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Graduating seniors are invited to apply for one of five $1,000 scholarships awarded each year by the Hudson PTO.

The winning selections are based on a written essay, GPA, community involvement and volunteer activities. Each winning student will be recognized at the PTO spring luncheon in May. Additionally, the winners will be honored at the Senior Awards Ceremony that takes place in May.

2022-2023 Hudson PTO Scholarship Winners

Left to right: Charlie Herman, Grant Putnam, Nathan Miller, Max Gyurky, and Gabe Truesdail

Charlie Herman
Charlie will be attending Indiana University, where he plans to major in Journalism as an Ernie Pyle Scholar. He has lived in Hudson since kindergarten and lived in England for a year and a half in between. Charlie has been involved in many clubs during his four years at HHS including Student Government, National Honor Society, Outdoor Society, Hudson Community First, Junior Leadership Hudson, and the Cultural Proficiency Advisory Committee, among others. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the Explorer Newspaper and is the Captain of the HHS JV Tennis team. He is also founder and chair of Mental Health Week at HHS. Charlie works at Hudson Montessori School where he will be a teaching assistant over the summer.

Max Gyurky
Max plans to attend Ohio State University to study Sports Medicine and Business. Max has been a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year Distinguished Honor Roll student. Max also played football and earned Hudson and Suburban Scholar-Athlete Awards all four years. Additionally, Max was part of the Service Learning Program where he serviced homeless veterans at the Valor Home and special needs students at Hudson Middle School. Max joined The Boy Scouts of America in first grade and just earned his Eagle Scout rank in April.

Nathan Miller
Nathan will be attending Ohio State University this fall. Nathan plans to major in Business Analytics with a minor in Sport Analysis. Nathan is a member of the “13 year club” at Hudson City Schools, was a member of the 2022 Leadership Conference and also a member of the National Honor Society. Nathan is a two-year Varsity letter winner in both Baseball and Basketball as well as being a team captain of the Varsity Basketball team in his senior year. Nathan has received the Scholar Athlete Award all four years for both sports in High School. Nathan has been a student athlete counselor with youth baseball and basketball summer programs. Nathan has worked with both the baseball and basketball programs to create the student led Hoodie Collection drive for less privileged students in Akron.

Grant Putnam
Grant will be attending Northwestern University next year where he plans to major in mechanical engineering. During his time at Hudson High School, he was a member of the track team and lettered all four years. He was able to represent Hudson and earn points for the team in both the 110 and 300 hurdles events at the District Championship, and he earned a Suburban League Honorable Mention in the 110 meter hurdles. Grant was a center and power forward for the freshman basketball team. When not participating in athletics, Grant enjoyed a variety of other extracurricular pursuits including Model UN, National Honor Society, Drug Free Club, Chess Club, Magic the Gathering Club, and Academic Challenge. Grant has won the Suburban League Scholar Athlete Award, the Hudson Scholar Athlete Award, and made the Distinguished Honor Roll each year. Grant was also a National Merit Commended Scholar and winner of Hudson Community First’s “Take a Second, Make a Difference Award.” The Page Turners, a charity Grant founded with friends Jeremy Lavoie and Jason Dement, has been the main focus of his volunteering, and to date it has collected and distributed 30,767 books to areas of literary need.

Gabriel Truesdail
Gabriel will be attending Ohio State University next year and has plans to major in mechanical engineering. Throughout high school, he has earned four-year letterman status in track and has also run cross country since his sophomore year. He is an active member of the National Honor Society and has received the Spanish Seal of Biliteracy. Through First Congregational Church, he has served as a youth mentor and volunteered with the Appalachia Service Project improving living conditions in Huntington, West Virginia. Gabriel is grateful to receive the PTO scholarship and would like to thank his family, teachers, and coaches for their support.

Past Winners

2022 PTO scholarship winners
Left to right: Drew Hartline, Sarah Lozina, Ben Fisher, Quinn Berichon and Katie Heckroth.

Ben Fisher
Ben will be attending the Loyola University Chicago next year where he plans to major in philosophy and minor in Chinese with the goal of eventually attending law school. Ben is a member of the “13 year” club, having attended Hudson City Schools since kindergarten. He is an Eagle Scout and a four-year letterman in Marching Band. He has been a member of the leadership conference planning committee since his sophomore year and an active participant in Community First, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and National Chinese Honors Society. He is a co-captain of the HHS tennis team and has coached tennis through HCER during the school year and over the summer.

