National Merit Semifinalists 2022

School-related activities and achievements: Frog Force Robotics Pneumatics Group Lead and Head Scout, Feed the Need Volunteer, Leverage Tutor (bilingual high school students tutoring elementary ESL students), International Student Ambassadors.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Franchi! I had the pleasure of having her as my teacher for two completely unrelated classes, and she would always make class engaging and encourage us to pursue our passions."

Favorite quote: “It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting” - Paulo Coelho, "The Alchemist”

Advice for future students: "Join clubs and classes that you are genuinely interested in, don't stress about what everyone else is doing."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love the wide range of classes and extracurricular opportunities offered. It helped me find my area of interest and explore my passions."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Tennis Captain and Regional Champion, HOSA Officer and State Finalist, Kids Are Scientists Too Vice President, Indian American Student Association, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. West because she always made class interesting and was funny, kind, and helpful." 

Favorite quote: "If you only do what you can do, you will never be more than you are." - Master Shifu

Advice for future students: "It's never too late to try something new." 

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "All of the diverse opportunities here as well as all of the friends I have made."

School-related activities and achievements: Three-time HOSA State finalist, Science Olympiad regional and state medalist, Philharmonic Orchestra member and consecutive superior ratings from the National Federation of Music Clubs.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Schmid. He made U.S. history a class that I looked forward to."

Favorite quote: "Without the rain there would be no rainbow."

Advice for future students: "Be consistent in whatever activities or goals you pursue, even if it's just for five minutes a day."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "Not only is there a variety of clubs and activities, but each individual club is full of passionate individuals who are dedicated to what they do."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA Co-President, National Honor Society, HOSA International Leadership Conference 5th Place in Parliamentary Procedure, DECA International Career Development Conference 6th Place in Hotel & Lodging Management, Link Crew Leader.

Favorite teacher: "One of my favorite teachers is Mrs.Maguire. I had her for AP Seminar my Junior year and she was always very supportive and made the class enjoyable!"

Favorite quote: "I would rather walk with a friend in the light, than alone in the dark." - Ria Bramhane

Advice for future students: "Enjoy high school, it goes by really quickly!"

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love being able to see my friends everyday and take classes I enjoy."

School-related activities and achievements: Class of 2023 President, Indian American Student Association Vice President, Captain of Novi Nazar (co-ed Indian fusion dance team), HOSA International Finalist, DECA International Finalist, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher:  "Mrs. Bonacorsi. English was something I always thought I was bad at, however, not only did Mrs. Bonacorsi give me skills to be a better writer, she helped me realize that I was already much more capable than I had thought."

Favorite quote: "Taking no chances means wasting your dreams." - Ellen Hopkins

Advice for future students: "Trust the process and believe in yourself and you'll be okay. If you follow your own path, and be there for yourself, your high school experience can be extremely fulfilling. Four years flies by fast; don't waste them trying to catch up to others."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "Our school has an amazing group of students, so what I enjoy most is meeting new people and exploring opportunities."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA Event Captain, Quiz Bowl Vice President, Genes in Diseases and Symptoms (GIDAS), Orchestra, Tennis, National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Frog Force 503 Team Member.

Favorite teacher: "I would be split between Mrs. Kalczynski and Mr. Didio. They are each extremely knowledgeable and willing to help their students succeed, both by creating very relaxed learning environments as well as accentuating the best way to learn the content. This sort of freedom can go a long way towards succeeding in a challenging class."

Favorite quote: "This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play." -- Alan Watts

Advice for future students: "Take more risks! High school goes by faster than you can imagine."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "There are so many opportunities available, and so many great communities to join. Being able to express passion in an environment like Novi is extremely fulfilling."

School-related activities and achievements: Marching Band Section Leader, FRC 503 Pneumatics Group Lead and Travel Team member, National Honor Society, Top 100 Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition, AMC 10 A Certificate of Excellence.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Helmkamp, he made hard concepts easy to understand and was always very helpful any time I struggled with the material."

Favorite quote: "You've got to be strong enough for love. It's very easy to be cool and cynical. It's very difficult to just let yourself go and be in love. You've got to be strong enough for that." — Noel Gallagher

Advice for future students: "Time management is critical: don't pile on too much to do and try to enjoy high school life!"

