Claudette Glenn

Kha Graduates Cum Laude

Claudette Glenn

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We are delighted to announce that Michelle Kha, Campus High School, 2020, has graduated from Amherst College with a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Biophysics, Cum Laude.

Michelle’s honors thesis, titled “Visualization and Characterization of Key Neurons Located in the Midbrain and Brainstem Involved in Sensory Processing Responses in Mice,” was conducted under the guidance of the Fénelon Lab at UMass-Amherst. This work qualified her for a degree with Latin honors and led to her induction into the Society of Sigma Xi, the International Scientific Research Honor Society. As an associate member of Sigma Xi, Michelle is recognized for her outstanding research abilities.

This summer, Michelle will spend time at home preparing to apply to graduate school. She also plans to pursue biomedical research programs, continuing her scientific discovery and innovation journey.

Congratulations on your achievements, Michelle! 

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Overton Secures Research Fellowship

Claudette Glenn

We are thrilled to congratulate Kameryn Overton, Northeast Magnet High School, 2020, on her recent graduation from Tuskegee University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Plant Sciences with a minor in Biology.

This summer, Kameryn returned to Annapolis, Maryland, to undertake a second internship with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. During this internship, she will participate in stakeholder engagement work and assist in coordinating and facilitating a community science event.

Following the summer internship, Kameryn has been selected for a role in the One Health WV Project, a one-year research fellowship in Morgantown, West Virginia. This program aims to connect recent graduates with STEM mentors and prepare them for careers in the One Health field, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health.

Kameryn will collaborate with Dr. Gregory Dahle from West Virginia University on a project investigating the relationship between urban canopy coverage, air pollution, and asthma. Kameryn shared, “I am very excited to work with Dr. Dahle in person and have the opportunity to conduct research from the One Health lens!”

Congratulations, Kameryn!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Geromel Leads Team in Back-to-Back State Titles

Claudette Glenn

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2022 state

Vitor Geromel, Maize South, 2024, played a pivotal role in securing back-to-back state championship titles for his high school soccer team.

In his junior year, Vitor led his team to an undefeated 21-0 season, culminating in a state championship and earning a national ranking of 6th in the country. This year, the team made history by earning their consecutive state title, marking the second back-to-back state championship win in school history. As team captain for both championship seasons, Vitor scored in all four state games across both seasons, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

While reflecting on these achievements, Vitor expressed, “I was very fortunate and blessed to captain our team through both seasons, and the second title was the perfect way to cap off our careers as seniors. I’m so grateful to have been a part of that team.”

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Ferguson Takes State & Heads to Nationals

Claudette Glenn

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Sam Ferguson, Trinity Academy, 2024, earned the title of state champion after winning the 3200m (2 mile) race at the Kansas State Track Meet last week. Not only did he win the 3A division, but his time was the fastest among all classes from 1A through 6A.

Sam also competed in the 1600m (1 mile) and secured 2nd place in the 3A division. In a rare feat, he and his teammates swept the podium, achieving 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places. Sam’s time in the 1600m was the second fastest across all classes.

Reflecting on this accomplishment, Sam shared, “It was an awesome way to end my high school career, and I am very grateful to my teammates, coaches, and family for all their support these past four years.”

Earlier in the season, Sam set a record in the 2000m Steeplechase, a performance that ranked him 3rd in the nation. This has opened the door for another opportunity: competing in the New Balance Nationals Outdoor meet in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, later this summer. Sam will compete in the top heat of the 2000m Steeplechase, striving to take the National Title.

Congratulations on a phenomenal season, and best of luck in your upcoming national competition, Sam!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Tyson Fast-Tracks Academic Path

Claudette Glenn

Hayden Tyson, The Independent School, 2021, will accelerate the path to his degree in behavioral sciences with a minor in Psychology by taking additional classes this summer, allowing him to graduate by the end of the season.

Adding to this accomplishment, Hayden has been invited to apply to the University of Kansas graduate program as a doctorate student. This program is unique because it allows students to begin as PhD candidates, earning a master’s degree along the way, which typically reduces the overall time needed to complete the PhD.

Hayden plans to train as both a researcher and a clinician at the University of Kansas, preparing for a versatile career in the field. Obtaining a PhD includes the potential to work in education and serve as university faculty in the future.

