New Lenox Students Honored as Valedictorians, Salutatorians

Three New Lenox students were honored this week for being valedictorians and salutatorians at their Lincoln-Way high schools.

The District 210 school board honored the top two students from each of the four Lincoln-Way high schools Thursday night. The students will speak at their respective graduation ceremonies at the end of the year.

"They are leaders in the classroom and leaders in school activities," Supt. Larry Wyllie said. "They truly personify the best of the school's mission statement to be committed to providing the experiences and opportunities necessary to maximize the academic and social growth of all students."

Kaleigh Barrett

Kaleigh Barrett is the valedictorian at . The daughter of Dave and Terri has a 5.567 GPA

She participates in softball, Link Crew, National Honor Society, Academic Assistance, Pi Sigma Pi and Mu Alpha Theta. She also works in Central's bookstore. Her favorite teacher is social science teacher Matthew Bowden.

In the community, Barrett enjoys playing travel softball for the Illinois Cubs and working at . She has applied to attend Washington University in St. Louis and plans to major in psychology with a pre-law tract. She is a 2011 SWSC All-Conference Softball Player and recipient of the 2011 All-Area Honorable Mention award for softball.

"This honor will help me to achieve my goals because it is proof that success is the result of hard work," she said after learning she was Central's valedictorian. "Therefore, I will continue my habits so that I can have a successful future."

Isaac Carrasquillo

Isaac Carrasquillo is Lincoln-Way Central's salutatorian. The son of Angel and Elizabeth Carrasquillo has a GPA of 5.491.

He's participated in Mathletes, Scholastic Bowl, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. His favorite teacher is social science teacher Colin Hopper.

Outside of school, Carrasquillo enjoys volunteering at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. He plans to attend the University of Illinois and major in engineering physics. He is an AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Commended Scholar, Illinois State Scholar and 2011 National Hispanic Recognition Program recipient.

Cassandra Kirkland

Cassandra Kirkland, of New Lenox, is 's salutatorian. The daughter of Thomas and Karyn has a GPA of 5.448.

She participates in tennis, Mathletes, Link Crew and National Honor Society. Her favorite teacher is science teacher Michelle Laack, who she credits with inspiring her to pursue a career in science.

"I am continuing with science because she made it interesting," Cassandra said about Laack.

Outside of school Kirkland, volunteers for the New Lenox Public Library summer reading program as well as the St. Jude's Vacation Bible School. She has applied to attend the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois and plans to major in biology with a concentration in neuroscience.

She is a PSAE All-Star, a National Merit Finalist, Illinois State Scholar and Scholar Athlete for Tennis.

More Honors

The valedictorians and salutatorians from other schools were also honored.

• Lincoln-Way East valedictorian: Xue (Shirley) Zhan, of Mokena.
• Lincoln-Way East salutatorian: Jessica Meaux, of Mokena.
• Lincoln-Way North valedictorian: Raymond Michuda, of Mokena.
• Lincoln-Way North salutatorian: Nileema Patel, of Tinley Park.
• Lincoln-Way West valedictorian: Eric Staniszewski, of Mokena.