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "My friends and great teachers that make me feel welcome at school, as well as the variety of fun activities to participate in."

School-related activities and achievements: U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Honors Awardee, Varsity Tennis State Tennis Finalist, Violinist in Novi High Symphonic Orchestra, Math Club, National Honor Society, HOSA.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Didio, he would always make the class fun and entertaining."

Favorite quote: "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Nelson Mandela

Advice for future students: "Work hard and try your best in school. Join clubs that you feel passionate about and not because other people are doing them."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I like the culture and the diversity at Novi and the many opportunities offered here."

School-related activities and achievements: The Conrad Innovation Challenge Finalist, DECA International Career Development Conference Finalist in Hospitality Services Team Decision Making, University of Delaware Diamond Challenge Semi-Finalist for entrepreneurship, HOSA State Qualifier, Computer Science Research Assistant at Michigan State University.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs.Franchi - It's really evident how much she cares about students. She's always willing to help students just to nurture their intellectual curiosity. She really helped me develop a passion for programming and innovating."

Favorite quote: "Keep an open mind and try new things." - Manish Ileni

Advice for future students: "Explore and learn things that truly excite you."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I enjoyed the environment where learning is promoted above all."

School-related activities and achievements: Student Body President, HOSA Vice President, National Honor Society Vice President, Varsity Tennis, Spanish Club, Link Crew Leader, Summer Youth Dialogues Participant, HOSA International Leadership Conference Top 10 Finalist in Parliamentary Procedure, DECA State Leadership Conference Top 10 Finalist.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Schypinski! I have worked really closely with her for my entire high school career on Student Council events, and I really admire her work ethic and efficiency with tasks. She has such a positive energy and I can always relax when talking to her. She is the best!"

Favorite quote: "The only thing that is impossible is impossibility" - Phineas from Phineas & Ferb

Advice for future students: "Don't stretch yourself too thin. Find that perfect balance between extracurriculars, classes, and free time and you'll make your high school experience a memorable one."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love talking to my friends and the staff! The teachers here are much more personable and open than you think they are. Just because they teach Computer Science doesn't mean that they can't love Taylor Swift at the same time."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA President and International Leadership Conference Top 5 Finalist in Parliamentary Procedure, DECA International Career Development Conference qualifier for Marketing/Communications, Debate (top ten in league), Student Council, Co-created a non-profit called Driving For A Difference (to benefit educational inequality in metro Detroit).

Favorite teacher: "My favorite teacher is Mrs. Forster because she is always able to connect with her students in a positive way and inspire them to try their best."

Favorite quote: “Good is not good enough.” -- George Elengikal

Advice for future students: "Work smarter not harder."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I enjoy making lasting memories with my friends."

School-related activities and achievements: Politics Club President, Mock Trial, Varsity Tennis. Letter to the Editor was published in the New York Times in 2021. Received High Commendation in the John Locke Institute Global Essay Competition.

Favorite teacher:  "Mrs. Maguire. She absolutely had a knack for explaining things clearly, being receptive whenever I had questions, and fostering a really fun classroom environment. I definitely grew as a writer and researcher in her class."

Favorite quote: “I predict the Internet will soon go spectacularly supernova and in 1996 catastrophically collapse.” - Robert Metcalfe, 1995

Advice for future students: "Get sleep and don't pull all-nighters. Seriously."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I've always loved how (most) people here know how to find a balance between having fun and working hard. There are cool people wherever you find yourself."

School-related activities and achievements: Girls Varsity Tennis captain and No.1 singles, First-Team All-State  Division 1 Singles, HOSA International Leadership Conference Top Ten (two-time qualifier), DECA International Career Development Conference Qualifier, Novi ACEing Autism co-director.

Favorite teacher: "I've had many impactful teachers, and one of those has been Mrs. Maguire. Her infectious positive energy made classes much more enjoyable and information easier to digest."

Favorite quote: "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced." - Søren Kierkegaard

Advice for future students: "Focus on things one step at a time and don't overthink your future."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love how the students all strive to excel and that there are staff and courses available to satiate any curiosities."

