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Superintendent's Column:
Sometimes gifts come in unusual shapes and sizes. This was recently reaffirmed here at Lake Park when parents,Mr. and Mrs. Rich Wuthrich, donated a brand-new Delta drill press to our district. The large piece of equipment is valued at $1,300. Mrs. Wuthrich won the equipment during an on-line sweepstakes she had entered. When she learned she had won it, she knew the drill press was too large for her family to use at home and contacted Lake Park to see if we could use it.
Since our drill press was over forty-five years old and had a bent shaft, the donation was especially needed. Its new home is in our Auto Lab at East Campus where four different classes use it - Automotive Systems, Energy Transportation Systems, Introduction to Electronics, and Introduction to Engineering. Each semester, over one hundred students will be using the new drill press.
Our parents have always been supportive of the educational programs at Lake Park and generous in sharing their resources, and the Wuthrich family exemplifies this generosity. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Wuthrich!
Sincerely,
John K. Butts, Ph.D. |
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The Lake Park High School Community Relations department publishes the LP Link bi-weekly to keep you informed of the latest news at Lake Park High School. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Jennifer Jones Wilk at jjoneswilk@lphs.org |
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Principal's Perspective - Jim Roberts |
Recently, students and distinguished alumni were recognized at the inaugural Spirit of Excellence Celebration and at a district-wide assembly. Both events highlighted the academic, cultural, and athletic achievements of our students and alumni. As a learning community, with unified voice and purpose, we expressed our pride in the accomplishments of our students. Central to the celebratory gatherings was a common message expressed by our students: teachers matter, they change lives; their impact resounds through the decades.
Teachers of all academic disciplines, music and theatrical directors, club sponsors, counselors, and coaches -- all are named by students as having a substantive impact on their lives. Sometimes, the immediacy of a ceremony will spark the thought in a young person's mind that a particular teacher has made an important contribution to his/her life. Students often say, "My teacher inspired me to be an engineer, artist, police officer, or entrepreneur." More often than not, I suggest, it's during a reflective moment, many years removed from school that a student reaches a profound realization, "I'm a better person because of the important people in my life." The influential people that are most often named are members of one's family, the clergy, and teachers. It's not surprising. Our best teachers demonstrate their commitment and concern for students in ways that resonate with the human psyche. It's why they are remembered decades later by our kids who have grown mature with wisdom and appreciation.
As our spring culminates with the graduation of the class of 2009, let's celebrate our legacy in the lives of students, who become the next generation of Lancers for Life. |
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Staff Honored with Spirit of Excellence Awards |
Last Thursday, nearly two-hundred guests attended the first annual Lake Park Spirit of Excellence Celebration Dinner. The evening was filled with excitement and promise. As noted above by Mr. Roberts, teachers and mentors can have a profound impact on our students' lives for years to come. It was with that in mind that the Lake Park Educational Foundation created the Lake Park Spirit of Excellence Awards. The awards honor staff, students and alumni who have consistently portrayed excellence at Lake Park. In the last LP Link, our two alumni who received the award (Jim Zielinski and Tom Zwolfer) were featured. This time we would like to introduce our four outstanding staff who received the Spirit of Excellence Awards.
Don Fulmer has been a social studies teacher at Lake Park High School West Campus for the past 11 years. Don's innovation in the classroom and commitment to student learning is shown through his ongoing work with the Johnson Presidential Library and Museum partnership. Don combines his dry sense of humor with a deep knowledge of his craft to create engaging and motivating lessons for his students. He is admired by his peers, holding leadership roles within the Lake Park Education Association. His collaborative style, high quality work and integrity as a leader are helpful when challenges arise. Don has also been instrumental in recent curriculum renewal efforts.
Kristin Harrington is a veteran teacher, having taught at Lake Park for 22 years. Each year, Kristin volunteers to teach the lowest track of math courses at East Campus. Kristin's investment in each student's success is shown by her willingness to tutor her students before or after school and her ability to diversify her teaching strategies so that every student can learn. Many teachers are inspired by Kristin's kind-heartedness, professionalism, and her belief that all can achieve. In addition to being an excellent teacher, Kristin helps new teachers make the transition into the classroom as smooth as possible by taking them under her wing. Kristin has worked on numerous projects and committees, including co-creating the Geometry B math course.
