National Merit Semifinalists 2023

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA State Leadership Conference and International Leadership Conference qualifier (health career display), Red Cross Club Officer, Varsity Debate, Marching Band (flute), Wind Ensemble, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary. His class was one of the hardest classes I have ever taken, but he was always so supportive and helpful!"

Favorite quote: "It never hurts to keep looking for sunshine." - Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh

Advice for future students: "Work hard, have fun, and stay safe. You're only in high school for four years so make the most of them!"

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Novi has a wide variety of opportunities, resources, and diverse backgrounds that have a lot to teach students. Getting to experience these things is what makes going to Novi so amazing!"

School-related activities and achievements: Novi Marching Band Section Leader, Wind Ensemble Principal Chair, Novi Flute Choir Founder and Director. 

Favorite teacher: "My most impactful teachers have been Mr. O'Leary, Mr. Schmid, and Mr. DiDio. Mr. DiDio made physics so fun and understandable, Mr. Schmid made me like history through taking his U.S. history class my freshman year, and Mr. O'Leary had so much passion for mathematics and solving problems, which affected me as well." 

Favorite quote: "Just keep swimming" - Dory

Advice for future students: "You can get a lot in 10 minutes. A planner is really useful to have."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being a Novi Wildcat means having a community of students and teachers to support you on your high school journey."

School-related activities and achievements: Diversity Club President, National Honor Society, Student Council, HOSA, Quiz Bowl.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. LeTarte, because of his comedic timing."

Favorite quote: “Real Gs move in silence like lasagna," - Lil Wayne

Advice for future students: "Study hard but play harder."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "This statement allows me to envision a version of myself that has all the qualities of a Novi Wildcat. Whether those qualities range from embracing a diverse community or preparing to be a global citizen, this statement allows me to take this all in stride."

School-related activities and achievements: Debate Team Captain, three-time HOSA State Finalist, Quiz Bowl Vice President, Forensics Event Lead, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. James because she made AP Bio both informative and fun and inspired me to approach every day with a positive attitude."

Favorite quote: “To watch the course of the stars as if you revolved with them. To keep constantly in mind how the elements alter into one another. Thoughts like this wash off the mud of life below.” -Marcus Aurelius

Advice for future students: "Don't try to plan out your whole future. Set goals and work to achieve them, but leave room for spontaneity, changes of plan, and new experiences."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "My friends and teachers I see every day at NHS."

School-related activities and achievements: National Economics Challenge State Finalist, Hockey, KLAA Scholar Athlete

Favorite teacher: "Mr White is my favorite teacher because he has a great sense of humor, very caring for his students and makes history very interesting."

Favorite quote: "However vast the darkness, we must supply our own light." - Stanley Kubrick

Advice for future students: "Don't be overly focused on grades, figure out what you really want to do with your life. Do things you're passionate about."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being fortunate enough to have access to a wealth of opportunity to learn from various areas of study from amazing teachers."

School-related activities and achievements: Head Drum Major of the Novi Marching Band, Vice-President and Strategy Lead of robotics team Frog Force 503, President of French Club, Co-President and Co-Founder of Novi Astronomy, Officer of CKC, National Honor Society, Full Orchestra, Track and Field, Math Club, Leverage Tutoring, MSBOA All State, FIRST Robotics Dean's List Award Nominee, Unified Robotics, Middle and Elementary School Robotics Mentor

Favorite teacher: "I am thankful for all the teachers who have taught me and supported me throughout high school. I am especially thankful to my favorite book recommenders: Mrs. Henderhan for always being kind, and to Mr. O'Leary because he is very cool."

Favorite quote: "Good grief." - Charlie Brown

Advice for future students: "Get sleep. Seriously. And, tell the people you love that you love them."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Knowing that I can wake up and do whatever I want with my day makes it a great day to be a Novi Wildcat."

School-related activities and achievements: Two-year letterwinner Varsity Girls Swimming, Theatre Tech Crew, Forensics, Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards Honorable Mention. 

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Mrozek. She has a really good class environment and really cared about us as individual students."

Favorite quote: "Turtles don't get up on trees by themselves" - Unknown. 

