Observer & Eccentric

Article published May 7, 2006
Lake Orion's Topolewsi honored by Elks
BY ANNETTE KINGSBURY
STAFF WRITER

How do you choose one outstanding student to represent a high school's graduating class?

That is the task counselors at north Oakland County high schools are given each year by Rochester Elks Lodge 2225. On May 3 the students, one each from seven high schools, were honored over dinner at the lodge during Elks National Youth Week.

"We hear about all the negative things on television," said the lodge's chairman of the board, Charles Weaver. "You represent the cream of the crop. Not all students at these high schools have accomplished what you have."

"Each year I continue to get blown away by the individuals that are here," said the lodge's exalted ruler, Brian Dittmer. "Elks like to say we make a difference in the community. These students personify that."

Event chairman Dale Orchard, a retired Adams High School teacher, said the club asks counselors to nominate students who exhibit exemplary character and who also participate in extracurricular activities as well as in their community.

"They are real kids; they do work awful hard," he said. "The kids have set some extremely high goals for themselves."

This year's honorees were:

Veronica Topolewski, Lake Orion High. With a 3.95 grade point average, Topolewski plans to attend Wayne State University for a special program where she can earn an MBA in five years. Then she wants to go to law school.

She has been active in NHS, was the first junior to be named editor of the school newspaper, and amassed more than 300 hours of community service during her high-school career, including work in a soup kitchen, Project SHALOM and a freshman mentoring program. She also works part time and volunteers at her church.

"Veronica Topolewski is indisputably not only one of the best students, but one of the best persons I have met not only in my teaching career, but also in my life," wrote her English teacher, Wendy Baeckeroot. "I look forward to hearing about her successes in life, because Veronica will have many."

Stephanie Donelko, Avondale High School. With a 4.058 GPA, Donelko plans to attend Michigan State University to major in math and secondary education.

She is her school's student government president and helped develop a curriculum for a student leadership class. She received four leadership awards from the Michigan Association of Students Councils. She was also a peer mediator, yearbook section editor, captain of the varsity cheerleading squad and a member of the senior class board.

"Stephanie's strengths are her positive attitude, her energy and her ability to lead her peers," said counselor Nancy Fischer.

Timothy Erdman, Oakland Christian High School. With a heavy load of AP classes, Erdman earned a 3.97 cumulative GPA and will graduate as his class salutatorian. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering.

A trumpet player, he was also a member of a robotics team, cross-country and track and field teams, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Project LEAD.

"Timothy is an example of quality character, a positive personality, a caring spirit, and a disciplined effort at all times," said his counselor, Roger Van Dorp. "We are excited about his future as a college student and as a caring, contributing member of society."

Meghan Katner, Lutheran High Northwest. Katner was the choice of her entire faculty for the Elks honor. With a 3.954 GPA, she plans to attend Hope College, then medical school for a career in sports medicine.

Katner was captain of both the basketball and softball teams, setting several records as a catcher and leading the team to its best records ever.

"A highly responsible, conscientious young lady in all areas of her life, Meghan goes above and beyond the call of duty," said guidance director Ian McDonald. "School, athletics, family, church and friends are all important to her."

Ryan LeClerc, Rochester High. Graduating with a 3.99 GPA, LeClerc will attend the University of Michigan and hopes to pursue a career in environmental law.

At school he has been involved with Project Outdoor Learning Environment, Peer Mediation, Students Against Dangerous Decisions, the Conservation Club, NHS and Key Club. Off campus, he is a member of the Rochester Hills Government Youth Council, attended Boys State and has been a defense attorney in the Rochester Hills Teen Court.

"I believe Ryan will realize his goal of becoming a successful champion of environmental protection because of all his great qualities," said his counselor, Christopher Green. "Ryan is an outstanding student, role model and young man, and will be very successful as he enters the next stage of his life."

Sara Pryzbylski, Stoney Creek High. With a GPA hovering in the 3.7-3.8 range, Pryzbylski was editor of the school yearbook, a varsity swimmer and the recipient of her school's 2005 Award of Excellence. She has also worked as a full-time nanny and at Red Knapp's Dairy Bar, and participated in a summer swim team.

She will attend Central Michigan University, where she plans to major in psychology and minor in teaching, then go on for master and doctoral degrees.

"She takes initiative, works well with others, is very respectful and promotes a team effort with excellent leadership skills," said her counselor, Connie Del Bello.

Julia Rudolf, Adams High. Graduating as a valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA and a perfect 36 ACT composite score, Rudolf is planning to attend Harvard and is interested in a career in medicine.

She was a mainstay of Adams' theater program and was also a member of the swimming and dive team. She is a member of the National German Honor Society.

"Julia Rudolf is a unique young woman who has distinguished herself and given much to Adams High School," said her counselor, Valerie Jones. "Young adults like her make working in the field of education an especially rewarding career."