Students Named Highest Senior Scholars
By: Lisa MorinelliWhen she was an eighth grader at St. Margaret Mary in Omaha, senior Elizabeth Greer was voted "most likely to be Valedictorian at Marian." Four years later, this prediction has come true; Greer has been named the 2001 senior class Valedictorian.
The three 2001 Salutatorians, seniors Tracy Fendrick, Claire Kenkel and Mary Witt, fully understand the hard work and discipline that this kind of academic accomplishment requires. All four of these impressive students truly deserve this recognition for four years of study, involvement and success.
As Valedictorian, Greer achieved the highest seventh semester senior GPA in her class. "I took all the honors courses I could, which made a big difference. There was great competition, and I know the second, third and fourth place girls worked just as hard as I did," said Greer.
Along with maintaining the highest GPA in her class, Greer has been actively involved in the Marian community as a Technical Aide Resource (TAR), a member of the CROP science team, National Honor Society Treasurer, a member of JCL and a JV Tennis team member for three years. Greer also volunteers regularly backstage at the Omaha Community Playhouse.
After achieving a perfect score on the ACT last year, Greer continued her academic achievements this year as a National Merit Finalist and was named a member of the Omaha World-Herald Regional Academic team.
Attending Washington University next fall, Greer will study engineering. "I like math, science and problem solving. Engineering will give me real world application of problem solving in math and science," she said.
" I am a little nervous about giving a speech and sitting up front at graduation, but I am excited about being Valedictorian," said Greer. She will give the Valedictorian's address during the graduation ceremony on May 20.
Tracy Fendrick, Claire Kenkel and Mary Witt were presently surprised to find out that all three of these seniors were named Salutatorian. "Each Salutatorian had the exact same GPA to the farthest decimal," said guidance counselor Mrs. Laura Gelecki. "Also, there is only a .02 difference between the Valedictorian's GPA and that of the Salutatorians."
"I knew my status from checking my GPA, but it was such a nice surprise that all three of us tied," said Fendrick. Fendrick, who has been actively involved with Varsity soccer and the TAR program while at Marian, has also been named a National Merit Finalist.
"Soccer has really helped with time management for studying," said Fendrick. "But I have always been very focused and put pressure on myself to do well," she said. Classifying physics and math courses as her favorite in high school, it is fitting that she plans to study engineering physics at the University of Arizona next fall.
"I am a huge procrastinator, but I work best under pressure," said Kenkel of her study habits. Whatever the method, it worked. Balancing studies along with acting as the Network copy editor, a service site leader, a retreat leader and a ministry council member was no simple task. Kenkel also is a member of National Honor Society. In her spare time, Kenkel played Intramural Basketball and even found time to take up a sewing class last January.
Kenkel has been named a National Merit Commended Scholar and received numerous college scholarships. Kenkel will be attending the University of Notre Dame next fall, and plans to be a Pre-Law major with an interest in reading and writing. When asked what advice she had for future Marian scholars, she said, "Don't be afraid to push yourself. I'll never regret the opportunities I've received from following through on challenges."
Joining Kenkel at Notre Dame in August will be her fellow Salutatorian, Mary Witt. "I knew in the back of my mind I could have this honor because of the classes I had taken, but it was not my sole reason for working hard," she said.
While working an average of 20 hours a week at her part-time job, Witt has been involved in volleyball, cross-country, the service site program and Freshman retreat. Witt was also the 2001 National Honor Society President.
Math courses were always her favorite, but at Marian, Witt has learned lessons inside and out of the classroom. One particular life-lesson sticks out in her mind; "I have learned that I am strong enough to depend on myself in life. But for the times when I will need support, I know I can always depend on my Marian friends," she said.
Her major at Notre Dame is still undecided, but Witt has an interest in Biology and medicine. Witt was named a Notre Dame scholar, putting her in the top 20 percent of all incoming freshmen.
Fendrick, Kenkel and Witt will be giving the Salutatorians' address together at the Senior Honors Assembly on May 11.
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