ur 20 24 A ll State Aca demic Te am members are stars at their sc hools in all that they do . What better spot to s how them than inside this starry shape ca lled “Stella” a t the Ki ew it Luminarium. T hese bright students not only ha ve t op-notch grades and te st sco re s, they also ha ve e xc elled at their sc hools in activities such as music , ro botic s, Quiz Bo wl a nd Aca demic Deca thlon. L ook inside our special se ction to m eet them and other impressi ve s tudents wh o make up the first and seco nd te ams fo r our three Ne braska re gions and tho se w ho are honorable mention. Fr om left, Mark Bausch of Creighton Prep Arjun Anugole of Milla rd North, Ad vik a Nama siv ay am of Millar d Nor th, Lilli as McKillip of Lin co ln Southeast, Christina Xu of Lincoln East, Co oper Morris of Creighton Prep, Rachel Wu of Elkhorn South, Caleb Ke lly of Pe nde r a nd Ra che l F ernan des of Omaha Duchesne gather inside a stellated icosahedron called “Stella” at the Kiewit Lu minarium in Omaha. An icosahedron is a 3D sh ape wit h 20 t riang le-sh
2024 ALL METRO ACADEMIC TEAM
FIRST TEAM
Arjun Anugole Millard North All State
Parents: Salmohan Anugole and Snehlata Gupta
Class rank: no rank out of 548
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: UCLA; biochemistry and public health
Accomplishments: Tennis captain; National Science Bowl club president; cofounded ChangeOpia (nonprofit dedicated to improving eye care) and donated over 3,000 prescription eyeglasses to hospitals in Sierra Leone; Travis B. Lewis Scholar for research; speech and debate five-time
NIETOC national qualifier, NSDA Academic All American and national qualifier; World Head of Family Sokeship Council Hall of Fame for excellence in martial arts
Reema Guda Millard North
Parents: Purnima Guda and Chittibabu Guda
Class rank: no rank out of 548
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Harvard; pre-med Accomplishments: Millard school board and student representative; National Honor Society vice president; tournament prep leader of student advisory council for forensics team; Research Science Institute Inductee; semifinalist at National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament; founder of Feminine Hygiene Product Initiative at school; Travis B. Lewis Scholar — UNMC published research article; Bollywood Dance Club president
Raj Elkhorn South
Parents: Deepa Thayalan, Dharma Dhandapani
Class rank: 14 out of 317
Test score: 34 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: University of MissouriKansas City; pre-med
Accomplishments: Student council president; National Honor Society president; speech and debate vice president; AP Scholar; NIETOC national speech contest octafinalist; Greater Omaha-Council Bluffs Area Council Youth Leadership Outstanding Junior; founded and led Student Advocates for Gender Equality, testified at Capitol for LB 1050, organized menstrual product drives; show choir; lead in “Cinderella”
Sofia
Omaha
Robert Baker III Millard South
Parents: Rob and Robyn Baker
Class rank: no rank out of 627
Test scores: 35 ACT, 1530 SAT, Nat. Merit
College: University of Oregon; planning, policy and public management
Accomplishments: Student council (fouryear member), currently interpersonal relations officer; Junior Class Board; National Honor Society officer; ran clothing drive with student council to benefit students in Nebraska foster care; all-around student award three times; swim captain, state swim competitor; yoga club president and founder; earned associate degree through early-college program; marching band
Thomas Frank McMullen
Millard West
Parents: Matt and Mary McMullen
Class rank: no rank out of 582 Test score: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit College: U.S. Air Force Academy: aerospace engineering Accomplishments: Marching band drum major and trombone soloist; member of 2022 and 2023 state champion marching band; first-part trombonist for 2022 NMEA All-State Band and principal trombonist and soloist in 2023; NCPA Academic All-State for cross country and music; AP Scholar with Distinction; track; 11 AP classes
Rachel Wu
Elkhorn South All State
Parents: Ming Hua Wang, Terry Brown
Class rank: 2 out of 317
Test score: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Duke; biomedical engineering
Accomplishments: Presidential Scholar semifinalist; Quiz Bowl two-time state champ NAQT nationals; four-time All-State Orchestra violist; NAfME National Symphony Orchestra; Student Advocates for Gender Equality copresident (in news for menstrual equity advocacy); speech state and national qualifier in extemporaneous and informative; American Mathematics Competition top 5 female scorer in region; USA biology Olympiad semifinalist
Mark Bausch Omaha Creighton Prep All State
Parents: Ann Marie Bausch and Trenten Bausch
Class rank: no rank out of 211
Test score: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Notre Dame; neuroscience
Accomplishments: Presidential Scholar; Operation Others Core Team director of large group committee; HOSA (young medical professionals) founding president; UNMC Summer Training in Anesthesiology Research fellow; Coolidge Scholarship Senator; Eagle Scout; cross country; U.S Academic Decathlon national silver medal in literature, team high scorer and MVP, and fourth-place Division IV team finish; state Academic Decathlon team champion
Cooper Morris Omaha Creighton Prep All State
Parents: Jennifer Morris, Jeffery Morris
Class rank: no rank out of 211
Test scores: 35 ACT, 1590 SAT, Nat. Merit College: Columbia; neuroscience Accomplishments: Science Bowl team leader; coding club leader; first in National Science Bowl regionals; wrote thousands of lines of code to make a fully functioning musicbased projectile dodging game called “Beam Buster”; National Latin Exam gold medalist; FIRST Robotics design award and advanced to regionals; student in pilot of medical terminology course through Metro Community College; tutor on medical information
Charles M. Yale
Omaha Central
Parents: Sarah Yale, Adam Yale Class rank: 2 out of 647
Test score: 35 ACT
College: Princeton; public policy
Accomplishments: Newspaper co-editor; debate team captain, national senate semifinal debater and 24th-ranked senator at NSDA tournament; Boys State; Boys Nation first alternate; first place in physical engineering in Metro Science and Engineering Fair; Omaha Exchange Club sophomore of year; national Scholastic Art and Writing Contest gold and silver key; school play-by-play commentator
