Students Honored for Technology and Innovation

Three Maine Township High School students were named “207’s Best” in the area of technology and innovation at the February Board of Education meeting. Fadi Rihawi from Maine East (right), Amelie Mach (center) from Maine West, and Matthew Hirstius (left) from Maine South were given this honor by the Board of Education. The following information was written about each student as part of the nomination by the school principal – Dr. Melissa Pikul at Maine East, Dr. Eileen McMahon at Maine West and Drs. Steven Isoye and Mike Pressler at Maine South. FADI RIHAWI – MAINE EAST I am proud to share with you Maine East’s 207s Best winner for this month: Fadi Rihawi. Fadi is the perfect choice for this month’s nomination not only because of his stellar academic performance but also because he emulates the mindset we hope for all learners. Fadi is focused on the process of learning, challenging himself to fix mistakes and celebrating the utility of what he’s learned. In talking with Fadi he shared with me that he has loved all of his career and technical education courses because he values hands-on learning. He said that he can take everything he’s learned in this area and actually apply it somewhere in his life. Fadi has especially loved the cross curricular opportunities he’s taken advantage of as that is really where the learning comes to life. In Math 3: Machining & Manufacturing, he had an opportunity to create a wheelchair extension for a child that was not able to fit safely in the chair. Fadi said that the learning experience felt great because he was able to help someone in need. He loves the challenge of the problem solving process and reflected on an opportunity where his culinary and intro to engineering classes partnered to create a new box system to keep knives safely stored and easily removed. Fadi shared with me that he loves the genuine thinking experiences he’s had in many of his classes. He said that, “In some classes, I have to memorize – something wrong really is an error – but many of the CTE classes are more free. If you get something wrong you really have to think about what is working and what is not…it’s like three dimensional thinking instead of two.” Through all of the technology and innovation related classes he’s had the opportunity to take, Fadi recognized that his greatest love may be in electrical engineering. Because that area is not a central focus of any one course, Fadi is grateful for Mr. Adkins Engineering Capstone course because he is allowing him to choose a project that works with electronics. Fadi’s presence and passion is felt throughout our building but especially in the CTE department. Mr. Andy Gonzalez, autos teacher, shared that, “Fadi has been an outstanding student in my Autos class. He excels in a hands-on environment and his knowledge on the content area is outstanding. Fadi fearlessly takes on challenges, demonstrating his ability to navigate challenging tasks and problems in the automotive field. Fadi has a remarkable work ethic and truly thrives as a problem solver in all CTE courses. Not only is he a great student, but he’s also a great teacher. Fadi goes out of his way to help his peers, and teach others that are learning new equipment or starting new activities.” Mr. Kaiser and Mr. Schultes are lucky to team teach for Fadi in his Math 3 & Machining Course. Mr. Schultes shared that, “I had the pleasure of having Fadi in Math 3 and Machining along with Tom Kaiser. Fadi’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning was as infectious as it was refreshing. Fadi was quick to discover, apply, and explain the mathematics behind many of the CNC projects of the course, fulfilling the goals of the course.” Mr. Kaiser offered that, “Fadi has been an outstanding student at Maine East both in class and in our Skills USA club. He is a natural when it comes to understanding and operating the CNC machines we use in machining classes. Fadi’s ability to apply the details and dimensions involved in designing 3D models to the machining environment are second to none. His ability to operate high tech machines and achieve the desired outcomes for real part production are what it takes to be successful in an engineering or manufacturing career. Fadi also has the scholarly spirit needed to put his knowledge to the test when he competed in the Skills USA State Championship last year. We are even more excited to see what he can do this year.. He placed in the top 30 in the state his first year competing. Fadi is one of a kind and exhibits the best of Maine East.” Ms. Aankita Patel recognizes Fadi’s academic talent but it is his character that resonates with her most. “I first met Fadi in my culinary class and right off the bat he showcased strong leadership skills! Fadi is a focused student and reminds a teacher why they entered the discipline of education. On a daily basis he would have a positive attitude and carry himself in a very mature manner. Fadi is courteous to everyone he comes into contact with, and he shows high levels of respect for all of his peers. He works well in groups and is one who leads by example. He possesses the unique ability to engage everyone around him in the learning process simply by being himself. Fadi