Advice for future students: "If you're doing your best, your grade is fine and don't listen to those who say otherwise."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "The opportunities afforded to me through the plentiful curriculum."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Tennis, Student Mental Health Committee Officer, Quiz Bowl, Three-time HOSA state finalist, Student representative for Novi Public Library Board.   

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary was my favorite teacher because although his class was hard he was fair and is one of the most effective teachers I have had."

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

Advice for future students: "Prioritize your academics, but also make time for extracurricular activities, socializing, and self-care."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "It's a great day to be a Wildcat because at Novi we always have the best opportunities. Whether it be educational, athletic, or extracurricular, our school provides the resources and experiences for students to thrive and succeed."

School-related activities and achievements: Novi Marching Band Flute Head Section Leader, Student Technical Director of Awkward Pause Theater, Piano accompanist for Novi's Philharmonic Orchestra, Flute in Symphony Band,  HOSA Regional Finalist and State Qualifier (researched persuasive writing and speaking), National Honor Society, Novi Flute Choir Member, Link Crew and ROAR Ambassadors, Red Cross Club.

Favorite teacher: "Christopher White because he was my first AP Class teacher and he taught European History in unique ways that made the content really interesting. Mr. White personally influenced me by showing how intertwined so many things are in our lives, and that historical events as distant as the Scientific Revolution are still significant today."

Favorite quote: "What I say is true - anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great" - Chef from Ratatouille

Advice for future students: "Don't settle for what others say is 'good enough' or 'good for you' or 'the recommended way of doing things'. Always push beyond the standards others set for you and decide yourself what is best for you. The influence of others can inhibit you, but only if you let it. You won't know your full potential until you veer on the edge of burnout and come back from it whole."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "I'm beyond appreciative of all the opportunities I was given at Novi that gave me experiences I wouldn't have anywhere else, the endless memories I will carry with me wherever I go next, and the friendships I created and nurtured into a wonderful second family throughout my years here. Being a Novi Wildcat means all of this to me."

School-related activities and achievements: German Club President, Culture Club President, 1590 SAT, 4.0 GPA, KLAA "Teamwork" Award from Varsity Swim Team, Applied Mathematics and Computing Club, Recycling Club, Interact Club. 

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Saxton from AP Environmental Science is probably my favorite teacher I've had in school, though there are a good few contenders! His enthusiasm and passion for the real world applications of the subject turned what could have been a class of pure rote memorization into my favorite class I've ever had. His class even shaped what I want to do for a living - aspiring to become a nuclear engineer to help create green fusion energy in time to mitigate the climate crisis and all of the other worldwide problems we extensively studied in his class."

Favorite quote: "Today, apathy is not an option" - Jacob Geller

Advice for future students: "While this might not be the right advice for everyone, if I could go back in time I would unhesitatingly tell my younger self to push himself harder, sooner. The confidence I gained from my Junior year, when I finally started trying as hard as I could, is easily one of the most valuable things school has given me. It's silly, but probably my biggest regret of high school is not taking APs I was interested in my Sophomore year, and not moving up another math, thinking I wasn't fit for either. Plus, colleges care more about an upward trajectory than they do an immaculate 4.0 GPA, so your underclassmen years are really when you're allowed to experiment and find your limits. Again, might not be the right advice for many, some of y'all should probably chill out a bit, but it's absolutely what I would tell myself if I could."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "The general spirit of learning and helping each other that I see in all of my classes makes Novi special to me. I'm never worried whether someone will be willing to help me understand something, and I try to pay all the help I've had forward as well as I can. Everyone I see always seems to be on the same page, trying to make it through tough classes together, instead of toxically competitive or uncaring like they could be."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA State Finalist (epidemiology), Science Olympiad State Finalist and Vice President, JV Swim, National Honor Society, Link Crew.

Favorite teacher: "It has to be O'Leary. I loved his interactive style of teaching and he inspired me to go farther in Math."

Favorite quote: "Sometimes people walk all the way around the earth for an answer that was right in front of them" - friend Shri Kulkarni

Advice for future students: "Don't overload yourself. Life is short, live it well."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "I guess it's the fact that Novi is consistently a great place to be. No matter what time of day and what season, it is always a great day to be a Novi Wildcat."

