Welcome Back!
Hartland High School is looking forward to another great school year in 2015-2016. The HHS staff hopes you had a relaxing summer. Hartland High School is a special place with special people. I am thrilled to be back at a place where positive relationships form the bases for high expectations and success, both inside and outside of the classroom. This year we plan on pushing forward on our vision to make HHS a culture of excellence and pride. We return an excellent teaching staff ready to work hard for our students, parents, and community. The sky’s the limit for Hartland High School and I welcome everyone back for another fantastic school year.
Important Dates
October 2: Homecoming Football Game
October 3: Homecoming Dance
Congratulations to the 2015 Top Ten Hartland Seniors
*Please note: Seniors are listed in alphabetical order only.
Student: Jared Gohl
Parents: Jerry Gohl and Nancy Gohl
Activities and Awards: Jared was a member of the National Honors Society. He was also the German Club president and vice-president in High School. He played football for all four years. His senior year, he was elected captain of the team. He was named All-Conference for the KLAA as well as All-County First Team. He was named First Team Academic All-State for his grades as well as receiving the Scholar Athlete award for the football team. Jared was an active member of his church's youth group. He was a member of the leadership team and led retreats for the 8th graders. He attended the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp as a representative for his parish. Beginning the summer of his sophomore year, he began to take yearly mission trips to help with disaster relief after natural disasters. He has received awards in AP Chemistry, AP Composition, and German. Additionally, Jared won the KLAA Math & Science Olympics for chemistry his junior year. His offensive line coach, Doug Skene, has had a profound impact on both his work ethic as well as his dedication. Without Skene, Jared would not have been able to excel in life as he has. Jared loves cooking and baking as well as lifting weights. Next year Jared plans on attending Hillsdale College where he will be studying chemistry and physics as well as playing football for the Chargers.
Parents: Jerry Gohl and Nancy Gohl
Activities and Awards: Jared was a member of the National Honors Society. He was also the German Club president and vice-president in High School. He played football for all four years. His senior year, he was elected captain of the team. He was named All-Conference for the KLAA as well as All-County First Team. He was named First Team Academic All-State for his grades as well as receiving the Scholar Athlete award for the football team. Jared was an active member of his church's youth group. He was a member of the leadership team and led retreats for the 8th graders. He attended the Diocesan Youth Leadership Camp as a representative for his parish. Beginning the summer of his sophomore year, he began to take yearly mission trips to help with disaster relief after natural disasters. He has received awards in AP Chemistry, AP Composition, and German. Additionally, Jared won the KLAA Math & Science Olympics for chemistry his junior year. His offensive line coach, Doug Skene, has had a profound impact on both his work ethic as well as his dedication. Without Skene, Jared would not have been able to excel in life as he has. Jared loves cooking and baking as well as lifting weights. Next year Jared plans on attending Hillsdale College where he will be studying chemistry and physics as well as playing football for the Chargers.
Student: Sara Kazyak
Parents: Kevin and Pam Kazyak
Activities and Awards: Sara has been an active member of her community, serving as both the president of Hartland High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society and coach of the local Girls on the Run chapter. She was honored as one of Metro Detroit’s Brightest and Best by WXYZ and is a recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award and Hartland Optimist Club Award. Throughout her high school experience, Sara has made it a priority to balance both academic and extracurricular activities. She was a member of LINK Crew and Optimist Club, and ran both Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track, where she was a captain. At the same time, she made it a priority to inspire the next generation of leaders, volunteering her time at her church’s Vacation Bible School program and various other community events. Sara has taken numerous AP courses, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. It is these courses, along with the guidance and support of her family and educators that inspired Sara to attend the University of Alabama in the fall and participate in the Honors Program. She intends to pursue the Pre-med track, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in Spanish.
