Channahon-Minooka Patch Honors HS Graduates Class Of 2020
MINOOKA, IL — The Channahon-Minooka Patch wants to provide a way to share the achievements of our high school graduates, even if it's in a small way. With in-person instruction canceled for the rest of the 2019-20 school year in Illinois due to the coronavirus, high school seniors are missing out on the last moments of what should be a happy, celebratory time. Many proms and graduations have been postponed, and we know many high school seniors are feeling sadness about missing these milestone high school events.
We hope that this will give the community a way to share their pride in our Class of 2020 high school graduates. You can find the form here if you'd like to add your graduate. Patch will be updating this form until May 31.
Here are the Channahon-Minooka Class of 2020 high school graduates:
Ernesto Aguirre Jr., MCHS
Plans for college: JJC - Mechanic
Message from the family: "We are so proud of all that you have achieved and cannot wait to see what you continue to achieve!"
Alyssa Alexander, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: Aurora University
Message from the family: "We are proud of you and can't wait to see what the future holds for you."
Jacob Allgeyer, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Attending Spoon River College on a Baseball Scholarship studying Education
Message from the family: "Jake, You’re one tough young man; especially, in the face of adversity. We admire your courage to push through and give 100% of your heart, effort and ability to achieve your goals. Your future is bright and we love and support you and your dreams. Love, Mom, Dad and Nick."
Desiree Anderson, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of St. Francis, volleyball and academic scholarship
Message from the family: "Des, we are so proud of you and all you have accomplished these last four years. All you hard work in academics and athletics has paid off! Good luck at St. Francis in school and volleyball!!! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. We love you!!! You’re #1 supporter, Your Family!"
John Auclair, MCHS
Plans for college: Criminal Justice, Joliet Junior College
Message from the family: "John, We are so proud of how far you have come! We know you will have an amazing future! Love, Mom, Stacy, Mary, Maggie, and Olivia."
Parker Bakel, Minooka Consolidated High school
Plans for college: Will be going to Joliet Junior College
Message from the family: "Parker we are so proud of you!!! What an accomplishment your future is wide open and looking bright."
Nikkola Joanna Bales, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Ole Miss (University of Mississippi)Majoring in Social Studies Education
Message from the family: "Nikkola keep doing great things and never give up. Hotty Toddy!"
Ben Battaglia, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "Congratulations Ben! Mom and Dad are so proud of you!"
Allison Berkley, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of Tampa for Marine/Environmental Science
Message from the family: "Congratulations Allison Berkley! We are so proud of your accomplishments! Love, Mom and Dad."
Morgan Beutel, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University/psychology
Message from the family: "Morgan, we couldn't be more proud of you. Your so amazing and we can't wait to watch what you'll do in this life! You are amazing and know that Non and Pa are smiling down on you beaming with pride!! Love you baby girl! Love Mom and Dad."
Audrey Bittermann, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC to start classes in business
Message from the family: "Audrey, we are all so proud of you and all you’ve accomplished these last 4 years at MCHS. We can’t wait to see what plans God has for your future!"
Alicia Bittle, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: JJC - Biology Major
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you, and very excited for your future! You are amazing!!!"
Amanda Boban, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Western Illinois University for Nursing.
Message from the family: "Congratulations Amanda! Dad and I are so proud of you! Your continued hard work and determination will take you so far!! The sky is the limit so keep reaching!! We love you!"
Austin Bodoh, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of Illinois Springfield
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what God does with the rest of your life. Have a great time at college, and text your Mom. Love you."
Layne Bottom, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College
Message from the family: "We are so proud of Layne, she is such a good person!"
Makayla Calvert, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: NIU - Nurse Practitioner
Message from the family: "You crushed one of many milestones. Remaining focused and following opened doors for endless opportunities. I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become and the woman you plan to be. Keep pushing forward and congratulations."
Conner Campbell, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Monmouth University
Message from the family: "Never stop working to achieve your goals. Your family is extremely proud of the great young man you've become."
Michael John Carey, Minooka
Plans for college: JJC Culinary Arts
Christian Carpenter, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Aurora University
Message from the family: "Congrats Son! May you continue the strength to face challenges w/confidence ,wisdom to choose your battles carefully. Adventure on your journey.Keep helping others along the way. Listen to your heart it’s a wonderful one. Always remember how much you are loves & how proud we are of you !! Love -your biggest fan."
