Class of 2021 Top Ten Highlights

Nick Young, Class Rank #1

Nick will be continuing his education at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in pre-med, with the end goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon. He is the son of Bret & Teri Young, and a graduate of Queen of Peace School in Hamilton.

He applied to University of Cincinnati, Ohio State University, Duke University, and received the following scholarships: Fairfield Community Foundation Joe Nuxhall Scholarship, Jean and William Wolf Memorial Scholarship, Manitsas Health Services Scholarship and the Cincinnatus Century Scholarship plus additional scholarships from each school.

Nick played varsity golf, earning Third Team All GCL (2019), Second Team All GCL (2020), and Cincinnati.com Boys Division II Second Team (2020). He was also a member of National Honor Society and the Badin Ambassador Program.

Top Ten Favs!

• Nick’s favorite thing about Badin was his Kairos experience.
• Favorite class was Chemistry
• Favorite Badin teacher was Mrs. Breetz and her ‘Motivational Mondays.’

Congrats Nick!

AJ Enginger, Class Rank: #2 (tied)

AJ will be continuing his education and baseball career at Thomas More University, majoring in Exercise Science, with the end goal of becoming a physical therapist and/or a licensed Strength and Conditioning Coach. He is the son of Chris and Lori Enginger and a graduate of Queen of Peace School in Hamilton.

During high school, AJ was a 2-year Varsity Basketball player, 3-year Varsity Baseball starter, 2019 GCL Coed Player of the Year, 1st Team all-GCL, 1st Team all-city (Cincinnati) and Badin’s December 2020 Student of the Month.

He applied to Thomas More University, Miami University, Ohio State University and the University of Cincinnati, receiving the Thomas More University Presidential Scholarship.

Top Ten Favs!

• AJ’s favorite memories of Badin include leading Kairos and being involved in the Badin Baseball program for 4 years.
• Favorite class was AP Biology with Mrs. Breetz.
• His favorite teacher was Mr. Cole, who always knows how to make class a new adventure every day and initiates the most entertaining conversations of anyone I know. Mr. Cole is a great teacher and a true genuine person.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? Being at school during the pandemic has helped me appreciate being around my classmates and teachers and experiencing in-person school as it should be. It is still tough to have missed out on a lot of events in the fall and winter, but being in school is amazing, nonetheless.

Did you know? AJ was the first person in his family to attend Badin!

Congrats AJ!

Logan Hage, Class Rank: #2 (tied)

National Merit Commended Student

Logan will be continuing her education at Rhodes College in Memphis, TN., majoring in biochemistry with the goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist. Logan is the daughter of Chris Hage and Sandra Morgan, and graduated from St. Gabriel Consolidated School.

During her time at Badin, Logan was involved in the Scholar Leader Academy, National Honor Society, Service Leadership Board, Ambassador Program, Magnified Giving, Hamilton Living Water Ministry Outreach, Badin Girls Soccer and club soccer. She received the following awards: Service Learning Award, Badin Merit Scholarship, and the Daniel Francis Pate Memorial Scholarship.

Logan applied to Rollins College, Drexel University, Rhodes College, Wake Forest University, College of William & Mary, Tufts University, Emory University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, and Columbia University, and received the following scholarships:
Procter & Gamble Scholarship
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kezur Memorial Scholarship
Isabel Beardsley Memorial Scholarship
Rollins College Dean’s Scholarship
Rollins College Donald J. Cram Scholar
Rhodes College Presidential Scholarship
Drexel University Dean’s Scholarship

Top Ten Favs!

• I've had amazing service experiences through the Badin Christian Service Program especially through Badin Action Days, Shantytown, Night for the Fight, and the Service Leadership Board. My service experiences exposed me to a lot of issues that are important to me and have changed my perspective on social justice issues.
• Favorite class at Badin: Chemistry II
• Favorite Badin teacher/staff: Mrs. Halverson, because she has been a huge part of my Badin experience since I was a sophomore, and I know I can depend on her for help with any type of school, service, or personal issue.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? COVID-19 made my college decision making process extremely difficult because all of my prospective schools were out of state and had restricted touring options. It also took away many of my senior year experiences like the Back to School dance, a regular soccer season, Senior Homecoming, student sections, and more, but it has made me appreciate my time with my friends and extended family because of the times I was unable to see them. I also really appreciate Badin for trying to give us the most normal senior year possible given the circumstances, especially when a lot of other schools didn't.

Congrats Logan!

Logan Japikse, Class Rank #2 (tied)

Logan is the son of Philip and Amy Japikse and graduated from Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary. He will be attending trade school.