School-related activities and achievements: Diversity Club Vice President, HOSA Event Captain and International Leadership Conference semifinalist (parlimentary procedure), Quiz Bowl President, Recycling Club Officer,  National Honor Society, Wind Ensemble, Full Orchestra, All State Band (clarinet). 

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Diroff - he encourages and helps me not only to be better at playing my instrument but also to enjoy it."

Favorite quote: “Whatever you’re doing, think fifty steps ahead.” - Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph

Advice for future students: "Don’t procrastinate because your work will add up."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "The thing that makes this statement true for me is that I come to school every day excited to learn with my peers."

School-related activities and achievements: Wind Ensemble and Full Orchestra Principle Bass Clarinet, HOSA International Leadership Conference Competitor, Varsity Soccer, State Outstanding Woodwind Ensemble, All State First Chair Bass Clarinet, Solo Ensemble Outstanding Soloist, State Honors Ensemble.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Diroff, he has been there for me and supported me through all my time at Novi High School."

Favorite quote: "Never Back Down Never What?" - Nick Eh 30

Advice for future students: "Don't bite off more than you can chew, school should be fun, not all about work." 

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "I love going to school and seeing my friends."

School-related activities and achievements: Science Olympiad Vice President, National Honor Society, Math Club, Recycling Club, Varsity ESports State Champion (Spring 2022).

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Franchi. She was my advisory teacher and my AP Computer Science teacher. I went into AP Comp Sci with very little knowledge of Java but she was able to guide me through the more complex codes. She made it enjoyable and a comfortable learning environment."

Favorite quote: "Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong." -Unknown

Advice for future students: "Have fun while you can, but responsibly. Always be proactive and accountable for your learning."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "It’s an amazing day to be a Novi Wildcat because of the brilliant student body that provides a safe and smart environment to learn and grow. The teachers and staff are so supportive and passionate and leave no student behind. This learning environment --  nurtured by everyone involved, from parents to other students, to teachers and the staff --  makes Novi High School a great place to be."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA, Quiz Bowl, Orchestra, Tennis.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Franchi; no other teacher has increased my interest in their subject as much as she did.."

Favorite quote: "I like maxims that don't encourage character modification." - Calvin, Calvin and Hobbes

Advice for future students: "Drink enough water. If you're tired or can't focus, dehydration may be the cause."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you? "Almost everyone I've met has been friendly and respectful to me."

School-related activities and achievements: Dear Asian Youth Novi (DAYN) Co-Leader, Garden Club President, Summer Youth Dialogues on Race & Ethnicity, HOSA in Cultural Diversities and Disparities (Event Captain, two-time State Champion, and 2nd place @ Internationals), Novi Singers & Major VI, MSVMA State Honors Choir, MSVMA State Solo & Ensemble for Vocal Performance Division I Rating.

Favorite teacher: "Ms. Mrozek. She is our teacher sponsor for DAYN, and her unwavering support has allowed our group to thrive at Novi High School. She has been foundational in my passion for advocacy, and I couldn't be more grateful to have her as a mentor and friend. I also need to thank Mrs. Henderhan, Mrs. James, and Mrs. Schurig for teaching my favorite classes of my high school career; they created fun, engaging learning environments and are incredibly supportive."

Favorite quote: "We must be humble about what we don't know, but realize we are the ones that we've been waiting for" -- A student from my internship with Stop AAPI Hate

Advice for future students: "When you're curious about something, make sure to grab onto it! Try to explore as many things as you can, from classes to extracurricular activities, to see what resonates with you most. Don't feel you need to do what everyone else is doing."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "This statement means that as Novi students, we should always strive to be welcoming and create a positive impact in our community."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Quiz Bowl Team Captain and President, HOSA International Leadership Conference two-time Qualifier and Event Captain (medical reading and pathophysiology), Varsity Debate and League Top 15, National Honor Society, Frog Force 503 Robotics.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary, the way he taught made hard calculus concepts pretty easy to understand."

Favorite quote: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou

Advice for future students: "High school shouldn't be stressful; taking breaks is important."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you? "All my friends at Novi, as well as the teachers and staff, have always been very supportive."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA International Leadership Conference Top 10 finalist (pathophysiology) and two-time State finalist, HOSA Event Captain, Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Novi Philharmonic Orchestra Co-Concertmaster.

