The traffic death of a man crossing Baldwin Avenue in Pontiac may lead to some traffic-safety changes, if two concerned women have their way.

Charles Arnold O’Connor, 37, of Flint, died just before 9 p.m. Friday, March 7 near Virginia Avenue after being hit by a truck.

He’d just left Hope Shelters with a supply of toilet paper, said Karen Plants, the shelter’s operations manager. Police did not cite the 16-year-old driver because O’Connor had not used a crosswalk about 350 feet north of the shelter.

“We’ve asked for a crosswalk before and that was my problem with this dear young man struck and killed,” Plants said.

Since O’Connor’s death, Plants and her boss, Hope Shelters interim CEO Elizabeth Kelly, have campaigned for safety measures.

Kelly said she asked Pontiac officials nearly a decade ago to add a crosswalk and a sign reminding drivers to watch for pedestrians.

“They told us ‘yes’ and then ignored our requests,” she said,

There are bus stops on either side of Baldwin near the shelter. Most people walk to the shelter and many residents walk or use bicycles to get around, Plants said.

O’Connor is one of four pedestrians killed on Oakland County roads this year.

The latest occurred on May 20 when a Burton man stepped out of his disabled vehicle on I-75 near Grange Hall Road in Groveland Township and was hit by a car. He was

On May 14, less than a mile from where O’Connor died, Popular Pontiac musician Justin Roettger, 51, was killed in a hit-and-run crash.

He’d been walking two women home after a concert at The Crofoot ballroom in Pontiac. They were hit near the intersection of Saginaw Street and Woodward Avenue. Both women were hospitalized with injuries.

No suspect or vehicle have been identified so far, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Steven Huber.

1 dead, 2 hospitalized after hit-and-run crash in downtown Pontiac

Ferndale police are investigating the death of a pedestrian on May 2, according to spokesman Evan Ahlin.

Ferndale police have declined to release details on the victim who was hit by a car on Eight Mile Road near Lindsay Lane.

Pedestrian hit by vehicle in Ferndale dies

Jim Santilli has worked for years on traffic safety as CEO of the Troy-based National Transportation Safety Organization.

Oakland County has one of the lowest traffic-death rates in the nation, Santilli said: 0.44 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, compared to 0.83 for Macomb County and 1.38 in Wayne County. Michigan is 1.11 and the U.S. is 1.35.

“But people still get killed – and our goal is zero deaths,” he said, adding that the county road commission prioritizes safety with every project.

NTSO statistics on Oakland County’s pedestrian crashes show 12 died in 2024, 12 died in 2023 and 14 were killed in 2022. Santilli said during the COVID-19 pandemic, more pedestrians were killed because more people were walking and drivers were more likely to speed on empty roads.

“We all have a personal responsibility to protect our life and the lives around us,” Santilli said. “We need to lose the ‘it’s all about me mentality’ and start caring about one another.”

SEMCOG studies traffic safety and commuting, which influences the region’s economic health. Data from 2023, the most-recent available, shows 37,652 people walk to work, more than 5,800 commute on bicycles while more than 1.5 million drivers commute to work southeast Michigan.

In 2023, pedestrians were involved in fewer than 1% of Michigan’s traffic accidents but accounted for more than 25% of the fatalities, including 97 people in southeast Michigan, said Trevor Layton, SEMCOG spokesman.

Plants and Kelly from Hope Shelter are asking for a new crosswalk, but Santilli said that is just one safety measure to keep pedestrians and bicyclists safe.

“It comes down to: A pedestrian should wear bright or reflective clothing at night,” he said. “Don’t cross the street while texting or looking at the phone and don’t step out into traffic assuming the driver will stop.”

Drivers, he said, must be especially cautious at night or on busy roads. Observing the speed limit and avoiding distractions like a phone or food and not trying to beat red lights are among his most-important tips.

Santilli joined the recent state police Operation Ghost Rider patrols as a spotter in unmarked vehicles. He and others alerted troopers to distracted drivers and nearby marked police units made traffic stops to warn drivers to change their habits.

“Everyone knows we do this, but the drivers’ behavior doesn’t change,” he said. “Some people think they drive so well that nothing bad can happen.”

Santilli would like to see tougher penalties for distracted driving, especially if people are hurt or killed as a result.

Hope Shelters’ Kelly said she won’t stop asking for a crosswalk because it would give meaning to O’Conner’s death and save others from the same fate.

“This is beyond the HOPE guests who use the crosswalk,” she said. “I believe that lives in areas where people with economic challenges live are often not valued as highly as more prosperous areas. That needs to change.”

The city issued a statement that said residents’ health and safety are a high priority. Pontiac recently completed a pedestrian-safety study funded by a Safe Streets grant to review lighting, crosswalks, sightlines, and speed limits for the city’s road-safety action plan. The results are not yet available online.

No changes will happen until the Department of Public Works finds the money for projects, according to the city’s statement, which concluded with an appeal that people cross busy roads at intersections with traffic lights and pedestrian signals.

By KIM COOK, Associated Press

Home decor’s got a split personality this year: Call it “city glow” and “cottage flow.”

At the two international design fairs that I attended — Maison et Objet in France, Ambiente in Germany — acres of exhibition booths were full of Art Deco furnishings, island-vibe rattan seating and lighting, and lots of emphasis on sustainably produced materials.

But a couple of aesthetics drawing crowds were especially interesting.

Capturing the ‘city glow’

One was an exuberant urban vibe I’m nicknaming “city glow.” It’s full of highlighter-hued throw pillows, edgy surrealism, street art and hefty, Brutalist-style furniture — lots of sharp-cornered steel or concrete consoles and lamps that loomed over rooms — as well as rugs and wallcoverings covered in graffiti-style motifs or swaths of vibrant color.

Gretchen Rivera, an interior designer in Washington, D.C., sees it as a look that resonates especially with “younger generations who grew up with digital influences. There’s surrealist art, energetic colors and playful, almost toy-like design.”

Interior designer Anton Liakhov in Nice, France, agrees: “For a generation clamoring for creativity and self-expression, it’s loud and in-your-face.”

For surface colors, look at Benjamin Moore’s spicy orange Bryce Canyon or the bubblegum-pink Springtime Bloom. Daydream Apothecary has a whole collection of neon wall paints for intrepid decorators.

Sisters Ana and Lola Sánchez use art as a bold form of self-expression at their luxe brand Oliver Gal, in South Florida. It’s known for its handcrafted, statement-making pieces — including large acrylic gummy bears, graphic surfboards and wall art inspired by fashion, pop culture and modern surrealism. The result is a vibrant, edgy aesthetic.

A new collection, Rococo Pop, introduces rococo-inspired frames in high-gloss acrylics paired with playful graphic imagery. “We wanted to take the opulence of 18th century rococo,” notes Ana Sánchez, “and give it a cheeky, pop-art punch.”

“These frames are like little rebels in ballgowns — elegant, over-the-top and totally unexpected,” adds Lola Sánchez.

The style, her sister says, “celebrates contrast. Old World charm meets modern mischief.”

Following the ‘cottage flow’

The other impressive decor style at the design fairs was very different from the urban look. I’m calling this one “cottage flow,” and Liakhov describes it as evoking a “peaceful sanctuary, where you can play around with textures that are anchored in, and in tune with, nature.”

Think nubby woolen throws in mossy hues. Softly burnished wooden tables. Vintage quilts, and dishware. Gingham and garden florals. Landscape prints. Imagery of birds and woodland animals on textiles and wallcoverings.

Etsy’s 2025 spring/summer trend report showed that searches for “French cottage decor” were up over 26,000% compared to 2024.

“I see people embracing a slower pace to life where they can,” says New York-based interior and decor designer Kathy Kuo about the country cottage style.

“The past two decades or so were dominated by a glorification of fast-paced ‘hustle culture’ — trends like cottagecore and coastal grandmother are evidence that the pendulum’s swinging toward taking pleasure in simpler, more nature-adjacent things in life, whether or not you actually live in a country cottage,” she says.

Paint colors are also reflecting the trend. A calming sage green called Quietude is HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams’ color of the year. Little-Greene’s collection has names like Rolling Fog, Tea with Florence and Hammock.

Mixing the styles

Watching design show visitors excitedly discovering new finds among the aisles, I thought THIS is what’s fun about home decorating: You can think as creatively as you like when it comes to your own home.

You’re all about high-octane city nightlife? Come this way.

Scottish crofts, Scandi cabins and cozy porches more your thing? Right over here.

And if you want to mix these two aesthetics? Go for it. There’s space to blend elements of both, says Kuo.

“Design trends are so fluid. I absolutely see the potential to merge these into each other,” she says. “Many city dwellers love time in nature and have an affinity for a more rustic look, while still feeling called to honor their urban environment in their home. I see plenty of modern interior design motifs that are sleek and urban on the surface, but in the details, they’re infused with organic textures and biophilic elements.”

“Really, the best designs are the ones that are personal, rather than perfect,” she adds.

You could display an array of contemporary glass bowls on a curvy walnut credenza. Mix botanical patterns in vibrant, unexpected colors. Soften room elements like a sleek table and industrial-style lamp with boucle or velvet cushions and a fluffy rug. Pair polished concrete floors with vintage-inspired wallcovering.

If you don’t want to mix elements in one space, consider using sliding partitions from one room to another. You’ll create a little style “journey.”

If the recent international design fairs are any indication, you’re going to find loads of fun home decor in stores over the coming months. Get ready to flow

New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The Associated Press. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.

By JESSICA DAMIANO

In the garden, the start of the growing season means the return of dirt under our fingernails, the scent of freshly spread mulch and the first blooming roses. In my neighborhood, and perhaps yours, it also means an audible onslaught of lawnmowers, leaf blowers and other tools of the landscaper’s trade.

From 8 a.m. through at least early afternoon — five or six days every week — the hum of power tools and other machines disrupts my peace. But even more concerning is that my peace pales in importance to that of my property’s other residents.

Birds, squirrels, rabbits, frogs, insects and other wildlife are critically affected by human-made noise. They’re outdoors right in the middle of what must seem to them a war zone — with no escape. And the battleground noises that surround them aren’t merely nuisances; they disrupt the basic instincts the animals’ lives depend on.

Instincts such as those that alert them to the presence of predators become masked under the gas-powered cacophony prevalent throughout most of suburbia.

The unnatural sounds can also force birds, bats and insects into changing their feeding, nesting and mating habits, says Kevin Munroe, Long Island Preserve Director for The Nature Conservancy, based in Cold Spring Harbor, New York.

“Quite a few animals communicate primarily through song, and their songs are how they find each other,” Munroe said. Those with soft and quiet songs, like warblers, small species of owls, bats and some species of crickets, for instance, can be so badly drowned out by noise pollution that “they literally cannot build families or reproduce,” he said.

To illustrate the point, Munroe likens the animals’ songs to navigation systems.

“Imagine these songs are the birds’ roadmaps to each other, and imagine you’re using your GPS to get somewhere and all of a sudden it turns off, and that’s the only way you can find your family. Now, with it turned off, there’s no way you’ll find your family. That’s what song is like for these animals,” he said.

Artificial noises from power equipment, traffic, construction and industrial sources, can also cause stress and hearing loss in animals. A University of Georgia study even found that highway noises can elevate heart rates in monarch caterpillars.

Thoughtful planning can reduce the noise

This may seem like a losing battle in modern society, but there are steps we can take to help.

The Nature Conservancy recommends changes to industrial practices that include accounting for sensitive areas when siting noise-producing facilities, such as access roads and compressor stations, and designing them to include sound barriers such as walls, vegetative screening and noise-absorbing equipment.

Altering the timing and duration of noisy activities during breeding and hibernation periods could also reduce adverse effects on wildlife, the organization said.

What you can do at home

On our own properties, small changes can make a big impact. Because birds do their “most important talking to each other” between dawn and 9 a.m., Munroe recommends shifting noisy yardwork later. Another critical time for many species of wildlife is after dark, he said.

“You can play music and have fun, but try not to make any loud noises,” he said.

In addition, creating sound buffers by planting dense native trees, evergreens or deciduous shrubs, and switching from gas- to battery-powered tools, including leaf blowers, string trimmers and chainsaws, are simple things homeowners can do to avoid causing harm.

Educating and introducing change to local communities is important, too. Munroe suggests working with your homeowners association, schools, businesses and churches to limit loud, destructive activity on their properties.

“Talk to local municipalities about their noise ordinances and (encourage them to) create a sound sanctuary in the neighborhood (to protect) wood thrushes, katydids” and other wildlife, he said.

And always observe noise ordinances at home and in public places, like parks.

Wild animals serve as “pollinators, affect pest control and have a positive effect on our agriculture and our economy,” Munroe said. “We want them in our neighborhoods.”

Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice.

For more AP gardening stories, go to https://apnews.com/hub/gardening.

By KATHERINE ROTH, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — My first tip-off were the little things, the high-pitched little things: the doorbell and ringtones my kids could hear but I could not.

Then it was the garbled-sounding conversations, and the accompanying annoyance of having to ask people to repeat themselves. Or worse, giving up and just playing along without being able to follow everything that was being said.

Even then, I stalled for years before finally going through the process of getting a hearing aid. How do you even begin? Will it look clunky and make me feel like a dinosaur? And the cost!

Getting a hearing test, and confirmation that I needed a hearing aid, was just the beginning.

Finding an expert

The doctor handed me a list of places I could go to get fitted. I made some calls and narrowed it down to the places that took my insurance and my zero-interest health care credit card.

The first couple places were demoralizing: I walked in, was told it’d be $7,000 for the “best” option (they mysteriously didn’t happen to have any other options handy), then marched right back out the door, utterly discouraged.

I started asking friends and neighbors whether they wore a hearing aid, or knew anyone at all with a hearing aid, and could point me to a good audiologist.

It took a lot of poking around, but I found one — and it made all the difference.

The joy of reconnecting with the world

I’ve been wearing my hearing aids for several months now, and they are as easy as slipping on a pair of glasses, are almost invisible, have reconnected me with the world, and, as crazy as this may sound, they bring me joy.

After talking with a few audiologists around the country, it turns out that my experience is pretty typical.

“There are a lot of people who stall before getting one,” says Meagan P. Bachmann, director of audiology at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, in North Carolina.

“Hearing is important because it connects us with people,” she says. “Multiple studies show that not hearing can affect your ability to connect with others and participate in life, so you have to think of it in terms of overall health. Maybe you no longer go to family events, or you don’t understand your doctor. People start to withdraw. A lot of people come in because it’s gotten so bad that it is impacting their relationships.”

Steps to take

To speed up the process and make it less frustrating, here’s what the pros recommend:

1. Get tested, take the results seriously, and know that many if not most hearing aids these days are small, nearly invisible, rechargeable, and pretty easy to wear and maintain. And believe it or not, hearing aids can be fun — these days, there are colors to choose from and ways to bejewel them. One company, Deafmetal, makes jazzy-looking “safety rings” to help keep hearing aids in place.

2. Shop for an expert audiologist. Look for someone who takes your insurance or any sort of medical credit card you might have, or has a payment plan of some kind, if needed. This is a world at the awkward juncture of consumerism and medical care, but a good audiologist should come across as a medical provider, not a salesperson. And a good audiologist should take the time to work with you to find a hearing aid that meets your individual needs, and also fits your budget.

A good place to start is often with your doctor; with the American Academy of Audiologists, which lists providers on its website; or by word of mouth.

“Although all hearing aids are amplifiers, not everybody needs the same thing,” says Bachmann. “Fitting a hearing aid is an art. It changes the acoustics, and everyone is different. You want someone who listens to your lifestyle needs. Do you have a lot of difficulty with noise? Are you mostly in quiet situations? How much technology do you need, and what kind?”

Greta Stamper, an audiologist at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, agrees. “Hearing loss is not a one-time thing. It’s a chronic health condition. It should be a partnership between you and your audiologist,” she said. “It’s someone asking you what you’re looking for and how it’s going. You shouldn’t feel pressured or pushed.”

3. A note on cost. Although hearing aids can be pricey, there are affordable options, and a good audiologist should be able to let you try out options at several price points. Insurance often covers much of the cost, and there are ways to pay for the remaining cost in installments. Also, avoidance has pretty high costs as well, audiologists say, and the longer the wait, the harder it may be to solve the problem with a hearing aid. Although there are cheaper hearing aids at big box stores, Bachmann warns that it’s good to check with your audiologist before taking that route. “Some of those hearing aids are locked, so that you’re not allowed to have them programmed by an outside audiologist,” she says.

Remember, says Stamper, that hearing aids are an investment, and usually last between five and six years.

4. Know your rights. “We select what is the most likely to be successful, and if it doesn’t work out you come back and do something else,” says Stamper. She said most states mandate a trial period. In some cases, hearing-aid companies also cover the cost of multiple visits to your audiologist while you are getting used to your new hearing aid and get training in how to use and maintain it.

5. Embrace the process, and expect it to take a little time and a few expert tweaks. Audiologists say your brain needs time to adjust to a hearing aid, and that hearing-aid settings should be adjusted little by little as your brain adapts to them.

“A big misconception is that you can just wear them a couple hours a day. Your brain does better with it if you use them most of the day. Your brain needs to adapt to hearing sounds it hasn’t heard for a while, and it takes the brain awhile to relearn how to process all those sounds,” says Stamper.

6. Be realistic. “Although hearing aids can be enormously beneficial, they may not give you back your normal hearing,” says Stamper. Depending on the situation, there might be limitations to what a hearing aid can do.

“It might just be lots of improvement in the key areas in which you’re struggling,” said Stamper.

Using hearing aids is a process, the audiologists say, and although it requires some patience, it can be well worth the journey.

By DAN FRIO, Edmunds

If you wanted a midsize truck 10 years ago, your choices included an aging Toyota Tacoma or an even older Nissan Frontier design. Today, renewed versions of the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline have revitalized the segment enough to have spawned a new compact pickup class, led by the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz.

They approach light-duty truck utility from different angles. Although it offers a wildly fuel-efficient hybrid engine, the Maverick, with robust towing and hauling limits, plus its bouncy ride and barren interior, is a more conventional pickup. The Santa Cruz is classier and more comfortable, more SUV than truck. It can tow more than the Ford, but it lacks the heavy hauling strength. The best one for buyers really comes down to intended use.

Power and fuel economy

Both the Maverick and Santa Cruz start with four-cylinder engines rated at 191 horsepower. Neither truck is quick, but both are capable. Importantly, the Maverick is a hybrid that delivers an impressive 38 mpg combined, and we even squeezed out a few extra mpg in our real-world testing. The Santa Cruz isn’t a hybrid but gets up to 25 mpg combined (22 city/30 highway). Adding all-wheel drive shaves the estimates for both trucks by 1 mpg.

Both models offer optional turbo engines for better performance. The Maverick can dash from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with its 250-horsepower four-cylinder, while the Santa Cruz is nearly as swift (6.8 seconds) with its 281-horsepower engine. The turbo trucks are also more evenly matched at the pump. The turbo Maverick gets an EPA-estimated 23-25 mpg combined, which we confirmed in our real-world testing, while the Santa Cruz actually outperformed its 21-22 mpg combined EPA rating with 29 mpg in our tests.

Winner: Maverick

Towing and payload

Properly equipped, the Maverick can tow up to 4,000 pounds, plenty for a small pop-up or travel trailer, or a couple of dirt bikes with a trailer and fuel, but doing so requires the pricier turbo engine. (The hybrid is limited to 2,000 pounds.) The Santa Cruz is rated at a more robust 5,000 pounds with its turbo engine or 3,500 pounds with its base engine. One thousand pounds isn’t much when comparing big trucks, but it’s a sizable advantage for a compact pickup.

The Maverick’s 1,500-pound payload capacity — fuel, passengers and bed weight combined — edges out the Santa Cruz’s rating of 1,411 pounds, and the Ford’s slightly longer bed improves utility. The Maverick also offers a trailering package — hitch, wiring harness and trailer brake controller — from the factory. For the Santa Cruz, you’d need to source aftermarket components. Since both trucks are capable in different ways, this choice comes down to specific use cases.

Winner: tie

Off-road capability

Neither truck offers serious off-road hardware, although the Maverick comes close. Both can handle a rutted trail or fire road thanks to optional all-wheel drive, a measure of body armor, and roughly 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The Santa Cruz XRT trim includes all-terrain tires, front tow hooks and a surround-view monitor to enhance visibility, but the Maverick Tremor trim is the best choice for dirt work.

The Tremor comes with even higher ground clearance, a specially tuned suspension and locking rear differential, underbody skid plates, and modes that optimize speed and traction for different terrain. But the pricey Tremor ($42,690) isn’t the only way to go off-road. The optional FX4 package for the Maverick XLT trim offers several of the same features for less money.

Winner: Maverick

Comfort, tech and value

If you expect a truck-like ride, the Maverick doesn’t disappoint. It jostles along like a basic work truck, its street-oriented Lobo trim the only exception. The Santa Cruz feels like a Mercedes by comparison, with a softer, controlled ride more typical of a crossover. The theme continues in the cabin, which feels fresher and more upmarket than the Maverick’s plastic expanse.

Both trucks come with large touchscreens — 13.2-inch in the Maverick, 12.3-inch in the Santa Cruz — underpinned by clean user interfaces and responsive software. But the Hyundai’s extra standard and optional driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, give it an edge. You can also get more optional creature comforts with the Santa Cruz, such as ventilated seats and leather upholstery. Both trucks cost nearly the same, with the Maverick starting at $29,840 (including destination) and the Santa Cruz at $30,200. The latter’s classier features give it an edge here.

Winner: Santa Cruz

Edmunds says

Get the Maverick if you need typical truck muscle or excellent fuel economy. Get the Santa Cruz if you want classier crossover comfort or need to tow heavier loads.

This story was provided to The Associated Press by the automotive website Edmunds.

Dan Frio is a contributor at Edmunds.

Here is a list of Top Scholars of the 2024-2025 graduating class for schools in Oakland County. Not all schools participated. Congratulations to all graduates!

ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

ISABELLA SETH

Parent/Guardian: Kristina and Brad Seth

Clarkston

With a 4.046 GPA, Isabella was named valedictorian, and was awarded Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award; Frederick Douglass and Susan B Anthony Service Award; Scholastic All Catholic and Detroit SWE Award. Isabella was class secretary and participated in field hockey as captain; lacrosse (club and school); Ethics Bowl team; and Service & Social Justice Club. Volunteer work included FOCUS: Hope and Hazel Park Animal Shelter. Isabella plans to attend University of Notre Dame.

ELLANOR BRENNER

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and William Brenner

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.009 GPA, Ellanor was awarded High Honors of Academic Excellence throughout high school and received the Breakthrough Athlete of the Year Award, 2022-2023 (for all sports). Ellanor was also awarded the UChicago Book Award for outstanding academic achievement. Ellanor was class vice president, National Honor Society member and president, served as an ASH Ambassador for prospective students and participated in multiple school clubs. Ellanor was a member of the school’s varsity lacrosse team and varsity hockey team throughout high school and played varsity basketball, 2022-2023, and also participated in Club Lacrosse and Competitive Dance. Ellanor volunteered for a Sleeping Bear Dunes Camping Service Trip, and bought and wrapped presents for children through Variety Children’s Charity. Ellanor plans to attend Ross School of Business, University of Michigan.

