Thank You from the Class of 2024
Lehigh’s incoming Class of 2024 is made up of passionate, tenacious individuals. We recognize that their education has relied on collaboration and community, and know there are important people in each student’s life that have made an impact and supported their success.
We invited our incoming students to recognize these mentors, teachers, counselors and more— those who were instrumental in growth, who challenged or inspired them, or who served as an example they want to follow. We celebrate these important individuals and the impact they have made on their students’ lives.
Recipients
Matana Malina, Teacher/Academic Advisor
"Ms. Malina has helped me and my peers in so many ways. Aside from helping me with my academic career with her amazing teaching ability and helping me on my path to college, she has also been a friend for us to count on. She is a person I can talk to about problems I may have, and is extremely supportive of her students' aspirations and achievements. She has been a supportive pillar for my class in our last years of high school."
Baylee Lindell, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mrs. Lindell has always supported me in my academic and personal endeavors. Throughout my high school career, she has always made academics and mental health an equal priority in her class. She is unafraid to be a friend and an authority figure at the same time and always brings a smile to her students. Mrs. Lindell helped me create a new class at my school, find the “mindful moments” in life, and to realize the power a teenager has. Thank you Mrs. Lindell :).”
Don Davis, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Very encouraging and supportive professor through these times. Very obviously cares about his students and the effectiveness of his teaching!”
David Cooper, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Cooper has always been there for me, and he has helped make this quarantine just a little bit better with his contagious laugh and eager and optimistic character!”
Elizabeth Young, Research Advisor
“Prof. Young takes the time to grow me both personally and professionally. She constantly pushes to develop stronger research and writing skills. Outside of the lab, Prof Young always takes the time to make sure I am doing well in academics and my personal life. She provides me with support and I know that if I ever needed something I could call her right away. She is a strong woman in science and is a role model for me. I am truly grateful for everything she does for me!!”
Anne Daniel, Mentor
“I chose this person because not only she gave me direction to apply to Lehigh, but she also gave me the courage to not be afraid to apply to a school so prestigious. I'm grateful to have a counselor that believes in my future dreams and goals, and I am over the moon that I had someone that led me in the best direction that I could think of. Ms. Daniel has been by my side since 11th grade from the beginning of my college journey, she made the college process 1000 times easier and I couldn't thank her more. She was the only person that really knew who I was and what I was capable of. We have shared many common traits such as going through hardships and persevered through something. Not only she pushed me to be the person I am today, but she is also one of the motivating factors in my life to be the best person that I can be.”
Corbin Prychun, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Throughout the year, not only during the time of COVID-19, Mr. Prychun has helped me and countless of my other classmates overcome troublesome times in their lives by creating an area where everyone feels comfortable and can express the way they feel. While he had so much going on in his own life he never stopped looking out for myself and my classmates.”
Kim Angerson, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mrs. Angerson challenged me with her rigorous AP Biology course this year. Thanks to her, I am more knowledgeable and confident. She instilled the love for biology and passion into every class period, which made learning such an enjoyable experience. Also, with her funny character she never failed to lighten up the mood while still demanding my very best. She is by far the best teacher I have ever had, and you do not come across teachers that are as committed and helpful as she is often.”
Dr. Mark Wilson, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Through the ongoing pandemic, Dr. Wilson maintained thorough class rigor and swiftly made the adjustment to continue my learning of Calculus and Principles of Engineering up until the final day. His classes still offered academic challenge but as a fine educator, he was always willing to help as needed. Dr. Wilson is a very busy man as a calc teacher at Central Catholic and Penn State Lehigh Valley, but still devotes 100% of himself to whatever class he is in. His level of enthusiasm and commitment to education motivated me to finish strong until the end.”
Mary Ann Battersby, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mrs. Battersby has been my favorite teacher in high school. She is the nicest person anyone will find. She showed me my love for chemistry and guided me in my path to the world of STEM. Mrs. Battersby creates a welcoming environment in her classroom, making sure everyone knows what is happening. She has been an amazing teacher and mentor for many and I would like to thank her for what she has done at Glen Rock High School.”
Jessica Favorito, Counselor/Career Advisor
“I chose this person for a reverse recommendation because she is the one who helped me throughout my entire college admissions process and believed in me the most. Without her I don't think I would have been able to get as far as I have.”
