Janell Dima is an outstanding young woman in many ways. She is an exceptional student, despite having overcome significant obstacles. Janell was in foster care during her sophomore year, but still managed to complete the year with straight A’s. This isn’t surprising if you know Janell, as she has excelled each year of high school. One of the most difficult choices she had to make during her junior year was which advanced courses she most wanted to take since they could not all fit into her schedule. Through perseverance, she was able to work out a plan with her teachers that allowed her to take some of these courses through independent study. She could then continue her pathway of all advanced courses, including Project Lead the Way engineering courses. Her dedication has been recognized through induction into both the National Honor Society and the National Technical Honor Society.
In addition to her academic achievements, she also is a very active member in McKinley’s Women of Honor and, having earned the respect of her peers, she was chosen president of that group this year. Janell also attended Tech Camp for her engineering program. She also has a heart for those who are less fortunate and has been a consistent volunteer at the Refuge of Hope. She manages all of this while juggling two jobs.
Janell plans to attend Bowling Green State University this fall and major in Architecture.
Andre Gillems
Consistency and determination are the first words that come to mind when thinking of Andre Gillems. He is at school every day, putting in his best effort in both the classroom and in athletics. There is never a question of whether he will succeed; his work ethic will take him far. Andre is currently enrolled in the Exercise Science program and plans to continue in this field by becoming an athletic trainer or a sports analyst. Andre is quiet, respectful, and kind to everyone he meets.
Andre has been involved in many activities inside and outside of the school. He volunteers weekly at his church to hand out food to those in need. At school he has participated in football, basketball, speech and debate, and is a member of Men of Honor. But Andre's true love is baseball. Andre has lettered 3 times in baseball and plans to play again this year. His top choices for college are currently California University of Pennsylvania, Kent State University, the University of Toledo, and Ohio Wesleyan. Regardless of where he goes, Andre will continue to be a standout baseball player and student.