Lynnae Koroll has been a one-person welcoming committee at East Campus for the past eleven years, greeting visitors, students and staff with her smiling face and warm attitude. She takes extra care with our new students, getting to know them during their lunch periods and asking about their interests. She then introduces them to other students with similar interests, encouraging them to get involved in one of Lake Park's many extracurricular activities. Lynnae also helps students who can't afford supplies by either collecting gently used supplies or purchasing them herself. She is just as concerned about her colleagues and makes everyone feel special, particularly when someone is going through a difficult time.
Rosa Novielli - "Smiling", "caring", and "amazing" are three words colleagues used to describe Rosa. She has worked at Lake Park High School for 23 years; 13 years in food service with Marriott and Sodexo and 10 years in the duplication department at West Campus. Rosa keeps well ahead of schedule with her jobs so that when last minute requests come in, she is also able to complete those for staff. Rosa makes everyone feel special by taking the time to listen. Rosa was unable to join us for the festivities last week because she was in Tennessee helping her daughter who recently had Rosa's first grandchild, Isabella Anna.
Congratulations to each Don, Kristin, Lynnae and Rosa for helping to make Lake Park High School a great learning environment for our students and a great place to work for our staff! |
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Student Spirit of Excellence Winners |
| An integral part of the Lake Park Spirit of Excellence Awards included recognizing students who have consistently gone "above and beyond" while they have been at Lake Park. Seventeen seniors were selected for the distinction this year and were invited to name their influential teacher. Congratulations to all of the students and best wishes in your endeavors as you move beyond Lake Park High School!
Student: Influential Teacher:
Patrick Brambert Chuck Smith Kelsey Coleman Dan Witteveen Zorina Disheva Andy Livingston Meghan Finley Judy D'Amour Lindsay Flanagan Harvey Braus Meredith Francsis Susan Rothchild Bryant Honsa Sharon Schnepf Joelle Jach Gerry Levine Katie Kilbridge Candice Sagliano Ugne Klibaite Kelly Baugher Kevin McKeown Christopher Roleck Tiffany Parrillo Kris Frandson David Pileski Lyndsey Martin Catherine Rivera Karen Koval Sydney Seal Mary Gibson Kaele Way Mike Chiodo Jonathan Winarski Marti Shirley Patrick Brambert has a GPA of 5.0 and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been on the LPHS soccer team for four years and the track team for three years. He has volunteered in a variety of community-related activities, including: YWCA Addison Child Development Center; Bloomingdale soccer pee-wee league; and the Westfield Middle School summer band. Patrick takes the seed of an idea and not only makes it grow but then asks, "How can it be even better for the greater good?"
Kelsey Coleman has a GPA of 5.0 and has helped children with special needs since she was in third grade. While in middle school, she initiated a peer mentoring/tutoring program called STARS - Students Teaching and Reaching Students. When she started at Lake Park, she began this program through her involvement in Student Council and also helped bring Special Olympics to the school. Kelsey was named to the Daily Herald Leadership Team. She has been on the swim and gymnastics teams and served as captains for both of those teams this year.
Zorina Disheva has a GPA of 5.3 and has taken no less than fourteen honors and AP courses while at Lake Park while earning the highest honor roll each semester. She tried cheerleading her sophomore year but later chose to volunteer with a local, youth cheer squad for the past two years. Zorina is a natural leader. As analytical and expressive as she is, she is always ready to help others. She participated in Lake Park's exchange program with Helene-Lange Gymnasium and also hosted a student here.
Meghan Finley has a GPA of 5.1 and has been a cheerleader for the past four years, in choir for three, and in jazz choir and chamber choir for the past two years. She has also been a cast member of the Spring Musicals for the past three years. At church, she plays in the Allegro Bells and has taught Vacation Bible School for several years. Meghan has done all this while achieving the highest honor roll for the past seven semesters at LPHS. When things get tough, Meghan shows a deep inner strength.
