National Merit Semifinalists :::
LT nearly triples number of National Merit Semifinalists
Lyons Township High School is proud to announce that 11 seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists. More than 1.3 million students entered the Merit Program as juniors by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. High scorers were designated Semifinalists, representing less than 1% of the state’s graduating class. In total, just over 16,000 academically talented high school seniors qualified nationwide.
LT’s 11 National Merit Semifinalists will advance to the Finalist level upon completion of additional requirements. They must maintain an outstanding academic record throughout their senior year, be endorsed and recommended by their principal, submit SAT I scores that confirm their earlier qualifying test, and complete a scholarship application detailing their leadership and community activities.
Congratulations to the following Semifinalists:
J. Beckman – Beckman is a competitor in and out of the classroom. As president of
the Math Team, he was a key player in last year’s 9th place win at State. In the science arena, he
and a fellow student took 3rd place in practical problem solving at the state Science Olympiad Team
competition. He is also a member of WYSE and president of the Greek Club. Jason enjoys writing in
his spare time and hopes to pursue a career in business.
W. Curto – Curto has learned to juggle his time and balance his academics, activities and volunteer service. Ranked in the top 5% of the senior class, he is an exceptional student. He is a member of the Varsity Choir and Senior Madrigals. He is also a strong contributor to Scholastic Bowl and member of the French Club and French Honor Society. Outside of school, he is president of the Plymouth Fellowship Youth Group, leading other students in local service projects. As a Boy Scout, he was recently a Senior Patrol Leader and is working to complete his service project to become an Eagle Scout.
M. Forberg – Ranked first in her class, Homecoming Queen, and competitor at the Irish Dance World Championships, she does it all. She runs varsity track and cross country, is vice president of National Honor Society, member of the LT Community Advisory Council, and is treasurer of the Latin Junior Classical League. She single handedly organized a tutoring program with her fellow students before and after school for classmates having difficulty.
M. Gralen – An avid lacrosse player, Gralen spent his summer traveling with a high school lacrosse team sponsored and coached by the Chicago Machine. As a sophomore, he was named LT’s sophomore/JV MVP, the JV Defensive MVP, and the JV captain. He was instrumental in having the Gold Rush Club, a student cheering section, officially recognized as a club by LT. Gralen is also a member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and regularly volunteers with his church youth group.
C. Larkin – With hopes to be a high school English teacher, Larkin’s first college choice is Notre Dame. She is co-captain of Speech Team, a four-year member Theatre Board, and member of National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Math Honor Society. This past summer she was a bocce ball official for the Illinois Special Olympics. Outside of school she’s help several part-time jobs, including a cashier in a hardware store, scooper in an ice cream store, and gym assistant at a summer camp. She also finds time to tutor in Special Education.
A. Llibre – Spanish, gymnastics, and technology are just a few of Libre’s interests. A year-round gymnast, she practices from 3-6 times each week. She volunteers at a local thrift store benefiting children who cannot afford health care, and participates in LT’s Women in Technology Conference annually. Currently, she is ranked 4th in the senior class, serves as secretary to National Honor Society, and is a teen staff member in Operation Snowball.
W. McGee – McGee transferred to LT as a junior; he came from a class of 60 students. In his short time at LT, he has made a profound influence. One of his teachers says, “My career as a teacher has been enriched since meeting and teaching W. McGee.” He is a gifted student and musician. He was just 12-years-old when he was selected for his first master class and again as a sophomore. In his first year on the Math Team he made multiple contributions, including participation in three state events. He is considering a career in science or medicine and is exploring a combined university program with Julliard.
E. Schiffman – Lion newspaper Editor-in-Chief and anchor for LT News on LTTV, Schiffman hopes to major in journalism and one day write for the New Yorker. This past summer, she was a General Assembly youth delegate and member of the youth caucus. She is a 3-year member of Speech Team, publicity chair for Theatre Board, International Thespian and member of Operation Snowball. This spring she will be one of only two students directing in a one-act student-directed theatre festival. Outside of school she serves on her youth group planning committee and volunteers at Plymouth Place, the Chicago Food Depository and the Community Nurse Association.
M. Schilling – Schilling is an avid soccer and volleyball player having received Most Valuable Player awards in both sports her sophomore year. She is also a member of National Honor Society and helped coordinate the Ultimate Frisbee club. She is an active volunteer with Plymouth Place and plans to do some work with biology at Brookfield Zoo. A visit to Thailand several summers ago inspired her to help others; she plans to study medicine.
M. Stoll – Founder and leader of the girl’s lacrosse team, published children’s book author, and president of Dazzlin Stems Co., Stoll intends to study law and medicine. She is a member of the French National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, an honorary math society, and Shakespeare Society. As a dedicated volunteer for Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, she donated the proceeds from her children’s book, entitled “Bear The Challenge: Stories About Children Who Did,” to the foundation for which she has been involved for eight years. In her spare time, she pounds out melodies on the piano, coaches middle school lacrosse, and is an office volunteer at Bear Necessities.
M. Stork – Biomedical engineering may be in Stork’s future. A well-rounded student, he is a 4-year member of Math Team, Marching Band, Pep Band, and Cross Country. His was also a member of the South Campus Jazz Band and track team. Outside of school he works part-time at Best Buy and volunteers at a youth group, collecting food for a food pantry and Easter baskets for underprivileged kids.