(Related: "2017 grads leave NDP with 'astounding' record of achievement")
On May 21, 2017, 176 young men and women walked across the stage at Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy and received their diplomas after four years at the school's upper division.
Among those who graduated were 28 young students who earned a place in Notre Dame Prep's 2017 valedictorian class.
At Notre Dame, traditional courses are weighted on a 4.000 basis, honors courses on a 4.500 basis, and Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses on a 5.0 basis. A student must have a cumulative GPA of at least 4.350 to be considered a valedictorian.
Entire class earns big numbers
According to figures released by Notre Dame Prep’s counseling department, this year’s class of graduating seniors earned an astounding total of $21,842,307 to date in academic scholarships from colleges and universities. That total amount of dollars works out to more than a $124,000 average for each member of the class, surpassing the average of the last two Notre Dame Prep graduating classes.
In addition, the Class of 2017 averaged 27.2 on the ACT, matching the Class of 2016 and several classes before that. (Note: Last year, the average composite ACT score for all Michigan students was 20.3, out of a possible 36.) The counseling department also said that this year’s graduates include 56 who scored a 30 or above on the ACT, which was the same number of last year’s class, and averaged a 1226 on the 1600 SAT. Notre Dame’s 2017 grads finished the year with an overall grade-point-average (GPA) of 3.81, an improvement over last year’s 3.76.
The Class of 2017 also features 42 candidates for the prestigious International Baccalaureate diploma. In addition, many of the finest colleges and universities across the country will welcome all of these graduates in the fall, including the University of Michigan, the University of Notre Dame and Columbia University.
And finally, perhaps most important, this year's graduating class logged more than 14,000 hours in community service—once again proving that besides turning out "academic scholars," Notre Dame continues to graduate "Christian people and upright citizens."
 Gabrielle Jacoby resides in Waterford with her parents, Mark and Denice Jacoby. Jacoby has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Jacoby was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Action for Africa, Stock Club, Peer Leader Program, Student Council President, Student Ambassador, served as The Warrior Institute Charity Event Coordinator, Forgotten Harvest, played Softball and Varsity Golf. Additionally, Jacoby created the organization Cyber Seniors to help senior citizens connect with family using technology, was a Yale Young Global Scholar and was awarded WXYZ-TV’s Best and Brightest Award. Jacoby plans to attend The University of Texas, Austin. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.521.
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 Anthony VanDieren resides in Bloomfield Township with his parents, Michael and Regina VanDieren. VanDieren has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, VanDieren was a member of the National Honor Society, Philosophy Club, School Recruiter and Co-Founder of the National Quiz Bowl Team, played Baseball, awarded AP Scholar with Honors, lead altar server, member of the Symphonic and Marching Bands. Additionally, VanDieren earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boys Scouts of America and was a research intern at Cranbrook Institute of Science. VanDieren plans to attend The University of Georgia. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.491.
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 Mariel Manzor resides in Rochester Hills with her parents, Alberto and Odette Manzor. Manzor has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Manzor was the Secretary of the National Honor Society, a member of National Spanish Honor Society, Leader for Freshman Retreat, Optimist Club, Debate Team, served as Treasurer of the Creative Writing Club, Peer Leader Coordinator, Vice President of Model United Nations, and Co-Founder and Vice-President of the CAS Club. Additionally, Manzor attended the Bioengineering and Biomedical Summer as well as the Summer Research Opportunity coordinated by Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. Manzor plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.480.
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 Montserrat Dorantes resides in Rochester Hills with her parents, Mr. Sergio Dorantes and Mrs. Maria Soto. Dorantes has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Dorantes was a member of the National Honor Society, Counseling Advisory Board, Peer Leader, SADD Club, Captain of the Softball Team, Captain of the Junior Varsity Basketball Team and Peer Leader Coordinator for transfer students. Additionally, Dorantes was awarded Gold and Silver Medals in the National Spanish Honor Exam and volunteered as a Soccer Coach for RSC-MICRO and TOPS. Dorantes plans to attend Hope College. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.474.
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 Nicholas Hariskos resides in Rochester Hills with his parents, Arthur and Anastasia Hariskos. Hariskos has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Hariskos was a member of the National Honor Society, National Chinese Honor Society, Peer Leader and Varsity Swim Team. Hariskos plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.460.
