Meet the 2018 Herald-Times Scholastic Stars

May 23--Dakota Abell, Eastern Greene

Is there anything Dakota can't do? The class president and drum major of the Eastern Greene High School Marching Thunderbirds has racked up academic awards for calculus, history, writing and Spanish, as well as participating in the jazz and concert bands, trivia club and drama club. This "theater kid" has his sights set high: After he double-majors in business marketing and theater, he plans to work for a movie production company or a playhouse, like a little outfit called Broadway. (Maybe you've heard of it.) His role model is his mother, Michelle Collins.

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Ruth Alber, Bloomington North

Ruth's interests and achievements merge science and politics. The Bloomington High School North senior won two gold medals at the Science Olympiad state competition and is a Gold Level Presidential Service Award winner. Besides Science Olympiad, she's been a member of the student council, debate club and model United Nations, and was an intern for the Dan Canon for Congress campaign. She also volunteered at WonderLab and is a LOTS senior. Ruth said she's undecided about her college plans but would like to be an economic policy adviser and work to end wealth inequality in this country. Her parents are Scott Alber and Barbara Hatton.

Flora Arthur, Bloomington North

Flora has a knack for the arts. This musician in the Hoosier Youth Philharmonic is also a winner of the Jewelry Student of the Year award at Bloomington High School North, and a member of the Cougar marching band. She is also the recipient of the DAR Youth Citizenship Award and the HYP Service Award, and earned third place in the National Nengajo Competition for her beautiful Japanese New Year greeting cards. Flora's dreams include opening a bakery, illustrating children's books and working in marketing. Her role model is the illustrator Taryn Knight, and her favorite book is "The Hobbit."

Lauren Bauman, Bloomington South

Lauren's most meaningful single experience is a tie between participating in the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C., as part of Bloomington Students Against Assault Weapons, and traveling to Tanzania for four weeks last summer with an Indiana University paleoanthropology course. Lauren is a National Merit Commended Student, AP Scholar with Honor and National Honor Society member. She is also a four-year veteran of South Advanced Choir, a varsity tennis player and co-president of Bloomington High School South Student Council. Lauren plans to attend either the University of Notre Dame or the University of Michigan to study environmental science. She is also considering doing a second major or a minor in anthropology.

Zoe Berensztein, Bloomington South

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Zoe moved to Bloomington when she was in eighth grade and quickly became active in the theater community. She was the stage manager for "The Outsiders" and assistant stage manager of "A Midsummer Night's Dream," both Bloomington High School South productions. She has also been a stage manager, assistant stage manager and production assistant for several Stages Bloomington productions. Zoe was one of eight student stage managers accepted into Northwestern University's National High School Institute program in theater arts. After graduating, Zoe hopes to pursue a career in public service, running for office locally or on a national level. She said her dream job would be to work for the CIA or be secretary of state.

Benjamin Bledsoe, Edgewood

Music has been pivotal to Benjamin's high school experience. He has led the Edgewood Marching Mustangs as drum major and played in the jazz bands, pep band and wind ensemble. His volunteer activities include taking a trip to the Dominican Republic to help paint buildings and teach music to kids; as well as working with the Ernie Jo Christmas Spectacular benefit show. Ben plans to attend Indiana University on a pre-law track, possibly to become a licensing lawyer for music. His favorite hangout spot is the Edgewood High School band room.

Maggie Booe, Linton-Stockon

Maggie said her English and German teacher, Britney Lynn, taught her to take risks inside and outside the classroom. She's taken that lesson to heart, traveling to Washington, D.C., and meeting the Hoosier congressional delegation last summer as part of the Electric Cooperative Youth Tour. This summer, she plans to travel in Europe with Lynn and some Linton-Stockton High School classmates. In the fall, she plans to attend Indiana State University, where she will major in engineering and minor in German. At Linton-Stockton High School, Maggie was a member of the advanced concert band, National Honor Society, German Club, Junior Civitan, Business Club, Letterwomen's Club and Principal's Advisory Committee. She was also on the varsity softball team and an academic all-Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference selection.

Sara Bredemeyer, Bloomington North

A career in music education is what Sara hopes to pursue at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music after performing as the principal flutist in the Bloomington High School North symphonic band and serving as drum major for the marching band for two years. A musical theater songwriting course at IU gave Sara a chance to explore music and theater. Sara also participated in Science Olympiad for six years, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and was on the leadership team for Books for Building Lives. Sara is considering becoming a band director, because her directors introduced her to music and helped cultivate her work ethic while performing. She wants to play flute for ballets and musicals at IU.