Andres Ceballos, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Iowa State University-Engineering
Message from the family: "We’re all so proud of how far you’ve come! And we can’t wait to see all the good you’ll do in the world."
Traac Cole, Minooka Central High School
Career option: United States Navy
Message from the family: "Traac you did it!! Saying that I am Proud of You isnt enough. The future belongs to you!! I Love You!!"
Victoria A Cook, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Monmouth College for engineering
Message from the family: "You are amazing! We are so proud Toria!"
Cienna Cooper, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University
Message from the family: "Congratulations. We aee so proud of you and your accomplishments. I know you will do great at college in the fall. We love you so much."
Isabella Costa, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Carlow University
Message from the family: "Bella your family is so proud of you. Good luck with your studies in Pittsburgh PA."
Julia Lauren Costa, MCHS
Plans for college: JJC then ISU
Message from the family: "Dearest Julia, We are so proud of the smart, hardworking, cheerful and lovely young woman you've become. Congratulations and best wishes to you, our beautiful girl!"
Katelyn DeShazer, Minooka Community High School
Career option: A career in Dermatology
Message from the family: "Congratulations Katelyn! I am so proud of you and woman you are becoming! Love Aunty Sara."
Ryan Doody, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University
Message from the family: "Congratulations Ryan! We are so excited for this next chapter for you! You have accomplished so much and we are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, Tim and Shay."
Nikki Ebert, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Grand Valley State University
Message from the family: "Nikki, we are so very proud of you! Congratulations on graduating from MCHS!"
Jessica Ellis, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Arizona State University
Message from the family: "Jessica we are so proud of you! You have accomplished many great things! Show the world that nothing can keep you from reaching your dreams! Congratulations sweetheart! We love you!"
Noah Ellens, Minooka high school
Plans for college: University of Nebraska Kearney
Message from the family: "So proud of the man you are be becoming. So excited to see what your future holds. Love you!"
Sair Estrada, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: He graduated with CNA certified from high school and he want to be a Chiropractic
Message from the family: "His family is very proud of him we love Sair and we pray that God guide his way."
Richie Fayman, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: Clarke university in Iowa
Message from the family: "We are so proud of u Richie. Love the Fayman 9."
Mark Feltenstein, Minooka Community High School
Message from the family: "Congratulations Mark! We are so proud of you! Love, mom and dad."
Emily Flatness, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Lewis University
Johnathan Forneris, Minooka
Plans for college: John A Logan
Message from the family: "Johnathan, We are so proud of you and look forward to watching you achieve even more! We can’t wait to watch you continue your baseball career in college! We love and support you always!"
Kimberly Gebhardt, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC program for Stenography
Message from the family: "Even though the end (the fun part) of your senior year was a little different we’re so proud of you and can’t wait to see you succeed."
Cole Gerovac, Minooka High School
Plans for college or career option: Industrial instrumentation
Message from the family: "Cole! We couldn’t be more proud of all that you have accomplished in your life so far. We are sad that you will not have the ceremony and acknowledgment that you deserve, but we love you and we know how hard you have worked. Now you have your whole life ahead of you! We are right behind you, cheering you on."
Chase Gil, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Aquinas College
Message from the family: "We are so proud of everything you have worked so hard for. Can’t wait to see what your next chapter looks like."
Amanda Rose Gonzalez, Minooka Community High school
Plans for college: She will be attending JJC to become a Cardiac Sonographer
Message from the family: "Congratulations on eveything you have accomplished and all of the hard work you have done to get here.. I wish you nothing but wonderful things for your future. You have always amazed us by the the beautiful person you are and we love you so much. I know this is not how graduation should have went but you have to admit it is a story to tell. Love, Mom Dad Arthur Anthony & Andrew."
Nicolas Xavier Gonzalez, MCHS
Plans for college: Iowa State University - Chemical Engineering
Message from the family: "Always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know. Congratulations Nico! Love Dad, Mom, Sano and Lucas."
Zachary Grasley, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Grand Valley State - Business
Message from the family: "Congratulations Zach! We’re extremely proud of you!! Love, Mom & Dad."
