2012 Senior Scholars

Class of 2012 Graduation

Graduation June 3, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Spring Lake High School

The commencement service for Spring Lake High School’s Class of 2012 will be held on Sunday, June 3, when 217 students will receive their diplomas. It will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. The Executive Student Council President, Joseph Rohloff, will welcome guests. The 25 Senior Scholars who are receiving the highest honors in the Class of 2012 will lead the graduate procession into the gymnasium. The commencement ceremony will be a student-led event that will feature addresses by two Senior Scholars and Kyle Kendall, the Senior Class President. There is no limit on guests and no tickets are issued for commencement.

Class of 2012 Senior Scholars

Michael Gilchrist, Principal of Spring Lake High School, announces the 25 students designated as Senior Scholars in the Class of 2012. Senior Scholars are comprised of the twenty-five students who have earned the highest honors awarded in their graduating class using a combination of ACT composite, select courses, and grade point average to determine district rank.

Senior Scholars 2012

Front (l-r) - Kathryn Rumptz, Kelsey Kippe, Kadence Holmes, Peter Rick, Abby Cook, Kimberly Braybrook, Marie Michels, Emily Wolcott
Middle (l-r) - Aaron Dalman, Audrey Gray, Patrick James Jensen, Erica Schiller, Keith Allison, Emily Kendro, Morgan Gagnon, Kyle Kendall, Evie Lorimer
Back (l-r) - Tyler Weavers, Michael Hatliep, Luke Platz, Jacob Vandenbosch, Thomas Kramer, Nicolas Parnell, Katie Miedema, Kayli Horne

Keith Allison, son of Sara and Steve Allison

Activities and Awards: Keith has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert this May and is a National Merit Commended Scholar. He attended Boys State and earned the Dwight Rich Award for Outstanding Citizenship. He was recognized as the Meijer Dignity and Respect Student of the Month and was nominated by his peers to be the junior class representative for homecoming in the fall of 2010. Throughout high school he participated in the school’s fall plays and musicals acting in major supporting roles. He is the Editor-In-Chief for the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor, held office in both the National Honor Society and student council, is a member of the Green Group, Interact, concert and marching bands of which he has earned the award for “Outstanding Horn Angle” all four years of marching season. Keith was a member of the swimming team of which was named Academic All State, was elected captain for the cross country team his senior year, and was a member of the track team.
Plans after graduation: Keith plans to attend New York University, the University of Michigan, or the University of Chicago to study law, journalism, or politics.

Kimberly Braybrook, daughter of Lisa and Jeff Braybrook

Activities and Awards: Kimberly has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert this May. Throughout high school she has been involved in the ROV Club (Remote Operating Vehicle), cheerleading, the sailing team, drama, track, marching band, the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor, and is a member of the National Honor Society. Kimberly is actively involved in the youth group at her church and enjoys figure skating.
Plans after graduation: Kimberly plans to attend either Wheaton or Calvin College to study biomedical engineering.

Abigail (Abbey) Cook, daughter of Peggy and Ron Cook

Activities and Awards: Abbey has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert, has been offered the Ignatius Academic of Excellence Scholarship from Marquette University, an Honors College State Scholarship and Professional Assistantship from Michigan State University, the Regents Merit Scholarship from the University of Michigan, and also a Presidential Scholarship from Hope College. Throughout high school she has been a key player for the varsity tennis team all four years earning the titles of 2nd Team All Conference and 1st Team All Conference for No. 1 Singles, is a member of the National Honor Society and Calling All Colors. Abbey has attended Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Girl’s State and has participated in Box City to help raise money for homeless shelters in the area.
Plans after graduation: Abbey plans to attend Marquette University in Milwaukee to obtain a degree in Physician Assistant Studies.

Aaron Dalman, son of Nancy and Steve Dalman

Activities and Awards: Football has been a big part in Aaron’s days at Spring Lake High School. He has played all four years earning the role as team captain his senior year and being named Academic All State and All Conference Defense. He was also team captain for basketball his freshman year, participated in track, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is a member of the Green Group. He has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert this May. Aaron has volunteered as a ESL tutor, helped raise money for cancer research, worked with the local food pantries, and is involved with 100 Teens Who Care.
Plans after graduation: Aaron plans to attend the University of Michigan to study pre-medicine with hopes to later get into the dental or medical graduate program.

