Detroit Catholic’s Salute to Excellence 2021: Honoring this year’s top students

As the 2021 academic year winds to a close, Detroit-area Catholic schools are proud to have stood by thousands of students in the midst of a pandemic. The heroic efforts of teachers, administrators, parents and students did not go unnoticed, and will forever be memorialized by the achievements of the Class of 2021, now and in the years ahead. 

DETROITDetroit Catholic is proud to congratulate the thousands of students graduating this year from 23 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Detroit. In a special way, we also honor those students graduating at the top of their respective classes as valedictorians and salutatorians. 

These students honor their parents, schools and God by their achievements, and we pray in a special way that their lives and careers are blessed. 

Please join us in congratulating this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians. 

Academy of the Sacred Heart, Bloomfield Hills

Valedictorian: Catherine Lehmkuhl
Parents: Karen and David Lehmkuhl
Parish: Resurrection, Canton
College & Major: Marquette University (social welfare and justice)

Salutatorian: Caroline Krause
Parents: Carolynn and Douglas Krause
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: Butler University (environmental studies)

Austin Catholic High School, Chesterfield Township

Valedictorian: Victoria Dawidowicz
Parents: Jason and Heather Dawidowicz
Parish: St. Peter, Mt. Clemens
College & Major: University of Michigan (mechanical engineering)

Salutatorian: Carmela Shorkey
Parents: Mike and Pam Shorkey
Parish: St. Peter, Mt. Clemens
College & Major: Brescia University or Michigan Technological University (technical writing)

Bishop Foley High School, Madison Heights

Valedictorian: Arianna Kerkmaz
Parents: Eric and Rebekah Kerkmaz
Parish: St. Mary, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (electrical engineering) 

Salutatorian: Alison Schoonover
Parents: Todd and Karen Schoonover
Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Troy
College & Major: Wheaton College (English and political science) 

Salutatorian: Oliva Seitz
Parents: Charlie and Rebekah Seitz
College & Major: Western Michigan University (physics)

Brother Rice High School, Bloomfield Hills

Valedictorian: Gabriel Biondo
Parents: Janet and Andrew Biondo
Parish: Holy Family Italian Church, Detroit
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (neuroscience and behavior)

Valedictorian: John Carthew
Parents: Susan MacLean and Paul Carthew
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College & Major: University of Michigan (Ross School of Business)

Salutatorian: Matthew Haerens
Parents: Kristie and Paul Haerens
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (TBD)

Cabrini High School, Allen Park

Valedictorian: Matthew Heath
Parents: Michael Health and Janine Heath
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park
College & Major: University of Michigan-Dearborn (business)

Salutatorian: Connor McGowan
Parents: Frederick McGowan and Tori Martinez
Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, Allen Park
College & Major: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (math and science)

Cardinal Mooney High School, Marine City

Valedictorian: Kathryn Luzynski
Parents: Gerald and Lisa Luzynski
Parish: Immaculate Conception, Ira Township
College & Major: Bowling Green State University (undecided)

Salutatorian: Elenah Hoxsie
Parents: Matthew and Laurie Hoxsie
Parish: St. Mary Queen of Creation, New Baltimore
College & Major: Michigan Technological University (biomedical engineering)

Cristo Rey High School, Detroit

Valedictorian: Sandra Jarquin-Lopez
Parents: Miguel Jarquin and Maria Cristina Lopez
College & Major: University of Michigan (nursing)

Salutatorian: Sonia Vazquez
Parents: Angelica Garcia
College & Major: Michigan State University (finance)

De La Salle Collegiate High School, Warren

Valedictorian: Joshua Hoenscheid
Parents: Jeffrey and Mary Hoenscheid
Parish: St. Lawrence, Utica
College & Major: University of Detroit Mercy (finance and business) 

Salutatorian: Andrew Fergan
Parents: Tim and Rachelle Fergan
Parish: St. Lawrence, Utica
College & Major: Oakland University (biomedical engineering)

Salutatorian: Ryan Schaeffer
Parents: Lee and Nancy Schaeffer
Parish: St. Joan of Arc, St. Clair Shores
College & Major: Michigan State University (business)

Detroit Catholic Central High School, Novi

Valedictorian: Matthew Kozma
Parents: Peter and Julia Kozma
College & Major: University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business (finance)

Salutatorian: Samuel Gomez
Parents: Dr. Angel Gomez and Tracy Gomez
Parish: St. Patrick, Brighton
College & Major: University of Michigan (psychology)

Divine Child High School, Dearborn

Valedictorian: Victoria Lynne Brey
Parents: Cheryl and Raymond Brey
Parish: St. Aidan, Livonia
College & Major: University of Dayton (engineering)

