Class of 2020 Top Ten Highlights

Will Giffen

Class Rank: # 1 (Tied)
Parents: Mike and Marie Giffen
Plans to attend: Washington University in St. Louis
Majoring in: Math & Computer Science
Grade school: Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School
Career goals after college: I would love to end up working in sports data analysis for a company like ESPN.
Favorite thing in high school: Having opportunities to grow my faith through retreats and Christian service activities
Favorite class at Badin: Programming and Storycraft
Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Breetz- Science has never been my favorite subject to learn, but her classes have been some of my favorite because of the lessons/skills she taught that were beyond science.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: Varsity Soccer- 3x captain, 2x 1st Team All-GCL and All-City; Volleyball; Academic Team; President of National Honors Society; Badin Service Leadership Board; JETS; Student of the Month; National Merit Commended Scholar; University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology; AP Scholar with Honor
Scholarships received: Academic scholarships from Marquette University, Saint Louis University, University of South Carolina, and University of Dayton
Colleges applied to: University of Dayton, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, Georgia Tech, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon University, Marquette University, Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, Villanova University, Vanderbilt University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? I have realized how many things in my normal life are so valuable, especially school and sports. Not being able to see friends or play and watch sports has been very challenging. However, I have enjoyed spending valuable time with my mom, dad, and younger sisters.
Other interesting information: I simulated my own March Madness tournament after the real one was cancelled.

Nathan Hogan

Class Rank: # 1 (Tied)
 

Adam Salek

Class Rank: # 1 (Tied)
Parents: Mark and Christy Salek
Plans to attend: University of Notre Dame
Majoring in: Psychology and Global Affairs
Grade school: Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School
Career goals after college: I plan on going to grad school and getting a masters in school counseling. I want to become a guidance counselor at a high school. This would allow me to help students in situations similar to my own and hopefully lead me back to Badin one day.
Favorite thing in high school: My favorite part of my Badin experience was the service program. I was lucky to go on service trips to West Virginia and Guatemala and I involved myself pretty heavily with Magnified Giving. Being on the Service Leadership Board this past year allowed me to get even more involved in the Hamilton community and service at Badin. Through the service program I was able to serve at many nonprofits throughout Hamilton such as Hope’s Closet and Serve City and it really made a big impact on my Badin experience.
Favorite class at Badin: AP English with Mrs. Thompson
Favorite Badin teacher: Mr. Keating. He was always very energetic in class and he made APUSH really fun. I would also say he’s a really good friend to me. He is very compassionate and he is always looking out for all of his students.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: Varsity and Club Volleyball, Badin Ambassador, Service Leadership Board, Community Service- about 50 hours a year, Student Council, National Honor Society, Scholar Leader Academy, St. Michael’s Book Award for Academic Achievement and Social Conscience
Scholarships received: I received over $725,000 in academic scholarships from all the schools I applied.
Colleges applied to: University of Notre Dame, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Wake Forest University, University of Dayton, Marquette University, University of Alabama, Xavier University, Loyola University Chicago, West Virginia University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? The closing of schools has made it really difficult to stay motivated with my schoolwork. Motivation is pretty hard to come by without your classmates and teachers there with you. It is also very upsetting to not get to see my friends everyday. I also lost my last season of volleyball and my senior night. However I also have more time now to spend outdoors and in reflection. I now have a stronger feeling of gratitude for my friends and other blessings in my life.

