Senior Scholars
SLHS Class of 2011 Senior Scholars
Maria Love
May 10, 2011
Michael Gilchrist, Principal of Spring Lake High School, announces the 25 students designated as Senior Scholars in the Classof 2011. Senior Scholars have earned the highest honors awarded in their graduating class using a formula combining test scores and grade point average to determine district rank.
Senior Scholars 2011 pictured at left:
Front–Alison Redick, Jill Dutmers, Chelsea Vink, Lauren Kelso, Emily Peirce, Kendall Schreur, Emily Bench, Sierra LaHaie
Middle–Chad Eagin, Jacob Gray, Elizabeth Wisman, Elizabeth McLaughlin, Abigail Keizer, Jenny Kalejs, Meghan Ostermann, Megan Lawrence
Back–Meghan Bouman, Christian Yoshonis, Louise Silverman, Kevin Boyer, Kelsey Fortier, Mary Hamati, Dillon Horne, Ibs Hamati, Sarah Kade
Emily Bench, daughter of Julie and Bryan Bench, plans to attend either the University of Michigan or Northwestern University to study Medicine. Emily has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered a Presidential Scholarship at Grand Valley State University. While attending SLHS, she has been involved in the following: INTERACT, National Honor Society, talent show, band. Emily has been competing in dance since the sixth grade. Her community activities include helping with May Fest, West Fest, the Oktoberfest Run, working with one of the district’s elementary schools, and being a teacher’s assistant at Spotlight Dance Academy. Emily’s interests include dancing, snowboarding, and reading.
Meghan Bouman, daughter of Linda and Michael Bouman, plans to attend Marquette University to study Physical Therapy. Meghan has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, she has been involved in swimming, of which she was named 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-State. Meghan was a member of the tennis team, the National Honor Society, student council, Business Professionals of America, and Girl’s State. Within the community, Meghan has worked with the children’s ministry at her church. She mostly enjoys hanging with friends and family, sailing, and skiing.
Kevin Boyer, son of Lynn and Earl Boyer, plans to attend Grand Valley State University to study Biology and possibly Pre-Dental. Kevin has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. He has been offered the Grand Valley State University’s Award of Excellence Scholarship. Throughout his years at SLHS, Kevin has been a member of the National Honor Society, ski/snowboarding club, freshman basketball team, and soccer team. He played four years of soccer, of which he was captain his senior year and was named All-District, All-Area, and All-Conference his junior and senior years. Kevin enjoys snowboarding and has competed nationally ranking 14th for the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA). His community experiences include helping out with youth soccer camps, acting as assistant coach for a local Tri-Cities Strikers Soccer Team, working at a blood drive, and tutoring.
Jill Dutmers, daughter of Jan and Matt Dutmers, plans to attend the Honor’s College at the University of Central Florida to study Pre-Law. Jill has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. She has been offered an Honors Enhancement Scholarship and a Knight’s Achievement Scholarship for the University of Central Florida. She was named First Runner-Up for the Knapp County Citizenship Award. Throughout her years at SLHS, Jill has been involved with the marching band, symphonic band, INTERACT, the National Honor Society, Calling All Colors, the school newspaper The Laker Anchor, and performed with the pit orchestra for the school musical Les Miserables. She attended Girls’ State this past summer and was elected Chairwoman of the County Board of Commissioners. Jill was also chosen to represent SLHS for Literary Arts at the West Michigan Student Showcase. Jill’s community experiences include working as a Day Camp Counselor at the local YMCA and being an assistant coach for Girls on the Run. She enjoys playing the piano and is fluent in Spanish.
Chad Eagin, son of Mary and David Eagin, plans to attend Purdue University to major in Engineering. Chad has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered the Purdue University Trustees’ Scholarship. He has been named as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, is an Advanced Placement Scholar, and has earned the status of an Eagle Scout. Throughout his years at SLHS, Chad has been involved in track, soccer, marching band, jazz band, the National Honor Society, of which he is currently holding office as treasurer, and the diving team, of which he is a third-year regional qualifier and earned the title of co-captain. Chad’s community activities include being a member of the Boy Scouts for the past eight years, helping out with the Coast Guard Festival, and volunteering at The Little Red House Adult Care Center. His special talents include playing the trombone and the piano.
