Associated Orthodontists is excited to announce the five winners of its Annual Scholarship Program. The Associated Orthodontist scholarship is open to all current and former patients that are graduating high school seniors with a GPA of at least 3.0 and received full orthodontic care. Each winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship to be applied directly to their tuition at a college, university, vocational training or technical school. Applications were reviewed by a panel at Associated Orthodontists, and were chosen based on submitted essays, academic achievements, and participation in school and community activities.
ANDREW DANEK
Andrew attends Seneca High School, and will be studying Conservation Law Enforcement at the University of Wisconsin – Steven Point. He is a member of the Spanish Club and National Honor Society, plus serves as a class officer and student ambassador. Additionally, he is involved in Conservation in Action, Teens Resisting Unhealthy Social Temptations and Eagle Scouts, where he received the Ad Altare Dei. Andrew is also a member of his schools track and cross country teams, and volunteers his time supporting conservation efforts in his community and the Ronald McDonald House.
AVA PETERSON
Ava is a senior at Lincoln-Way West High School and looks forward to attending the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to obtain her degree in Biomedical Engineering. She has been named to the All-Academic Team, received the Seal of Biliteracy, is a member of the National Honors Society and will be graduating Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, Ava is involved in Student Council, Varsity Club, Warrior Way, the Principal’s Cabinet and Girl Scouts. Outside of the classroom, Ava plays on the school’s soccer team, where she was named to the All-Conference Team and also plays club soccer. She volunteers her time at the Lincoln-Way West Soccer Kiddie Camps, the Roma Toy Drive, the New Lenox Food Drive, and has collected holiday gifts for CPS children and made blankets for the homeless.
RYAN RICHTER
Ryan is a student at Plainfield Central High School and will be attending Ripon College to study Chemistry and Neuroscience this fall. He has been named to the High Honor Roll every semester during his high school career. Additionally, he was honored for his Academic Excellence for a GPA over 5.0 and was also named Student of the Month for the Physical Education Department this past fall. Ryan is very active in athletics, and has had a successful career as a member of the school’s tennis team, where he currently serves as team captain. You will also find him on the soccer field with the Olympic Soccer Academy, as well as participating in Competitive Archery. He donates his time by volunteering at Paws Up for Rescue animal rescue, the Plainfield Central High School Youth Summer Camp and as a team manager for the PCHS Girls Tennis Team.
LANEY ROGERS
A senior at Herscher High School, Laney will be attending Kankakee Community College this fall. She is a member of the National Honors Society, Student Council, Best Buddies and Students Against Destructive Decisions, where she serves as President. She is also a member of Elevate Club Volleyball and the Herscher Volleyball team and was named Most Valuable Player. Her other accolades include President of Lutheran Youth Fellowship ’21-’22 and Gallery of Excellence Award as yearbook editor. In her free time, you’ll find Laney assisting with blood drives, making Bible story books for blind children at the National Youth Gathering, volunteering for the Ashely Cann Race and introducing Herscher freshmen to their new school by guiding tours.
CASEY TYRELL
Casey attends Joliet West High School and will be majoring in marketing in the honors program at Indiana University South Bend. He has been named to the High Honor Roll for the past three years, plus is a member of the National Honors Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Casey stays active as a member of the school’s varsity baseball team, golf team, summer baseball-dynasty and leads the cheers at sporting events as the Joliet West Tiger’s mascot. He volunteers his time doing yard work for the elderly, making blankets for local hospitals, doing arts and crafts at Senior Star Living, plus he has participated in the Down Syndrome Association Buddy Walk, Alzheimer’s Association Walk, Special Olympics Night. You may also catch him at Dick’s Sporting Goods as a Team Associate.
About Associated Orthodontists Since 1969, Associated Orthodontists has been providing patients with care that is focused on wellness, satisfaction and perfection. With cutting-edge treatments and extraordinary outcomes, its team of highly trained orthodontists are committed to creating a customized, stress-free and rewarding experience for patients and families. The partners at Associated Orthodontists include the most experienced and renowned orthodontists in the area, committed to improving smiles and making a positive impact in the communities they serve. For more information on Associated Orthodontists, or to schedule a Complimentary Consultation, please visit greatbraces.com.