View images of students

A.G.B.U. ALEX & MARIE MANOOGIAN SCHOOL

AREN VARDANYAN

Parent/Guardian: Arman Vardanyan and Anna Tokmajyan

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.0 student, Aren was honored on the Administrators’ List, Oakland County Competitive Robotics Association Team MVP, and High School Basketball Team MVP. Aren was a member of the varsity basketball, boys volleyball, cross country and soccer teams. Aren participated in National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and Robotics. Aren’s volunteer work outside of school included summer camps, Armenian festivals, and church services. Aren plans on attending The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LORI OURLIAN

Parent/Guardian: Daniel and Ani Ourlian

Livonia

A 4.0 GPA student, Lori was honored on Administrator’s List, Robotics Dean’s List School Nominee, Most Improved Cross Country, Excellence in AP English, Outstanding Achievement in Pre-Calculus and Outstanding Achievement in Economics. Lori was Senior Class President, NHS Secretary, and a math tutor. Lori participated in Science National Honor Society, the yearbook committee, Career Readiness Academy, cross country and Robotics. Volunteer work included volunteering at Trinity Health Hospital, the local library and Forgotten Harvest. Lori plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LUCAS YESSAYAN

Parent/Guardian: Lenar Yessayan and Roza Matevosian

Northville

A 4.0 student, Lucas was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Scholarship Test Commended and Northville Library teen writing contest-2nd place. Lucas was a student volunteer at Innovative Biotherapies, NHS president, participated in soccer (11 years) and was a member of MLS Next League, Robotics and Career Readiness Academy. Outside of school, Lucas participated in Armenian Christian Youth Organization of America, served as a New Hope mentor, and neighborhood beautification committee president. Lucas also donated and packed food for Northville Civic Concern, and volunteered at Eventcorp Charities and Northville Educational Foundation. Lucas plans to attend The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

AVONDALE HIGH SCHOOL

SHAHMEER KHAN

Parent/Guardian: Safia Jafri and Altaf Khan

Rochester Hills

With a 4.47 GPA, Shahmeer was valedictorian, an AP Scholar, and received a HOSA (Future Health Professionals) regionals award in Behavioral Health and state qualifier, and was awarded Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) second in state for Intro to Financial Math. He served on the class board for one year, as secretary and blood drive manager for the school’s NHS chapter and founded Avondale Red Cross. He was also a member of Magnet Schools of America, Model UN, Asian Student Association, and served as secretary and treasurer of FBLA. Shahmeer competed on the Varsity Bowling Team and JV Tennis for two years, serving as JV Captain. Outside of school, he volunteered at Serving Educational Equality and Reducing Acute Climate Change (SEERACC) serving as director of Community Service, International Hospital, Beautifili, and the American Red Cross serving as a volunteer and Blood Drive Lead. Shahmeer plans to attend Wayne State University.

LIAM KAKUDA

Parent/Guardian: Bonnie and Wayne Kakuda

Auburn Hills

A 4.43 GPA student, Liam was named salutatorian and served on the Class Board, two years as president and two years as vice president. Liam was a member of: National Honor Society, serving as secretary for one year and as president for one year; HOSA-Future Health Professionals, National Tech Honor Society, Asian Student Association, serving as president for two years; Future Business Leaders of America, serving as secretary one year; Red Cross, serving as secretary and treasurer for two years; Model UN; and Avondale Council of Mental Health. Liam competed on the high school cross country team for one year and varsity tennis team for three years, serving as captain in 2024 and received the Purple and Gold award and All-League in 2024. Liam is the founder of Beautifli, a nonprofit that creates and sends cards and care packages to hospitalized children. Liam served as director of community service and executive director of marketing for Serving Educational Equality and Reducing Acute Climate Change, and served as Head of Operations for Beans to Bags. Liam is a volunteer for St. Clair Orthopedic and has helped with minor operations. He also served as marketing intern for Academate, a college consulting startup. Liam plans to attend New York University.

RUDRA PATEL

Parent/Guardian: Jayshri Patel

Troy

A 4.41 GPA student, Rudra was a National Merit Commended Scholar (11th grade) and an AP Scholar. Honors received include: FBLA State Awards – second place in Political Science, third place in Business Management, and third place in Business Law (10th grade). Rudra was a member of NHS for three years, serving as vice president; Class Board for one year; FBLA for three years, serving as State Vice President and Chapter President; Model UN for three years, president, co-founder; Avondale Red Cross, serving three years as Committee Lead. Rudra also competed on the varsity tennis team for three years, earning All-League in 2024, and the varsity bowling team for four years, winning the regional championship, Highest Average OAA Blue, and Yellow Jacket of the Year in 2024. Rudra has volunteered for SEERACC for three years, serving as executive director of Legal Affairs, and Beautifili for two years, serving as operations manager. Outside of school, he is a member of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation/Nar Narayan Dev Yuvak Mandal, serving as vice president. Rudra plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RAVI PATEL

Parent/Guardian: Jayshri Patel

Troy

A 4.39 GPA student, Ravi served on Class Board for one year, Model UN for three years serving as vice president and co-founder), FBLA for three years, serving as Chapter Vice President, Avondale Red Cross for three years, serving as vice president, NHS, HOSA, Buzz Prep, and the Asian Student Association. Ravi also competed on the Boys’ Tennis Team, earning All-League in 2024, and the Bowling Team, winning the Regional Championship in 2024. Ravi volunteered for SEERACC, serving as executive director of sales, and is a member of the International Swaminarayan Satsang Organisation/Nar Narayan Dev Yuvak Mandal, serving as president for four years. Ravi plans to attend the University of Michigan.

NOAH FIELDS

Parent/Guardian: Christine and Thomas J. Fields

Troy

With a 4.38 GPA, Noah was awarded the Wayne State University Warrior Award and the Dean’s Scholarship Award, and received scholarship offers from Albion College, Detroit Mercy, and Gannon University. Noah plans to attend the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor.

SOPHIA LE

Parent/Guardian: Hong and Truc Le

Rochester Hills

A 4.37 GPA student, Sophia was on Class Board for four  years, serving Cabinet for four years, Student Leadership, Avondale Red Cross, serving three years, co-founder and vice president and participated in Avondale’s RoboJackets Robotics Team for seven years, District Champions and competed at Worlds all four years of high school. She competed in Sideline Cheer her freshman and sophomore years, Varsity Competitive Cheer her sophomore year, and was the Swim Team Manager her senior year. Sophia was also a crew member for school plays. Outside of school, Sophia volunteered with the Red Cross, the Vietnamese Church, and as a FTC Mentor with the RoboJackets. Sophia plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RAMI HANNOUDI

Parent/Guardian: Rand and Firas Hannoudi

Troy

A 4.3348 GPA student, Rami was awarded 1st Place at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America Conference. Rami was a member of Avondale Committee of Mental Health, FBLA secretary, Model UN, and SEERACC, serving as Director of Logistics. He also competed on Avondale’s Boys Soccer Team, serving as JV Captain his sophomore year and varsity level his junior and senior year, winning the Scholar Athlete Award and Individual All Academic Award. Rami was a member of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band and Wind Ensemble and was awarded MSBOA 1st Division ranking for marching band-clarinet. Outside of school, Rami served as a shadowing physician for two years, a member of Religious Service St. George Chaldean Church, and served as director of Community Service for the American Red Cross. He volunteered for his church, participated in Red Cross Bottle Drives, and made and sold food through SEERACC. He plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ALLIE PARTIN

Parent/Guardian: Marcia and Andrew Partin

Auburn Hills

A  4.3315 student, Allie was a member of HOSA, Model UN, and Literary Scholars of Avondale. She participated in shows with the Avondale Theatre Company. Allie was also a member of the Yellow Jacket Marching Band and Symphonic Band, playing the trumpet. In addition to volunteering at school, Allie volunteered in her community and church, serving as a member of Life Church Auburn Hills for more than six years. She also volunteered at Auburn Hills Parks and Recreation, Grace Centers of Hope, Students Leadership Services, MyCOVIDResponse, and other activities. She plans to attend Wayne State University.

NAFEA AQRAWI

Parent/Guardian: Saad and Raya Aqrawi

Troy

A 4.29 GPA student, Nafea was awarded Scholar Athlete, Certification of Ordination – Syriac Orthodox Church, Oakland Athletic Association Award, Certification of Achievement for Academic Excellence and Varsity Letter Award for Boys Bowling. Nafea was a member of the Foreign Language Honor Society; Class Board; HOSA; FBLA three years, serving as a Parliamentarian; Model UN for four years, serving as Vice President of Operations; SEERACC for three years, serving as Director of Sales; Red Cross; Buzz Prep; Computer Science Club; and has written articles for the school newspaper. He also competed on the Varsity Bowling Team two years, regional champions. Outside of school, Nafea is a Syriac Orthodox Deacon for St. Peter and Paul Church. He has been a Quroyo Deacon for four years. He volunteers his time cleaning and doing outreach for the church, recycling and fundraising for SEERACC, and working Red Cross fundraisers. Nafea plans to attend the University of Michigan.

CHELSEA HOWE

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Michael Howe

Auburn Hills

A 4.2872 GPA student, Chelsea was a member of NHS and Class Board throughout high school, Student Leadership for three years, and served as the Student Representative on the Avondale Board of Education. Chelsea played volleyball all four years, winning most improved her freshman and sophomore year, and MVP her senior year. She participated in Color Guard, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band her freshman year, winning first division rankings in marching band. She also played club volleyball outside of school. Outside of school, Chelsea traveled to Tennessee her freshman year to work on service projects. She also volunteered for an organization that makes blankets for the homeless. Chelsea plans to attend Michigan State University.

 

BERKLEY HIGH SCHOOL

LUKE ANTHONY ROMO DEMERRE

Parent/Guardian: Edward and Melody Demerre

Berkley

A 4.49 student, Luke was honored for efforts in Chess (#1 Team on the Eastern Timezone), World of 8 Billion Video Finalist and BHS News and Broadcasting. Luke participated in NHS and BHS News and Broadcasting (Senior Bear Awards). Volunteer work included Yad Ezra Giving Gardens, timing for Berkley girls high school swim meets and serving as Berkley Girls middle school swim coach and Berkley boys middle school swim coach. Luke plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

JACK SALTSMAN

Parent/Guardian: Karen and Glenn Saltsman

Huntington Woods

A 4.45 student, Jack was honored with AP Scholar with distinction and United Nations Honor Award (NHS). As a member of the varsity swim team (four years) and varsity cross country team (two years), athletic awards included: Swim MVP, Swim Rookie of the Year, OAA Scholar Athlete for swim and cross country, and Cross Country Rookie of the Year. Jack also participated in NHS and superintendent student advisory board. Volunteer work included Yad Ezra Giving Gardens, timing for Berkley girls high school swim meets and serving as Berkley Girls middle school swim coach and Berkley boys middle school swim coach. Jack plans to attend either the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor or Georgia Technological University.

ANN REDMAN

Parent/Guardian: Dale and Kristin Redman

Berkley

A 4.49 GPA student, Ann was awarded the Maxfield Science Symposium Bronze Award. Ann is a two-time performer in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) district IV Jazz Ensemble and has received multiple MSBOA Superior Ratings for trumpet playing. Ann participates in Varsity Rugby, Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. Ann has been a  NHS committee leader for two years and a Science National Honor Society member for two years and secretary for one year. Ann plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

AVA COHEN

Parent/Guardian: Elyse and Robert Cohen

Huntington Woods

A 4.48 GPA student, Ava was a National Merit Program Commended Student; AP Scholar With Distinction; National Association for Urban Debate Leagues JV Quarter Finalist and was awarded multiple forensic debate first place speaker awards. Ava was vice president of the Science National Honor Society, NHS member and captain of the Berkley High School Debate Team. Ava is a fencer at Renaissance Fencing Club and achieved a USA Fencing E rating. Ava is a science lab assistant, math and biology tutor and a volunteer at Yad Ezra. Ava plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

ELLA FRANCIS

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Scott Francis

Huntington Woods

A 4.41 student, Ella was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, served as student body treasurer and participated in varsity swim, (captain), NHS and Science National Honor Society. Ella was also a member of the Michigan Department of Education Student Advisory Council. Ella plans to attend either the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, or Hope College.

EMILE JENKINS

Parent/Guardian: Melissa Jenkins

Berkley

A 4.51 student, Emile was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Emile ran a class on solving the Rubik’s Cube for Mensa International chapter and taught an Honors Calculus class. Emile volunteered for Camp Invention, a summer camp dedicated to foster STEM learning for kids K-6, and volunteered at the Berkley Cares Food Pantry every other week. Emile plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

JACOB CARTER

Parent/Guardian: Amy and John Carter

Madison Heights

A 4.43 student, Jacob was winner of the Maxfield Science Symposium, and awarded the M1 Griffins Varsity Hockey Top Academic Award (Bear Award). Jacob was vice president and cofounder of BHS Finance Club. Jacob volunteered through Ducks Unlimited and the duckDNA Research Project. Jacob plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

LUCY PUGH

Parent/Guardian: Brad and Megan Pugh

Huntington Woods

A 4.42 student, Lucy was honored as a National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, NISCA All-American Academic and MISCA All-State. Lucy was Captain for the Girls’ Swim and Dive team, committee leader for NHS, and helped organize charity swim meets for the Special Olympics and Paralympics and volunteered for Kids Coalition Against Hunger. Lucy plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

SAMUEL GEORGE

Parent/Guardian: Angela Povilaitis and Anthony George

Huntington Woods

A 4.37 student, Samuel was honored as NSLI-Y Chinese Alumni, Taiwan. Samuel participated in cross country, captain and served as NHS treasurer. Volunteer work included Environmental Club and tutoring. Samuel plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

 

BLOOMFIELD HILLS HIGH SCHOOL

THOMAS BOUCHOU

Parent/Guardian: Nicolas Bouchou

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.52 weighted GPA, Thomas was honored as Michigan DECA state champion (2x), 2nd best delegate at Oakland University Model United Nations (OUMUN) (2x), 1st best school and 3rd best school at OUMUN, and was awarded the Outstanding Student Achievement Award. Thomas participated in DECA, Model United Nations, Chinese National Honors Society, NHS, Neurology Youth Advocacy Association and was on the varsity soccer team and club soccer team at Liverpool Michigan Academy. Volunteer work included volunteering at Forgotten Harvest to prepare meals, various short-term volunteering for school (for theatre and music department) as well as local institutions (Bowers Farm).

MARK ASMAR

Parent/Guardian: Dima Kassis

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.0 student, Mark was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, Scholastics Silver Key, and National Merit Finalist. Mark participated in NHS (11,12), tennis (throughout high school, and Track and Field (9,10,11). Mark volunteered at Racquet Up Detroit.

JOHN COBB

Parent/Guardian: Mihaela and Brian Cobb

Bloomfield Hills

A 3.9 student, John was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and Oakland Activities Association Scholar Athlete. John participated in cross country, track and field, robotics, NHS, Interact Club and Environmental Club. Volunteer service included volunteering with Gleaners food bank. John plans to attend Michigan State University.

GISELLE HADDAD

Parent/Guardian: Fatin Haddad

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.43 weighted GPA, Giselle was honored as an AP Scholar, IB Diploma Candidate, National Merit Scholarship Commended, Forensics Speech and Debate MSCI state champion and was awarded the Bronze Presidential Service Award (140 volunteer hours). Giselle participated in varsity basketball, Forensics Speech and Debate team captain, Science Olympiad team captain, Neurology Youth Advocacy Association chapter president and Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS) Club president. Giselle also published Alzheimer’s disease research. Volunteer work included: miRcore Volunteer Program, conducting neurodegenerative research; fundraising for ALS and dementia research at the University of Michigan; volunteer at church’s vacation bible school and English choir; volunteer at Dementia Center, and Corewell Health Hospital discharge volunteer.

PARUS DHILLON

Parent/Guardian: Gagan Mann and Gursharan Dhillon

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.5 student, Parus was awarded Michigan DECA State Champion, AP Scholar with Distinction, and vice president of Leadership and 1st Place State Champion, DECA. Parus was honored at the North American International Auto Show: Plug and Play Startup Showcase, top 150 startups of Detroit; and was 1 of 18 Startup Founders selected for Detroit’s top Startup Accelerator-Tech Town. Parus was founder and CEO of Catalyst, a platform for activists, founder and account manager for Girls Just Wanna Have Equality; president and founder of Bloomfield Hills Entrepreneurship Club; co-president and founder of Bloomfield Hills HS History Revealed Club; and Category Captain, Forensics State Champion, Bloomfield Hills Forensics. Parus participated in Bloomfield Hills Varsity Basketball and Bloomfield Hills Cross Country.

BENJAMIN GUETTLER

Parent/Guardian: Deborah Guettler and Joseph Guettler

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted, and a 4.45 weighted GPA, Benjamin was an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended Student. Awards received in high school included the Presidential Volunteer Service Award Gold Medallion, the Harvard Prize Book Award (Harvard Alumni Association- Detroit Club), and DECA 2x District and 2023 State Champion (Entrepreneurship Event) and 2025 Business Growth Plan State Champion. Benjamin served on the Student Advisory Council for the Bloomfield Hills School Board, was director of Career Development and president of the school’s chapter of DECA, founder and president of ClubLink and vice president of the school’s NHS chapter. In sports, Benjamin was a member of the varsity football, lacrosse and wrestling (captain 3x) teams. Benjamin achieved the Eagle Scout Award with Bronze Palm and was Senior Patrol Leader, Troop 1022, Scouting America. He founded an automotive detailing firm and co-founded a medical startup replacing traditional triage with Al. Benjamin interned at Seid Enterprises, Inc. He is also a concert pianist. Benjamin plans to attend Duke University.

 

BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL

EDEN TAYLOR

Parent/Guardian: Andrew and Cheryl Taylor

Ortonville

Eden was honored as co-valedictorian and was the school’s number one Flint Metro League Scholar. She ended her fall semester with a GPA of 4.33 and was a dedicated STEM and AP student. She is the founder and president of the Brandon Math and Academics Club, dedicated to student peer-to-peer tutoring. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, knitting, and doing mind puzzles. She plans to attend Oakland University to study to become a high school math and English teacher.

HANNA PARDON

Parent/Guardian: Erika and Thomas Pardon

Clarkston

Hanna was honored as co-valedictorian, with a 4.33 GPA. Hanna participated in varsity volleyball, basketball, track and field, and was also a member of NHS and marching band/wind ensemble. In her spare time, she likes to bake and work out. Hanna will be attending Albion College to play volleyball, as well as study sports medicine or kinesiology to become an orthopedist or an athletic trainer.

 

BROTHER RICE HIGH SCHOOL

AIDEN BLAKE

Parent/Guardian: Kaylin and Jeff Blake

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.352 GPA student, Aiden was awarded the DAR Good Citizen Award and was 2x DECA State Qualifier. Aiden was president of the school’s NHS chapter and a member of the Spanish Honor Society, the Medical Club and Business Club. Aiden participated in varsity golf. Volunteer work included a Peru Immersion Mission Trip and serving as Christ Child House Event Leader. Aiden plans to attend the University of Notre Dame with a major in Neuroscience.

CHRISTOPHER CARDELLIO

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen & Matthew Cardellio

Beverly Hills

A 4.354 GPA student, Christopher was awarded AP Scholar with Honor, AP Scholar-Athlete, Cross Country and Scholastic All-Catholic Team, Cross Country. Christopher participated in NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Quiz Bowl and Cross Country. Christopher created and distributed 200 care packages for the homeless and volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School. Christopher plans to attend the University of Michigan.

DANIEL HOLT

Parent/Guardian: Karen and Brian Holt

Rochester

A 4.396 student, Daniel was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, Brother Rice Excellence Scholarship and Freshman Distinction Scholarship, IKE Guardian Angel Scholarship, 2024 Rochester Area Youth Assistance Leadership. 2023 Gene Reilly Unsung Hero Award from the MHSLCA, 3x Scholastic All-Catholic Team and Catholic League All-Academic Award. Daniel participated in varsity lacrosse throughout high school, Brother Rice E-Sports Team co-founder, captain, Kairos Retreat Leader, Marian Rice Players, Band of Brothers Small Group & Core Leader, Warrior Worship Choir, NHS, and Spanish Honor Society. Outside of school, Daniel served on Charlotte’s Wings Youth Council. Daniel plans to attend Vassar College for Computer Science and play on the lacrosse team.

HENRY CLEMENT

Parent/Guardian: Kelly and Michael Clement

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.375 student, Henry was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended. He was Debate Team Captain, Debate State Champion and 3x Debate National Qualifier, Quiz Bowl Captain, Robotics Safety Captain, Robotics Impact Award winner, and Catholic High School League All-Academic, (4 years). He was Brother Rice Video Game Club co-founder and Brother Rice E-Sports co-founder. He participated in golf, track, Marian Rice Players Theater, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Warrior Worship and Kairos Retreat Leader. Henry volunteered with Ike Fundraiser Run, Free Bikes for Kids Drive, Forgotten Harvest and SADD Detroit Charity Cookout. Henry plans to attend the University of Notre Dame School of Engineering.

LUKE BORGULA

Parent/Guardian: Theresa and Thomas Borgula

Oakland Twp.

A 4.351 student, Luke was awarded Band of Brothers Scholarship, The Spencer Cole and M. Scott Mitchell Memorial Scholarship, and Scholar Athlete Award, Skiing. Luke was Band of Brothers Core Leader and Kairos Retreat Leader, and participated in NHS (secretary), Spanish Honor Society, Warrior Worship (guitar player), and varsity skiing (captain). Luke plans to attend Michigan Technological University for Mechanical Engineering.

MATTHEW KRZESZEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Daniel Krzeszewski

Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.351 student, Matthew participated in Latin Honor Society, NHS and Ski Team, serving as captain. Matthew plans to attend the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.

MAX MCCARTHY

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen and Patrick McCarthy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.39 student, Max was awarded All-Academic, Tennis and 3x Michigan Catholic All-Scholastic Team as part of the varsity tennis team. Max participated in NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Language Immersion Program in Spain, Quiz Bowl and served as a Kairos Retreat Leader. Max performed piano concerts at local senior centers and volunteered at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School. Max plans to attend the University of Michigan for Economics.

PATRICK CRETU

Parent/Guardian: Ecaterina and Adrian Cretu

Troy

A 4.357 student, Patrick was a National Merit Finalist, Medical Club president, Band of Brothers core leader, AP Scholar with Distinction, 4x Scholastic All-Catholic Team, (tennis), 3x Division 1 All-State tennis honoree, Division 1 Tennis Finalist and 4x Division 1 Tennis Regional Champion. Patrick played varsity tennis throughout high school, serving as captain for two years. He won multiple piano competitions, including national level American Guild of Music, and is also part of the choir at St. Sabbas Orthodox Monastery. Patrick participated in medical shadowing at Troy Beaumont Hospital, and plans to attend Hillsdale College for Biology or Biochemistry and play on the tennis team.

QUINN CALLAGHAN

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Sean Callaghan

Troy

A 4.396 student, Quinn was Debate State Champion, Band of Brothers vice president and National Honor Society vice president. Quinn participated in Latin Honor Society, Medical Club, Debate Club, Quizbowl, baseball and boxing. Quinn volunteered with the Humane Society blanket drive and as a volunteer for Downtown Boxing Gym. Quinn plans to attend University of Michigan for Political Science (pre-law).

 

DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

JAROD DUFIELD

Parent/Guardian: Darryl and Alena McDonald

Pinckney

A 4.971 GPA student, Jarod participated in DECA, HOSA, Spanish Honors Society (Officer), National Honor Society, golf, and cross country. Jarod is planning to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where he will major in Biomedical Engineering and Biology.

EDWARD BADEL

Parent/Guardian: Carlos and Andrea Badel

Dexter

A 4.861 student, Edward participated in the NHS, and was an officer for the Spanish Honor Society. Edward participated in Track and Field, and Cross Country, serving as captain of the Cross Country team. Edward will be attending the University of Michigan where he will major in Computer Science.

YECHIEL GUTIERREZ-DIAZ

Parent/Guardian: Ricardo Gutierrez and Danny Diaz

Northville

A 4.812 GPA student, Yechiel participated in HOSA, serving as an officer, Spanish Honor Society, serving as an officer, NHS, Swim and Dive, News Team, Drama Club, and Model UN. Yechiel will be attending the University of Michigan majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics.