Favorite teacher: "My favorite teacher has to be Mrs. James. It's evident that Mrs. James has students' best interests in mind by creating a supportive and positive environment to learn and get work done. I've had Mrs. James for AP Bio my junior year, and have her two times for my senior year for IB Bio Higher Level 2 and Med Careers. Mrs. James is very kind, approachable, and willing to answer any questions that I have!'

Favorite quote: "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration" - Thomas Edison

Advice for future students: "Quality over quantity: Find the things you love to do, find the people who support you, and find the passions you are interested in, and carry those with you throughout high school. They go a long way."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being a Novi Wildcat gives me the opportunity to collaborate with my class of fellow Wildcats who are very diverse, coming from different backgrounds and carrying different perspectives. Being a Novi Wildcat also gives me the opportunity to interact with amazing teachers and staff members who are there to help me every step of the way."

School-related activities and achievements: Science Olympiad, Genes in Diseases And Symptoms Interest Group, HOSA, National Honor Society, Girls Tennis.

Favorite teacher: "All my teachers have been incredibly supportive and encouraging!"

Favorite quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ― Mahatma Gandhi

Advice for future students: "Enjoy high school! Choose classes and extracurriculars that interest you, and don't feel pressured to join a club or take a class because everyone else is."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "There are a variety of courses and extracurriculars offered at Novi High School, and all the teachers and staff members are very welcoming and supportive."

School-related activities and achievements: Michigan Lieutenant Governor, elected by 600+ delegates statewide through Youth in Government, Red Cross Club Treasurer, DECA three-time state finalist and International Leadership Conference qualifier (business finance), HOSA Top 20 at International Leadership Conference, Business Professionals of America, Soccer, KLAA Scholar-Athlete Award, Student Council Member, Politics Club, National Honor Society

Favorite teacher: "My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Forster-- she's been an amazing teacher for the 3 years I've had her and has really helped cultivate my love for business. I'm grateful for her guidance because not only has she helped me gain knowledge but has also had a positive impact on the development of my professional qualities and attributes. Overall, Mrs. Forster is an approachable, lively, and supportive teacher & also a great DECA advisor!"

Favorite quote: "Work hard in silence, let your success be your noise" - Frank Ocean

Advice for future students: "Don't wish your lives away! Weekends and breaks will come when they do, but choose to enjoy life along the way. You'll be seniors before you know it!"

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Feeling like I always have a support system inside and outside of school. There will always be a teacher, counselor, or staff member that cares about you! Also, Novi has brought me some pretty amazing friends and I'm grateful for that."

School-related activities and achievements: Frog Force 503 Programmer, Special Olympics Unified Robotics Lead, Varsity Tennis, Orchestra, Summer Youth Dialogues participant, National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Franchi. He always kept the class engaging and connected with students in a positive way. I was able to grow as a writer, learner, and person in his class."

Favorite quote: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." - Master Oogway, Kung Fu Panda. 

Advice for future students: "Don't limit yourself. Have a learner's mindset, get involved, and make the most out of your high school experience in the classroom and beyond."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being around my friends and engaging in a variety of fun activities offered at Novi."

School-related activities and achievements: Trumpet Section Leader in Marching Band, Two-time Regional Champion in HOSA (epidemiology and creative problem solving), National Honor Society, Link Crew.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary's Calculus BC class is one of the most complex classes in our high school, but he does a really good job of balancing work and lecture time and always makes himself available for questions. Beyond classwork, though, the way he thinks about math and approaches problems that seem unapproachable has made me love learning and doing math."

Favorite quote: "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done" - David Goggins

Advice for future students: "Don't give up when it gets hard because you're almost at the end."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Every day is a new chance to have a great day, and in Novi we have a community of people who are willing to push each other to improve."

School-related activities and achievements: Forensics Team Leader and Oratory state semifinalist, 2023 Oratory Michigan Speech Coaches, Inc. (MSCI) 5th place; Varsity Debate, Link Crew/Wildcat ROAR Ambassador, 120 hours of community service organizating 5K runs.  

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary and Mr. Helmkamp because they are overall chill people who are good at teaching their respective subjects."