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 Gabriella Gonzales of Clarkston, is the daughter of Dr. Dale Gonzales and Ms. Suzanne Gonzales. Gonzales has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Gonzales was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Action for Africa, Pre-Med Club, Kairos Retreat Leader, Cyber Seniors, Peer Leader Coordinator, Co-Captain for Varsity Golf receiving All-State Academic, Ski Team receiving Individual All-State Academic and played softball. Additionally, Gonzales volunteered with Crittenton Hospital, helped seniors understand technology at Elmhurst Manor, tutored students at Rogers Elementary and served as Program Leader for a service project with Walton Charter Academy. Gonzales plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.453.
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 Jessica Jimenez resides in White Lake Township with her parents, Anthony and Deirdre Jimenez. Jimenez has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Jimenez was a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Stock Club, Quiz Bowl, Peer Leader Coordinator, tutor, volunteered at St. Patrick Parish and with the Power Company Kids Club and attended FJM Clinic a band leadership program in Dayton, OH. Additionally, Jimenez partnered with her sister to create the catering business Twice Baked, co-wrote the first book in a Fantasy book series, tutored elementary students and played the flute in the Pit Orchestra. Jimenez’s flute experience has awarded her First Division Solo Ensemble, as well as the opportunity to travel to Hawaii to play in the Salute to Valor aboard the Battleship Missouri on July 4, 2016, before a military audience in remembrance of Pearl Harbor. Jimenez plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.453.
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 Luke Adams resides in Milford with his parents, Tim and Linda Adams. Adams has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Adams was Captain of Varsity Football, Captain of Junior Varsity Basketball, President of the Multicultural Alliance and Founder of the Broadcasting Club. Additionally, Adams received MHSFCA First Team Academic All-State and volunteered with Buddy Break at Grace Church. Adams plans to attend Columbia University. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.440.
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 Julia Walter resides in Orion Township with her parents, Dr. Scott and Sabine Walter. Walter has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Walter was a member of the Killer Bees FIRST Robotics Team, Swim Team, Jazz Band, received a First Division Rating for Solo and Ensemble for the clarinet, hosted an Elders Prom at Elmhaven Manor, and was awarded Scholar Athlete Award and All American Academic Team. Additionally, Walter studied in Germany at the Institute Francais and completed an internship with Kuka Robotics in Augsburg, Germany. Walter plans to attend Michigan State University. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.437.
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 Tala Mahjoub resides in Rochester Hills with her parents, Dr. Zakwan and Manal Mahjoub. Mahjoub has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Mahjoub was a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leader, played Tennis and Basketball. Mahjoub plans to attend the University of Detroit Mercy. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.432.
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 Ryan Flaherty resides in Rochester Hills with his parents, Jay and Diane Flaherty. Flaherty has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Flaherty was a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leader, tutor, Pit Orchestra, Cross Country, Swimming, Bowling, Choir and Theater. Additionally, Flaherty is a National Merit Scholar. Flaherty plans to attend Hillsdale College. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.431.
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 Madeline Allard resides in Troy with her parents, Dr. Raymond and Ann Allard. Allard has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Allard was a member of the National Honor Society chosen as Sophomore Speaker at 2014 Honors Convocation and Senior Speaker at 2016 Honors Convocation, National Spanish Honor Society, Creative Writing Club, Communications Officer of Quiz Bowl, Treasurer of Champions for Life Club, Stage Manager of Stage Crew, Student Ambassador, Freshman Launch Leader, First Chair Saxophone of Concert Band, Lead Saxophone of Jazz Band, Saxophone Section Leader of Marching Band, FIRST Robotics Team and Campus Ministry Tech Crew. Additionally, Allard volunteered with Baldwin Center organizing canned food drives, Ss. Cyril and Methodius Slovak Catholic Church working at parish festivals, March for Life Organizer, Wash for Life Organizer and awarded the Fred J. Miller Achievement Award. Allard plans to attend The Catholic University of America. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.429.
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 Olivia Mears resides in Rochester with her parents Mr. Daniel Mears and Mrs. Rebecca Ehle. Mears has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Mears was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Varsity Club, Peer Leader Coordinator and Captain of Varsity Soccer. Additionally, Mears was awarded Disney Soccer Showcase Champions and MI Soccer State Cup Finalist, soccer coach for KickStart, Premier Soccer Complex. Mears volunteered outside of school as a tutor with Bound Together Pontiac, as well as food prep for Crossroads Soup Kitchen. Mears plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.421.