Bailey Caswell, Eastern Greene

Bailey danced her way through high school, so it's no surprise that she will be doing the same during her college years at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington, where she will major in science -- and minor in dance. And it's no surprise that she calls her dance coaches role models and her math teacher the most influential instructor she ever had. She likes to hang out at Inklings Bookstore in Bedford, where you might find her engrossed in a fantasy novel from The Lunar Chronicles. Bailey is a scholar as well, an AP Scholar and National Honor Society member who was awarded an academic honor jacket with four varsity letters at Eastern Greene High School. She has received multiple leadership awards, been a peer tutor and volunteered with community food drives.

Caleb Cooper, Lighthouse Christian Academy

Though Caleb's favorite book is "Lord of the Flies," his community service experience and career aspirations lie in stark contrast to one character's statement, "People don't help much." The Lighthouse Christian Academy student has spent his time serving through his church, going on mission trips and just generally helping at The Warehouse. He listed his most memorable experience as having worked at a children's home in Michigan. Caleb plans to attend Indiana University in Bloomington to continue on a path of service by pursuing a career as a pharmaceutical developer. When he's not helping others, Caleb's interests vary from soccer to track and field to drama, choir and more.

Anisa Curry-Vietze, Harmony School

"Active" is a good description for Anisa. As an elected member of Harmony's Student Advisory group, she has mediated disputes between peers, organized events and helped academically struggling classmates. Earlier this year, she moderated a civil public discourse panel with former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, local politician Shelli Yoder and Herald-Times Editor Bob Zaltsberg. Her ultimate goal is to be a journalist, with a focus on long-form radio or podcast stories. Currently, she's working on a podcast featuring interviews she gathered on a trip to New Orleans.

Mikayla Deckard, Edgewood

Mikayla is no one-trick pony -- her equine-related accomplishments are plentiful. She is a member of the Monroe County 4-H Horse and Pony Club and Horse Judging Team, placing in the top 10 at the National Horse Judging Competition and in the American Quarter Horse Association Novice World Show. Mikayla is also a member of the Indiana American Quarter Horse Association. When she isn't at the barn with her horses, Mikayla is a state qualifier in cross country, a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society and volunteers at the Owen County Humane Society, among other organizations. The Edgewood High School senior hopes to major in biology at Indiana University, eventually getting her medical degree.

Mallorey Daunhauer, Bloomington South

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Mallorey Daunhauer

Scholastic Star Mallorey Daunhauer holds the "Candle of Truth" recently during the Quill and Scroll Society induction ceremony at Bloomington High School South. Jeremy Hogan -- Herald-Times

Having served as editor in chief, Mallorey says Bloomington High School South's Optimist newspaper is her favorite publication. Her passion for the newspaper has not gone unrewarded, as she has a number of media-related achievements already, including the David Adams Memorial Student Media Scholarship, Leadership Award in Newspaper and a Bloomington Press Club Scholarship. Mallorey is also a member of the National Honor Society, Panther Activity Council Leader, Quill and Scroll member and student council officer. Mallorey is active in the community, volunteering with the Bloomington Animal Shelter and Hoosier Hills. She also volunteers on the media production team at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church and is a three-year mission trip member. Mallorey plans to attend the Media School at Indiana University. She wants to pursue a career in media/advertising.

Alex Franklin, Bloomington South

Alex is a team player on and off the field. An Academic Rising Star of Indiana and member of the National Honor Society, Alex participated in the Panther Activity Council and Riley Dance Marathon at Bloomington High School South. He is also an active volunteer at the YMCA, Stonecroft Assisted Living and the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Both a basketball and all-conference baseball player, Alex said his most meaningful experience was signing his national letter of intent to play for the Hoosiers. He plans to attend Indiana University on a baseball scholarship, eventually pursuing a career in the medical or dental fields. As Malcolm Gladwell says in Alex's favorite book, "Outliers," "No one ... ever makes it alone." Alex said his favorite place to be is anywhere his teammates are.

