Aug. 11, 1999
KALAMAZOO--Twenty-three students successfully competed against the top graduating seniors in the class of 1999 to win prestigious Medallion Scholarships to begin their studies at Western Michigan University this fall.
The scholarships, each valued at $32,000 over four years, are the highest honor the University can bestow to an incoming freshman. Recipients were selected following a competition in which only this year's top applicants were invited to participate. The 23 recipients, who have a collective grade point average of 3.99 and an average American College Test score of 31, competed against more that 787 talented high school seniors from 348 high schools in 10 states.
Each award bears the name of their scholarship donor, or the name of an individual in whose name the scholarship was established.
The recipients, their high schools, their intended programs of study and the names of these scholarships are listed below. (More detailed information about each scholar follows.)
Zachary T. Baker of Mattawan, Mich., Mattawan High School, University curriculum, Willard and Margaret Brown Medallion.
Sarah E. Biebuyck of Oxford, Mich., Oxford High School, theatre, W. Bruce and Phyllis Thomas Medallion.
Nicole K. Bohach of Sterling Heights, Mich., Henry Ford II High School, University curriculum, Dr. Ruth Seay Medallion.
Melissa A. Bottke of Wixom, Mich., Walled Lake Western High School, business, Robert J. Bobb Medallion.
Kathrin E. Chambers of Adrian, Mich., Adrian High School, engineering, Guido and Elizabeth Binda Endowed Medallion.
Sean D. Collins of Evergreen Park, Ill., St. Rita High School, business, Bill and Lenore Doolittle Medallion.
Anne K. Denhof of Coopersville, Mich., Coopersville High School, University curriculum, Edwin and Mary Meader Medallion.
Anne-Marie Dietz of Portage, Mich., Portage Northern High School, psychology, Merze Tate Endowed Medallion.
Alana M. Dumasius of Grosse Ile, Mich., Grosse Ile High School, engineering, Richard A. Lenon Medallion.
Eric Dziuban of Saginaw, Mich., Arbor Hill High School, biology, John and Ramona Bernhard Endowed Medallion.
Andrew W. Goodman of Paw Paw, Mich., Paw Paw High School, pre-medicine, Diether H. and Carol A. Haenicke Medallion.
Meghan M. Hennen of Dowagiac, Mich., Grace Christian High School, special education, Dr. Alan Brown and Dr. Albert Castel Medallion.
Danielle Hidalgo of Williamston, Mich., Williamston High School, elementary education, William McKinley and Cornelia Robinson Education Medallion.
Rose E. Hoelzle of Cass City, Mich., Cass City High School, theatre, John and Ramona Bernhard Endowed Medallion.
Amanda N. Kinney of Grand Rapids, Mich., Grand Rapids Central High School, theatre education, Alvin Frays Endowed Medallion.
Robert A. Nendorf of Battle Creek, Mich., Lakeview High School, aeronautical engineering, Harold and Bonnie Zeigler Medallion.
Sarah E. Papke of Allen Park, Mich., Allen Park High School, University curriculum, Dorothy Christoff Medallion.
Tamara A. Paruch of St. Joseph, Mich., St. Joseph High School, communications, Nancy Kohlenstein Medallion.
Jonelle Ulep of Marquette, Mich., Marquette High School, pre-medicine, Emeriti Endowed Medallion.
Kelly Vibber of St. Louis, Mich., St. Louis High School, theatre, Helen F. Lenon Medallion.
Jamie L. Wacyk of Grand Ledge, Mich., Grand Ledge High School, University curriculum, Dr. Shirley Bach Medallion.
Lisa N. Wuerth of Redford, Mich., Lee M. Thurston High School, elementary education, Harold and Beulah McKee Endowed Medallion.
Holly K. Yettaw of Battle Creek, Mich., Lakeview High School, biomedical sciences, Roy and Beulah Kendall Endowed Medallion.
The recipients were selected based on their participation in the 15th annual Medallion Scholarship Competition this past winter on the campus. It included essay writing and group problem solving for the students as well as information sessions for their parents.
To be invited to compete, students had to apply to WMU by Dec. 31 with at least a 3.8 grade point average in high school and at least an American College Test (ACT) Score of 25. This years competition included 372 students with perfect 4.0 GPAs and 209 students who scored 30 or higher on the ACT.
Baker, a resident of 8843 West R Ave., is the son of Thomas F. and Denise M. Baker. A member of the National Honors Society, he participated in the Spanish Club for three years, serving as vice president his senior year. He also was a four-year member of the Ski Club, track team and cross country team, serving as cross country team captain his senior year. In addition, Baker was involved in Science Olympiad, Quiz Bowl, the Model UN program and Students Against Drunk Driving. His community service activities include three years of participation in the 24-hour Relay for Life.