Congrats Logan!

Eli Pappas, Class Rank #2 (tied)

Eli will be attending the University of Cincinnati majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He is the son of Brett and Kathryn Pappas and graduated from Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary.

While at Badin, Eli was a member of the Badin Scholar Leader Academy and participated in: TEAMS, National Honor Society, Badin Archery, Badin Track and Field, Indoor Track, INTERalliance, and the Badin Golf Team.

Eli applied to the University of Dayton, University of Alabama, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, Miami University, and Harvard University. He has received the Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award, as well as scholarships from the following: University of Dayton, University of Alabama, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky and Miami University.

Top Ten Favs!

• My favorite part of my Badin experience has been all of the activities that I've been able to participate in outside of classes.
• Favorite class at Badin: Physics
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mr. Merz, he has always challenged me in the classroom and was able to teach at a pace where I can learn as much as possible, as well as improving my overall work ethic when it came to school.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? COVID-19 and the changes in schooling negatively impacted me in our online schooling. At the start of our quarantine, nobody was ready for what online school entailed. Initially, the teachers were unable to make a solid lesson plan due to the unpredictability of COVID. In a positive light, COVID supplied a much needed break from the day-in day-out grind of school, activities and homework.

Other interesting information: Eli enjoys playing the piano, and building computers and Legos.

Congrats Eli!

Emma Trusock, Class Rank #2 (tied)

Emma will be furthering her education at St. Louis University, majoring in Physical Therapy. She hopes to be a PT working in an outpatient clinic, and hopefully with children. She is the daughter of Chris and Julie Trusock, and graduated from Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School.

While at Badin, Emma participated in the following activities: National Honor Society, Varsity Girls Volleyball, Varsity Track, Student Council, Night for the Fight, Badin Ambassador, Retreat Leader, and a Graeter’s Ice Cream employee.

She has received the following awards while at Badin: T.E.A.M (teach, enforce, advocate, model), Badin Volleyball Award (highest honor given to any Badin Volleyball athlete) 2018, OHSAA Courageous Student Award, Team Academic All-Star Award 2017, 2018 (GCL League), Merit National Community Service Award from Innerview 2018 (20+ hrs), Honor National Community Service Award 2019 from Innerview (40+ hrs), and National Community Service Award 2020 (100+ hrs) from Innerview.

Emma applied to St. Louis University, University of Dayton, Belmont University, Xavier University, University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, Vanderbilt University, Butler University, and Washington University and received the following scholarship: St. Louis University: Vice President Scholarship, Presidential Finalist Scholarship, and Catholic High School Award.

University of Dayton: Merit and Book Scholarship
Belmont University: Academic Merit Scholarship
Xavier University: Merit Grant, Muskie Grant, Early Filers Grant
University of Cincinnati: Cincinnatus Century Scholarship
University of Kentucky: Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship
Butler University: Academic Scholarship, Butler Grant

Top Ten Favs!

• My favorite part of my Badin experience has been being a part of the volleyball program, going on a service trip to Nazareth Farm, and attending and leading the retreats. Throughout my time at Badin, all of these moments have shaped me into the well-rounded and passionate person I am today.
• Favorite class at Badin: Physiology I and II
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Breetz was my favorite teacher at Badin because she has always had a positive and enthusiastic attitude toward teaching and has helped me find my love for science. She is also very relatable and cares about teaching her students life lessons in addition to the course work.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? Although COVID has canceled and/or changed many of the events that make the senior year of high school so special, I feel that I have been challenged to be creative during these months, especially through the planning of Student Council events. I believe that I have become a more adaptable person and have also learned to appreciate the small things in life including family time and taking time away from electronics. It was certainly difficult not being able to attend dances, football games, and many other fun activities. However, going through this adversity with fellow classmates made me realize the true value of being a part of the Badin Community. Our community became stronger this year and I felt like I was able to make new connections and friendships with many of my classmates.

Congrats Emma!

Madeleine Thompson, Class Rank #7

Maddie will be furthering her education at Centre College in Danville, KY, majoring in English Literature and Art. She is the daughter of Matt and Sara Thompson, and graduated from Queen of Peace School. Her future plans include becoming a technical editor, grant writer and medical illustrator.

During high school, Maddie was the girls’ varsity basketball team captain (District Champion and Regional Runner-Up 2020-21), having played girls basketball all four years, and a member of Badin Studio (Art). She received the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Silver Medal and the Middletown Arts Competition Best of Show, plus two Honorable Mentions.

