JM: I intend on enrolling at Illinois State University. I will be majoring in Kinesiology and intend on getting a graduate degree in possibly Athletic Training or Physical Therapy.
CNF: Which of your achievements at Lisle High School do you hold in the highest regard?
JM: One of the achievements that I hold in high regard is my All-Academic Conference award while playing Varsity baseball. This is an award I achieved three times. I’m proud of it because it shows my ability to be a high-level student and athlete. Another one is being able to be a part of Lisle’s National Honors Society. This was a great experience and showed me the importance of volunteering and school leadership.
CNF: Which educators or staff members at Lisle High School had the most significant impact on you, and what made them so influential?
JM: Mrs. Honzel is my most influential teacher for a couple of reasons. First, she is teaching me within the area of my future study, Health Sciences. AP Chemistry has been one of the toughest and heaviest workload classes. This class has taught me not only chemistry but about discipline and hard work. Mrs. Honzel is a kind person. She is always asking us what we did over the weekend or how our events went while being genuinely interested in our answers. My Chemistry knowledge and experiences from Mrs. Honzel will help me in one of my most challenging college courses.
CNF: After reaching your next academic milestone, what personal or professional goals do you aim to achieve?
JM: I would like to work with high-level athletes. I plan to receive a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification as this would qualify me to work with college athletes. I would like to become a leader in my field eventually and possibly work together with other team Athletic Trainers within a professional association and/or possibly by being an industry sports medicine conference speaker. This would work to better all sports teams' treatments and ways to stay healthy. It is also my goal to become a high-level expert in my area. I even have an interest in possibly being a guest lecturer for students and having students shadow me at work which is an educational requirement for an Athletic Training degree.
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.
JM: I am extremely thankful to the Lisle Alumni for this award. I would also like to thank my parents and teachers for helping me and encouraging me to reach this accomplishment. I’m appreciative as this scholarship will help by supporting an opportunity for me to further pursue education via a graduate-level specialization within my career.