CHRISTIAN BAKKAL

Parent/Guardian: Sermad and Kristie Bakkal

Commerce Township

A 4.771 GPA student, Christian was founder and president of the Middle Eastern Student Association, editor of Spectrum Newspaper, Finance Club board member, HOSA Future Health Professionals board member and Spanish Honor Society board member). Christian participated in DECA, NHS, Poetry Out Loud Competitor, Academic Team and JV Tennis Team. Christian will be attending the University of Michigan majoring in Pre-Med and Business.

AIDAN JANOSIK

Parent/Guardian: John and Colleen Janosik

Northville

A 4.715 GPA student, Aidan was senior class president, DECA State Champion & National Qualifier and Kairos Rector Leader. Aidan participated in tennis (captain), baseball, NHS and Finance Club. Aiden will be attending the University of Michigan Ross School of Business where he will major in finance.

IAN LEE

Parent/Guardian: Joon and Tricia Lee

Novi

A 4.741 GPA student, Ian participated in North Korean Human Rights Forums, American Institute of Architecture Students Chapter (founder/president, 2024 National Juror), Architecture Media Politics Society, published author (Journal of Student Research; Curieux Academic Journal; AMPS Conference), Varsity Esports – Overwatch, Valorant and Fortnite (captain; All-State), string orchestra (1st chair cellist; National School Orchestra Award), Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society (Associate Member), Spanish Honor Society (officer), Shamrock Prep Hockey Club, and Scholastic Art & Writing (Honorable Mention). Ian will be attending Johns Hopkins University to study Public Health on the pre-med track.

BRENDAN MATO

Parent/Guardian: Gerry and Nicole Mato

Farmington Hills

A 4.725 GPA student Brendan participated in Shamrock Media Team (head of announcing), Varsity Golf, National Honor Society, Rock Vitae and Spanish Honor Society. Brendan will attend the University of Notre Dame where he will major in business.

BENJAMIN TOWNE

Parent/Guardian: Margaret and Andrew Towne

Plymouth

A 4.704 GPA student, Benjamin was Spectrum Newspaper editor-in-chief, and was a member of the Quiz Bowl/Academic Team, NHS, Boys’ Bowl Mural (leader). Benjamin plans to attend either the College of William & Mary or the University of Michigan where he will major in geology and English.

TOMMY WATSON

Parent/Guardian: Peter and Alice Watson

Novi

A 4.694 GPA student, Tommy participated in Spanish Honors Society (officer), NHS, Cross Country (captain), Track and Field (captain).Tommy plans to attend the University of Michigan Ross School of Business where he will major in business finance.

DREW ABBOTT

Parent/Guardian: Kristin and Andrew Abbott

Northville

A 4.664 GPA student, Drew was involved in Track and Field (captain), Cross Country (captain), Swim and Dive, and NHS. Drew plans to attend either Kalamazoo College or the University of Michigan where he will major in biology.

 

EVEREST COLLEGIATE HIGH SCHOOL

MADELYN KRAPPMANN

Parent/Guardian: George Krappmann and Lynda Burbary-Krappmann

Clarkston

A 4.3158 student, Madelyn was honored as summa cum laude and was awarded the Senior Distinguished Service Award, Scholar-Athlete Award, AP Scholar and National Merit Finalist. Madelyn participated in varsity volleyball and track and field throughout high school, and was a regional medalist and state qualifier in track and field, and also volleyball state champion and 1st team All-State (2023 and 2024). Madelyn participated in band, student government, a high school musical, NHS, ECYD, and Outreach Club. Volunteer work included volunteering with Outreach Club, Grace Centers of Hope, and PB and J Missions. Madelyn plans to attend Hillsdale College.

 

FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

SYED TANZEEL AHSAN

Parent/Guardian: Syed Tabish Ahsan and Maheen Hyder

Farmington Hills

With a 3.9583 unweighted and a 4.4792 weighted GPA, Syed was honored as a National Merit Finalist and awarded the Soaring Falcon Award (for promoting inclusivity and belonging). In HOSA, Syed was a four-time regional finalist and a state finalist in the Pathophysiology event. Syed was a member of the IB Student Leadership Executive Board; vice president of the Muslim Student Association; Varsity Quiz Bowl captain; and co-founder of the FHS esports team, which earned 2nd place in the state competition. Syed volunteered at Henry Ford Health and was a member of the youth committee at a local religious center. Syed plans to attend the University of Michigan to study pre-med.

AMRITA RENDUCHINTALA

Parent/Guardian: Nagesh and Naga Renduchintala

Farmington

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.83 weighted GPA, Amrita was awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish) – 2024; Scholastic Art and Writing Awards-Gold Key, Drawing & Illustration (2025); Farmington Public Schools Award of Excellence; Michigan PTA Acorn Awards; Farmington Youth Assistance Youth Recognition Award; National Merit Finalist and Scholar; HOSA ILC Top 10 Finalist; and HOSA 3rd Place-Medical Law & Ethics (2024). Amrita participated in NHS, National Art Honor Society, PTSA Student Leaders Group, HOSA, Amnesty International, HAVEN of Oakland Youth Advisory Board, Sculpture Club, 2025 TEDx FHS Youth Event, (speaker). Amrita volunteered at Fleece and Thank You, Farmington/Farmington Hills Library, FPS CLASS ELL Summer School Program and FPS Camp READ and Wonder. Amrita plans to pursue a career in the healthcare field, and begin college on the pre-medicine track.

AKSHAY KUMAR

Parent/Guardian: Senthil Kumar and Gayathiri Sekar

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.39 weighted GPA, Akshay was awarded the Gold PVSA, NMSQT and the AP Scholar with Distinction. Akshay was involved in Robotics, Varsity Tennis, BPA, DECA, the Quiz Bowl and Band. He volunteers at the Islamic Cultural Association of Michigan and Seva. Akshay plans to attend the University of Michigan, College of Engineering.

ZAINAB AHMED

Parent/Guardian: Mohammad Ahmed and Azra Tazhin

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and 4.4524 weighted GPA, Zainab was a National Merit Scholarship finalist and recipient; AP scholar with honor, and a medalist in Farmington Hills Junior Optimist’s essay and oratorical contests. Other awards included 3x regional medalist, 2x state medalist and 1x international qualifier for HOSA Future Health Professionals; and 3x regional medalist for Business Professionals of America. Zainab was NHS president, Muslim Student Association president throughout high school, Parent-Teacher Student Association vice president, Farmington HOSA board and Michigan HOSA state officer in 12th grade, Detroit Muslim Interscholastic Tournament team captain, 8x medalist at MIST Detroit and University of Michigan Health Sciences Pre-College participant. Zainab volunteered at the Fairmont Senior Living home. Zainab plans to attend either the University of Michigan or Wayne State (on the pre-med path, presidential scholarship).

BRANDON DAIL

Parent/Guardian: Brandon and Raeshell Dail

Farmington Hills

With a 3.98 unweighted and a 4.5 weighted GPA, Brandon was awarded All-Oakland Athletic Conference Scholar Athletic Award (basketball); Farmington Public Schools Award of Excellence; National Merit Commended Scholar; highest score of 1 in the MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival – regional level; score of 2 in MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival – state level; College Board National African American Recognition Award; and Business Professional of America Regional Winner & State Qualifier (1st place) in team event. Brandon was a participant of Ross School of Business Pre-College Program, member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and IB Student Leadership Executive Board member. Brandon was a member of FHS Symphonic Band (trumpet and euphonium) and the varsity basketball team. Brandon mentored and tutored underclassmen, was founder of a sports media business and YouTube content creator. Brandon participated in a service trip to the Dominican Republic, and volunteered at community events through the IB program. Brandon plans to study business at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.

 

FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL

DIONNE MURRY

Parent/Guardian: Tomika Murry

Oak Park

With a 4.2619 GPA, Dionne received the National African American Recognition Program Award and the Ferndale High School Concert Orchestra Rising Eagle Award. Dionne is a member of the NHS, Ferndale’s United Student Assembly, Ferndale’s Marching Band, Ferndale’s Winter Guard, Ferndale’s Symphony Orchestra, Girl Scouts, and EMU’s Honors Orchestra. Dionne plans to attend Michigan State University.

EVELYN MEYERSIECK

Parent/Guardian: Amy Degens-Meyersieck

Ferndale

With a weighted GPA of 4.4524, Evelyn received the following awards: Academic Award in Varsity Track, Award for Academic Excellence in AP Calculus at CASA (the Center of Advanced Studies and the Arts), and Solo and Ensemble Districts 1 Ranking. Evelyn participated in varsity cross country, varsity track, marching band as section leader, pit orchestra for Ferndale High School musicals, violinist, NHS, and she works at Regina’s Food Truck. Evelyn plans to attend Michigan State University.

 

HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL

KATHRYN CHAPPELL

Parent/Guardian: Rick and Mary-Kathryn Chappell

Hazel Park

A 4.0341 student, Kathryn participated in varsity bowling, varsity basketball, varsity softball and varsity volleyball. Awards included a Division 3 MHSIBCA Scholarship Award, Girls M.A.C. All Conference Team for bowling (all four years), MVP for bowling team (three years) and First Team Best and Brightest for volleyball. Kathryn participated in NHS serving as secretary. Outside of school, volunteer work included serving at SOS Oakland Shelter, vacation bible school and serving on mission trips. Kathryn plans to attend Central Methodist University to major in elementary education and to bowl and play softball.

RAELYN HEMPLE

Parent/Guardian: Charles and Susan Hemple

Hazel Park

A 4.0356 student, Raelyn was honored with Student of the Month and MVP for Swim Team. Raelyn was Senior Class Vice President, NHS Vice President and participated in Varsity Swim, Varsity Tennis, Drama Club. Raelyn volunteered at Swim Camp and at local elementary schools. Raellyn plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University majoring in psychology.

 

HOLLY HIGH SCHOOL

ANGELA WALKER

Parent/Guardian: Carl and Cynthia Walker

With a composite GPA/SAT score of 6,580, Angela was honored as salutatorian and awarded the Roy and Elena Lahring Salutatorian Scholarship and the Flint Metro Conference Academic All-League award. Angela was a member of Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society and NHS, and participated in varsity swim/dive and the school lead in the spring musical “Six.” Angela plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a University of Michigan Regents Scholarship.

ALEXANDER CHEN

Parent/Guardian: Steven and Jie Chen

Holly

With a composite GPA/SAT score of 6,678, Alexander was honored as valedictorian and awarded the Roy and Elena Lahring Valedictorian Scholarship, the Flint Metro Conference Academic All-League award, the VanGilder Math/Science Award, and the HHS Alumni Bravender Award in Math. Alexander was a member of the NHS, serving as secretary and Spanish National Honor Society. Alexander plans to attend the University of Michigan to study computer science.

 

INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY OKMA

MORGAN MCKIMMY

Parent/Guardian: Matthew and Emily McKimmy

Royal Oak

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Morgan was named valedictorian and received the Chemistry Department award, German Department award, honorable mention at Michigan State Model United Nations XXIII, Best Delegate at Michigan State Model United Nations XXIV and First Place at University of Michigan German Day. Morgan participated with the Economics Club as co-president, Model UN head delegate, German Honor Society, NHS, and captain of DCFC South Oakland Open Girls Rouge soccer. Volunteer work included Food Rescue US volunteer and founder of the MiTown Economics Challenge. Morgan plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with a major in economics.

STEFANIE SCHNEIDER

Parent/Guardian: Marlene De Andrade and Gert Schneider

Oakland Twp.

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Stefanie was honored as valedictorian, National Merit Finalist, and US Presidential Scholars Program Candidate. Other awards included President’s Volunteer Service Award, WXYZ Brightest and Best, FIRST Robotics Dean’s List semi-finalist, Physics Department Award and Chemistry Department Award. Stefanie participated in Robotics-mechanical system lead, The Robot Garage-event lead, German Honor Society officer, physics research assistant, NHS, Latine Hispanic Culture Club co-president, was a math and physics tutor, and volunteered with She’s the First Girls Advisory Council. Stefanie plans to attend the University of Michigan for mechanical engineering.

MINJUN KIM

Parent/Guardian: Jaemin Kim and Eugene Kim

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Minjun was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and Scholarship recipient, Genes in Space Finalist, 2x State Champion in Science Olympiad Codebusters, received the miRcore computational biology “Best Research” Award and was selected to MSBOA All-State Orchestra, three years. Minjun served as co-concertmaster of Oakland Youth Symphony Orchestra, Rochester Community Schools Board of Education Representative, IAC Science Olympiad co-captain, IAC GIDAS chapter president, Biology Club co-president, and participated in Stoney Creek HS Track Team, three-year varsity hurdler. Volunteer work included music therapy volunteer at Trinity Health and Neighborhood House Youth Ambassadors captain. Minjun plans to attend Brown University to pursue a double major in computational biology and music.

ZANE DAHABRA

Parent/Guardian: Taha Dahabra and Sonia Harb

Huntington Woods

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Zane was honored as valedictorian, summa cum laude, and awarded 2024 Young Adult President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2023 Teen President’s Volunteer Service Award, 2023 and 2024 Michigan Community Impact Awards, United Nations National Community Service Awards and 2023 Certificate of Excellence Award. Zane participated in BuildOn Club (board member), Biology Club (tutor), Chemistry Club, board member and tutor, Spanish Honor Society tutor, Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS) Club, and varsity tennis. Volunteer work included patient registration and medical assistant trainee at Berkley Urgent Care, Teen Grantmaking Initiative board member at Center for Arab American Philanthropy, IGNITE Youth Driven Spaces conference planner, and Zoo Corps program participant. Zane plans to attend the University of Michigan.

JACKSON OTLEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Cynthia Pike and Doug Otlewski

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Jackson was honored as valedictorian, summa cum laude, National Merit Finalist, Amy Aplin Memorial Scholarship recipient, Oakland County Bar, Association Diversity in the Law Scholarship recipient and received the Rochester Area Youth Assistance Service Award, History Department Award, Jazz Band Department Award and President’s Volunteer Service Award (3 years). Jackson participated in Rochester Hills Government Youth Council (4 years), BuildOn! board member, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Tri M Music Honor Society and Peer Corp. Jackson was a member of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Civic Youth Ensemble, (4 years), IA Jazz Band and Full Orchestra, (principal trumpet), and played piano (11 years). Jackson volunteered at Meals on Wheels delivery, American House, Rochester Hills Cultural Diversity fair volunteer coordinator, and City of Rochester Hills Clerk’s Office election. Jackson plans to attend Carnegie Mellon University.

FERNANDA SALMON

Parent/Guardian: Humberto Salmon

Bloomfield Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, was honored as valedictorian, 2025 Presidential Scholars candidate and won the regional competition for mock trial state semi-finalist in forensics. Fernanda was captain of the varsity mock trial team, board member of GHS Phoenix Theatre Company, co-founder of the She’s the First Girls Advisory Council and math tutor. Fernanda plans to attend Georgetown University SFS to study culture and politics.

CRISTINA TET

Parent/Guardian: Anamaria and Florian Tet

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Cristina was honored as valedictorian. Cristina was swim team captain, and participated in Robotics for Team 3538, Biology Club, STUCO, NHS and French Honor Society. Cristina was a volunteer at MARL animal shelter, First Robotics, FTC and a tutor for sciences and French. Cristina plans to attend the University of Maastricht, Netherlands.

SANJITH SAMBATH

Parent/Guardian: Sowmiya Duraisamy and Sambath Varadharajan

Rochester Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Sanjith was honored as valedictorian, 4-Star Leadership Scholar, Congressional Leadership Scholar, National Merit Finalist, Euro Challenge Finalist, Carson Scholar, Point of Light Honoree and Acorn2Oak Grant Recipient. Awards included VFW Voice of Democracy, Key2Finesse Outstanding Volunteer, Optimist Speech Contest and CareerWrite Essay Contest Winner, Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award, Michigan Community Impact Award and RCS Heart for Service Scholarship. Sanjith participated in FRC Robotics Team 469-Pit Crew & Drive Team, Model United Nations-Head Delegate, Economics Club-board member and Euro Challenge mentor, Oakland University Human-Centered Engineering Lab-Researcher, Student Senate-class representative and officer, NASA Ames-Research Fellow and served as a MarkSetBot engineering intern. Volunteer work included Writing for a Cause founder and director, Key2Finesse executive board member and social media lead, and FIRST Robotics in Michigan Youth Advisory Council Outreach Lead. Sanjith plans to attend the University of Michigan Electrical Engineering.

ALEXANDER ZHANG

Parent/Guardian: Jun Zhang and Yan Zhang

Oakland Twp.

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA, Alexander was honored as valedictorian and received the 2024 GIDAS University of Michigan Research Conference Best Poster Award for research on Parkinson’s Disease. Awards included Science Olympiad – 6th Astronomy Ohio State Invitational, 2nd Place Astronomy and Forensics Regional and 3rd Place Forestry Regionals. Alexander was a member of the Science Olympiad team, secretary of Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS), and participated in research at Johns Hopkins University focusing on implementation of high density electrodes for enhanced prostheses functionality and intuitiveness. Alexander volunteered at the Detroit Zoo. Alexander plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in engineering.

 

INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY

NANCY GONZALEZ

Parent/Guardian: Olivia Gonzalez

Pontiac

A 4.6279 student, Nancy was honored with All A award, Dean’s Award, HTML and CSS certification, National Honor Technical Society, Generative AI certification, Top 15% Nationally – Poetry in America and the Seal of Biliteracy. Nancy participated in Robotics-Team 51, OSTC computer programming, Wings of Fire, NHS, Jazz Band, Marching Band and Concert Band. Nancy volunteered for Road Clean Up – Adopt a Highway and volunteered at Robotic Events programming and as a mentor for an FLL teams (Robotics). Nancy will attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

 

LAKE ORION HIGH SCHOOL

AIDEN CALLAHAN

Parent/Guardian: Deborah and Edward Callahan

Lake Orion

With a 4.46 GPA, Aiden was awarded the Presidential Scholar Award from Oakland University, Michigan State Honors College, Professorial Assistant at Michigan State, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award from the University of Michigan, Performance and Test awards for District 7 DECA, Test award at DECA States, AP Scholar with Distinction award, VFW Voice of America Regional Award, Business Ethics Contest Award, World Conservation Award, and National Outdoors Camping Award. Aiden was awarded the Eagle Scout award and served as a Senior Patrol Leader of Scouting Troop 1610. Aiden participated in varsity cross country and track, member of NHS, treasurer of the Science National Honors Society, Youth Advisory Council member, Distributive Educational Clubs of America, Health Occupational Students of America, American Red Cross, and Sources of Strength. Aiden volunteered through NHS and Science National Honors Society, and at Trinity Health Oakland. Aiden plans to study neuroscience in the Honors College and as a professorial assistant at Michigan State University on a pre-medical track.

ANTHONY DAMIANO

Parent/Guardian: Mark and Kristen Damiano

Clarkston

With a 4.48 GPA, Anthony was awarded an AP Scholar with Distinction award and honored as a DECA Food Marketing Series State Champion. Anthony participated in soccer, volleyball, weightlifting, DECA, HOSA, NHS, Science National Honors Society and Math National Honors Society. Anthony plans to attend the University of Michigan, to study anesthesiology pathway and nutrition.

ONYX SEPPALA

Parent/Guardian: E. Andrew Seppala and Christine Seppala

Lake Orion

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.51 weighted GPA with 10 AP classes, Onyx was awarded an AP Scholar with Distinction Award, Oakland Activities Scholar Athlete Award, Detroit News Outstanding High School Senior. Onyx was captain of the ski team and member of NHS, Mu Alpha Theta (Math National Honors Society), Science National Honors Society, and student member of the Detroit Economics Club. Onyx plans to attend the University of Michigan to study nuclear engineering, to work on fusion energy research.

JIMENA OCHOA-RUIZ

Parent/Guardian: Laura Ruiz and Ivan Ochoa

Lake Orion

A 4.48 student, Jimena was awarded Lamp of Learning Award (4 years), Society of Women Engineers Certificate of Merit, and second-time winner of varsity tennis Sportsmanship Award. Jimena participated in varsity tennis, (captain, senior year), Bloomfield Tennis Club, Math National Honors Society – vice president, NHS – parliamentarian, and Science National Honors Society. Jimena plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan, and then pursue a master’s degree.

SIDDHARTH MUMMANENI

Parent/Guardian: Sreelatha Chalasani and Yeshwant Mummaneni

Oakland Twp.

A 4.63 student, Siddharth was honored as Johns Hopkins Global Health Leadership Conference speaker, and awarded Special Congressional Recognition for Cultural Outreach, Congressional Record and Letter of Recommendation, two-time MWPA All-State Scholar Athlete, Water Polo Most Inspirational Award, National Merit Commendation, and AP Scholar with Distinction award. Siddharth participated in HOSA, (founder and president of school chapter), Sources of Strength executive officer, Student Leadership treasurer, NHS vice president, Congressional Youth Council member, varsity water polo captain and also served as a research intern for Henry Ford Hospital Multiple Sclerosis. Siddharth plans to attend Johns Hopkins University to study neuroscience on the pre-med track.

 

LAMPHERE HIGH SCHOOL

LINDSAY ZOU

Parent/Guardian: Chaun Yong Zou and Feng Shen Lin

Madison Heights

A 4.20 student, Lindsay was selected for the University of Michigan Aspirant Summer Research Internship Program. Lindsay participated in the Medicine Club, NHS and marching band.

 

MADISON HIGH SCHOOL

CHRISTOPHER STOKES

Parent/Guardian: Marlon Stokes Sr.

Highland Park

A  4.1 student, Christopher was honored as Student of the Month; 4x year All-A Honor Roll and District Student of the Month. Christopher participated in junior varsity/varsity basketball, marching band (drum major), Student Council, NHS, Benevolence Club, Symphonic Band and Jazz Band. Christopher volunteered at Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts. Christopher plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor – to major in creative writing and minor in urban development.

ASHUR SHIKHA

Parent/Guardian: Linda Sulaiman and Johnny Shikha

Madison Heights

A 4.0169 student, Ashur was honored in Top 10 class of 2025, salutatorian, summa cum laude and a member of NHS. Ashur plans to attend Detroit Mercy, Oakland University-to become a dental hygienist or dentist.

DEQUANJE JERMAINE MILTON JR.

Parent/Guardian: Amanda Marie Anderson

Pontiac

A 3.8854 student, Dequanje was honored as Top 10, magna cum laude, and Student of the Month. Dequanje was a member of National Technical Honor Society and NHS, and participated in basketball, track and field. Dequanje plans to attend Michigan State University to study marketing.

JACK SHILIN LIU

Parent/Guardian: Qing Liu

Madison Heights

A 3.7188 student, Jack was honored as Top 10, magna cum laude and participated in NHS, Dollars for Scholars and volunteered at Madison High School’s World Fair, tutoring and Wilkinson Middle School’s Science Night. Jack plans to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn to major in business.

SERENITY WILLIAMS

Parent/Guardian: Catrina Lee

Auburn Hills

A 3.7188 student, Serenity was awarded Student of the Month (2x) and MVP (3x). Serenity participated in NHS, Student Council, volleyball, softball, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Math Corp. and volunteered spending time with the elderly, tutoring and camp counselor. Serenity plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study business administration and psychology.

NATHAN GARNER

Parent/Guardian:  Holly Garner

Madison Heights

A 3.5798 student, Nathan was honored as a Top 10 student, cum laude, received ASE certifications and participated in NHS. Nathan plans to attend Oakland Community College to pursue a career in the trades.

JASLENE DANA AMIR LILLY

Parent/Guardian: Dana Lilly Givens

Pontiac

A 3.4071 student, Jaslene was honored as a Top 10 student. Jaslene participated in varsity volleyball, Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars, NHS, Drama Club, Student Council and volunteered at Madison Elementary. Jaslene plans to attend Oakland University to study political science with a  specialization in courts, justice and politics.

