Hillary Davlin, is ranked in a three-way tie for 1st (4.0), is the daughter of John and Colleen Davlin of Attica. While in high school, Hillary served as class council president (11, 12), secretary for NHS (12), varsity soccer captain (10, 11, 12) and varsity cross country captain (11, 12). She has received the Congressional Art Award and the Governor’s Traveling Art Exhibit (top 30 pieces in state). She was chosen by East staff for the Farm Bureau Young People’s Leadership Seminar and as the recipient of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She has also volunteered her time to serve at Suncrest, at soccer club youth clinics and as a tutor through NHS. Hillary plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study architecture in the fall.
Cassandra Sornig ranked 1st (4.0 with two other students), is the daughter of Jim and Betty Sornig and enjoys inspiring others through her involvement in mission trips (9, 10, 11, 12) to Tennessee, West Virginia and New York. While on these trips she assisted at soup kitchens, shelters and community cleanup projects. Cassandra also has volunteered locally at Adopt-A-Highway road cleanup, Vacation Bible School and Michigan Christian Youth Camp. Cassandra has encouraged others here at school through cheerleading (9, 10, 11, 12), being named MVP (12). Cassandra has been a member of NHS (11, 12) and Grondins College of Cosmetology where she was named to the National Technical Honor Society (12). She also works at Marguerite deAngeli Library and enjoys playing piano. Cassandra plans to attend Ferris State University to become a high school math teacher and is the recipient of the Ferris State Dean’s Scholarship.
Lindsey Weisler ranked 1st (4.0 with two other students), is the daughter of Dave and Liz Weisler. Lindsey has made many contributions to her school that includes Student Council (11, 12), where she served as secretary/treasurer (12), NHS (11, 12), publication of yearbook and school newspaper (10, 12), varsity tennis (11, 12) and volleyball (11, 12). Lindsey has demonstrated leadership in the community through the Red Cross Blood Drive, “Volley for a Cure” cancer fundraiser, after-school tutoring program, Lapeer Travel Youth Soccer Camp, Skinner Lake Nature Center, and bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Lindsey is this year’s recipient of the Principal’s Leadership Award as well as being named Scholar Athlete (9, 10, 11, 12). Lindsey plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor to study chemical/biomedical engineering.
Michael Puskar (3.98) is the son of Steven and Marguerite Puskar and finished 4th in his class. He has been a member of cross country (9,10,11,12), swim and dive (10,11,12) and track and field (9,12,11,12), winning cross country’s Most Improved (11), swim and dive’s Toughest Rookie (10), and track’s MAC-T award for motivation, attitude and commitment (9). Academically, Michael has received accolades for High Honors (9, 10, 11, 12), AP Scholar (11, 12), and 1st for Bio Lab at Flint Metro League Math and Science competition (10). Michael also has been a member of NHS (11, 12), served as captain for cross country (12) and worked in the Lapeer summer tutoring program (9, 10). Michael plans to attend the University of Michigan to study Economics and Microbiology.
James Apfel, ranked 5th with a grade point average of 3.9539, is the son of Deb and Dave Apfel of Attica. He has been active in Boy Scout Troup 144, serving in a variety of projects involving building, food collections, playground clean-ups and recycling throughout his high school years. In 4-H and FFA, he has won awards in public speaking, “Best of Show for Fine Arts,” and was named State Finalist in an “agricultural issues” leadership contest. In sports at East, James participated in both track and tennis. Following graduation, he plans to study mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan-Flint.
Alison Gonda is ranked number 6 with a 3.95. She is the daughter of Andrew and Angela Gonda of Attica. In addition to her academic achievement and being inducted into NHS, she participated in high school in both Jazz Band and Symphony Band, receiving related recognitions for her musical performance playing the trumpet. Alison was chosen team captain in high school softball, receiving both Metro League Honorable Mention and MIP recognition (10). In grade 11 she was named to the Metro League Second Team and was awarded MVP as team catcher. Alison will be attending Oakland University in Rochester this fall with plans to enter the field of physical therapy as a career.
Katherine Dayton, with a 3.9431 grade point average is ranked number 7. She is the daughter of Robert and Lauren Dayton of Attica. In high school, Katherine has been a member of the marching band (10, 11, 12) and was honored with the prestigious “John Phillip Sousa Award.” She is also a member of the honor society (NJHS - 9, 10 and NHS -11, 12). She served as class representative for Class Council (12) and on the staff-selected Omni Council (11, 12). Katherine also has been very active with the school dance team, serving as team captain (10, 11, 12) and being twice recognized for leadership (11, 12) as well as MVP (10). She plans to study French and communications at Western Michigan in Kalamazoo beginning this fall.
Caressa Graves, tied for 8th with a 3.9182, is the daughter of Lisa Reinert of Lapeer and James Graves of Midland. Service, sports and leadership all have played an important role for Caressa in high school. She has volunteered to help with “Empty Bowls” and “Relay for Life” (9, 10, 11, 12) and tutoring (9). In sports, she participated in volleyball and tennis (9, 10, 11, 12) and basketball (9). In the area of leadership, as part of Class Council she has served as secretary (12) and co-captain of her tennis team (12). Additionally, she has been part of the honor society (NJHS -9, 10 and NHS-11, 12) and her church youth group. Caressa has plans to study either secondary education or psychology in the fall at Hope College in Holland, Mich.
Steven Tadazak tied for 8th with a 3.92. He is the son of Darlene and Bob Tadazak, has achieved High Honors (9, 10, 11, 12) and is receiving the Board of Trustees Academic Honors Scholarship from CMU. Steven is a National Honor Society representative (11, 12) and participated in SSI (10). Steven played hockey (9, 10, 11, 12) and received Most Improved (9), Coaches Award (10), and Offensive Player of the Year (11, 12) for East as well as team captain (11, 12). Steven plans to attend Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in Business.
Dan Pierce (3.92), son of Roxanne and Matthew Pierce finished 10th in his class and is presently involved in National Honor Society and the high school Book Club, where he designed this year’s T-shirt. Dan served as Historian for National Junior Honor Society (9), placed 1st in Metro League Math/Science competition in Biology(9), and placed 1st in the MITES regional competition with a footstool he created(9). Outside of school Dan likes to draw and read. Dan’s future academic plans include pursuing his interest in drafting and design with a focus on computer-aided drafting. Dan will be attending U of M-Flint for a degree in Engineering.