Sophie Tischler

Class Rank: # 1 (Tied)
Parents: Amy and Greg Tischler
Plans to attend: Louisiana State University
Majoring in: Biology
Grade school: St. Peter in Chains
Career goals after college: I would like to be a physician but I do not have my heart set on a particular field of medicine as of now
Favorite thing in high school: The people at Badin, students and faculty, truly make going to school a good experience. I have so many people at Badin who I trust, and who can cheer me up any day.
Favorite class at Badin: AP U.S. History
Favorite Badin teacher: Mr. Keating, his positive attitude made having a very difficult class eighth bell enjoyable. In his class I was truly able to be myself and step outside my comfort zone while also learning a lot.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: National Honors Society Vice President and Service Coordinator (one year), Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Volunteer (two years), Stephen T. Badin High School Swim Team Captain (on team all four years, Captain senior year), Stephen T. Badin High School Ambassador (all four years), TEAMS competitor (JETS) (two years), Stephen T. Badin High School Scholar Leader Academy (all four years), Miami University Aquatic Club Makos Swim Team (all four years and before high school), New London Hills Swim Club swim team (all four years and before high school), Stephen T. Badin High School Academic Award (all four years), Selected for Cooperative for Education service trip to Guatemala, Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, Community Service Merit Award
Scholarships received: Over $322,000 in Academic scholarships, including: Academic Scholarship to Baylor;Joe Nuxhall Scholarship; University of Dayton- Trustees’ Merit Scholarship, Leadership in Service Scholarship, and Commitment to Catholic Education Award; Louisiana State University - Flagship Scholar Nonresident Award and Tiger Alumni Legacy Scholarship; The Ohio State University- Maximus Scholarship
Colleges applied to: Louisiana State University, University of Wisconsin- Madison, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Baylor University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? I am very sad to not be able to finish high school surrounded by the friends I’ve made over the past four years. I really miss seeing everyone and this is honestly the last thing I would ever want to happen my senior year. It is difficult to fight senioritis from home. I am really hoping to be able to have a senior week still, and of course a graduation and prom. The only positives for me are getting to spend time with my family before I leave for college.

Jack Feenstra

Class Rank: # 5
Parents: Craig & Rhonda Feenstra
Plans to attend: Purdue University
Majoring in: Engineering
Grade school: St. Ann Catholic School
Career goals after college: Engineer, Aerospace or Mechanical
Favorite thing in high school: Making great friends, getting involved and excited about service, and going on and leading Kairos
Favorite class at Badin: Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Engineering III)
Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Heinrich, because although chemistry was a challenging subject, she made the class fun and was always available to help.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: National Merit Scholar - Commended Student, Eagle Scout - BSA Troop 944, Service Leadership Board Member, Unified for Uganda - Chapter Leader, Scholar Leader Academy - Tutoring Program Certificate of Recognition, Student Ambassador - Ambassador Officer, National Honor Society, Senior Kairos Retreat Rector, Sophomore HOPE Retreat Leader, JETS, Magnified Giving, Tennis, Claybusters, National Community Service Award - 3 years in a row, First Honors - Honor Roll
Scholarships received: Various merit and academic scholarships from The University of Alabama, University of Cincinnati, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Dayton, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, The Ohio State University, Purdue University, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and the University of Wyoming.
Colleges applied to: The University of Alabama, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Cincinnati, Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Dayton, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University , The Ohio State University, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Wyoming.
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? Negative: Miss out on senior year activities with my friends. Positive: Gives me a better perspective of gratitude.
Other interesting information: I was thrilled to have the opportunity to go on an educational trip to Italy sponsored by the Wilks Family Foundation, throught the Hamilton Community Foundation, and grateful to have gone on a service trip to Guatemala while I was at Badin.

Colin Crank

Class Rank: # 6
Parents: Jason and Katie Crank
Plans to attend: University of Cincinnati
Majoring in: Finance and Interdisciplinary Biology
Grade school: St. Peter in Chains
Career goals after college: A financial planner or physician, possibly a dermatologist.
Favorite thing in high school: Going to Spain, France, and Italy for the annual Europe trip.
Favorite class at Badin: AP Biology
Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Whitney Oliver because she’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about travel and experiencing other cultures. Thanks to her, one of my goals after high school is to become fluent in Spanish.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: Student Council, Badin Ambassador, National Honor Society, Scholar-Leader Academy, Service Leadership Board, Magnified Giving, Swim Team, Cross Country Team, and attended Sisters of Notre Dame Leadership Conference in Boston
Scholarships received: University of Cincinnati Cincinnatus Scholarship, Lindner College of Business Honors Scholarship, Miami University Redhawk Excellence Scholarship, University of Dayton Trustees’ Merit Scholarship, Xavier University Trustee Merit Scholarship
Colleges applied to: University of Cincinnati, University of Dayton, Miami University, Xavier University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? During the closure, I have had a lot of independence to do my work, exercise, and spend time outside whenever I want really. However, I would much rather be able to see my friends and teachers at Badin. It’s definitely been difficult not having a normal last two months of senior year, but I’ve found a new normal in this abnormal situation.
Other interesting information: I was accepted into the Kolodzik Business Scholars Program at the University of Cincinnati, so next year I will be able to travel to Chicago, Montreal, and possibly Scotland and Ireland.