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 Richelle Wilson resides in Waterford with her parents, David and Kerry Wilson. Wilson has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Wilson was the Vice President of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, SADD, tutor, Eucharistic Minister at school masses, Captain of Junior Varsity Volleyball, Varsity Softball, AP Scholar with Honor, Academic All-State, and Fighting Irish Award Volleyball. Additionally, Wilson volunteered with Saint Patrick Parish as Confirmation Facilitator earning herself the Timothy Award. Wilson plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.408.
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 Halaina Jimenez resides in White Lake Township with her parents, Anthony and Deirdre Jimenez. Jimenez has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Jimenez was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, Stock Club, Clarinet Section Leader, Jazz Band, Theater, Peer Leader Coordinator for Freshman Retreat and AP Scholar. Additionally, Jimenez partnered with her sister to create the catering business Twice Baked, co-wrote the first book in a Fantasy book series, tutored students in clarinet and Spanish, volunteered with Lawrence Institute of Technology to restore Frank Lloyd Wright Affleck House, Blight Busters in Detroit, Salvation Army, St. Patrick’s Parish and Power Company. Jimenez’s clarinet experience has awarded her First Division Districts and State Solo Ensemble, as well as the opportunity to travel to Hawaii to play in the Salute to Valor aboard the Battleship Missouri on July 4, 2016, before a military audience in remembrance of Pearl Harbor. Jimenez plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.418.
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 Erica Nowosielski resides in Shelby Township with her parents, Scott and Roz Nowosielski. Nowosielski has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Nowosielski was the President for the Killer Bees FIRST Robotics Team, member of the National Honor Society, Social Justice Committee, Peer Minister, Campus Ministry Newsletter Lead, played the clarinet in the Band, elected Community Service Coordinator and volunteered at Gleaners Community Food Bank. Additionally, Nowosielski earned First Division Solo and Ensemble for Clarinet and National Spanish Exam Honorable Mention, also is a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at school masses as well as at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Nowosielski plans to attend Michigan State University. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.394.
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 Thomas Robbins resides in Brighton with his parents, John and Jacqueline Robbins. Robbins has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Robbins was the Member Coordinator for National Honor Society, member of the Spanish National Honor Society, Action for Africa, Varsity Swimming. Additionally, Robbins participated in Tae Kwon Do earning his 3rd degree black belt and volunteered as a tournament judge and assistant teacher and enjoys playing the piano. Robbins also volunteered with Gleaners Food Bank and St. Patrick’s Church working with developmentally challenged children. Robbins plans to attend the University of Notre Dame. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.392.
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 Kendel Kazyak resides in Commerce Township with her parents, Kurtis and Danielle Kazyak. Kazyak has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Kazyak was a member of the National Honor Society and Captain of Varsity Swim Team earning the award of All Catholic League, tutor, swim instructor, and a nanny for three children. In addition, Kazyak has volunteered with St. William School, Walton Charter Academy and Gleaners Food Bank. Kazyak plans to attend Marquette University. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.390.
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 Roy Gebara resides in Rochester Hills with his parents, Dr. Naji and Celine Gebara. Gebara has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Gebara was a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leader Coordinator, Student Council Representative, Lacrosse Team, tutored students at Rogers Elementary, Multicultural Alliance Club and Debate Club, has played the piano for 11 years and participated in judging several piano recitals. In addition, Gebara was a Leader on Kairos and National Society of High School Scholars. Gebara plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.390.
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 Eileen Haig resides in Rochester with her parents, Paul and Diane Haig. Haig has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Haig was the Treasurer of the National Honors Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Peer Leader Coordinator, Varsity Soccer, Soccer State Champions in 2016, Basketball, Student Ambassador, and Secretary of Varsity Club. In addition, Haig volunteered with Kensington Church, Counselor at Upland Hills, Michigan Humane Society’s Fire and Ice Festival and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Haig plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.388.
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 Calvin Burns resides in Lake Orion with his parents, Robert and Denise Burns. Burns has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Burns was a member of the National Honor Society, Notre Dame Prep Student Ambassador, Treasurer of Quiz Bowl, Jazz Band, Soccer, Bowling and Track. Additionally, Calvin was awarded First Division District Solo Trumpet. Burns volunteered with the Orion Township Public Library, Community Outreach volunteer and Media Minister with Christ the Redeemer Church, Youth Soccer Referee, and completed mission work during school breaks with Motor City Blight Busters. Burns plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.387.