Quinn Berichon
Quinn plans to major in Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida. He was named a National Merit Finalist, was President of the Cycling Club, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Coordinator for the Hudson HUDDLE program. He ran distance events in track his junior and senior year, and in addition, was a three-year letterman in the HS drumline, earning first chair of percussion his senior year. He is also looking forward to auditioning to play bass drum on the USF drumline in the fall.

Andrew Hartline
Drew will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall where he plans on majoring in Criminology. During his four years at Hudson High School, he was a member of the varsity cross country and track teams where he was captain senior year for cross country and and a three year letterman in both sports. Drew was a member of HUDDLE, National Honors Society, and Drug Free Clubs of America. Outside of school, Drew was active in the Hudson Youth Cross Country program becoming an assistant coach and mentor for the young runners.

Katie Heckroth
Katie will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall to study Marketing. During her time at Hudson High School, she was heavily involved in the arts. She performed with Drama Club, Vocal Impact, and Choir since freshman year and was a member of Chamber Choir for two years. Her love for these programs can be shown through her leadership positions. She served as the Vice President of Drama Club, the dance captain for Vocal Impact, and a public relations officer for the choirs. She is also a member of the International Thespian Society, a theater honors society, and is ranked as an International Honor Thespian. Outside of the performing arts, Katie was also a member of National Honor Society, HUDDLE, Service Learning, and could be seen anchoring the morning announcements every Wednesday.

Sarah Lozina
Sarah will be attending the College of William and Mary in the fall where she plans on majoring in Neuroscience. During her four years at Hudson High School she was a member of the varsity field hockey and lacrosse teams and was named a captain for both sports her senior year. Sarah was the president of the Random Acts of Kindness club, Hudson Community First board member, HUDDLE Coordinator, and member of National Honors Society. Outside of school, Sarah was active in St. Mary’s church youth group, Lifeteen, and as a volunteer core member at the middle school program, Edge. Over the summer, Sarah volunteered as a Patient Greeter at the University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center and as an art camp counselor for kids grades K-5 at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.

(Top row, left to right) Alyssa Bezdek, Yeji Kim, Kate Koennecke (Bottom row) Adam Oscarson and Kaylee Pollock.

Alyssa Bezdek
Alyssa will be attending Marquette University in the fall where she plans on majoring in Exercise Science in an accelerated Doctor of Physical Therapy program. During her four years at Hudson High School she earned four varsity letters in gymnastics as well as being the varsity captain for two years, being named Co-MVP, and receiving the Ray Hyser Sportsmanship Award. Alyssa was a member of HUDDLE, National Honors Society and Key Club during her time at HHS, and has volunteered with Rahab Ministries to help human trafficking victims outside of school. She will continue her volunteer work in Milwaukee, as well as continuing as a lifeguard which is her current occupation. Alyssa is honored to be one of the PTO scholarship recipients for the class of 2021 and is thankful for all the opportunities she has had at Hudson High School.

Kate Koennecke
Kate Koennecke will be double majoring in political science and psychology at The Ohio State University in the fall. Kate’s goal is to go to law school and become a family lawyer. At Hudson High School, Kate is an active member of student government and National Honors Society. Kate is also a cross country and long distance track runner. Outside of school, Kate is heavily involved in SALT, First Congregation Church of Hudson’s youth group. She’s volunteered for First Serve and Appalachia Service Project (ASP), as well as many other service projects offered through the church. Since sophomore year, Kate has managed to keep up her grades while working a part time job. Kate has enjoyed her high school experience and is very excited for what the future holds.

Yeji Kim
Yeji Kim will be attending Yale University to study either English or Ethics, Politics, and Economics. At Hudson High School, Yeji was the President of the Speech and Debate team for three years, where she also helped advise the Hudson Middle School Speech and Debate team. She was the co-President of Student Government, co-Editor-in-Chief of The Explorer Newspaper, Editor-in-Chief of The Literary Compass, and a reporter for The Herman Show. Outside of school, Yeji is the producer, host, and editor of her own TV show with HCTV, called Yeji Around Town, where she features local businesses in Hudson. She is also a volunteer reporter for the Hudson Hub Times.