Spencer Graziano, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University
Message from the family: "We wish Spencer the best of luck as he moves to a new chapter of his educational and hopefully hockey career."
Caleb Green, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Ripon College
Message from the family: "Congratulations Caleb! Mom and Dad love you and are very proud of the young man you have become.Sorry your senior year did not go as planned but you have always been able to fight through adversity. Can’t wait to watch you play baseball for the Ripon RedHawks in the fall and see what the future holds for you! Congrats to the class of 2020 this is a year all of us will remember.
David (D.J.) Gressick, Minooka Community High School
College or career option: US Navy
Message from the family: "DJ, Way to Go! You are very loved by all your brothers and sisters and Dad and I are very proud of you!"
Samuel Carter Hansen, Minooka High School
Plans for college: United States Navy - Intelligence Specialist
Message from the family: "We are so proud of the young man you’ve become and look forward to the adventures that await you. Love Mom, Dad, & Natalie."
Scott Harper, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Wabash Valley College
Message from the family: "Congratulations, you made it through high school good luck at the next level!"
Bryce Henderson, Minooka HS
Plans for college: Northern Illinois University
Message from the family: "We are so proud of all of Bryce’s achievements!! She has gone above and beyond to reach her highest goals. Congratulations Bryce Henderson."
Cooper Herold, Minooka High School
Plans for college: John A.Logan college
Message from the family:"Congratulations to Cooper for all of his academic and athletic accomplishments."
Stephanie Higgins, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Monmouth College
Message from the family: "Congrats Steph! We are so proud of you!"
Kaitlyn Elizabeth Hoch, Minooka High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you Kaitlyn and can’t wait to see what your future holds. "
Jason Horn, MCHS
Plans for college: Attending Lewis University For Aviation
Message from the family: "Follow your heart and chase your dreams. Hard work pays off. So proud of you Jason. Love Mom and Dad."
Jacob Huddlestun, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: Wyo-tech diesel mechanic
Message from the family: "Jake we are so proud of you! Please know this year does not define you. You will go on to great things and continue to make amazing memories!"
Hannah Hugunin, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Dominican University
Message from the family: "Congratulations Hannah!! We are so very proud of all you have accomplished! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!! Much love, mom , dad & conner."
Frederick Janowski, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Studying engineering at Bradley University
Message from the family: "We are so proud of your accomplishments, Freddie! Can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you! Love Mom, Michael and Emma."
Devon Kaiser, Minooka high school
Career option: Enlisting in the United States Marines
Message from the family: "Congradulations Devon, we are proud of you. And wish you the best in the Marines."
Karastin Kapala, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College
Message from the family: "Dear Karastin, I know your senior year was not supposed to end like this. We are so very proud of your accomplishments and wish you so much happiness and success! Love Dad, Mom, Nicole and Alyssa."
Connor Kreiger, Minooka High School
Plans for college: JJC Operations Engineering program
Message from the family: "Congratulations on being accepted into the Operations Engineering program. Also congratulations on earning your Eagle Scout Rank!!!"
Katherine Kuzel, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College
Message from the family:"You make a difference in the world! We look forward to seeing how you will continue on your path."
Jackson Laney, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Bradley University- major in engineering
Message from the family: "Congratulations, we are so proud of you!"
Zackery Robert Lange, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: St Ambrose University
Message from the family: "Congrats Zak! Mama and your brothers are so proud of you and love you!!!"
Justin Anthony Marrero, Minooka High school
Plans for college: Illinios State University
Message from the family: "Congrats Justin love Mom and Dad."
Jake Mayfield, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Jake will be attending JJC and applying for the Operations Engineering & Technician Program.
Message from the family: "Congratulations Jake!! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! We love you so much!!"
Ashley Medlin, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University - High School History Teacher
Message from the family: "Congratulations Ashley, we are so proud of all your accomplishments! We can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings!!! Love, Mom and Dad."
Nick Meyer, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Joliet Jr. College
Message from the family: "High school hasn't been easy for you Nick but you finished strong and I am so proud of your efforts. The world is waiting for you! We love you! Love, Mom, Chris, Zach & Allison."