Parents: Kevin and Pam Kazyak
Activities and Awards: Sara has been an active member of her community, serving as both the president of Hartland High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society and coach of the local Girls on the Run chapter. She was honored as one of Metro Detroit’s Brightest and Best by WXYZ and is a recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award and Hartland Optimist Club Award. Throughout her high school experience, Sara has made it a priority to balance both academic and extracurricular activities. She was a member of LINK Crew and Optimist Club, and ran both Varsity Cross Country and Varsity Track, where she was a captain. At the same time, she made it a priority to inspire the next generation of leaders, volunteering her time at her church’s Vacation Bible School program and various other community events. Sara has taken numerous AP courses, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. It is these courses, along with the guidance and support of her family and educators that inspired Sara to attend the University of Alabama in the fall and participate in the Honors Program. She intends to pursue the Pre-med track, majoring in biochemistry and minoring in Spanish.
Student: Catherine Keeling
Parents: Harley and Linda Keeling
Activities and Awards: Catherine was a member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team for three years. She was Captain and the one singles player her senior year. She received most promising and most improved player on the team. Catherine was also an active member in the National Honors Society, Optimist Club, and French Club. She was one of the executive board members of the French Club her senior year. One of Catherine’s passions is community service in which she volunteered at the Cromaine Library for two years, helps at the Fenton Farmers Market every summer, volunteers at Journey With Jesus at her church every summer, peer-tutors, and volunteers with NHS and Optimist Club. Catherine received Academic awards in Algebra, French, Advanced Geometry, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, Honors Physics, AP Composition, and Algebra 2 Trig. The greatest influences in Catherine’s life are her parents who taught her that anything is possible with determination and a hard work ethic. Also, her tennis coaches allowed her to achieve a positive mindset. Catherine will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she will be in the Honor’s Program. She will be majoring in Biology and minoring in French and hopes to continue playing tennis.
Parents: Harley and Linda Keeling
Activities and Awards: Catherine was a member of the Girls Varsity Tennis Team for three years. She was Captain and the one singles player her senior year. She received most promising and most improved player on the team. Catherine was also an active member in the National Honors Society, Optimist Club, and French Club. She was one of the executive board members of the French Club her senior year. One of Catherine’s passions is community service in which she volunteered at the Cromaine Library for two years, helps at the Fenton Farmers Market every summer, volunteers at Journey With Jesus at her church every summer, peer-tutors, and volunteers with NHS and Optimist Club. Catherine received Academic awards in Algebra, French, Advanced Geometry, Anatomy and Physiology, AP Biology, Honors Physics, AP Composition, and Algebra 2 Trig. The greatest influences in Catherine’s life are her parents who taught her that anything is possible with determination and a hard work ethic. Also, her tennis coaches allowed her to achieve a positive mindset. Catherine will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where she will be in the Honor’s Program. She will be majoring in Biology and minoring in French and hopes to continue playing tennis.
Student: Jordan Leonard
Parents: Mark and May Leonard
Activities and Awards: Jordan was an active member of the National Honor’s Society, Optimist Club, and Link Crew. Other time spent serving her community included organizing a team to raise money for ALS of Michigan and volunteering at her dance studio. Jordan has been dancing since she was three and competing since fourth grade. Since the fourth grade, Jordan has performed a solo in New York City at a yearly national competition. She has received multiple dance scholarships at various dance conventions. Recently, she was offered the opportunity to perform at the Joyce Theater in New York City for a college scholarship benefit through New York City Dance Alliance. She spends her time dancing as part of Performing Arts Dance Theater at Glenn’s School of Dance in Howell, Michigan. She has worked as a dance teacher and demonstrator for younger dancers. Her parents and grandmother are her greatest influences in her life. They taught her to always persevere, follow her dreams, and be dedicated to her goals, all of which have helped her succeed. Pursuing her dreams, Jordan will be attending Point Park University where she will be in the Honor’s Program double majoring in Dance and Biology.