Adam Oscarson
Adam will be attending Mercyhurst University to study Business Analytics and Intelligence. He will also be a member of the Mercyhurst University Lacrosse team. Adam was a Football Captain and two-time Lacrosse Captain at Hudson High School. He was named Suburban League All Conference in Football. He was a member of the National Honors Society, Distinguished Honor Roll, Suburban League Scholar Athlete, HUDDLE Mentor, Hudson Community First, Service Learning & Drug Free Club of America. Adam also volunteers for the Salvation Army, Northeast Ohio Golf Charities, Food Banks and youth sports. He would like to thank his family, teachers, Mrs. Carmichael and coaches for their years of support.

Kaylee Pollock
Kaylee Pollock is a captain for the Varsity Cheerleading squad and a mentor for Sparkle Cheerleading. She is involved in the clubs National Honor Society, Drug Free Clubs of America, HUDDLE and she is also in the Service Learning program. Kaylee will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall with a major in Nutrition/Dietetics.

Top row: Jack Burdett, Hallie Fritsch and Amy Fulton. Bottom row: Ben Hackenberg and Kierstin Havens.
Left to right: Samuel Ross, Lindsay Sadler, Susie Fan, Yuhan Kim. Not pictured: Isabel Wu

Susie Fan
Susie will be attending The Ohio State University in the honors program and am majoring in economics with a minor in accounting. In school, she is the Varsity Tennis Captain as well as a four year letter and Ray Buck Hyser recipient. Susie is the president of the International Club, Secretary of Tri-M Music Society, Secretary of Hudson Community First and member of Key Club, Math Club and National Honors Society. She is also a violinist in the Hudson Chamber Orchestra. In school, Susie is in Service Learning and currently a volunteer at Hattie Larlham with extreme special needs adults and work with them on crafts and communicating. She loves volunteering and also coaching which is her job, and she coaches several group tennis lessons and private lessons every week.

Yuhan Kim
Yuhan will be continuing his education at Yale University, where he plans on studying History or Political Science. At Hudson High School, Yuhan is the founder and President of the Hudson High School History Club, which he has been leading since his freshman year, and the President of the Hudson Model United Nations Club. He is also actively involved in Student Government and the Hudson High School Tennis team. Outside of school, Yuhan has worked on the planning committee of the Hudson World War I Memorial Restoration Project and volunteered at the Case-Barlow Farm and Historic Center. Yuhan is a National Merit Finalist. He would like to thank his teachers and family for all their support.

Sam Ross
Sam is honored to be one of the recipients of the PTO scholarship for the class of 2019! In the fall he will be attending Miami University where he will major in Spanish. He hopes to travel abroad, do volunteer work, and eventually attend medical school. In high school, Sam was heavily involved in the music department being first Trombone in the Wind ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Pit Orchestra and Jazz band. He was also a member of student government, Hispanic honors society, national honors society, and the president for the tri-m music honors society at HHS. He has enjoyed hi time in high school and while he is going to miss the friends he made, he is looking forward to what the future has in store!

Lindsay Sadler
Lindsay will be attending the University of Cincinnati where she plans to participate in the ACCEND program for a dual Bachelor/Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. In high school she was captain of the volleyball team and a member of the Suburban League Leadership Team. She also participated in National Honor Society, Drug Free Clubs of America, and Key Club. She will graduate with an honors diploma and her Seal of Biliteracy in French. Outside of school, she has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and has earned her Bronze and Silver awards. She is currently assistant coach for a travel volleyball team and continues to help the younger athletes at all of the HHS-run volleyball camps.

