The top 30 students based on grade point average in the Portage High School Class of 2013 were recognized on Wednesday night during the annual PHS ACES (Academic Champions Excelling in School) Banquet at Woodland Park’s Sycamore Hall. Each student was asked to select one teacher or staff member who has made an impact on them during their time in Portage Township Schools.
Each ACES student provided a few sentimental words about the teacher that he or she selected, while the teacher did the same about the student.
Jennifer Anderson and Cathy Nye
“Jennifer Anderson is one of the young women I have had the pleasure to teach and know. Over the last three years I have seen her grow into a more confident and well-rounded young woman. She is truly one of the sweetest, nicest, kindest people you will ever meet.” -Cathy Nye, Portage High School Social Studies
“Miss Nye’s true devotion to her students is a treasured quality. She genuinely cares for our success, whether it be academically or personally. I am proud to have had her as a teacher and adviser, but more importantly, I am lucky enough to call her a friend.” -Jennifer Anderson
Abby Berquist and Gary Lembcke
“Abby was a great student to have in class. She always came prepared and ready to put forth her best effort. She normally did very well with the material.” -Gary Lembcke, Fegely Middle School Algebra
“Mr. Lembcke is an amazing teacher. He is so dedicated to his students’ success. I learned so much more than Algebra from him.” -Abby Berquist
Joe Bachan and Katie Bylak
“It has been my honor to get to know Katie Bylak. She is the youngest person in her class, but that has not stopped her from excelling.” -Joe Bachan, Business
“Mr. Bachan is the epitome of what a great teacher should be. He truly wants to see his students succeed.” -Katie Bylak
Lyndsey Cunningham and Jan Cook
“Lyndsey Cunningham always made me smile. Her enthusiasm for learning, her love of life, her competitive spirit and her impish grin are what make Lyndsey so special.” -Jan Cook, Central Elementary Librarian
“Mrs. Cook is here with me today because it was her upbeat personality and her big heart that I believe set the foundation for the person I am today. I couldn’t thank her enough for it.” -Lyndsey Cunningham
Jahnathan Davis and Bill Timmerman
“I have had the pleasure of working with Jahnathan since his days at Fegely Middle School. As I reflect back, it was obvious even then that Jahn was destined to be one of our future leaders.” -Bill Timmerman, Band
“Mr. Timmerman has become one of my greatest supporters and mentors. His love of music has molded me into the man and the musician that I have desired to be.” -Jahnathan Davis
Tyler Demko and Amanda Childers-Martin
“Tyler’s outstanding commitment, determination, brilliance and love of education in pursuit of a post-secondary goal of becoming a physician precedes him.” -Amanda Childers-Martin, English
“Her kind and caring nature helped me comfortably adjust into a new school setting. She was always an encouraging force in my school career as well as a pleasant person to talk to.” -Tyler Demko
Kevin Elkins and Rich Lowe
“In my almost 30 years of working with high school students, Kevin is one of the brightest students I have gotten to instruct.” -Rich Lowe, Swim Coach
“He was always ready to push me to the limit and teach me that I was capable of much more than I ever believed.” -Kevin Elkins
Emily Evans and Theresa Evans
“I’ve always known her to be responsible, respectful, honest and fair. Even in second grade, Emily displayed compassion for others and took the time to show it.” -Theresa Evans, Kyle Elementary Second Grade
“Mrs. Evans was my second grade teacher and was the first one to wrangle my creative imagination for the greater good by encouraging me to write.” -Emily Evans
Hannah Glos and Tracy Seibert
“Hannah has been more than the ideal student. In order to achieve the highest grades and my deepest respect, Hannah has consistently shown maturity, an ability to understand others, a sharp focus and a selfless sense of purpose.” -Tracy Seibert, Assistant Girls Basketball Coach
“She’s a mentor, a friend and an inspiring role model, who by leading through example has taught me so much in just a mere couple of years.” -Hannah Glos
Rachael Gonzalez and Lorrie Cohen
“Rachael is the type of student, no, the type of person,who can light up a room with just her smile. I know this for a fact because every time she walks into the Media Center, the entire room explodes with brightness.” -Lorrie Cohen, Library Media Clerk
“Mrs. Cohen always manages to make me smile with her cheery greeting of ‘Hey sunshine!’” -Rachel Gonzalez
CJ Haupt and Tim Haupt
“I could not be prouder of Conner for what he has accomplished in his academic years. Watching him grow up into the man that he is today, full of life, intelligence and having such outstanding character, how could a dad wish for more.” -Tim Haupt, Willowcreek Middle School Health Teacher
“Tim Haupt was my seventh grade health teacher and despite telling me all there was to know about the birds and the bees and the reproductive system, he has been a great dad and taught me everything I need to know to be successful in life.” -CJ Haupt
Haley Hodges and Tim Kunstek
“Haley is a highly intelligent young lady who radiates a wonderful personality. Her integrity, commitment to perfection and academic and athletic drive have elevated her to be the successful, well-rounded young lady that she is today.” -Tim Kunstek, Girls Varsity Golf Coach
“He’s always been extremely supportive and has always believed in me. His positive attitude never fails to brighten my day.” -Haley Hodges
Peyton Hulse and Dawn Lee
“I am very proud of the person Peyton has become; she is a beautiful young lady inside and out.” -Dawn Lee, Fegely Middle School Social Studies
“Mrs. Lee is more than just a remarkable teacher. She is a remarkable person, mother and friend.” -Peyton Hulse
Josh Kane and Robert Symer
“Josh is a warm and caring young man who I hold in high esteem. Josh also is an outstanding student who cares deeply about his studies.” -Robert Symer, retired Portage High School Band Teacher