MARIAH VAUGHAN

Parent/Guardian: Teoana Tucker

Pontiac

A 3.3 student, Mariah was honored as a Top 10 of class, and participated in Cheer. Mariah plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University.

ERICA PATRICK

Parent/Guardian: Michelle Mitchell

Detroit

A 3.3 student, Erica was honored as a Top 10 of class, participated in drama club, yearbook, and senior committee. Erica plans to attend Wayne State University for biochemistry and biology.

JAIDAN DORSEY

Parent/Guardian: Mary Hall-Pavlak

Madison Heights

A 3.29 student, Jaidan was honored as Student of the Month, NTHS and GM Student Corps MVP. Jaidan participated in Oakland School Technical Campus (OSTC) student leadership, Student Council, comic book and anime club, E-Sports, Madison First robotics, former team captain and OSTC Robotics team member, and MAT Squared apprenticeship program.

 

MARIAN HIGH SCHOOL

ADA KOWALEWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Kathy and Don Kowalewski

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.378 student, Ada was awarded Mathematics Award (2x), Courtney Johns Memorial Scholarship, CHSL All League, CHSL All Academic, Leadership Award, High Honors Achievement Award and Student of the Month. Ada was Class Board secretary, and participated in varsity field hockey (captain), Marian Medical Club, varsity pompon, varsity lacrosse, NHS, Spanish Honor Society, MRP, and served as raffle skit and field day coordinator, blood drive coordinator for Disaster Relief Club, Ambassador Club (officer) and Pastoral team. Ada volunteered as a supply sorter (World Medical Relief) and American Red Cross blood drive volunteer. Ada plans to attend the University of Alabama.

ELLA KENNEDY

Parent/Guardian: Jodie and Tom Kennedy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.368 student, Ella was honored with Track High Character Award, All Catholic All Region, DECA state finalist, Global Seal of Biliteracy, 4 year Scholastic All Catholic Award, High Honors Achievement Award, and Modern Languages award. Ella was a member of Spanish Honor Society-president, DECA, study abroad-Chile, Model UN president and varsity track and cross country. Volunteer work included tutoring at La Casa Amiga and Vorbeer/translator, and volunteering at St. Anne’s Food bank. Ella plans to attend Brown University.

MYRNA GILBERT

Parent/Guardian: Eva Gilbert

Farmington Hills

A 4.367 student, Myrna was honored with the Saint Timothy Award, Dad’s Club Service Award, Science Medal of Honor, Theology Medal of Honor, All-Catholic Academic team, Sr. Dorothy Peltier IHM Science and Math Scholarship, Academic Merit Scholarship, and Richard T. Healy Jr. Scholarship. Myrna participated in Medical Club (president), NHS (secretary), All School Board representative, STEM Honors Society, Art Honors Society, and Spanish Honors Society. Myrna participated in a mission trip to Honduras (2024) and a mission trip to Lima, Peru (2025). Other volunteer work included serving as a patient transporter at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, St. Thomas Chaldean Church Youth Altar server leader, St. Thomas Chaldean Church tutor, and Our Lady of Sorrows parish cantor. Myrna plans to attend the University of Michigan.

SUSANNAH NANCY KLEIN

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and David Klein

Troy

A  4.367 student, Susannah was awarded the High Honors Achievement Award (4x), Scholastic All-Catholic award (3x), Raymond J. Nagu scholarship, AP Scholar with Honor award, and Harvard Prize Book award. Susannah participated in Ambassador Club, varsity ski club (captain), varsity lacrosse and varsity field hockey, NHS, Disaster Relief Club, Spanish Honor Society and Medical Club. Susannah volunteered as an assistant catechist and served on a mission trip to Honduras. Susannah plans to attend the University of Michigan.

CHARLOTTE MARIE BINGHAM

Parent/Guardian: John Bingham

Rochester

A 4.362 student, Charlotte was honored with Scholastic All Catholic Academic Team award (2022), Math Department award (2022 and 2025), AP Scholar with Honor Award (2024), George Eastman Award (2024), Red Glasses Award, National Art Honors Society, Marian Class Citizenship Award (2025) and DECA State Qualifier (2x). Charlotte served as All School Board president and participated in varsity basketball, varsity soccer, and JV volleyball, football, track, NHS, Marian Mindset Project and Oxford Study Abroad Program. Charlotte served as a Speak by Design internship. Charlotte volunteered at Kensington Church-Lake Orion, Springhill Summer Camp, Project Care and International Samaritan mission trip to Honduras. Charlotte plans to attend Vanderbilt University.

MARIANNA BECHARAS

Parent/Guardian: Carrie and DJ Becharas

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.341 student, Marianna was awarded All State, All League, All Catholic, All County, and All Academic swimmer, archdiocese All Academic team, Spanish and language department certificate of achievement, Elizabeth O’Donnell Baer Memorial Scholarship, and Sister Lenore IHM Endowed Scholarship. Marianna participated in varsity swimming, varsity lacrosse, Disaster Relief Club president, Marian Medical Club, Marian Mindset project, Ambassador Club, All School Board representative, swim captain, MRP, NHS and Spanish Honor Society. Volunteer work included World Medical Relief volunteer, Christ Child volunteer, and summer camp counselor. Marianna plans to attend the University of Michigan.

RUBY SUZANNE JANSEN

Parent/Guardian: Jon Jansen

Canton

A 4.336 student, Ruby was honored with Distinguished Alumni of Tomorrow award, Medal of Honor-social studies, Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, Spanish, Catholic All Scholastic team (4 year), Kerry A. Kerby Memorial scholarship and Sister Lenore M. Pochelski scholarship. Ruby participated in varsity basketball (captain), Marian Girls Flag Football, (founder and captain), Mind and Heart magazine editor, Marian Mindset project – writing and research team, NHS, Spanish Honors Society and National Art Honor Society. Volunteer work included serving on a missionary trip with International Samaritan to Honduras, nursing unit volunteer at Corewell Health, Sunday School teacher at North Ridge Church, and volunteer for Wish Upon a Teen. Ruby plans to attend the University of Michigan.

HEIDI JANE CARROLL

Parent/Guardian: Amy and Mark Carroll

Birmingham

A 4.318 student, Heidi was awarded Arch-Diocese of Detroit All-Academic, McNally Service Scholarship, All-League Lacrosse, All-Academic-Volleyball, Volleyball-Mustang Athlete Award and Dave Feldman Award, History Award of Academic Excellence and DECA state qualifier. Heidi served as Class of 2025 vice chair, and participated in varsity volleyball (captain), varsity lacrosse (captain), NHS president, National Spanish Honors Society, National Art Honor Society, and National STEM Honor Society. Volunteer work included camp leader at Our Lady of Guadalupe through Saint Regis Church and International Samaritan Mission trip to Honduras. Heidi plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

EMERSON WALTON

Parent/Guardian: Michele and Edward Walton

Birmingham

A 4.316 student, Emerson was awarded Archdiocese of Detroit All Catholic Academic Team, 3x, High Honors Achievement Award 4x, Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony award, and Mathematics Achievement Award. Emerson participated in varsity soccer, as team manager for Manan XC and T+F, Project Care, Ambassador’s Club, NHS, and National Art Honor Society. Emerson volunteered at the Friendship Circle. Emerson plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MADELINE BULEY

Parent/Guardian: Thomas Buley

Beverly Hills

A 4.311 student, Madeline was a FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List Finalist, and awarded Samyn Akao Science Scholarship, English Medal of Honor, Sr. Christa de Primo Science scholarship, Science/English/Social Studies Achievement Awards and Society of Women Engineers Madame Curie Award. Madeline participated in Systems Lead of robotics team, co-president of NSTEM, lacrosse team (manager senior year), crew for high school musical, and NHS. Volunteer work included FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Lego League mentor (grade school Robotics) teen service team member at Spring Hill Camps, fundraiser for Relay For Life, and class leader at First Presbyterian Church. Madeline plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

MERCY HIGH SCHOOL

MAEVE CASEY

Parent/Guardian: Kristen and Patrick Casey

Northville

A 3.99 student, Maeve was honored as valedictorian. Maeve participated in Spanish Honors Society, officer, Youth Mercy Associates, leader, Kairos Retreat, leader/student director, Mercy Varsity Golf team captain, varsity golf, varsity lacrosse, Mercy Mission and Ministry, NHS, Mercy Science Club, and Mercy Girls and Money Club. Maeve served as a NHS tutor and Open House Tour Guide. Outside of school, Maeve volunteered at PB&J Outreach, teaching girls hockey, Rise Conference student leader, Sisters of Mercy Prayer Service, and Jubilee events.

TESSA O’DONNELL

Parent/Guardian: Kelly and Neil O’Donnell

Plymouth

A 4.0 student, Tessa was honored as salutatorian. Tessa participated in NHS (officer), Newsprint editor-in-chief, Link Crew leader and commissioner, varsity cross country (captain), varsity track and field, JV basketball team (captain), freshman basketball (captain), Focus Hope representative, One-Love workshop leader, Spanish Honors Society, Youth Mercy Associates, Mercy Pre-Med Club, Animal Rights Club, Debate Club and also served as student co-coordinator of the AP Fair. Volunteer work outside of school included peer mentor at PARCLife ABA Therapy Center and volunteer assistant leader at Vacation Bible School.

 

NORTH FARMINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

ADVAITH VIJAYAN

Parent/Guardian: Abirami Vijayan, Vijayan Sankaran

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted and 4.414 weighted GPA, Advaith was honored with an AP Scholar with Honor award-2024, Business Professionals of America Fundamental Spreadsheet Applications Awards (2021-2024), and BPA Small Business Management award. Advaith was vice president of BPA, vice president of Culture Shock, NHS member, and participated in varsity tennis team, MHSAA Regional Champion, state qualifier. Music awards for piano included Farmington Musicale Second Place-2022, Michigan Music Festival awards, and Virtual Association of International Musicians awards. Advaith served as Material Science and AI research assistantship under Professor Srikanth Pilla of University of Delaware; MTS Tamil School Teaching Assistant; and served an Eaton Labs Research Internship in 3D printing and AI mechanics. Volunteer work included fundraising lead for Asha for Education-Toledo, to help reconstruct a rural school in India. Advaith served on the Mayor’s Youth Council as a co-chair/co-president for the city of Farmington Hills. Advaith plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor-College of Engineering.

ALEXANDRE PEREIRA

Parent/Guardian: Vanessa Almeida and Marcos Pereira

Farmington Hills

With a 3.7 unweighted GPA, Alexandre’s awards included AP Scholar award, National Hispanic Recognition Program, Individual All Academic Award (MIHSSCA), Scholar Athlete (OAA) and All State Academic Award (FPS). Alexandre was a cellist in the North Farmington Symphony Orchestra, first chair and section leader (senior year), Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association State Solo and Ensemble top score. Alexandre participated in Hackbots Robotics Team 3414, NHS, soccer and lacrosse. Alexandre completed independent research projects, created an educational website for mathematics and physics concepts and job shadowed lead test engineer at Orbion Space Technology. Alexandre participated in citizen science projects and initiatives, nearly 250 hours, and created a citizen science project through Zooniverse called “AI Illustrated Text.” Alexandre plans to attend Michigan State University.

CLOUD JAMES

Parent/Guardian: Collin James/Yasuko James

Farmington Hills

A 3.8 student, Cloud was awarded an academic letter award, Michigan Seal of Biliteracy, Individual All Academic Award, Scholar Athlete award, AP scholar award, and Level N1 Japanese Language proficiency test certificate. Cloud participated in varsity soccer, NHS, Recycling Club and Japanese Club. Outside of school, Cloud was president of nonprofit Ensemble Hanabi. Cloud plans to attend the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

HAMDAAN FYSUDEEN

Parent/Guardian: Fysudeen Mohamed Mathar

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.44 weighted GPA, Hamdaan was awarded the Farmington Public School Superintendent’s Award of Excellence, (freshman year) Junior Optimist International Personal Growth & Involvement Gold Award (1 of 2 in Michigan), Business Professionals of America Financial Analyst State 6th, Extemporaneous Speech Regional 1st, State 8th, the Business Professionals of America Ambassador Torch Award (National), and DECA Principles of Business Management State Finalist. Hamdaan was president of the Farmington Public Schools Student Round Table, state co-president of Junior Optimist International, class co-president of NFHS Junior Optimist Club, student liaison, City Council Voter Registration Committee, class co-president of NFHS Freshman Board, co-vice president of student senate and secretary of DECA. Hamdaan volunteered as a research assistant/volunteer, Boys & Girls Club of SE Michigan. Hamdaan plans to attend Columbia University.

KEVAL SHAH

Parent/Guardian: Kavita Shah

Farmington Hills

A 3.875 student, Keval was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction (National, 11), National Merit Commended (National, 12), Scholar Athlete (School, 11, 12) and DECA Regional Finalist (State/Regional, 10, 11). Keval was co-founder and president of Financial Literacy Club, NFHS chapter, and Political Debate Club, NFHS, co-founder and vice president. Keval participated in Boys Varsity Tennis (11,12), varsity tennis and was stage manager of Culture Shock, District-wide Dance Club (12), Outside of school, Keval served as executive board and team lead for Key2Finesse, a student-run nonprofit, (11,12), volunteer for Abhi Shah Foundation, served on education committee for Young Jains of America (11) and was vice president of Jain Organization of Youth at the Jain Society of Greater Detroit (12). Keval plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MARY JO TAKEUCHI

Parent/Guardian: Qing Takeuchi

Farmington Hills

With a 4.0 unweighted GPA and a 4.3 weighted GPA, Mary Jo was honored with the AP Scholars with Distinction award (2024); HOSA Barbara James Service Award – Bronze level (2024), HOSA State Conference – Top Seven in Behavioral Health (2024, 2025); PTA Reflections Visual Arts – Gold Medalist (2022, 2023); National Geographic Learning Recognition awards; and Business Professionals of America State Conference – Second Place in Health Administration (2025). She was Class Board president (2023-2024) and secretary (2022-2023); and a member of the student senate and student senate executive board; North Farmington American Red Cross – treasurer (2024-2025), North Farmington Junior Optimist – Treasurer (2024-2025), North Farmington Recycling Club/Green Team – co-president (2023-2025); and a member of Link Crew and NHS. Volunteer work included volunteering at Camp Skywild, Farmington Community Library, Country Oaks Elementary, Days for Girls, and Crossroads Soup Kitchen. She plans to attend the University of Michigan School of Nursing.

SRIVATSAN BALAJI

Parent/Guardian: Balaji Ramaswamy

Farmington Hills

A 4.49 student, Srivatsan was awarded National Merit Scholarship Finalist, Business Professionals of America National Ambassador Torch Award, MISCA State Academic All-State, and November 2021 District Spotlight Recipient. Srivatsan was varsity swim team captain, varsity cross country team captain, HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter president, Model United Nations Club vice-president, Business Professionals of America Club vice-president, and NHS class representative. Srivatsan plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue Computer Engineering.

VICTOR YEN

Parent/Guardian: Stephen Yen

Farmington Hills

With an unweighted GPA of 3.9762 and a weighted GPA of 4.4048, Victor was honored with an AP Scholar with Distinction award (11th); AP Scholar award (10th); Outstanding Ensemble Nomination (Solo and Ensemble) (12th); Best Section (Marching Band Clarinets) (11th); Solo and Ensemble, scored 1 at states (12th) and 2 at states (11th); and HOSA 5th at regionals (12th) and was awarded the Bronze Barbara James Service Award. Victor participated in marching band throughout high school; clarinet section leader (10th-12th); orchestra pit for musical (11th) bassoon and clarinet; co-founded HEAL Club (Helping Environment and Aiding Lives); varsity track (10th-11th); track and field throughout high school; NHS; Link Leader; Red Cross Club and Junior Optimists Club. Volunteer work included volunteering at a hospital (11th-12th), outpatient pharmacy and emergency room. Victor plans to attend Wayne State University as an Honors Neuroscience Major, Psych Minor, pre-med track.

EUGENIO CAMINO-CANTU

Parent/Guardian: Claudia Cantu

Farmington Hills

A 4.13 student, Eugenio was awarded with an AP Scholar with Distinction award, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association State-Level 1 Awards and National Hispanic Recognition Program. Eugenio participated in Marching Band, Jazz Band, Theater Stage Managing, Church Youth Group (student leader), Model UN, North Farmington’s HEAL Club, University of Michigan EcoGIS STEM Environmental Justice Program, French Club, DECA and Link Crew (leader). Eugenio volunteered for free SAT tutoring, local library work, FPS Elementary School STEM Nights, and FPS Middle School Music Camps. Eugenio plans to attend the University of Michigan.

MEERA DESAI

Parent/Guardian: Trupti and Viral Desai

Farmington Hills

A 4.268 student, Meera was honored as AP Scholar, DECA state champion x4 and DECA district champion x4. Meera served as DECA president, Bollywood fusion dance team captain, Investment club co-founder and president, Mayor’s Youth Council vice president, Student Senate treasurer, E-board member, NHS member, BPA member, and Green Team member. Volunteer work included tutoring/teaching students at Forest elementary Spanish and assisted with patients at a hospital. Meera plans to attend Indiana University- Bloomington at the Kelley School of Business to study finance.

 

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL

SEHAJ GILL

Parent/Guardian: Navneet Athwal and Preet Gill

Oakland Twp.

A 4.512 student, Sehaj was awarded highest honors, AP Scholar with Honor, Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award, and National Speech and Debate: National Degree of Distinction. Sehaj was Band Section Leader (flute), Board Member NDP NHS, Debate National Qualifier, founding member of the NDP Insight Initiative Club: coordinated fundraisers at NDP for the Rogel Cancer Center at U of M, and a member of SADD, student ambassador, VEX Robotics, peer leader. Volunteer work included Dance Date Project Research intern, and Wayne State University Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, invited to present.Sehaj is a published author of five research papers. Sehaj plans to attend The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in electrical engineering.

CHRISTINA YERAS

Parent/Guardian: Dave and Alla Yeras

Davisburg

A 4.467 student, Christina was honored with Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award, Fran Bregger Servant Leadership Award, highest honors. Christina was student council treasurer, HOSA secretary, Model Judiciary and participated in varsity ski, varsity tennis and varsity golf. Volunteer work included transcribing for Library of Congress, Grace Centers of Hope soup kitchen and day care volunteer. Christina plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience.

ISABELLE GUMMA

Parent/Guardian: Peter and Abby Gumma

Troy

A 4.463 student, Isabelle was awarded highest honors, NSDA Degree of Excellence, and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence. Isabelle was student council vice president, president of Spanish Honor Society and participated in debate and varsity lacrosse. Through volunteer work, Isabelle achieved the Honors National Community Service Award (100+ hours), volunteered as a summer and winter camp counselor (K-8), volunteered for Kids on the Go (program that teaches kids how to ride bikes), and served as CSL soccer coach. Isabelle plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Neuroscience.

MATTHEW KAFARSKI

Parent/Guardian: Erik Kafarski and Irena Zalewska

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.459 student, Matthew was awarded the Polish Seal of Biliteracy (State of Michigan), highest honors, National Speech and Debate: All American Award, National Debate Qualifier (bill for affordable health care), and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence award. Matthew participated in band as section leader percussion, National Chinese Honor Society, Youth Chief Justice Michigan Youth in Government, varsity tennis, and served as president NDP Model UN. Outside of school, Matthew served as a medical shadow/intern at local hospitals, coordinated middle school Model UN conferences, and owns a business: teaches CPR classes in Oakland and Macomb counties. Matthew plans to attend Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs majoring in Biology.

CECELIA BELEJ

Parent/Guardian: Marko and Monica Belej

Rochester

A 4.437 student, Cecelia was an International Baccalaureate Program Diploma Program Candidate, awarded highest honors and Catholic High School League Academic Excellence. Cecelia was president of book club, president of creative writing club, president of Champions for Life, band co-section leader (trumpet), and a member of jazz band, NHS and Winter Guard. Volunteer work included Life Remodeled 2024, coordinator Diaper and Wipe Drive for Crossroads Care Center, and coordinator “Wash for Life.” Cecelia plans to attend the University of Notre Dame majoring in Math and Astronomy.

 

NOVI CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

GIOVANNA LOCICERO

Parent/Guardian: Doug and Toni LoCicero

Northville

A 4.078 student, Giovanna achieved high honor roll throughout high school while selecting rigorous academic classes, including  three AP classes and three dual enrollment classes. Giovanna served as junior class president and senior class president and was a member of NHS, varsity volleyball team throughout high school; serving as team captain senior year. Giovanna made first team all conference in 9-11 grade and was named 2023 volleyball MIAC Conference MVP, and played travel volleyball for five years. Volunteer work included volunteering at Brightmoor Christian Church. Giovanna plans to attend Spring Arbor University where she will continue her volleyball career at the collegiate level.

SOPHIA PUZSAR

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Brian Puzsar

Milford

A 4.104 student, Sophia achieved Academic Distinguished honors in 9th and 10th grade and AP distinguished honors in 11th grade. Sophia served as NHS vice president and senior class vice president. Sophia carried a rigorous schedule which included two AP classes and three dual enrollment classes through the local community college. Sophia volunteered as a customer service associate at Maybury Farm. Sophia plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

TYLER BROWN

Parent/Guardian: Jason and Stacie Brown

Novi

A 4.027 student, Tyler was awarded Academic All- State and Academic All-American for Baseball. He achieved high grades with honors classes and two AP classes and was a member of NHS. Tyler participated in Legacy travel baseball in addition to the school’s varsity baseball team, serving as baseball team captain every year since sophomore year, and awards include Team MVP, All- conference, All District, All Region, and Honorable Mention All State. Volunteer service includes a Capstone senior research and speech project, “The Evolution and Impact of Sneaker Culture,” and then he organized a shoe drive at the school, collecting over 250 pairs of shoes which were donated to The Community Clothes Closet’s service center, and he helped set up shelving and cleaned the shoes.

 

NOVI HIGH SCHOOL

ARVIND SALEM

Parent/Guardian: Ravichandran Salem and Lalitha Ravichandran

Novi

A 4.0 GPA student, Arvind was awarded National Economics Challenge Adam Smith Division 4th Place, 2x DECA Top 10 at the International Career Development Conference, Future Business Leaders of America 4th Place at the National Leadership Conference for Public Policy & Advocacy. Arvind served as debate team officer and mock trial vice president. Arvind was co-founder and COO of Policy Matters Inc. and Michigan Future Business Leaders of America state treasurer. Arvind plans to attend Stanford University and major in public policy.

DIVYA NELLURI

Parent/Guardian: Seethapathi and Lakshmi Nelluri

Novi

With a weighted 4.83 and unweighted 4.0 GPA, Divya was awarded DECA ICDC 3x State Champion and 2x ICDC Finalist, HOSA, 7th Place ILC, Forensics MIFA State Finalist and Science Olympiad University of Michigan Top 5. Divya was Forensics Club president, Science Olympiad treasurer and DECA executive board member. Divya volunteers in the Surgical Services department at Corewell Health, and tutored more than 115 students in SAT Prep through Schoolhouse Tutoring.

 

OAKLAND EARLY COLLEGE

SANA REHMAN

Parent/Guardian: Farhat Manzoor and Muhammad Rehman

Farmington Hills

A 4.06 student, Sana was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, and the Science Departmental Award. She has served on the boards of HOSA and NHS. Sana volunteers at her local mosque and has a volunteer internship at a clinic. She plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in biochemistry where she hopes to become a physician’s assistant specializing in maternal and fetal health.

KEIRA TERHALL

Parent/Guardian: Lisa Perry and Keith Terhall

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.06 student, Keira was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, OCC Dean’s List 2023 and 2024, OEC English Department Award 2023, and OEC Science Department Award 2022. Keira was Yearbook Club co-president, Pride Club president, treasurer, NHS member, Oakland Early College Science Olympiad (2023-2025), Geological Mapping – Placed 6th in regional competition in 2024 and 5th in 2025, Precalculus Student Supplemental Instructor (2023-2024), and Student Government trustee and marketing committee. Volunteer work included West Bloomfield Library volunteer, West Bloomfield Clerk’s office intern, and Ascension Hospital Novi Christmas shop volunteer. Keira plans to attend the University of Michigan majoring in Political Science.