Isabel Wu
Isabel will be attending Harvard University where she plans to major in economics. Throughout high school, Isabel has committed her time to scientific research and continued participation in the STEM Fair, community service through National Honor Society, and Science Olympiad. Isabel is an exemplary participant in the STEM fair with multiple awards at the district and state level. Her projects include an application for neural network design and a multimedia dictionary. Within National Honor Society, Isabel holds the Vice President of Service position where she is responsible for organizing volunteering opportunities. Furthermore, she has independently worked at her local library and her local retirement home. Isabel has also been a member of Science Olympiad for four years, where she continued her interest in the sciences, and won several awards at the regional and state level. Aside from these school activities, Isabel plays the piano at the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) and enjoys cooking and reading.

Left to Right: Nicole Neifert, Maria Zou, Grace Cumberlidge, Grace Turner, Patrick Burdett

Nicole Neifert

Nicole will be attending the Ohio State University’s Honors College in the fall, and she plans to pursue psychology or education. In high school, Nicole was in New Dimensions and Chamber orchestra. She participated in the Cleveland Clinic Science Internship program for two summers. She was involved in several groups including National Honor Society, Pen Ohio, and Hudson Community First Youth Advisory Board. She helped start the textile department of Makerspace Club and was co-president of Academic Challenge, Asian Awareness Club, and National Chinese Honor Society. She also danced for 13 years and was also involved in the spring musical for the last two years. She is a National Merit finalist.

Maria Zou

Maria Zou is a senior at Hudson High School. She plans to attend Brown University in the fall majoring in chemistry and political science in hopes of one day combining the two in order to work effectively with either health policy or environmental policy. She is concertmaster of the Hudson High School Chamber Orchestra, Vice President of National Honor Society, as well as Vice President of Science Olympiad. Outside of school, she is a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and volunteers at East Woods Elementary String Coach teaching fifth graders how to play musical instruments.

Grace Cumberlidge

Grace is the first chair bassist in the Hudson High School Chamber Orchestra and has been an orchestra member for nine years. She currently performs with Hudson Jazz I, Jazz Combo, Women’s Choir, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, Pit Orchestra, and shes the musical accompaniment for Vocal Impact. She has performed with the Ohio Regional and All-State Orchestras, Akron Youth Symphony, and the Hudson Young Actors Studio. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. She is passionate about helping young musicians. She volunteers with the String Coach program and the past two years she has been an assistant to the Hudson Middle School orchestra director working directly with middle school students. Grace will be attending Northern Arizona University where she will double major in Music Education and Music Performance. Grace is thankful for all the opportunities she has at HHS and wishes to thank the PTO for the scholarship.

Grace Turner

Grace will be attending the Ohio State University in the fall where she plans on studying engineering. She will also take a few Spanish classes. In high school, some of her favorite activities have included participating on both the Cross Country and Track teams as Captain, Vocal Impact as Dance Captain, singing and dancing in the spring musicals, serving as a member of the Leadership Conference Planning Committee, and anchoring for the morning announcements. Grace has served as Vice President of Student Government, Anchor and editor of the Video Club and as a member of the Hispanic Honorary Society.

Patrick Burdett

During Patrick’s four years at Hudson High School, he earned six varsity letters as a football and lacrosse player, participated in volunteer opportunities as a member of HUDDLE, the Hudson Community First Youth Advisory Board, and the National Honor Society, and is set to receive an Honors Diploma and graduate Magna Cum Laude. Patrick has been accepted into the Ohio State University’s International Studies program, where he plans to combine interests in public policy and the Spanish language in order to tackle problems in the community and across the globe. Drawn by the many opportunities and diverse student population that OSU offers, Patrick also plans to study abroad and be involved in College Mentors for Kids while in Columbus.

Left to Right: William Carson, Tyler Richey, Caitlyn Menolasino, Eliza Green, Christopher Cavoli

William Carson

Will is attending Miami University this fall to study biochemistry and math as part of their honors program with hopes of becoming a physician or a scientific researcher. He is a national merit commended scholar and was involved in various clubs and organizations including National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Math Honor Society), French Honor Society, and Asian Awareness Club. Moreover, he was president and founder of Hudson High School Hackysack Club. Will also enjoyed playing percussion for the Hudson High School “Swing” Marching Band as well as performing in Wind Ensemble. Some of Will’s favorite high school memories are from his four years of running cross country. He is very grateful to receive the PTO Scholarship and would like to thank his family, teachers and community for their support.