SECOND TEAM
Rachel Fernandes Omaha Duchesne All State
Parents: Sharmila Braganza and Praveen Fernandes
Class rank: no rank out of 86
Test scores: 36 ACT, 1560 SAT, Nat. Merit College: Johns Hopkins; chemistry major Accomplishments: math club president; science team president; National Center for Women in Technology regional winner; Presidential Scholar candidate; AP Scholar with Distinction;
Advika Namasivayam
Millard North All State
Parents: Namasivayam Somasundaram and Suganya Ulaganathan
Class rank: no rank out of 548
Test score: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: MIT; computer science
Accomplishments: Math Honor Society president; American Invitational Mathematics Examination qualifier; Nebraska Science Olympiad National Team; UNL Young Artists Award; NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing
Luke Zhu
Elkhorn South
Parents: Xiaoyan Cheng, Weidong Zhu
Class rank: 2 out of 317
Test score: 34 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: UNL; computer science
Accomplishments: Marching band drum major and section leader; founder of computer science club; TSA TEAMS Engineering Competition Nationals first place in research and presentation; competitor in VEX Robotics Worlds Competition; NMEA All-State flute/piccolo first chair; NCPA Academic All-State in music and bowling; District 4-A bowling champion
Accomplishments: FBLA president; Computer Science Honors Society technology leader; three-time FBLA national qualifier; AP Scholar with Distinction; two-time All-State Orchestra; UNO Hackathon League Champion; top 150 in the nation in original oratory speaking at NIETOC national speech contest
Lincoln Southeast
All State
Parents: Jessica and Austin McKillip
Class rank: no rank out of 485
Test score: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit College: UNL; elementary education and Spanish
Accomplishments: Speech team captain; chamber orchestra sectional director; American Mathematics Competition certificate of excellence (regional top five female); Gold Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish); two-time state speech finalist (informative and extemporaneous) informative state champion and national qualifier; academic all conference for cross country; NMEA Orchestra showcase ensemble and AllState Orchestra alternate (cello)
Markus K. U. Rutledge
Lincoln Southwest
Parents: Mrs. Jong-Im Lee and Mr. Gregory E. Rutledge
Class rank: no rank out of 509
Test score: 34 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Undecided; major undecided
Accomplishments: TIE Club co-leader; Nebraska Seal of Biliteracy gold-level
certification; Korean; AP Scholar with Honor; tennis No. 1 singles player three years; state tennis semifinalist (2020 at #2 singles and 2022 at #1 singles) and quarterfinalist (2021 and 2023 at #1 singles); honorable mention in Music Teachers National Association State Senior Piano Competition; Lincoln Public Schools Scholar Athlete Award
Ruby Gutzmann
Blair
Parents: Christie and Matt Gutzmann
Class rank: no rank out of 169
Test score: 36 ACT
College: UNL Raikes; math and physics
Accomplishments: Class vice president;
National Honor Society president; show choir captain; Distinguished Young Woman of Nebraska; College Board Rural and Small Towns Recognition Award; Presidential Scholar nominee; National Merit commended; outstanding drama club member four years
Sjoen Munk Seward
Parents: Jonathan Munk and Darcy Tromanhauser Class rank: no rank out of 117 Test score: 34 ACT, Nat. Merit College: Colby College; chemistry
Accomplishments: Quiz Bowl captain; Academic Decathlon team leader/top scorer; Academic Decathlon state qualifier; NMEA All-State Chorus; UNK Honor Choir; Seward Summer Chamber Choir; CMAD Honor Choir; College Board Rural and Small Town National Recognition Award; speech; Elks Lodge outstanding junior in foreign language; CUNE History Geography Bowl Champions
Lincoln East
Parents: Yilin Liu and Zhenghong Tang
Class rank: no rank out of 566
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Brown; biochemistry
Accomplishments: Science Olympiad captain and middle school coach; American Cancer Society chapter founder and president, legislative ambassador, National Young Leader Caucus; National Science Bowl state champion; two-time State Science Olympiad Gold Medalist in cell biology and chemistry lab; U.S. Senate Youth Program delegate; 15th nationally and first in state in two speech events by the National Speech and Debate Association
Caleb Kelly Pender
All State
Parents: Jeff and Melissa Kelly
Class rank: no rank out of 27
Test scores: 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: UNL; computer sciences and physics
Accomplishments: Student council president; class vice president; FFA chapter president; College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award; fourth place in National FFA Farm and Agribusiness Management Contest; FFA state champion Conduct of Chapter Meetings; first place in Class C-2 state speech: extemporaneous speaking; Presidential Scholar candidate
Lincoln Southeast
Parents: Kerman Nickel, Christina Nickel
Class rank: no rank out of 485 Test scores: 33 ACT, 1510 SAT, Nat. Merit College: University of Tulsa; mechanical engineering
Accomplishments: National Honor Society vice president; softball team captain; two-time NCPA Academic All-State for softball; NMEA All-State Orchestra and Chorus; International Thespian Society member; varsity choir president; fouryear choir and drama letter winner
Villa
Lincoln Pius X
Parents: Mike and Emily Villa
Class rank: no rank out of 272
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: Hillsdale; biochemistry
Accomplishments: Library club president; Future Healthcare Leaders Club council member; Academic Decathlon Nationals Division II fifth place and silver medal in art; College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program for Excellence in Academic Achievement; Judge Lyle Strom High School Mock Trial Program Certificate of Merit; Pius Players Thespian-Outstanding Crew Member
SECOND TEAM
Madison Kramer Seward
Parents: Alanna Kramer and Ronald Kramer Jr.