SELMA LAYLA ALLAM

Parent/Guardian: Mae Elbohy and Mohamed Allam

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.06 student, Selma was awarded Oakland Early College Highest Honors, Oakland Community College Highest Honors, OCC Dean’s List, OEC Cornerstone Award in Service and Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. Selma served as Student Government Student Liaison, Muslim Student Association president, NHS vice president of membership, Debate Club president, Superintendent Student Advisory Committee member, HOSA member, and Precalculus Student Supplemental Instructor. Outside of school, Selma volunteered at DermyDoc Clinic, Family Urgent Care, and Muslim Unity Center Kids Club Counselor. Selma plans to attend Wayne State University majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track.

 

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S PREP-BOYS DIVISION

WALTER KNYSZ IV

Parent/Guardian: Walter Knysz III and Lisa Knysz

Lake Angelus

A 4.32 student, Walter, a member of the NHS, was a 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and 4-year summa cum laude student. He is one of the founding student leaders in the St. John Paull II Pillars Club at OLSM. Walter advanced to the national competition level in forensics and debate and volunteered in Europe during the summer, where he taught English to students in both Poland and the Ukraine to 120 students. Walter plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

JAKE MALLOY

Parent/Guardian: Christina and James Malloy

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.25 student, Jake is a state champion golfer, 3-time recipient of the Catholic Knights of Columbus award, and 4-year summa cum laude student. He served as NHS vice president and completed over 115 hours of community service through Easter Seals and Meals on Wheels. Jake has advanced to the national competition level in forensics and debate and is the recipient of the AP Scholars with Honor award. He is also a member of multiple clubs including the Earth Club and Model UN. Jake plans to attend the University of Michigan College of Engineering.

CHASE TONNIES

Parent/Guardian: Sharon and Brian Tonnies

Farmington Hills

A 4.3 student, Chase is a Michigan All-Catholic Scholastic award recipient, member of the National Honor Society, and the team manager/statistician for the 2024 state championship varsity football team. He was a member of the Wharton School of Business Global Youth Program and is the founder of Au-Some Siblings Outreach, which provides resources and counseling for families affected by autism. Chase serves as the digital content creator for many athletic teams and organizations and was a member of the track and basketball programs at OLSM. Chase plans to attend the University of Michigan.

PATTERSON DOYLE

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Kerri Doyle

White Lake Twp.

A 4.34 student, Patterson was honored as the valedictorian, a NHS executive board member, and a leader of Mary’s Minds, an organization that raised over $13,000.00 for mental health awareness. He is 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and 4-year summa cum laude student. Patterson has spent significant time volunteering in elementary school classrooms and serves as a peer tutor at OLSM, where he has devoted hundreds of hours of time tutoring his classmates. He is also an AP Scholar with Honor and 4-year member of the OLSM soccer program. Patterson plans to attend Michigan State University.

PHIL ASSAD

Parent/Guardian: Rana Altaweel and Amir Assad

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.33 student, Phil was honored as the salutatorian. He is 3-time Scholastic All-Catholic and a 4-year summa cum laude student. He is the recipient of the AP Scholar Award and a member of NHS. Phil is a founding member and president of both Model UN and the Medical Club at OLSM. He plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

ORCHARD LAKE ST. MARY’S PREP-GIRLS DIVISION

AMANDA ATTY

Parent/Guardian: Ed and Sharon Atty

Bloomfield Hills

A 4.32 student, Amanda was honored as co-valedictorian of this year’s graduating class of the girls’ division. As a member of the NHS, Amanda is in charge of the NHS tutoring program in the girls’ division. She is a varsity member of the soccer team and has been awarded Catholic League All Academic for the past three years. Her community involvement includes being a member of Sisters in Christ and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Amanda plans to attend Oakland University.

KYLIE HINDERLITER

Parent/Guardian: Curt and Kristin Hinderliter

Rochester

A 4.32 student, Kylie was honored as co-valedictorian of the girls’ division. She is a member of the NHS and Catholic Athletes for Christ. As an underclassman, Kylie earned All Catholic and All Region as a member of the varsity softball team. Kylie was a varsity member of the 2024 State Championship rowing team her junior and senior year. She plans to attend Michigan State University.

ELLIE AZZATO

Parent/Guardian: Joseph and Angela Azzato

White Lake Twp.

A 4.31 student, Ellie’s honors include the Midwest Scholastic Rowing Academic Honor Roll and Scholastic All Catholic. As a member of the rowing team, Ellie has volunteered as a counselor of the school’s Learn to Row Summer Camp. She has served as a Friendship Circle volunteer, supervising students with special needs at summer camp. She served as secretary of the NHS and as a member of Catholic Athletes for Christ. Ellie has also worked in the ER as a part of the Henry Ford Health Summer Volunteer Program. She plans to attend the University of Michigan.

SARAH CLOUSE

Parent/Guardian: Sean and Megan Clouse

Royal Oak

A 4.31 student, Sarah served as president of both the NHS and the Catholic Athletes for Christ. As a member of the varsity soccer team, she has been awarded Scholastic All Catholic, All Academic, All District, and All League among other honors. Outside of school, she volunteered to assist seniors at the Magnolia by the Lakes Senior Living facility. Sarah plans to attend Xavier University.

LILIANA CORONA

Parent/Guardian: Sabatino and Pamela Corona

Commerce Twp.

A 4.31 student, Liliana was an All-Catholic Scholastic Award recipient. As a dancer on a competitive team for over nine years, Liliana also teaches younger dancers at her studio. She was a member of NHS, Women in Business Club, the Earth and Science Club, and co-founder of the Photography Club. Liliana plans to attend the University of Michigan.

OUR LADY OF THE LAKES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

AIDEN VINCENZO PAPKE

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Lisa Papke

Waterford Twp.

A 4.145 GPA student, Aiden was named Salutatorian and awarded high honors, AP Scholar Award, Scholastic All-Catholic Recipient and All-Academic Award. Aiden was a member of student council, varsity bowling team, varsity bowling team captain, NHS and the varsity golf team. Aiden’s volunteer work included actively helping older neighbors during summer and winter months with maintenance of their properties. Aiden plans to attend Kettering University majoring in Mechatronics Engineering.

ASHLEY ROSE LEDDY

Parent/Guardian: Kelly Harris

Davisburg

A 4.24 GPA student, Ashley was awarded academic high honors throughout high school, CHSL Scholastic All Catholic Award for 2025, Society of Women Engineers Merit Award, AP Scholar Award, and Daughters of the American Revolutionary War DAR Good Citizen Award. Ashley participated in varsity hockey, varsity softball, NHS, student council throughout high school, Recycling Club and school youth group. Ashley volunteered for American Red Cross Blood Drives as a leader/volunteer, created personalized cards for senior citizens at Lourdes Senior Community Center, Archdiocese of Detroit community clean-ups, food drives and clothing drives. Ashley plans to attend the University of Detroit-Doctor of Dental surgery (accelerated 7-year program).

 

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL

JENNIFER DUONG

Parent/Guardian: Deborah and David Duong

Oxford

A 4.298 student, Jennifer was honored as a National Merit Finalist. Jennifer was active in high school, serving as Mu Alpha Theta (Mathematics honors society) president; NHS Freda Quayle Chapter vice president and blood drive coordinator; Tri-M Music Honor Society secretary and Cooking Club founder. Jennifer was section leader of the marching band, violin pit member, played violin for school musicals, was a member of the chamber orchestra and Orchestra Leadership Team section leader. Jennifer was also a community service coordinator and was on the JV Girls Golf team. Outside of school, she participated in Girl Scouts and received the Girl Scout Silver Award. Jennifer volunteered 20 plus hours of community service per semester during junior and senior year through the NHS. Jennifer plans to attend Princeton University to study chemistry with a minor in materials science engineering and math.

OWEN PAVLOCK

Parent/Guardian: Craig Pavlock

Oxford

A 4.31 student, Owen was honored as salutatorian, AP Scholar with distinction, 3rd place at States for BPA, Lacrosse MVP, All OAA in Lacrosse and Football, and MHSFCA Scholar Athlete Award winner. Owen was president of Science NHS, varsity football team and varsity lacrosse throughout high school and varsity wrestling, 1 year. Owen co-taught a religious education class at St. Joseph Catholic Church and School for a year, helped out in Oxford Gives Back, NHS activities, and tutoring. Owen plans to attend the University of Michigan to study engineering, specifically aerospace engineering.

SARAH GIBBONS

Parent/Guardian: Melissa and Jim Gibbons

Oxford

A 4.258 student, Sarah was awarded HOSA state finalist and Academic Excellence award. Sarah participated in varsity dance, marching band, Pit Orchestra, HOSA, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, Link Leader, blood drive coordinator, and competitive dancer. Volunteer work includes teaching dance to children, giving instrument lessons to middle school students, and tutoring middle school math students. Sarah will be attending the University of Michigan to study Neuroscience in the School of Literature, Science, and Arts.

SIERRA MUSIAL

Parent/Guardian: Marc and Pam Musial

Leonard

A  4.309 student, Sierra was honored as a 2025 Female Scholar Athlete, Seal of Biliteracy, OAA Scholar Athlete and International Baccalaureate candidate. Sierra participated in the NHS (historian), Science National Honor Society, HOSA (future healthcare professionals), track, cross country and alpine racing. Sierra volunteered at the South Haven Public Library. Sierra plans to attend the University of Michigan to obtain a degree in biology to become a physician’s assistant.

 

ROYAL OAK HIGH SCHOOL

LILLIAN MARIE NAVIN

Parent/Guardian: Debra and Mark Navin

Royal Oak

A 4.48 student, Lillian was awarded an Alumni Distinguished Scholarship MSU (2025) -(full tuition, room and board, AP Scholar with Distinction (2023, 2024), PTSA Academic Distinction, Best Delegation Award at Great Lakes International Model United Nations (2024), Piano Superior Rating from the National Federation of Music Clubs (2016-2025) and -State Level Solo and Ensemble Rating of 1 for cello and violin duet (2024). Lillian was president and paint crew head of Drama Club, cast member for 10 shows, Under Secretary General of Internal Conferences for Model UN, Leadership Team of UMatter Week, cello section leader in symphony orchestra, and NHS member. Volunteer work included Royal Oak Library volunteer, canvas for Melanie Macey for state representative and taking inventory of the parks for the City of Royal Oak. Lillian plans to attend Michigan State University Honors College.

RANEEN SAMANTHA AWADA

Parent/Guardian: Rena and Sam Awada

Royal Oak

A 4.47 student, Raneen was awarded Academic Distinction Honor 3x. Raneen was certified Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (through Medical Skills class) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (outside of school). Raneen was president of The Roost (school coffee shop), secretary of the Science National Honor Society, member of the National Honor Society, member of Interact club, and a pianist for 12 years, performing at a yearly recital. Volunteer work included volunteer and ambassador for Gilda’s Club, Club Red (Teen Youth Council), volunteering at an Urgent Care and Family Medicine Clinic, and medical writer for the MedReport Foundation. Raneen plans to attend the University of Michigan.

KATHRYN SHEILA MACEY

Parent/Guardian: Melanie and Edward Macey

Royal Oak

A 4.51 student, Kathryn was awarded Academic Distinction (2021-2024), AP Scholar Award – 2023, Coaches’ Award – 2024 and Scholar Athlete throughout high school. Kathryn participated in varsity cross country-captain, varsity track and field-captain, NHS, and was president of Assembly for Royal Oak Model United Nations. Volunteer work included Little Renegades Soccer Mentor – 2021-Present, intern at Cranbrook Institute of Science – Winter 2024, and intern for Haley Stevens’ Campaign – 2024. Kathyrn plans to attend Wellesley College.

CHARLES KHAIRI FRANCIS

Parent/Guardian: Steve and Amie Francis

Pleasant Ridge

A 4.52 student, Charles was honored as summa cum laude, awarded the Youth Recognition Award through Royal Oak Youth Assistance, Scholar Athlete award, and selected for the 40th annual Detroit News Outstanding High School Graduate program. Charles was president and founder of the Middle Eastern Student Association,and was a member of Model United Nations and NHS. Volunteer work included Salvation Army volunteer, internship at the 44th District Court, student representative for the Royal Oak School board, and Wreaths Across America volunteer. Charles plans to attend Michigan State University Broad College of Business.

 

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA ACADEMY

HANNAH MARGARET PLEET

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Edward Pleet

Novi

A 4.0 student, Hannah was honored as a valedictorian, awarded The Harvard Prize Book Award, AP Scholar with Distinction, All-Scholastic Award (3x), All-Catholic Award for Softball, All-League Award for Softball, All-Academic Award (3x) for Softball and Field Hockey, All-District Team (3x) for Softball, All-Region Team (3x) for Softball and the Barbara McClintock Award. Hannah participated in varsity softball (4 years, captain), varsity field hockey (4 years, captain), HOSA Club (3 years, treasurer), Executive Council (2 years, historian), NHS and Visual Arts Appreciation Club (president). Hannah volunteered at a local hospital during the summer, and volunteered to help neighborhood athletic teams. Hannah plans to attend Ohio State University.

VALENCIA ARIA IMPERI

Parent/Guardian: Theresa Imperi

Novi

A 4.0 student, Valencia was honored as a valedictorian, awarded AP Scholar, 2025 HOSA ATC Academic Testing state finalist, HOSA: EMT Regional 1st Place (2x), Regional 3rd Place (1x) | EMT Michigan State Finalist (2x), Llyod & Laurie Carr Scholarship – U-M Club of Greater Detroit, 3x Scholastic All-Catholic CHSL Prep Bowl – Knights of Columbus, 2024 CHSL 1st Place, Regional 2nd Place, and MHSAA State Semi-Finalist, St. Catherine of Siena Young Woman of Courage and Faith Award, and Student Council Award. Valencia participated in HOSA-FHP serving as recording secretary (11th grade) and president (12th), American Red Cross Club Treasurer (11th), NHS, varsity tennis throughout high school, co-captain (12th), Inter-Club Tennis Team, Finance Club, and played piano. Volunteer work included volunteering at Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital Hospital, and American Red Cross, Oakland County Donor Ambassador (12th). Valencia worked summers at Olde Orchard Pediatric Dentistry. Valencia plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ELIZABETH ANNE CREEN

Parent/Guardian: David Creen

Ann Arbor

A 4.0 student, Elizabeth was honored as AP Scholar with Distinction, CHSL Scholar Athlete Leader Nominee, awarded Bloomfield Hills FIRST Robotics Scholarship, and was Short on Words Writing Contest winner, Zekelman Holocaust Center Writing Contest winner, and the winner of Saint Michael’s Book Award. Elizabeth participated in varsity swimming and choir, and was president/founder of the school’s Finance Club chapter, captain of the Robotics Team, and class officer for Student Council for three years. Volunteer work included Leadership Initiatives International Internship- Healthcare, Drug Take-Back event through Michigan OPEN, and FIRST Volunteer. Elizabeth plans to attend the University of Michigan or Purdue University.

ALEXA CHRISTINE CAMAJ

Parent/Guardian: Kristina Camaj

Northville

A 4.0 student, Alexa was honored as an AP scholar and awarded the John Hopkins Book Award. Alexa participated in HOSA, Pro-Life Gianna Mills Club, and volleyball. Alexa volunteered at Henry Ford Hospital and Our Lady of Victory Northville Parish, helping with parish gatherings. Alexa plans to attend the University of Detroit-Mercy.

SABRINA ALSTOT

Parent/Guardian: Gary Alstott and Stephanie Petro

Milford

A 4.0 student, Sabrina was honored as a valedictorian, AP Scholar and awarded the Scholastic All Catholic Award. Sabrina participated in Varsity Pom, varsity tennis and NHS. Sabrina volunteered at church and as SCA Ambassador. Sabrina plans to attend the University of Michigan.

TARA KELLOW

Parent/Guardian: John and Sahar Kellow

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 3.986 student, Tara was honored as salutatorian, summa cum laude, AP Scholar with Honor, and awarded Scholastic All Catholic Award, Excellence in 3D Art, and Young Women in Courage and Faith. Tara served NHS chapter vice president, and participated in CASA, HOSA, varsity tennis, and was Pickleball Club founder/member. Tara volunteered at DMC Sinai Grace Hospital, church and Global Health Charities. Tara plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

SEAHOLM HIGH SCHOOL

GRACE JOHNSON-SEARS

Parent/Guardian: Lauren Sears and Charles Johnson

Birmingham

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.709 weighted GPA, Grace was one of 13 in the state to receive the Scholar-Athlete Scholarship for academically-gifted Class A varsity athletes, and one of 22 selected to represent the USA at an international seminar this summer in the Netherlands. Other awards include: finalist for the National PEO Star Scholarship Award, AP Scholar with Honor Award and Harvard Book Award. Grace participated in varsity track and cross country, serving as captain (two years), D1 County Qualifier in two events, State 4 x 400 Relay team (2 years). Grace played flute in the school symphony, jazz and marching band (four years), served as vice president of Band Council, principal flute and piccolo, section leader, and was awarded MSBOA State-Level Solo and Ensemble Superior Ratings (three years). Grace was also a member of the Detroit Metropolitan Youth Symphony (4 years), Principal Flute and Piccolo. Grace participated in Science National Honor Society as an executive board member, president of Chemistry Club, and member of NHS, STUCO (student government) and other clubs. Volunteer activities include Writing Center Peer Mentor, New and Transfer Student mentor, middle school running club mentor and volunteer coordinator, tutored middle-school and elementary flute players, and worked as a part-time gymnastics coach at Troy Gymnastics. Grace plans to attend the University of Michigan.

JACK LASSEN

Parent/Guardian: Kent and Susan Lassen

Birmingham

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.679 weighted GPA, Jack was dual enrolled with Lawrence Tech for Calculus 3 and Differential Equations. Jack was awarded National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction (12 AP classes, including AP Physics C E/M), selected as 1 of 16 students globally for a Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Program and earned Pythagoras Scholar, Mathematics Achievement, and World Language Awards from Seaholm. Jack was captain of a Detroit Curling Club Team and competed in the Youth Olympic Trials-Team. Jack was manager for the Seaholm Varsity Tennis Team, actor in this year’s Seaholm musical, clarinet section leader for Seaholm Marching Band and a member of Seaholm Symphony Band and NHS. Volunteer work included tutoring for Birmingham Public Schools, volunteer proctor/grader for Science Olympiad Events and student representative for the Birmingham City Board of Multi-Modal Transportation. In college, Jack plans to major in Aerospace Engineering.

LAUREN KING

Parent/Guardian: Latacha and Andre King

Birmingham

With a 3.982 unweighted and a 4.682 weighted GPA, Lauren was awarded an AP Scholar Award, 11th grade, African American Recognition Award, 11th grade, Birmingham Youth Assistance Award, 11th grade, Seaholm High School Honors Pythagorean Mathematician Award, 9th and Black Student Union Awards, 11th grade. Lauren served as Black Student Union co-president, 11th-12th grade, Spanish Honors Society secretary, and participated in Seaholm Volleyball Team, NHS and National English Honors Society. Volunteer work included tutoring at Bound Together, volunteer at Corewell Health, Pharmacy, and also served as a coach at Troy Gymnastics and Brooke’s Bunch.

TEJAS SABNIS

Parent/Guardian: Yogesh and Lata Sabnis

Birmingham

A 4.725 student, Tejas served as NHS vice president, and participated in STEM Leadership and was awarded Spanish Student of the Month 3x and Math Student of the Month 1x. Volunteer work included tree planting with a community service organization in Detroit and volunteering at Gleaners Food Bank.

 

SOUTHFIELD CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

LAYAH JADE VASSER

Parent/Guardian: Jerome and Chelsea Vasser

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.0 student, Layah was awarded AP scholar with distinction, Spirit of Detroit Award, Community Service Award, National Honor Society award and Science Department Award. Layah was HOSA Club founder for SCS chapter, and participated in varsity track and field, varsity cross country, and varsity basketball. Layah volunteered with Motor City Steam and Detroit 360. Layah plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Biomedical Sciences.

GABRIELLE MCKENZIE WOOD

Parent/Guardian: Chastity Ellis

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 3.99 student, Gabrielle was honored with an AP Scholar award, MIAC All Academic, high honors and Top Student in: World History, AP US History, AP Economics, Spanish and Social Studies Impact Award. Gabrielle served as Student Government president and participated in Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, NHS, and varsity volleyball and varsity softball. Volunteer work included dance ministry Leader, Christmas giveaway leader, Gabreille McKenzie Foundation for the advancement of students (provides books and Bibles for Westside Christian Academy). Gabrielle plans to attend the University of Michigan to study political science on the pre-law track.

 

SOUTH LYON HIGH SCHOOL

BROOKE ARCHER

Parent/Guardian: James and Gerri Archer

South Lyon

A 4.12 student, Brooke achieved academic honors in biology, English 10 honors, government, and was awarded the Jennifer Morbito Award for Swim and Dive, four years of varsity on the girls swim and dive team. Brooke was a member of Cancer Awareness Club, serving as treasurer, Baking Club, Student Council, NHS and Key Club. Brooke volunteered as a camp counselor for the YMCA Camp Nissokone. Brooke plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in biology on a pre-med track.

LEELA ARKOUSSIAN

Parent/Guardian: Joe and Arpi Arkoussian

South Lyon

A  4.18 student, Leela was awarded academic honors, Academic Letter awards, Principal’s List award and Key Club Service Award. Leela was honored with an Oakland County Outstanding Youth Citizen award 2x, Oakland County Executive David Coulter Special Award of Recognition, Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition – Haley Stevens 2x, Annual Youth Recognition South Lyon Area Youth Assistance – Mark Hiller, 3x, Certificate of Congressional Recognition -US Senator Debbie Stabenow 3x and Certificate of Special Senatorial Recognition – Senator Gary C. Peters. Leela served as Student Council class representative, vice president of Key Club and a member of NHS, Environmental Club, Cancer Awareness Club, SIP Committee, and SLC3. Volunteer work included helping to start and manage a Suit and Dress Swap, aided in providing Christmas gifts for adopt a family/Angel Tree, ushered at graduation for the previous graduating class, Salvation Army volunteer, helped gift wrap at several elementary schools during Christmas, volunteer trip to Puerto Rico to clean dangered areas and pack food meals, and volunteer at Oakpointe Church Novi Sunday School. Leela plans to attend the University of Michigan ROSS – Business Administration (Pre-law).

ALEXA BORG

Parent/Guardian: Elena and Kevin Borg

New Hudson

A 4.15 student, Alexa was honored with Initiative Honor – 2025, Principles List throughout high school, Academic Varsity Letter – Fall 2022 and Athletic Varsity Letter – Spring 2022. Alexa participated in Girls Varsity Soccer and Key Club. Alexa volunteered at Kent Lake Elementary, Brummer Elementary, and Kilwanis Hall for activities. Alexa plans to attend the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor to study biology.

SYDNEY CAMPBELL

Parent/Guardian: David and Kassia Campbell

South Lyon

A 4.18 student, Sydney was honored on the Principal’s List & Honor Roll (throughout high school), Dean’s List at Oakland Community College for dual enrollment, and highest GPA on the Varsity Pom Team (three years). Sydney participated in Link Crew, Student Council, Pom Pon and NHS. Sydney volunteered at the district court in Novi, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a local dance studio, helped a teacher prepare for the school year, and volunteered at the humane society. Sydney plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor to study biology and related fields on a pre-med track.