Lindsay Flanagan is a very hard working student and athlete with a GPA of 4.9 and is the best girls' runner in Lake Park history. She is captain of the girls' track and cross-country teams. She has qualified for state three years and was state champion this year. During this past season, Lindsay set seven course records. She is the first girl in Illinois cross-country history to be an All-American in both National Championship races by finishing 5th in the Nike National and 9th in the Footlocker National. She holds school records in the 1600 and 3200 and was the indoor state champ in the 3200 last year.
Meredith Francsis has a GPA of 4.5 and is an active member of the Lake Park theatre and International Thespian Society. She has organized three LPHS improvedy performances to raise thousands of dollars for various charities. Her ideas and creativity encourage her peers. She has spent countless hours backstage over the past four years teaching her fellow Lancers how to construct sets and prepare the lights for various productions. Whenever someone needs help, Meredith is there to lend a hand. She will graduate with the highest accumulation of Thespian points in Troupe 3516's history!
Joelle Jach has a GPA of 5.5 and is a National Merit Scholar. In addition, she is in National Honor Society and has been in Youth and Government the past three years and was on the cross-country team for three years. Joelle has been on the highest honor roll since she was a freshman. She volunteers at the Danada Equestrian Center four hours per week, feeding and watering the horses and cleaning their stalls. Joelle also volunteers to tutor grade school students at the Bloomingdale Public Library.
Bryant Honsa has a GPA of 5.0 and is a state champion swimmer. To reach the level of swimming excellence that Bryant has achieved requires great talent, and so much more. Such excellence does not occur without extraordinary self-discipline and focus. What makes his success even more impressive is his ability to achieve academically while attaining success outside the classroom. While serving as captain of the boys' swim team for the past three years, he also earned the highest honor roll all four years. Last year, Bryant was the state champion in the 500 freestyle and placed 4th in the 200 freestyle.
Katie Kilbridge has a GPA of 5.5 and shows her diverse strength in the activities she has been involved in while at Lake Park. She has been on the girls' golf team, student council, and German club during her entire career at Lake Park. She is currently President of the National Honor Society and does this while still taking three AP classes. She was instrumental in setting up "Homework Buddies" at the Bloomingdale Library and organized an electronic database for all the NHS members. Katie is intelligent, honest, kind, funny, self-starting and has a true passion for learning.
Ugne Klibaite has a GPA of 5.6 and has been on the girls' track team the past four years. She has also been on the math team and science club the last two years and is vice-president of the National Honor Society. Ugne has turned her seven-period day into an eight-period day for the past two years. She begins her school day at 6:30 am with early bird PE and ends at 2:16 pm with AP Biology. Ugne was a member of marching band for two years but realized that her real passion was track and field, especially pole vaulting. She constantly strives to do her best in whatever she takes on and is humble about her accomplishments.
Kevin McKeown has a GPA of 4.7 and has been on the boys' golf and track teams for the past four years. He is also captain of his hockey team. Kevin's work ethic has made him a leader on the teams. He never hesitates to help younger athletes on the team and therefore serves as a great mentor. Despite his impressive workload, Kevin still finds the time to serve his community by volunteering as a baseball coach and helping with several charitable organizations.
Tiffany Parrillo has a GPA of 5.2 and has been on the class council and badminton team the past four years. In addition, she has also been active in her church and at the Roselle Public Library. Early on in her academic career, Tiffany's placement in a couple of classes was not at the honors level. However, through her own advocacy and hard work she demonstrated that she was more than capable of taking on the challenges of honors and AP courses. She has always sought the important challenges and followed through with the work ethic needed to succeed. Tiffany is also a three time state qualifier in badminton.
David Pileski has a GPA of 4.4 and has been a member of the Student Council for four years. He has been the President the past two years. He has also a member of the Illinois State Student Council the past two years and is president of the Northeast District. David is also in Youth in Government and the community peer jury. David is not only a dedicated organizer, but also a very capable leader who builds capacity and involves others. David takes into consideration all of the student body when planning and organizing activities and fundraisers.
Catherine Rivera has a GPA of 5.4 and has played piano at the Bloomingdale School of Music since she was six years old. She is also a member of the Aspire Dance Company in Bloomingdale and has been dancing since she was three years old. Last year, she was part of the National Dance Championship Small Group Jazz division. She also is an assistant dance teacher. She volunteers as a Crew Leader in the summer bible camp at her church and tutors three fellow Lake Park students.
