The Class of 2023 is made up of 135 students
Top of Class
Emma Brecht
Class Rank: 1
- Parents:
- Lori Brecht
- Plans to attend:
- University of Alabama
- Majoring in:
- Pre-medicine
- Grade school:
- Sacred Heart of Jesus School
- Career goals after college:
- Medical School – deciding between a psychiatrist or emergency room doctor
- Favorite thing in high school:
- Going on Kairos has been my favorite part of my Badin experience.
- Favorite class at Badin:
- AP Bio and AP Language and Composition
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- My favorite Badin teacher is Mrs. Breetz because she is so passionate about what she teaches and genuinely cares for each and every one of her students. She not only focuses on lessons in the classroom but also dedicates her time to helping students live a happy and healthy life outside of school.
- Clubs:
- Scholar Leader Academy Vice President, Unified for Education, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, Student Ambassador
- Athletics:
- Sideline cheer, Competitive Dance
- Awards:
- Brown Book Award, Honor Roll – First Honors, College Ready Seal, Citizenship Seal, Science Seal, Certified Student Engagement Seal
- Scholarships received:
- University of Alabama (Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship), Ball State University (Presidential Scholarship), Miami University (RedHawk Excellence Scholarship, Prodesse Scholars Program), University of Tennessee (Volunteer Scholarship), Ohio University (OHIO Admission Promise Award, OHIO Excellence Scholarship, OHIO Tradition Scholarship, and OHIO Forward Scholarship), The Ohio State University (Provost Scholarship), University of Dayton (Trustees Merit Scholarship and the Commitment to Catholic Education Award), Bowling Green State University (University Freshman Academic Scholarship), and IUPUI (Jaguar Excellence Award)
- Colleges applied to:
- Ball State University, Bowling Green State University, Clemson University, Indiana University, IUPUI (Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis), Miami University, Ohio University, The Ohio State University, University of Alabama, University of Tennessee, University of Dayton, University of Michigan
- How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you?
- The COVID pandemic was a challenge for me. My study habits did not align well with online learning, and my mental health took a turn for the worse during the lockdown. Despite all the bad, I would not wish it away because COVID taught me how to adapt in the face of adversity, and to appreciate all that I have been gifted in my life.
- Other interesting information:
- I am a pickup line expert!
JJ Even
Class Rank: 1
National Merit Commended Student
- Parents:
- Robert and Christina Even
- Plans to attend:
- Indiana University Bloomington
- Majoring in:
- Neuroscience
- Grade school:
- Sacred Heart School, Fairfield
- Career goals after college:
- Medical School or a masters program in business. If the opportunity presents itself, I would love to be a sports psychologist/psychiatrist for a college program or professional sports team. I love to travel, and it would a great experience while staying closely involved with sports and a team atmosphere. If not, I plan to still become a psychiatrist and start my own practice.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite part of my Badin experience were going on my two service trips in back-to-back summers. I went to Jerusalem Farm with an amazing group of students from Badin, allowing me to grow relationships with a lot of seniors in the class above me. The second trip I went to was Bethlehem Farm. A few of us were met late at night after we drove from Pickerington Central High School for the volleyball state game to West Virginia. There, we met students from two other schools, one in Ohio and the other in Pennsylvania. We made some awesome friendships with some of the other students, many of whom I am still in contact with.
- Favorite class at Badin:
- CCP Physio II with Mrs. Breetz
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- My favorite Badin teacher is Mrs. Keating. Ever since I started participating in Student Council, she has always put my best interest first. She knows and understands how stressful planning and carrying out Spirit Week can be, and she has been nothing but supportive of me through that time. We have grown to have a great relationship over the last 3 years, and I am extremely grateful for it. Mrs. Keating truly cares about me and wants me to succeed to my fullest potential.
- Extra-curricular Activities & Awards:
- Student Council President, Service Leadership Board, National Honor Society, Scholar Leader Academy, Student Ambassador, 4-time varsity soccer starter (2-time team captain), 2-time varsity volleyball starter (2-time team captain), GCL League Honors in Soccer (Honorable Mention, Second Team, and First Team), GCL League Honors in Volleyball (Second Team), senior Kairos leader, University of Rochester Award, The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur Award
- Scholarships received:
- Florida State University (University Out-of-State Tuition Waiver), University of Miami (FL) (Ronald A. Hammond Scholarship), University of Alabama (Presidential Scholarship), Xavier University (Trustee Scholarship), University of Dayton, Loyola University Chicago (Presidential Scholarship), Indiana University (Dean's Scholarship & Hutton Honors College Scholarship)
- Colleges applied to:
- University of Michigan, University of Miami (FL), Virginia Tech, University of Southern California, University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, Florida State University, University of Dayton, Loyola University Chicago, Indiana University Bloomington, University of Alabama
- How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you?
- COVID has truly shown me how fortunate I am for the Badin staff here at school. During COVID, it was extremely difficult to speak to teachers about topics that were a bit confusing and difficult to understand. As soon as we got back to school, if anything, the communication between the students and the teachers had increased. You do not realize how important it is to have teachers in front of you that truly care about you until there are not there anymore. All of the teachers and staff have been blessings for me through my time here at Badin and I am extremely grateful for all of them.
