Friday, May 17, 2024
Friday Focus: 2024 Principal’s Award Winners
This week, we had the honor of celebrating the high academic achievement of many of our seniors at our annual Principal’s Awards Ceremony. Students were recognized for being Illinois State Scholars, AP Scholars, National Merit Commended Scholars or Finalists, College Board National Recognition Scholars or attaining perfect SAT or ACT scores. Scholarship recipients were also announced, and Division, Activity and Athletic Awards presented.
We would like to highlight the three exceptional students who received the prestigious Principal’s Award. Principal Wardle’s remarks from the ceremony are featured below.
Xavier Lipani
Xavier’s impact on BG will be felt for decades to come. As a trailblazer in the multimedia department, his excellence has been showcased across the State of Illinois, with his 2023 3rd place finish in Journalism Video News, 2nd place in State for his Short Film “Flightless” and Blue Ribbon status for his Video Package. Here at BG, Xavier serves as the media coordinator for the Student Spirit Club, has overseen the production of nearly every athletic live stream that BGN has produced in the past three years, and his leadership is instrumental with the tech crew and school newspaper, where he drives innovation and is a mentor to others.
Beyond media, Xavier excels as a leader in the Bison Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band, and earned a selection to the District 214’s Honors Orchestra. He is also a two sport Varsity athlete, a standout member of both the Varsity Water Polo and Swimming and Diving teams.
Xavier’s commitment to service extends beyond the school walls, as he volunteers his broadcasting services weekly for Saint Mary’s Parish and actively participates in the District 25 Strategic Planning Committee. Additionally, he has demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own photography business. In his internship with Helicopter, Inc. he has contributed to major networks such as CBS and WGN with aerial footage compilations.
Xavier, your outstanding achievements and exemplary character have earned you the Principal’s Award, as you embody the core values of kindness, curiosity, and bravery that define Buffalo Grove High School. Congratulations.
Maya Belorusskiy
The phrase that comes to mind when thinking of Maya is: Relentless Pursuit of Learning. Academically, Maya has been awarded the distinction of an Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, and is a National Merit Commended Scholar.
A testament to her unwavering dedication to personal growth, Maya has immersed herself in a multitude of co-curricular experiences. Whether it’s starting a student-run TED-Ed Club, solving world conflict in Model UN, convincing a jury through Mock Trial, or taking on leadership roles in Class Board and National Honor Society, Maya has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to service. Beyond those, Maya is a leader in the Chamber Orchestra and was selected to the District Honors Orchestra, and is a 4-year varsity tennis player.
Maya’s impact also extends far beyond the walls of our school. Whether it is her volunteer work with the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic or the Hands of Peace Program, Maya has shown a deep commitment to making the world a better and more just place for all.
Maya, it is with great pride that I present you with the Principal’s Award. Your future is as bright as your accomplishments, and I have no doubt that you will continue to inspire us all with your brilliance and boundless potential.
Rohan Ganeshan
Rohan’s 4 years at Buffalo Grove High School has been nothing short of remarkable. Rohan’s dedication to academic excellence is evident in his status as an Illinois State Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Finalist, and a perfect 800 score on the SAT Mathematics section.
As a competitor, Rohan is a 4 year captain of the Scholastic Bowl team from 2020 to 2024, leading the team to the NAQT National High School Runner-up in 2023, and the Illinois State Championship in 2024. He also led our ACES team, with focuses on Science and Engineering, to third place in the State of Illinois in 2023, 2nd Place in State in 2024, and individually was the back-to-back State Champion in Chemistry in 2023 and 2024.
In the Fine Arts, Rohan’s abilities with the violin placed him in our highest ensemble since freshman year. He is the current BG concertmaster, and was appointed concertmaster for all of the orchestras in District 214 this year. Rohan’s commitment to service and the community is exemplary, he tutors students from Kenya’s Kibera Slum in Chemistry and performs at local nursing homes and charity concerts as a violinist. Selected to the traveling team in the Betty Haag School of Violin, Rohan has performed in the Gewandhaus Concert Hall and the Berliner Dom Cathedral, both in Germany, Carnegie Hall in New York, and Symphony Hall in Chicago.
In his spare time, he can be found conducting bioinformatics research at the University of Chicago, where his work is already published. With all of his accomplishments, though, my favorite memory of Rohan will be the way he honored and thanked his parents with grace and gratitude at an all-school assembly this spring. Rohan, we are proud of you, you are an incredible young man. Congratulations.