Class rank: no rank out of 117
Test scores: 35 ACT
College: UNO; molecular and biomedical biology, environmental science
Accomplishments: National Honor Society member; Presidential Scholar candidate; highest-scoring mathlete in math club, theater
Christina Xu
Lincoln East
All State
Parents: Lisong Xu, Wei Zhang
Class rank: no rank out of 566
Test scores: 35 ACT,
Lillias McKillip
Kalainey Nickel
Silas Ritzema
Hannah Tang
Clairvaux
All State students set sights on accomplishing big things
LUNA STEPHENS World-Herald Staff Writer
The nine members of The World-Herald’s 2024 All State Academic Team aspire to make the world a better place through their future careers. This year’s scholars see themselves working toward a cure for cancer, addressing health inequities and utilizing the power of technology through their professions
Two of the nine scholars will stay in Nebraska for college, while others will head to Los Angeles, New York or Baltimore. Multiple scholars have earned full-ride scholarships, including two who will take advantage of the new Presidential Scholars program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition plus an additional stipend for Nebraska students who earn a perfect ACT score of 36 and attend one of the University of Nebraska campuses
When they weren’t busy working toward their academic success, this year’s scholars said they liked to unwind through hobbies such as sports, music, baking and sewing. While they’re excited for their next journey, several scholars said they will miss the relationships they built with fellow students and teachers at their high schools
Arjun Anugole
Millard North: no rank out of 548; 35 ACT,Nat.Merit
Parents: Salmohan Anugole and Snehlata Gupta College, planned degree: UCLA; biochemistry and public health
Scholarships: National Merit; UNL regents, career; UNMC Travis B. Lewis; Millard Public Schools Foundation Scholarship of Excellence; Rotary Club Honor Roll
Why did you pick your college?
I picked UCLA because it’s a premier research institution with an emphasis on biological sciences I also love the city of L.A. because of the weather and all there is to do And, of course, UCLA has the No. 1 dining hall in the nation. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I hope to be working in medicine,providing health care to underserved communities while also researching to inform health policy so that I can help combat global health inequities
Surprising fact about you?
I am a black belt in martial arts and have trained with bo staff, sai and escrima sticks.
Favorite way to de-stress?
My favorite way to de-stress is by staying active and playing sports like tennis, pickleball, spikeball or cricket.
Favorite snack?
My favorite snack is probably jalapeño chips. What superpower would you choose?
I would probably pick super speed so that I would never be late for anything.
What will you miss most about high school?
I am really going to miss the memories that I made on the tennis team and just eating lunch with my friends Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
Live in the moment and don’t worry too much about your future because everyone will end up where they are meant to Also, try to get involved, because clubs,activities and sports can help you find your passion.
Mark Bausch
Omaha Creighton Prep: no rank out of 211; 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Ann Marie Bausch and Trenten Bausch
College, planned degree: Notre Dame; neuroscience
Scholarships: National Merit; University of Notre Dame Stamps; Fordham National Merit; UNL regents, career, president’s; St. Louis University vice president’s; Santa Clara Bronco, Dean’s; Creighton Prep Presidential, Cassem Memorial; Coolidge
Scholarship Senator; Academic Decathlon; Burger King
Why did you pick your college?
I chose to go to Notre Dame because of the unparalleled academic and research opportunities it will offer me through the Stamps Scholars Program.Further, its Catholic identity is evident in its mission of making the world a better place.The alumni network is peerless and being a dominant sports school that’s managed to stay out of the conference realignment chaos doesn’t hurt either.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
By that time, I hope to be an M.D./Ph.D working in clinical research making progress on finding cures for cancer I’d also love to be married with kids. Surprising fact about you?
I have a Lego resale company that’s surprisingly lucrative I once sold a single minifigure for over $250.
Favorite way to de-stress?
I’ve played the drum set since fifth grade, so whenever I’m stressed out about a big test or project I always grab a pair of headphones and drumsticks and head to the kit to play along to some Foo Fighters or Nirvana.