is one who gives back without any thought of reward. He has a concern and appreciation for other cultures rarely seen in people his age. His genuine passion for learning simply for the sake of knowledge is refreshing and capacity for kindness and his inherent goodness are unmatched. Fadi’s personality and character are such that his peers and my colleagues speak highly of.” When I asked Fadi how his skills and experiences would manifest into a “dream job” he shared that he’s pretty intrigued by those guys on Youtube that have made a whole career by turning ideas that seem impossible into a reality – he loves watching the integration of science and technology to create and hopes to do the same someday. I have no doubt that Fadi has the potential to extend his greatness even beyond Youtube. Thanks for sharing your hunger for critical thinking and innovative creativity, with Maine East, Fadi! AMELIE MACH – MAINE WEST For a questionnaire for her Cross Country team this year, Amelie included a quote that seems important to share in painting this portrait of her excellence: “You are where you are meant to be.” Amelie has been amazingly open to new experiences, trying new things and letting her goals evolve as she learns new things. These experiences brought her to mechanical engineering, because she was interested in solving dynamic problems and undeterred by being one of only two girls in her engineering classes; they brought her to Track and Field because her Cross Country teammates and coaches talked her into it, and they brought her to Cross Country because she wanted to stay in shape for basketball. Now that she looks into her future at Purdue University Fort Wayne, where she will compete as a heptathlete and major in mechanical engineering, the path that she laid out incrementally seems as if it were mapped out for her all along. She is headed to where she is meant to be, and we have been so lucky that she has been at Maine West for this part of her journey. Self-described as “nerdy and always into school,” Amelie recalls loving math but hating to sit behind a desk all day. She wanted to be active and solve real-world problems. So she explored engineering, beginning in Intro to Engineering and Design and continuing to Computer Integrated Manufacturing and Design, and finally to Engineering Capstone this year, where she makes crucial contributions to the High Mileage Vehicle Team. Her summer internship at La Marche this past year deepened her skills in using 3D imaging software as she programmed designs for parts of solar panels. She had asked Ms. Nelson, our Careers Coordinator, for an internship that might take her closer to engineering than machining, and she loved it. Now she knows where she wants to go next, into a field that allows her to work on problems that continually change, and keeps open the possibility that she may go into project management eventually, as she gains more experience. She has learned to make the most of her time and push through what’s hard, as her schedule has kept her very busy, but not too busy to try new things. With the steady support of her parents, whom she admires deeply for their ability to juggle the events of three very involved daughters, Amelie has been able to try “a ton of stuff,” which is what this time in life is supposed to be for. Basketball, Track, Cross Country, Band, Ballet, Martial Arts, and the National, English, Music, Math, and Social Science Honors Societies fill a calendar that leaves precious time for friends, family, and consistently exceptional academic performance throughout her high school career. “We’re not home a lot,” she said, “but we’re all very close.” That closeness, evidenced by Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practice as a family in the basement during COVID, provides the foundation of strength and security that allows Amelie to be adventurous in the classroom and out. From wearing shorts under her Homecoming dress so that she could breakdance; to breaking school records in the 300 Hurdles (in which she took 5th in state) and the Long Jump – a record that had stood since 1977; to designing brake calipers for the High Mileage Vehicle in Engineering Capstone; Amelie joyfully forges her path through experiences, and that’s always going to lead her right to where she is meant to be. Amelie’s teachers praise her leadership skills, her fearlessness, and her kindness. Mr. Fuentes, who nominated Amelie for this award, stated, “Amelie has been a leader in Engineering Design from day one. She is always willing to help her peers with CAD or hands-on tools in the shop. She has been a rockstar in the CTE wing for the past four years and is not afraid to get dirty from welding, cutting steel pipe, using the CNC mill, or designing a brake caliper holder for the High Mileage Vehicle.” Mr. Pederson, who taught Amelie in Intro and in CIM, shared that “Amelie was such an amazing student to have in class. Her talents, intelligence, and persistence were second to none. She strove to be the best and improved every day. I am so excited she is receiving this honor as she is such an amazing young person!” Mr. Regalado, Head Girls Track and Head Girls XCountry coach, spoke of Amelie’s influence on him as an educator. “I’ve known Amelie throughout