Township High School District 113

Celebrating First Semester Highlights



Haga clic para leer este boletín en español


District 113 is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements, milestones and good news from our incredible students and dedicated staff. From academic excellence and athletic triumphs to artistic accomplishments and community contributions, this newsletter is your window into the moments that make our school community shine.


Please enjoy the following highlights from the first semester of the 2024-25 school year.

Students Lead Spirit of Giving

DHS School Chest Raises Over $85,000 

Deerfield High School’s School Chest raised $85,578.30 for the Mothers Trust Foundation. Thank you to the Deerfield High School students, staff, parents and community for all their hard work. The funds raised will help Mothers Trust Foundation provide immediate assistance during times of crisis to low-income children living in Lake County.


Highland Park High School Charity Drive kicks off on January 17 and will benefit the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation. The nonprofit supports gastrointestinal cancer research. Visit Charity Drive's website for more information and stay tuned for how you can help in the coming weeks. 

Sled Hockey Charity Event Raises Over $26,000

The Highland Park High School Ice Hockey Team organized a sold-out Highland Park Giants Sled Hockey Community Fundraising Event in support of Cooper Roberts. A total of $26,913 was raised for the Hornets Sled Hockey team, a sled hockey team in Chicagoland comprised of players aged five and up with physical disabilities. According to the Hornets Sled Hockey team, this is the most money ever raised at one of their events. Watch Channel 5's story on the fundraiser. 


For more information on Hornets Sled Hockey, visit their website.

Staff Accolades, Achievements and Milestones

HPHS Counselor Earns Community Award

The Highland Park Community Foundation recently awarded Highland Park High School Counselor Pablo Alvarez the Jack Blane Community Service Award. In addition to being a counselor at HPHS, Alvarez is Chair of the Board of Directors at the mental health nonprofit Josselyn, a Moraine Township Trustee, a member of the Giant Football Fund and more. Read the feature piece about Pablo Alvarez published in the December issue of Highland Park Neighbors.

DHS Health Teachers Honored

Deerfield High School Health Teachers Sarah Gershon and Danielle Hoveydai, along with Department Chair Marc Pechter, earned the Blue Ribbon Award for Health Education. The PE, Health and Traffic Safety Department was honored at the Illinois Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (IAHPERD) and will be honored at the Illinois School Health Conference in the spring.

DHS Football Coach Retires

Longtime DHS Football Coach Steve Winiecki retired after an incredible 26 years at the helm. In addition to all the students he impacted over the years, he holds many accolades from his tenure as head coach. Read more about Winiecki’s legacy at DHS.

District 113 Earns Excellence in Financial Reporting

For the 32nd consecutive year, District 113 earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) from the Association of School Business Officials for Fiscal Year 2023. The COE is awarded for excellence and transparency in financial reporting.


Additionally, for the seventh consecutive year, District 113 earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (COA) from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). Like the COE, the COA is awarded based on excellence in financial reporting.


Kudos to the Assistant Superintendent for Finance Ali Mehanti and the Business Office team for their work in this endeavor.

Students Excel in Academics and the Arts

National Merit Semifinalists Named

Eleven students have been named Semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Becoming a finalist begins with students taking the PSAT/NMSQT during their junior year. PSAT/NMSQT scores, academic requirements and application materials go into determining who the finalists are, which will be released in February. Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring. The 11 Semifinalists are as follows:

  • Amanda Altman, HPHS
  • Sadie Benjamin, HPHS
  • Olivia Fisz, DHS
  • Nicolas Garcia, HPHS
  • Julian Kolthammer, HPHS
  • Siena Logan, HPHS
  • Charles Ludington, HPHS
  • Jayla Marcus, HPHS
  • Nicholas Prokos, HPHS
  • Benjamin Smollar, HPHS
  • Joshua Varon, DHS

Class of 2025 ISAC State Scholar Finalists

More than 230 District 113 students were named ISAC State Scholar Finalists. To earn the distinction, students must rank in the top half of their graduating class at the end of the third semester before graduation and/or score at or above the 95th percentile on the ACT or SAT. View our HPHS scholars. View our DHS scholars.