Payton Franklin, White River Valley

This MVP volleyball player at White River Valley High School hopes to transfer her talent from the court to the field of sports medicine. Payton has aspirations of being a doctor or a physical therapist and plans to study pre-medicine at Concordia University of Chicago. The Worthington volleyball player was named to the all-conference team and the all-county team, and played in the Indiana Elite North vs. South game, where she was named MVP for the South team. A member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, she also plays basketball. A member of National Honor Society and the Spanish Club, her volunteer activities in Lyons involve helping with community-building bingo, the Festival of Trees and the strawberry festival. Payton calls her mom, Andrea Sluder, her biggest role model.

Taylor Franklin, Linton-Stockton

Taylor fell in love with mentoring young children while working at a local church camp. That experience inspired her to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. She plans to attend Indiana State University and join the Marching Sycamores rifle team. At Linton-Stockton High School, Taylor was in band, a member of the Miner Kadet Dance Team, Miner Kadet Rifle Team and the yearbook staff. She made the distinguished honor roll and had perfect attendance all four years. Taylor was also a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student council secretary and Junior Civitan secretary.

Max Grogg, Bloomington South

Max finishes his career at Bloomington High School South as a 10-time sectional champion, nine-time conference champion and seven-time state finalist in swimming. However, his accomplishments go beyond the pool. Academically, Max has been named an Academic All-American, Provost Scholar, National Honor Society and National Society for High School Scholars inductee and an AP Scholar with distinction. Max also gives back to the community as a Community Kitchen volunteer and by doing fundraising events with the National Honor Society. He is also a Special Olympics volunteer and participates in the Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event. Max plans to attend Indiana University's Kelley School of Business to study finance and computer science. Max wants to work in either financial and risk analysis or monetary policy.

Thalia Halloran, Bloomington North

Thalia has already written a novel (her first, as she points out) during National Novel Writing Month, so it's no surprise her career plans are to be a creative writer and linguistic analyst. When she's not writing or reading -- her favorite work is Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire" -- the Bloomington High School North senior is active in the Interact Club, Latin Club, Student Council and Science Olympiad. Thalia's academic accomplishments include being named a National Merit Finalist and National Hispanic Scholar. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society. Thalia plans to attend Duke University's Trinity College of Arts and Science.

Madison Hartley, Edgewood

In between playing volleyball and running track, volunteering around town and serving as president of the French Honor Society, Madison still found enough time to study. The Edgewood High School senior received the Superintendent's Award, earned by receiving all A's through both junior high and high school. Madison will continue her studies at Samford University in Alabama, where she hopes to attain a doctorate of pharmacy. She hopes to work in clinical pharmacy someday, so that she can work in a doctor's office or hospital to help patients with their medication needs. Madison is the daughter of Darrin and Melissa Hartley.

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Wyatt Hasler

Scholastic Star Wyatt Hasler playing the saxophone in the Bloomfield High School pep band. Courtesy photo

Wyatt Hasler, Bloomfield

Wyatt's life and focus changed during the summer of 2017 when he was selected as a delegate to Hoosier Boys State. There, he encountered new friends who inspired him, he says, "to adopt a more culturally aware view of the world." Their influence propelled the theater groupie -- he likes spending time at Bloomfield's Shawnee Theatre, a summer stock venue offering quality performances in the rural town -- to pursue a dream. Wyatt plans to attend Indiana University to study musical theater and education. He wants to become a performer after college, then pursue a career teaching the theater arts. He was active in Bloomfield High School's Strut n' Fret theater group and also student council, Beta Club and Spanish Club.

Hannah Johnson, Bloomington North

Hannah has charted a creative course in high school. A trumpet section leader of the Bloomington High School North marching band, Hannah also participates in jazz band and concert band and is vice president of the Tri-M Music Honor Society. Besides her musical pursuits, Hannah has found time to take part in theater and be editor of the school yearbook. She's a member of the Latin Club and the National Honor Society. The daughter of Robert Johnson and Kemberly Daily-Johnson of Bloomington, Hannah plans to major in journalism at Indiana University.

Jordyn Kieft, Eastern Greene

Jordyn has been very involved in her community, volunteering at Open Arms and Gino's making pizza for her church fundraiser, cleaning up Eastern Greene High School after football season, running a canned food drive and volunteering for the Backpack Snack Program, vacation Bible school at her church and the family life center. She's been just as active at school, participating in the Thunderbird Honor Society, student council, musical theater, peer mentoring, band, the volleyball team and pep band. She's been recognized for having perfect attendance, high honor roll and having the highest GPA in pre-calculus, language arts, Spanish and advanced placement biology. She was selected to attend Hoosier Girls State and Youth Leadership Tour to Washington, D.C. Jordyn plans to attend Butler University next year.