School-related activities and achievements: Science Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad National qualifier, DECA State Finalist, Quiz Bowl, Recycling Club.

Favorite teacher: "Mr Helmkamp is my favorite teacher because he made learning chemistry an enjoyable and engaging experience."

Favorite quote: "Don't count the days, make the days count." - Muhammad Ali

Advice for future students: "Enjoy whatever you do, never feel forced to take a class or do an activity if you don't like it."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I liked the large selection of course offerings at NHS and the diverse student body."

School-related activities and achievements: DECA three-time state finalist and International Career Development Conference Qualifier, Varsity Ski Captain, Varsity Tennis, Major VI A Cappella Choir, National Honor Society, Math Club, Link Crew.

Favorite teacher: "I would have to say Mrs. Bonacorsi, Mrs. Forster, and Mrs. Franchi! They are incredible teachers that all do an amazing job covering the curriculum while making class engaging. They are always there to support and guide me and truly make me feel like they want to see me succeed which inspires me to work hard and have something to show for it."

Favorite quote: “I trust that everything happens for a reason, even if we are not wise enough to see it.” - Oprah Winfrey

Advice for future students: "Have fun with high school and do what interests you. Novi has so many opportunities to offer that can lead you to make great memories and meet some of the best people in your life. Also, prioritize sleep. That’s going to help you in the long run."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I like the wide variety of classes and activities offered and becoming a part of so many communities."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity FIRST Robotics, JV Quiz Bowl Team Captain, Math Club, Science Olympiad, American Invitational Mathematics Competition Qualifier.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Didio. He's really good at teaching and is very relaxed. He also introduced me to one of my favorite subjects, physics."

Favorite quote: "The most important step a man can take. It's not the first one, is it? It's the next one. Always the next step." - Dalinar Kholin

Advice for future students: "Sleep is amazing, so don't pull all-nighters."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I like the variety of classes and clubs, and seeing my friends every day."

School-related activities and achievements: Science Olympiad seven-time participant (Codebusters, Circuit Lab, Sounds of Music, It's About Time, Write it Do it, Experimental Design, and Dynamic Planet) and was on the state team in 2021. DECA, Math Club, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Full Orchestra. Section leader in the mellophone section and currently trumpet section leader and soloist. Two-time All-State High School Band qualifier. Have performed in eight outstanding Solo and Ensemble performances, and lone solo received a perfect score.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Diroff teaches my 3 favorite classes, all of which are Band. He's been a lot of fun to work with, but I think of him more as a director than a teacher. My favorite teacher of a more traditional class is Mr. Payton, due to his constant easygoing attitude and just general niceness. He taught the material, answered any questions, and then let us relax, which I really appreciated, especially junior year."

Favorite quote: "After all, what can we ever gain in forever looking back and blaming ourselves if our lives have not turned out quite as we might have wished? The hard reality is, surely, that for the likes of you and I, there is little choice other than to leave our fate, ultimately, in the hands of those great gentlemen at the hub of this world who employ our services." - Kazuo Ishiguro in The Remains of the Day

Advice for future students: "Standardized tests like the SAT are stupid. Don't stress over them. Just stay calm and use any shortcuts you know. These tests don't test your 'intelligence' so much as your ability to stay focused through several hours of unengaging busywork. There are a plethora of resources available to make taking such tests as painless as possible, so just try to stay focused and relaxed. This applies to all tests, but especially to the SAT. Scores and grades matter a lot more than they should, though, so don't completely disregard them."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I really appreciated the course selection, which I felt was diverse enough at least to satisfy my interests, enabling me to take most only courses that I was genuinely interested in. By far my favorite academic course was AP Statistics."

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School-related activities and achievements: Quiz Bowl Vice-President, Frog Force 503 team member, Recycling Club, Politics Club, Teen Volunteer Program in the summer at the Novi Public Library.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. White! He's the main reason why I still love history. Not only did he make the class fun and entertaining, but the topics as well."

Favorite quote: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill

Advice for future students: "Don't take classes you're unsure whether you're going to do well in. Instead, try to keep a good balance between classes you like and classes you need."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "Definitely the diverse community, as well as the plethora of classes and extracurriculars!"

