By Staff
NILES – The top 10 Niles High School students of the Class of 2007 have been announced with James Heide leading the seniors as valedictorian.
No. 1. – James Heide, son of Robert and Catherine Heide, has a 4.124 GPA.
His extracurricular activities include drama, the National Honor Society and in 2004, the high school musical. He tutors and is with the Four Flags Players.
He has received numerous awards and honors throughout his years at school.
The following from 2006-'07, which include, but are not limited to, exemplary college level achievement in AP Program exams, outstanding on the PSAT test, Certificate for assisting in the Library Inventory Project, Junior Class President, Certificate for superior performance in the American Mathematics Competition-Overall Winner, winning a computing medal and scholarship for outstanding student in technological achievements.
Heide's future plans are to attend Northwestern University to study mathematics.
No. 2 – Nathan Fink, son of John and Laura Fink, has a 4.019 GPA.
He is in the National Honor Society, the Business Professionals of America and the German and Math clubs.
His school related sports involve varsity tennis and golf.
Outside of school, he works, enjoys bicycling, dealing with people and volunteering.
Fink placed second at the BPA Regional and fourth place at the Math Regional in 2006.
He is planning to attend the University of Michigan to obtain a degree in business administration and social psychology/graphology. Completing his education, he would like to enter into the world to help others and be one of the steps of progress in understanding human behavior.
No. 3 – John "Jake" Glueckert Jr. has a 4.010 GPA. He is the son of John and Micki Glueckert
He is in varsity soccer, varsity wrestling, and varsity track, along with playing soccer in various local leagues and wrestling through AAU. He has placed at the Freestyle and Greco-Roman state finals, has placed third in the Folkstyle BorderWars nationals, qualified for Freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling national team and participated in national tournament
He attends the Math and Science Center and plans on attending Michigan State University and participate in the Lyman-Briggs residential college, as a pre-med major.
No. 4 -Heather Croteau, who has a GPA of 4.0, is the daughter of Robert and Frances Croteau.
She enjoys varsity tennis and has participated in the Science Olympiad, the Ecology Club, the Envirathon, the yearbook the Viking Journal and being president of the Student Council.
Heather is a volunteer at Niles Main Street and involved with the Junior Optimists.
She was a Rotary Student of the Month and placed in Who's Who among high school students.
After graduating, she will attend Rochester Institute of Technology to study film and animation.
No. 5 – Danielle Foster, the daughter of Scott and Elaine Foster, has a GPA of 4.0, with extracurricular activity interests in the National Honor Society, being the Class Secretary and participating in the Business Professionals of America.
Due to rheumatoid arthritis, Danielle is unable to be involved in any sports-related activities.
Outside of school, she is involved in the Michigan Junior Angus Association, which has taken her throughout the nation showing cattle. She also is assistant to the Director of Marketing at Southwestern Michigan College and enjoys volunteering to help others.
Danielle was awarded Miss Congeniality to Miss Blossomtime, Miss Heart of Blossomtime and was also a nominee for the Principal's Leadership Award.
Her future plans are to attend the University of Michigan to earn a degree in business and communications.
No. 6 – Daniel Geiger has a 4.0 GPA. He is the son of James and Agnes Greiger.
He is in the Business Professional of America and plays in the marching and symphonic bands.
He runs cross country and track.
He is a is a Eucharistic Minister at Saint Mary's Church and also a lector and altar server.
He has been recognized as a scholar athlete, received the cross country sportsmanship award and was a Rotary Student of the Month.
He plans to attend the University of Michigan, studying computer science and electrical engineering.
No. 7 – Hilary Landgraf is the daughter of William and Ann Landgraf and carries a 4.0 GPA.
She is on Student Council, a member of the French Club, the National Honor Society and the Junior Optimists.
Her favorite sports are golf and tennis. Outside of school, she enjoys the position of Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Church.
Hilary has been commended for being National Merit Student. She also was awarded the Sportsmanship Award in the 2006 Varsity Tennis.
To further her education by studies in English or Publishing, she plans to attend either the University of Notre Dame or the University of Michigan.
No. 8 – Nicole Brooks, the daughter of Russ and Dawn Brooks has a 3.926 GPA.
Nicole is the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, vice president of DECA. She has played soccer and been involved in cheerleading for all four years of high school.
She is a Relay for Life Team Captain and also has worked at the Prime Table Restaurant for two years.
Nicole has been on the honor roll for four years, is a scholar athlete, nominated for the Who's Who among American High School students and on three occasions has attended the Breakfast of Champions.
She plans to go to Michigan State University to study advertising or journalism.
No. 9 – Nicolas Schuck, carries a 3.926 GPA, and is the son of Dan and Pam Schuck.
His extracurricular activities include the marching band, low brass section leader. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Science Olympiad team and a member of N-Club for varsity athletes.
Nicolas has a high interest in sports. For four years, he has been on the track team, qualified for MHSAA State Track Finals for three years, a member of the 2006 All-State 4 x 400 relay team with honors, four years in cross country, 2006 Big 16 All Division Team, indoor track-club sport for three years and has also played basketball.
Outside of school, he is a member of the Michiana Astronomical Society, worked in November 2006 for the Niles City election, volunteered for Niles Riverfest, the Thanksgiving Day 5K and 10K run and worked at the YMCA Kid's Night Out.
Nicolas has been on the All A or the A/B honor roll, has received the President's Education Award, outstanding academic achievement for the Niles Community Schools, Academic excellence by the Niles High School Athletic Department and placed second and third in astronomy at the 2006 and 2007 Science Olympiad Regional Competition.
He plans to attend Calvin College to study physics and/or astronomy and participate in track and cross country.
No. 10 – Kurt Bourbonnis is the son of Bill and Jane Bourbonnis. His GPA is 3.925.
His extracurricular activities include being a member of the National Honor Society, Counterpoints, N-Club, Drug Free Players Club and is a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary's Church.
Kurt has played basketball for four years and football for three.
At St. Mary's, he has tutored at the elementary After-School Club Program, helped renovate the Parish Center, helped design and build the Youth Room, participated in many of the churches functions, including fish frys, St. Pat's parties, hog roasts and pizza parties. He has also volunteered at Fernwood and worked the polls on Election Day.
Kurt is president of the National Honor Society, officer of N-Club for two years and president of the Economics class business. He has received the Stephen N. Tyler Award and Scholarship given for outstanding leadership in the Junior Class, has been on the Honor Roll for four years, Scholar Athlete for three years and is on the President's Education Award Program.
He plans to attend Michigan University to obtain a bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering or in Mechanical Engineering and obtain a masters in business.