- Other interesting information:
- Almost every single person in my family went to Roger Bacon, until my sister and I chose Badin.
Mary Giffen
Class Rank: 1
National Merit Finalist
- Parents:
- Marie and Michael Giffen
- Plans to attend:
- St. Louis University
- Majoring in:
- Major in Biology and minor in Urban Poverty Studies
- Grade school:
- Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary
- Career goals after college:
- After I receive my Bachelor's degree, I plan on going to medical school to become a doctor or to PA school to receive a Masters in Physician Assistant studies. Currently I want to be a doctor, probably an OB/GYN, but most importantly, I want to have a career where I can help others.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite part of my Badin experience has been my involvement in service. Service has helped me discover what I am passionate about and brought me close to many of my friends. I have especially loved getting to go on a service trip, participate in Shantytown, and be a part of the Service Leadership Board!
- Favorite class at Badin:
- 6th bell AP Language with Mrs. Gazin
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- My favorite teachers are Mrs. Breetz and Mrs. Gazin. Both of these teachers care so much about their students and have always been there for me when I'm having a bad day. They have taught me so much beyond just science and English, and helped me become a better individual all-around.
- Extra-curricular Activities & Awards:
- Service Leadership Board; National Honor Society (President); Cross Country (Team Captain); Magnified Giving; DIG; Swim Team; Lifeguard; Received the Notre Dame Book Award and Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. National Merit Finalist
- Scholarships received:
- National Merit Fifth Third Scholarship, St. Louis University (Vice President's Scholarship), University of South Carolina (Elite Award), University of Alabama (Presidential Scholarship), University of Kentucky (Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship), Loyola University Chicago (Presidential Scholarship), University of Tennessee (Volunteer Scholarship)
- Colleges applied to:
- St. Louis University; University of South Carolina; Loyola University Chicago; University of Kentucky; University of North Carolina; University of Alabama; Washington University in St. Louis
- How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you?
- Covid definitely made me appreciate being able to be at school in-person with all my friends and teachers!
- Other interesting information:
- My favorite food is Badin donut holes. My least favorite food is sour cream.
Jimmy Zettler
Class Rank: 1
National Merit Finalist
- Parents:
- Jim and Edwina Zettler
- Plans to attend:
- The University of Alabama
- Majoring in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Grade school:
- Sacred Heart of Jesus School
- Career goals after college:
- Accelerated Masters in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Masters in Business. (Jimmy has been accepted into the STEM Path to the MBA Program, as well as the Honors Program at the University of Alabama) After college, he wants to start his own business that creates innovative engineering solutions to modern problems.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite Badin experience was my Summer in Solidarity service trip to Pine Ridge in South Dakota.
- Favorite class at Badin:
- AP Physics II
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- Mrs. DeRosa is my favorite teacher at Badin because she is engaging and thoughtful. She makes sure to take the time to get to know every student and is willing to do whatever is necessary to help her students learn and develop as people. She always checks up on her students and would drop anything to talk to a former student that walks into her class.
- Awards:
- National Merit Finalist, All Academic Southwest Ohio, Erin Golding Memorial Scholarship, Scholar Leader Academy, National Honors Society, 2x Service Award.
- Activities:
- Varsity Golf (Team Captain), Soccer and Tennis (Team Captain), Badin Ambassador, Ski Club, Summer in Solidarity 2022 & 2023, Shantytown
- Scholarships received:
- The University of Alabama National Merit Finalist Scholarship, University of Dayton (Trustee’s Merit Scholarship), University of Kentucky (Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship, University Scholarship & College of Engineering Scholarship), The Ohio State University (Maximus Scholarship), Auburn University (Academic Presidential Scholarship), University of Cincinnati (Cincinnatus University Scholarship, CEAS General Scholarship & Students in STEM Scholarship)
- Colleges applied to:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Purdue University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Cornell University, Princeton University, Virginia Tech, Duke University, Harvard University, The Ohio State University, University of Notre Dame, Yale University, Dartmouth, University of Kentucky, University of Alabama, University of Dayton, University of Cincinnati, Auburn University
- Other interesting information:
- My favorite things to do at home are play guitar and bake bread.
Sydney Boomer
Class Rank: 5
- Parents:
- Jami and Stephanie Boomer
- Plans to attend:
- Northern Kentucky University
- Majoring in:
- Computer Science and Cybersecurity
- Grade school:
- St. James White Oak
- Career goals after college:
- I hope to eventually get my master's in computer science and cybersecurity.