ALYSSA CRISPIN

Parent/Guardian: Sharon and Dave Crispin

South Lyon

A 4.16 student, Alyssa received numerous academic excellence awards, and contributed the most service hours in the NHS chapter for 2023-2024. Alyssa participated in varsity volleyball and NHS. Alyssa plans to attend the University of Michigan for biomedical engineering.

CHLOE EVANS

Parent/Guardian: Shanna Evans

South Lyon

A 4.17 student, Chloe was honored with Academic Award, Principal’s List, Academic Varsity Letter and Thespian Varsity Letter. Chloe participated in theater and Key Club. Chloe plans to attend Michigan Technological University to study civil engineering.

BENJAMIN GRIDLEY

Parent/Guardian: Scott and Jen Gridley

New Hudson

A 4.1 student, Benjamin was honored on the Principal’s List throughout high school. Benjamin participated in tennis, (senior year) and varsity lacrosse throughout high school and even with an injury, served as captain of the team, senior year. Volunteer work included VFW for brunch every year, making stocking stuffers for children in need every year, and participating in Military Day for the lacrosse team every year. Benjamin plans to attend Ohio Northern University, majoring in mechanical engineering with a focus in aerospace, and playing lacrosse there.

NATALIE KRAUSE

Parent/Guardian: Maureen and Kevin Krause

South Lyon

A 4.17 student, Natalie was awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish, named to the Principal’s List, runner-up for The New York Times Open Letter Contest, and SLHS Theatre’s Most Dedicated. Natalie was co-president of Thespian Board, co-host of South Lyon High School Theatre’s podcast, co-manager of Choir Council, student conductor of A Cappella Choir, founder of Crochet and Knitting Club, and was also a member of Shared Involvement Process Committee, NHS, Link Crew, Key Club, Baking Club, and a Girl Scout. Natalie plans to attend Alma College and double major in English and Secondary Education.

JOSHUA LEBNICK

Parent/Guardian: Melinda Talbert and Matthew Lebnick

South Lyon

A 4.1 student, Joshua was honored with DECA awards: An Award of Excellence, District Champion honors, State Finalist honors, and a State Champion award, in the ICDC international conference. Joshua was honored with a 2024 Youth Recognition Award from the 52nd Judicial District Court, received the South Lyon Youth Assistance Outstanding Youth Citizenship award, State of Michigan Certificate of Recognition of Community Service, an Oakland County Executive David Coulter Special Award of Recognition, and a Certificate of Recognition from the 6th Judicial Circuit Court. Joshua participated in Key Club, Student Council, DECA, track and field, weightlifting club and founder of Movie Club. Volunteer work included camp counselor for Camp Invention kids summer camp. Joshua plans to attend Schoolcraft college, transferring into a four- year university for a pre-law business focused degree, with the intention of eventually going to law school.

HARSHITHA SUDHAKAR

Parent/Guardian: Sudhakar Chandramohan and Bhuvaneswari Sudhakar

South Lyon

A 4.21 student, Harshitha was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction, DECA 2x State Champion and 4x State Finalist, HOSA- 2nd place at States and ILC qualifier, and New York Times Open Letter Contest: Honorable Mention (top 60). Harshitha participated in DECA-co-president, Model United Nations, president and founder, NHS committee chair, Multicultural Club  secretary and Science Olympiad member. Harshitha volunteered as a mentor at Center for Success. Harshitha plans to attend the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business to study business administration.

 

SOUTH LYON EAST HIGH SCHOOL

MICHAEL JANKOWSKI

Parent/Guardian: Bridget and Anthony Jankowski

South Lyon

A 4.35 student, Michael was honored on the Principal’s List. Michael was NHS president and a member of the varsity baseball team. Michael volunteered for Gleaners Food Bank. Michael plans to attend the University of Michigan to study chemical engineering.

SUDESHNA PHANINDRA KUMAR

Parent/Guardian: Phanindra Kumar Gururaja Rao, Sougandhika Nagaraj

South Lyon

A 4.33 student, Sudeshna was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction award; Academic Letter award; Principal’s List; National Merit Scholar; HOSA state competitor; nationally awarded the title of “Young karate-ka 13-17 years” by the Isshinryu Hall of Fame; placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in kata, weapons, and sparring events at tournaments. Sudeshna has an Isshinryu karate black belt and is an instructor at the Family Self Defense Center, competitor at tournaments; student/assistant teacher, grader and volunteer at Samskrita Bharati USA Detroit chapter; treasurer and member of Key Club; treasurer and member of HOSA; member of GIDAS; first and second violinist at the Novi Youth Symphony Orchestra; member of NHS; SAFL graduate of the Sanskrit as a Foreign Language course; cross-country runner; and member of Student Council. In addition to volunteering at school functions, tutoring, and assisting teachers at preschools and elementaries, Sudeshna volunteered at Kiwanis Christmas and Easter holiday events, taught at a weeklong online summer camp, volunteered at a local temple as an assistant teacher and instructed kata and self-defense to students aged 5-14 years. Sudeshna plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in computer science, and then continue her education at the graduate level.

BHANUNI LAASYA SUREDDI

Parent/Guardian: Anuradha Lekkala and Suresh Sureddi

South Lyon

A 4.302 student, Bhanuni was honored as AP Scholar with Honors, Principal’s List, Most Valuable Player Award for Varsity Tennis and the South Lyon Area Youth Volunteer Recognition Award. Bhanuni participated in Key Club, HOSA, Student Council and NHS. Volunteer work included serving as a Blood Donor Ambassador for the Red Cross. Bhanuni plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in engineering.

LILY GROVES

Parent/Guardian: Joseph and Christy Groves

Novi

A 4.279 student, Lily was awarded AP Scholar with Honor, named to the Principal’s List, and received a varsity letter for Cougarettes Pom, scholar athlete award, eight Scholar Athlete Gold Medals, Academic Varsity Letter, and Varsity Letter for Theater, National Thespian. Lily participated in Cougarettes Varsity Pom, Theater, CORE, NHS and Key Club. Volunteer work included Panthers Pom Coach, CORE, and volunteering with Key Club and NHS. Lily plans to attend the University of Michigan to study environmental engineering.

PHOENIX DOLBY-ARNOLDY

Parent/Guardian: Sherrie and Keith Arnoldy

New Hudson

A 4.262 student, Phoenix was named to the Principal’s List, and awarded the Michigan Seal of Biliteracy in English and Spanish, Academic Letter Award (4x), AP Scholar with Honor Award, South Lyon East Scholar Athlete Gold Medal (2x), Varsity Soccer Award, Track and Field Award and BSA Trail to Eagle George Thomas Award. Phoenix is an Eagle Scout and served as senior patrol leader and assistant patrol leader for Scouting America. Phoenix served as Student Council executive treasurer (two years), Sustainability Club co-founder and president, South Lyon East Class of 2025 Treasurer (two years) and FIRST Robotics Competition Team member and member of NHS and Link Crew. Volunteer work included more than 100 hours at the Packard Proving Grounds preserving and cataloging historical cars and artifacts, tutoring classmates, and leading a district-wide Hurricane Helene Relief fundraiser. Phoenix plans to attend the University of Michigan College of Engineering- majoring in nuclear engineering.

IVANKA TASEVSKI

Parent/Guardian: Jennifer and Nikolce Tasevski

South Lyon

With a 4.0 unweighted and a 4.25 weighted GPA, Ivanka was awarded the Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish, 2024), South Lyon Area Youth Volunteer Award (2024), DECA State Champion (2025), DECA State Finalist (2023,2024), Scholar Athlete (2023, 2024) and Principal’s List. Ivanka participated in Finance Club, DECA, NHS chapter, serving as public relations officer senior year, Student Council, Link Crew/CORE, and varsity tennis. Volunteer work included coordinating blanket packing events with local organization Fleece & Thank You, Salem-South Lyon District Library Student Advisory Board, serving as a junior counselor at the University of Michigan’s Camp Explorations, summer camp for children and packing “Boo Bags” for children at Mott’s Children’s Hospital during Halloween. Ivanka plans to attend a four-year college. (Photo by Katie Wind Photography)

ADVAITH SURESH

Parent/Guardian: Suresh Krishnamurthy and Ramya Suresh

South Lyon

A 4.248 student, Advaith was named to the Principal’s List, awarded the Seal of Biliteracy in 2025 for Hindi, and awarded Academic Letters (2022, 2023 and 2024). Advaith performed at State and All State Honors Choir MSVMA, MSVMA Musical Theater Solo and Ensemble Festival – Rating I. Advaith participated in Choir Council, publicist and vice president, NHS, Theatre, Secretary of the Thespian Board and participated in choir performance at local senior living community. Volunteer Work included V-EXCEL INDIA (Summer 2022, 2023 and 2024) – In India, volunteered for vocational training to adults with mental disabilities. Advaith plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a dual degree in Mathematics and Music.

ALTON STIENEKER

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Vanessa Stieneker

South Lyon

A 4.243 student, Alton was named to the Principal’s List, awarded MHSSA Scholar Athlete, Academic All-State, DECA State Finalist, Varsity Tennis- Regional Finalist and State Qualifier, and LVC All-Conference. Alton participated in varsity tennis,captain, DECA service officer, NHS treasurer, Student Council treasurer, Link Crew/Core mentor, Reaching Higher and Key Club. Volunteer work included Children’s Ministries volunteer. Alton plans to attend Notre Dame University and double major in physics and economics.

JULIET ZINK

Parent/Guardian: Jason and Janice Zink

Milford

A 4.231 student, Juliet was named to the Principal’s List, received the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, varsity letter for cross country and track and academics. Juliet participated in cross country two years, track and field throughout high school, ninja warrior training throughout high school and club pole vault, senior year. Juliet was a member of LINK Crew and NHS. Juliet achieved Girl Scout Bronze and Silver awards. Volunteer work included Families Building Faith making gifts for less fortunate children, Adaptive Ninja, a group to help disabled kids practice ninja warrior and do modified training. Juliet plans to attend the honors college at Michigan State University, majoring in dietetics and minoring in Spanish.

ZACHARY YOST

Parent/Guardian: Elise and Keith Yost

South Lyon

A 4.224 student, Zachary was named to the Principals List, and awarded AP Scholar with Honors, Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, honored by the College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program, and awarded Top Speaker of SLEHS Novice Debate freshman year and top Varsity Debate speaker sophomore, junior and senior year. Zachary participated in Debate Team as president, secretary of the NHS chapter, Student Council, CORE, and held a job at Premier Pet Supplies for three years.Zachary volunteered with NHS and as a mentor for younger students through CORE. Zachary plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) with future plans to either get a PHD or attend Law School.

 

TROY ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL

VISHNAV RAMESH

Parent/Guardian: Ramesh Ramiah and Gayathri Manickam

Troy

A 4.5306 student, Vishnav  was honored as National Merit Finalist, awarded Michigan Brain Bee 3rd place (9th grade), Biology Olympiad Semifinalist (10th grade), HOSA Internationals Qualifier (10th & 11th grade), Chemistry Olympiad National Finalist (10th and 11th grade) and Michigan Science Olympiad 2nd place Forensics (11th grade). Vishnav participated in Science Olympiad, Chemistry Club and HOSA throughout high school and Biology Club throughout high school, serving as president 10th and 11th grade. Volunteer work included Henry Ford Hospital prostate cancer research volunteer assistant (11th & 12th grade) and National Honor Society volunteer. Vishnav plans to attend the University of Michigan.

 

TROY HIGH SCHOOL

JOANN TU

Parent/Guardian: Liming Yang

Troy

With a 4.4681/4 weighted GPA, JoAnn was honored as Science Olympiad State Medalist, HOSA ILC 3rd place in Biotechnology, International Biology Bowl Semifinalist, National French Contest Gold and Silver Medalist and National Merit Scholarship Finalist. JoAnn participated in BioBuilderClub (President/Founder), track and field, theatre, Chemistry Club and NHS. Volunteer work included tutoring for Schoolhouse, Science Olympiad, moderator for International Biology Bowl and serving as a Joyce Ivy Foundation Outreach Fellow.

 

WALLED LAKE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

ANDREW BORDEN

Parent/Guardian: William and Irene Borden

Commerce Twp.

A 4.362 student, Andrew was a National Merit Finalist; AP Scholar with Distinction; Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Solo and Ensemble, 9 district and 6 state-level awards; Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District IV Honors Band (2024 and 2025); and Walled Lake Central Student of the Month (May 2023). Andrew participated in the Robotics Team #7178 Yeti (team technician); Scouting BSA Troop #170 (Life Scout, Order of the Arrow Brotherhood Rank); NHS (recording secretary); marching band (trombone section leader); jazz band (lead trombone) and Science National Honor Society. Andrew volunteers through Scouting BSA troop and is currently working on an Eagle Scout service project, building bat houses to support bat conservation efforts in the community. Andrew plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

LUKE FENBERG

Parent/Guardian: Aaron and Lisa Fenberg
West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.327 student, Luke was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction Award, November 2023 WLC Student of the Month, Academic All-State and LVC All-Conference for tennis. Luke participated in varsity tennis throughout high school, (captain for three years), Giving Tree Club board member, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, NHS, Jewish Cultural Club board member, and served as the girls tennis team manager. Luke volunteered for the annual Stroll for Rett Syndrome, at Temple Israel and at West Bloomfield Parks.

EMILY BIENIASZ

Parent/Guardian: Richard and JoAnne Bieniasz

Commerce Twp.

A 4.470 student, Emily was awarded AP Capstone Diploma, AP Scholar with Distinction and Scholar Athlete. Emily participated in varsity track and field, varsity cross country (captain), Breen Track Club, NHS (president), Red Cross Club (vice-president), Women in STEM Club (vice-president), Student Council executive PR, Unified Basketball Buddy/Helper, French Club Member, and member of the Science National Honor Society.

MARY HANNA

Parent/Guardian: Khaldoon and Anwar Hanna
White Lake Twp.

A 4.417 student, Mary was honored with AP Scholar with Distinction Award, National Honor Society Exemplary Service Award (75+ Hours), Seal of Biliteracy (Chaldean language), and Sean Patrick Collins Choral Scholar Award. Mary participated in Chaldean American Student Association, Choir Club, Girls Exploring Together, Information Technology, Student Safety Principal Advisory Board, Spanish Club, NHS, Science National Honor Society, and Vikings for Christ. Mary volunteers with St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church Choir and Vacation Bible School. Mary plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

YOUSIF ZABLOUK

Parent/Guardian: Ziyad Zablouk and Leena Abba

Farmington Hills

A 4.386 student, Yousif was in the Top-5 of the WLC Class of 2025 and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Yousif was NHS corresponding and recording secretary, HOSA president and founder, chess club vice president and Model United Nations public relations officer. Yousif participated in Student Council, Honor Guard, Science National Honor Society, and volunteered more than 150 hours with NHS, and was secretary for Music for Memory. Yousif studied the Catholic faith, and was ordained as a Catholic deacon and helped create the first official English Syriac Catholic divine liturgy, and serves as a council member for the church’s youth group. Yousif plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

 

WALLED LAKE NORTHERN HIGH SCHOOL

AIDAN NUTTLE

Parent/Guardian: Kimberly and John Nuttle

Waterford Twp.

A 4.381 GPA student, Aidan received AP Scholar with Distinction award, Harvard Book Award, second place in Informative Speaking at the 2024 MIFA IE State Finals and received three Spirit of the Knight Awards. Aidan was captain of the WLN Forensics Team, co-president of German Club, foreign exchange with a German partner school; hosted a student and also went to Germany as an exchange student. Aidan was a member of the WLN Announcements Team, NHS, and co-president of German National Honors Society. Aidan volunteered weekly to help coach Clifford H. Smart Forensics Team and volunteered to judge middle school forensics tournaments. Aidan plans to attend the University of Michigan to study civil engineering.

AMAN QURESHI

Parent/Guardian: Chetna Mahajan

Commerce Twp.

A 4.381 GPA student, Aman was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and three Spirit of the Knight Awards. Aman was president of the Science National Honor Society, founder of Weights Club, and member of NHS and La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica (SHH). Aman received a YouTube Gold Creator Award and YouTube Silver Creator Award. Aman was CEO of a videography company and CEO of Research Assistant. Aman was president of a Teen Advisory Board and participated in Muay Thai boxing. Aman plans to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, to major in Chemical Engineering.

EMILY MASSAT

Parent/Guardian: Lisa and Fred Massat

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.327 student, Emily was awarded AP Scholar, AP Capstone Candidate, All-American Academic Athlete, Student Academic Athlete and 4x Varsity letter recipient. Emily participated in NHS Blood Drive and Green Thumb, Science National Honors Society, French Club, and AP Psychology Club. Emily also participated in competitive gymnastics at American Allstars Gymnastics Academy. Emily volunteered at Turtle Creek Farm- weekly animal care and summer camp counselor. Emily plans to attend the University of Michigan or University of Florida, studying business.

GABRIELLA GRACE KOBYLAS

Parent/Guardian: Robert and Krista Kobylas

Milford

A 4.357 student, Gabriella was awarded AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, AP Scholar with Honor Recipient, and High Academic Honors all four years. Gabriella participated in the Walled Lake Northern Dance Team (JV Captain Junior Year and Varsity Captain Senior Year), NHS board member and treasurer, SNAPS mentor. Gabriella volunteered at the Friendship Circle and volunteered as a tutor. Gabriella plans to attend the University of Michigan to study mathematics.

LARA TERPSTRA

Parent/Guardian: Holly and Michael Terpstra

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Lara received the AP Scholar with Distinction award. Lara served as Walled Lake Northern Newspaper founder and editor, NHS Project Detroit committee chair and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. Lara was a clinical intern at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises in Long Island, NY and an executive intern at the Detroit Free Press. Lara plans to attend the University of Michigan studying political science and international studies. (Photo by Lillie Mae Photography)

LYLA ACRICH

Parent/Guardian: Darci Acrich

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Lyla received the AP Scholar with Honors award, the Scholar Athlete award, 4 years, and a Walled Lake Legacy scholarship, and was honored as an AP Capstone candidate. Lyla participated in swim and tennis throughout high school, serving as co-captain of the swim team senior year. Lyla served on the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) executive board and was a member of the JCC Teen Impact Fellowship and a member of NHS. Lyla volunteered as a summer camp counselor and also as an assistant coach on the Smart Creek Middle School Swim Team. Lyla plans to attend the University of Michigan on a pre-med track.

MATTHEW AARON DEVANEY

Parent/Guardian: Caryn and Dennis Devaney

Commerce Twp.

A 4.310 student, Matthew was honored with the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholar Candidate, AP Capstone Diploma Candidate, BBYO Bronze and Silver Shield of David Awards (2x), BBYO Henry Monsky Chapter Excellence Award (2x) and a Rising Leader Award. Matthew served as Class Council president, four years, NHS blood drive chair, Spanish Honor Society treasurer, regional president of BBYO, JCRC Leadership Academy teen leader and Jewish Fund Teen Board member. Matthew performed as a violist in pit and symphony orchestras, receiving top ratings at state music festivals and was a member of the school’s forensics team. Volunteer work included serving as teaching assistant at Temple Israel. Matthew plans to attend Ohio State University, studying public management, leadership and policy.

NOAH NICHOLSON

Parent/Guardian: Cathy Chorbeff

White Lake Twp.

A 4.357 student, Noah was awarded an academic varsity letter, a robotics varsity letter, Spirit of the Knight award, and 2nd place at the Walled Lake Hackathon. Noah served as programming captain of the Walled Lake Monsters robotics team, vice president of the Computer Science Honor society and was a member of NHS, the Spanish Honor Society, Weights Club, and the JV tennis team, senior year. Volunteer work included volunteering with Robotics to help run a STEM night at Keith Elementary, with Computer Science Honor Society, helped box up the computers at WLC and WLW for the end of the year, tutoring through NHS, and volunteering at events including Bowling with Santa at Wonderland Lanes and the Trick-or-Treat trail at West Bloomfield parks. Noah plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in computer science.

TESSA KEAN

Parent/Guardian: Victoria Kean

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.429 student, Tessa was honored as Brightest and Best of Walled Lake Northern, All-American Academic Athlete, AP Capstone Candidate, AP Scholar, Student Academic Athlete and Legacy Scholarship Award Winner. Tessa served as Class Council secretary and participated in dive team, track and field, AP Psych Club, NHS, NHS Tutoring (co-chair), Science National Honors Society, Spanish Honors Society and Students Leading Students. Volunteer work included Huron Valley Hospital volunteer, SpringHill Summer Camps (teen service team member) and Turtle Creek Farm camp counselor. Tessa plans to attend the University of Florida, studying pre-med.

TIMOTHY AWAD

Parent/Guardian: Dee and Fadi Awad

Commerce Twp.

A 4.405 student, Timothy was awarded the AP Scholar with Distinction award, All Conference Tennis (4 years), Student Academic Athlete award (4 years) and DECA- State qualifier (2 years). Timothy participated in varsity tennis throughout high school, captain, varsity golf (3 years), captain, varsity basketball and varsity volleyball. Timothy served as Class Council representative (2 years), Student Leadership representative, chair of the school’s American Cancer Society chapter, member of NHS, NHS mentor, and Spanish Honor Society member. Volunteer work included St. Mary Orthodox Basilica altar server- 10 years and Friendship Circle volunteer for children with special needs- 2 years. Timothy plans to attend the University of Michigan to study industrial engineering.

 

WALLED LAKE WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

FARAH FEHIDAT

Parent/Guardian: Hadil Al-Momani

Novi

A  4.430 student, Farah was awarded National Qatar Debate Champion for ESL along with earning the National Semifinalist title and Top Speaker award for Qatar Debate. Farah attended Qatar University College as part of a university enrichment program and represented Qatar at SHELL’s Explorers Program, researching sustainable approaches to transform the Qatari desert habitat using sand as solar panels. Farah received an Eastern Michigan University Summer Science Research Scholarship in 2024, for conducting research on an Alzheimer’s-related protein to combat cancer. Farah was a paraeducator at Walled Lake Consolidated Schools District, student writer for Prompt Nexus, completed two years of Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) activities, including organizing a toy drive for cancer patients. Farah was co-founder and president of the Chemistry Club.

 

WATERFORD KETTERING HIGH SCHOOL

GABRIEL ESTRADA

Parent/Guardian: Kristen Field

Waterford Twp.

A 4.26 GPA student, Gabriel was awarded AP Scholar with Honors, Outstanding AP Government Student, Outstanding Anatomy Student and Outstanding Algebra II Student. Gabriel was a member of NHS, LINK Crew (peer mentoring), student council, Tri-M Music Honor Society and marching band. Gabriel volunteered as a Special Olympics volunteer and Early Start 6th Grade Band Camp Trumpet Mentor. Gabriel plans to attend the University of Michigan, studying pre-med.

MEGAN KROMPATIC

Parent/Guardian: Sarah Krompatic

Waterford Twp.

A 4.21 GPA student, Megan was awarded Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding AP Environmental Science Student, Outstanding AP Pre-Calculus Student and Scholar Athlete. Megan was Class of 2025 Vice President, participated in Student Council and Student Leadership and Board of Delegate Center 12 Representative. Megan was a member of NHS, DECA (chamber chair), Varsity Dance team, (captain) and varsity lacrosse. Megan volunteered with Middle School Leadership Training, Special Olympics and Fleece and Thank You. Megan plans to attend Michigan State University, Broad College of Business for Marketing.

JAMES SHARLOW JR.

Parent/Guardian: Christal Sharlow

Waterford Twp.

A 4.13 student, James was awarded AP Scholar, Waterford Foundation Select 50, soccer varsity letter, Outstanding Orchestra Student and Orchestra varsity letter, Academic All State, District Solo and Ensemble Performance, scored 1’s. James participated in Honor Guard, NHS, (board member), Tri-M Music Honor Society, Student Leadership, Student Council, Kettering Diversity Union, (president), Student Six, LINK Crew, Teen Court, theatre and orchestra. James volunteered at a senior citizens home and plays music with an ensemble for residents, volunteers for Fleece and Thank You and teaches cello lessons to middle school students. James plans to attend the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, majoring in psychology.