Morgan Gagnon, daughter of Cathie and Kevin Gagnon

Activities and Awards: Singing and soccer have been very strong areas for Morgan throughout high school to accompany her academics. She has received honors for Regional and State Honors Choir and All State Honors Choir in the last two years. In soccer she has been named All Conference and All District. Other activities include participating in the school’s musicals, holding office for student council, a member of the National Honor Society, Interact, the Green Group, swim team, and basketball. She was voted by her peers to be the 2011 Homecoming Queen, is a member of the Youth Advisory Council of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, has helped with the Gleaner’s Food Truck, worked with the Hope Project, promoting Human Trafficking Awareness, attended Girl’s State, and was the assistant basketball coach at St. Mary’s School in Spring Lake.
Plans after graduation: Morgan plans to study biology and play soccer at St. Mary’s College of Notre Dame.

Audrey Gray, daughter of Becky and Steve Gray

Activities and Awards: Audrey has been on numerous mission trips to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay. Her sophomore year she returned to Uruguay as an exchange student for four months and was a member of their Uruguayan American School Varsity Volleyball Team and was captain of the UAS Varsity Soccer Team. She was awarded the Sportsmanship Award for the soccer tournament of the South American Athletic Conference in Lima, Peru. While a student at Spring Lake High School she participated in track and was a member of the basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. Audrey has been involved with the high school musicals, Calling All Colors, a member of the National Honor Society, and co-founded the Live2Free Club (human trafficking awareness). She has been offered the HC Morrison Scholarship, the Alumni Scholarship, and an Impact Grant from Asbury University. From Taylor University she has been offered a Presidential Scholarship and the Cultural Diversity Scholarship. And from Olivet Nazarene University, she has been offered the ONU Scholarship and an Olivet Grant.
Plans after graduation: Audrey plans to play soccer for Asbury University in Kentucky and double major in social work and Spanish.

Michael Hartliep, son of Barbara and Larry Hartliep

Activities and Awards: Michael has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. Throughout high school he has been involved with the Green Group, the school’s fall play and spring musicals, and is a member of the National Honor Society. In athletics, Michael has been a member of the golf team all four years and the tennis team since he was a sophomore. In tennis he has been named Honorable Mention All State, 1st Team All Area, and 1st Team All Conference his senior year, 1st Team All Conference and 2nd Team All Area his junior year, and 2nd Team All Conference his sophomore year. Other activities include being an event organizer and volunteering to work with “No More Sidelines” and helping out at the Special Olympics.
Plans after graduation: Michael plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in engineering.

Kadence Holmes, daughter of Ross Holmes and Holly and Robert Ribbens

Activities and Awards: Kadence is a National Merit Semi-Finalist. She has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May and has been offered a scholarship from Hillsdale College. Throughout high school she has been a member of the National Honor Society, the school choir and Regional Honors Choir, and a participant in the spring musicals all four years. She is actively involved in her church, which involves being a member of the church’s Praise Band and student Bible study group.
Plans after graduation: During the summer after graduation, Kadence will be traveling to Nicaragua for a mission trip and then plans to attend Hillsdale College in the fall to study biochemistry or biology, with concentration on pre-medicine and potentially a vocal musical minor.

Kayli Horne, daughter of Dina and Dave Horne

Activities and Awards: Theatre has been a large part of Kayli’s high school years. She has been in a total of six shows. She also participates in the Green Group, Interact, is a member of the National Honor Society, and a member of Business Professionals of America, of which she has earned 1st Place for her Extemporaneous Speech at a recent competition. Kayli is the editor and a writer for the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor. As a volunteer she is a co-chair of The Youth Advisory Council of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, is a volunteer with a local children’s theatre camp, and a tutor. She has been offered a scholarship through the Lake Michigan Credit Union, is a Burger King Scholar, earned 2nd Place at the 2012 West Michigan Showcase that was held at the Frauenthal Theatre in Muskegon in the Literary Arts category, and was a Girl’s State delegate.
Plans after graduation: Kayli plans to pursue a career working for a foundation or a non-governmental organization. She will be attending the University of Chicago, the University of Notre Dame, or Kalamazoo College in the fall.

