Notre Dame Preparatory School has announced the 28 young men and women who have earned a place in its 2015 valedictorian class. This year, the Class of 2015 numbers 180.
At Notre Dame, traditional courses are weighted on a 4.000 basis, honors courses on a 4.500 basis, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses on a 5.0 basis. A student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 4.350 to be considered a valedictorian.
According to figures released last month by Notre Dame Prep’s counseling department, this year’s class of graduating seniors earned an amazing total of $20,381,540 in academic scholarships from colleges and universities. That record total amount of dollars works out to a more than $113,000 average for each member of the class, which shatters by far the $88,000 mark set the last two years, which itself was a record for any year in the history of the school.
In addition, the Class of 2015 averaged 27.2 on the ACT, breaking the record of 27.0, which was the average of the last three graduating classes. Also, the counseling department said this year’s graduates included 52 who scored a 30 or above on the ACT.
Congratulations to these truly outstanding "Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars."
Cara Bonanni resides in Oakland Township with her parents, Jeffrey and Michelle Bonanni. Cara has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Cara was a member and Treasurer of the National Honor Society, served as Junior Retreat Leader, Leadership Council, Optimist Club President, Honors Ensemble Vice President, Optimist Club Public Relations Officer, SADD Club member, National Spanish Honor Society, along with the production of the plays and musicals held here at Notre Dame Prep. Additionally, Cara has volunteered at Older Persons Commission Meals on Wheels, Summer in the City, St. Irenaeus Youth Group Project People, and at NDP as a tutor. This past summer Cara participated in Girls State held at Michigan State University. Cara plans to attend Georgetown University, D.C. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.522.
Kyler Kirk resides in Waterford with his parents, Dale Kirk and Denise Kelly-Kirk. Kyler has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Kyler was a member of the National Honors Society, captain of the Forensics Club, captain of the wrestling team, member on the JV football team, Leadership Council, and Peer Ministry Program. Additionally, Kyler has volunteered as a leader at Comcast Cares, Gleaners Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, elected as a Youth Member at Large by the members of the Waterford Youth Coalition, Debate Club. This past summer Kyler participated in Boys State held at Michigan State University, Fundamentals of Business: Leadership in a Global Economy at Georgetown University, and Kyler held a Congressional Internship at the United States Capitol Building. Kyler plans to attend Columbia University, NY. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.500.
James Bishop resides in Clarkston with his parents, David and Tina Bishop. James has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career James was a member of the National Honors Society, served as Environmental Club President, Leadership Council member, Freshman Retreat Leader, Freshman Mentor/Launch Planner, NDP Mass Choir, member of the Jazz Band and Honors Chorus, played JV football, and as a tutor at NDP. James also was the lead guitarist and singer for a rock bank called Outside Detroit. James plans to attend the University of Miami, FL. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.483.
Oana Danciu resides in Rochester with her parents, Dr. Ioan and Ruxandra Danciu. Oana has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Oana was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, and a member of Robotics Team 33. Oana has also received a Congressional Award. Additionally, Oana has volunteered at the Troy Public Library, at the Kumon Center and was a volunteer counselor at Safety Town. Oana plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.469.
Elizabeth Fakhoury resides in Shelby Township with her parents Judge Walid and Rita Fakhoury. Elizabeth has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Elizabeth was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Optimist Club, Junior Retreat Commission, Vice President of Teen SOYO, and the Mentor Club. Elizabeth has also volunteered for Gleaners Food Bank. Elizabeth plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.460.
Robert Joseph resides in Clarkston with his parents, John and Susan Joseph. Robert has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Robert was a member of the National Honor Society, NDP Leadership Council, Spanish National Honor Society, President of the Computer Club, Freshman Launch Crew Leader, Christians in Action, and played Varsity Tennis, participated in Track and Field. Robert plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.458.
Emily Ridge resides in Clarkston with her parents Donald and Ann Ridge. Emily has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Emily was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, a Small Group Leader at Freshman Retreat, Irish Dancing, and as a captain of the Swim and Dive team. Additionally, Emily has volunteered at Flanagan-O’Hare School of Irish Dance as a dance teacher, as well as Pine Knob water station. Emily plans to attend Bowling Green State University, OH. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.456.