OWEN ELLIS

Parent/Guardian: Holly Gauthier

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 student, Owen was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction and Academic All State Athlete, and participated in varsity soccer, choir, National Art Society and Kettering Diversity Union. Owen volunteered at Lighthouse of Oakland County, and Fleece and Thank You. Owen plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and major in aerospace engineering.

MARISA BLACK

Parent/Guardian: Derrick and Sandra Black

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 student, Marisa was awarded Academic Achievement Awards (all 4 years), Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding Sophomore Orchestra Student and Outstanding Freshman Choral Student and 2025 MSVMA State Honors, Choir. Marisa participated in orchestra, choir, drama club, Honor Guard, Tri-M Music Honor Society, NHS and Kettering Diversity Union. Outside of school, Marisa volunteered at Canterbury-on-the-Lake, Colombiere, Elli’s House Outreach and Middle School Theatre, directing. Marisa also participated in U-M Youth Chamber Singers and International Thespian Society. Marisa plans to attend the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, majoring in voice performance and music education.

RYAN NOVACK

Parent/Guardian: Lorrie Malyszek

Waterford Twp.

A 4.09 GPA student, Ryan participated in soccer (team captain) and Honor Guard, and was awarded National Society of High School Scholars Academic All State, All State Honorable Mention, All District and 2X All Conference. Ryan volunteered with Fleece and Thank You. Ryan plans to attend University of Detroit Mercy.

JORDYN PUDDY

Parent/Guardian: Frank and Shellie Puddy

Pontiac

A 4.09 student, Jordyn was awarded Outstanding Artist (9th, 10th, 11th), Chamber Choir, Varsity Letter Silver Key Scholastics, Waterford Foundation Select 50, Honorable Mention Scholastics, Athletic Leadership Honor Guard and Cross Country, Varsity Letter. Jordyn had dual enrollment at Kendall College of Art and Design. In addition to cross-country and chamber choir, Jordyn participated in Track, team manager, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Kettering Diversity Union, NHS, International Thespian Society and Winter Running Club.  Jordyn volunteered at Renaissance Festival, Oakland Hope, and Middle and Elementary School Cross Country. Jordyn plans to attend Oakland Community College to study Art with a Photography Focus.

CHEYENNE DIEHL

Parent/Guardian: Amber Diehl

Waterford Twp.

A 4.07 GPA student, Cheyenne was awarded Outstanding Honors Biology Student. Cheyenne participated in Dungeons and Dragons Club, Drama Club, Teen Court, choir and NHS. Cheyenne volunteered for Adopt a Family, Bottle Drive, and provided tutoring. Cheyenne plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University, to study psychology and biochemistry.

 

WATERFORD MOTT HIGH SCHOOL

KARLI KOSKINEN

Parent/Guardian: Mark and Trudi Koskinen

Waterford Twp.

A 4.1731 GPA student, Karli was awarded the Marine Distinguished Athlete Award, Outstanding Student in numerous courses throughout high school Including Outstanding AP Calculus Student and Outstanding Language Art III Student. Karli participated in NHS, Mu Alpha Theta Honors Society, Link Crew, varsity soccer, varsity basketball, varsity golf and varsity cross country and was awarded MHSAA Soccer All Conference-HM and Scholar Athlete Award. Karli volunteered with Christ Lutheran Church providing In-home visits for the homebound, Voice of Truth – week long local service trip, Disaster Relief at Work, community garden work at Baldwin Center: Restore Detroit: painted picnic tables and weeded parks; Special Olympics Golf Outing, Leaping Lizards Daycare. Karli plans to attend Michigan Tech University, majoring in Exercise Science, and be a member of the Women’s Soccer Team there.

EVAN LUND

Parent/Guardian: Rebecca and Jeffrey Lund

Waterford Twp.

A 4.0759 GPA student, Evan was awarded Academic Incentive Program Award, Outstanding U.S. History Student and Outstanding Statistics Student, Graduation Honor Guard and Waterford Foundation Select 50. Evan participated in Competitive Dance at Mt. Zion Performing Arts, Competitive Dance at The Art of Dance, NHS, Student Council, Anti-Defamation League, Yearbook and ASD Peer to Peer. Volunteer activities included assistant and rehearsal director for dance classes for young students and camp counselor at Camp TAG. Evan plans to attend Western Michigan University, with a double major in Film and Dance.

MARISSA KALLSEN

Parent/Guardian: Andrea and Sean Kallsen

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9942 GPA student, Marissa was awarded three gold key Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, Michigan FFA Academic Excellence Award, and Freshman and Sophomore 3D Artist of the Year. Marissa was named to the Dean’s list and Most Valuable Pupil at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest. Marissa received Career Preparedness Certification and CASE Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Certification. Marissa was a member of FFA, National Art Honor Society, National Technological Honor Society, Girls Who Code (11th grade), student council (9th grade) and Honor Guard. Marissa participated in varsity volleyball (10/11th grade) Varsity United Golf (12th grade), Varsity United Tennis (12th grade) and junior varsity softball (10th grade). Marissa volunteered at the Great Lakes Floral Expo and made floral arrangements for a senior living community for the Christmas holiday.

MIA SUZZANE STACH

Parent/Guardian: Marcie and Andrew Stach

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9820 GPA student, Mia was awarded Student of the Year for Leadership, Waterford Foundation Select 50, Outstanding AP Psychology Student, Outstanding Language Arts 3 Student and Outstanding Yearbook Editor/Student. Mia participated in NHS as treasurer, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, National Technological Honor Society, social media club, yearbook editor and editor in chief for one year, Girls Who Code and Honor Guard. Mia participated in a competitive dance team for a studio and demonstrated dance for younger dancers and volunteered as a cat comforter at the Oakland County Animal Shelter. Mia plans to attend Oakland Community College for dental hygiene.

OSCAR CHRISTIAN HUBBELL

Parent/Guardian: Christian and Katie Hubbell

Waterford Twp.

A 3.9689 GPA student, Oscar was awarded Outstanding Honors physics student, Outstanding Algebra 2 student, Outstanding Statistics Student and All-state Academics for all sports. Oscar participated in varsity bowling, varsity tennis, varsity baseball, NHS, and volunteered as a Social Emotional Support dog handler. Oscar plans to attend Western Michigan University majoring in Aviation Flight Science.

 

WEST BLOOMFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

FINN MICHAEL MCISAAC

Parent/Guardian: Brian and Corey McIsaac

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.3 student, Finn was honored as an AP Scholar with Distinction. Finn participated in the school’s fencing team and was awarded USA All Academic Fencing and USA All American First Team Fencing. Outside of school, Finn coached at Renaissance Fencing Team.

CARLY LYONS

Parent/Guardian: Laura and Charles Lyons

Waterford Twp.

A 4.3 GPA student, Carly was awarded 2024 AP Scholar with Distinction, Oakland Association Scholar Athlete and 2025 MHSAA Scholar Athlete Award Finalist. Carly was Student Government Class President 2022-2025; Student Leadership Vice President 2023-2025, Law Club president 2022-2025, and participated in varsity soccer and Chem Club. Outside of school, Carly volunteers at Oakland County Circuit Court as a teen defense attorney and St. Patrick Catholic Parish.

HARSHITHA SANKARANARAYANAN

Parent/Guardian: Renganathan Sankaranarayanan and Sujana Subramanian

West Bloomfield Twp.

With a 4.4151 GPA, Harshitha was a National Merit Scholarship recipient. Harshitha participated in student government, serving as a Parliamentarian, student liaison to the school board, and varsity Debate Team captain throughout high school. Awards received include 1st Place Team – Dexter Debate Delight (2021 and 2023), 3rd Place Team MIFA Debate States (2022), State Champion – Extemp OPEN States (2024), 1st Place – Region 3A Extemp (2023) and 1st Place – MSCI Festival – Extemp (2023).  Harshitha served as Model UN President (since 2021), and was honored as Consummate Diplomat – Metro Detroit Model UN (2022 & 2023). Harshitha participated in Law Club/Teen Court Exec (since 2023), Tri-M Music Honors Society, serving as president (senior year) and vice president (2023-2024), WBHS Jazz Band, WBHS Marching + Pep Band, and Drumline Section Leader (senior year) and helped to reinstate the color guard program. Harshitha plays piano, violin, and trumpet and was awarded Division I – MSBOA Piano Solo Regionals (2024). Volunteer work included ONECampaign for Michigan Fellow, Our Water Activist, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, CFSN Literacy Tutor, virtual literacy mentor and Haley Stevens for Congress Campaign Intern (2022). Harshitha plans to attend the University of Michigan.

ALEXANDER WSZOLEK

Parent/Guardian: Joanna Wszolek

West Bloomfield Twp.

A 4.4259 GPA student, Alexander was awarded National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and achieved the Seal of Biliteracy in Polish. Alexander was president of DECA, International Finalist, Executive Board of the school’s Model UN Club, president of Chemistry Club, president of Pickleball Club, captain of state championship sailing team, captain of ski team and NHS treasurer. Alexander served as assistant teacher at Father Dabrowski Polish School and Polish Scouts Troop Leader. Alexander plans to attend Princeton University in the Fall.

ALISSA SMITH

Parent/Guardian: Kathleen Smith

Waterford Twp.

A 4.3462 GPA student, Alissa was awarded AP Scholar with Distinction. Alissa participated in HOSA, NHS, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) club, executive board for Law Club. Outside of school Alissa participated in Teen Court at 48th District Court, Lakers for Love, and volunteered at church and for Math Pentathlon at Gretchko Elementary School.

 

WIXOM CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

RACHEL ELISABETH INDREI

Parent/Guardian: Lucian and Nadya Indrei

Commerce Twp.

A 3.93 GPA student, Rachel was named valedictorian, and performed in high school musicals, “Mary Poppins” and “The Music Man.” Rachel plans to attend Oakland Community College.

ETHAN ASLAN SEPULVEDA

Parent/Guardian: Yerko and Nancy Sepulveda

Novi

A 3.81 GPA student, Ethan was named salutatorian, played varsity soccer, and performed in the musicals, “The Wizard of Oz,” “Mary Poppins” and “The Music Man.” Ethan plans to attend Oakland Community College.

By Joshua Coleman
Special to The Washington Post

I recently learned from my mother that my father cheated on her when I was younger. She assured me she forgave him long ago, and they worked through it in couples therapy. She said they have a good marriage and have grown a lot since then, but ever since she told me, I haven’t been able to move past it. I haven’t wanted to see him since she told me, and I feel like something has been broken inside me toward him, even though we were always close. Not sure what to do, if anything. Any advice?

This question from a patient touches on the deep disappointment we can feel when a loved one’s actions conflict with our values — even when we are not directly involved. Such revelations can be particularly difficult when they involve a parent, making it hard to move past feelings of hurt or betrayal.

When we are growing up, our parents can seem infallible, incapable of making decisions that go against our most deeply held beliefs. We take pride in their successes and feel a sense of shame when they fail. To that extent, our identities are intertwined with who they are, the decisions they make and the lives they lead.

For my patient, her father’s actions shattered the image she had of him. She had never done what he did, nor could she imagine doing so. He betrayed not only her mother, but also my patient’s beliefs about who he is.

This kind of disillusionment can be painful, but there are ways to manage the feelings of betrayal and anguish. The following steps may help, especially in cases where the act isn’t outright unforgivable but still deeply conflicts with personal values.

Consider the person in full

People are not defined by a single act as either good or bad. When we feel let down by someone we love, it can help to take a broader view — recognizing their imperfections but also their worth. My patient was very close to her father, which may suggest he has many qualities she admired. Those attributes may also have helped her mother forgive him and feel motivated to preserve the marriage.

Examine your own motivations

Disappointment often stems from a core value being shaken. Culturally, we often view affairs as an unforgivable offense — cross the line and you’re out. Most of us value fidelity in marriage, and infidelity typically causes the other party enormous pain and disruption. My patient probably believes forgiving her father would mean excusing something that could have broken up her parents’ marriage and the home.

By identifying which value has been disrupted, we can reflect on whether it is an absolute boundary or if we are willing to balance it with others such as forgiveness, understanding or maintaining family ties.

Have an honest conversation

If possible, speaking directly to the person who disappointed you can be therapeutic. Expressing how their actions affected you may provide clarity, resolution or even a sense of closure. However, be prepared for the possibility that they may not want to discuss it or that their answers may not bring the resolution you seek.

If an open conversation does not provide closure, then acceptance may be the answer. You may have to recognize that the behavior wasn’t about you, but was about them and their struggles.

See them as doing the best they can

It can feel empowering to end or limit relationships with family or friends whose values conflict with ours. However, sometimes the more empowered position is to see them as doing the best they can given their own upbringing, social class, genetic predispositions or marriages. While we may define ourselves, when we are children, through our parents’ values, we get to choose those we embrace and those we put aside when we become adults.

One person’s actions don’t define love or relationships

A parent’s mistakes can feel deeply personal, shaping how you see yourself and the world. If your father betrayed your mother, you might feel tempted to believe that all men — or all relationships — are untrustworthy. But that’s not true. One person’s actions don’t define the nature of love or the integrity of others.

Rebuilding trust takes time

When someone we love disappoints us, healing doesn’t happen overnight. Allow yourself time to process your emotions and come to your own conclusions. However, try not to avoid the situation indefinitely — unresolved feelings can deepen over time, making them harder to confront later.

People are complex, capable of both mistakes and growth. In time, you may find that acceptance, rather than self-protection or judgment, is the path that brings you the most peace.

Joshua Coleman is a clinical psychologist and senior fellow with the Council on Contemporary Families. His newest book is “Rules of Estrangement: Why Adult Children Cut Ties and How to Heal the Conflict.”

Every high school senior takes a different path to graduation.

For some, adjusting to life as freshmen in a new social setting comes easy and leads to four years of smooth transition to the next chapter of their lives.

For others, challenges in academic life slow the process and make four years seem much longer.

There are hundreds of stories among the Oakland County students named as Top Scholars of the 2024-2054 graduating class.

Two students who took opposite paths to earning a diploma are among those stories.

THE ELECTRICIAN

DeAngelo Pierfelice wrapped up his senior year at Durant High School in Waterford by taking freshman Algebra as one of his courses.

He did not take the typical path to graduation, but will earn his diploma in four years just like the majority of students who have walked across a stage this spring.

Pierfelice began his high school career at Chippewa Valley High School in Macomb County. He struggled in all of his classes. During his sophomore year his mother, Particia Dubley-Pierfelice, died.

He moved in with his father, Dominic, an automotive machine operator, and started taking classes at Waterford Kettering High School.

His grades did not improve during the second half of his sophomore year and junior year at Kettering.

“His grades were all over the place when he came here,” said Anne Kruse, principal at Durant.

“My mom passing away took a big toll on me and I did not feel like doing much,” Pierfelice admitted. “School was just hard for me and I was failing a lot of my classes and I was really not focused.”

He moved to Durant for his senior year.

The school specializes in providing credit recovery options for students through accelerated 10-week terms. The majority of students are juniors and seniors looking to make up credits for failed classes in a setting with smaller class sizes and more personalized learning. Students are allowed to take classes in any order they choose.

“Somewhere along their educational route they become credit deficient and they need to make it up at an accelerated rate,” Kruse said of the students attending Durant. “So kids here have to work twice as hard and twice as fast to cover the same material as kids at Mott and Kettering (high schools).”

Pierfelice knew what it would take to graduate on time, if at all, and he began putting in the work.

“My ultimate mission was graduating and making sure I got enough credits to get that done and making sure I can find a career for myself after high school,” Pierfelice said.

Kruse saw the changes immediately.

“When he came to Durant, he just started to blossom,” she said. “You could see his body language and demeanor change. He started getting all A’s and he became an honor roll student.”

“When I came to Durant, the teachers seemed like they cared more about me and focused on what I needed to do,” Pierfelice said. “We are a family here and we all have a connection with each other.”

He achieved his goals of finishing high school and choosing a career. In the fall, Pierfelice will be heading to Oakland Community College and wants to be an electrician.

“When he came here in September he had a plan to graduate and did not know what he was going to do,” said Kruse. “Now he has a career plan, some money through Michigan Works! to get started and a scholarship to OCC.”

Michigan Works! assists people with job support, training and services to find employment and obtain needed credentials. They work with school districts, colleges and community colleges throughout the state.

“It feels great knowing I put in the work and the effort and now I am graduating and going to college this fall,” said Pierfelice. “Durant is a place to get an education, but it is also like a second home to me now.”

Pierfelice is one of 67 students graduating from Durant this year.

THE EXPLORER

To say that Benjamin Guettler leads a busy life would be an understatement. He will graduate from Bloomfield Hills High School this year with a 4.45 grade point average, was a three-sport athlete for four years and president of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). He plays piano, was a member of the student advisory council and became an  Eagle Scout as a member of Scouting America.

He runs an auto detailing business, which he classifies as a “summer venture,” and is a DJ playing music at gatherings.

But the line that jumps off his resume is the title of co-founder and chief sales officer for JointCoach, described as a “medical startup replacing traditional triage with Artificial Intelligence (AI), improving access to healthcare.”

A pilot program is up and running and working with local surgical groups.

Guettler explained how it works.

“The platform will not give a diagnosis, but a triage and then whether you need to be set up with a doctor or not, it tells you. Then it actually integrates with surgical systems and hooks up directly to their scheduling,” Guettler said. “If somebody needs an appointment, they will talk to the AI, the AI schedules it and on the surgeon’s end they will see a new appointment. We are able to assess these conditions with a lot of accuracy. It is literally for anyone.”

A person can get in front of their computer camera and the platform tracks range of motion, sees where joints are not doing their best and also allows you to interact with an AI chatbot to answer questions. It can then connect the patient with the nearest doctor, who receives notification of an appointment.

Guettler is teamed with orthopedic surgeon Blaine Warkentine, whom he met at a medical conference, to create the platform with a focus on musculoskeletal complaints.

“We both had a passion for AI and he introduced the idea of replacing triage,” said Guettler.

They were able to secure $30,000 in seed funding dedicated to development and marketing as they modify the platform and possibly branch out to other areas of medicine.

“We have our prototypes and our initial product and we are just going to keep iterating that and making it better and then expanding,” said Guettler.

His father, Joseph, is a surgeon and described how his son could have such a broad variety of interests for a teenager.

“He is a unique little cat. He is an explorer at heart,” said Joseph. “He said he wants to take some time off this summer and go explore Europe and see the sights. His mind is always exploring something.”

“He has always loved diving into something and finding out how it works,” said his mother Debbie, a nurse. “He has found this niche (JointCoach) that he enjoys working in and finding people that he can connect with and has similar goals with.”

Being able to explore is one of the reasons he chose to go to Duke University in the fall.

He said the university is more suited to participating in programs and activities outside his major, which in Benjamin’s case will be economics.

“I like exploring other things outside of academia and there is more of a social scene there, so I think it is going to be the right fit for me. I fell in love with Duke early on,” said Guettler. “I have an interest in philosophy, which is obviously outside of the business realm, but it is something I would be interested in and I would be able to pursue something like that while I’m there.”

Guettler said he has spent part of his senior year at Bloomfield Hills giving advice and trying to mentor other students in all aspects of high school life.

“I love giving back and setting these kids up so they can have the same opportunities that I had, but also helping them not make the same mistakes I did and I want them to ultimately do better than I could do,” he said. “I really want to see people do better than I did.”

“He has been a great leader and an instigator in helping his sister and her friends get involved in a variety of things at school,” said Debbie. “He has done a good job of stopping sometimes and thinking things through, even though he is constantly moving. It does your heart good knowing he has all the tools.”

 

Blood drives

• The City of Farmington Hills is hosting an American Red Cross blood drive, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 11, at Costick Activities Center, Wexford Room, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment using sponsor code “costickcenter” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors will receive a $15 Amazon gift card and a chance to win other prizes.

Community events

• The City of Oak Park presents the 2025 State of the City Address and groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated Elevate Oak Park Event Hub and Band Shell, 7 p.m. June 10, at Oak Park City Hall, https://bit.ly/StateoftheCity2025.

Educational workshops

• Oxford Bank is hosting a virtual client event, “Unlocking AI’s Real Potential: Advanced Techniques for Business Productivity with Proactive Technology Management” from 8-9:15 a.m. June 17, online, open to the public, register at https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/48f1ae89-6e41-49ce-9754-8002dc4c8f74@85f0a38c-8c5f-43cd-850e-7b9abd1e98ad/registration.

Farmers markets/Garden walks

• Fridays at the Farm take place 4-7 p.m. Fridays, June 13 through the summer, at Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, featuring ice cream, locally made honey and wax goods, handmade and home-baked treats and fresh Tollgate flowers and produce, in season, www.canr.msu.edu/tollgate.

• Rochester Garden Walk is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 19, at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills. Advance Tickets are $16, day of garden walk is $20, www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms and at Auburn Oaks Garden Center, Bordine’s Nursery (Rochester location only), Fogler’s Greenhouse, and Piechnik’s Garden Gate, www.rochesterhills.org/museum, RochesterGardenClub.org, 248-656-4663.

Father’s Day activities

• Father’s Day Weekend Mini-Golf at Cranbrook Art Museum Saturday, June 14-June 15, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, https://cranbrookartmuseum.org/events/mini-golf-fathers-day-2025-copy, 248-645-3323, to receive a complimentary ticket, purchase all tickets together, includes admission to the art museum.

• Better Made Snack Foods invites entries to the 2025 Father of the Year contest in honor of Father’s Day. The winning father will be announced on June 16 and will receive a sampler box of Better Made Snack Food products. Submit a story with a photo by June 9, to info@bettermade.com. For information, visit www.bettermade.com.

Festivals/Shows

• Seymour Celebration Carnival is June 5-8, (opens at 1 p.m. Sunday) at Seymour Lake Township Park, 2795 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford, carnival ticket prices vary, https://oxparkrec.org/seymour-celebration.

• 16th Annual International Kite Festival is June 7-8, (11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sunday) at James Atchinson Memorial Park, 38000 Grand River, New Hudson, professional kite flyers’ demonstrations, colorful show kites, free kites for children, food trucks, entertainment and music, www.lyonevents.org, admission is free, parking is $10.

• Peacefest is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 7-8, at L.A. Cafe, 5815 Dixie Hwy., Waterford Twp., artists, live music, beer tents, food trucks, www.facebook.com/peacefestfestival.

• Art on the Grand is June 7-8 (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday), Grand River Avenue, downtown Farmington, annual juried fine arts and crafts show, hosted by the City of Farmington Hills and the Farmington DDA. Several blocks of Grand River Avenue are closed, www.artonthegrand.com.

• 2025 Bill Robinson Memorial Car Show: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 8, at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, free family-friendly event includes car showcase curated by students and colleagues of Bill Robinson, live jazz by the Wesley Reynoso Quartet, free food, docent-led tours of Kirk in the Hills, and opportunity to support Seeds to Sustainability, feeding families in Haiti, www.billrobinsoncarshow.com.

• Hearts of the World Foundation “Stop a Bully and Save a Life” 10th year anniversary celebration is 4-8 p.m. June 9, at Madison Place Event Center, 876 Horace Brown Drive, Madison Heights, www.facebook.com/HeartsOfTheWorldFoundation, featuring special guest Trick Trick, (rapper), free T-shirts and prizes.

• The Village of Rochester Hills kicks off summer activities with most events taking place outside in Festival Park. Music & Me events are 10-10:45 a.m. June 9 and June 11; Bugs on Wheels events are 10-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m. June 12; and Zenagain Band (rock) performance is 5-8 p.m. June 13, TheVORH.com.

• Kickoff 2 Summer is 5-8 p.m. June 12, with ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m., entertainment, free swimming, sports, games, Park It movie night “Moana 2,” is at 8:15 p.m. in the football field, at The Hawk, 29995 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, www.fhgov.com.

