Schools

Top Academic Achievers Recognized by L-W Board of Education

The Class of 2013 valedictorians and salutatorians from all four Lincoln-Way high schools were given top billing at the board of education meeting.

The top academic achievers from the Class of 2013 were recognized Thursday at the regular meeting of the Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Board of Education.

It was nip-n-tuck for top billing for these students, all of whom sport GPAs more than a full point over and above the 4.0, straight "A," standard. Supt. Lawrence Wyllie said, "It is with great pleasure and a great deal of pride that we honor our top two performing students from each school."

Class of 2013 Valedictorians

Lincoln-Way Central—Danijela Jackovich, with a grade point average of 5.538. She is the daughter of Daniel and Desa Jackovich, New Lenox. In the fall, Jackovich plans to attend Stanford University and major in biomedical engineering.

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"Stanford is a very prestigious university, and the confidence that this honor instills will help me," she stated. 

Lincoln-Way East—Konrad Goc, with a grade point average of 5.720. He is the son of Bogdan Goc and Joanna Gemel, Frankfort. Goc has not yet decided between Duke, Princeton, Illinois or Purdue. However, he intends to major in aerospace, nuclear or chemical engineering.  

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In a press release, he stated, "The work I put into getting the honor will prepare me for the rigor of college."

Lincoln-Way North—Christian Gorski, with a grade point average of 5.492. He is the son of John and Jean Gorski, Mokena. In the fall, Gorski is expected to attend the University of Chicago or Notre Dame, with a major in physics.

Gorski is looking forward to success at the college level.

Lincoln-Way West—Deanna DiMonte, with a grade point average of 5.492. She is the daughter of John and Luann DiMonte, New Lenox. Although she has not yet selected a college, she does intend to major in engineering.

Reflecting on her college career, she said, "Being valedictorian is one of my goals, but it will also help me get into the college of my choice and take initiative and become a leader when I am there."

Class of 2013 Salutatorians

Lincoln-Way Central—Kelly Fleckenstein, with a grade point average of 5.491. She is the daughter of Raymond and Doris Fleckenstein, New Lenox. In August, Fleckenstein will be heading to South Bend, IN., where she'll attend the University of Notre Dame.

When asked to reflect on her achievement, she said, "I would like to thank Dr. Provis for making my four years at Lincoln-Way Central memorable. His first year as principal was my freshman year, and he has been an influential part of my high school career." 

Lincoln-Way East—Stephen Johnson, with a grade point average of 5.674. He is the son of Arvid and Anne Johnson, Frankfort. DePaul University is his selection for college; he intends to major in jazz studies and math.

"Being salutatorian will allow me to achieve at a higher level and reach my goal of becoming a professional musician," stated Johnson.

Lincoln-Way North—Caitlin Broderick, with a grade point average of 5.521. She is the daughter of James and Gwen Broderick, Frankfort. Broderick currently is considering Loyola, Notre Dame or Baylor where she will major in biology with a pre-medicine track.

"Being salutatorian will give me the opportunity to study and grow at a great college," she said.

Lincoln-Way West—Amanda DeSalvo, with a grade point average of 5.360. She is the daughter of Dino and Nancy DeSalvo, New Lenox. She is considering a few schools—Vanderbilt, Marquette or Loyola universities. Her major will be biochemistry with a possible double major in chemical engineering.

DeSalvo stated, "This honor will help me get into the college of my dreams and help me to achieve a degree in biochemistry." 

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