Kelsey Fortier, daughter of Kamie and Doug Fortier, plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in Health Sciences. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, Kelsey has been involved with soccer, basketball, volleyball, the National Honor Society, Business Professionals of America of which she was a state qualifier, and the ski/snowboarding club. Her community activities include campaigning in the most recent election for judge, helping out with the elementary school’s carnivals, helping with her church’s vacation bible school, going on a mission trip, and volunteering for International Aid. Kelsey mostly enjoys soccer, snowboarding, reading, running, wakeboarding, and spending time with family and friends.
Jacob Gray, son of Becky and Steve Gray, plans to attend Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky to major in Pre-med and to play soccer. Jacob has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered a Presidential Scholarship and an Athletic Grant both from Asbury University. Throughout his years at SLHS, Jacob has been a member of the National Honor Society, the baseball team, basketball team, golf, and soccer, of which he has been named 1st Team All-Conference, All-District, and All-Area. Jacob’s humanitarian experiences include mission trips to Ecuador, Mexico, and Uruguay, along with being a children’s ministry volunteer at his church and a math tutor.
Ibrahim Hamati, son of Myrna and Joe Hamati, plans to attend the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, or the University of Pennsylvania to major in History. Ibs has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and is an Advance Placement Scholar. Throughout his years at SLHS, Ibs has been a member of the football team all four years and was named Academic All-State, 2nd Team All-Area, and 1st team All-Conference. He is currently the President for the National Honor Society and President for the Executive Student Council. He was a member of the track team, the Green Group, Calling All Colors, the Chess Club of which he was named 1st team All-Conference, and a member of Business Professionals of America of which he is a four-year regional qualifier. His community activities include helping out at The Little Red House Adult Care Center, reading at a district elementary school, and working as an umpire for the Tri-Cities Kids League.
Mary Hamati, daughter of Myrna and Joe Hamati, plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Pre-Med. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and is an Advanced Placement Scholar. Throughout her years at SLHS, Mary has been involved in volleyball, tennis of which she was named 1st Team Honorable Mention, 2nd Team All-Conference, and was part of a team that was named Conference and Regional Champs. She received State Senate recognition, has been a member of student council and is currently the Treasurer for the Executive Student Council, a member of the Green Group, Business Professionals of America of which she was a state qualifier, Calling All Colors, and the National Honor Society. Her community activities include working with the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council and coaching volleyball at a local elementary school.
Dillon Horne, son of Dina and David Horne, is undecided of where he plans to attend next fall, but is considering the University of Michigan, the University of Notre Dame, Taylor University, or Wheaton College to major in Business and Economics. Dillon has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. He has been offered the University of Michigan’s Board of Regents Scholarship and has been named an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction. Throughout his years at SLHS, Dillon has been a member of the basketball team, soccer team of which he was All-Conference, the National Honor Society, and Ping Pong Club. His community activities include helping out with Sunday school at his church. Dillon enjoys playing chess, ping pong, reading, and beach volleyball.
Sarah Kade, daughter of Kathleen and Glenn Kade, plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Biology. Sarah has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, Sarah has been a member of the National Honor Society, cheerleading, track, Quiz Bowl Team, and is an athletic trainer. She is a Junior Eagles member, a volunteer for the F.O.E., worked at the Heritage Festival, and spent numerous days volunteering at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota building bunk beds and cleaning up the parks. Sarah enjoys scuba diving, reading, trivia, and marine life.
Jennifer Kalejs, daughter of Victoria and Guntis Kalejs, plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Kinesiology/Physical Therapy or English Literature. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. She has been offered the University of Michigan’s Regents Scholarship. Throughout her time spent at SLHS, Jennifer has been involved in volleyball, basketball, the running club, and soccer. Her community activities include volunteering at the Spring Lake Community Fitness and Aquatic Center’s Youth Soccer Camp and was the assistant coach for the U-13 Tri-Cities Strikers Soccer Team. She mostly enjoys poetry, art and playing soccer.