Mackenzie McGuire, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Mackenzie will be starting at JJC and continue on in the medical field.
Message from the family: "Kenzie, Pete and I are so proud of the smart, and amazing tong lady you have become. You got this!!! Love Mom and Pete."
Kayla Mishka, Minooka High School
Plans for college or career option: Cosmetologist
Message from the family: "You did it! We are so proud of you and everything you have accomplished so far! This is just another milestone in this journey we call life! You have many more to and I know you will take them all head on and succeed along the way! Love you! Congrats!"
Aidan McKinney, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College, Business Major
Chloe McKinney, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College, Theater Major
Rachel Michalak, Minooka Community High School
Message from the family: "Congrats Rachel. We are so proud of you. We love you."
Tyler Moore, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College EMT-B School
Message from the family: "Tyler- Congratulations! Class of 2020! We are so proud of all that you have done. Now on to bigger and better things down the road. We love you and are very proud of you!"
Zoie Morack, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: North Central College
Message from the family: "We're so very proud of you Zoie! All your hard work has paid off! You're going to rock this next chapter!"
Mason Neri, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC - operators and engineer tech program
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you! You will achieve everything you have dreamt of! Love, Mom, Jon and kids."
Michael Nicodemus, Minooka central
Message from the family: "So very happy and sad at same time!! Michael has come a long way!!proud of him."
Elyse Odell, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: College of DuPage for Paralegal Studies
Message from the family: "Ellie, we are beyond proud of you and your accomplishments. You have not let the current situation and it's consequences affect your generous heart and positive attitude. There are no obstacles that can defeat the beautiful young woman with the strong spirit you have become. All our Love, Mom, Dad & Sarah."
Kristina Olson, MCHS
Plans for college: She will attend JJC with a focus in law enforcement.
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you Kristi and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you."
Troy Opyd, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: "Joliet Junior College - Criminal Justice."
Message from the family: "Nothing can take away the accomplishments you have made in your life. You will continue to move forward over this small road bump and do many more amazing things. We are all so proud of you. You go out of your way to excel at everything your passionate about. Keep it up and I know there’s no limit to what we will watch you accomplish! We love you !"
Kiernan Papp, Minooka High School
Plans for college or career option: Social work
Message from the family: "The past four years you have grown into a strong, kind and intelligent young woman. So proud of all your accomplishments."
Emma Perino, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Joliet Junior College-undecided major
Message from the family: "I am so proud of you and all you have accomplished!! Your Future is so bright, and the sky is the limit! I love you! Love, Mom."
Bianca Persicketti, Minooka
Plans for college: University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
Message from the family: "We are very proud of Bianca's ability to excel in her studies while being heavily involved in Marching Band, Choir, Madrigal's and Musical's. The sky is the limit Jellybean!"
Michael Peters, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Business Major
Message from the family: "Congratulations Michael Peters! You simply amaze us with your yearly donations to Shorewood Hugs via the annual haunted house fundraiser, to working as a shift manager to pay your own way through college. You got this our sweet son, but know we are here for you forever and always, anytime you need us. Love you more than all the stars in the sky! Mom, Dad, Corey, Joey and Maddie."
Abby Pettigrew, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of Colorado Boulder
Message from the family: "Congratulations Abby! We are so proud of all that you accomplished in high school! We know that your future will be full of adventure and success! Love you!"
Brennen Placko, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Still deciding
Message from the family: "Brennen you are the most kind hearted person I know. We couldn’t be prouder of you. Congratulations!!! Love, Mom, Dad, Dylan, Caylee and Cami."
Madison & Allison Quinn, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Madi-JJC for Floral Design Alli-Loyola for Chemistry
Message from the family: "Congratulations To my daughters!!! I know you’re going to do great things!!!"
Sierra Rabe, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: UIC Medicine
Message from the family: "Sierra, we are so proud of you! You have such an incredible future ahead of you! Love Mom and Dad."
Brianna Randall, Minooka Community High School
Career option: "Cosmetology."
Message from the family: "The future holds no promises, but rather mysteries and surprises. What you’ve learned will prepare you for both. Congratulations and all the best for the future. Love Mom."
Julia Rayola, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Illinois State University major- Social Work. Minor- Spanish
Message from the family: "We are so proud of you and wish you the best! Love, Dad, Mom, Olivia and Jillian."