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Swim Captain, KLAA Scholar Athlete, Novi Science Olympiad Vice President of Publicity, Quiz Bowl Vice President and Nationals qualifier, HOSA Event Captain and International Leadership Conference Finalist, Philharmonic Orchestra, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O’ Leary, because his teaching style and challenging exams pushed me to work harder and get better at calculus."

Favorite quote: "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney

Advice for future students: "Don't be afraid to go out of your comfort zone by exploring your passions and joining new clubs/meeting new people."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I enjoy the variety of classes/electives and clubs offered at our school and being around my friends everyday."

School-related activities and achievements: Debate Club President, DECA Nationals Top 10 in Sports and Entertainment Marketing Team Decision Making. Elected Youth Governor of Michigan through Youth in Government, which convenes over 1000 high school students in Lansing to run a mock legislature, complete with legislators, lobbyists, a press corps, and a mock court. I am currently working on planning the spring legislative conference. 

Favorite teacher: "All of my teachers have been so supportive and incredible over the years!"

Favorite quote: "I'm not superstitious, but I am a little stitious."  Michael Scott

Advice for future students: "Focus on taking classes and participating in clubs/sports you truly enjoy!"

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love seeing my friends every day, and appreciate all of the teachers that have supported me along the way!"

School-related activities and achievements: Girls Who Code (Vice President of Activities, Vice President of Public Relations, Secretary), DECA Board of Directors, DECA State Champion and International Career Development Conference qualifier in Apparel and Accessories Marketing, HOSA International Leadership Conference Top 25 in Physical Therapy, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Forster! I took both years of her IB Business class, where she helped me develop my passion for business. She emphasizes making connections between the textbook and the world around us, which makes the class so interesting and fun. She was also my mentor for my IB Extended Essay, for which she provided amazing guidance and advice. Mrs. Forster is really easy to talk to and fun to work with!"

Favorite quote: "Happiness is only real when shared." - Jon Krakauer's "Into The Wild"

Advice for future students: "Step out of your comfort zone. There's a lot of things that seem scary at first, but trying them is so worth it. You'll make new connections and friendships that make high school as fun as possible."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love the various extracurriculars and opportunities offered at Novi - there's something for everybody. I also enjoy working with my teachers and making new friends."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity figure skating, KLAA Scholar Athlete, two-time HOSA state qualifier, HOSA state finalist, National Honor Society, Elementary level math and English tutor, Novi Theatre actor. 

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Schurig. She made choir my favorite class for all four years of high school, and her classroom was always the most fun and welcoming environment."

Favorite quote: "Throw me to the wolves and I'll return leading the pack." - Suzanne Collins. 

Advice for future students: "High school isn't one size fits all. Do what makes you happy, not what everyone else is doing."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "There are so many opportunities for me to pursue my interests, and the friends and memories that I've made will stay with me forever."

School-related activities and achievements: USA Junior Math Olympiad Qualifier, 4-Time American Invitational Mathematics Examination Qualifier, HOSA ILC Conference third place in Parliamentary Proced, MMPC Top 25, Vice President of Math/Science for Quiz Bowl, Math Club, National Honor Society, Link Crew, ICAE Math Club President, Orchestra, DECA, Science Olympiad Event Captain, Michigan All-Stars Captain (competitive math).

Favorite teacher: "One of my favorite teachers is Mrs.Franchi. She really helped make Computer Science a fun and relaxing class while giving us the opportunity to be innovative. She is also very friendly and caring which helps make the class less stressful and more enjoyable."

Favorite quote: "Nothing worth having was ever achieved without effort." - Theodore Roosevelt

Advice for future students: "Don't get so hung up over tiny failures, focus on the long run."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I really enjoyed the opportunities we were given in the form of clubs and other events. This paired with the diversity at NHS helped me make many new friends that I'll cherish even after high school."

School-related activities and achievements: Marching Band Leadership Team, Creative Writing Club Head of Communications, Wind Ensemble, Writing Den Peer Consultant, Three-time state HOSA qualifier, HAVEN Youth Advisory Board member.

