By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- The Niles High School class of 2004 includes four graduating seniors who will share the honor of valedictorian.
Elle Glueckert, Claire Isabell, Andrew Whitten and Amanda Koenigshof have all demonstrated academic excellence throughout the their time in high school by graduating with the perfect 4.0 GPA.
Rounding out the academic top 10 for the class of 2004 are Robert Schuelke, Jessica Clabaugh, Holly Mantei, Amy Anton, Brian French, Kayla Martin and Adam Passig.
Glueckert, daughter of John and Michele Glueckert, is a honored Rotary student, president of the 4-H club, a volunteer at school and YMCA sports camps and has participated in three years of Niles High School band. She is a scholar athlete who played soccer (captain), cross country (captain) and track. Glueckert plans to attend either Michigan State University or Alma College, where she will study veterinary medicine and biology.
Isabell, whose legal guardian is her aunt Marilee Thornton, served as class treasurer, National Honor Society treasurer and Business Professionals of America treasurer. She is also a member of the Student School Improvement Team and the United Federal Credit Union Student Board of Directors. Isabell was captain of the varsity soccer team and recipient of the Stephen N. Tyler Award for excellence in leadership, athletics and academics. She plans to study business and Spanish at the University of Michigan.
Whitten, son of Dan and Eileen Whitten, is a member of the National Honor Society, Niles High School band, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra and an honored Rotary student. He played two years of soccer and was All State Honors Band at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Whitten plans to study aeronautical engineering at the University of Michigan.
Koenigshof, daughter of Patrick and Laura Koenigshof, is the choir president, French Club vice president, student council treasurer, National Honor Society secretary, a performer in the Niles High School spring musical and a Postponing Sexual Involvement teen leader. Koenigshof has participated in cross country and track and volunteers at Lakeland Rehabilitation Center, United Methodist Church Summer Sports Camp and C.A.S.T.L.E Summer Camp. She has received the Michigan Merit Award, Grand Valley State University's Award for Excellence and a National Merit Special Scholarship from Federal Mogul Corporation. Koenigshof plans to attend Grand Valley State University's honor college and eventually would like to obtain a doctorate in physical therapy.