Favorite quote: "There's a lot of us out here that are birds... we all need to just fly." - Jacques Bermon Webster II (Travis Scott)

Advice for future students: "Have fun and do things you enjoy, not just for college."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you? "Novi staff and students create an environment that motivates me to be the best version of myself. Being a Wildcat has helped shaped me into who I am today."

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Soccer, Junior Varsity Soccer Captain, Quiz Bowl, HOSA state qualifier (public health, Recycling Club, Site Supervisor for Novi Parks and Recreation.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Helmkamp. Although he teaches one of the hardest classes at the school, he made it really fun! I enjoyed having conversations not just about chemistry, but about life and sports too. He stressed the importance of preparing for tests and it really helped in other classes as well."

Favorite quote: "Life is short but it is wide. This too shall pass." - Rebecca Wells

Advice for future students: "Get a good balance between your school work and social life."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Every day, I go to school happy to see my friends and be at a school with a lot of opportunities. I have had so many good moments while being a Novi Wildcat."

School-related activities and achievements: Politics Club President, Elevating Student Voices Conference delegate, Orchestra.

Favorite teacher: "It's hard to choose a favorite teacher. Novi has provided me with great teachers from start to finish. Mr. Franchi helped me a lot through high school."

Favorite quote: “Always follow your heart unless your heart is bad with directions.” – SpongeBob SquarePants

Advice for future students: "Don't be afraid to push your limits early on, then adjust to how much you can manage."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Novi has the best all-around faculty that provides great support and mentorship."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA International Leadership Conference 1st Place, International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist, Trumpet Section Leader in Marching Band, Diversity Club President.

Favorite teacher: "My AP Biology teacher from Dublin Jerome High School. (I moved schools in my junior year). She helps me out with a lot of my research projects, and she is just a very supportive and understanding person."

Favorite quote: "People Love What Other People Are Passionate About." - Mia from La La Land

Advice for future students: "Don't sacrifice time with others just to be accomplished."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "The endless number of communities that you can immerse yourself in."

School-related activities and achievements: HOSA third place finish at regionals (mental health promotion), FEMA Regional Youth Preparedness Council Member, Piano Federation Festival Participant, Awkward Pause, Drama Club, Choir.

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Maguire, Mr. White, and Mrs. Schurig! They all made me so excited to learn which I value so, so much. Sometimes I feel like I’m putting in all of this effort for a letter on my transcript, but taking their classes made me genuinely happy at the prospect of learning. I’m so proud of myself for the effort I put into getting better in those classes. I’m very grateful for all of the discussions (both on topic and otherwise), all the encouragement, and all the times I laughed so hard I cried. Thank you.

Favorite quote: “If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine” - Morris West

Advice for future students: "Don't be scared to take harder classes or clubs that require commitment due to fear or not doing good enough. High school is a time to figure yourself out before going to college, so try different clubs and classes out! Some of my most treasured memories were from classes that I almost didn’t take because I was too scared (when I look back, I remember my friends and I struggling together and feeling proud of myself for what I accomplished in my harder classes). Just because an upperclassmen told you that a class is hard doesn't mean you shouldn't take it, it just means you have to prepare yourself to put in more effort. So try a bunch of stuff and try your best, but also remember to take care of yourselves (super cliche I know); you don't have to do something every second of every day. Find a nice balance of working and having fun. Oh and if you're studying for a test until 12 am, it's time to give up. Sleep is important."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being around people that are driven and passionate about the things they do and strive to do great things. Also coming to school everyday to a diverse community with different world views and experiences!"

School-related activities and achievements: Student Body President, Drama Club President, Head of Novi Theatre Publicity and Programs, National Honor Thespian, ROAR Ambassadors Officer, Forensics Event Captain, Politics Club, Swim and Dive Team, KLAA Scholar Athlete, Forensics Dramatic Interpretation Novice State Runner-Up/Dramatic Interpretation Regional Champion, One Act State Champion

Favorite teacher: "Mrs. Schurig and Mrs. Schypinski have both taught me so much and molded me into the person I am today— but their best trait is that intangible spark of joy that they bring to every interaction. I try my best to have that same positivity towards everything because of them."