Patrick James Jensen, son of Whitney and Patrick Jensen

Activities and Awards: Patrick, who goes by the name of James, has been very involved in activities throughout high school. Some of which are being a member of the varsity swim team all four years, the JV tennis team, the National Honor Society, a participant in the spring musicals, and a member of the school’s choir. He is actively involved in his church, participates in a student Bible study group, and is a member of First Priority. James has received a Congressional Nomination to both the United States Naval Academy (USNA) and the United State Military Academy (USMA) from Congressman Bill Huizenga, along with receiving a Presidential Appointment from the USNA and USMA. He has been offered a Dean’s Scholarship to Brown’s Baccalaureate Program in Physics, the Tulane’s Presidential Scholarship, and the Odyssey Scholarship from the University of Chicago.
Plans after graduation: James plans to attend the University of Chicago, Cornell University, or the United States Naval Academy to study physics and engineering.

Kyle Kendall, son of Amy and Rob Kendall

Activities and Awards: Kyle has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. Throughout high school he has been a member of student council, holding office as class treasurer his junior year and class president his senior year. He is a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Youth Advisory Council of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, played basketball the first three years of high school, was a member and co-captain for the varsity soccer team of which he earned Division II All-State Honors and was Third Team Honorable Mention.
Plans after graduation: Kyle plans to attend James Madison College at Michigan State University with special interests in international relations.

Emily (Emma) Kendro, daughter of Carrie Kendro and Bill Kendro

Activities and Awards: Emma has been offered the Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship, the Hillsdale College presidential Scholarship, and has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. Throughout high school Emma has been involved in many activities, including Interact, Calling All Colors, and the National Honor Society, of which she was voted by the Spring Lake High School staff to be the NHS Outstanding Senior of the year. She also holds office as the vice president for student council, played and received two varsity letters and earned the role of captain for three years on the volleyball teams. Emma also plays and is currently captain of the softball team of which she has already received two varsity letters. She has been employed within the community and has offered tutoring services to elementary students and coached 8th grade volleyball. Emma has attended the Rotary Life Leadership Conference, was a People to People Student Ambassador to Europe and is currently editor for the Spring Lake High School Yearbook.
Plans after graduation: Emma plans to attend Hillsdale College to possibly study marketing and economics.

Kelsey Kippe, daughter of Janet and Jeff Kippe

Activities and Awards: Kelsey has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert this May. She has been involved in numerous activities throughout high school which include being a member of the National Honor Society, Interact, the Green Group, Treasurer for the Task Force, Business Professionals of America, the cross country team, along with playing varsity soccer all four years. In soccer, Kelsey was named Athlete of the Week on two different occasions, was named 1st Team and 2nd Team All Conference, All District, All Area, and All State Honorable Mention. She has done some volunteer work at Oak Crest Manor, the Heritage Festival, helped with the Mike Herman Memorial Soccer Camp, and also a book bus volunteer for Wild for Books.
Plans after graduation: Kelsey plans to attend the University of Michigan to study nursing with hopes to become a nurse anesthetist.

Thomas Kramer, son of Madonna and Scott Kramer

Activities and Awards: Thomas just sparkles on stage. He has been in many of the school’s fall plays and spring musicals playing key roles. His stage presence is amazing. Along with being an outstanding actor, Thomas has been a member of the State Honors Choir, the National Honor Society, and has earned many awards while being a member of the varsity swim team. Some include being named 1st Team All State, 2nd Team All State, and 1st Team All Conference. Thomas also volunteered at the Tri Cities Ministries, worked as a Bluebird Cancer Retreat volunteer, and helped with the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. He will be attending the Excellence in Education Dessert in May.
Plans after graduation: Thomas plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in Public Policy and minor in Spanish. He also plans to someday study abroad and further pursue his passion in performing arts, along with being a member of the University of Michigan’s Men’s Glee Club.