“Of all of the teachers who I have studied under in the past 12 years, it was Mr. Symer who has made the most lasting impact on me and I take that consideration with great pride.” -Josh Kane
Kaley Liang and Cindy Schnabel
“Kaley was in middle school orchestra when I was going through treatment for cancer. I could always count on Kaley to uplift me with her smile during those rough years.” -Cindy Schnabel, Willowcreek Middle School Orchestra
“She is one of the most caring, hard-working people I know. I will be forever grateful to have had her as a teacher.” -Kaley Liang
Robert Manning and John Johnston
“Robert Manning is an intellectually confident and exceptionally academic-oriented individual. He remains Portage High School’s only student to be nominated this year by Congressman Visclosky to attend the nation’s foremost military academy, West Point.” -John Johnston, MCJROTC
“Major Johnston is the Marine Corps Junior ROTC instructor at Portage High School and has always been there to get me through the rough times in life.” -Robert Manning
Jasmine Marquez and Lynn Wilson
“Jasmine is a wonderful, warm, caring and compassionate person. She has spear-headed many philanthropic events this year and has had such a positive impact on our school and community.” -Lynn Wilson, Medical Terminology
“Mrs. Wilson’s positive attitude and ability to play in class makes her class so fun and enjoyable.” -Jasmine Marquez
Julissa Martinez and Tom McKeown
“Julissa embodies all that is good with today’s youth; she is charming, respectful and intelligent, with a yearning to succeed. She embraces the present while preparing for a solid future.” -Tom McKeown, Latin
“The best thing about our relationship is that we can agree to disagree and there is always a level of respect.” -Julissa Martinez
Jeff McElfresh and Ted Marthakis
“Combined with an excellent work ethic and steel trap memory he has a rare intuitive ability to solve problems and the tenacity to not let go of them until he does.” -Ted Marthakis, Math
“His unique approach to teaching and him being approachable as a teacher will always be a memory of my high school experience.” -Jeff McElfresh
Yesenia Mendoza and Mark Marvin
“Her quiet, humble, unassuming nature belies her strong will to succeed.” -Mark Marvin, Economics
“He has a genuine concern for all his student and is always happy to help anyone he sees struggling.” -Yesenia Mendoza
Eric Mesarch and Brenda Nowosad
“Eric is one of the finest young men that I have ever been privileged to have as a student. With confidence he carries himself well, but is never arrogant.” -Brenda Nowosad, Physics
“I look forward to going to her class because it is a stress-free environment. She is a teacher that cares deeply about helping her students reach their goals.” -Eric Mesarch
Michaela Miller and Brian Zofkie
“Quiet strength and determination are the key components to Michaela’s character. As a student and an athlete, she has embodied the spirit of commitment to excellence in her career at PHS.” -Brian Zofkie, PHS Volleyball Coach
“Mr. Zofkie has helped me a lot this past year. I’m glad I got the opportunity to have him as a coach and a teacher.” -Michaela Miller
Mariela Murillo and Linda Peda
“I would have never guessed at this point that English was her second language. I admire her work ethic.” -Linda Peda, Spanish
“Mrs. Peda is a role model who seeks the well-being of her students with a gratifying and charismatic attitude.” -Mariela Murillo
Top Pronpudpond and Brooke Platt
“It’s not every day that I have a student who runs a successful internet business. I am lucky to have Top as student and now a friend.” -Brooke Platt, Art
“She always encourages student to try their best. She is funny, so her class was very fun to have.” -Top Pronpudpong
Taylor Searcy and Vanessa George
“Taylor is an absolute sweetheart. Every morning, I knew I could count on her enthusiasm, work ethic and positive attitude to help lift the spirits of the class even though it was only first mod.” -Vanessa George, former PHS Math Teacher
“She is one of the best people that I have ever met in my life.” -Taylor Searcy
Cody Spoolstra and Robert Parker
“His contributions went far beyond good grades, as his comments and questions were always probing and pertinent. He exemplifies all of the qualities of an exceptional student and personality.” -Robert Parker, History
“Mr. Parker’s enthusiasm for his job is admirable to say the least. He has taught me more than any other person on this planet, and truly makes his class an enjoyable experience.” -Cody Spoolstra
Elizabeth Timm and Candis Carey
“Over the last three years, I have watched Liz grow, become more confident and continue to work hard.” -Candis Carey, German
“She is amazing and always makes class as fun as possible.” -Elizabeth Timm
Clarissa Tokash and Andrea Flynn
“When I first met Claire Tokash three years ago, her level of enthusiasm not only for academics, but also for life in general was immediately obvious by the enormous smile on her face and the way she bounded into the classroom.” -Andrea Flynn, French
“She has hugely impacted my life and I am grateful to have had her as a teacher.” -Clarissa Tokash
*Andrea Flynn could not attend due to a maternity leave. Pictured: John Zack, Assistant Principal
Brandon Vickrey and Melissa Deavers-Lowie
“Find the word success in the dictionary, and you will see Brandon Vickrey’s name as the definition. Brandon is the type of person who finds a passion and puts 110 percent into it.” -Melissa Deavers-Lowie, Portage High School Publications
“Over the last four years, I am proud to say that Mrs. Deavers-Lowie has been my teacher, my publications adviser and my friend. Deavs stays until as late or 8 or 9 p.m. for newspaper deadlines, comes in on Sundays to allow us to work, encourages us to participate in state contests and lets the students run the publications.” -Brandon Vickrey
Heather Zengler and Carrie Brown
“Heather is a science-sponge and I believe that this, along with all of the physical trials that she has been through, will result in her excelling in a physical therapy career.” -Carrie Brown, Chemistry
“She is a teacher who not only teaches student, but gets them excited about chemistry.” -Heather Zengler
Photos by Jessica Marquez, PortageLife.com