Hadley Knaus, Bloomington South

Hadley will study engineering at Purdue University. She is still undecided about her career plans, but is interested in diabetes research and designing new biomedical technology to make treatment easier and more affordable. Hadley is a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the All-A Honor Roll for four years. She is just as active outside the classroom, involved in Sounds of South, Bloomington High School South Dance Marathon, cross country and Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, where she serves as a worship and student leader and a mission trip and children's volunteer. In fact, Hadley says her most meaningful single experience was her first mission trip.

Emma Lashley, Bloomington South

Helping others has defined Emma during her high school years and is something she plans to continue as she studies informatics at Indiana University. Her most meaningful memory was working with the Dance Marathon her senior year at Bloomington High School South, with friends and others, standing and dancing for people who can't. Emma has served as a team leader for younger girls at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and is a member of the Archdiocesan Youth Council. She participated in cross country her junior and senior years and twice made the Academic All-State First Team. She was named a 2017 Rising Star of Indiana by the Indiana Association of School Principals for academic achievement and the Catholic Youth Organization 2017 Spirit of Youth.

Sanghuie Lee, Bloomington North

Monroe County Public Library and WonderLab patrons may have crossed paths with Sanghuie, a dedicated volunteer. But he's still found time to practice the piano, leading to a gold medal from the Indiana State School Music Association, and earn a black belt in tae kwan do. He's also taken part in Science Olympiad, the Academic Super Bowl and the Indiana Math League. Sanghuie's biggest influence is teacher John Portle, who he said first showed him that he could enjoy learning about science instead of only focusing on grades. But he's been able to accomplish both, with a 4.345 GPA, earning status as an AP Scholar with Distinction. The Bloomington High School North senior plans to attend Purdue University in the fall, where he will study engineering.

Caitlin Lewis, Bloomington South

Caitlin is a four-year member of the Bloomington High School South dance team. She received the dance team Captain's Award for 2017-18 and a Leadership Award in 2014. The team finished sixth in the small ensemble division at state this year, and fifth place in the large ensemble Division 1 in 2017. She has also received the 2017 Promising Artist of the Year Award from the National Society of Arts and Letters. In the community, Caitlin was a summer intern and boutique volunteer throughout the school year with My Sister's Closet. She also volunteers with WonderLab and the St. Charles Summer Institute. Caitlin plans to attend Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York, where she plans to major in neuroscience or psychology. As for career plans, Caitlin wants to attend medical school to become a pediatrician.

Kelsey Moody, Bloomfield

Kelsey wants to become a social worker and spend her life helping orphans and other children living in difficult situations find loving families. She will pursue that goal at Taylor University, a Christian college in Upland. She excelled in academics and on the softball field, gaining recognition for both. Kelsey was named Bloomfield High School's top student in finite math, college algebra and trigonometry. She served as president of the student council her senior year and was active with the Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, French Club, Environmental Club, Science Club and Strut n' Fret. Kelsey sang in choral groups and was voted best female vocalist for three years at Bloomfield High School. Her volunteer activities include teaching Bible school and helping with a church food pantry.

Ella Need, Bloomington South

After graduating from college, Ella acknowledges that "anything is possible!" when it comes to her future. Her high school academic achievements are well rounded, with honors in Spanish, algebra, journalism and yearbook, where she was co-editor in 2016 and 2017. Outside the classroom -- when she wasn't hanging out at Griffy Lake -- Ella was a Monroe County YMCA camp counselor, president of Riley development for Bloomington High School South's Riley Dance Marathon, a student council representative and the leader of the Panther Activity Council. She volunteered at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Bloomington Animal Shelter and Arts Alliance of Greater Bloomington, and she was a research assistant at Indiana University's Mind and Identity in Context Lab. She plans to expand on her time at the lab by earning a degree in psychology from IU.

Abraham Oliver, Brown County

When Abraham brought home a third-place award for robotics and intelligent machines in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair as a sophomore, he was convinced he could do anything he put his mind to. Since then, he's won his school's AP Calculus and Physics Student of the Year awards and earned high honors in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. But he's not just good at math: This Eagle Scout is also an avid tennis player and served on the Brown County High School student council. Abraham will study computer science, math and physics at Stanford University, with the goal of working with computers, machines or technological policy.

