L-W honors valedictorians and salutatorians

The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 Board of Education recognized its top academic students Thursday night, introducing the Class of 2013 valedictorians and salutatorians from Lincoln-Way Central, Lincoln-Way East, Lincoln-Way North and Lincoln-Way West high schools.

“It is with great pleasure and a great deal of pride that we honor our top two performing students from each school,” stated Dr. Lawrence A. Wyllie, superintendent.

The Class of 2013 represents the 52nd set of valedictorians/salutatorians from Lincoln-Way Central; the 11th set from Lincoln-Way East; the fourth set from Lincoln-Way North; and third set from Lincoln-Way West.

The valedictorians for the Class of 2013 are:

Lincoln-Way Central – Danijela Jackovich, with a grade point average of 5.538. She is the daughter of Daniel and Desa Jackovich of New Lenox.

Lincoln-Way East – Konrad Goc, with a grade point average of 5.720. He is the son of Bogdan Goc and Joanna Gemel of Frankfort.

Lincoln-Way North – Christian Gorski, with a grade point average of 5.697. He is the son of John and Jean Gorski of Mokena.

Lincoln-Way West – Deanna DiMonte, with a grade point average of 5.492. She is the daughter of John and Luann DiMonte of New Lenox.

The salutatorians for the Class of 2013 are:

Lincoln-Way Central – Kelly Fleckenstein, with a grade point average of 5.491. She is the daughter of Raymond and Doris Fleckenstein of New Lenox.

Lincoln-Way East – Stephen Johnson, with a grade point average of 5.674. He is the son of Arvid and Anne Johnson of Frankfort.

Lincoln-Way North – Caitlin Broderick, with a grade point average of 5.521. She is the daughter of James and Gwen Broderick of Frankfort.

Lincoln-Way West – Amanda DeSalvo, with a grade point average of 5.360. She is the daughter of Dino and Nancy DeSalvo of New Lenox.

“We are most proud of our fine students who have earned the honor of leading their graduation class onto the field to begin the Class of 2013 graduation ceremonies,” stated Dr. Wyllie. “They are leaders in the classroom and leaders in school activities. They truly personify the best of the school’s mission statement to be committed to providing the experiences and opportunities necessary to maximize the academic and social growth of all students. We all wish them the best.”

The Class of 2013 graduation ceremonies are scheduled as follows:

• Lincoln-Way East – 6:30 p.m. May 30
• Lincoln-Way Central – 6:30 p.m. May 31
• Lincoln-Way West – 6:30 p.m. June 3
• Lincoln-Way North  - 6:30 p.m. June 4

Danijela Jackovich, valedictorian for Lincoln-Way Central, is involved in a number of school activities, including swimming, water polo, Mathletes and Science Club. Her favorite teachers are Tom Finnegan and Lisa Parker. Outside of school, Danijela enjoys participating in swimming and water polo club teams. She volunteers in the community when she can. Danijela plans to attend Stanford University and major in Biomedical Engineering. In addition to being No. 1 in her class, Danijela is part of USA Women’s Youth National Team for water polo. She competed in the Youth World Championships this past December in Australia. She states her academic accomplishments at Central have given her confidence to take to college. “Stanford is a very prestigious university,” she said, “and the confidence that this honor instills will help me.”

Konrad Goc, valedictorian for Lincoln-Way East, enjoys participating in a number of school activities, including varsity cross country, varsity track and field, National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Pi Sigma Pi and Mu Alpha Theta. His favorite teacher is Ross Widinski. Outside of school, Konrad enjoys lectoring at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and becoming a member of the church’s youth group. He also worked as a summer intern at the University of Chicago as a lab assistant. Konrad plans to attend college, possibly Duke, Princeton, Illinois or Purdue, and major in aerospace, nuclear or chemical engineering. He is a National Merit Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Scholar Athlete and recipient of the Dr. Ben Carson Scholarship. “The work put into getting the honor will prepare me for the rigor of college,” he said.

