Naperville's Brightest and Best—Class of 2013
By Mark Zonca
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Congratulations to the Class of 2013!
Thousands of graduating seniors have gone above and beyond expectations in achieving success both in the classroom and in the community. Naperville Magazine would like to salute a few of the brightest and the best from this year’s graduating class based on academic performance and community service.
Kirthi Bellamkonda
Naperville Central High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.717
College or University Enrolled: Undecided
Major: Biomedical Engineering/Economics
Most inspiring role model: My parents are the most inspiring people in my life. They shaped who I am and how I think, and showed me the power of determination and perseverance.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, I will be working toward a degree in Medicine and in ten years will be in residency.
Academic achievements: Siemens award for advance placement Illinois winner 2012-2013 • National Merit Scholarship Finalist • All-State team for Congressional USABO Semifinalist • 2nd place in Biology at State WYSE competition • Debate, National Latin Exam Gold Medalist • Captain of Captains for ICDA debate league • Over 30 Science Olympiad/Math team awards
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Congressional Debate • Science Olympiad • Indian Dance • Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering • TSA Teams • Volunteer at DuPage Children’s Museum and Edward Hospital • Scholastic Bowl • Latin Team • Math Team • Painted mural in Downtown Naperville (Main Street Parking Garage)
Abigail Gerth
Benet Academy
High School Grade Point Average: 99.25
College or University Enrolled: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Most inspiring role model: My older brother has his priorities straight in his life and he’s helped me with deciding on a college and major. He’s always been a good example for me and encourages me to make good decisions.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Working in the business world as an engineer, possibly married with a family.
Academic achievements: Illinois State Scholar • NMSQT Commended Scholar • Member of Benet’s National Honor Society • Salutatorian of my class
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Varsity Softball • School Eucharistic Minister • Peer Tutor • Drama Club • Art Club • Spanish Club • Helped with parish Vacation Bible School for 8 years • Feed My Starving Children volunteer
Lindsay Gloor
Benet Academy
High School Grade Point Average: 97.68
College or University Enrolled: University of Missouri
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Most inspiring role model: The former artistic director of my dance company. She is a former professional ballerina, but now dances with an integrated company with partners who are physically disabled. She devotes much of her time to improving education in the Arts while still helping to foster my company’s growth, not only as dancers but artists.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be a reporter for a major Chicago news organization.
Academic achievements: Illinois State Scholar • National Merit Commended Scholar • Benet First Honor Roll (4 years) • Member of Benet’s National Honor Society • Member of the National Foreign Language Honor Society
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Member of Elan Senior Dance Company • Benet Musical Cast Member • Benet Choir • Benet’s annual Christmas Shopping Drive• Participant in project “Finders Giving”
Kelly Mathesius
Waubonsie Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.53
College or University Enrolled: MIT
Major: Astronautical Engineering
Most inspiring role model: My parents are my most inspiring role models. They are the most wonderful and supportive parents I could ever ask for, and I hope to be able to show that same kind of love and support to the other people in my life.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In ten years, I hope to be an astronaut. I can see myself working and studying in space, and I hope to contribute to the next era of space exploration.
Academic achievements: Academic Achievement Award • National Merit Commended Student • AP Scholar • AATG • National German Examination Gold Award • Upstate Eight Academic All-Conference
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Volunteer Church Leader • New Orleans Mission Trip Participant • Varsity Gymnastics Team • Cellist in Chamber Strings • NASA INSPIRE Online Learning Community Member • Tri-M Music Honor Society • Treasurer of Food Fight Club • Robotics Club
Kelsey Pukelis
Metea Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.6275
College or University Enrolled: Northwestern University
Major: Mathematics (Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences Program)
Most inspiring role model: Sonia Sotomayor: Her parents, like my own mother and grandmother, were Latino immigrants that worked to build a better future for their families. She demonstrates that it doesn’t matter where you come from, that with dedication and hard work you can achieve great things.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? In 10 years, I see myself with a job that allows me to utilize my math skills, help people, and travel. I want to learn about different cultures and experience the world!