Abigail Keizer, daughter of Luann and David Keizer, plans to attend Kalamazoo College or Denison University to study Biology with special interests in Genetics. Abigail was invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. She has been offered a Denison Alumni Award and a Kalamazoo College Presidential Scholarship. Throughout her years at SLHS, Abigail has been a member of the marching band, jazz band, symphonic band, concert band, INTERACT, the National Honor Society, played softball of which she was named All-State Academic for three years, golf of which she was named All-State Academic for four years, and has helped out backstage for one of the school’s productions. Her community activities include volunteering for the S.C.O.R.E. Volunteer Reading Program, Coast Guard festival, and The Little Red House fundraiser. Abigail has traveled to Europe with the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp playing with the International Jazz Band, helped translate for the band while in Europe, and has been a host family for eight different foreign exchange students through the Blue Lakes Fine Arts Camp. She enjoys jazz music, traveling, astronomy, and speaking French.
Lauren Kelso, daughter of Jackie and Chuck Kelso, plans to attend Purdue University in the fall to study Biomedical Engineering. She was invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. She was offered the Purdue University Trustees’ Scholarship and was invited to the Honors Program and the Engineering Honors Program at Purdue. Throughout her years at SLHS, Lauren has been involved with the National Honor Society, marching band, symphonic band, INTERACT, Calling All Colors, theatre productions, the swim team, an athletic trainer, and tennis, of which she was named 1st Team All-Conference and 1st Team All-Area in #1 Doubles. She was a Girl’s State Delegate this past year. Lauren attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and was a part of the Blue Lake International Band which has performed at concerts in Europe. Her community experiences include helping out at the Coast Guard Festival. In her spare time she enjoys playing the flute and piccolo.
Sierra LaHaie, daughter of Dana and Anthony LaHaie, plans to attend Michigan State University’s Academic Scholars Program to study Equine Veterinary Medicine. Sierra has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Sierra has been awarded the Governor’s Award. Throughout her time at SLHS, Sierra has been dual enrolled her junior and senior years, is a member of the National Honor Society, and has served on student council. She has worked with the WSPCA, volunteered at the John Ball Zoo, Hugs 4 Horses, and helped out in a local elementary classroom. She mostly enjoys singing, playing the piano, and horse back riding.
Megan Lawrence, daughter of Maribeth and Andrew Lawrence, plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall to study either Internal Relations with a concentration in Economics or Medicine. Megan has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and is an Advanced Placement Scholar. Throughout her years at SLHS, Megan has been a member of the National Honor Society and the Green Group. Her community activities include working at the Tri Cities Historical Museum, volunteering at the Spring Lake Heritage Festival, and assisting with the Spring Lake Village Manager’s research to write a grant to expand the planned Grand River Greenway Non-Motorized Trail. She mostly enjoys playing the piano and reading in her spare time.
Elizabeth McLaughlin, daughter of Anne and Larry McLaughlin, is undecided of where she plans to attend next fall, but is considering Northwestern University, the University of Michigan, the University of Chicago, or Tulane University to major in Journalism/Communications, Economics, or Business. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert, is an Advanced Placement Scholar, and has been offered scholarships through Tulane University and the University of Michigan. Elizabeth has performed with the jazz band, symphonic band, marching band, and orchestra pit for the musicals. She was a talent show participant, co-captain of the volleyball team, Editor in Chief and writer for the school newspaper The Laker Anchor, Secretary of the National Honor Society, and Senior Class President. Elizabeth has been a recipient of the Regional Silver Key Award through the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Scholastic Writing Contest. She was on the senior class homecoming court, a Girls’ State Representative, received the Meijer Dignity and Respect Award, and was SL Rotary Student of the Month. Her community activities include being Co-Chair of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council, coaching youth volleyball, playing club volleyball with the Team Angle and Inside Out, and performing with the West Michigan Youth Symphony. She enjoys writing and waterskiing.
Meghan Ostermann, daughter of Deborah and Ernest Ostermann, plans to attend the University of Michigan in the fall to study Aerospace Engineering and Astrophysics. Meghan has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Her special interests include math, physics, and astronomy, while taking dual enrollment classes for Calculus II and III. In her spare time she tutors and has helped out with a neighboring community book drive.