her entire high school journey and I can honestly say that I am a better teacher and coach because of her. Actually, everyone who knows her is a better person because of her! She draws the best out of everyone because she leads by example, showing everyone that anything can be done. This is because Amelie believes it’s possible! She’s ambitious (this is a word she uses to describe herself). She is determined to be successful and always gives 100%. She’s been the heart and soul of building and adding to the tradition of both the XC and Track programs.” Ms. Kuzmanic, Head Girls Basketball coach, shared similar sentiments. “Amelie is one of the first students that I met as a Maine West employee. Her work ethic, positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and humility have impressed me ever since. I have had the pleasure of coaching Amelie in basketball since June of 2021 and coaching her in track and field during the 2022 season. Although I haven’t had Amelie in the classroom, I know exactly what she would be like as a student because she only knows how to give her absolute best effort in everything she does. Amelie has been a key member of the Varsity Girls Basketball team since her sophomore year. She is an exemplary student-athlete as she takes care of business in the classroom, treats her teammates and coaches with kindness and respect, gives her all in every practice and game, and is a role model to our underclassmen and future Warriors. I am so excited to hear about all of the great things Amelie achieves at Purdue Fort Wayne!” Two of Amelie’s math teachers prove Ms. Kuzmanic’s predictions to be correct. Mr. Muscia said, “Amelie is a joy to have in the classroom. She asks great questions that show how deeply she is thinking about the material and show that she is striving to connect it to other topics. She enriches the discussion in both whole group and small group settings, helping bring out the best in our class.” Ms. Bezek writes, “Amelie is one of the most well-rounded and highest achieving students I have had the pleasure of teaching in my 25-year career. She is a passionate and ambitious student, always actively participating and eager to learn. On many occasions, Amelie asked questions that initiated or contributed to whole-class discussions and led to a deeper exploration of mathematical concepts being covered. In addition to being a diligent student, Amelie is also a strong leader and compassionate classmate. I often witnessed Amelie patiently tutoring her classmates while I was working with other students. Her patience and leadership were a tremendous asset to the class. By helping her classmates, Amelie’s own knowledge and understanding of mathematical concepts improved. Even more impressive than Amelie’s academic achievements is her outstanding character. Amelie’s positivity, work ethic, and generosity are inspiring. She leads by example and is universally respected and admired by her classmates, teachers and coaches. I look forward to hearing about her many accomplishments to come.” Finally, Mr. Gerstmayr, our Band Director, calls himself “blessed to have seen so many different sides of Amelie…The best way to describe her is driven: in her classes, her music, her sports. She is a fierce competitor but even more fierce about her own education and helping those around her learn as a student leader. I can totally understand an award in innovation because I feel that Amelie is what the future needs: a leader who asks good questions, a student who wonders about the ‘what if’ and the ‘how could we’ side of learning and living. I could go on and on about why she deserves this award, but simply want to say congrats and how proud we are of her in the band department at Maine West.” These teachers speak for all of us. We have been blessed to have Amelie with us as a Maine West Warrior. Congratulations! MATTHEW HIRSTIUS – MAINE SOUTH On behalf of the staff at Maine South High School, we are pleased to recognize Matthew Hirstius as one of 207’s Best in the area of Technology Leader/Innovator. It certainly can be said that Matthew has cultivated a passion for technology throughout his time at Maine South. Whether working in areas of computer programming, website development, or website design, Matthew approaches complex tasks using both technical and analytical skills. His curiosity to know more coupled with his sense of creativity allow him to not only explore new bounds of technology but to be a leader among his peers. Outside of the classroom, Matthew has worked as an Election Judge at the Cook County Clerk’s Office to help with the setup of polling electronics, has taken on the role of a content developer at Success Refined to manage website layout, and has served as a programmer in Computer Science to help code and install various class projects. In addition, Matthew has earned a COMPTIA A+ Certification in Informational Technology and is Captain of the USAG Men’s Gymnastics team.Within school, Matthew is enrolled in various AP Classes, such as AP Computer Science, AP Macroeconomics, and AP English Language and Composition, to name a few. Lastly, he is a member of the Constitution club at Maine South.  