Michael Soisson resides in Rochester Hills with his parents James and Mary Pat Soisson. Michael has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Michael was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, VEX Robotics, FIRST Robotics Pit Crew Leader, OCCRA Robotics, Junior Retreat Commission, Freshman Launch Committee, Kairos Retreat Leader, Member of NDP Leadership Council, Director of the Christians in Action (CIA), Parish Worship Commission, Liturgy Commission, Peer Minister, as a peer tutor at NDP, and participated in Cross Country, and Track and Field. Additionally, Michael has volunteered at the South Oakland Shelter, St. Joseph Parish, and St. Mary of the Hills as a Vacation Bible School Crew Leader, Altar Server, and Altar Server Coordinator. Michael plans to attend the University of Notre Dame, IN. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.453.
Kyle Weaver resides in Clarkston with his parents Michael and Sharon Weaver. Kyle has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Kyle was Quiz Bowl President, Vice President and Secretary of the Pro-Life Club, Student Director for the school musical in 2015, Low Brass Section Leader, member of Robotics Team 33, Creative Writing Club, Jazz Band, and Group Leader for Freshman Retreat. Additionally Kyle has volunteered for the Michigan Red Cross and participated in the March for Life in Washington, DC. Kyle plans to attend Miami University, OH. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.449.
Dina Cheryne Belhasan resides in Rochester Hills with her parents Dr. Moulay Belhasan and Mrs. Nassira Aich. Dina has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. Dina was schooled in France until second grade and continues to speak fluent French. During her high school career Dina was the Secretary for the Board of the Multicultural Alliance and Vice President of the Action for Africa Club, was member of the Environmental Club, Optimist Club, and Science Olympiad and member of the Bowling and Track Teams. Dina plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.441.
Cameron Rubino resides in Leonard with his parents Gaspare and Nancy Rubino. Cameron has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Cameron was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Ambassador and member of the track team, Captain of the Freshman, JV and Varsity Basketball teams, Freshman and Junior Retreat Commission, Freshman Launch, and as a tutor at NDP. Additionally, Cameron has volunteered at Forgotten Harvest, American Red Cross, as a Vacation Bible School Leader and Eucharistic Minister at St. Andrew Church, and held an internship at Beaumont Hospital. Cameron plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.436.
Angela Fan resides in Lake Orion with her parents Mr. Libo Fan and Mrs. Jian Tao. Angela has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Angela was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Club, Mass Choir, Multicultural Alliance, NDP School Plays, and as a tutor at NDP. Additionally, Angela has volunteered for the Orion Township Public Library Teen Outreach Program. Angela plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.431.
Killian Kosik resides in Clarkston with his parents Joseph and Cynthia Kosik. Killian has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Killian was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Ambassadors Program, Captain of the Pinnacle Ski Team, played Varsity Soccer and was a member of the Varsity Track and Field Team. Killian plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.420.
Scott Rola resides in Rochester with his parents Matt and Rose Rola. Scott has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Scott was a member of the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Retreat Commission, Kairos Leader, Peer Ministry Leader, Freshmen Mentor, Junior Retreat Coordinator, Yearbook Editor, attended MASC/MAHS Student Leadership Camp, Student Leadership State Conference, Hugh O’Brien Youth Foundation Leadership Ambassador, Varsity Bowling, JV Track, JV and Varsity Cross Country. Additionally, Scott has volunteered at Forgotten Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, South Oakland Shelter, as an Altar Server at St. Mary of the Hills, and a Crew Leader at Vacation Bible School at St. Mary of the Hills. Scott plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.417.
Thomas Aiello resides in Rochester Hills with his parents Mark and June Aiello. Thomas has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Thomas was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Student Council Representative, Freshman Mentor, Sports Leadership, Newspaper, MASC/MAHS State Student Leadership Conference, MASC/MAHS Student Leadership Camp, Football, Lacrosse and Tae Kwon Do. Thomas plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.408.
Aleksandra Salic resides in Flint with her parents Vlado and Colleen Salic. Aleksandra has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Aleksandra was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Vice President and Treasurer of the Optimist Club, SADD Club, Champions for Life, Peer Ministry, Soccer, and as a tutor at NDP. Aleksandra also volunteers at South Flint Soup Kitchen. Aleksandra plans to attend Michigan State University. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.408.