Emma O'Mahoney, Bloomington Graduation School

Emma has a knack for the spotlight. The Bloomington Graduation School student has been involved in multiple theatrical productions with Stages Bloomington and Bloomington South. She intends to use that experience next year at Bradley University in Illinois, where she hopes to earn a bachelor of arts degree in theater, with an emphasis on social justice. The daughter of Cynthia Simpson and Michael O'Mahoney hopes to one day serve as an actor or director for a nonprofit theater company, perhaps taking after her role model, Pat Gleeson of Stages Bloomington.

Julia O'Neal, Owen Valley

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Julia O'Neal

Scholastic Star Julia O'Neal, a senior at Owen Valley High School, chats with fellow gymnasts recently during practice at Cathleen's Gymnastics and is a scholastic star in Spencer. Chris Howell -- Herald-Times

This Owen Valley High School valedictorian has, if you can believe it, a pretty clear plan for her future. The academic all-conference gymnast plans to attend Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis to major in exercise science. After that, Julia plans to continue her education at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at IUPUI to get her doctor of physical therapy degree, specializing in pediatrics. Her goal is to become a pediatric physical therapist at Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health in Indianapolis, a place she is familiar with, having participated in the Riley Dance Marathon. Julia is the daughter of Joe and Heather O'Neal. She says her mom is her role model.

Sierra Padgett, White River Valley

Sierra exhibited the drive to help others back in elementary school. While spending her days with family friends one summer, she helped organize a lemonade stand and bake sale, raising and donating $600 to Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health. Once she got to high school, health careers teacher Carmen Jackson influenced Sierra's future aspirations the most. It's no surprise Sierra plans to attend Purdue University, study public health and go on to get a nursing degree to become a registered nurse. The White River Valley High School senior has lettered in seven varsity sports and clubs, including cross country, dance, track, drama, band and pep band, and as a basketball manager. In the community, the Jasonville resident volunteers in her church's nursery and by serving Thanksgiving meals.

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Katcha Papesh

Scholastic Star Katcha Papesh records and documents tree planting last summer as a part of a reforestation project with the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship. Courtesy photo

Katcha Papesh, Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship

Katcha's writing skills have served her well, winning both the City of Bloomington Diversity Essay contest (2011) and awards for participating in the International Student Media Festival, as well as writing -- and directing -- the school play. As a three-year participant in the DeCycles cross-country bike tour, and having visited Guatemala and Costa Rica, she has a great love of travel. The Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship senior plans to study archaeology at the University of Evansville, and hopes it will lead to a career where she can travel and experience other cultures.

Ryan Paquette, Bloomington North

Ryan is no stranger to leadership roles. She's mentored with Bloomington High School North's Life Skills Academy and participated in the Cougar Leader Program. In addition to the offices she held as National Honor Society president, freshman class president and swim team captain, Ryan saw beyond her existing service opportunities and sought to create a new one. Ryan is a co-founder and co-president of the local chapter of the international nonprofit buildOn, which addresses poverty and illiteracy through service and education. Through the organization, Ryan made treks to Haiti and Malawi. Ryan fondly remembers speaking at the groundbreaking of a buildOn-funded primary school in Haiti as her most meaningful high school experience. Ryan will attend Indiana University to double major in nonprofit management and elementary education.

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Ryan Paquette

Scholastic Star Ryan Paquette passes a bucket of cement for the base of a new school during a trip to L'Assise, Haiti, working alongside locals and other students with Bloomington High School North's buildOn chapter. Courtesy photo

Kelsey Potts, Owen Valley

Kelsey has been class president for all four of her years at Owen Valley High School, as well as an Indiana Rising Star, a National Honor Society member and vice president of the Youth Board. As if that wasn't enough, she also performs with Soundwaves, the school's show choir, manages the track team and plays golf. This year, she helped plan and implement the school's first Riley Dance Marathon. After following a pre-health track at Indiana University, Kelsey plans to attend a graduate program to become a physician's assistant, hopefully in a family health clinic.