To help highlight Matthew’s success, Mike Guiccione, a Math teacher, shared, “Matt is one of the hardest-working, dedicated, and resourceful students I have encountered in the last several years. He is highly reliable and always a mature and active participant in every task he completes. Matt’s performance in AP Computer Science was commendable in a difficult class that required many hours of programming in writing and adjusting code. He is determined to solve every complex problem that is presented and quickly demonstrates his skills as both a logical thinker and an effective communicator. He steps up to lead a discussion or share the solution to a coding problem and advocates for others who might not be as confident. Matt contributes new ideas and insightful observations that help create an atmosphere of rich learning. Whenever Matt is challenged with extension problems he works beyond expectations to apply his newfound knowledge practically and efficiently.” Cray Allen, a Career and Technical Education teacher added, “I have been blessed to have Matt on my roster this school year. He is a natural born leader, and his personality traits include being intelligent, knowledgeable, motivated, self-confident, and maybe most visibly – humble. He is always willing to be challenged and embraces it. Socially, Matt is always part of a very interesting conversation. He is definitely a quality speaker. I’ve only known Matt for 6 months, but I’m sure he is his biggest critic. He has impressed me as a student and as a responsible young adult, who will make this world and his community a better place. I am very happy he has received this award, as I guarantee he’s earned every bit of it.” Thomas Krause, another Career and Technical Education teacher, said, “In regards to Matt, I am not surprised to see him selected. Matt was consistently a role model for others when I had him in class. His work ethic was above most of the other students in class. He consistently inquired about concepts and challenged himself constantly. Matt was a pleasure to work with and I expect he will be quite successful in his future endeavors.” Christine Headley, an English teacher, shared, “I have certainly spoken with Matthew in AP English 4 about his interest in and dedication to technology. However, what has impressed me the most this year is how many OTHER fascinating topics he has brought up for conversation! He has discussed with me his belief in the value of the “lost art” of cursive handwriting. He has shared his rather encyclopedic knowledge of music from “back in the day,” like the time when he made a unique connection between Frank Sinatra’s lyrics and a poem by Pablo Neruda. He spoke eloquently and insightfully during our seminar discussion about the nature of parent/child relationships in Toni Morrison’s complex and beautiful novel, Beloved.  Overall, there is one term that comes to mind to describe someone like Matthew: Renaissance man . I would like to congratulate him for receiving this honor in an area of knowledge in which he excels AND for simultaneously maintaining a diverse range of other interests and passions.” Amy Capps, a Science teacher, added her insight: “Matthew was in my Accelerated Biology class last year. He was such a great role model for his peers who gained perspective and knowledge from working with him. He regularly acted as a leader within his group especially when we were doing a lab exercise. I was impressed with the higher level thinking questions that he would come up with and the strong quality of work he would produce. I can definitely see him being chosen for this recognition based on his exceptional performance in my class!” Douglas Walter, a Science teacher, contributed, “Matthew has been an amazing student in AP Environmental Science. Not only is he engaged in every activity and discussion we have in class, he can be counted on to ask deeper, meaningful questions on the topics we cover. Congratulations, Matthew, and keep up the good work!” Lastly, William Pankratz, a Math teacher, shared: I had the privilege to have Matthew in class his junior year, in Data Science. Matthew was an exceptionally hard worker in the class, always completing projects on time, and working well with his classmates. However what separated Matthew in class was two fold: (1)Matthew always went above and beyond in every assignment he completed. If there was a way to make his project even better, or extend his thinking in any way Matthew always accepted the challenge head on. His desire to learn could be felt in every thing he did. (2) Matthew was always willing to lend a helping hand, in order for his classmates to find success, as well. In Data science there are multiple topics we cover that are brand new for students, and often students need to work together to solve different challenges they face. Matthew was not only willing to work with his classmates, but he was willing to lead, and help start the conversations with his classmates. He helped foster the collaborative atmosphere we hope to achieve in our classrooms. It is quite evident that Matthew has built an impressive academic resume in technology. His hard work, passion, and creativity allow him to be a true innovator in his field. We are excited to hear about his future endeavors and are confident in his bright future ahead! Congratulations Matthew!