of strong student leaders. This has been the case for me and no one has helped Model UN continue to run smoothly these past two years as much as Cassidy Thompson. Her extensive experience with the club as an underclassman allowed her to take the leadership reins with confidence last year and she has, with the help of our junior leaders, made this year a successful one as well. This sort of time commitment can detract from schoolwork for some students but this is definitely not the case for Cassidy. Indeed, I believe she’s really gotten out of this club what we hope all students will, an experience that has made her both a better student and a more well-rounded person. Cassidy, you are a kind, intelligent young woman and we will miss you greatly next year. I wish you the very best. Congratulations, Cassidy!
WXYZ Brightest & Best
Each year, WXYZ, Channel 7 recognizes and rewards academic excellence. The 41st Annual Brightest and Best event honors an outstanding graduating senior. Bianca Pol was selected based on her outstanding academic achievement, as well as for being a positive role model for students. Congratulations, Bianca!
BIANCA POL