Favorite snack?
Nothing beats a late-night buffalo chicken quesadilla, whether it’s at home or Taco Bell. What superpower would you choose?
I’ve always thought the ability to heal would be super cool. Like the Midas touch, but instead of the person turning into gold,any illness they have would be healed.The only downside is I would have to pick a different career path.
What will you miss most about high school?
I’ll definitely miss my friends the most. The Prep brotherhood is truly a real thing, and the guys I’ve met and cultivated relationships with will continue to be some of my best friends throughout my life. Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
Don’t be afraid to ask teachers for help Put your ego aside because they definitely know more than you do Once you’ve mastered the topic, pay it forward by helping other kids that might be struggling with that same concept.
Caleb Kelly
Pender: no rank out of 27; 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Jeff and Melissa Kelly
College, planned degree: UNL; computer sciences and physics
Scholarships: National Merit; UNL president’s
Why did you pick your college?
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln aligns with my career goals and also allows me to stay relatively close to my family.Additionally,the Jeffrey S.Raikes School of Computer Science and Management is a renowned program I believe will help me become the best I can be. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years,I hope to either be involved in research or running my own company. Though I haven’t yet decided on the career path I want to pursue,real human impact is a must. I want to make a difference in people’s lives.
Surprising fact about you?
I know how to ride horses. Every summer, I have shown horses in a county fair where my grandparents live It’s a family tradition.
Favorite way to de-stress?
My favorite way to de-stress is baking. It’s one of my favorite hobbies To me, baking is an art because I can incorporate techniques with personal variations to make a masterpiece both visually and in the form of taste and texture. I bake everything from chocolate chip cookies to mille feuille pastries. Favorite snack?
My favorite snack is chocolate chip cookies — I’ve perfected my recipe over the course of four years. Though I am known for my cookie-crunching habits,I enjoy a wide variety of desserts.However,I tend to value quality over quantity — homemade sweets are a must.
What superpower would you choose?
If I could have any superpower, it would be to multiply myself I have so many interests that it’s difficult for me to balance them all.This way,I could be in more than one place at once.
What will you miss most about high school?
My high school is small. I think I will miss all the connections I have made throughout my time here. I know all of the teachers,faculty, staff and students by name. I have a place in high school — a defined role that I fill Leaving high school will mean letting go of a major component of my identity; however, I hope to discover more about myself in the journey ahead.
Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
My biggest piece of advice for incoming freshmen is to keep pushing boundaries.Just because someone tells you something is impossible does not mean it really is — there is always an exception. If you work hard enough, doors will open for you.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Mark Bausch of Creighton Prep, Advika Namasivayam of Millard North, Rachel Fernandes of Omaha Duchesne, Rachel Wu of Elkhorn South, Caleb Kelly of Pender, Arjun Anugole of Millard North, Christina Xu of Lincoln East, Lillias McKillip of Lincoln Southeast and Cooper Morris of Creighton Prep stand in front of “The Grid” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha.
put in,but especially if you enjoy the class.
Rachel Fernandes
Omaha Duchesne: no rank out of 86; 36 ACT, 1560 SAT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Sharmila Braganza and Praveen Fernandes College, planned degree: Johns Hopkins; chemistry major Scholarships: UNL president’s; UNO president’s; Creighton Magis, Roman Shaffel; University of Tulsa National Merit Semifinalist; Fordham University Fordham; University of Pittsburgh
Why did you pick your college?
Johns Hopkins has been my dream school for the last few years. In terms of academics, Hopkins is an amazing school for the sciences, and it has great resources for pre-medical students. Plus, I plan on minoring in music, and it has a world-renowned music school where I’ll be able to continue my piano studies When I visited last year,I immediately fell in love with the beautiful campus the atmosphere and the community,so I decided to apply Early Decision. I’m so excited to start school in the fall and be surrounded by such a diverse and talented student body. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, I see myself working as a doctor and using my education and skills to make an impact on others’ lives and my community.
Surprising fact about you?
I love being crafty, and I make earrings, jewelry, collages and sew in my free time. I’m definitely a very artsy person as I’m also involved with a cappella choir, theater, handbell choir and piano. Favorite way to de-stress?
I usually de-stress by listening to music, sleeping or playing the piano. Some of my favorite artists are Lana Del Rey, Conan Gray, Ethel Cain, Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers. I also love listening to classical music. Favorite snack?
I absolutely love snacking on fruits, especially any type of berry. I can easily demolish a box of blueberries or raspberries in one sitting.
What superpower would you choose?
If I could have any superpower, I would want the ability to teleport. Being able to go wherever I want in the blink of an eye would definitely make life a lot easier and keep things new and exciting. What will you miss most about high school?
I’ll miss the amazing community at Duchesne, as well as all the relationships that I’ve built with my friends, classmates and teachers over the last four years. Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
My biggest advice for incoming freshmen is to be open to trying new things and taking on challenges Don’t be afraid to push yourself You’ll never know your full potential unless you give everything your all. Also, don’t let failures or setbacks discourage you from pursuing your passions!