- Extra-curricular Activities & Awards:
- Softball (FR/SO years), Basketball (FR year), Service Leadership Board, Scholar Leader Academy (SLA) - vice president JR year, president SR year. First honors every quarter/semester, National Honor Society, Badin Ambassador (4 years)
- Colleges applied to:
- University of Dayton, University of Tennessee, Miami University, Northern Kentucky University, The Ohio State University
Janie Pierce
Class Rank: 6
- Parents:
- Jennifer and David Pierce
- Plans to attend:
- University of Kentucky
- Majoring in:
- Neuroscience
- Grade school:
- Sacred Heart
- Career goals after college:
- I plan to pursue my masters degree and possibly attend medical school. I want to do research or be a Cognitive Neuroscientist.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite part of the Badin experience was being a member of the track team
- Favorite class at Badin:
- 6th bell AP Language with Mrs. Gazin
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- Mrs. Breetz was my favorite teacher a Badin, because she was not only a fun and enthusiastic teacher, but a great mentor who really cared about her students and wanted the best for them, especially when we did Motivational Mondays in her classes, or when she just helped us with anything we needed.
- Extra-curricular Activities & Awards:
- 4-Year Varsity Track & Field Athlete, National Honor Society, First Honor Roll, Merit and Honor Service Awards, Scholar Leader Academy (Service Coordinator), Magnified Giving Service Club, DIG -Diversity Inclusion and Growth Service Club
- Scholarships received:
- University of Cincinnati (Cincinnatus Century Scholarship), The Ohio State University (Provost Scholarship), Northern Kentucky University (Founders Level Scholarship), University of Kentucky (Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship and Futures Scholarship), University of Tennessee (Volunteer Scholarship)
- Colleges applied to:
- University of Kentucky, University of Cincinnati, University of Tennessee, Northern Kentucky University, The Ohio State University
- Other interesting information:
- Hot Cheetos, Dr. Pepper, and coffee are the main reasons I made it through high school!
Anthony Abata
Class Rank: 7
- Parents:
- Jeff and Jenny Abata
- Plans to attend:
- Miami University Oxford
- Majoring in:
- Biochemistry
- Grade school:
- St. John XXIII (Middletown, OH)
- Career goals after college:
- I hope to pursue my masters in biochemistry. I would like to participate in any kind of research through the biochemistry pathway.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite part of my Badin experience has been attending all the sporting events such as football, basketball, or volleyball.
- Favorite class at Badin:
- Honors Chemistry II
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- Mrs. Oliver - I love learning the Spanish language, and this class has helped me become a decent Spanish speaker. With Mrs. Oliver's fun and productive class, I have become proficient, as I will be travelling to Spain for 1 month this summer. Part of my success I owe to her, as she has helped me improve my skills a ton.
- Scholarships received:
- Anthony has received scholarships from the following universities: Kent State (Oscar Ritchtie Memorial Scholarship Academic Achievement Award, Honors Award Scholarship), University of Dayton (Trustee's Merit Scholarship), The Ohio State University (Provost Scholarship), Loyola University Chicago (Presidential Scholarship), Bowling Green State University (University Freshman Academic Scholarship), University of Cincinnati (Cincinnatus Scholarship), Miami University (RedHawk Excellence Scholarship, RedHawk Grant) Remarkable Futures Chick-fil-a Scholarship
- Colleges applied to:
- Miami University, Kent State University, University of Dayton, Bowling Green State University, University of Cincinnati, Loyola University Chicago, The Ohio State University
- How has COVID-19 and the closure of school affected you?
- COVID affected me in the slightest of ways. Quarantine during my freshman year passed by relatively quickly and without many problems. I feel like I mainly started to grow as a person during my junior and senior year. It is during this time that I grew both responsibly and physically. I still push myself to become a better person everyday, and that is due mainly to experiences during these 2 years.
- Other interesting information:
- I have worked at Chick-fil-a for 2 years and will have traveled to 3 continents by this upcoming summer!
Meagan Kirkendall
Class Rank: 8
- Parents:
- Heather and Matt Kirkendall
- Plans to attend:
- University of Dayton
- Majoring in:
- Finance
- Grade school:
- St. Peter in Chains
- Career goals after college:
- I plan on using my degree in Finance to further my career.
- Favorite thing in high school:
- My favorite part of my Badin experience is either attending football games with my friends, or my senior soccer season.
- Favorite class at Badin:
- My favorite class was Junior year religion with Mrs. Enderle.
- Favorite Badin teacher:
- My favorite teacher is Mr. Zimmerman because he makes history entertaining and is friendly and welcoming to everyone.
- Extra-curricular Activities & Awards:
- Badin Soccer 2019-2022 (Varsity Captain Senior Year, MVP Defense Junior and Senior Year, Second Team GCL Senior Year), Club Soccer 2019-2022, Badin Ambassador 2019-2023, Honor Roll - First Honors 2019-2023
- Scholarships received:
- Miami University (Red Hawk Merit Scholarship), University of Dayton (Trustees' Merit Scholarship), Saint Louis University (Vice Presidents' Scholarship and Catholic High School Award), Xavier University (Trustee Scholarship), Ohio University (OHIO Excellence Scholarship and Tradition Scholarship), Thomas More University (Merit Scholarship), University of Cincinnati (Cincinnatus Century Scholarship)
- Colleges applied to:
- St. Louis University, Thomas More University, Xavier University, Miami University, University of Alabama, University of Dayton, Ohio University, University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University