Annika Marchi in the spotlight at RCHS

The Senior Spotlight winner for the month of February is Annika Marchi. Annika is the daughter of Kevin and Susan Marchi.

During her high school career, Annika was involved in Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Honors Jazz Combo, Musical Pit, Pep Band, Solo and Ensemble, Joliet American Legion Band, Concert Choir, Madrigals, Musicals, Fall Play, Thespians, Cabaret, IHSMTA All-State Musical Pit, and the Academic Challenge Team.

She was also a Class Officer, Captain of the Speech Team, Student Council Vice President, Band President, Drum Major, an NHS member, and ILMEA All-State qualifier. Additionally, she was on the Math Team, the Golf Team, a Comet Stop worker, a Student of the Month, in the RC Chatter, on the Honor Roll, and was a member of the ICE Leadership Conference.

Her future plans are to attend a 4-year university, study music education, and become a band director.

Here are a few thoughts from Annika's teachers.

Mrs. Arseneau is “thrilled to finally have Annika in class this year! I am lucky enough to have her double blocked. I have heard such wonderful things about her from RC Staff over the years.

“Annika is intelligent and insightful in class. She contributes to the conversation and adds new elements and ideas that I don't even think about. She is that “go to student” you know you can call on, or count on, with whatever you need.

“She is gifted in so many ways and this is evident after only knowing her for 3 weeks. She is also kind and sweet. I feel honored that Annika is pursuing a career in teaching because we need people like her in our field.

“I can just tell that she will be an amazing Music Education teacher and share her love and knowledge of music with all of her students. I am excited to see all that Annika will accomplish this year and in the years to come.” Mrs. Rankin thinks that Annika is “an amazingly intelligent, mature, and delightful young woman.

“She is a true leader and role model in the classroom, and just an all-around terrific person.” Mrs. Dennis says that Annika “is one of the hardest working students I've had. She is thoughtful, mature, organized, and personable.”

Mrs. Leveille was happy to have Annika “in Honors Biology class when she was a freshman. I was surprised at how "outgoing" she was and full of confidence. She was willing to help others in class and her positive attitude was welcomed. She had a passion for music and is extremely talented (singing and playing the ukulele for our class, performing an original song about a biology topic!).”

Mrs. Bugg remembers being “impressed by Annika when I had her in freshmen health. She was so mature and responsible beyond her years; I knew she was something special even back then. It has been a treat watching her achieve at a high level academically and musically, as well as continuing to be a leader among her peers. Annika is definitely one of the very best students that walks the halls of Reed-Custer!”

Ms. Askew believes that Annika “is a wonderful student and young adult! She always has a smile on her face and finds the positive in any situation. Annika is always one of the first people to help out, even though she is involved in so many things! Her work ethic and positive attitude will carry her far!” Mr. Mangan says that Annika “is diligent, hard working and bright.

She brings a clear-headed sense of maturity to the classroom and puts her whole self into everything she does. Annika has a great deal of talent to be sure, but she backs it up with persistence and plenty of hard work.”

Mr. Swanson “appreciates how Annika strives to be the best at what she does - music, speech, theater, academics - the world would be a better place if more people aspired to be like her. She's a great role-model. I'll be sad to see her go but I'm glad to know how bright her future will be.”

Mr. Wolf believes that Annika is “an old soul with an ability to laugh at herself. She is a great example to others of the power of hard work. Her accomplishments and accolades are simply the result of her commitment to learning.” Mr. Frederiksen simply stated that Annika is an “amazing musician.” Mr. Carrescia thinks that Annika is “a mature, intelligent young woman, who is willing to help others around her when they are in need. She is great to have a conversation with and makes me laugh from time to time.”

Mrs. Cann believes that Annika “is not only talented, but is one of the most down to earth, kind-hearted, and hard-working students I have had the pleasure of knowing. She has always greeted me with warm welcome and a smile on her face. She will definitely be missed in the RC hallways next year!”

As a final thought, Annika's advice to younger students is “Always stay organized, have fun along the way, and always treat people with kindness.”

On behalf of the teachers and staff at RCHS, we would like to congratulate Annika Marchi as our February winner of the Senior Spotlight.