Samuel Query, Bloomfield

Baseball, tennis, art, French -- Samuel's Bloomfield High School career spanned the gamut. He will take his wide-ranging interests to Indiana University this fall, where he intends to study public management and leadership. After that, maybe law school. He wants to land in a career where he can help people find success in life. He has been most influenced during high school by art teacher Wyatt LeGrand, and said the best thing that's happened in his life is the birth of his younger brother. His favorite place to spend time with friends revolves around hamburgers, skinny french fries and milkshakes; look for him at Steak 'n' Shake. Samuel was a tutor and named a Rotary Club Top 10 student throughout high school. He has volunteered at the Family Life Center and Bloomfield's Easter Egg Hunt.

Grant Rosenberger, Owen Valley

An Owen Valley High School senior, Grant is headed up U.S. 231 to continue his education this fall. Grant has been accepted to the Honors College at Purdue University, where he plans to work toward a bachelor's degree in either economics or actuarial science. He says the Honors College will allow him to take advantage of interesting courses and research opportunities with personalized mentoring. After Purdue, Grant hopes to attend law school. The son of Kurt and Jill Rosenberger likes to relax at Rolling Meadows Golf Course. He was a member of the Owen Valley golf team and captain on the football team, as well.

Melea Shockney, Edgewood

When it comes to Melea, the list goes on. There's no chance of naming all of the roles she has played and accolades she carries as an Edgewood High School athlete, honors student and vocalist. Just a few of her achievements include serving as an officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Best Friends Club and French Club. Be it track, basketball or volleyball, Melea has made it a point to incorporate her Christian faith into each aspect of her life. She's served with the Foot of the Cross Youth Group and Worship Teams. Melea plans to attend Ball State University in the fall to pursue a career teaching special education at the elementary school level.

Thea Showalter, Bloomington North

Music has been at the center of Thea's school experiences. She's a member of the BHS North Marching Band, Jazz Band, Symphonic Band and Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble. She's helped young musicians as a volunteer instructor for the Tri-North band department's jazz and concert bands and with sixth-grade students. She says performing with other musicians is the most meaningful part of her life and that "every rehearsal and performance is different and special." Not surprisingly, North music faculty member Janis Stockhouse is her role model. She will attend the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and study saxophone and gender studies. She is the daughter of Jay Showalter.

Elizabeth Sowders, Hoosier Hills Career Center

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Elizabeth Sowders,

Scholastic Star Elizabeth Sowders, a senior at Bloomington High School North and the Hoosier Hills Career Center, leads her horse, Dakotas Wind Song, to the corral for a ride in Bloomfield May 17. Chris Howell -- Herald-Times

Elizabeth has health on the brain. If you can't find the National Honor Society, Honor Roll and National Technical Honor Society member on the Bloomington High School North soccer pitch, you might find her reading a book about medicine and how the body works. The Hoosier Hills Career Center student plans to pursue a master's degree in nursing at the University of Southern Indiana for a career in pediatric oncology. When she wants to wind down, Elizabeth spends time with her horse. One of her favorite high school memories is winning Grand Champion Showmanship in the 4-H Horse and Pony competition the summer after her freshman year. Her parents, Melody and Doug Sowders, are her heroes.

Elena Stalnaker, Bloomington South

With an award for Outstanding Performance in the Indiana Mathematics League and a 4.0+ GPA, Elena is as strong in mathematics as she is in her training as a vocalist. This National Merit Finalist and Sounds of South performer has accumulated awards for her singing, including the gold rating in the Indiana State School Music Association and the Hal Leonard Vocal Competition Finalist. Elena has volunteered with the Jacobs School of Music's Reimagining Opera for Kids group, and has held book drives for local elementary schoolers with Bloomington High School South's Harry Potter Club. (Twenty points to your house, Elena.) She'll be attending Stanford University to study voice and symbolic systems. She hopes to land a job in math or technology to subsidize her passion for performance.

Hannah Steinmetz, Edgewood

This current valedictorian of Edgewood High School's Class of 2018 has maintained a 4.0 or higher GPA throughout high school. Hannah plans to attend Indiana State University and major in elementary education. She wants to become a teacher and hopes to write novels in her spare time. She finds inspiration in the words of Christian writer and speaker Annie F. Downs, and her favorite genre is dystopian or survival fiction. "I love to read books, and every book is different and just as amazing as the last, so it's hard to choose a favorite," she says. Hannah has been a member of Edgewood's Best Friends Club, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Academic Bowl and Mustang Mentors. Hannah is the daughter of Joshua Steinmetz and Heather Spencer.

