Student of the Month - November 2025
La Porte High School: Program Director Phil Freese presents the award to Andrew Bussee. Andrew excells in Academics, studies Robotics, and hopes to attend Purdue University to study Astro-Physics.
Marquette High School: Phil Freese presents the award to Akeksandar Pecoski. Aleksandar has a 4.4 gpa, is active in student government, plays point/shooting guard on the basketball team, and volunteers time for local soup kitchens. He plans to study pre-med at IU or Purdue University.
Michigan City High School: Program Director Phil Freese presents the award to Mariana Ramos. Mariana is on the Principals’ Honor Roll, has been named the Outstanding Student of the Health Careers Academy Program and plays Volleyball. She plans to attend Valparaiso or Purdue University.
Student of the Month - October 2025
Michigan City High School: Program Director Phil Freeze presents the award to Alexis Gresham. Alexis became South Shore Public Relations' first High School Intern where real world experience in Public Relations and Marketing will be obtained. Future education includes Yale University.
La Porte High School: Program Director Phil Freeze presents the award to Ekaterina Hatzikostantis. Ekaterina was a finalist for Homecoming Queen, excels in academics and is a member of the National Honor Society. She will be attending Indiana University, Bloomington.
Marquette High School: Program Director Phil Freeze presents the award to Enrico Ortega-Chick. Enrico is a solid part of the Marquette Basketball Team, playing Point Guard. Academically, he is in the top 5% of his class and hopes to attend Notre Dame.
Student of the Year and Ace Award Winners 2025
The A.C.E. Scholarship winner Michale Walker
The “Accepting the Challenge of Excellence” (A.C.E.) Award honors students who have overcome adversity, to graduate high school and move their lives in positive directions. Michale was able overcome a speech problem. He enjoys being a mentor for other youths who are working to overcome speech issues like he faced. Michale will be attending IU South Be
Student of the Year from Michigan City High School is: Madelyn Shinn
Madelyn read her essay which was very thought-provoking and provided reasons which helped shape her desire to seek a medical career. She will be pursuing her medical studies at Northwestern University.
Madelyn has also been awarded Exchange Club Indiana Student of the Year. For this honor she will be receiving a $1,500 prize and
Student of the Year from LaPorte High School is: Drew Bush
Drew shared his essay with those in attendance today. He described how he found his purpose through helping others, by holding study sessions and mentoring other students to better understand certain math concepts. He was class Valedictorian for LaPorte HS., captain of the tennis team and participated in several other activities. Drew wi
Student of the Month - March 2025
La Porte High School Student of the Month: Caitlyn Carnes
Caitlyn participates in Cross Country, Soccer, Basketball and Football, in addition to her academic achievements.
Marquette High School Student of the Month
Alexandria Shoppa
Alexandria has won awards in Golf, participates in Theater and plans to attend Purdue University, Ft Wayne.
Michigan City High School Student of the Month
Nicholas Salcido
Nicholas excels in academics, achieving a coveted spot on the Principals Honor Roll.
Michigan City High School Student of the Month - February
Naomi Williams
Naomi has achieved a spot in the National Honor Society.
Student of the Month - January 2005
Emerson Rowley, from Marquette High School, was captain of the soccer team and participated in many other activities through out the year. She will be attending St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA, pursuing a degree in Psychology with hopes of becoming a Physical Therapist
Kushi Patel, from Michigan City High School is a member of the National Honor Society, a cheerleader and a volunteer for the Salvation Army. She plans to attend Indiana University - Bloomington, to continue her education.
Caroline Wildfang, from La Porte High School, ran Cross Country as well as specializing in long-distance on the Track Team. She volunteers to serve hot meals in the community and is considering a college degree in Political Science or Biomedical Engineering
Student of the Month Awards - November 2024
From Marquette High School:
Madison Najar.
Madison’s resume includes both high academic achievements as well as award winning golf performances while playing for Marquette. Madison will be continuing her education at Edgewood College where plans to study Physical Therapy.
From Michigan City High School:
John Zaknoun.
John plays soccer and football,
in addition to participating in the Spanish Club and National Honor Society. He is considering IU, Purdue or Butler for continuing his education. John is looking to pursue a degree in Biology.
From Laporte High School:
Sugele Escutia-Jacuinde.
Sugele participates in various activities including the Spanish Club. Sugele has earned several certifications in the medical field while taking multiple nursing classes.