Biebuyck, a resident of 5705 Sandstone Drive, is the daughter of Bruce A. and Lela M. Biebuyck. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as society president for one year and received its service award. She was president of her sophomore class, a member of Students Against Drunk Driving for two years, and a member of the yearbook staff, serving as editor her senior year. She also was fourth runner-up in the Miss Teen of Michigan Scholarship and Achievement Competition. Involved in competitive dance, Biebuyck has served as a dance instructor for young children. Her community service activities include work as a parks and recreation volunteer.
Bohach, a resident of 42906 Pheasant Run, is the daughter of David and Debra Bohach. A member of the National Honor Society, she participated in her school's student council and served as a class officer for three years. She was awarded MAC Cross Country All League/All Academic honors four times and served as captain of the cross country team her senior year. Bohach also was active in the French Club and Students Against Drunk Driving and ran track for three years. Her community service activities include work with St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital and Special Olympics.
Bottke, a resident of 1566 Chownings Glenn, is the daughter of James and Ann Bottke. A National Honors Society member, she served as society secretary the past two years. She participated in track, soccer and tennis and served as tennis team captain her senior year. She also was a four-year member of her school's student council, serving as secretary for two years, and was active in the Spanish Club, Ski Club, Women's Choir, Concert Choir and A Cappella. Bottke was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students" in 1998-99 and was selected as a semi-finalist in the Daughters of the American Revolution Competition. Her community service activities include work with the Adopt-A-Highway program and volleyball marathons.
Chambers, a resident of 945 Riverside, is the daughter of David and Thea Chambers. A National Honor Society member, she was involved in the Varsity Club for four years and played soccer for four years. She also participated on the swimming team her freshman year and the cross country team her sophomore year. Chambers was nationally recognized when she placed in the top 1 percent on the PLAN Exam for High School Scholars. Her community service activities include work with her church, Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army and the Tecumseh Youth Theatre.
Collins, a resident of 9314 S. Francisco, is the son of Stephen T. and Joan M. Collins. A member of the National Honor Society, he participated in the student council, serving as vice president three years and then president his senior year. He also was editor of the school paper the past two years and during all four years of high school participated in football, golf, swimming and water polo. Collins was named an Illinois State Scholar for 1999. His community service activities include work with his church and the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership community organization.
Denhof, a resident of 2889 Wilson Road, is the daughter of Jon and Nancy Denhof. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as society president her senior year. She was a four-year member of the concert and marching bands and a drum major her junior and senior years. She also participated in concert choir, chamber choir, cross country, track, and volleyball. Denhof has attended Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and WMU's Music Seminar and participated in several state and district solo and ensemble music festivals. She is a three-time Academic Letter winner. Her community service activities include work with her church youth group and God's Kitchen.
Dietz, a resident of 2858 Pfitzer Ave., is the daughter of Charles R. and Marilyn Dietz. A member of the National Honor Society, she was involved in Students Against Drunk Driving, the Debate Team and the Forensics Club and participated in state and district competitions for debate and forensics. Dietz was recognized as a commended scholar in the National Merit Scholarship Competition in 1998-99. Her community service activities include work with two area Learn to Skate programs.
Dumasius, a resident of 28405 Elbamar, is the daughter of John G. and Andrea G. Dumasius. A member of the National Honor Society, she participated in the Student Council for four years, serving as an officer the past two years. She also was president of her freshman and sophomore classes, was a member of the Science Club and Spanish Club, and ran track for four years. Dumasius received an Academic All State Award for track and field and was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students" her junior and senior year. Her community service activities include work with her church, the latch-key program, the Detroit Rescue Mission and Gleaners of Detroit.
Dziuban, a resident of 917 North Porter, is the son of Joe A. and Lynette E. Dziuban. A member of the National Honor Society, he was the editor of his school paper, participated in bowling and served as president of the Christian Club during his senior year. He also played first-chair baritone in the Saginaw Bay Youth Orchestra and was youth council vice president for his church. His community service activities include work with the Crop Walk, Urban Hike and Special Olympics.
Goodman, a resident of 602 George Court, is the son of Jerry A. and Patricia W. Goodman. A member of the National Honor Society, he served as society treasurer his senior year. He was a four-year member of his school's student council and served as president of his senior class. He also was a four-year member of the marching and concert bands and the track and cross country teams. He was twice named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." Goodman was a member of the Quiz Bowl team and competed in the state Science Olympiad, winning first place in the Pentathlon for four years. His community service activities include work with the Kalamazoo Symphony and community theatre.
Hennen, a resident of 31475 Maple Island Road, is the daughter of Robert and Shelley Hennen. The president of both her freshman and senior class, she participated in drama and was a member of the Sounds of Grace Choir for four years. She played softball for three years and basketball for four years, serving as captain of the basketball team her senior year. Hennen was named three times to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." Her community service activities include work with her church and the clean-up efforts in the Dominican Republic after Hurricane George.