Favorite quote: “Are you suggesting coconuts migrate?” -Monty Python and the Holy Grail

Advice for future students: "Live authentically, embrace cheesiness, and PARTICIPATE! The happiest moments of my life are from the people that I love, here, doing things together."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you? "I’m lucky enough to go to a school like NHS, where not only can I learn and have meaningful time spent with my teachers, but I can go anywhere and find a community to fit into and become passionate about."

School-related activities and achievements: Frog Force Robotics Team Software Lead; One of 10 students in the world -- only winner from Michigan -- named to the FIRST Robotics "Dean's List Award" at the world level; One of three "Chairman's Award" presenters as a freshman when Frog Force won the World Championship and was inducted into the FIRST Hall of Fame; "Frog Force Most Valuable Rookie Member" as a freshman; Research at Wayne State University and University of Delaware's Connected and Autonomous Robotics Lab, first-author on a published conference paper presented at the IEEE International Conference on Mobility in Detroit in 2023; Student Council Vice President; Varsity Debate Policy Team Captain and top 15 in Congressional Debate League; Varsity Quiz Bowl Captain.

Favorite teacher: "While it is hard to decide, I would say either Mr. Franchi or Mr. DiDio. Both of them had an art of making seemingly complicated topics seem approachable. They are also incredibly easy to talk to and fun to be around, but honestly, I feel that way about every teacher I've had here. I don't think I've had a teacher these past four years that I disliked."

Favorite quote: "You gotta water your plants. Nobody can water them for you." - DJ Khaled

Advice for future students: "It's good to have a plan and priorities, but know that circumstances will change and it's not possible to have your entire four years of high school planned out. You should take academically rewarding classes to prepare yourself for college, but also take some classes that you enjoy. Not every school has the resources that we do, so take advantage of them."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "What makes this statement true for me is the atmosphere of learning and opportunity at Novi. There are so many different clubs and career-oriented classes here that whether you have a plan of what you want to do in the future or have no idea, you'll find something to do. But beyond just the opportunities, there's so much support in the culture here at Novi that you can feel comfortable trying something new."

School-related activities and achievements: Marching Band Flute Section Leader, Wind Ensemble Flute Co-Principal, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Outstanding Performance Award, Full Orchestra, Four-year Varsity Soccer letterwinner, 2021 Division 1 Soccer District Champions, KLAA Scholar Athlete, HOSA State Leadership Conference 1st Place & HOSA International Leadership Conference 5th Place (forensic science), National Honor Society.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Lowes. He helped me persevere in a challenging class and his jokes made me laugh until my stomach hurt."

Favorite quote: "I think, therefore I am." - Descartes

Advice for future students: "Don't slack off. You need to work hard and you should want to be successful for yourself."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "Being able to be a part of a community that teems with diversity and fun."

School-related activities and achievements: Chess Club Co-President; Applied Mathematics and Computing Club Officer, Marching Band Section Leader, All State Clarinet.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. O'Leary - He really pushed my understanding and my love for math. It was equal parts challenging and enjoyable.""

Favorite quote: "The key to success is action, and the essential in action is perseverance" - Sun Yat-sen

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

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you?: "It's not just the community and friends at novi, but also the general enviroment is fun to be in and conducive to learning"

School-related activities and achievements: Varsity Boys Swim and Dive Class Representative, National Honor Society Treasurer, HOSA state qualifier (public health), KLAA Scholar Athlete, Recycling Club, SADD Club.

Favorite teacher: "Mr. Pohlonski. I've known Coach for four years. I really appreciate everything about him, but most of all his dedication to the wellbeing of his students and swimmers. He genuinely cares for all of us and wants us to succeed."

Favorite quote: "Wars may be fought with weapons, but they are won by men. It is the spirit of men who follow and of the man who leads that will gain victory" - Gen. George S. Patton

Advice for future students: "Make sure you prioritize sleep. Pulling late nights and all-nighters definitely isn't worth it. Better to be refreshed the next day (especially if there's a test) then barely awake."

It's a great day to be a Novi Wildcat. What makes this statement true for you? "Being able to connect with friends, teammates, and teachers is part of what makes being a Wildcat so great. Through our classes, sports, and clubs, we can pursue what we enjoy, but at the same time develop close bonds with those around us. This is what being a Wildcat is all about."