Academic achievements: 2012-2013 National Merit Scholarship Competition Finalist• 2012-2013 National Hispanic Recognition Program Scholar • 2012 AP Scholar with Distinction • 2013-2014 Illinois State Scholar • 2012-2013 Indian Prairie Scholar • Academic Letters for GPA of at least 3.8 or higher (2010, 2011, 2012, & 2013) • High Honor Roll (each semester)
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Varsity Diving 2011-2013 • Conference Champion, 2012 • Most-Improved Award, 2011 • Varsity Letters, 2011 & 2012 • Upstate Eight Conference Sportsmanship Award, 2012 • Gymnastics 2005-2011 (State Champion and Regional Qualifier, USAG)• Tri-M Music Honors Society – Secretary, 2011-2012 • Orchestra, Violinist • Top Curricular Orchestra 2009-2013 • Extracurricular Music Groups including: • Steel Band, 2009-2013 • Mustang Strings, 2010-2011 • Metea Valley Symphony Orchestra, 2011-2012 • Piano • Spanish Honor Society, 2010-2011 • Physical Education Leader, 2011-2013 • Math Team, 2012-2013 • State Qualifier, Individual & Varsity Team • Freshmen Mentoring Program Leader, 2011-2013 • Elementary, Middle, and High School Tutoring, 2012-2013 • Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering (WYSE) Academic Challenge, 2011-2012 • Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Intern, Summer 2012 • Particle Physics Division • Fermilab TARGET Science and Engineering Program • Players Indoor Sports Center, Birthday Party Host, 2011-2013 • Naperville Gymnastics Club, Birthday Party Manager, 2009-2011 • Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry • Governor Pat Quinn’s Mortgage Relief Project
Tyler Rund
Neuqua Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.1
College/University Enrolled: Indiana University (Bloomington)
Major: Double Major in Marketing and Finance
Most Inspiring Role Model: My dad is unquestionably my most inspiring role model. His dedication to our family, his drive to succeed in the business world, and his sarcastic sense of humor are all traits I hope to one day emulate. I truly value the relationship I share with my dad–the unforgettable memories and valuable lessons learned from him are of immeasurable worth.
Where Do You See Yourself in 10 Years? I see myself working in a marketing/sales position at a blue-chip company within the Chicago area. Additionally, I hope to be in a serious relationship with marriage and a family potentially in the near future. Being involved in the community in which I live will always be a priority of mine as well.
Academic Achievements: District 204 Indian Prairie Scholar–2012-2013 • -Indian Prairie Educational Foundation Top 30 Senior–2012-2013 • Illinois State Scholar–2012-2013 • Neuqua Valley High School High Honor Roll–2009-2013
Extracurricular Activities/Community Service Projects: DECA (Distributive Educational Clubs of America) Chapter President • Intramural Athletics Team Captain • Young Life [Christian Organization] Senior Leader • Neuqua Valley Finance Club Member • Star Raiders [Drug/Alcohol Free Club] Member • Feed My Starving Children Regular Attendee • Christian Summer Camp Volunteer
Sharanya Sathyaprakash
Neuqua Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.1
College or University Enrolled: New York University
Major: Liberal Studies
Most Inspiring Role Model: My most inspiring role model is my English teacher, Laura Dabezic. I have had the pleasure of knowing her for two years, and during that time, she has taught me so much and has helped me grow as both a writer and individual. Her confidence in my abilities was unwavering, and she pushed me to aim for more every day. Her brilliance and passion for the written word influenced me to pursue the same after high school, and she is everything I aspire to become as my life continues.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to still be living in New York City after completing my Master’s degree in journalism and communications. I want to work in publications as an editor.
Academic achievements: Copy Editor for the Yearbook • Honor roll student for all semesters • Indian Prairie Scholar • National Merit Commended Student • Indian Prairie Educational Foundation “Top 30” Scholar • Wildcat Pride Nominee
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Orchestra/Violin (private lessons, extracurricular ensembles–Wildcat Fiddlers, Steel Band, Fox Valley Orchestra) • People to People Leadership Conference in Washington DC • Mentor at Neuqua Valley’s Summer Orchestra • Private Violin Teacher • Private Math Tutor • Interact Community Service Member (Senior Citizen Computer Classes, Alliance for the Children, Pancake Breakfast for Loaves and Fishes, Leadership Conferences) • Teaching Assistant at the after-school Writing Center
Rebecca Steele
Waubonsie Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.58
College or University Enrolled: Accepted by Purdue University, Vanderbilt, Cornell, and others.
Major: Molecular Biology
Most inspiring role model: My Aunt Mindy is my most inspiring role model because of her courage, humor, and selflessness. At the age of 42, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her world was turned upside-down. Through the illness and the intense sessions of chemotherapy, she lost her hair but never lost her smile. My Aunt Mindy pulled our whole family through those tough times with her laughter and grace, and now she is healthier than ever as a ten-year survivor. Since her battle with cancer, my aunt has inspired my mother to take up running, and they run together as sisters to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. She is one of the most beautiful and wonderful women I have known.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself working in a research lab with incredible people, making discoveries and learning more about the world that we live in. I don’t just want to be stuck behind a desk all day – I want to be out and about, interacting with people, being dynamic in the community and making a difference. It is another goal of mine to continue my interest and involvement in music, so in ten years I also want to be a member of a community band or orchestra. More than anything, I want to see myself constantly learning and growing. I know that it is very possible my academic interests will change while I am in college, but wherever my path leads me, I want to apply myself fully and enjoy every day as it comes.