• Northville Art House Art Market is June 13-15, (3-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday) Main and Center Streets, Downtown Northville, www.northvillearthouse.org, 248-344-0497, free admission.

• Berkley Art Bash is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 14, free parking and many shops along Twelve Mile and Coolidge, downtown Berkley, sidewalk sales, entertainment and activities, food trucks, children’s activities, www.BerkleyArtBash.com.

Fundraisers

• Face Addiction Now’s 17th Annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run/Walk is June 21, at 10 a.m. after-race community gathering, at Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. Register at faceaddictionnow.org/run-drugs-out-of-town, or call 586-438-8500.

• Kroger customers are invited to donate any dollar amount at checkout to the Great Michigan Milk Drive through June 30, during National Dairy Month. Every dollar raised goes toward purchasing milk for six of the Feeding America-affiliated local food banks in Michigan, partnership with the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.

• Pickleball Tournament for all skill levels is 9 a.m.-noon June 22, at LifeTime Rochester Hills, 200 W. Avon Road, Rochester Hills, fundraiser for Sky Foundation, a nonprofit to fund early detection research for pancreatic cancer. To register, visit www.classy.org/event/2025-pickleball-tournament/e683963, ticket prices vary.

Golf outings

• The Waterford Foundation for Public Education Annual Golf Outing is June 17, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start, at Fountains Golf and Banquet Center in Clarkston. Derrick Fries, Ph.D. will be honored as an educator, author, triathlon national and sailing world title holder, www.wsdmi.org/wfpe, $150 per golfer, banquet only-$40.

• Turning Point’s 9th Annual Survivors’ Golf Outing is June 20, at Cracklewood Golf Club, 18215 24 Mile Rd, Macomb Twp. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. and Shotgun Start at 10 a.m., pre-register at https://cbo.io/tickets/golfouting/TurningPoint, $175/golfer, $600/foursome.

Library activities

• White Lake Township Library Summer Book Sale is June 12-14, White Lake Township Library, 11005 Elizabeth Lake Road, White Lake Twp., whitelakelibrary.org. Friends Only Book Sale is 5-7 p.m. June 11, memberships available at door.

• Rochester Hills Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, kicks off on Saturday, June 14, from noon-2 p.m. with free activities, ice cream, inflatables, non-profit fair, and a potting bench offering propagated plants from the library. For more information about the Summer Reading Challenge which runs June 14-Aug. 9, visit rhpl.org or call 248-656-2900. Rochester Hills Public Library will continue to be open seven days a week through the summer, including  1-6 p.m. Sundays.

• Taylor Swift Maker Party is 6 p.m. June 17, Madison Heights Public Library, 240 West 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, geared for ages 5+, free, 248-588-7763.

Parks/Outdoor activities

• Red Oaks Waterpark is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 8; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 9-13; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 14-15, weather permitting. Purchase advance tickets at OaklandCountyParks.com, ticket prices vary. Waterford Oaks Wave Pool will not open this year, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/waterpark.

• Free Fishing Weekend is June 7-8 in Michigan, www.michigan.gov. All fishing license fees will be waived for both inland and on the Great Lakes. All fishing regulations still apply.

• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.

• The Metroparks Trail Challenge is open through Oct. 31. Registration is $35, includes a custom tumbler and trail passport. Visit designated Challenge Trails across all 13 Metroparks. Take a selfie at each trail’s Challenge Kiosk and upload it to the leaderboard to collect your badge, and you’ll get a 2026 Annual Vehicle Pass. Register your dog for $10 and receive a custom Trail Challenge dog tag. www.metroparks.com/trailchallenge.

• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.

Recycling events

• Comerica Bank invites the public to bring paper documents and computer equipment and accessories for recycling, free of charge, to Comerica’s Great Lakes Campus, 36455 Corporate Drive, Farmington Hills, on Metro Detroit Shred Day, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., June 14, www.comerica.com/community/detroit-shred-day2025.html.

Support resources

• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.

• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.

• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.

To submit a community event, email the information to Kathy Blake at kblake@medianewsgroup.com.

NOVI – Calling South Lyon starting pitcher Havanna Bissett’s circumstances in the fifth inning of Saturday’s regional championship against Northville a high-leverage situation might have been an understatement.

An error coupled with several singles put the go-ahead runner on first for the Mustangs, who trailed just 2-0 at the time, and getting out of it all unscathed at the time seemed like a dream scenario.

But that dream became a reality. Bissett, aided by a few spectacular plays throughout by her teammates, never allowed a run, and the Lions dispatched Northville 3-0 to claim the regional title at Novi High School.

The Lions were already fortunate to get the first out of that fifth inning when a Northville player advanced too far past second and couldn’t make it back in time, but a single after that followed by a laser hit by Kennedi Adams that clipped off South Lyon shortstop Izzy Nooe’s glove juiced the bases for the Mustangs.

It’s no wonder then with jams like those that Bissett, who got a line out followed by a strikeout swinging to escape that particular one, was “very relieved” when her duties in the circle for the day had concluded. 

“I’m just saying to throw strikes,” Bissett said of her thoughts going back to that fifth frame. “I have to trust my defense. I really couldn’t do it without them, and my catcher (Mady Ferstenau) really helped me out.”

Make no mistake, Bissett helped herself, too, allowing six hits in the seven-inning effort — her second of the afternoon — but the Lions’ defensive effort was integral to keeping their hopes of returning to East Lansing alive.

There were several nice highlights, among them Furstenau gunning a runner out at second in the third inning, or Maggie Badrak backtracking to make a catch in center the play after that. The clear one, though, was a diving effort by Nooe on a ball hit by Jocelyn Burns to shallow left where the ball popped out of Nooe’s glove as she hit the ground, but she was able to trap the ball with her right arm as her body nearly folded over itself to secure the out for what would be another scoreless Northville inning.

“That was insane,” said Nooe, who had an inside-the-park home run the second at-bat of the game and finished 4-for-4 at the plate. “I didn’t know where my left fielder was, but I was feeling it out. I just went for it, then I had to transfer it to my other hand to keep it up. It was crazy.”

South Lyon’s collective heart rate elevated again when, after Bissett recorded consecutive outs to begin the bottom of the seventh, Adams singled between a pair of walks that gave Northville a chance to win it with one swing, but a hard one-hopper back to Bissett and a throw over to first triggered the Lions’ victory and celebration around the circle.

The celebration would be short-lived: South Lyon’s seniors had another hats-off celebration to attend — their graduation — at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, which was slated to begin at 4 p.m., or exactly 30 minutes before the final out.

“It happened last year, too, but with a little different situation,” Lions head coach Jerry Shippe said. “Graduation was in the middle of the regional and we had the early game, so the girls left to graduate, then came back for the regional. It was a little different this year where they had to get out of here real quick, but it makes it more satisfying when you can bring a trophy to graduation ceremony.”

Following Nooe’s four-bagger in the first, the Lions (30-7) had to wait until the top of the fifth before adding to their lead. Ryle Miller doubled, then Nooe dropped a bunt to put runners at the corners, and a sacrifice grounder by Avery Bourlier scored Miller. Despite back-to-back bunt singles by Miller and Nooe that led off the top of the seventh, the Lions’ only run to came out of that inning was from an RBI double by Isabella Bracali.

Bissett spun a two-hitter and struck out nine in South Lyon’s regional semifinal just before that, a 6-1 victory over Bloomfield Hills. Nooe finished 2-for-3 in that one and the tandem of Bracali and Ella Glowacki both drove in a pair of runs.

Anna Carlson and Caroline King had the hits in the loss for the Black Hawks (23-15), who beat Groves 14-6 in a district championship that included a three-run homer by Avery Howland.

“Last year we had four senior graduate, and this year we have six, and all six made all-district,” Bloomfield Hills head coach Phil Appel said. “Like I just said to them, I’m like, all you guys have to do is watch how (the seniors) played this year and we’ll be fine next year. Because if they learned anything from them, it’ll be a great shot. They were amazing seniors.”

Like Bissett, Northville’s Mary Gugala also tossed two complete games on Saturday. The first resulted in the Mustangs’ 1-0 upset of top-ranked Farmington Hills Mercy.

Photo gallery of South Lyon vs. Northville in a D1 softball regional championship

McKenzie Stevens tripled to lead off the third against the Marlins (28-3) and later was walked in to score the lone run, which in itself has been a rare occurrence all year with Kaitlyn Pallozzi on the hill. Gugala allowed two hits and struck out six in the win, while Pallozzi's ended as she fanned a dozen.

"Going against No. 1 Mercy, and their pitcher, obviously, we felt we had to come in here and do things a little bit differently and try to get her and their whole team off-balance," Northville head coach Scott DeBoer said. "We did a lot of looking at things, studying of things, spent a lot of time on the machines and working on bunting and just trying to distract and make (Mercy) try to make some plays.

"(Pallozzi's) going to strike out 12, 14, I mean, she strikes out over 70% of the batters she faces, so we knew we had to do something different. And Mary, a junior, went toe-to-toe with her. She's not gonna throw 65 (mph) right now, but what she can do is spin it in multiple pitches keep multiple people off-balance, and to throw a two-hitter against them, in that game, was phenomenal."

DeBoer did confess his believe that the discrepancy in speed between Pallozzi and Bissett probably negatively effected the Mustangs' performance at the plate in the final and led to being out front and lots of fly balls. Still, he said "to go 35-7 after 34-8 (last year), while starting four freshmen, if you had told me that at the start of the year, I would have signed up for that in a heartbeat ... I'm really proud of this team. There's no losers in a game like that. There's no losers when you get to play in this atmosphere."

South Lyon will see a familiar opponent in Walled Lake Northern in Tuesday's quarterfinal that will be hosted by Northville. The Knights beat Grand Blanc and Lake Orion in their own regional on Saturday. Northern won the only meeting between the teams 5-1 on May 20.

"(Northern is) a very good team, always are, and the girls will be ready for it," Shippe said. "We'll be ready to go on Tuesday."

After beating Bloomfield Hills in a semifinal earlier in the day, South Lyon blanked Northville 3-0 to claim a D1 regional championship Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Novi High School.

Today is Sunday, June 8, the 159th day of 2025. There are 206 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On June 8, 2017, former FBI Director James Comey, testifying before Congress, asserted that President Donald Trump fired him to interfere with Comey’s investigation of Russia’s ties to the Trump campaign.

Also on this date:

In 1789, in an address to the U.S. House of Representatives, James Madison proposed amending the Constitution to include a Bill of Rights.

In 1949, George Orwell’s novel “1984” was first published.

In 1966, a merger was announced between the National and American Football Leagues, to take effect in 1970.

In 1967, during the Six-Day War, 34 American crew members were killed when Israel attacked the USS Liberty, a Navy intelligence-gathering ship in the Mediterranean Sea. (Israel later said the Liberty had been mistaken for an Egyptian vessel.)

In 1968, U.S. authorities announced the capture in London of James Earl Ray, the suspected assassin of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In 1978, a jury in Clark County, Nevada, ruled the so-called “Mormon Will,” purportedly written by the late billionaire Howard Hughes, was a forgery.

In 1995, U.S. Marines rescued Capt. Scott O’Grady, whose F-16C fighter jet had been shot down by Bosnian Serbs on June 2.

In 2009, North Korea’s highest court sentenced American journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee to 12 years’ hard labor for trespassing and “hostile acts.” (The women were pardoned in early August 2009 after a trip to Pyongyang by former President Bill Clinton.)

In 2021, Ratko Mladić, the military chief known as the “Butcher of Bosnia” for orchestrating genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in the Balkan nation’s 1992-95 war, lost his final legal battle when U.N. judges rejected his appeal and affirmed his life sentence.

In 2023, Donald Trump was indicted by a grand jury in Miami on 37 felony counts related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents that had been moved to Mar-a-Lago, Trump’s Florida home. (The case against Trump was abandoned following Trump’s November 2024 presidential election victory.)

Today’s Birthdays:

• Singer Nancy Sinatra is 85.
• Musician Boz Scaggs is 81.
• Pianist Emanuel Ax is 76.
• Actor Sonia Braga is 75.
• Actor Kathy Baker is 75.
• Singer Bonnie Tyler is 73.
• Computer scientist Tim Berners-Lee is 70.
• Actor Griffin Dunne is 70.
• “Dilbert” creator Scott Adams is 68.
• Actor-director Keenen Ivory Wayans is 67.
• Singer Mick Hucknall (Simply Red) is 65.
• Musician Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran) is 63.
• Actor Julianna Margulies is 59.
• Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, a Democrat from Arizona, is 55.
• Tennis Hall of Famer Lindsay Davenport is 49.
• TV personality-host Maria Menounos is 47.
• Country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson is 47.
• Guitarist-songwriter Derek Trucks is 46.
• Tennis Hall of Famer Kim Clijsters is 42.
• U.S. Olympic track gold medalist Athing Mu-Nikolayev is 23.

The No. 1 Dakota Cougars defeated the Lake Orion Dragons, 4-0, in a Division 1 baseball state quarterfinal game on Saturday, June 7 at Grand Blanc HS.

ANN ARBOR – The South Lyon United girls lacrosse team displayed such a strong offense throughout the 2025 season that its potent defense could often go unnoticed.

On Saturday, it would be that defense that would propel United to a perfect season and the program’s first-ever state championship.

Trailing Hartland 3-2 at halftime, United refocused with an emphasis on defense and possession, and proceeded to hold the Eagles scoreless in the second half on its way to a 6-3 victory in the MHSAA Division 1 final at the University of Michigan.

“This is only the second game this season that we fell behind. We are normally able to pick up the lead and pull away pretty quick. When we weren’t, coming out of the half, we knew we needed to start playing our game and not letting (Hartland) play their game,” South Lyon United junior Shaelyn Perry said. “On defense and transition, we really locked things down. On offense, we used that momentum to pull ahead.”

Perry was the spark in all phases for United (24-0) as she came through with key plays on the draw, defensively, and on offense. She tallied three goals and an assist to lift her team to a win.

“I could have never imagined it. I am beyond excited,” Perry said of being a state champion.

Averaging nearly 14 goals per game on offense, South Lyon United couldn’t get into a groove with the ball to start Saturday’s D1 final.

Hartland (20-6) held United to two goals, while grinding its way to a 3-2 lead at the break thanks to scores from Ella Ebright, Claire Brown, and Amanda Norton.

To complement its offense in 2025, the South Lyon United defense was allowing just under four goals per game. That defense stepped up on Saturday and locked down Hartland for the final 24 minutes of play.

“We really weren’t playing our game, so we had to just settle down and play like South Lyon lacrosse and not Hartland lacrosse,” South Lyon United coach Deanna Radcliffe said. “I just told them that if they remained poise and do what we have worked on all year, eventually (the lead) would come.”

The lead did come in the third, thanks to a 4-0 period for United. Perry scored her second goal of the game midway through the period to tie things at 3-3 and start a run of three goals in two minutes for United.

Reagan Shields followed to give South Lyon the lead on a free protection shot, while Cate Cumberland added another goal seconds later on an assist from Perry. The junior, Perry, then finished the scoring with 24.3 seconds left in the third to make it 6-3.

“I definitely did put a lot of pressure on (myself), but it was all for my team and I don’t regret it at all,” Perry said of leading the second-half charge.

The fourth quarter was scoreless as South Lyon United held possession most of the frame. When Hartland had the ball, it couldn’t find a way past United goalie Teagan Wesner.

Photo gallery of South Lyon United vs. Hartland in a D1 girls lacrosse state championship

A team with just four seniors, the young South Lyon United team carried the added pressure of being undefeated on Saturday as it sought its first state championship. Coach Radcliffe admitted even the nerves were getting to her.

“I didn’t even turn around until the very end of the game because I didn’t want to look (at the crowd). Even I was (nervous),” Radcliffe said. “It’s a different setting, a different stage.”

Despite the young team, Radcliffe had belief that 2025 could be special when her team was ousted by Brighton in last year’s playoffs. Brighton had won the previous three D1 state titles, but South Lyon defeated the Bulldogs two times this year, including in the regional final.

“At the end of last year, when (the team) lost to Brighton and they realize they didn’t do what they could have done, I think they had belief that if they worked…I told them that if everybody just works a little bit harder, you can surprise yourself next year,” Radcliffe said of her team. “I think they all bought into it, and here we are.”

South Lyon United defeated Hartland 6-3 in the MHSAA Division 1 girls lacrosse state championship game on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from the University of Michigan.

The No. 1 Dakota Cougars defeated the No. 10 Brother Rice Warriors, 2-0, in a Division 1 baseball regional championship game on Saturday, June 7 at Grand Blanc HS.

ANN ARBOR – The last thing Detroit Country Day goalie Campbell Lindner wanted to see in Saturday’s Division 2 girls lacrosse state championship match was overtime.

Fighting exhaustion from the heat after two competitive halves, Lindner had to dig deep when regulation ended with the Yellowjackets tied 9-9 with Grand Rapids Catholic Central.

Lindner fought off the fatigue and came through with two timely saves to keep the Pioneers off the scoreboard, while Country Day netted the lone goal of overtime to claim the 2025 championship, 10-9, at the University of Michigan.

“It’s surreal. It’s the best feeling in the world,” Linder said of the state championship. “(I told myself before overtime,) don’t get in your head, don’t lose your mind. Stay calm, shoulders back. Don’t do things you usually wouldn’t do. Just play your game, be scrappy, and do what you know how to do, what you were trained to do.”

The game-winning goal for DCD came from freshman Charlotte Cook just a minute into the first overtime session. Cook got some encouragement from a teammate to go for the goal when she had the opportunity to do so.

“I just saw an opening,” Cook said of going for the game-winning goal. “I had been trying to go all day, but had been laying off. I didn’t want to push it too much. My teammate and one of my best friends, Adriana Zuk told me I was going to get the winning goal. I saw an opportunity and I wanted to make her prediction come true, so I went for it.”

Cook has been one of the leading goal-scorers for the Yellowjackets this season, having the trust of her coaches and teammates.

“She is absolutely phenomenal. I haven’t seen a player like that in a long time. Just her raw talent, her (lacrosse) IQ as well,” Country Day coach Liz Nussbaum said of Cook. “This is the second time she’s come up with game-winning goals. It’s rare to have that level of trust, not just from a coach’s perspective, but the player’s (too). Our leaders could have told her to pull back, but they knew that she had it.”

With the lead, Lindner shut the door on GRCC, part of a 10-save performance from the junior goalie.

“It took her a minute to get into her head space, but once she did, she was unstoppable,” Nussbaum said of Lindner.

Country Day overcame a four-goal deficit in the first half to win its second state championship in three years. The Yellowjackets trailed 6-2 early in the second period, as their offense wasn’t able to find much success.

“We still had to get our bearings. We have a lot of freshmen that it’s their first time playing at a scene like this. It took them a minute, but once we got our feet rolling, we had the game plan and we started sticking to what we know we needed to do. I had so much confidence that we were going to get it done,” Nussbaum said of the four-goal deficit.

Country Day scored four of the final five goals in the first half to make it a one-score game at the break.

The Yellowjackets then held the Pioneers scoreless in the third, and Georgia Pavlou scored the lone goal of the period to make it 8-8 entering the fourth.

Jackie Calso gave DCD a 9-8 lead in the first minute of the final period, but GRCC answered with two goals from Lily Engstrom, who had a match-high six goals on Saturday.

With 1:15 left in regulation, Mary Pavlou found the net to tie things up at 9-9, then came through with a key defensive play as GRCC was looking for a last-second shot.

“We knew we were going to be in a close game,” Nussbaum said. “We were mentally ready for those tough moments and it showed in the end.”

Photo gallery of Detroit Country Day vs. Grand Rapids Catholic Central in a D2 girls lacrosse state championship

The 10-9 victory for Country Day avenged a 10-9 loss to GRCC in the 2024 state championship match.

“I feel like that score was burned into all my players’ minds after last year,” Nussbaum said of the 10-9 final score. “We started preparing the next day after (the 2024 final). Last year we came in with two losses (against GRCC), this year we came in with two wins, so I think that gave us more of a confidence boost.”

Calso’s three goals led Country Day in the game, while Georgia Pavlou and Cook each scored twice. Pavlou added two assists.

Detroit Country Day defeated Grand Rapids Catholic Central, 10-9 in overtime, to win the 2025 MHSAA Division 2 girls lacrosse state championship on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from the University of Michigan.

Saturday’s meeting between the No. 1 Dakota Cougars and No. 10 Brother Rice Warriors at Grand Blanc was an elimination game with a spot in the Division 1 state quarterfinals on the line.

To Luke DeMasse, it was “just another game.”

Dakota’s ace fired off seven scoreless innings surrendering just two hits as he and the Cougars beat the Warriors, 2-0, to win a regional championship and give themselves a chance to earn one of four spots in the state quarterfinals.

“I have more confidence in myself than anyone else,” DeMasse said. “I didn’t go into that game nervous. Nothing really changes. Kind of another game.”

A Ball State commit, DeMasse toed the rubber opposite another Division I arm, Brother Rice’s Blake Ilitch – an Ole Miss commit.

It clearly didn’t phase him. DeMasse sat down the Warriors, 1-2-3, in the top of the first, all on strikeouts, including two looking.

“I’ve coached him for four years and I feel great when I’m on the mound,” said Dakota head coach Angelo Plouffe. “So I don’t care who they’re pitching – I just know he’s on the mound.

“He had everything working. If he’s on, it’s tough. He can throw a changeup, throw a slider, throw his curveball. He’ll locate. He doesn’t walk people. He makes you have to beat him. He makes you have to have a great advance. That’s why he’s who he is – he’s a dude.”

Dakota threatened to score early and often, but stranded two runners in the first, one in the second and three in the third.

And with two out and two on in the fourth inning, it looked like the Cougars might let another golden opportunity go by the wayside.

Enter Braylon Ryan – the Alma commit and No. 2 hitter in Dakota’s lineup smoked a line drive double into right field, scoring Jacob Gjonaj and Andrew Borowicz, who both walked.

“It was like waiting and waiting and waiting to kick the door down, and we finally did,” Plouffe said. “There’s not a guy on our team that I’d rather have the bat in his (Ryan’s) hand in that moment. He’s pretty special. He’s been doing that stuff all year for us.”

Walks were part of the game plan for Dakota. They approached Ilitch with the fastball in mind, and as his offspeed pitches dipped from strike-to-ball, they let them go. The Cougars ended up drawing five walks, forcing the future Rebel out of the game before the end of the fifth inning.

Ilitch finished the game with 4.2 innings, four hits, two runs, five walks and six strikeouts to end his Brother Rice career.

The Warriors’ best chance to score was in the fourth inning. Cash Van Ameyde reached on a chopper to second baseman Borowicz, then Maksim Neshov got on with an E5, putting himself and Van Ameyde in scoring position with nobody out.

DeMasse didn’t panic. He forced Broder Katke to ground out, struck out Cole Van Ameyde then got a grounder from Tristan Turner to get back into the dugout.

Brother Rice didn’t get another runner on base until Turner’s two-out single in the seventh.

Photos from No. 1 Dakota’s regional championship win over No. 10 Brother Rice

“Not really going to change anything (in the jam),” DeMasse said. “Those weren’t good hits, and that was just unlucky there. But everything ended up working out, and we just stuck to the game plan. Really, nothing changes.”

DeMasse’s final line saw him go seven scoreless innings with two hits, no walks and nine strikeouts.

Dakota previously beat Brother Rice this season, 8-4, on May 4.

That advance scouting helped both sides, but DeMasse said it really helped him dissect their hitters’ tendencies.

“Not a lot of people look at the little things that hitters do,” DeMasse said. “I’m not going to say what it is because I don’t want people to know how I’m going to pitch. But we had a game plan. We stuck with it, and it ended up working out.”

Brother Rice’s season ends with a 28-13 mark. They won the CHSL tournament.