Scholarships
Class of 1984 Memorial Scholarship: Brady Connelly
Class of 1986 Memorial Scholarship: Matthew Maradkel
Maureen Filetti Memorial Scholarship: Xavier Lipani
O’Shea Scholarship for Girls Athletics: Hanna Glanz
O’Shea Scholarship for CTE: Abigail Swanson
John P. Green Arts Scholarship: Xavier Lipani
Doug and Susan Millstone Scholarship: Hannah Haas
Roosevelt Univ. Full Tuition Scholarship: Elizabeth Stefanovich & Carlos Delgado
Norman Geske Scholarship: Matthew Maradkel
Dr. David R. Schuler Redefining Ready! Scholarship: Xavier Lipani ($2500)
Dr. David R. Schuler Redefining Ready! Scholarship: Jack Greenspan ($250)
Buffalo Grove Fire Department Scholarship: Maya Belorusskiy
BGPA Scholarships/Jackie Sell Scholarships: Priya Adiga, Maya Belorusskiy, Christopher Conkle, Emma Fink, Andrew Gonc, Katelyn Gooden, Jack Greenspan, David Hill, Natalie Liigsoo, and Xavier Lipani
Division Awards
Art: Lindsey Vega
Business Education: Ryan Stefani
Technology: Joseph Rotondo
Computer Science: Parth Desai
Future Educator: Brady Connelly
Family & Consumer Sciences: Andy Gonc
English: Ariadni Bissia
English Language Learners: Mykyta Holovko
Multimedia: Leadership: Jack Greenspan
Multimedia: Rising Journalist: Xavier Lipani
Biology: Emily Hanson
Chemistry: Rohan Ganeshan
Physics: Andy Gonc
Mathematics: Priya Adiga
Choral Music: Lexi Samander
Instrumental Music - Band: Sophie Wytmar
Instrumental Music - Orchestra: Rohan Ganeshan
Dance: Amanda Merret
Physical Education: Velislava Milchova
Physical Education: Ravi Flowers
French: Madeline Halter
Spanish: Rohan Ganeshan
Spanish for Heritage Learners: Kayla Reyes Morales
German: Noelle Lawson
History: Benjamin Alport
Social Science: Maya Belorusskiy
Activity & Athletic Awards
Richard J. Calisch Arts Unlimited Award: Kyana Luyando
Activity Award: Kayden Khayyata
School Spirit Award: Kayden Khayyata
Athlete of the Year Award: Abigail Swanson
Athlete of the Year Award: Payton Diaz
The Bison Impact:
Congratulations to the following students who officially committed this week to continue their athletic journey at the college level!
Abigail Swanson - Swimming at Colorado School of Mines
Brody Mac - Baseball at Aurora University
Edgar Rutkauskas - Swimming at Case Western University
Jacob Alcantar - Football at Illinois Wesleyan University
Kayla O'Malley - Softball at Grinnell College
Lucas Anam-Ndu - Basketball at Wisconsin Lutheran College
Natalie Black - Bowling at Marian University
Nate Barbakoff - Cheerleading at University of Iowa
Payton Diaz - Baseball at North Central College
Samuel Cho - Football at Carnegie Mellon University
Congratulations and good luck to Martyna Ostrega competing at State in the 100m dash today!
Congratulations to the Baseball team, the MSL East Champions! This is the third time in the last four years that the Bison will represent the East in the MSL Championship Game. Come cheer the Bison tonight as they take on Conant at home at 4:45pm for the MSL Championship. Fight on!
Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Lacrosse team for upsetting Vernon Hills in the first round of the IHSA State Playoffs last night 10-9 in overtime. This is the first time in school history that BG Lacrosse has won a playoff game. They also set the school record for the most wins in a season! Cheer them on at the Sectionals at Barrington on Monday at 5:00 pm as they take on Lake Zurich. Fight on!
Congratulations to our 2024 All Conference Baseball players Cole Diaz, Payton Diaz, Brody Mac, and the MSL East Player of the Year, Griffin Kelly!
Congratulations to All-Conference Volleyball players John Rauch and David Hill!