Salutatorian: Allison Marie Nold
Parents: Katherine and Jeffrey Nold
Parish: St. Michael the Archangel, Livonia
College & Major: University of Michigan (neuroscience)

Everest Collegiate High School, Clarkston

Valedictorian: Danielle Brown
Parents: Kelly and Danny Brown
Parish: St. Anne, Ortonville
College & Major: Samford University (law, politics & society)

Valedictorian: Stephen Czach
Parents: Cynthia Czach and the late Brian Czach
Parish: SS. Cyril & Methodius, Sterling Heights
College & Major: Michigan Technological University (undecided)

Salutatorian: Theresa Waller
Parents: Michelle and Wayne Waller
Parish: St. Joseph the Worker, Lake Orion
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology)

Salutatorian: Anthony Felix
Parents: Elizabeth and Jeffrey Felix
Parish: St. Joseph the Worker, Lake Orion
College & Major: Franciscan University (business)

Gabriel Richard High School, Riverview

Valedictorian: Maria Ritchie
Parents: Michael and Carole Ritchie
Parish: St. Joseph, Trenton
College & Major: Hillsdale College (psychology)

Salutatorian: Alexa Camilleri
Parents: Frank and Doreen Camilleri
Parish: St. Joseph, Trenton
College: Northwestern University (political science)

Loyola High School, Detroit

Valedictorian: Joshua Rogers
Parents: Derrick and Jennifer Rogers
College: Wayne State University

Salutatorian: Trevor Lile
Parents: Trevor and Nicora Lile
College: Wayne State University

Marian High School, Bloomfield Hills

Valedictorian: Regan O’Brien
Parents: Colleen and Michael O’Brien
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (business)

Valedictorian: Clare Adams
Parents: Margie and George Adams
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (business)

Mercy High School, Farmington Hills

Valedictorian: Gabrielle Pough
Parents: Kevin and Antoinette Pough
College & Major: University of Michigan (neuroscience) 

Salutatorian: Marium Asghar
Parents: Mir M. and Batool N. Asghar
College & Major: University of Michigan (sociology of health & medicine)

Salutatorian: Raquel Segars
Parents: Darryl and Angela Segars
College & Major: Harvard University (anthropology)

Salutatorian: Sophia Tesic
Parents: Rod and Natasha Tesic
College & Major: University of Michigan (molecular biology)

Notre Dame Preparatory High School, Pontiac

Valedictorian: Lars Boehme
Parents: Axel Boehme and Silke Osterhus
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (economics)

Valedictorian: Alexander Whalen
Parents: William Whalen and Angela Whalen
Parish: Prince of Peace, West Bloomfield
College & Major: Washington University in St. Louis (biomedical engineering)

Valedictorian: Devarshi Mukherji
Parents: Dr. Manibrata Mukherji and Dr. Nivedita Mukherji
College: University of Michigan (neuroscience)

Valedictorian: Samuel Burek
Parents: Michael Burek and Amy Burek
Parish: St. Kieran, Shelby Township
College & Major: Xavier University, Ohio (pre-medicine)

Valedictorian: Patrick Mullen
Parents: Mark Mullen and Meghan Mullen
Parish: St. Andrew, Rochester
College & Major: University of Michigan (economics)

Valedictory Court: Elena Schwegman, Andrew Philippart, Amishi Mahajan, Eli Thummel, Lindsey Creek, Raina Gebara, Izabel Kruse, Maggie Miklas. Andrew Marsheh, Nolan Kuza, Thomas Joppich, Catherine Bennett, Elizabeth Scheer, Rachel Rook, Charlotte Milback, Madeline MacIntyre, Madeline Deck, Ella Easterwood, Nikhil Simon, Mya Fromwiller, Meaghan Orloski, Hailey Brzustewicz, Jack Lintol, Keely McLeod, Cole Bennett, Griffin Gushman

Our Lady of the Lakes High School, Waterford

Valedictorian: Yeongjin Park
Parents: Jisoo Oh and Doyeon Park
College & Major: Yeongjin will be returning to South Korea to attend university

Salutatorian: Kailey Koshorek
Parents: Kevin and Mary Koshorek
Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford
College & Major: University of Michigan (biology/zoology)

Regina High School, Warren

Valedictorian: Avery Lauren Counsell
Parents: Scott and Maureen Counsell
Parish: St. Mary of the Hills, Rochester Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (psychology)

Valedictorian: Sydney Francine Maxey
Parents: Robert and Francine Maxey
Parish: Our Lady of Star of the Sea, Grosse Pointe Woods
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (pre-professional science program)

Valedictorian: Jenna Christina O’Brien
Parents: Roy O’Brien and Lori O’Brien
Parish: St. Thecla, Clinton Township
College & Major: Michigan State University (nursing)