Hunter Hoensheid resides in Oakland Township with his parents Kurt and Gina Hoensheid. Hunter has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Hunter was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Freshmen Mentor, played Soccer and Lacrosse and as a tutor at NDP. Hunter has volunteered at Elevate Detroit, and was a Group Leader at St. Andrews Vacation Bible School. Hunter plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.407.
Ashley Knutson resides in Lake Orion with her parents Timothy and Shari Knutson. Ashley has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Ashley was member of the National Honor Society and Co-Captain of the Basketball and Volleyball Teams. Ashley has volunteered as a Counselor at NDP’s Volleyball and Basketball Camps. Ashley plans to attend Clemson University, SC. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.402.
Savannah Pfeffer resides in Oxford with her parents Lawrence and Susanne Pfeffer. Savannah has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Savannah was a member of the National Honor Society, President of the Chinese National Honor Society, Optimist Club, Ambassador for the National Society of High School Scholars, Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search, and a member of Softball, Cross Country and Track and Field teams. Savannah plans to attend the University of Notre Dame, IN. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.402.
Katherine Carlson resides in Lake Orion with her parents Donald and Tanya Carlson. Katherine has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Katherine was Captain of the Volleyball Team, played basketball, soccer, and participated in track, AAU Volleyball, and was the winner of the 2014 Michigan Miss Volleyball. Katherine has volunteered at Habitat for Humanity. Katherine plans to attend Valparaiso University, IN. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.397.
Mary Margaret Payne resides in Troy with her parents Timothy and Patricia Payne. Mary Margaret has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Mary Margaret was a member of the National Honor Society, President and Representative of the Chinese National Honor Society, Leadership Council, Student Ambassador, Track Leadership Council, and participated in NDP High School Musicals, track, cross country. Mary Margaret has volunteered at Camp Sing Out, Project Daydream, Summer in the City, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Wig and Mask Society. Mary Margaret plans to attend the University of Detroit Mercy. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.391.
Logan Brown resides in Rochester Hills with his parents Patrick and Laura Brown. Logan has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Logan was the National Honor Society Sergeant at Arms, Spanish National Honor Society, Treasurer of the SADD Club and Captain of the Varsity Swim Team. Logan has volunteered on Mission Trips at Camp Barnabas, MO, Mission of Hope in Haiti, Nashville, TN, and Mahanoy City, PA, along with being the Lighting Designer at Kensington Community Church. Logan plans to attend Western Michigan University. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.390.
Jenna Sassack resides in Washington Twp. with her parents Dr. Russell and Audra Sassack. Jenna has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Jenna was a member of the Ignite Bible Study, Peer Ministry, Sophomore Retreat, Junior Retreat and a Liturgical Commission Leader and has played Volleyball from grade 6. Jenna plans to attend Seton Hill University, PA. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.389.
Stephanie Saksa resides in Rochester Hills with her parents Jeff and Karen Saksa. Stephanie has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Stephanie was a member of the NDP National Honor Society, the Chinese National Honor Society, and leader of the Chairman’s group for the NDP Robotics team The Killer Bees. Stephanie plans to attend Albion College. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.379.
Jessica Caruso resides in Clarkston with her parents Enrico and Kathryn Caruso. Jessica has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Jessica was a member of the NDP National Honor Society, the Spanish National Honor Society, was President of the SADD club and a member of the NDP Softball team. Jessica plans to attend Loyola University Chicago. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.368.
Adam Pearl resides in Rochester Hills with his parents Dr. Steven and Elise Pearl. Adam has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Adam was named Captain of the NDP Soccer team and is a member of the NDP National Honor Society. He plays guitar performing at the recent NDP Talent show and volunteers as a soccer coach. Adam plans to attend Michigan State University. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.364.
Stephanie Stoneback of Milford, is the daughter of Mr. Neal Stoneback and Ms. Chrysia Stoneback. Stephanie has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career Stephanie was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Ignited Youth Group Ministry, Christians in Action, Peer Minister Leader, Retreat Commission, Captain of the Varsity Swim Team, and as a tutor at NDP. Stephanie was a Missionary to Ghana for Africa Clean Water. Stephanie plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.364.
Logan Verheyen resides in Waterford with his parents Anthony and Nancy Verheyen. Logan has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career Logan was a member of the National Honor Society, earned his Eagle Scout, played on the NDP Basketball team and was a member of the Varsity Track and Field team. Logan plans to attend St. Louis University. He graduated Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.362.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.