10 Seniors Named to Downers Grove North's Top Two Percent

Sarah Batchu is the daughter of Dr. Barbara Loeb and Dr. Koteswara Batchu of Downers Grove.  She is an Illinois State Scholar, an AP Scholar with Honors, a National Spanish Exam Bronze Winner and received fifth place in the IHSA State Speech Tournament in Original Oratory. She’s been part of the speech team, the student newspaper, The Omega, has performed in numerous plays and has served on the class board. She has also played badminton, and has served on the Downers Grove Environmental Concerns Commission and the Downers Grove Historical Society Museum. She plans to major in political science in college. 

Sarah’s favorite memory: “When I got to go onstage at the state speech tournament, it was gratifying—not just as an individual competitor, but as a member of my team. Our performances may have been individual, but for four years, we have relied on each other during practices and competitions.”

Kayla Chapa of Downers Grove is the daughter of James and Elaine Chapa. She is a National Merit Finalist, an Illinois State Scholar, an AP Scholar with Distinction and a National Spanish Exam Gold Key Winner. She has been a leader and director of Operation Snowball, as well as Link Crew leader. She’s been part of the cross country and track and field teams, and was involved with the Chicago Cares community organization. She plans to attend the University of North Carolina and major in global studies. 

Kayla’s favorite memory: “Directing the fall Snowball this year. It was a lot of work, but my fellow directors (both student and adult) were wonderful. After all my years of involvement with the program, being able to shape the event so much was a very rewarding experience.”

Anne Marie Coultrap is the daughter of Paul and Gail Coultrap of Downers Grove. She has received the Chick Evans Scholarship, as well as Math Department Student of the Month and Social Studies Department Student of the Month awards. She has also received the North Star for Chemistry, Direct Action and Law. She’s been a member of the National Honor Society, Government Club, Township of Downers Grove Peer Jury, and CITRA (Community Involvement through Recreational Activities), which is part of the Downers Grove Park District. She was a member of the cross country team and served as volunteer at Loyola Hospital.  She plans to attend the University of Missouri and study nursing. 

Anne Marie’s favorite memory: “The advice I got from teachers that will change my life after high school, from Mr. Hayman’s advice that you must show up because you never know what doors will be opened, to Mr. Thornquist’s two day lesson on investing.”

Hannah Henson is the daughter of Linda and Brian Henson of Downers Grove. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction, an Illinois State Scholar and received the Downers North PRIDE award in athletics. She is vice president of the National Honors Society, and also part of the Humanitarian Club, Link/DARE and Student Athletic Council. She’s played on the volleyball and badminton teams. She has also volunteered at SEASPAR and PADS and was a camp counselor at her church. She plans to attend Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa and study special education. 

Hannah’s favorite memory: “When my doubles team made it to the state meet for badminton. To work hard in something you love, attain your highest goal, and be able to compete with other people from around the state is amazing. I learned so much from that state meet and that season in general. I will never forget that experience.” 

Michelle Hsu is the daughter of Agnes and Pei Pei Hsu of Downers Grove. She has been on the 4.0 honor roll for four years, is an AP Scholar with Honors, and an Illinois State Scholar. She received the North High Band Legacy Award for three years. Michelle has been a member of the marching band, serving as drum major her senior year. She’s also been active in the science club, Northwind and Scholastic Bowl, and played badminton. She has volunteered at Loyola Medical Hospital in Maywood, and is part of the National Honor Society. She is considering attending Washington University in St. Louis, and plans to study biological sciences or English. 

Michelle’s favorite memory: “Spray painting orange dots on the dusty practice field during the dog days of summer so the band could learn drill moves. I’m so glad I have been able to be part of such a special organization, and I will really miss it!”

Faisal Khurshid is the son of Drs. Naila and Abid Khurshid of Downers Grove. He has received the National Spanish Exam Gold Prize, is a National Merit Commended Student, received the Science Department Award for AP Chemistry and was selected to the Illinois Music Educators Association District I Honors Band. He has been a member of the band, Math Team, National Honor Society and is currently president of the World Languages Club. He has played volleyball, and was a member of the varsity track and field team. He has volunteered at both Good Samaritan Hospital and the People’s Resource Center Food Pantry. He plans to study biomedical engineering at Brown University. 

Faisal’s favorite memory: “Performing in the New Year’s Day Parade in 2011 was a truly enchanting experience. It was a tantalizing feeling of both nervousness and ecstasy to perform for a huge international audience. This event was the pinnacle of my experiences with DGN bands.”

Emily Temple-Wood is the daughter of Laura Temple and Andrew Wood of Downers Grove. She received second place in the state in extemporaneous speaking, 19th in the nation in international extemporaneous speaking, is a National Merit Finalist and National AP Scholar. She’s been a member of the speech team and marching band, served as captain of the Scholastic Bowl, and has been a member of the pit orchestra. She’s also a member of the National Honor Society. She plans to major in physics at Loyola University in Chicago. 

Emily’s favorite memory: “Winning conference in Scholastic Bowl. We worked really hard all year and it finally paid off in a very satisfying win.” 

Andrea Vetrone is the daughter of Laura and Jim Vetrone of Westmont. She is a National Merit Finalist, a National Spanish Exam Gold Award winner, a North Star recipient, and received the North High Band Legacy Award for four years. She’s been in the marching band, serving as drum major and head music librarian, is publicity officer for the World Languages Club, and is a member of the Math Team and National Honor Society. She has participated in track, cross country and basketball, and has volunteered as part of the Brookfield Zoo’s Youth Volunteer Corps and Group Workcamps, which involved mission trips to rebuild homes in New Mexico and North Carolina. She plans to study environmental engineering or environmental science at the Georgia Institute of Technology or the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  

Andrea’s favorite memory: “All of my favorite memories involve the DGN marching band. Last year, we had an incredible opportunity to perform in London’s 125th New Year’s Day Parade. The pride that I felt, marching past thousands of cheering fans on international television, was unforgettable.”

Kelsey White is the daughter of Karen Kobialka and Bill White of Downers Grove. She is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, received a University of Illinois Provost Scholarship, and received the Science Department Awards in both Physics 400 and Chemistry 400. She’s been involved in orchestra, choir, the math team and the National Honor Society. She has also served as a junior coach for Panthers Jr. Cheerleading. In the fall, she plans to attend the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, and double major in aerospace engineering and physics. 

Kelsey’s favorite memory: “My first Mole Day sophomore year. Waking up to walk 6.02 laps at 6:02 a.m. was easier than I expected due to the enthusiasm of my teachers and classmates (and the food).” 

Hannah Young is the daughter of Faith and Michael Young of Oak Brook. She is a National Merit Finalist, an Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Honors, and was part of the IMEA All-State Orchestra and Honors Band. She’s served as a leader in the Northwind Literary Magazine, and has been a member in the Gay Straight Alliance/Prism, District 99 orchestra, and band organizations. She has made harp presentations at the District 58 elementary school classes and various retirement homes. 

Hannah’s favorite memory: “Attending All-State Orchestra and Bands. I learned so much musically and it was great to be among other people who care about music like I do. Not to mention the fun times I had with other musicians at our school.”