Lillias McKillip
Lincoln Southeast: no rank out of 485; 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Jessica and Austin McKillip College, planned degree: UNL; elementary education and Spanish
Scholarships: UNL president’s; Delta Kappa Gamma International Zeta Chapter Why did you pick your college?
I will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall, studying elementary education and Spanish. I’ve always enjoyed the experiences I’ve had at UNL activities throughout my time in Lincoln. I’m excited for the excellent programs UNL offers and to attend college
completely free through the presidential scholarship program.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I plan to work in the field of education in an administrative role incorporating Spanish or curriculum development.
Surprising fact about you?
I love spending time outside, especially hiking. I went on a backpacking trip for five days in the Mount Zirkel Wilderness in Colorado.
Favorite way to de-stress?
Playing the cello or piano can take my mind off of nearly any stressful situation.
After I’ve played a couple songs,I’m much more focused and mentally prepared to return to a stressful project.
Favorite snack?
I like mixing Colby Ridge popcorn with dried cranberries It’s delicious. What superpower would you choose?
I would love to be able to touch any instrument and know how to play it instantly. There are so many really cool and unique instruments, like a hurdy-gurdy or bagpipes, but I don’t have the time to learn them all.
What will you miss most about high school?
I will miss the amazing students and teachers at Lincoln Southeast, especially my teammates and coaches on the speech team.
Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
Get involved with several activities right away.You won’t know if you’ll enjoy an activity or connect with the people involved in it until you’ve tried it out.
Cooper Morris
Omaha Creighton Prep: no rank out of 211; 35 ACT, 1590 SAT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Jennifer Morris, Jeffery Morris
College, planned degree: Columbia; neuroscience Scholarships: National Merit
Why did you pick your college?
Columbia is in New York City, which means I can get to places without driving, and I enjoy heavily metropolitan environments. Furthermore, Columbia’s “Core Curriculum” not only has exciting courses, but also will prevent me from my otherwise inevitable habit of signing up only for math and science classes. Lastly, Columbia places significant emphasis on undergraduate research, which I intend to start as soon as possible.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
Admittedly, it could be as a neurosurgeon, a neuroscientist or any occupation that allows me to directly help people or advance scientific understanding of the world. I would preferably be in either an exceptionally urban city or in Norway.
Surprising fact about you?
I have a permanent supply of pencils and assorted rainbow colored pens on me at all times. Favorite way to de-stress?
The perfect scenario is having headphones blasting some Hollow Knight soundtrack while drinking a latte and doing sudoku.
Favorite snack?
Toast with some sort of hazelnut spread. What superpower would you choose?
I have to go with teleportation. I would no longer have any travel costs, my ETA would always be zero seconds, and — as an added bonus — I would effectively have free access to enter the International Space Station whenever I want.
What will you miss most about high school?
It will be hard to predict what I am taking for granted before I lose it, but I can only imagine not having to do my taxes will be pretty high on that list.
Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
You typically get out of your classes some amount proportional to what you
Hence, in particular, I would suggest taking electives that appear interesting and turning them into passion projects.
Advika Namasivayam
Millard North: no rank out of 548; 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Namasivayam Somasundaram and Suganya Ulaganathan College, planned degree: MIT; computer science Scholarships: National Merit; National Honor Society; Millard Public Schools Foundation North Middle School; P.E.O.
STAR
Why did you pick your college?
I am looking forward to the STEM-focused environment and the endless opportunities to learn.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I see myself designing and implementing technology to further humanity in some way.
Surprising fact about you?
I have memorized over 100 digits of pi. Favorite way to de-stress?
I enjoy both listening to and making music It lets my mind wander and explore infinite possibilities.
Favorite snack?
Honey Bunches of Oats. Without milk. The diverse textures and flavors intrigue me. You never know what you’ll get next. The feel of smooth almonds? Or the taste of sweet crunchiness?
What superpower would you choose?
I would like to have the ability to add time to my day. There are always days here and there when I wish I could have even just one more hour, whether that be to learn, relax or sleep. What will you miss most about high school?
For sure the people. I’ll miss all the great friends I’ve made and the teachers who have shaped me into who I am today. Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
Don’t stop doing what you love If you find anything even remotely interesting, learn more about it. You never know when you might find your passion.
Rachel Wu
Elkhorn South: 2 out of 317; 36 ACT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Ming Hua Wang, Terry Brown College, planned degree: Duke; biomedical engineering Scholarships: National Merit; UNL president’s; University of Rochester Rush Rhees; Boston University presidential; Texas A&M president’s, Brown Foundation; University of Washington Purple and Gold; Duke Kunshan University (China) Merit; Elkhorn Foundation Achieve; Conagra Brands Foundation Scholarship Why did you pick your college?
I’ll be attending Duke University in the fall. I chose this university because it has one of the top biomedical engineering programs in the country, yet I’ll also have a lot of freedom to explore my academic interests beyond just engineering, which is helpful for someone like me who isn’t 100% sure about what they want to do. Plus the campus is beautiful, and I love the school spirit. I’m not a basketball fan, but I’m still definitely looking forward to games. Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
I see myself hopefully working in biotechnology either in patent law,as a bioinformaticsscientistresearchingnewwaysto fight disease or new immunotherapies, or as a professor teaching and doing research in biotech for a university. I also hope to be living in a cool mid-century modern house — if my dreams come true, maybe it’s even a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Surprising fact about you?