Sydney Seal has a GPA of 5.2 and has been a member of the symphonic band/wind ensemble for the past four years. She was in marching band for three years. She is also a member of the concert choir, jazz/swing choir and musical theater. From a very young age Sydney has inherently done the "right" thing, guided by an innate sense of responsibility. She looks at a problem not as a problem, but as a mystery waiting to be solved. Piece by piece, she assimilates information, constantly searching for answers as well as questions yet to be asked.
Kaele Way has a GPA of 5.1 and has been a member of the marching band and pit orchestra for the past three years. She was the drum major this year. By participating in the marching band program, Kaele not only exemplified what it means to be a member of the well-respected, award winning band program but she also led the entire group of band members with her ongoing level of determination, pride and a lot of hard work.
Jonathon Winarski has a GPA of 4.5, was Mr. Lancer last year and has been an active member of the fine arts program at Lake Park. He is a board member of the Thespian team, on the Speech team, and in group interpretation. In addition, he serves on the Roselle/Itasca Peer Jury and volunteers with the youth ministry of his church. His enthusiastic personality draws other students to join because they enjoy being around him and he makes the activity fun. Jon is someone who always has a kind work, smile to give, or will help pick up your books in the hallway, even if he does not know you.
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DECA Members Qualify for International Competition |
Lake Park DECA team members enjoyed success at their recent state conference in Decatur. Three teams qualified for the international competition in Anaheim, California at the end of April. They are: Dayla Clancy and Diana Czarny on the Internet Marketing Team. (Dayla and Diana are the first sophomores from Lake Park to qualify for international competition.) Greg Zurawal will compete under Marketing Management. Ivelina Boneva, Neethu Kaniyaly and Aleta Varakalayil are in the Advertising Campaign category. Congratulations to everyone! |
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Winter Athletic Highlights |
This past winter athletic season saw a significant increase (26%) in student participation over last year, with 415 students participating in the program. There was a fairly even split of boy and girl athletes and the average GPA of all athletes in both fall and winter sports was 4.25 on a 5.0 scale.
The season was an exciting one for the Lancer athletic program, including two State Championship teams, two Upstate Eight Conference Championship teams, an IHSA Regionals and an IHSA Sectionals team championship, and three teams which placed in the top ten overall in the state in their respective sports. Additionally, many athletes earned individual honors.
Two members of the wrestling team enjoyed outstanding seasons and competed in the state meet. Junior Devon Smith posted a record of 36 wins and 16 losses. Senior Mike DeSario culminated his wrestling career as one of the most decorated wrestlers in Lake Park history with three consecutive Upstate Eight championships, two regional championships, a sectional championship, in addition to being a three-time sectional qualifier and state qualifier. He finished his career in style by earning all-state honors by placing 4th overall at 119 lbs. at the state competition. Their head coach is Todd Raymond.
Five members of the boys' swimming and diving team qualified for state competition, including: Nathan Schingoethe, Marcus Julian, Aaron Casper, Kyle Casper and Bryant Honsa. Nathan, Aaron, and Bryant were state finalists in the 200 medley relay. Nathan, Marcus, Aaron, Kyle, and Bryant were state finalists in the 200 free relay. In addition, Bryant placed second in the 200 freestyle and the 500 freestyle. Their head coach is Dan Witteveen.
The girls' basketball team enjoyed an exciting and record-breaking season with 26 wins, including a perfect 10-0 record in the Upstate Eight conference. This earned the program its first outright UEC conference championship. The team captured the regional championship in a tournament hosted by Lake Park and advanced to the sweet sixteen where they were eventually defeated by Geneva. Members of the team included Adrienne Ryba, Jenna Aloia, Bryn Spejcher, Katie McNeela, Tori Clark, Carly Willert, Sarah Drozdowski, Katie Grouzard, Chelsea Gieseke, Lauren Haugh, Courtney Schuchmann, Kristen Danek, Alexis Hahn, Devin Johson, and Samantha Arnold. Their head coach is Chris Fruehling. Devin was named All UEC and All State Honorable Mention. Samantha was named three time All UEC, UEC 2009 Player of the Year, First Team All State, and is a career scoring leader with 714 points. She also holds the single-game record of 42 points.