Parents: Mark and May Leonard
Activities and Awards: Jordan was an active member of the National Honor’s Society, Optimist Club, and Link Crew. Other time spent serving her community included organizing a team to raise money for ALS of Michigan and volunteering at her dance studio. Jordan has been dancing since she was three and competing since fourth grade. Since the fourth grade, Jordan has performed a solo in New York City at a yearly national competition. She has received multiple dance scholarships at various dance conventions. Recently, she was offered the opportunity to perform at the Joyce Theater in New York City for a college scholarship benefit through New York City Dance Alliance. She spends her time dancing as part of Performing Arts Dance Theater at Glenn’s School of Dance in Howell, Michigan. She has worked as a dance teacher and demonstrator for younger dancers. Her parents and grandmother are her greatest influences in her life. They taught her to always persevere, follow her dreams, and be dedicated to her goals, all of which have helped her succeed. Pursuing her dreams, Jordan will be attending Point Park University where she will be in the Honor’s Program double majoring in Dance and Biology.
Student: Jordan McKaig
Parents: Louie and Mary McKaig
Activities and Awards: Jordan was a member of the Varsity Swim Team for four years, where she was a captain, state finalist, and recipient of the Coach’s Award and Scholastic Athlete Award. She was also named an Academic All-American swimmer. Jordan was heavily involved in her community; she served as Vice President of the Optimist Club her senior year and Treasurer her sophomore and junior years. She received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Dedication to Community, the Eagle Award for Community Service, and the Optimist International Youth Appreciation Award. She volunteered with many organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, National Relief Network, Safe Town, SpringHill Camp, Village Manor Retirement Home, and the American Red Cross High School Leadership Team. Her other extra-curricular activities included National Honor Society, Hartland Hurricanes Swim Club, Link Crew, Track and Field, and St. Mary Magdalen Church Youth Group. She also worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and coach at the Hartland Caroselli Aquatic Center. Jordan was named a National Merit Scholar Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor. She received the Academic Honor Award, along with academic awards in French, AP Language and Composition, and Anatomy and Physiology. Jordan’s greatest source of inspiration are her parents, who taught her by example the value of hard work, commitment, and perseverance, and are a constant source of support, encouragement, and love. Furthermore, she had the pleasure of knowing some incredible teachers and coaches throughout the past few years, and is so grateful for the things they have taught her. Jordan will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will be in the Honors Program for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She plans to double major in Biology and International Studies.
Parents: Louie and Mary McKaig
Activities and Awards: Jordan was a member of the Varsity Swim Team for four years, where she was a captain, state finalist, and recipient of the Coach’s Award and Scholastic Athlete Award. She was also named an Academic All-American swimmer. Jordan was heavily involved in her community; she served as Vice President of the Optimist Club her senior year and Treasurer her sophomore and junior years. She received the Outstanding Achievement Award for Dedication to Community, the Eagle Award for Community Service, and the Optimist International Youth Appreciation Award. She volunteered with many organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, National Relief Network, Safe Town, SpringHill Camp, Village Manor Retirement Home, and the American Red Cross High School Leadership Team. Her other extra-curricular activities included National Honor Society, Hartland Hurricanes Swim Club, Link Crew, Track and Field, and St. Mary Magdalen Church Youth Group. She also worked as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and coach at the Hartland Caroselli Aquatic Center. Jordan was named a National Merit Scholar Finalist and an AP Scholar with Honor. She received the Academic Honor Award, along with academic awards in French, AP Language and Composition, and Anatomy and Physiology. Jordan’s greatest source of inspiration are her parents, who taught her by example the value of hard work, commitment, and perseverance, and are a constant source of support, encouragement, and love. Furthermore, she had the pleasure of knowing some incredible teachers and coaches throughout the past few years, and is so grateful for the things they have taught her. Jordan will be attending the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will be in the Honors Program for the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. She plans to double major in Biology and International Studies.