Renee Rebhan, Homeless Liaison
“Ms. Rebhan was an integral part of my success in applying for college. She has provided me with resources and guidance that I would have otherwise not have been successful with.”
John McBlair, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“This teacher was one of the most influential people in my whole life. He opened my eyes to the world of philosophy and made me love learning for the sake of learning. This man is hugely responsible for my academic career taking a full 180° turn. He changes lives.”
Jeffery Hinkle, Father
“My Dad has done an amazing job helping me with everything I needed for anything; high school, college, boy scouts, etc. He is doing great and I am very thankful for everything he does for me! I love you Dad!”
Allison Serina, Counselor/Career Advisor
“I chose this person because she has the biggest heart! She has helped me apply for college, encouraged me to follow my dreams, has reached out to Lehigh to make my dreams come true, and has supported me throughout the whole college application. She has also done this for everyone in our class. I wouldn’t have been a part of Lehigh if it had not been for her. I owe her whatever I have now.”
Kelly Gallagher, Counselor/Career Advisor
“I choose her because she is always there for me. She checks in and she is a very genuine person. I love that she also cares for me and my career. Plus she is the best at what she does.”
Gabrielle House, Counselor/Career Advisor
“She helped me throughout my senior year both as a counselor and as a friend. She alleviated my academic adversities as well as personal ones, and for that I am forever thankful.”
Amadi Slaughter, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Over the years and now, she has helped me become a person who can stay calm and collective even in a tough and challenging world. Through my transition into college, she has always been by my family's side, ensuring that everything is taken care of.”
Mychelle Perez, Counselor/Career Advisor
“I chose Dr. Perez because she served as not only my school guidance counselor but also as my psychology teacher and internship supervisor. We developed a very close bond and I know that I can confide with her on anything and everything. She has played a big role in my college journey and our connection has only strengthened over the course of the pandemic. She is an amazing teacher and a very supportive counselor, one that not only excels at her job but also at inspiring the students and interns around her.”
Meredith Goldberg, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Since I could remember, life has always been hard, and with that it always seemed easy to accept it and let it walk over me. Meeting a teacher always seems like a hail Mary(football reference), it either works or it doesn't. She was different, I don't know whether it was the nerdy jokes or the genuine effort she put to know every individual student, either way it worked. Sophomore year was one of the roughest years of my life, but it was also the year I had one of the sturdiest people of my life. It's easy to tell people to keep their head up and that eventually it would all work out, but it's different to have someone show you. I didn't think I was going to make it out alive through the rough patches, but she was a crutch that helped me throughout it all and because of her I've grown a lot. I've learned to advocate for myself, and I've learned that I'm capable of having a strong and honest friendship and relationship. I made it out of the rough patches, not only alive but also stronger and wiser than I ever imagined- and I owe it all to Ms.Goldberg”
Dominic Arteno, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Dominic Arteno, a physics teacher at Randall K. Cooper High School, was very helpful to me during the transition from school to school at home. He was available to the students for a conference every single day of the workweek, and he really helped me and a lot of other students answer all of our physics questions during those sessions. He was very genuine and seemed like he really cared about his students. He's one of the best teachers I've had in my high school career.”
Suhiba Firuz, Sister
“I still hear stories about how my sister, who was 3 years old at that time, used to cry and plead with God for a baby brother to play with. That recommendation surely worked, cause a few years later I was chasing her with a stick. My sister has always been the type of person who goes into a minefield first so that rest can cross the field safely. She guided me, pushed me to challenge myself and cheered all along the way. She's currently stuck 13,000km away from family in her dorm due to the pandemic. I'm sure receiving a thankyou email will put a smile on her face. As a new member of the mountain hawk family, I really want to let her know how much she means to me and how strong she has made me become. To my mentor, my bestfriend, my Second parent, Suhiba. Thank you.”
Bonnie Martinez, Counselor/Career Advisor
“I chose this person for a reverse recommendation because I know that I would not be attending Lehigh if it wasn't for her. If Ms. Martinez had not been a shoulder to cry on, my mom on campus, or a trusted adult I could talk to about anything at any time of the day, I am not sure my senior year would have been as successful and enjoyable as it is.”
Thomas Noviello, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Noviello teaches the toughest class at Leominster High School and is someone that devotes his entire life to ensuring that his students succeed. He also is someone that is great to talk to and is a wealth of knowledge. I could not think of a better person to say thank you. He helped me become an even better version of myself and I am forever grateful for the devotion he has to not only AP Physics C, but each student that walks into his room!”