Academic achievements: National Merit Finalist • U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate • ACT – Highest possible composite score of 36 • AP Scholar with Honor –Scored a “5” on all AP Exams taken to date • Prairie State Achievement Award for Exceeding Standards in Reading, Math, and Science on the 2012 Prairie State Achievement Examination • Illinois State Scholar • IPEF Excellence in Education Honoree • Indian Prairie Scholar • Academic High Honor Roll: 7 Semesters to date
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: (Senior year only) Drum Major for the Waubonsie Valley Marching Warriors • First chair euphonium player in the Wind Ensemble; auditioned member of the IMEA district honor band • Auditioned pianist in the Jazz Ensemble • President of the Tri-M Music Honor Society • Member of the Student Council, participating in volunteer activities such as • Food, clothing, and paper drives • The Giving Tree, which allows students to donate gifts to needy families in the community during the holiday season • Participant in church mission trips to New Orleans, Louisiana, and Henryville, Indiana for disaster relief • Auditioned pianist in the pit orchestra for the Waubonsie Mainstage production of “Hairspray” • Trombonist in the WV Pep Band • Keyboard player for the Soundcheck show choir band • Black Belt in Shotokan Karate • Volunteer accompanist for Preschool and children’s choirs
Praneeth Tripuraneni
Naperville North High School
High School Attended: Naperville North High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.62
College or University Enrolled: Either the University of Pennsylvania or Duke University
Major: Biochemistry
Most inspiring role model: My most inspiring role model would be Mrs. George, my Enriched and AP Chemistry teacher, because over the two years which she taught me she was able to instill a true passion for learning that I still hold dear today.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Well if everything goes according to plan I will have finished off medical school and would be in the middle of my residency. I don’t really know which field of medicine I’ll end up going into- they say that you can’t really call it this early- but I do know that I want to spend the rest of my life working in the niche between scientific discovery and practical application to truly have an impact upon the world around me.
Academic achievements: Presidential Scholar Candidate • National Merit Scholar • AP Scholar with Distinction • Illinois State Scholar
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: National Cabinet of the Junior State of America • Debate Captain • DECA state champion and international medalist • Science Olympiad • First Class Leader • Literacy Center Tutor • Minimedical School Teaching Assistant • Volunteer in the Emergency room of Silver Cross Hospital
Shreyas Vissapragada
Metea Valley High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.565
College or University Enrolled: Undecided
Major: Astrophysics
Most inspiring role model: Neil Degrasse Tyson. He makes science and astrophysics so accessible to the public. I think it’s admirable that he makes a subject so unbelievably complex into something so simple and fluid and easy to love. He fosters a love for science in all people, old and young, and that’s something I hope to do when I grow up.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? As an astrophysics researcher and professor, with research focusing on dark matter and multiverse theory.
Academic achievements: National AP Scholar • National Merit Scholar • United States National Chemistry Olympiad Finalist • Fermilab Science Scholar • Certificate of Academic Achievement (every semester), Midwest Chinese Speech Contest Gold Medal Recipient (3x) • 1st Team All-State (for Scholastic Bowl) • 9 individual medals for Science Olympiad • 6th Place at Science Olympiad Regionals (2012) • 5th Place at Science Olympiad State (2012) • 4th Place at Science Olympiad regionals (2013)
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Scholastic Bowl • Science Olympiad • Peer Mentor • Chinese Honors Society • Chinese Translator • QuarkNet Club • Midwest Chinese Speech Contest • Math Team • Tennis • Religious and Cultural Classes
Eugene Wu
Naperville Central High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.75
College or University Enrolled: Undecided (Northwestern University or University of Illinois – Urbana)
Major: Economics or Engineering
Most inspiring role model: My Mother is my most inspiring role model because she showed me what it means to be perseverant, strong and faithful in God even in the toughest times.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I am still open to what I want to study and what career field I want to go into. Nonetheless, I am sure that I want to be in a profession through which I can serve God and help others.
Academic achievements: National Merit Scholar Finalist (240 PSAT/NMSQT) • Illinois State Scholar • Seven Semester 4.0 Honor Roll • National AP Scholar
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Varsity Track & Field • Cross Country • National Honor Society Executive Board • Class Council Board Treasurer • Math Team • Policy Initiatives Group Board Member • Church Worship Team and Youth Small Group Leader • Tutor • Community activities in communication on the local government and public awareness.
Jason Zhao
Naperville North High School
High School Grade Point Average: 4.6
College or University Enrolled: The University of Chicago
Major: Undecided
Most inspiring role model: Bill Gates has probably inspired me the most. I’m amazed at how his hard work earned him such great wealth, and I’m inspired by his willingness to give away large portions of his wealth to efforts to benefit humanity.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I don’t really know where I’ll be in 10 years, but I certainly hope to be contributing to the world in a positive way.
Academic achievements: National Merit scholar • Score of 36 on the ACT Exam
Extracurricular activities or community service projects: Cross-country running • Track and Field • Math Team • Member of the Youth Symphony of DuPage