Student: Zachary Piontek
Parents: Robert Piontek and Suzanne Fitzpatrick
Activities and Awards: Zachary was on the High School Varsity Football team and was 1st Team Academic All-State. He also played Varsity Lacrosse his senior year and Baseball as an underclassman. Zachary was a member of the National Honors Society and LINK Crew. He competed in the KLAA Math and Science Olympiad for Biology and Chemistry Lab, and also earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Zachary was a KLAA Scholar Athlete and also earned his Academic Letter. He began Cub Scouts in 1st grade and crossed over to Boy Scouts in 5th. Since that time he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, his project involved collecting over 500 used books and donating them to Mann Elementary School in Detroit. Zachary’s parents have taught him to succeed and have given him the determination to overcome any challenges in his life. Zachary will be attending Purdue University to major in Chemical Engineering.
Parents: Robert Piontek and Suzanne Fitzpatrick
Activities and Awards: Zachary was on the High School Varsity Football team and was 1st Team Academic All-State. He also played Varsity Lacrosse his senior year and Baseball as an underclassman. Zachary was a member of the National Honors Society and LINK Crew. He competed in the KLAA Math and Science Olympiad for Biology and Chemistry Lab, and also earned the AP Scholar with Distinction Award. Zachary was a KLAA Scholar Athlete and also earned his Academic Letter. He began Cub Scouts in 1st grade and crossed over to Boy Scouts in 5th. Since that time he has earned the rank of Eagle Scout, his project involved collecting over 500 used books and donating them to Mann Elementary School in Detroit. Zachary’s parents have taught him to succeed and have given him the determination to overcome any challenges in his life. Zachary will be attending Purdue University to major in Chemical Engineering.
Student: Claire Schiefelbein
Parents: John Schiefelbein and Janine Brandner
Activities and Awards: Claire was part of the marching and concert band all four years of high school, where she was section leader of the flutes and piccolos. She was also part of the ski team for all four years. Claire participated in Optimist Club, National Honor Society, and Link Crew while in high school. She also enjoys volunteering at Cromaine Library and St. Mary Magdalen church. Some academic awards she has received are her Academic Varsity Letter, 4.0 GPA Award, AP Scholar with Distinction, and National Merit Scholar Finalist. The biggest influences in her life are her parents, who taught her the value of curiosity and questions, and her teachers, who showed her how to be passionate about learning. Claire will be attending Cornell University in the fall to study Engineering.
Parents: John Schiefelbein and Janine Brandner
Activities and Awards: Claire was part of the marching and concert band all four years of high school, where she was section leader of the flutes and piccolos. She was also part of the ski team for all four years. Claire participated in Optimist Club, National Honor Society, and Link Crew while in high school. She also enjoys volunteering at Cromaine Library and St. Mary Magdalen church. Some academic awards she has received are her Academic Varsity Letter, 4.0 GPA Award, AP Scholar with Distinction, and National Merit Scholar Finalist. The biggest influences in her life are her parents, who taught her the value of curiosity and questions, and her teachers, who showed her how to be passionate about learning. Claire will be attending Cornell University in the fall to study Engineering.
Student: Jessica Schnabel
Parents: Kay and Claus Schnabel
Activities and Awards: Jessica was a member of National Honor Society, LINK Crew mentoring incoming freshman, and Optimist Club. Jessica traveled to Germany with the German American Partnership Program her freshmen year. She was President of German Club her senior year. Jessica was on the Varsity Ski team all four years. She was named MVP her junior year and Captain her senior year, as well as making the All-Conference KLAA team her senior year. She also received the Scholar Athlete award (highest team GPA) her junior and senior years. Jessica received the Eagle Award for community service her junior year. Jessica’s team placed first in the physics lab in the KLAA Math and Science Olympics 2015. She received the AP Scholar award the last two years. Jessica is a member of Ray’s Riders Mountain Bike Team and medaled her junior year in the 30 mile “Iceman Cometh Challenge” mountain bike race. Throughout high school, Jessica has competitively raced F18 High Performance Catamarans with her father, finishing as Fleet Season Champions of the Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan for the last 3 year. She has also been awarded the Jason Cox Young Sailor Award three times. Jessica will be attending University of Michigan, College of Engineering. She plans to major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in German. She hopes to continue sailing and skiing in college.
