Published: April 13, 2009 10:06 pm      

Students of the Month: 04/14/2009

The following have been named Kiwanis Club of Traverse City's Students of the Month:

-- Alexandra Reehorst, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy, is the daughter of Tom and Lisa Reehorst. She attended Traverse City Central High School in 10th grade, and has attended IAA for grades 11-12. She has been a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Writing Fellows, is a company member of the IAA Dance Ensemble, participating in the "Nutcracker," "Coppelia," Collage and Pas de Quatre. She has also served as junior adviser for her Presbyterian junior high youth mission trip and as a Sunday school teacher for the Presbyterian church. She plans to double-major in dance and English at either Mercyhurst College or the University of Michigan.

-- Tristan Savella, a senior at Interlochen Arts Academy, is the son of Pacifico and Maria Savella of Ithaca, N.Y. He has served as a student ambassador, a freshman mentor and a theory tutor. He has participated in recitals, Collage, as a vocal accompanist and as a church accompanist. Honors include a Fine Arts Award and NFAA youngARTS finalist. Tristan performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City as a 2008 high school division first-prize winner of the Bradshaw and Buono International Piano Competition. He plans to attend a university or conservatory and hopes to be a concert pianist or psychologist.

-- Samantha Johnson, a senior at Mancelona High School and the Career-Tech Center, is the daughter of Emmor Johnson. She has served as president of the Future Farmers of America, a 4-H junior leader and as a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She has participated in track and as a surgical assistant at a veterinary clinic. She plans to enter the United States military and study law enforcement with a specialty in animals, to become an "animal cop."

-- Elizabeth A. Knape, a senior at St. Francis Catholic High School, is the daughter of Steve and Eileen Knape. She has served as treasurer of the Key Club, junior retreat leader, a member of National Honor Society and Students for Life, as a marching band drum major and a section leader of school marching and concert bands. She plays softball and volleyball, and has been a piano accompanist for three high school musicals. Elizabeth has been named a Scholar-Athlete, Rotary Student of the Week, outstanding sophomore in band, and received a Grand Traverse Area Academic Achievement award. She plans to attend Alma College, studying pre-law with a minor in piano performance.

-- Greg Morman, a senior at Traverse City Central High School, is the son of Phil Morman and Kim Lakes-Morman. A member of National Honor Society, he participates in debate, choir, orchestra, baseball, golf, basketball and school musicals. He has received a four-year Academic Award, third place in the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association Law Day Essay Contest and was a MSBOA All-State Orchestra nominee in 2008. He plans to attend Notre Dame University to study political science, and hopes to go on to law school and become a lawyer and/or politician.

-- Suzanne Hardy, a senior at Traverse City Central High School, is the daughter of Jim and Kathy Hardy. A member of National Honor Society, she has participated in tennis and two high school musicals. She has served as a mentor for underclassmen and special education students. Suzanne has earned bronze and silver academic awards, as well as a "Most Determined" award for the tennis team. She plans to major in biomedical or chemical engineering in college. She is still deciding whether to attend the University of Michigan, Michigan State University or Western Michigan University.

-- Kaycee LaBonte, a senior at Traverse City Central High School and the Career-Tech Center, is the daughter of John and Wendy LaBonte. She has participated in 4-H, showing rabbits and steers, for the past 13 years. Kaycee has served as treasurer of the National Technical Honor Society and as a class representative on the TBA CTC Student Council. She studies power equipment technology and diesel mechanics at the TBA CTC. She participated in Skills USA, as an U-8 soccer coach in Leland, and was a student presenter at GirlTech 2008. She plans to attend the University of Northwestern Ohio to earn an associate's degree in diesel technology.

-- Kayla Olds, a senior at Kingsley High School, is the daughter of James and Shannon Olds. She has served as vice president and PR representative for the Volunteer Club, as a representative for the Outdoor Adventure Club, a student mentor and with 4-H. She has also participated in Drama Club, Snowboarding Club, National Honor Society and track. Kayla has been honored as having perfect or near-perfect attendance three times, and was given "You Get What You Deserve" and "Outstanding Student" awards from her principal. She has been accepted into the Lyman-Briggs College for Science at Michigan State University, where she plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

-- Lina Drzewiecki, a senior at Grand Traverse Academy, is the daughter of John and Carol Drzewiecki. She has served as secretary of the National Honor Society and as class representative on student council. She has participated in volleyball and on the yearbook staff. Lina plans to attend Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City for two years before transferring to a major university. She says she's interested in architecture and criminal profiling.