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 Adam Ihm of Clarkston, son of James and the late Cathy Ihm. Ihm has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During his high school career, Ihm was a member of the National Honor Society, Basketball, Varsity Tennis, Stock Club, Computer Club and Chinese National Honor Society. In addition, Ihm was a volunteer at Light house, tutored students at Rogers Elementary, was a Tennis Scholar Athlete. Ihm plans to attend the University of Michigan. He graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.385.
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 Olivia Finn resides in White Lake Township with her parents, Gregory and Anne Finn. Finn has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Finn was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honors Society, Theater, Champions for Life Club, Marching Band, Symphony Band, tutor and All Catholic Team Member. Finn also volunteered with Grace Countryside Church, St. Patrick’s Parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Independence Village and at Milford Montessori. Her years of training in piano and flute have awarded her Solo and Ensemble Division 1 Rating for Flute Solo and National Federation Superior Rating 12 consecutive years for Piano Solo. In addition, Finn has trained in Ballet for 14 years, Tap for 8 years, Jazz/Contemporary Dance for 14 years and Pointe for .5 years. Finn plans to attend Calvin College. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.374.
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 Jacqueline Kenny resides in Rochester with her parents, Tom and Jennie Kenny. Kenny has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Kenny was a member of the National Honor Society, Creative Writing Club, Optimist Club, Model United Nations, Varsity Debate, Christians in Action, Jocelyn M. Artistic Photography Advisory Board, Rochester Hills Public Library Teen Advisory Board, Vice President of the Peer Leader Coordinator, Mackinac Island Governor’s Honor Guard, Girl Scouts, Chinese National Honor Society, Stock Club, Golf, Theater, and Founder of the CAS Club. In addition, Kenny has volunteered with Girls on the Run, St. Irenaeus South Oakland Shelter, as well as working as a journalist for Southern Oakland Township Living Magazine. Kenny has been awarded the Girl Scout Gold Award for creating the charity, Give the Look focused on empowering teens through events in schools that teach empathy, friendship and confidence, as well as providing beauty boxes filled with beauty products to help girls look and feel their best. She has also been awarded the Girl Scout Silver Award for her establishment of a book review website that focuses on language and modesty for teens. She is the Highest-Ranked Congressional Debater in the state of Michigan by the National Speech and Debate Association and Senior Patrol Leader in the Mackinac Island Governor’s Honor Guard. Kenny plans to attend the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.373.
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 Nicole Oska resides in Troy with her parents, Dr. Fadi and Rania Oska. Oska has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Oska was a member of the National Honor Society, Varsity Tennis, Ski Team, Peer Leader, Model United Nations and Band. In addition, Oska gave tennis lessons and volunteered with Sunrise Senior Living. Oska plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.368.
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 Sarah Bauer resides in Washington with her parents, Dr. David and Beth Bauer. Bauer has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Bauer was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Action for Africa, Peer Leader, Varsity Lacrosse, SADD and Choir. In addition, Bauer has been awarded Scholastic All Catholic, National Society of High School Scholars. Bauer has a passion for music studying the guitar, ukulele and piano for the past 7 years. Bauer plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.361.
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 Ila Batah resides in Bloomfield Hills with her parents, Dr. Fouad and Lina Batah. Batah has been named one of Notre Dame Prep’s Valedictorians. During her high school career, Batah has been a member of the National Honor Society, Secretary of the Spanish National Honor Society, President and Parliamentarian of Varsity Club, Student Ambassador, Champions for Life, Action for Africa, Basketball, Golf and Captain of Varsity Tennis. In addition, Batah attended MHSAA Sportsmanship Summit focusing on how to be a leader, March for Life, volunteered at the American Syrian Arab Cultural Association and developed a program to help Syrian refugees feel welcome in Michigan by providing proper education, transportation and tours around the state. Batah plans to attend the University of Michigan. She graduated from Notre Dame Prep with a grade point average of 4.352.
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About Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County. The school's upper division enrolls students in grades nine through twelve and has been named one of the nation's best 50 Catholic high schools (Acton Institute) four times since 2005. Notre Dame's middle and lower divisions enroll students in jr. kindergarten through grade eight. All three divisions are International Baccalaureate "World Schools." NDPMA is conducted by the Marist Fathers and Brothers and is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States and the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement. For more on Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, visit the school's home page at www.ndpma.org.