Evelyn (Evie) Lorimer, daughter of Kim and Skip Lorimer

Activities and Awards: Evie has been a key player in many sports at Spring Lake High School. She has been a member of the volleyball team all four years and was named All Area, All Regional, All Academic, and All Conference. In basketball she has earned the title as All Area, All Conference, BCAM All State, and All State Academic. In softball, Evie has been named All Area, All Conference, All District, All Regional, and All State. Because of her outstanding performances in softball, she will be receiving a softball scholarship, along with the CMU Leadership Scholarship and a partial Centralis Scholarship. She has also received a Math Merit Award. Other activities she is involved in at Spring Lake High School include holding office for the National Honor Society and student council, and being a member of Interact and Calling All Colors. Some volunteer work has been done with Soup for All, helping with vacation Bible school, and working with a Cancer Awareness Fundraiser.
Plans after graduation: Evie has been accepted to Central Michigan University on an athletic scholarship to play softball and will be focusing her studies in administration.

Marie Michels, daughter of Rhonda Michels and the late Thomas Michels

Activities and Awards: Marie has been offered a Presidential Scholarship from St. Mary’s of Notre Dame. She will be attending the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. Throughout high school she has been involved with Interact, served as a writer and section editor for the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of Calling All Colors, and the team captain of the varsity swim team. Some volunteer work has been done working as a tutor for middle school students, was involved with Box City for the Muskegon Rescue Mission, and helped with the middle school swim team. She has been employed within the community, attended Girls’ State, and studied ballet for thirteen years with Ballet Arts of Grand Haven and performed a small role in Moscow Ballet’s Production of The Nutcracker.
Plans after graduation: Marie will be attending the University of Michigan in the fall with a concentration in law.

Katie Miedema, daughter of Karen and Mark Miedema

Activities and Awards: Throughout high school Katie has been involved in the National Honor Society, is the treasurer for the Executive Student Council, was a junior class representative, and is a member of the Green Group, Business Professionals of America of which she was a Regional Finalist and State Qualifier, and played basketball and soccer all four years. In soccer she earned the title of co-captain, and has been named All Area, All District, All Conference, and All Conference, Honorable Mention. She was co-captain of the varsity basketball team and was named Student Athlete of the Week. Katie has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert and has been offered a Presidential Scholarship at Hope College. She has volunteered to help at her church with the nursery and making lunches, and volunteered to help with the youth soccer and basketball camps.
Plans after graduation: Katie plans to attend Hope College or the University of Michigan to study pre-medicine.

Nicolas (Nic) Parnell, son of Jane and Jon Parnell

Activities and Awards: Nic has served in many capacities: He is president of the National Honor Society, vice-president for student council, a member of Calling All Colors, and was a Peer Mentor and science and math tutor. Aside from extracurricular activities, Nic participated in several sports. He was co-captain of the tennis team, played varsity golf and hockey and was part of the ski club. Volunteering has also been a large part of Nic’s life. He served on the Tri-Cities Youth Advisory Council as co-chairman, volunteered with Special Olympics, Tri-Cities College Access Network, Gleaner’s Food Truck, Love Inc., Benjamin’s Hope, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity. Nic received the Mother Theresa Award from Northwestern University and was selected to attend Rotary International Life Leadership Conference and attended Boy’s State.
Plans after graduation: Nic plans to attend The University of Michigan Honors College and then medical school to become an Oncologist. He hopes to teach and work with a university hospital and become a full time professor.

Luke Platz, son of Jayne and Carl Platz

Activities and Awards: Luke has been awarded the Math Excellence Award and was chosen to be a Boys State Representative. He has been invited to the Excellence in Education Dessert in May. Throughout high school he has been a member of the National Honor Society, is currently the senior class treasurer and was a representative the other three years of high school. He has been a member of the soccer teams, the golf team, and ski club. He is a certified soccer and basketball referee, along with being a baseball umpire for the tri cities area. He has volunteered to coach at the Mike Herman Memorial Soccer Camps, volunteered for Love, Inc., helped with the Gleaner’s Food Truck, and packaged food for impoverished nations with the Lakeshore Fellowship Church.
Plans after graduation: Luke plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biological sciences and/or computer science.