District 113 Students Perform at ILMEA

Students at both high schools participated in the District 7 Illinois Music Education Association ensembles. Students had to go through a rigorous audition process to be accepted. The participating students and the seats they earned are as follows:

  • Cordelia Angel-Reece, DHS: Jazz Soprano
  • Benjamin Bass, HPHS: Baritone Saxophone
  • Isaac Both, HPHS: Trumpet
  • Jacob Both, HPHS: Trumpet
  • Ethan Chodoroff, HPHS: Euphonium and Jazz Piano
  • Lily Dahms, HPHS: Vocal Jazz Soprano
  • Eli Fisher, HPHS: Jazz Tenor Saxophone
  • Clara Gillis, HPHS: Soprano I
  • Ben Gimelfarb, DHS: Jazz Bass
  • Sadie Kalina, DHS: Soprano
  • Elias Kolthammer, HPHS: Trombone and Jazz Trombone
  • Julian Kolthammer, HPHS: French Horn
  • Carly Levin, HPHS: Alto Saxophone
  • Chloe Lewis, DHS: Clarinet
  • Jamie Loewenthal, HPHS: Jazz Guitar
  • Dorothy Perez, HPHS: Bassoon
  • Mitchell Posner, HPHS: Double Bass
  • Yedidyah Tsai, DHS: Violin
  • Brylie Weinstein, HPHS: Flute
  • Shaina Wolkenberg, DHS: Soprano

Four HPHS students qualified for the 2025 Honors ensembles based on their audition for and participation in the ILMEA District 7 festival, while another HPHS student qualified based on their achievement in the annual Composition Contest. The students participating in Peoria from January 29 to February 1 are listed below:


  • Isaac Both: Trumpet, Honors Band
  • Ethan Chodoroff: Euphonium, Honors Band
  • Jonny Faust: Composition
  • Eli Fisher: Tenor Saxophone, Honors Jazz Combo
  • Julian Kolthammer: French Horn, Honors Orchestra

(Left to right) Isaac Both, Ethan Chodoroff, Jonny Faust, Eli Fisher, Julian Kolthammer

Student Wins Journalism Award

Micah Wolkenberg, a senior at DHS, won a National Student Production Award for his 10-minute short film Dealing With Cancer. In it, he tells the emotional story of his father's death and how his friends and family helped him get through the difficult time. To watch Wolkenberg accept his award, view the watch the award presentation and fast-forward to 32:09. 

Four Students Named STEAM Scholars

Congressman Brad Schneider’s STEAM Scholar Program recognized four junior DHS students as STEAM Scholars and they recently toured Abbott Laboratory’s virology lab. To become a scholar, students must be rising sophomores or juniors, live in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District and follow the application process. The following students are 2024-25 STEAM Scholars:


  • Jesse Feldman
  • Ella Gil
  • Sarah Holzman
  • Charlie Marks

Student Wins Poetry Contest

Rachael Over, senior at DHS, won first place in the American Chemical Society Chicago poetry contest. Entries could be in the form of a haiku, limerick, ode, ABC poem, free verse, end rhyme or blank verse relating to the theme of “Picture Perfect Chemistry.” View Over's award-winning submission

Biliteracy Honors

More than 300 students at HPHS and DHS earned either the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy or Commendation toward Biliteracy. The seal recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and another language, while the commendation is a recognition of students who demonstrate progress towards achieving a high level of proficiency in English and another language. Students who earn either recognition will have the designation on their transcript and high school diploma. 

Language Immersion Program Scholarship Recipient

Mariely Jaimes, a junior at HPHS, was a recipient of the Kevin Cessna-Buscemi Global Citizen Scholarship, awarded by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP). The scholarship covers the cost of Jaimes’ participation in a Virtual Language Immersion program.

Clubs and Activities Earn Awards and Grants

Success at Model UN

HPHS and DHS Model UN competed at the Chicago International Model United Nations Conference, returning home with a trophy case full of awards. Additionally, students had the opportunity to meet with US Senator Dick Durbin for a Q&A session. Below are the awards the esteemed delegates won.