I got really into fantasy football for a couple of months in junior year when my friends started a league.Unfortunately,my star players got injured, but I ultimately finished third. Favorite way to de-stress?
I love to hang out with my friends and go outside. When the weather is nice, an outing to the park always manages to improve my mood. Music is also one of my favorite stress relievers,I’ll sometimes just play some music and zone out. Favorite snack?
Anything green tea/matcha flavored, especially pastries with strawberries, too. What superpower would you choose?
I think any time-related power like stopping time or rewinding would be very nice. Besides more hours in a day to do fun things (or take more naps),it would also be handy for when I make a silly mistake and want a do-over.
What will you miss most about high school?
I will definitely miss my friends and the shared experiences we’ve had the most. There are a lot of things in high school I likely won’t get to continue on with, like marching band, but the memories I’ve made are ones I’ll cherish forever.
Advice for incoming high school freshmen? Don’t be afraid to just chase after what you want. I sometimes wish I had more courage earlier to try new activities that I ended up loving, but overall I’m glad I did what I loved without compromise for the most part! If you have any interest in something,try it, because you never know what awesome things might come out of it.
Christina Xu
Lincoln East: no rank out of 566; 35 ACT, 1550 SAT, Nat. Merit
Parents: Lisong Xu, Wei Zhang
College, planned degree: Yale; computer science and political science Scholarships: National Merit
Why did you pick your college?
When I visited campus, the students and professors were incredibly welcoming and supportive I love how New York City is nearby along with other big East Coast cities The multitude of internships, clubs and research opportunities were exactly what I was looking for. Plus the food in New Haven is 10/10. Boola Boola! Where do you see yourself in 20 years? Living in California using technology to improve different industries whether it’s economics or policy.
Surprising fact about you?
During quarantine, I picked up sewing and memorized the sewing machine manual cover to cover.
Favorite way to de-stress?
Walkingandhangingoutwithmygoldendoodle.He’salwaysreadytogreetmewhenI come home and put a smile on my face. Favorite snack?
Honey roasted peanuts (from Costco of course).
What superpower would you choose?
Teleportation, so I can travel without costly plane tickets. What will you miss most about high school? I will definitely miss seeing the friends I’ve grown up with since elementary school. My teachers have also been a huge part of my life — especially forming special relationships with the advisers of various clubs such as debate, Key Club or Computer Science Club Advice for incoming high school freshmen?
Ask for help Your teachers, staff and peers want to see you succeed and can give you new perspectives that might change how you view different challenges. Upperclassmen also are a great resource for navigating new territory. Don’t forget to appreciate those who’ve supported you along the way!
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
From left, Lillias McKillip of Lincoln Southeast, Caleb Kelly of Pender, Mark Bausch of Creighton Prep, Rachel Fernandes of Omaha Duchesne, Arjun Anugole of Millard North, Advika Namasivayam of Millard North, Rachel Wu of Elkhorn South, Cooper Morris of Creighton Prep and Christina Xu of Lincoln East stand in front of Karen Chaka’s “Neon Prairie” at the Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha. The exhibit depicts native Nebraska flowers. State
From A21
2024 ALL WEST-CENTRAL ACADEMIC TEAM
FIRST TEAM
Lilli Allen
Crawford
Parents: Jarrod and Angie Allen
Class rank: 1 out of 11
Test score: 35 ACT
College: South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; chemistry
Accomplishments: Student council four years, vice president as senior and secretary as junior; National Honor Society vice president and secretary; first place at Chadron State College Scholastic Day in chemistry; school records for NWEA MAP assessments in reading, math, language arts and science; Presidential Scholar candidate; volleyball; One-Acts; Quiz Bowl; choir
Travis Emory Pierce
Parents: Mike and Carmen Emory
Class rank: 1 out of 55
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: UNL; PGA golf management and statistics/data analysis
Accomplishments: Student council treasurer and committee
Parents: David and Annie Hummel
Class rank: no rank out of 16
Test score: 35 ACT, Nat. Merit
College: UNL; agricultural engineering
Accomplishments: Class vice president; soccer team captain; fourth-place team
finish at state Quiz Bowl; participating in all of the play productions
Megan Althouse Minden
Parents: Angie and Doug Althouse
Class rank: 1 out of 53 Test score: 34 ACT College: UNO; biomechanics
Accomplishments: Volunteer coach for junior high girls wrestling; National Honor Society secretary; state speech in persuasive speaking; Doane Honor Band for alto saxophone; homecoming queen; Calling Adolescence to Serve (CATS), with more than 350 hours of volunteer service
Mason Childers
St. Paul
Parents: Ryan and Jaime Camden, Eric Childers
Class rank: 1 out of 51
Test score: 34 ACT College: UNK; pre-law/political science
Accomplishments: Student council; National Honor Society officer; Quiz Bowl officer; recipient of Kearney Law Opportunities Program/Scholarship Admissions Program; U.S. Open Robotics Competition second place Alliance; UNK Honors Program Omaha World-Herald Scholars Day Finalist and 2024 honors program member; National Leadership Seminar