Greta Stephenson, Bloomington North

Fueled by support from her mother, who she said is an important role model, Greta's list of achievement continues to grow as she prepares for college. Greta has been named outstanding biology student, AP U.S. history student and section leader at Bloomington High School North, along with being named to the honor roll, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music and Spanish National Honor Society. Embarking on her plans to study secondary education at Indiana University, her honors include being a Lilly Scholar, Next Generation of Hoosier Educators Scholar, IU Provost Scholar and IU Arthur Metz Scholar. The violin player also served as co-captain of the Science Olympiad team from 2016 to 2018 and participated in several other activities, including tutoring in math and tap and jazz dancing. Outside of school, her community service has included volunteering at the Interfaith Winter Shelter, among other organizations. She plans to teach math and looks up to Alice Kilbride, her own math teacher, as an influence.

Tamsin Stringer, Bloomington South

Tamsin Stringer

Scholastic Star Tamsin Stringer, a senior at Bloomington High School South, works a volunteer table last week at Mother Hubbard's Cupboard. Chris Howell -- Herald-Times

We vote Tamsin "Most Likely to Save the World." Through the Students Advocating for a Greener Environment club, Tamsin has helped promote a schoolwide recycling effort and a sustainable food council. As president of the Spanish Club, she also organized a fundraiser for Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria. In 2016, she won the Project Green Challenge for environmental sustainability, competing against more than 4,000 college and high school students from 37 different countries. This opened the door for her at the Turning Green student advisory board, where she has communicated about environmental awareness and action to students all over the world. She's an artist, a performer, a pianist and a soccer player. Tamsin plans to continue her environmental and science studies at Bates College in Maine so she can continue working on long-lasting sustainability projects for local communities.

Marc Touraev, Bloomington North

Marc got a head start on his college career by taking advanced math and physics, including Calculus 4 and Quantum Mechanics 1, at Indiana University during high school. He speaks English, French and Russian, and he's an AP Scholar with Distinction as well as a Hutton Honors Scholar. He's a member of the math and Latin clubs at Bloomington High School North and plays the piano. Since age 10, he's taken part in his favorite activity: fencing. He said his experience traveling to Japan helped him become more open-minded and exposed him to a whole new culture and way of thinking. He plans to attend IU and major in physics and mathematics, with the goal of becoming a professor.

Joye Tracey, Bloomington Northf

Joye Tracey

Scholastic Star Joye Tracey, a senior at Bloomington High School North, is seen last week in the Indiana University neuroscience lab, where she is an intern. Chris Howell -- Herald-Times

Joye's most meaningful single experience didn't come on the volleyball court, while playing the French horn in the symphonic band or while working as an intern in Ken Mackie's neuroscience lab at Indiana University. It came during a trip to Haiti, where she participated in the groundbreaking of a primary school with members of Bloomington High School North's buildOn team. BuildOn is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty and low expectations through service and by building primary schools in developing countries. Joye is the daughter of Dan Tracey and Wenmei Shi of Bloomington. She is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction and Indiana Regional Academic All-Star. She is undecided about her future career but will attend IU as a Wells Scholar, where she may study biology and nonprofit management.

Caroline Wilson, Linton-Stockton

During her time at Linton-Stockton High School, Caroline has volunteered with the Meals on Wheels program and in the nursery at her church, and helped facilitate a food drive and a blood drive. She plans to keep helping others by pursuing a career as a physician. She plans to major in biology at Indiana University, where her brother Luke was a freshman this year. She said Luke is one of her biggest role models, and he inspires her to be a better person. In addition to her community service work, Caroline made the distinguished honor roll, the academic club, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and student council. She was on the track and field team, a cheerleader and member of the history club.

Alexander Wolfe, White River Valley

Alexander plans to major in chemical engineering this fall at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. He'll bring with him to Terre Haute a love of music, instilled in him by retired teacher Candy Johnson, and an appreciation for nature and culture, gleaned from the pages of National Geographic magazine. Alexander's resume is as varied as his interests. He's a scholar, athlete, musician, volunteer and leader. He's been a member of the Indiana All-District Band, National Honor Society, Hoosier Boys State and the Indiana Boys Academic All-State Tennis Team, among other teams, bands and clubs. He was the 2018 recipient of the Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarship and was a gold medalist at the 2017-18 ISSMA solo and ensemble contest. Alexander has been president of his class at White River Valley High School four years running.

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