Brian Carney, Mentor
“He helped me throughout my senior year and taught me various things in chess. He also helped me with my college essay”
Lee Burwasser, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“As his second year of teaching, I really enjoyed his class. The way that he taught physics was really fun and interesting, He helped me code the robot for the Robotics club.”
James Dyke, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Although he can be very sarcastic sometimes, my three years with him were very enjoyable. Once in AP chemistry and twice in Robotics club. We went to states two years in a row, which was an experience I thought I would never see. Others may see him as a harsh teacher but I'll always recognize him as a great and supportive teacher.”
Laura Cristella, Counselor/Career Advisor
“Mrs.Cristella was the first person I would go to for any problem, no matter how small. I would visit her almost everyday, and she would always help me even if she was swamped with work. In fact, I would not even be attending Lehigh if it was not for her. Because of her I registered for the SAT early, completed my FAFSA the day it came out, and had all of my college applications completed before Christmas. Although I thought her "nagging" was annoying at the time, it prepared me for my future. I will always be grateful for that.”
Justin Cobis, Teacher and Coach
“I have known Cobis, as I affectionately call him, for five years now. He has been both my teacher and my cross country and track coach, as well as a mentor and positive role model for the community. Cobis dedicates long hours for his athletes, taking us to away meets and events, as well as makes time for his own family. He also started a not for profit 501(c)3, Riverhead Running Club, to promote interest in the sport of running in our community. He has organized many youth running events, such as the “Waves of the Future Run” and a summer youth track and field clinic. Cobis has also been a huge support to me. He was the one who encouraged me to take up running, and now I am running for Lehigh’s cross country and track teams. I have played for many sports teams throughout my youth career, and Cobis has been a coach who I can trust to care about my personal well being, not only my athletic results. He helped me through a rough time and never put too much on my plate athletically. He made practice a space for me to have fun.”
Aarish Lakhani, Mentor
“He kept me off the streets, then put right back on to teach me about life. I never once doubted that he was the perfect mentor for me. He used the look both ways method, which involved putting and taking me off of the streets to really give me a viewpoint of both ways.”
Natarajan Palaniswamy Gounder, Grandfather
“My grandfather emphasised the words gratitude and acceptance, and that is the sole reason what got me here. He never discouraged me, no matter how absurd or crazy my ideas sounded. I don't have enough words to express my gratitude for him.”
Leeja Jose, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“I blindly assumed that math wasn't exactly my forte. Funnily, 'math' was my answer to everyone who asked me what my favourite subject was. It was more of a reflex than a thought. My math teacher, Ms. Leeja Jose, pulled me right out of my imaginary world, which made me realise that there's no subject more interesting than math. Besides the academics, she had a way to uplift the spirits of my entire class regardless of the situation we were in. I will be ever grateful to her for being such an extraordinary teacher who had my complete attention from the minute she walks into class!”
Priya Swamy, Counselor/Career Advisor
“Ms. Priya Swamy guided me through everything for my admissions. I'm very grateful to her.”
Madhavi Murali, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Madhu aunty, was what we called/call her. Her classroom doors were always open for chatter, fun, love, laughter, and of course school work. She was more of a best friend than a teacher. Her classes were always the highlight of my day, she never failed to cheer a sulking face up! Always and forever grateful to her for helping me top my classes and for making me a better person everyday.”
Timothy Milligan, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“He was the most supportive teacher that I have had and is the reason that I found a love for computer science. He pushed me to join clubs and competitions for computer science.”
Irina Papazova, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Papazova Irina Pavlovna is the best physics teacher I have ever had in my life. Her ability to clearly explain the complex topic, attentiveness, her sense of humor and wisdom helped me to start loving physics and to actively participate in physics classes.”
Arman Maidanov, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Maidanov Arman Batyrkhanovich is the funniest and the greatest mathematics teacher in my life. I would like to thank him very much for his great professionalism, responsiveness, constant desire to help, wise guidance throughout my high school career and his positive attitude!”
Baillie Kaitlyn, Counselor/Career Advisor
“The only counselor you can email by 3AM in the morning to write you a letter of recommendation due by 10am and won’t say no.”
Veronica Guzman, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Supports and cares for me in and out of school. Wants the best of her students. Even made me enjoy learning Spanish too. I love her so much. Learning would be much better if all teachers were like her.”