Emily Sauer

Class Rank: # 6
Parents: Mary Lou Sauer, Steve Sauer
Plans to attend: The Ohio State University
Majoring in: Major: Biology, Minor: Business and Spanish
Grade school: Saint Peter in Chains
Career goals after college: I plan to be an Orthodontist
Favorite thing in high school: The summer before my junior year, I went on the Europe trip organized by Mrs. Oliver. We went to five different countries, and it is still one of the best experiences I have ever had. This has led me to want to study abroad in college, and become fluent in Spanish.
Favorite class at Badin: AP Biology
Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Breetz. Although each teacher I have had the past four years have all been great, Mrs. Breetz is by far the best. She goes above and beyond to help my classmates and I understand the material, all while making it fun and interesting. I feel so lucky to have been in her class again this year, because I will be majoring in Biology next year, and to have had the opportunity to lead a Kairos with her as well. Mrs Breetz is one of the best people I know, and she has helped me keep a positive outlook throughout my senior year, and even now during this pandemic.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: Tennis: First Team All League GCL Award, honorable mention GCL; Two time recipient of the Cincinnati Tennis Coaches Association Award; Swim Team: Coach’s Award for Leadership; Cheerleading: most spirited; Student Council, 4 year member, executive president senior year; Scholar Leader Academy; JETS, National Honor Society - Secretary/Treasurer; Summer in Solidarity; George Washington University Book Award for Leadership; 1st Honors all four years
Scholarships received: Xavier University: Trustee Scholarship; Miami University: Merit Scholarship; Univeristy of Dayton: Trustees’ Merit Scholarship, Commitment to Catholic Education Award; University fo Cincinnati - Cincinnatus Century Scholarship; The Ohio State University: Provost Scholarship
Colleges applied to: Ohio State University, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, Miami University and Xavier University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? Positively: allowed me to spend more time with family and relax from always having a busy schedule, rediscover my love of doing puzzles. I feel like this is a prep for how college will be next year. Negatively: This time really tested my patience with online learning and creating my own schedule of when to do homework. I miss my friends and miss school and my teachers, I hate that we are missing out on the last part of our senior year

Caitlin Savage

Class Rank: # 8
Parents: Jim and Maureen Savage
Plans to attend: Purdue University
Majoring in: Biomedical Engineering
Grade school: Lakota Plains Jr. High School
Career goals after college: I want to work in a hospital or lab, dealing with cellular and tissue engineering or designing new prosthetic devices and surgical tools.
Favorite thing in high school: My favorite part of my Badin experience has been the amazing connections I have made with people, both friends and teachers. It's always been clear at Badin how much the students are cared for by each other and by the faculty and staff.
Favorite class at Badin: Physiology
Favorite Badin teacher: Although I love the entire science department, I have to say that Mrs. Heinrich has been my favorite teacher at Badin. After two years of her classes, it's clear the amount of work that she puts into everything she does, like the lab kits and the Science Carnival. She is always patient with us, even after she spends so much time setting up labs for us that we can't figure out how to do. She recognizes the importance of teaching us about the uses of chemistry in the real world, and is always very understanding and willing to negotiate so that we're not overwhelmed by work and everything else we have going on in our lives.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: I was involved in Magnified Giving, Academic Team, National Honor Society, Scholar Leader Academy, and I volunteer weekly at Fort Hamilton Hospital. I have been awarded First Honors every quarter and received the Brown University Book Award.
Scholarships received: Received over $290,000 in merit scholarships from: University of Kentucky, Purdue University, Ohio State Univesity, of Cincinnati, University of South Carolina, and the University of Dayton.
Colleges applied to: University of Kentucky, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of South Carolina, University of Dayton, University of Notre Dame
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? The closing of school due to COVID-19 has made me miss my friends and teachers and activities greatly. Although I know that the closing is for good reason, it saddens me to know that I have probably had my last day of school at Badin and I didn't even know it, and all the things I have been looking forward to for four years like graduation and prom and senior week are being taken away. However, it has made me realize to never take my blessings for granted. It has made me appreciate how much I need the people in my life and I am so lucky to have a roof over my head and a loving family.
Other interesting information: I intend to minor in Spanish in college.