Maddie applied to Marian University Indianapolis, Butler University, Xavier University, Miami University & Centre College and received the following scholarships: Marian University: St. Francis Academic Scholarship; Xavier University: Trustee Scholarship; Butler University: Academic Scholarship; Miami University: Academic Scholarship; Centre College: Faculty Scholarship & Visual Arts Scholarship.

Top Ten Favs!

• My favorite part was at the end of every school day, being able to walk into my Mom’s classroom after school so we could talk about each other’s day. I’m really going to miss that in college.
• Favorite class at Badin: My favorite Badin class is definitely Art IV because we do a lot of fun projects and it is a pretty independent class. Also, Mrs. Daniels and my 6 classmates in there made it really enjoyable.
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Daniels is my favorite teacher because she is literally always willing to help me on anything and goes out of her way to help me succeed. Plus, she is always telling jokes that crack me up.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? COVID-19 really gave me a deeper appreciation for in-person learning and being able to interact with my teachers and classmates in person. I am so grateful that Badin worked to stay in-person because it allowed me to learn so much more and to make so many more memories with friends.

Congrats Maddie!

John Kline, Class Rank #8 (tied)

John will be attending the University of Alabama, majoring in Chemical Engineering. He is the son of Chris Kline and Jen Kline and attended Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School. He would love to go to medical school after his undergrad degree and then work in a hospital.

While at Badin, John was a member of National Honor Society and Scholar Leader Academy, served as President of InterAlliance (tech club), played on the Badin Golf, Bowling, and Tennis teams, and was named Student of the Month (Oct 2019).

He applied to The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, University of Alabama, University of Dayton and received the following scholarships: University of Alabama- Presidential Scholarship and 10K Engineering Scholarship; a well as scholarships from the University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, and The Ohio State University.

Top Ten Favs!

• Favorite thing in high school: Hands down - August Kairos.
• Favorite class at Badin: French
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Heinrich because she is a phenomenal teacher. She makes us want to learn, by giving us the material we need and then allows us to work at our own pace.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? On the positive side, I was able to focus on sports more during Covid-19. On the negative side, I lost my junior year tennis season.

Congrats John!

Zach McElfresh, Class Rank #8 (tied)

Zach will become a Bearcat at the University of Cincinnati, majoring in Accounting this fall. He is the son of Robert and Jennifer McElfresh and graduated from Sacred Heart School. He would like to be an accountant for a well-known company.

Zach was a member of the Badin Bowling Team (grades 9-12) and the Archery Team (grades 9-11).

He applied to University of Cincinnati, Miami University, the University of Dayton, and Xavier University and received scholarships from all those schools.

Top Ten Favs!

• Favorite thing in high school: My favorite part of my Badin experience has been the community around me at Badin.
• Favorite class at Badin: Spanish
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mr. Merz because he has definitely been my most challenging teacher and I feel like his classes have done the most to prepare me for my future in the business world.

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? COVID-19 and the changes in schooling have affected me because during February, I was quarantined and had to do all of my normal school activities online for the week. In this, I can see both positive and negative effects. The positive being that I was still able to learn and that I was able to figure out a new learning platform and the negative being that I was unable to get the thing that you can't get without being inside the classroom. Also, I was unable to see my friends and classmates that week.

Did you know? Zach is a 4th degree black belt in Taekwondo!

Congrats Zach!

Hannah Moss, Class Rank #10

Hannah will be attending the University of North Carolina Wilmington, majoring in Exercise Science. Her career goal is to be physical therapist. Hannah is the daughter to Jim and Tammy Moss and attended St. Ann School in Hamilton.

Hannah was a member of the Scholar Leader Academy, National Honor Society, varsity volleyball, and received first honors, honor awards for community service, and a merit award for community service.

She applied to UNC Wilmington, UNC Charlotte, Xavier University, Miami University, University of Cincinnati and received the following scholarships: University of North Carolina - UNCW Distinguished Merit Scholarship, Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship; Xavier University – Presidential Scholarship & Queen City Grant; Miami University – RedHawk Excellence Scholarship; Mercy Health Fairfield Auxiliary - Jane Malone Auxiliary Scholarship.

Top Ten Favs!

• Favorite thing in high school: Attending sporting events and games
• Favorite class at Badin: Physiology I and II
• Favorite Badin teacher: Mrs. Long, as she has always been there for me since freshman year, through it all. \

How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you? Remote learning is a struggle and made me appreciate in-person learning and how much teachers put into their work and getting us prepared for college.

Did you know? Hannah is the last of six siblings to graduate from Badin!

Congrats Hannah!

See previous years' Top Ten:

• Class of 2020 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2019 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2018 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2017 Top Ten Here
• Class of 2016 Top Ten Here