Christian Gorski, valedictorian for Lincoln-Way North, enjoys participating in a number of school activities, including marching band, Madrigals, Gold Rush, school musicals, Acafellaz, Scholastic Bowl, Mathletes, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Pi Sigma Pi, Science Honors Society and Latin Honors Society. His favorite teacher is George Czart. Outside of school, Christian enjoys participating in the youth group at his church. In addition to being valedictorian, Christian is a National Merit Finalist, an All-Conference Champion in Scholastic Bowl, school winner in the America Mathematics Competition (AMC) test his junior year and recipient of the summa cum laude certificate on the National Latin Exam. He plans to attend the University of Chicago or the University of Notre Dame and major in physics.

Deanna DiMonte, valedictorian for Lincoln-Way West, is involved in a number of school activities, including Knitting Club, Quiddich Club, Mathletes, Scholastic Bowl, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, golf, Pi Sigma Pi and badminton. Her favorite teacher is Jeannine Prucha. Outside of school, Deanna enjoys participating in New Lenox Chamber events and activities at the New Lenox Library. She has not decided on a college, but plans to major in engineering. She is a National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar. “Being valedictorian is one of my goals,” said Deanna, “but it will also help me get into the college of my choice and take initiative and become a leader when I am there.”

Kelly Fleckenstein, Lincoln-Way Central salutatorian, has participated in many school activities, including the Marching Knights (Color Guard Section Leader and Treasurer), softball, Winter Guard (Captain), Pep Band, Orchestral Winds, National  Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Pi Sigma Pi and Mu Alpha Theta. Her favorite teachers are Eric Wellman, Colin Hopper, David Baran and Lisa Parker. Outside of school, Kelly has enjoyed playing softball with NLGSA. She has performed with the Eilish Sullivan School of Irish Dance since age 4 and competed all over the country. Last summer, she earned the honor of competing at the North American Irish Dance Champions. She’s also a member of the Irish Dance Performance Troupe at the school. She plans to attend the University of Notre Dame and major in history or pre-law. Kelly is a PSAT Commended Student, AP Scholar with Honor, Illinois State Scholar and recipient of the Prairie State Achievement Award. “I would like to thank Dr. Provis for making my four years at Lincoln-Way Central memorable,” said Kelly. “His first year as principal was my freshman year, and he has been an influential part of my high school career.”

Stephen Johnson, Lincoln-Way East salutatorian, is active in many school activities, including Mathletes, Pep Band, Jazz Band, Madrigal Brass, Chess and Pit Orchestra. His favorite teacher is Jim Aiu. Outside of school, Stephen enjoys playing with the Lincoln-Way Youth Jazz Ensemble and participating in SIAM music fundraisers. He plans to attend DePaul University and major in Jazz Studies and Mathematics. He is a recipient of the Soloist Award at Purdue University, All-State Recognition for Jazz Band and Illinois State Scholar. “Being salutatorian will allow me to achieve at a higher level and reach my goal of becoming a professional musician,” stated Stephen.

Caitlin Broderick, Lincoln-Way North salutatorian, is active in a number of school activities, including cross-country, track, Mathletes, National Honor Society, Key Club International, Varsity Club and International Club. Her favorite teacher was Marcia Steward, who retired last year. Outside of school, Caitlin enjoys volunteer work through National Honor Society and Key Club. She is considering attending Loyola, Notre Dame or Baylor where she will major in biology with a pre-medicine track. “Being Salutatorian will give me the opportunity to study and grow at a great college,’ stated Caitlin.

Amanda DeSalvo, salutatorian for Lincoln-Way West, enjoys participating in a number of school activities, including basketball, cross-country, track and field, Interact Club, Mathletes, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Homecoming Olympics, Link Crew and Principal’s Cabinet. Her favorite teacher is Michelle Laack. Outside of school, Amanda enjoys participating in Wreathes Across America and volunteering at her aunt’s school in Cicero. She is looking at attending Vanderbilt, Marquette or Loyola universities and major in biochemistry with a possible double major in chemical engineering. She is a PSAE Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, Illinois State Scholar, J. Kyle Braid nominee, Scholar Athlete award winner and All-Conference Mathlete. “This honor will help me get into the college of my dreams and help me to achieve a degree in biochemistry,” she stated.