Hidalgo, a resident of 1326 E. Grand River Road, is the daughter of Lawrence and Cheryl Hidalgo. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as editor of the school paper her junior year. She also was a cheerleader for four years, was involved in her school's student council and participated in Business Professionals of America, serving one year terms as secretary and vice president before becoming secretary/treasurer of the Michigan State Executive Council. An active dancer, Hidalgo was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students" this year. Her community service activities include work with her church, the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
Hoelzle, a resident of 4669 Green Road, is the daughter of Larry and Judy Hoelzle. A member of the National Honor Society, was editor of her school paper, served as president of her senior class, and was a member of the marching, pep and concert bands. She participated in the English Academic Games for four years and also was involved in student council, debate, forensics and the yearbook. Her community service activities include work with the Red Cross Blood Drive and the Natural Helpers Program.
Kinney, a resident of 226 Lawndale NE, is the daughter of Raymond Kinney III and Mary Jo Mikula. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as society president her senior year. She was a four-year member of the Drama Club, serving terms as both vice president and president; the student council; marching, pep and concert bands; and golf team. A two-year member of the Agona Club, she also participated in district and state solo and ensemble music festivals and Science Olympiad competitions. In addition, she was a cheerleader for four years, serving in co-captain and captain positions. Kinney was named three times to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." She has received several local awards, including the Grand Rapids Foundation's Outstanding Junior Award and the Jamie Hale Scholarship. Her community service activities include work with her church and arts groups.
Nendorf, a resident of 943 Meadow Drive, is the son of Robert L. and Faith A. Nendorf. A member of the National Honor Society, he was involved with the school yearbook, French Club, concert band and symphonic band. He also participated in soccer for four years, earning all-city, area and conference honors. Nendorf was a finalist in the Michigan Math Prize Competition his junior and senior years. A co-founder of KYDS Youth Empowerment Program, his community service activities include work as a math tutor and soccer coach and work with the Kellogg Youth Development Program.
Papke, a resident of 6394 Balfour, is the daughter of Reed R. and Laura L. Papke. A member of the National Honor Society, she participated in the Allen Club for two years and the World Language Club for three years. She also was active in music and theatre and played tennis for four years, serving as team captain her senior year. Papke has received several local academic awards and was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." Her community service activities include work with her church, Habitat for Humanity and Focus Hope.
Paruch, a resident of 2804 Lakeview Ave., is the daughter of Edward P. and Judith J. Paruch. A member of the National Honor Society, she participated for four years in the Forensics Club, symphony band and orchestra. She also was a member of Students Against Drunk Driving; the school paper staff, serving as editor her senior year; and the Thespians Society, playing leading roles in five theatre presentations. Paruch is a 1999 National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Her community service activities include work with the Link Crisis Center.
Ulep, a resident of 226 Jean St., is the daughter of Benjamin T. and Norma C. Ulep. A member of the National Honors Society, she served as vice president of her junior class and representative for her senior class. She also was a four-year member of the French Club, was a section leader in both the Symphonic Band and Orchestra, and played volleyball and tennis for four years, serving as a junior varsity tennis team captain. Ulep was twice named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students." Her community service activities include serving as president of the Z-Club, a service organization for high school girls, and work with her church and the Marquette County Volunteer Center.
Vibber, a resident of 244 E. McGregor, is the daughter of Brad and Susan Vibber. A member of the National Honor Society, she was active in the Science Olympiad and Language Arts Competition, in which her 1998-99 team placed first in its league. She also was a four-year member of the Spanish Club, Model UN and cross country team, serving as captain her senior year. In addition, she participated in track and volleyball and was involved in theatre. Vibber was named to "Who's Who Among American High School Students" in 1997-98. Her community service activities include work with her church and Walk for Life.
Wacyk, a resident of 9523 Riverside Drive, is the daughter of Michael and Linda Wacyk. A member of the National Honor Society, she was involved in the Ecology Club and the German Club, serving as vice president her senior year. She also was a four-year member of the marching band and wind symphony and participated in school musicals and both district and state solo and ensemble music festivals. Wacyk is a National Merit Scholarship Competition commended scholar. Her community service activities include work with her church, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters and the Eaton County Youth Service.
Wuerth, a resident of 11711 Virgil, is the daughter of John A. and Judith A. Wuerth. A member of the National Honors Society, she was on the society's executive board her senior year. She was the editor of the school paper her junior and senior years and served three times as secretary of her class. She also was involved in Students Against Drunk Driving and was a member of the swim team for two years, serving as captain her junior year. Wuerth has received several awards, including the Achievement Award in Newspaper, the Madam Curie Award for science achievement and the MIPA/MSU Sparty Award for Newspaper Design. Her community service activities include work with her church and the Festival of Trees.
Yettaw, a resident of 235 Westfield Drive, is the daughter of Paul F. and Judy L. Yettaw. A member of the National Honors Society, she played for four years with the marching band, wind ensemble and orchestra. She has participated in both district and state solo and ensemble music festivals as well as in the Showstoppers National Competition and the International Science and Engineering Fair. For the past two years, Yettaw has assisted Dr. Christine Byrd, an assistant professor in WMU's Department of Biological Sciences, with research on zebrafish. Her community service activities include work with her church, Youth Engaged in Service and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 616 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu
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