Peter Rick, son of Donna and Peter Rick

Activities and Awards: Throughout high school Peter has been a member of the swimming team, lacrosse team, Interact, the Green Group, Task Force, the National Honor Society, and served as a student council representative. In swimming he has been named All Conference Honorable Mention, and 1st Team All State, 1st Team All Conference, and 2nd Team All Conference on more than one occasion. He has received four varsity letters for swimming, and has been listed all four years among an Academic All State Team. His volunteer efforts have been with his church’s youth group, mission trips to South Dakota and West Virginia, worked with Soup for All, and helped put together a cancer awareness swim meet to help support Bluebird Cancer Retreats.
Plans after graduation: Peter plans to attend the University of Michigan to study kinesiology and dentistry.

Kathryn Rumptz, daughter of Anne and Thomas Rumptz

Activities and Awards: Throughout high school she has been a member of the track teams, volleyball teams, basketball teams, Interact, the National Honor Society, student council, and Business Professionals of America of which she was a State Qualifier. She is also a writer and section editor for the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor, a member of Calling All Colors, Task Force, attended Girl’s State, and is a member of the Green Group. She has been nominated and received the Meijer Dignity and Respect Award, was Academic All State and Honorable Mention All Conference for volleyball. Kathryn was named 1st Team All Conference in track, and was invited to compete at the state track meet in the event of the long jump. Kathryn has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May and has been offered a Presidential Scholarship from Valparaiso. She has been employed within the community along with doing volunteer work as a tutor, being an alter server at her church, helping with kindergarten screening within the district, and volunteering to work with the Feeding America Food Truck.
Plans after graduation: Kathryn plans to attend Valparaiso University to pursue a degree in business.

Erica Schiller, daughter of Ellen and Jeff Schiller

Activities and Awards: Erica is a National Merit Commended Scholar, was offered the Johnson Scholarship at Washington and Lee University (four-year, full ride), and was also offered a Presidential Scholarship from Grand Valley State University. Throughout high school she has been a member of the National Honor Society, the Quiz Bowl team, wrote for the school newspaper, The Laker Anchor, a member of Interact, the French Club, and choir. With choir, Erica has been a member of the concert choir, Varsity Voices, Vocal Ensemble, District Sole and Ensemble, and the State Honors Choir. Within the community she is among the members of the Grand Haven Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council. She has been dual enrolled at GVSU while attending Spring Lake High School, attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and the Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development.
Plans after graduation: Erica plans to attend Washington and Lee University to study French and politics.

Jacob VandenBosch, son of Mary and Mark VandenBosch

Activities and Awards: Jacob has been on both the lacrosse and football varsity teams for most of his high school career. He is a member of the National Honor Society and was nominated for Boys’ State. He was also a volunteer for St. Patrick’s Food Truck and Holmes Elementary School. He will be attending the Excellence in Education this May in Grand Haven.
Plans after graduation: Jacob will be attending the University of Notre Dame where he plans to pursue a career in finance with a goal of some day working on Wall Street.

Tyler Weavers, son of Kerry Eshenaur and Todd Weavers

Activities and Awards: Throughout high school Tyler has been a member of the National Honor Society, played JV soccer, is a member of the Autistic Peer Support Group, Live2Free Group, First Priority, Quiz Bowl, and is a member of a student Bible study group. He has volunteered to help at both the Holmes and Jeffers Elementary Schools’ carnivals and festivals and also at his church carnivals. Tyler has been invited to attend the Excellence in Education Dessert in May, and has been offered an Award of Excellence and a Distinction Presidential Scholarship from Grand Valley State University.
Plans after graduation: Tyler plans to attend Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business to dual major in international business and accounting with a minor in Spanish.

Emily Wolcott, daughter of Robert Wolcott

Activities and Awards: Throughout high school Emily has been a member of Interact, Calling All Colors, participated in cheerleading her first two years of high school, and is a member of the National Honor Society. She has been invited and will be attending the Excellence in Education Dessert in Grand Haven this May.
Plans after graduation: Emily plans to attend the University of Michigan to study physical therapy.