1 out of 343
34
UNL; computer science
Science Olympiad team
robotics club founding member and vice president; College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Award; Science Olympiad regionals winner; second place at SkillsUSA State Robotics; NMEA AllState and UNK Honor Band percussionist; seventh at state Science Olympiad
Ty Kuhlmann
Wilber-Clatonia
Parents: Lance and Angela Kuhlmann
Class rank: 2 out of 53
Test score: 33 ACT
College: Dartmouth College; engineering
Accomplishments: National Honor Society vice president; FBLA treasurer; Academic
All-Conference gold medalist; secondplace state FBLA in Accounting II; 10th in state FFA farm and business management; multiyear three-sport athlete letter winner; all A honor roll every semester
Padgett Kearney
Parents: Shaun Padgett and Marquerite Tassi
Class rank: 1 out of 343
Test score: 34 ACT
College: Yale; mechanical engineering and physics
Accomplishments: Quiz Bowl captain; Science
Olympiad club founder and president; UNL summer program on astrophysics research; co-developed autonomous drone to scan and detect soybean diseases; three-time NMEA All-State Orchestra violinist; concert master of both school orchestras; second place at SkillsUSA state VEX robotics competition
SECOND TEAM
Fisher L. Cyza
Columbus
Parents: Lonny and Nicole Cyza
Class rank: 1 out of 283
Test score: 34 ACT
College: UNL; computer science
Accomplishments: SkillsUSA chapter treasurer; robotics team captain; National Champion in SkillsUSA Mechatronics; Inspire Award with team in First Tech Challenge; helped start coding club
James Heirigs
North Platte St. Patrick
Parents: Rick and Laura Heirigs
Class rank: 1 out of 25
Test score: 34 ACT
College: UNL; engineering
Accomplishments: Class president four years; football captain; band president; football state semifinals and quarterfinals; all-district defense; superior rating for district band percussion solo; state track three years; top five GPA for four years; “A” honor roll every semester
Parents: Michael and Jessica Stemper
Class rank: no rank out of 30
score: 34 ACT
College: Colorado School of Mines; engineering
Accomplishments: Class treasurer three years; student council; Rotary Youth Leadership Award;
Coen Hummel
Nebraska EV Lutheran
James
Griffin Stemper
Judges compare best of the best in selecting academic teams
LARSEN
SHELLEY
World-Herald
Staff Writer
The judges for The World-Herald’s annual academic program always have a difficult task.
They’re faced with hundreds of students with impressive test scores, high grades, amazing accomplishments and strong leadership.
The World-Herald invited 306 Nebraska high schools to participate in our annual tribute to outstanding students.
Of the 250 schools that participated, we received 658 nominations. Schools were asked to nominate their two top-ranked students (or top two students with the highest grade-point averages if the schools don’t rank) for recognition. In addition, schools could nominate up to
three other students with a test score of 32 or better on the ACT or a 1450 or better on the SAT.
Of those nominated, there were:
21 perfect ACT scores of 36
42 ACT scores of 35
75 ACT scores of 34 12 SAT scores of 1500 or better 60 National Merit finalists
But these students aren’t just about grades and tests.Some excel at choir, band or debate, and others shine in robotics,Quiz Bowl or FBLA.Some even manage to blend a variety of seemingly disparate interests, such as sports, arts and sciences.
Many are leaders, as well. Some are elected officers in a school club, while some are founders of their own clubs.
To determine the best of the best, The World-Herald invited nine judges to narrow the field. This year’s judges consisted of counselors, administrators and a teacher.
They were divided into three groups, with three educators each, to select the members of the All Regional Teams: metro, eastern and west-central.
Our judges were: Metro: Kimberly Jackson, Omaha Northwest principal; Jason Gosnell, Elkhorn South counselor; Stacey Evert, Creighton Prep director of college counseling Eastern: Katye Thomas, Norris English teacher; Cedric Cooper, Lincoln Northwest principal; John Harris, Wahoo counselor West-central: Jeff Gilbertson, Grand Island principal; Jeff Bit-
The judges for the metro team gathered at The World-Herald for their judging session in early April. The eastern and west-central judges met by Zoom. World-Herald staff members facilitated the meetings.
The judges selected 12 students for the first team in each region and 12 for a second team.
A week later a representative of each Nebraska regional judging panel met by Zoom to select the nine-member All State Team.
Those three judges — Jackson, Thomas and Manning — considered the 36 students who had been named to regional first teams in Nebraska.
The process allows each judging panel to determine what weight to
A variety of universities will enroll the Nebraska high
give the various pieces of information on the nomination form. For example, judges might choose to prioritize rigorous schedules, varied activities, ACT and SAT scores,class rank,leadership roles or success in academic competitions. The World-Herald does not interfere with the process. It asks that the judges focus on achievement and come up with a consensus on their picks.
At the end of the process, most judges, as well as the coordinators of this program, are amazed at how many bright young people we have in our state.
Congratulations to all the students nominated from the Class of 2024 and the parents and teachers who have supported the students on their educational journey.