Alyssa Ritchie, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Marian University - nursing
Message from the family: "So proud of you Alyssa! You are going places!!! Love you!!!"
Sophia Rosales, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: Congratulations Sofi! You are the toughest most big hearted girl I know and that will make you succeed in anything you choose to do!
Jasmine Rotger, MINOOKA high school 111
Plans for college: JJC- Registered Nurse
Message from the family: "We love you and we are so proud of you !! Love , Mom, Dad , Jordan and Julian."
Hunter Ruth, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "We’re so proud of everything that Hunter has accomplished throughout is high school years at Minooka. He’s kept up with his studies throughout all of the practices, competitions and concerts that he proudly attended. His true love in school was being in band. He liked everything about it, even when he had so hours dedicated to practicing. He made many friends and memories he’ll never forget, not to mention all the great teachers throughout the years. Congratulations to our Senior, Class of 2020!"
Taryn Sandei, Minooka High School
Plans for college: Ohio Northern University - College of Pharmacy
Message from the family: "T, we are so proud of how you've handled this crazy ending to your senior year, and we can't wait to see what you accomplish at ONU! We love you! Mom, Dad and Jake."
Katelyn Selvy, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: St Ambrose. Occupational Therapy
Message from the family: "Katelyn we are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments so far. We hope this next chapter of your life is filled with love, hope and happiness. Love, Mom and Tyler."
Luke Setta, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "Luke, your whole family is proud of all that you have accomplished in your elementary and high school career. We know you will go in to do great things. We love you."
Kylie Severson, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of St. Francis majoring in Nursing
Message from the family: "Congratulations Kylie! We are so proud of all your accomplishments. We can’t wait to watch you on the USF Dance Team! Always remember to stay sweet, stay fierce, and most importantly stay you!"
Jaclyn Smith, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college:Joliet Junior College
Message from the family: "We are very proud of you. Love you Dad, Mom and Jessica."
Hannah Smith, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: DePaul University
Message from the family: "We are so very proud of you, Hannah. Love, Mom and Dad."
Hailey Sperling, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Parkland College
Message from the family: "Hailey, we are so proud and excited for you! With your strength and determination we know your future holds great things. Congratulations! Love Mom & Dad."
Tyler Stange, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "Congrats on your graduation Tyler!!! We're so proud, & can't wait to see what the future holds for you! The sky is the limit son! We love you!"
Max Streibich, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Monmouth College, music education
Message from the family: "So proud of you! Can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Love you mom & dad."
Emma Struven, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Meteorology at Northern Illinois University
Message from the family: "We could not be prouder of your compassion and determination. You have accomplished everything you have dreamed of. We can’t see what the future holds for you. Love you."
Chris Ulm, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: Bradley University
Message from the family: "Mom and Dad are very proud of you!"
Dallas Vanmeter, Minooka community high school
Plans for college: JJC
Message from the family: "To my Dallas who is funny caring giving, who has a heart of gold. Always a smile on your face. So proud of the young man you have become. Wishing you all the best in your next adventure. To you and your classmates of 2020 congrats."
Molly Weindorf, MCHS
Plans for college: nursing at University of St. Francis.
Message from the family: "We are extremely proud of Molly. She will be a wonderful nurse. She has already achieved her first goal of becoming a CNA. Excited for her to start the next chapter in her life."
Mason Wittkofski, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: majoring mechanical engineering and deciding between Western Michigan and University of Alabama
Message from the family: "Even though your Senior Year is definitely unique I am so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished!"
Jasmin Zielinski, Minooka Community High School
Plans for college: University of Illinois
Message from the family: "Congratulations Jasmin, we are so proud of you, the woman you have become, and all of your hard work. Keep reaching toward tour dreams and you will accomplish many more great things! Sending you all our love as you begin your next adventure, Mom, Dad, and Ashlin."
Michael Zito, Minooka HS
Plans for college: Colorado State University
Message from the family: "Congratulations Michael! We are so proud of all your accomplishments in high school, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish at Colorado State. Love, Mom, Dad, Alexa and Natalie."
This article originally appeared on the Channahon-Minooka Patch