The competitive cheerleading team had another outstanding season as they qualified for the IHSA state meet for the fourth consecutive year. They advanced to the team finals where they placed 7th overall in the state. Melanie Gage, Brittany Dombek, Carly Quijano, Ally Faso, Meghan Finley, Amanda Miller, Paige Jendrycki, Breanna Wegner, Becca Levine, Cayla Wegner, Stephanie Halihan, Kelsey O'Connor, Valerie Mills, Gianna D'Amico, Samantha Koch, Eileen Corley, Jessica Sibigtroth, and Maggie Gnatek were members of the team. Their head coach is Samantha Pavesich.
The girls' bowling team captured the UEC conference title and advanced to the state tournament as a team where they were finalists, placing 11th overall in the state. Individually, two bowlers earned special accolades. Lisa Beckmann was recognized as All Conference bowler while Tiffany Novy earned All Conference and All-State honors by finishing 10th place overall at the state meet. Members of the team included : Angela Beckmann, Courtney Gahalla, Katharine Vormittag, Rebecca Brown, Jessica Fuja, Lisa Beckmann, and Tiffany Novy. Their head coach is Larry Dunn.
This season, our boy's bowling team reached the pinnacle of success for a high school athletic program by capturing both the IHSA Sectional Championship and an IHSA State Championship. They are the fourth IHSA state championship team in the history of Lake Park High School! Members of the team were: Adam Keith, Ryan Keith, Marc Ostrowski, Grant Jensen, Tyler Sadowski, Matt Hammesfahr, Trevor Murphy, and Eddy Gary. Their head coach is Greg Edwards. Adam placed 4th at the state meet and Ryan placed 5th.
Competing in the large school, Class 3A of the Team Dance Illinois State Association, the Lancettes captured first-place and were undefeated in the Open Dance division, culminating in winning the State Championship. The following girls were members of the championship team: T'Lyn Candella, Lauren Caputo, Lauren Dahly, Nina Delgado, Ashly Dillon, Jordan Fenner, Bianca Gerardi, Maria-Cristina Gianni, Kori Kelly, Amy Knorowski, Lucia Leone, Jamie Martin, Alyssa Milani, Gabby Palanti, Nell Wickstrom, Kaylee Willis, and Annie Mauro. Their head coach is Stephanie Hageman.
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Congratulations to Chris Fruehling |
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Congratulations to girls' varsity basketball coach, Chris Fruehling, who was selected as the overall Class 4A girls basketball coach of the year by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. He and his team had an exciting season this year! |
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Exchange Family Sought |
A host family is needed for a young woman from our German sister school, Helene-Lange Gymnasium. The student is 16-years-old and she is fluent in English. She will be attending classes at Lake Park High School for the 2009-10 school year. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Julie Leydon at jlyden@lphs.org. |
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Summer School Offerings |
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The Board of Education recently approved the summer school schedule for this year. It will be held five days a week for three weeks (rather than four). The first semester will begin June 8 and end June 25. The second semester will be begin July 6 and end July 23. Each session will meet from 7:30 a.m. until noon.
Course offerings will include credit/failure make up, personal enrichment, basic skill reinforcement and remediation, middle to high school transitions, and summer mini camps for students in grades 6-8.
Additional course and registration information will be available in the next LP Link. Athletic summer camp information will be available in the next issue as well. |
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Hoops for Heart Today |
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Best wishes to everyone participating in today's Hoops For Heart basketball tournament today. All proceeds will be donated to the American Heart Association. |
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Spring Break |
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We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Spring Break. School will not be in session next week and will resume on Monday, April 6. The district office and each campus will be open daily 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
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Important Dates to Remember |
* 3/27 Hoops for Heart
* 3/27-28 Group Interpretation/Contest Play State
* 3/30-4/3 Spring Break
* 4/6 Band Auxiliary Meeting
* 4/7 Jazz Swing Choir Concert * 4/8 SMART Day
* 4/8 Lancers Lead
* 4/8 Incoming Freshmen Ath./Act. Night
* 4/9 End of 5th Grading Period
* 4/9 College Unidos
* 4/10 No School | |
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