Bison Academy
May 23rd 3:15-5:45 pm
The last Bison Academy date is Thursday, May 23rd in the Library from 3:15-5:45 pm. Students can come to work on missing assignments, take any missing tests/quizzes, have a quiet place to work and get help with schoolwork. There will be teachers and student tutors available to help in various subjects. Bison Academy is a great opportunity for students to have focused time to work! If you have any questions, please email Brian Linhart (brian.linhart@d214.org) or Lisa Raucci (lisa.raucci@d214.org). You can also reach out to your student’s individual teachers to find out what specific items they may need to focus on.
Moving out of the BG attendance area this summer?
If you are moving out of the BG attendance area, please have your student come to Student Services to pick up a Withdrawal Form by May 28th. This form must be filled out and signed by the student, parent/guardian, and several departments at BG. All electronics, books, and equipment must be returned and outstanding fees paid before transfer records are sent to your new school. Thank you!
Upcoming Dates
Staff Retiree Spotlight - Amy Silverman
What is your name? Amy Silverman
What department have you taught in/ How long have you been teaching at BG? I came to BGHS as a Special Education Coordinator in 2007 and begged to go back into the classroom in 2012 because I missed teaching and being with students on a daily basis. It feels like it has been forever, but has only been 12 years! 😊
What courses have you taught in your career? Working at several different D214 schools over the course of my teaching career, I have a variety of teaching experiences. When I taught at the alternative school, I was responsible for teaching all content area courses. I co-taught math, social science, and english at EGHS, I was an Upward Bound (outdoor education) instructor for ten years, and lastly I co-taught English and Health, Strategies for Learning, and both English and Health in the special education department here at BGHS.
What part of the career of teaching have you found the most rewarding? This is a tough one to answer as there are so many aspects of teaching students with disabilities that I absolutely LOVE! I am constantly being rewarded by the positive, trusting relationships I have built with MANY students (not only "mine"). I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I have had over the past 33 years teaching students with disabilities and co-teaching the general education population!
What activities or clubs have you coached/sponsored? Started an after school "Thursday School" program before it became Bison Academy, Co-sponsored Bison Buddies with Jamie Lala, and a few short months ago I became the co-sponsor of the brand new BGHS Jewish Culture Club (JCC). ♥️
What are you most looking forward to in retirement? Not having to keep track of Blue and Orange Days and traveling at OFF-PEAK times! 😜
Seniors, come watch the sunset with your class on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at 7:30 pm in the Grant Blaney Stadium. Bring your yearbook to have your friends sign, blankets, college merch/comfy clothes, and good vibes! We started off the year watching the sunrise (kind of) so let’s end this joyful year together watching the sunset!
Varsity Home Sports and Fine Arts for the Coming Week
For underlevel and away sporting events and the most current information for BGHS activities, please go to: Buffalo Grove High School Comprehensive Calendar
CLICK HERE if you’re interested in joining Drumline
CLICK HERE for D214 Summer Experience information
The D214 Summer Experience - Summer Courses and Athletic Camps
Check out the D214 Summer Experience website for detailed information including the program overview, course offerings and descriptions, costs and transportation information, and Information on summer athletic camps. CLICK HERE for information and registration on the D214 Summer Experience. CLICK HERE for summer athletic camps information.
Buffalo Grove Instrumental Association News!
AMAZING NEWS An incredible donor has pledged to match all donations made to our program, up to $5,000–AGAIN!!!!! Please help us take advantage of this great opportunity and help us spread the word! CLICK HERE to donate.
Need a job that works with your kids’ schedules?
Come work with us!
D214 has immediate openings for food service workers. Enjoy 5-hour work days and shifts end at 2pm! Apply now: http://links.d214.org/foodservice
Students Looking for a Job?
CLICK HERE for the BGHS Job Board. Check back often for updates and new postings.
Looking for More?
Click Here for the BGHS Website
Click Here for the 4th Quarter Parent Newsletter
Click Here for the BGHS College & Career Website
Click Here for the detailed daily BG Activity/Athletics Calendar
Click Here for the New Bell Schedule
Click Here for the Blue & Orange Day Calendar
Click Here for the D214 School Calendars
Click Here for D214 Food Services Information
Click Here to Join/Support the Buffalo Grove H.S. Parent Groups
Click Here for BG's student newspaper, The Charger
Click Here for the Unspoken Herd Podcast
Click Here for One Grove Gallery exhibits and information
Click Here for the BGPA Bison Spiritwear online store