Hayden states, “The O’Shaughnessy’s foundation has granted me the freedom to look past financial barriers that would inhibit me from seeking a degree past my bachelor’s while also providing me with the support required to take such a critical but daunting step of pursuing a postgraduate degree. The O’Shaughnessy family has been with me every step of the way, and their presence in my life has been an essential component of fostering my continued interest in education.”hh

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Phipps Lands Internship in Germany

Claudette Glenn

Toller Phipps, Heights High School, 2022, has been selected to participate in the DAAD RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) scholarship program for the summer of 2024 in Kaiserslautern, Germany.

DAAD RISE is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office. Each year, PhD students and research groups from German universities or institutes apply to be part of this program. Once accepted, they create a description of their research, including what type of major or experience they are looking for in an applicant, and upload it to an application portal. The portal allows North American, British, and Irish university students to apply to the research programs. The applicants can apply for up to three research programs that fit their major. The PhD students then rank the applicants, and the German government matches applicants to research groups.

Toller is one of 375 chosen applicants out of 2,400 and will be completing research on GaN transistors on printed circuit boards at the Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, working directly with the P3E (Power Electronics, Electronics, and EMC) research group on campus.

The program focuses on academic research and encourages students to immerse themselves in German and European culture. Toller will be able to explore and experience the culture and traditions while pursuing his research interests.
Toller told us, “This experience is not just about enhancing my academic knowledge; it’s also about broadening my horizons and immersing myself in a global community.”

Congratulations, Toller!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Conrady Prepares for Mission

Claudette Glenn

Kael Conrady, Valley Center High School, 2023, is preparing to serve a 24-month full-time mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will proselytize his faith (in Spanish) in Guayaquil, Ecuador, engage in service activities, and perform other church-related responsibilities. Kael will leave for the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in early September after he has finished his summer training for the Naval Academy.

“I’m just really excited to experience another country and culture while deepening my faith in Jesus Christ and sharing the joy that it gives me with others,” Kael stated.

We wish you the best of luck on your mission, Kael!
By Claudette Glenn, ago

Aziere Announces College Decision

Claudette Glenn

Eli Aziere, The Independent School, 2024, has officially decided to attend the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, this fall to study History and Anthropology on the Pre-Law track. The sense of community on campus and the potential for internships in the Washington D.C. area or with someone within the school’s extensive alumni network were reasons that helped him make this decision.

“I’m really excited to experience life in another part of the country and become involved with different campus activities like the Wind Ensemble or student government organizations,” Eli stated. 

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Tran Announces Summer Plans

Claudette Glenn

Jordan Tran, Maize South High School, 2020, has announced his summer plans!

After graduating from Duke University, Jordan will stay in Durham, NC, to work as a research analyst for the Duke Regeneration Center. He will work to improve cancer patients’ survivorship by minimizing acute and long-term side effects of radiation therapy. He will also be investigating novel medical countermeasures against acute radiation syndrome in the scenarios of nuclear terrorism.

“I look forward to being able to fully dedicate my time to pushing forward the field of regenerative medicine and potentially improving treatment options for individuals affected by radiation and cancer,” Jordan shared.

Congratulations, Jordan!

By Claudette Glenn, ago

Kanagy Commits to Graduate School

Claudette Glenn

We are thrilled to announce that Ben Kanagy, Trinity Academy, 2021, has recently accepted a top scholarship for graduate school at Wheaton College! Ben will commence his journey towards a Master of Arts degree in Biblical Exegesis this coming August, following his (double) graduation in May.

The program at Wheaton College is designed to be one of the most rigorous platforms for delving into the profound intricacies of biblical texts, encompassing their original languages and rich cultural and historical contexts. Starting this fall, Ben will be taking both Greek and Hebrew language classes.

Wheaton’s interdisciplinary approach ensures that Ben can explore various fields of study, including the psychology program. It is noteworthy that Wheaton College’s graduate program has a track record of sending students to top doctoral programs annually, opening up Ben’s future academic pursuits.

Beyond academia, Ben is excited about residing in Chicago and enjoying their jazz music.

Ben remarked, ” Both of my undergraduate degrees were pretty broad, so I’m excited to get to focus more narrowly on my interest in biblical texts, languages, and their cultural-historical contexts. A major reason I chose Wheaton was the faculty, who are world-class scholars and whose work I’ve read much of over the years. It’s a bit unreal that I’ll now get to work closely with them in my master’s program!”

Congratulations, Ben! We are excited to see what this next chapter holds for you!

By Claudette Glenn, ago