Ellie King

Class Rank: # 9
Parents: Kristen and Anthony King
Plans to attend: University of Cincinnati
Majoring in: Nursing
Grade school: St. Ignatius
Career goals after college: I hope to work for Cincinnati Children’s in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Favorite thing in high school: My favorite part has been meeting so many unique and caring people. I know that I can trust the people that I’m around, and it’s just a very unique environment.
Favorite class at Badin: Mrs Collins’ Physiology I and II
Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Thompson because she is a very caring and funny person. She really cares about you as a person and always asks how you are doing. She makes class fun and interesting.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: Badin Ambassador, Scholar Leader Academy, Magnified Giving, National Honor Society, First Honors all four years, Merit Award for service
Scholarships received: Received over $122,000 in merit scholarships as follows: The Cincinnatus Scholarship from University of Cincinnati, The Merit Award from Xavier University, The RedHawk Excellence Scholarship from Miami University.
Colleges applied to: University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Xavier University, and Ohio State University
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? The coronavirus closing has been both an experience of growth and frustration. I am upset because I am missing out on a lot of the things that I should be experiencing as a senior. It’s also sad to not be able to see my friends and teachers in the last few months that I have with them, so this experience has definitely been one of frustration and patience. But, I do think that this experience has taught me more about slowing down and being more aware of what and who is around me. It has made me realize how much I take hanging out with family and friends for granted, so I think this experience will help not only me but a lot of people learn more about being grateful.
Other interesting information: I love to do service. I really enjoy working at the Boys and Girls Club especially because I feel like I can really connect with those kids, and I really feel like I’m making a difference.

Andrea Clark

Class Rank: # 10
Parents: Elizabeth & Brian Clark
Plans to attend: Kent State University
Majoring in: Biomedical Sciences
Grade school: St. Peter in Chains
Career goals after college: I want to become a doctor and as of right now I want to be a surgeon.
Favorite thing in high school: My favorite part of Badin was leading Kairos.
Favorite class at Badin: Physiology.
Favorite Badin teacher: My favorite teacher was Mr. Keating because he was always so enthusiastic about his course and his students, and his energy is contagious.
Extra-curricular Activities & Awards: I am a part of the Junior State of America Club, the National Honor Society, and the History Club. I was a Kairos leader, an assistant girls volleyball coach, and a camp leader at girls volleyball camp. I have played school volleyball since fourth grade and club volleyball since seventh grade. And I currently volunteer at a donation closet called Rethreads and am an assistant boys volleyball coach. I have received service hour awards every year at Badin, varying between 40 and 70 hours, and I have made the first honor roll each year.
Scholarships received: Received over $287,000 in merit scholarships including: Elks #93 Scholarship, Academic Achievement Award and Honors Distinction Award - Kent State University, a President’s Scholarship and Honors College Scholarship - Youngstown State University, David L. Rice Merit Scholarship and Out-of-State Top Scholar Award - The University of Southern Indiana, Ashland University Award – Ashland University, a CSU Provost’s Award - Cleveland State, Akron Guarantee Scholarship – University of Akron, University Freshman Academic Scholarship - Bowling Green University, and Trustee’s Scholarship from University of Findlay.
Colleges applied to: I applied to Kent State University, Youngstown State University, Cleveland State University, Ashland University, The University of Akron, The University of Findlay, and The University of Southern Indiana.
How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? The closing of school because of COVID-19 has kept me from seeing my friends but it has allowed me to spend time with my older sisters who would normally be at college.

See previous years' Top Ten:

• Class of 2019 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2018 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2017 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2016 Top Ten Here