Valedictorian: Madison Louise Oakie
Parents: Gary and Michelle Oakie
Parish: St. Thecla, Clinton Township
College & Major: University of Detroit Mercy (nursing)

Valedictorian: Amanda Dorothea Turner
Parents: James and Lynette Turner
Parish: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Clair Shores
College & Major: Wayne State University (undecided)

Valedictorian: Katherine Marie Washington
Parents: Bruce and Rebecca Washington
Parish: St. Augustine
College & Major: Baylor University (pre-medicine)

Shrine High School, Royal Oak

Valedictorian: Carter Buchanan
Parents: Christine and Chris Buchanan
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Michigan Technological University (graphic design/computer science)

Valedictorian: Campbell Geary
Parents: Kathryn Geary and James Geary
Parish: Our Lady of the Lakes, Waterford
College & Major: Central Michigan University (history)

Valedictorian: Claire Gleeson
Parents: Shelagh and Craig Gleeson
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (business)

Valedictorian: Lorna Grimes
Parents: Jane and Steven Grimes
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Hillsdale College (biology)

Valedictorian: Elizabeth Kemp
Parents: Leslie and Harry Kemp
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (business)

Valedictorian: Dale Mouton
Parents: Beth Bihl and James Mouton
Parish: St. Regis, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: University of Michigan (engineering)

Valedictorian: Ella Plunkey
Parents: Amy and Mark Plunkey
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Michigan State University (business)

Valedictorian: Emily Overla
Parents: Colleen and Gregory Overla
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Loyola University, Chicago (business)

Valedictorian: Savannah Vu
Parents: Thuy and Vincent Vu
Parish: St. Rene Goupil, Sterling Heights
College & Major: Oakland University (pre-medicine)

Valedictorian: Aaron Wisneski
Parents: Mary Jo and Kenneth Wisneski
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: Lawrence Technological University (computer science)

St. Catherine of Siena Academy, Wixom

Valedictorian: Katherine O’Connell
Parents: Jim and Maria O’Connell
Parish: Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington
College & Major: Ohio Northern University (electrical engineering)

Valedictorian: Isabella Lardin
Parents: Gina Lardin and Brian Lardin
College & Major: University of Pittsburgh (mechanical engineering)

Salutatorian: Colette Orlowski
Parents: Kathleen and James Orlowski
Parish: Our Lady of Good Counsel, Plymouth
College & Major: Michigan State University (chemical engineering)

St. Mary Catholic Central High School, Monroe

Valedictorian: Natalie Ambs
Parents: Brad and Theresa Ambs
Parish: St. Charles Borromeo, Newport
College & Major: Oakland University (nursing)

Valedictorian: Alexander Boatright
Parents: Rex and Holly Boatright
Parish: St. Thomas a'Becket, Canton
College & Major: Purdue University (professional flight technology)

Salutatorian: Zachary Patterson
Parents: David Patterson and Michelle Chartier
Parish: St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Monroe
College & Major: Washington University in St. Louis (biology/pre-medicine)

St. Mary’s Preparatory, Orchard Lake

Valedictorian: Kobe Howcroft
Parents: John and Stephanie Howcroft
College & Major: University of Michigan (College of Engineering)

Salutatorian: Matthew Walker
Parents: Chet and Kathy Walker
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (chemical engineering)

University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Detroit

Valedictorian: Andrew Donovan
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Donovan
Parish: Holy Name, Birmingham
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (computer science)

Valedictorian: Aloysius Kremhelmer
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kremhelmer
Parish: St. Justin-St. Mary Magdalen, Hazel Park
College & Major: Bates College (English)

Valedictorian: Samuel Lanni
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Marco Lanni
Parish: National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, Royal Oak
College & Major: University of Michigan (economics)

Valedictorian: Dominic Lucido
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Lucido
Parish: St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe Farms
College & Major: University of Michigan (business)

Valedictorian: Noah Muscat
Parents: Mr. Michael Muscat and Mrs. Carol Muscat
College & Major: University of Michigan (neuroscience and biochemistry)

Valedictorian: Evan Nazareno
Parents: Dr. and Mrs. Edward Nazareno
Parish: St. Pius X, Southgate
College & Major: University of Michigan (engineering)

Valedictorian: David Perez-Cruet
Parents: Dr. Miguelangelo Perez-Cruet and Dr. Donna Roggenbuck
Parish: St. Hugo of the Hills, Bloomfield Hills
College & Major: Harvard University (sciences)

Valedictorian: Alexander Weaver
Parents: Dr. and Mrs. David Weaver
Parish: St. Fabian, Farmington Hills
College & Major: University of Notre Dame (neuroscience)

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