CH: Following graduation, my educational plans are to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia, also known as Mizzou. I plan to major in finance and minor in journalism.
CNF: Which of your achievements at Lisle High School do you hold in the highest regard?
CH: Of all of my achievements at Lisle High School, I would have to say that I hold being accepted into the National Honor Society in the highest regard. My other accomplishments contributed to being accepted into the National Honor Society, so this achievement brings everything together for me.
CNF: Which educators or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
CH: There are so many educators and staff members at Lisle High School that have made a significant impact on me and I am so grateful for everything they all have done for me. To begin, Mrs. Jaegle made a significant impact on me because I have had her as my teacher multiple times, I learned so much from her, and she made learning fun. In addition to that, she was always there to give me advice when I needed it and she always believed in me and went out of her way to show it. Next, Mr. Smith made an impact on me because he showed me that you can learn math and have fun doing it. Not only that, while in his class I learned several life lessons and he created a learning environment that led to making lifelong friendships. Another teacher that made a significant impact on my life was Mrs. Bylsma. I had Mrs. Bylsma for my English teacher three out of the four years of high school. In that time, she made me realize how much I enjoy writing and because of her I will be pursuing a minor in journalism. Senorita Renguso also made a positive impact on me. Senorita is an excellent Spanish teacher who did an amazing job preparing me for success on the AP Spanish exam. While doing this, over the past two years, she also became someone who I could talk to and I always felt like she cared about everyone in our class. In addition to these teachers, every one of my coaches also made an impact on my life. I spent a lot of time at practices, games, and on buses. I enjoyed spending all my time with my coaches and teammates. My coaches shaped me into the man I am today, both in the classroom and outside of the classroom. During my time as an athlete, my coaches taught me discipline and how to be a person of strong character, and I am so grateful for the impact they all made on my life.
CNF: After reaching your next academic milestone, what personal or professional goals do you aim to achieve?
CH: After earning my bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, I plan to pursue a career in sports in some capacity. My plan is that a major in finance will lead to job opportunities, and my goal is that it will be connected to sports. In addition to this, my ultimate goal is to work in sports media which would be why I plan to minor in journalism.
CNF: The Lisle Alumni have contributed significantly to the CNF scholarship program, and as a recipient of a $4,500 award: please express to the alumni what the award means to you and how it will assist you in accomplishing your objectives. The alumni have given over $300,000 for the CNF program over the years, and it would be helpful if we could relay your personal gratitude for their support.
CH: Being chosen for the Grutzmacher Family Alumni Legacy Award is a great honor and I am extremely grateful to the Carlin Nalley Foundation for their support.
This award means so much to me because I am very proud to be a second-generation Lisle Lion, and to be recognized by others who are also proud alumni is very special. I am so thankful to be a part of this legacy and I look forward to being able to give back to the CNF so that future generations can be recognized in this same way. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity and striving for excellence in all my future endeavors. I am so appreciative of this
financial assistance because I am going to be responsible for a large portion of my tuition. The $4,500 will be applied directly to my tuition, which provides me with a great sense of relief. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable support. Receiving the $4,500 award means more to me than words can adequately express.