Maria Hinrichsen, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“She turned my hardest class in high school into a topic I enjoyed learning. To me, that is fantastic teaching. I was pushed to work in ways I never had to previously in high school and I learned a lot about work ethic. Especially when our year was cut short and forced to convert to online classes, Hinrichsen worked so many hours to ensure that our class was prepared for the AP Test. She even hand delivered ice cream to everyone before the exam! It is clear how much she cares about our class and we are so grateful for the time that she took out of her day to help us.”
Nino Polizzi, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“I chose Nino Polizzi, of the many impactful mentors I have had, because he was the one that sparked my interest in STEM during high school and his humility in being my high school teacher. He is a well educated and experienced electrical engineer who decided to devote his later career as a teacher in order to educate students like I who come from challenged backgrounds on what engineering was like. If it weren't for him I would not have ever considered a career in STEM.”
Carolina Hasbun, Counselor/Career Advisor
“Caro has been helping me prep for college applications since I was a junior. Even when Caro was at her busiest, or even when she was taking a break, she always made the time to see me. She has helped me through rejections and to cope with stress when everything was overwhelming. Caro helped me get into Lehigh and I would not be attending if not for her unconditional support. Thank you Caro.”
Daniel Borst, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Borst is one of the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. I had the privilege of being his student for 2 years and I have enjoyed every moment of it. Mr. Borst's teaching is not limited to a textbook or to a curriculum. When there was free class time, he would give us powerpoint presentations on life lessons. "Failing Successfully", "Love and Truth" are among some of the lessons we have received over the years. Mr.Borst is a mentor, a teacher, and a friend. He makes everyone in his class feel engaged, loved, and cared for. He understands his students and is a believer in second chances and the good of humanity. Thank you for your unconditional support Mr. Borst. God bless you.”
Amadeo Cortes, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Cortes has been a teacher not only to me, but to my mother and father as well. He is strong-willed, smart, and kind. Mr. Cortes has the magic ability to make a challenging concept easy to understand, and fun to apply. He is a firm believer that labs and experiments are the best way to learn and has always made his class an engaging, hands-on experience. Mr.Cortes is the depiction of intellectual curiosity. He decided to start teaching Chemistry, after years of being a Physics teacher , simply because he wanted to learn. In his free time he self-teaches how to paint, speak French, and soon, Mandarin. He has inspired me to always keep on learning and to make sure I always lead a healthy lifestyle. Thank you Mr. Cortes.”
Elise Thompson, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mrs. Thompson has been my teacher for three years. That includes four classes, and two clubs. To this day, Mrs. Thompson, or "Mrs. Rooney", as I called her in my Freshman year of high school, is one of the best teachers I have had. Mrs. Rooney is one of the most hardworking people I know, and once she sets a goal she fulfills it completely. Her giving nature, and her demanding standards, always created a supportive environment in her class. Academics and mental health have always come hand-in-hand in her class. Though I am sad I was not able to end high school with my favorite teacher, I know that you are much more needed in Minneapolis. Thank you Mrs. Rooney, for the laughs, debates, and support I have received from you.”
Pauline Stahl, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Dr. Stahl has given me the resources to thrive in and out of the classroom. It was because of her support that I was able to have my world view expanded and my love for science flourish.”
Nate Miller, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Miller was my advisor and cross country coach over my four years in high school, and his mentorship, counsel, and support have been instrumental in who I am today, both on and off the XC course.”
Rajalakshmi Krishnamurthy, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Raji aunty, as we call her, is always full of life. No matter what, she was always patient and understanding. I'm really proud to say that I'm her student. More than anything I learned good values from her. Forever grateful to her for being the most enthusiastic and amazing teacher ever.”
Linsey Lawrence, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Linsey was always there for us when we needed her! She was one of the best teachers I've ever had and considering all the other commitments she had at school, she deserves a thousand thank you's. In every stressful, uncomfortable or uneasy situation, Linsey keeps calm, listens and acts with always putting the wellbeing of every student and stakeholder first, no matter how difficult or even impossible that sometimes looks. She is a human being with a golden heart, that is always there for everyone. I will miss her stories and little anecdotes in class :).
Thank you!!”