Tyler Richey

Tyler will be continuing his academic career at The Ohio State University’s Honors College. His experiences in High School through Business Club, Mock Trial, and other activities have led him to want to double major in Business and Political Science, and one day enter Law School. Tyler has been so blessed in his four years at Hudson High School to have such great opportunities such as College Credit Plus, his youth group Porch, the Hudson Rugby Club, Marching Band, NHS, and so many more. Tyler looks forward to pursuing these interests as he go off to Columbus in the fall! Go Bucks!

Caitlyn Menolasino

Caitlyn is involved in National Honors Society at school and also spend a large amount of her time volunteering at her church. She has participated in mission trips through Appalachian Service Project every summer that she has been in high school. Caitlyn’s favorite classes she has taken throughout high school include American Sign Language, AP Psychology, and Peer Collaboration. Caitlyn will be attending The College of Wooster in the fall where she plans to major in either Communication Sciences and Disorders or Psychology.

Eliza Green

Eliza will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall to study History Education/Pre-Law in the Honors College. During high school, Eliza was a member of the Swing Marching Band and Wind Symphony Band, where she played the mellophone and oboe. Eliza was also a member of the Hudson field hockey team, Student Government, HUDDLE, and was the President of the National Honorary Society.

Christopher Cavoli

Christopher was involved in a number of different activities in high school. He played football and rugby; played in the orchestra; and was in active member in Math Honor Society, National Honor Society, LCPC, and held leadership roles in Student Government and H.U.D.D.L.E. During high school he was an active participant in the LifeTeen program at St. Mary’s Parish. Christopher also received the rank of Eagle Scout the summer before his senior year. He is excited to attend the Ohio State University and intends on studying industrial systems engineering.

Left to Right: Kasey Thom, Chris Kim, Parker Kronen, Nicole Lehman and Krsitin Dagley

Kasey Thom
Kasey is a member of the Hudson Girls’ Cross Country and Hudson Girls’ LAcrosse teams.  She is also the Secretary of the Hudson Community First Youth Advisory Board and serves as the Sports Editor for the Hudson High School student-run newspaper, “The Explorer”/  On top of this Kasey is also a member of HUDDLE, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta (Maths Honors Society) and the Senior Executive Commitee.  Nest year Kasey is planniing on attending Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where she will be playing lacrosse for the Mercers Bears and studying Early Childhood Education.

Chris Kim
Chris will be attending Brown University this fall through the Program in Liberal Medical Education in hopes of becomming a physician in the future.  He is intending to major in biochemistry or biological sciences.  Through Chris’s four years in high school he has been involved in Student Government as the Blood Drive Committee Leader since sophomore year, Mock Trial as a team attorney, since sophomore year and Science Olympiad as Predisent since junior  year.

Parker Kronen
Parker will be attending the Ohio State University next year to study biochemistry and pre-medicine.  He has been part of many extra-curricular activities at high school such as Jazz i, Swing Choir, Chamber Orchestra and Drama Club.  He is a proud member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Math Honor Society and International Thespian Society.  He hopes to continue his passion for muisic in college by joining the OSU Men’s Glee Club.  He thanks everyone that has made his time at Hudson High SChool fantastic, including his teachers, friends and especially his parents

Nicole Lehman
Nicole will attend Cornell University in the fall to study Industrial and Labor Relations.  She has enjoyed being Head Swuad Leader of the Hudson High School Swing Marching Band, performing as the Vocalist and Trombone Section Leader for four yers and Treasurer for her senior year of Student Government.  Some of her favorite experiences in high school inclde cmpeting in science fairs, performing in all four spring musicals and studying entrepreneurship at Harvard University in the summer of 2015.  She is very grateful to recieve the PTO Scholarship and would like to thank her family, teachers and community for their support.

Kristin Dagley
Kristin is a National Merit Finalist who was involved with National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, the Friendship Connection foregin exchange program, HUDDLE and Believe in Ohio during her four years of high school.  However, she takes most pride in her accomplishments in the pool, including being a three-time state qualifier, an All American and a recipient of the Ray Hyser Sportsmanship Award.  in the fall she will attend Georgia Tech and major in either comouter science or computer engineering.