Emily Peirce, daughter of Faith and Brian Peirce, plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. Emily has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, Emily has been a member of the marching band, jazz band, of which she is the lead trumpet and has received an Outstanding Musician Award. She was a Girls’ State Representative, worked with the theatre department as part of the costume crew, a member of the National Honor Society, a writer for the school paper The Laker Anchor, and was a member on the Quiz Bowl Team. Her community activities include volunteering to do field work for Hope College, working with the Muskegon SPCA, and lifeguarding at the Spring Lake Community Fitness and Aquatic Center and at Spring Lake Beach. She has attended the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for the past three years and has traveled to France. She mostly enjoys music, playing the trumpet, statistics, and spending time outside.
Alison Redick, daughter of Kathy and Michael Redick, plans to attend the University of Michigan or Michigan State University to study History and possibly Law. Alison has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, she has been a member of the Equestrian Team, of which she was captain her senior year, a member of the cross country team, track team, the National Honor Society, and the French Club. Her community activities include being involved with 4-H for over ten years, of which she is the President of the “It’s a Cinch” 4-H Club. She has traveled to New Orleans with her church youth group to conduct an eyeglass drive and has helped out with the cleanup at Muskegon County Fairgrounds. Alison mostly enjoys horseback riding and showing, history, traveling, and skiing.
Kendall Schreur, daughter of Leslie and Tim Houseal and Jack Schreur and Stacy Meyers. She plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Classical Civilizations. Kendall has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert. Throughout her years at SLHS, Kendall has been a member of the soccer team, student council, the National Honor Society, and the ski/snowboarding club. Her community activities include being a youth soccer coach and volunteering at St. Mary’s Church and for St. Martin’s Kids. In her spare time she enjoys skiing, sailing, and reading.
Louise Silverman, daughter of Sarah and Ned Silverman, plans to attend either the Honor’s College at Grand Valley State University, Kalamazoo College, or the University of Michigan to study Pre-med with an interest in Pediatrics. Louise has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered a Faculty Scholarship from Grand Valley State University. Throughout her years at SLHS, Louise has been a student council class representative, currently the Vice President for the Executive Student Council, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the volleyball team, and a member of the tennis team of which she helped earn the Conference Championship and Regional Championship her junior year. Her community activities include helping to coach elementary volleyball and her hobbies include playing tennis, volleyball, and snowboarding.
Chelsea Vink, daughter of Sue and Glenn Vink, plans to attend Grand Valley State University’s Honors Program to study Biology (Pre-Med) with a minor in Spanish. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered both the Grand Valley State University’s Award for Excellence Scholarship and the Award of Distinction Scholarship. Throughout her years at SLHS, Chelsea has been involved in basketball, is the Treasurer for student council, a member of the soccer team, track team, Calling All Colors, National Honor Society, sideline cheer, and competitive cheer, of which won 1st Place in conference for the past two years and was named both Honorable Mention All-Conference and 2nd Team All-Conference. Her community activities include working as a counselor and volunteering at the YMCA, helping out with the district elementary schools, helping out with a local charity run, and tutoring. She is talented in gymnastics and is fluent in Spanish.
Elizabeth Wisman, daughter of Lisa and Greg Wisman, plans to attend the University of Michigan’s School of Engineering and then on to Columbia in New York to double major in Biomedical Engineering and Pre-med. Elizabeth has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered many scholarships. Throughout her years at SLHS, Elizabeth has been involved with the marching band, the spring musicals, the National Honor Society, the engineering club (aeronautics and ROV), the tennis team and golf team. Her community interests include being a member of the Girl Scouts for the past thirteen years and the Venture Scouts (Boy Scouts). Through these organizations, Elizabeth has received the Bronze Award for Venturing Sports, the Venturing Gold Award, the Venturing Silver Award (Eagle equivalent), and the Venturing Leadership Award. She received the Gerald R. Ford Trail Award and is currently the President for the Grand Rapids area and the Area 2 Venturing President for both Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Elizabeth has traveled to Australia through the People to People Student Ambassadors Program, has traveled to Spain recently, and enjoys snorkeling and playing the bagpipes.
Christian Yoshonis, son of Jayne and Peter Yoshonis, plans to attend either Indiana Wesleyan University or Grand Valley State University to major in Philosophy, Psychology, or Music. Christian has been invited to the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered an academic scholarships through Indiana Wesleyan University and Grand Valley State University. Throughout his years at SLHS, Christian has been involved with the varsity tennis team all four years of which he was named captain his senior year. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and the jazz band. Christian’s community interests include playing the drums for his youth worship team.