Tafadzwa “Fadzi” Muzhandu, Counselor/Career Advisor
“She played a pivotal role in my academic life. She made what seemed impossible in my own eyesight to be possible. I never thought that one day I would be admitted by any university in the USA. Through her love and guidance, I'm going to achieve my career goals.”
Stephen Owusu-Bempah, Hostel Tutor and Teacher
“Mr. Owusu offered guidance, and gave me the motivation to get through each demanding week of school at our weekly hostel meetings. He availed himself to be spoken to as a friend on innumerable occasions. He had a great sense of humor, which rubbed off on the trojan boys. He also gave us freedom and room to make the necessary mistakes to help us grow and most of all he treated us as adults. Although he was friendly, he still had a stern side to him, and this helped discipline me. Having an adult who sees eye to eye with you, engages in meaningful discourse, and treats you like an equal is certainly refreshing in a traditional African setting where adults are seen as dictators over children.
Mr. Owusu truly was a constant father figure to me throughout my 4 years at SOS-HGIC.
He encouraged not only me but also all other Trojans and students to not only focus on academics while in school but to try out different sports and clubs as well as take on leadership roles in our community, thus making us well rounded individuals. Monthly, he helped us grow outside the classroom by picking out good reads and delivering to us a self help book to read.
I never thought that a teacher-student relationship could be filled with so much camaraderie. I see Mr. Owusu as an older brother that always looks out for me, and that is why I appreciate him.”
Renato Amigo, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“I chose my chemistry teacher Renato Amigo for his incredible tenacity and his dedication to every single one of his students. Beginning in the junior year, he managed to transform chemistry, a typically disliked subject, into one of the most enjoyable for most and overall increased the class grade through quality teaching, while having a Youtube channel and site dedicated to teaching chemistry for university entrance exams. Then, in the senior year, not only did he do that, but, due to unforeseen changes, assumed control of the school's university help sector, guiding people in the choices of university and major, while keeping my year updated in anything about the entrance exams. Not only that, but he also helped organize the 2019 "Sarau", the school's greatest artistic event, and wrote my recommendation letter, doing all of this with a friendly and passionate smile. In the end, I'm extremely grateful to him and his actions and personality makes him deserve this recommendation with flying colors.”
Sami Jomaa, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“During the entire process of applying internationally, Sami was the most supportive person for me. Beyond writing the counselor letter, he also was constantly inquisitive about what to do, gave me tips on multiple occasions and organized all the teachers in the process, not just for me, but also every student trying to apply. Considering this and his great work in managing my high school, I believe that he deserves this recommendation.”
Alexandre Silva, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Professor Alexandre consistently helps and develops the arts in my academically focused school. Always encouraging the cultural growth of the students, he is the central figure in the school's extracurricular excursions and is always open for any type of discussion, which eventually culminated in his great work on the artistic event "Sarau". Not only that, but he also helps in the students mental health, teaching us techniques for self reflection and world understanding in his introspective style of classes, which greatly helps me even now. For the sage-like style of teaching that doesn't forsake quality and his actions in the arts, Alexandre definitely deserves this and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.”
Alessandro Vicentini, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Mr. Vicentini is, until now, the greatest geography teacher I've ever had. He always has shown passion in his work and tries to teach us the maximum amount of ideas possible, always showing both sides in conflicts and not hiding anything from us, even teaching us theories and researchers that are considered typically more advanced than high school. For his honest and passionate classes, this recommendation is well earned”
Sanjeetha Peters, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Sanjeeeeee! Thank you for pressuring me into taking all the CS classes. Thank you for bringing us to Japan. You’re definitely one of the best things that happened to me in high school!”
Philip Benge, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“Being my Calculus II and Calculus III teacher for senior year, Dr. Benge challenged my peers and I in many advanced math-related courses. Through theorems and proofs, he allowed me to go beyond from memorizing math formulas to understanding the origins and how they came about. His class gave me a new insight in math and helped me gain a higher interest in math and computer science related fields.”
Tu Lam, Sister
“When it comes to who challenges me the most, it would be her. Her commitment in life rivals mine and pushes me to stay focused and become a better person. I want to thank her for being my close confidant and being my sister who has total faith in me, even in my roughest times.”
Theresa Rogers, Teacher/Academic Advisor
“They helped me fully express myself and get into all the great colleges I got into.”
Sangita Kumari, Mother
“For always standing by my side through all the ups and downs in my life and constantly encouraging and motivating to be a better version of myself every next day.”