Left to Right: Ashley Reed, Ben Cypcar, Ben Reiman, Samantha Mintz, Grace Hunt (not pictured)

Ashley Reed – Ashley founded the Psychology Club and is the Varsity Girls Bowling captain. She volunteers for Girls on the Run as a Junior Coach and taught English to Buddhist monks in Nepal. She plans to double-major in psychology and anthropology at the University of Georgia, aspiring to be a psychologist who works with internationally-adopted children.

Ben Cypcar – Ben was a Northeast Ohio Scholar Athlete having played soccer for three years. He has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years, and a member of the Key Club for three years becoming the treasurer in his senior year. Ben has been heavily involved in the Edge middle-school program at St Mary’s Church for the last two years, leading a small group of middle-schoolers. Working with middle-schoolers has been a fulfilling experience for him. For the last two years, Ben has participated in the Believe in Ohio science program, with his group winning a $10,000 prize this year. Ben hopes to be an orthodontist, and will start his education by attending John Carroll University as a biology major.

Tim Reiman – Tim plans to attend Miami University (OH) to study kinesiology and he plans on becoming a physical therapist after graduate school. He enjoys being outside and staying active by playing sports with friends. He has played baseball for the high school for four years and is still involved in organizations such as the Service Learning program and National Honor Society. He has been a part of the Key Club since his freshman year and he is a HUDDLE mentor. He likes serving people and helping the community.

Samantha Mintz – During Samantha’s high school career, she was involved in National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Cross Country, Lacrosse, HUDDLE, and Key Club. During her senior year, she was accepted into the Service Learning program which gave her many opportunities to volunteer such as at an urgent care center, animal shelter, retirement home, and many other places.  She also maintained a job at the Veterinary Center of Hudson. She will be continuing her education next year at The University of Dayton with a major in Biology and a minor in Photography.  She plans to use these degrees to travel and give veterinary care to exotic animals.

Grace Hunt – Grace is thrilled to be receiving this prestigious award and sends her apologies for her absence.  During her 4 years at the high school, Grace has been of member of Junior Leadership Hudson, choir, band, jazz band, and ASL club, in addition to being heavily involved in the theater department.  Grace is very excited to be graduating with cords as an honorary member of the Honors Thespian Society.  Next fall, she plans to attend Kent State University to pursue a career in musical theater.

Jillian Saccogna has been a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Gay-Straight Alliance, and track and cross-country teams.  She has been an asset to the girls’ swim team as a co-captain and Ray Hyser recipient.  Her future plans include attending The College of Wooster and continuing her swimming career as a Fighting Scot.  She would like to pursue a major in Psychology and hopes to become a counselor.

Katie Maggio has played softball and soccer all 4 years of high school and is a NE Ohio Scholar Athlete. She is a member of National Honor Society and Key Club, and she is an active member of the Life Teen Program at St Mary’s Church. She enjoys volunteering especially as a friendly visitor for Harbor Light Hospice and as a teacher’s aide with Teens Helping Teachers. She has been a youth soccer referee for 6 years. Next year, she will be attending the University of Cincinnati where she will be in the Honors program majoring in Nursing.

Michael Gaffney is a member of the Hudson schools 13 year club. He is a member of National Honors Society, was a super-fan, and helped produce the Hudson High School lip dub video. However, his greatest passion was playing for the Hudson hockey team all four years of high school. He was honored to serve as a captain his senior year. Michael is also an active member of the Life Teen program where he has contributed as a camp counselor, retreat planner, and Eucharistic Minister. In the fall, he will be attending The Ohio State University in the scholars program.

Natalie Stiles has enjoyed running for the cross country and track teams, serving as a HUDDLE mentor and participating in the National Honor and Art Honor Societies at Hudson High School.  She has earned several awards for her artwork as well as STEM team research projects.   Involvement in St. Mary’s Lifeteen program and volunteering at University Hospital have been especially rewarding to her throughout the past four years. After twelve years of Hudson schools’ education, Natalie believes she is well prepared as she moves on to the Ohio State University, where she is enrolled in the Mount Leadership Scholars Program as a Biochemistry major and Studio Arts minor.

