NILES — Ahead of Thursday night’s commencement ceremony, here is Niles High School’s top 10 list for the Class of 2022:

10. Owen Lingle

Owen Lingle, son of Paul and Dawn Lingle, is an avid band student who in his sophomore year earned a Division I grade at Solo & Ensemble for euphonium solo. In his senior year, he received a Division I score for solo piano and trombone, as well as a Division II score for a euphonium duet. Owen’s plans include attending Southwestern Michigan College and then transferring to Western Michigan University. He plans to specialize in musical interpretation for trombone.

9. Madelyn Van Dyke

Madelyn Van Dyke, daughter of Rosanne and Jacob Van Dyke, has been busy at Niles Community Schools. Madelyn was on the softball team for three years and joined the track team in her senior year. She participated in student council and began taking college classes in her freshman year, in addition to AP classes. Madelyn plans to attend Lake Michigan College for a year and then transfer to college to study psychology. In her spare time, Madelyn enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working out, meditating, shopping and writing.

8. Daniel Becraft

The son of Dr. Jeffrey and Michelle Becraft, Daniel Becraft has received numerous academic and athletic honors and achievements, including the All-College Football Team Award, Junior and Senior Years of College Football, juniors and seniors on college track, 8th place at Track Regionals for 800m, Berrien RESA Math and Science Center, National Honor Society, Viking Excellence Award – Displaying Respectfulness, Award of Excellence – Exemplary Academics and Behavior, and Niles High School band student du month. Daniel plans to attend Northern Michigan University and earn a degree in zoology. In his spare time, he enjoys playing disc golf, cross-country skiing, biking, playing video games, reading, and learning about reptiles, as he has a bearded dragon himself.

7. Zoe Limberopoulos

Daughter of Nick and Rachel Limberopoulos, Zoe Limberopoulos played on the Niles Varsity Girls golf team, was president of the National Honor Society, head of the marching band’s trumpet section, and was in student government at the Math and Science Center. Throughout high school, she was recognized both locally and nationally for her research into the effects of various essential oils on cancer cells. Zoe plans to attend the University of Michigan and study cellular, molecular and biomedical sciences. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to music, watching documentaries and spending time with friends and family.

6. Gabrielle Blake

During her time with Niles Community Schools, Gabrielle Blake, daughter of Richard and Kim Blake, was part of the National Honor Society, won first and second place for Animation, received a first place for Mixed Media, starred on the tennis team, and participated in theater and the pit band. Gabrielle plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College for two years and then plans to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, playing guitar, creating art and volunteering with Pet Refuge.

5. Ella Asmus

At Niles Community Schools, Ella Asmus, daughter of Josh and Becky Asmus, earned 29 college credits, earning all Aces. She has served as a Board Scholar and plans to major in psychology at Saint Mary’s College. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping and watching sports.

4. Stuart Lundberg

Stuart Lundberg, son of Angie and Ken Lundberg, started the Green Committee and Recycling Program at Niles Community Schools, wrote and published his first book on Amazon, and founded the Lundberg Project. Stuart plans to attend Cornell University with a degree in applied economics and management, with the goal of working in finance or business. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, learning about the stock market, watching the New York Yankees, and serving as chairman of the Lundberg Project.

3. Drew Racht

Drew Racht, son of Amanda Mills and Steve Racht, was named a 2021 Academic All State, was recognized as the highest ranked male student, and attended Andrews Math and Science Center. Drew plans to study pre-medical biology at the University of Michigan. In his spare time, Drew enjoys playing baseball, watching hockey and hanging out with friends.

2. Cassandre Shortman

Daughter of Marla and Lance Shortman, Cassandra Shortman’s high school accomplishments include 2019 SMAC Cross Country All-Division, 2020 Cross Country BCS All-Conference, 2022 Wolverine Conference Scholar-Athlete, Division 1 grades for solos clarinet at the District and State Solo & Ensemble Festivals and top of the class in four Math and Science Center courses. Cassandra plans to attend four-year college. Her favorite pastimes are running, skiing, swimming, spending time with friends and listening to music. Cassandra is Niles High School’s 2022 salutatorian.

1. Marika Ruppart

The first graduate of her class is valedictorian Marika Ruppart, daughter of Wendy and David Ruppart. Marika’s high school accomplishments are documented in numerous awards, including Wolverine Conference Scholar Athlete Award (2022), Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizens Award (2022), National Merit Commended Scholar (2021), AP Scholar (2020), the Viking Excellence Awards (2020, 2021, 2022), Rensselaer Medal (2021), Accelerated Mathematics for Outstanding Students (2019, 2020, 2021), and Roll of Honor (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). While at Niles, Marika also earned an Associate’s degree in General Studies from Lake Michigan College and made the LMC Dean’s List (2020, 2021). Marika is also an outstanding athlete as she has captained the volleyball and track and field teams, received the Barbra Knoll track and field award, and received numerous regional and national awards for her work on the volleyball teams. -ball and athletics. Outside of athletics, Marika was in charge of the stage team, vice-president of the national honor society and treasurer of the club. She plans to attend the University of Michigan to study biomedical engineering and then pursue a master’s program in prosthetics.