2024 NEBRASKA HONORABLE MENTION
The 586 Nebraska high school seniors listed below were nominated to The World-Herald All Academic Program and earned honorable mention recognition The criteria for nomination will help you understand what makes these students so special. Each school could nominate up to five students. Nominees had to rank No. 1 or No. 2 in their senior class or they had to have scores of at least 32 on the ACT or at least 1450 on the SAT college entrance exams.
Grand Island Central Catholic
Kinnley Kearns
Kathryn Novinski
Piper Catherine Shepard
Lydia Edmonds Arabelle Horst Owen W. Lee Spencer Parkinson
Wegner
Hartington Cedar Catholic
Anneliese Kleinschmit
Hartington-Newcastle
Abigail Anderson Emma Wubben
Harvard Taylor Braun
Zahna Reutzel
Hastings Abigail Fielder Logan Hinkle
Braydon Power
Abhinav Srivastava
Ben Wolfe Hastings St Cecilia
Isaac VanSkiver Andrew G. Wang Hay Springs
Jordyn Anderson
Gabrielle Twarling-Schiaffo
Hayes Center
Ellie Broz
Victoriah Kay Deaver
Heartland Lutheran Hannah Meyer Ethan Olson
Heartland-Henderson
Kaylee Goertzen Benjamin Janzen
Hemingford
Aiden Benda Carlye Kresl Hershey
Haily Miller Gracie Seamann
Holdrege
Kaitlyn Jewett
Homer Jocelyn Hightree
Ashlee Waldee
Howells-Dodge
Landon Dobbins
Natalie Pieper
Humphrey
Abilyn Schneider
Humphrey St. Francis
Emma Classen
Isanti
Angelynna LastHorse
Adelia Rodriguez
Johnson County Central
Kaitlynn Plager
Maya Straka
Johnson-Brock
Anna Lillenas
Kinsley Oestmann
Kearney
Katy Buse
Samantha Stava
Joseph Vyvlecka
Kearney Catholic
Isaiah Gaunt
Ellie Geiger
Lydia McKeon
Jordyn Svec
Kenesaw
Katelyn Edwards Kassandra Kimle
Laurel-Concord-Coleridge
Jackson Jeffrey Hall
Landen David Leonard
Furstenau
Backemeyer
Frahm
Eustis-Farnam
Woehrle
Kallho
Krupicka
Dye
Hindera
Bergan Summer Bojanski
Jordon Lawver
Jaleigh Kumm
Marostica Gordon-Rushville Colton Archibald
Tullis Gothenburg Sophia Aden Hayden Ricley Grand Island
Louisville
Ella Culver
Samantha Josefina Shelsta
Marissa Staben
Loup City
Kailey Goc
Hailey Rademacher
Loup County Hector Estrada
David
Chelsea Kay Potts
Lawrence-Nelson
Connor Janda
Clay Williams
Lexington
Cody Eldridge
Aaron William Hakonson
Tucker Knauss
Leyton
Kaleb Ryan Borges
Claire Elizabeth Watchorn
Lincoln Christian
Olivia Lovegrove
Elizabeth Sauberan
Sydney Erin Trucke
Lincoln College View
Jesse Campbell
Darian Horst
Lincoln East
Sofia Sarroub-Le Sueur
Harper Schupbach
Lincoln High
Miley Green
Marko Khalimonchuk
Lincoln Lutheran
Clara Admiraal
Quinn Trutna
Lincoln North Star
Howraa Al-Robaie
Lily Hastings
Brynn Person
Xuan Phu Do
Jack Sindelar
Lincoln Northwest
Dylan R. Kotik
Jeremiah Smith
Lincoln Parkview
Anthony Page Alexander Rohrbaugh
Lincoln Pius X
Ava Carr
Ava Kathryn McCoy
Katherine Schmit
Lincoln Southeast
Elizeh Tarkian
Emma von Scheliha
Lincoln Southwest
Clara Nora
Marco Spinar
Jack Watermolen
Logan View
Wriston Jay
Loomis
Chloe Anderson
Alexis King Sweeney
82/60/s 68/50/r
75/59/r 65/50/t
67/52/t 74/47/pc
75/56/t 69/46/c
79/58/t 64/52/t
83/61/s 67/53/t
MISSOURI RIVER STAGES
Albuquerque 73/49/c 81/54/pc
Anchorage 53/37/c 54/39/s
Albany,NY 59/44/c 70/52/sh
Aspen 54/33/t 60/38/pc
Atlanta 81/62/s 68/64/sh
Austin 83/73/t 91/59/t
Baltimore 66/50/t 75/58/s
Boise 84/53/s 78/50/pc
Boston 56/45/c 63/51/pc
Brownsville 93/81/t 97/80/pc
Buffalo 61/49/c 72/56/t
Casper 69/38/t 76/41/pc
Charleston,SC 84/61/s 81/68/pc
Charleston,WV 73/46/pc 82/58/s
Chicago 81/62/pc 75/52/t
Cincinnati 76/56/s 77/59/pc
Cleveland 66/56/pc 78/59/pc
Columbia,SC 81/55/s 79/64/c
Columbus,OH 71/53/pc 80/58/pc
Dallas 71/65/r 85/62/t
Denver 65/44/r 73/51/pc Detroit 70/58/pc 80/59/t ElPaso 86/62/s 89/64/s