Parents: Kay and Claus Schnabel
Activities and Awards: Jessica was a member of National Honor Society, LINK Crew mentoring incoming freshman, and Optimist Club. Jessica traveled to Germany with the German American Partnership Program her freshmen year. She was President of German Club her senior year. Jessica was on the Varsity Ski team all four years. She was named MVP her junior year and Captain her senior year, as well as making the All-Conference KLAA team her senior year. She also received the Scholar Athlete award (highest team GPA) her junior and senior years. Jessica received the Eagle Award for community service her junior year. Jessica’s team placed first in the physics lab in the KLAA Math and Science Olympics 2015. She received the AP Scholar award the last two years. Jessica is a member of Ray’s Riders Mountain Bike Team and medaled her junior year in the 30 mile “Iceman Cometh Challenge” mountain bike race. Throughout high school, Jessica has competitively raced F18 High Performance Catamarans with her father, finishing as Fleet Season Champions of the Catamaran Racing Association of Michigan for the last 3 year. She has also been awarded the Jason Cox Young Sailor Award three times. Jessica will be attending University of Michigan, College of Engineering. She plans to major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering or Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in German. She hopes to continue sailing and skiing in college.
Student: Rachel Stencel
Parents: Thomas and Mary Stencel
Activities and Awards: Rachel was captain of the Color Guard team and participated in winter guard. She also plays the clarinet in band. Clubs she was involved with included National Honor Society, Link Crew, and Optimist Club. Further community service events she took part in were the Walk for Warmth, Relay for Life, and volunteering at Round Elementary School. Rachel received awards including excellence in drawing and design, and scholar athlete. She also participated in the KLAA Math and Science Olympics. The greatest influences in Rachel’s life are her parents that taught her the value of hard work, dedication, and supported whatever she puts her mind to. Rachel will be attending Lawrence Technological University to major in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Parents: Thomas and Mary Stencel
Activities and Awards: Rachel was captain of the Color Guard team and participated in winter guard. She also plays the clarinet in band. Clubs she was involved with included National Honor Society, Link Crew, and Optimist Club. Further community service events she took part in were the Walk for Warmth, Relay for Life, and volunteering at Round Elementary School. Rachel received awards including excellence in drawing and design, and scholar athlete. She also participated in the KLAA Math and Science Olympics. The greatest influences in Rachel’s life are her parents that taught her the value of hard work, dedication, and supported whatever she puts her mind to. Rachel will be attending Lawrence Technological University to major in Architecture and Civil Engineering.
Student: Carson Vestergaard
Parents: Brian and Janet Vestergaard
Activities and Awards: Carson served as president of Optimist Club, captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, and was a member of National Honor Society and Link Crew. She loves to work with younger students through Vacation Bible School, volunteering at the elementary schools, working volleyball camps, and coaching a 13U volleyball team at Top Gun Volleyball Club. She also works as a Marketing Intern at Livingston County Michigan Works. Her parents have had the greatest influence on her school and outside life by demonstrating qualities of love, hard work, and compassion for others. She would also like to extend her gratitude to all her teachers and coaches for not only putting in lots of time to aid in her success, but also for making the last four years fun. Carson plans on attending Michigan State University this fall to study Secondary Education with an English and math major.
Parents: Brian and Janet Vestergaard
Activities and Awards: Carson served as president of Optimist Club, captain of the Varsity Volleyball team, and was a member of National Honor Society and Link Crew. She loves to work with younger students through Vacation Bible School, volunteering at the elementary schools, working volleyball camps, and coaching a 13U volleyball team at Top Gun Volleyball Club. She also works as a Marketing Intern at Livingston County Michigan Works. Her parents have had the greatest influence on her school and outside life by demonstrating qualities of love, hard work, and compassion for others. She would also like to extend her gratitude to all her teachers and coaches for not only putting in lots of time to aid in her success, but also for making the last four years fun. Carson plans on attending Michigan State University this fall to study Secondary Education with an English and math major.