Favorite teacher: "One of my favourite teachers is Mrs.Henderhan! She's so caring and warm hearted and she creates a wonderful classroom environment."

Favorite quote: "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us," - J.R.R. Tolkien

Advice for future students: "Don't take too much stress! But don't leave everything to the last minute either. Enjoy your high school years to the fullest and make the most of what you have!"

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I love how kind, open-minded, and caring the students and staff are! Most importantly, I love all the friends that I have made here and being able to make life long memories with them."

School-related activities and achievements: President/Electrical lead for Hall of Fame FIRST Robotics team, FIRST Robotics Dean's List award nominee, HOSA nationals qualifier in public health, Section leader of Philharmonic Orchestra, Varsity tennis, ESports State Champion in Super Smash Bros., Link Crew, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Ficano - She inspired me to love Spanish and to love learning! The infectious energy she had each day in 6th hour brightened my day each time."

Favorite quote: “You don’t have to have it all figured out before you move forward. Just take the first step.” - Harvey Specter

Advice for future students: "Be sure to make some good friends! It goes a long way."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "The abundance of opportunities the school offers."

School-related activities and achievements: Frog Force 503 member, Orchestra, NHacks Hackathon Winner and Co-Director, HOSA International Leadership Conference Qualifier in Public Service Announcement.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Henderhan. She made the classroom feel relaxed and fun, while also pushing us to learn the classes' unique material. She is also very outgoing and relatable as a teacher too, making every day feel exciting."

Favorite quote: “Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald

Advice for future students: "Don’t get too hung up on sacrificing everything just for a grade. Your actions can speak a lot more."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "I enjoy the diverse range of opportunities available at Novi, as well as the fact that I’ve been able to make so many friends and memories over the years."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA International Leadership Conference Qualifier in Public Service Announcement; Recycling Club Route Officer; Math Club; Link Crew; NHacks Hackathon Winner and Co-Director; Scholastic Art Awards Gold Keys, Silver Keys, and Honorable Mentions.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. DiDio! He was always there to help and created a very relaxing atmosphere."

Favorite quote: “You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” ― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Advice for future students: "Four years will pass faster than you think – make it memorable, and don’t get caught up on the little things."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "Every day brings something new with the diverse atmosphere and unique opportunities."

School-related activities and achievements: National Scholastic Gold Key winner for ceramics, DECA ICDC competitor, Novi Varsity Figure Skating, Novi Varsity Golf, Student Council Representative. 

Favorite teacher:  "My favorite teacher has to be my art teacher, Mrs. Harbar. Besides being a skilled mentor, she's attentive, genuinely cares about her students, and always takes time out of her personal life to accommodate for student needs. When I was going through a rough patch during my sophomore year, she was the only teacher who checked up on me and helped steer my path towards recovery. Not only does she consider my future in the arts community, she also supports any decisions I make career-wise and has provided insightful advice on what direction I want to lead my life in. Mrs. Harbar is truly a role model of an educator and friend."

Favorite quote: “I know not who I am, simply that I am forever becoming exactly what I am meant to be.” ― Becca Lee.

Advice for future students: "If I had something to say to future students, it would be to gain confidence in yourself and your abilities. I know this sounds cheesy, but hear me out; without the confidence to put yourself in nerve-racking situations both socially and academically, you will never realize your true potential. I used to be a pretty timid kid myself, I didn't like talking to people I didn't know, I always felt awkward, and I was constantly afraid of what others thought of me. However, what I have learned is that we constantly underestimate our personal qualities, while overestimating others' capacity to judge. So go out, introduce yourself, wear what you want, and go for that opportunity; we will always regret the chances we don't take."

What do you enjoy most about attending Novi High?: "My favorite part of NHS is definitely the academic-focused curriculum opportunities. The amount of Advanced Placement, Honors, and International Burraculate courses that Novi High School offers far surpasses most other public high schools, and the amount and quality of the resources that the administration provides for us students also exceeds what is expected. With such diverse choices, students can explore every corner of their interests within these four years, and make conscious, educated decisions about where to take their post-grad future. To someone like me, who has multiple passions and enjoys change, the chance to take high-level classes in any subject is incomparably valuable."