Heather Neifert A graduating senior at Hudson High School in Hudson, Ohio, Heather is ranked 4th in a class of 387 and is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction. Heather is the recipient of the Marion Albee Character Award created by her chapter of the National Honor Society, and the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership scholarship to send her to the regional HOBY Leadership Conference. A passionate violinist, she is in her ninth year in the Hudson school orchestras. Heather is a member of New Dimension, and this past summer, Heather was selected to work as a research intern at the Cleveland Clinic, working alongside doctors on prostate cancer research. Heather is a 2nd degree black belt in Taekwondo and was a member of Hudson Middle School’s Power of the Pen team. This fall she will attend The University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, as a University Scholar and prospective cognitive science major.

Alexander Carlson has lived in Hudson since kindergarten. He has taken advantage of the challenging academic curriculum in the Hudson schools, including numerous AP classes, and especially enjoyed and thrived in his math classes. In addition, he has been very involved in the music program as a drummer/percussionist, participating in the marching, concert, and jazz bands. Alex also performs in venues around northeast Ohio with a jazz combo that he and his friends formed sophomore year. He has also been an umpire for Little League Baseball for 7 years. Next year, Alex will be attending The Ohio State University Honors Program, majoring in Actuarial Science with a minor in Statistics.

Jiakung Feng will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and is planning to double major in engineering and piano performance (on scholarship). He participates in National Honor Society, Key Club, and Mock Trial at Hudson High School. Currently, he works at as an instructor at Kumon and teaches piano to kids. In his free time, he likes to play football and basketball with his friends, read, watch movies, and play piano.

Alyssa Lang is a member of New Dimensions at Hudson High School. She plays the flute and piccolo in the Hudson Marching Band. She is also in NHS, HUDDLE, French Club, Key Club, and Knitting Club. Next year she will be attending George Washington University in Washington D.C. where she will be in the Honors Program and hopefully majoring in Anthropology and French. While in college she also hopes to study abroad for a year in France.

Grace Lu Grace served as captain of the girls’ tennis team, assistant editor-in-chief of the school newspaper, and vice president of the National Honor Society this year in addition to being a part of the Leadership Conference Planning Committee. She is a four-year letter winner in tennis and recipient of the Ray Hyser Sportsmanship Award in addition to competing in the State Tennis Tournament twice. Grace is also an active volunteer not only in her community but around the world, playing at local nursing homes and teaching English overseas. Her hobbies include playing piano and violin, traveling, and reading. She will be attending the University of Chicago to major in Economics next year.

Mary Beth Turner is a member of the high school choir, drama club, cross country team, varsity cheerleading squad, National Honor Society, and HUDDLE. She also loves to take dance classes and attend LifeTeen youth events at St. Mary’s Church. Next fall, she will be attending the University of Dayton in the Honors program with a major in Chemical Engineering.

Haley Coleman As a student at Hudson High School Haley Coleman was a member of the girl’s cross country team, NHS, NAHS, NSHS, HUDDLE, Science Olympiad, and Drama Club. She is the co-founder and co-president of Community Problem Solvers (CPS). Haley enjoys volunteering with St. Al’s Food Bank, Summa Hospital-Akron City, and Girls on the Run. She also loves to write poetry, take dance classes, and stay involved with LifeTeen at St. Mary’s Church.  Haley is currently attending the University of Akron majoring in Natural Sciences and is working towards her dream of becoming a physician as a part of the accelerated BS/MD program in consortium with NEOMED.

Matthew Margida Matt plans to major in psychology at the College of Wooster.  Additionally, he also plans to continue his football and track careers.

Lauren France In high school Lauren was a part of the band, the field hockey team, National Honor Society, HUDDLE, and Key Club. Lauren has also been a volunteer at Laurel Lake for the past four years.  Lauren is currently attending Ohio State University where she is part of the Honors Program.  Lauren’s plan is to major in chemistry and become a pharmacist.

Sara Rense Sarah Rense is a member of Chamber Orchestra and Drama Club, as well as many other activities. She is attending Northwestern University with a major in Journalism.

Carolyn Shortman Carolyn’s bio is currently unavailable.

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