  • Outstanding Overall Delegation (2nd Place)
  • Highland Park High School
  • Best Delegate in Committee (1st Place)
  • Hannah Kee, HPHS: UN General Assembly 2024 - Croatia
  • Madelaine Kenzer, HPHS: European Union 2003 - Belgium
  • Outstanding Delegate in Committee (2nd Place)
  • Isabel Davis, HPHS: WHO 2003 - Cuba
  • Nora Gladstone, HPHS: Russian Cabinet 2024 -Kremlin Press Secretary
  • Ryan Kessler, HPHS: WHO 2003 - Cuba
  • Julia Nathanson, HPHS: Russian Cabinet 2003 - Minister of Defense
  • Jacob Rolfe, HPHS: (Ad Hoc) Ukraine Deputy Prime Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
  • Harry Shapiro, HPHS: WHO 2003 - Croatia
  • Zach Shapiro, HPHS: UN General Assembly 2003 - Belgium
  • Alexander Siegel, HPHS: WHO 2003 - Croatia
  • Owen Silverman, HPHS: French Cabinet 2024 - Spokesman of the Government of France
  • Honorable Mention in Committee (3rd Place)
  • Delia Cashman, HPHS: NATO 2024 - Croatia
  • Katelyn Rosen, HPHS: Senate 2003 - Senator Kit Bond
  • Wyatt Rosenblatt, HPHS: NATO 2003 - Belgium
  • Josh Koyfman, DHS: Senate 2003 - Senator Chuck Grassley
  • Delegate's Choice Award
  • Jacob Rolfe, HPHS: (Ad Hoc) Ukrainian Cabinet - Deputy Prime Minister of European and Euro-Atlantic Integration
  • Ren D'Attilio, DHS: French Cabinet - Minister of Justice

DHS Student Named DECA State President

Olivia Fisz, a senior at DHS, made school history, becoming the first DHS student to serve as Illinois’ DECA State President. Fisz is also co-president of DHS’ DECA chapter

HPHS Debate Students Earn High Honors

Two HPHS Debate Team students, Nathan Sukenik and James Shivak, earned Academic All-American honors from the National Speech & Debate Association. To earn this distinction, students must complete at least five semesters of high school, demonstrate outstanding character and leadership and meet certain academic requirements. Only one percent of debaters nationwide earn this distinction.

Club Wins Charity Grant

The Deerfield High School Human Rights Club won a $1,000 grant for a charity of their choice. The club won the grant through the "Explore.Act.Tell" program. The club, sponsored by Niki Antonakos and Dan Kim, will donate the money to Forty Acres Fresh Market’s GoGo Box Donation Program. 

Celebrations and Connections

Cultural Celebrations at D113

During Hispanic Heritage Month, HPHS students were treated to multiple cultural events. One event featured a potluck, a Latin Dance club performance and a bachata dance class. The second event featured Mexican banda “Cerro Azul de Chicago” performances during all lunch periods. For Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), DHS Spanish classes decorated the stairwell of X-Hall. Each class contributed art pieces honoring loved ones who have passed on. The art was adorned with traditional decorations such as marigold flowers, candles, papel picado and catrinas.

Grand Giants & Grand Warriors Day

Highland Park High School and Deerfield High School held their annual Grand Giants and Grand Warriors events just before Thanksgiving. Senior students welcomed important people in their lives to school for a glimpse into a day at high school. Thank you to everyone who made the event a day to remember!

Giant and Warrior Athletic Achievements

College Commitments

Six senior student-athletes committed to compete in college athletics. Their sports and colleges of choice are listed below:


  • Audrey Alberts, HPHS: Soccer, Northwestern University
  • Erika Ilkiu, DHS: Swimming and Diving, Dartmouth College
  • Abigail Lee, DHS: Tennis, Brown University
  • Uma Schulz, DHS: Volleyball, Smith College
  • Maya Stolarsky, DHS: Tennis, Kenyon College
  • Hunter Whitney, DHS: Golf, Illinois Wesleyan University

Conference Championships

  • HPHS Boys Cross Country
  • HPHS Girls Tennis

State Playoff Victories

  • HPHS Boys Soccer
  • HPHS Girls Field Hockey
  • HPHS Girls Flag Football
  • HPHS Girls Volleyball

DHS Swimmer Finishes on the Podium at State

Swimmer Erika Ilkiu, a senior at DHS, swam to a 3rd place finish in the 100-yard backstroke at the IHSA State Swim meet while also breaking her own school record. Ilkiu also competed in the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard individual medley (IM) at state. Additionally, Ilkiu competed in the 2024 Speedo Winter Junior Championships in December. Ilkiu will continue her swimming career at Dartmouth in the fall.

HPHS Swimmer Finishes Top-20 in Two Events

Swimmer Brooke Eliacin finished top-15 in two events at the IHSA State Swim Meet in two meets. Eliacin, a sophomore at HPHS, finished 13th in the 50-yard freestyle and 15th in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Golfer Finishes Top-20 at State

Hunter Whitney finished tied for 19th at the IHSA State Golf Competition in his final appearance as a DHS golfer. Whitney will be back on the golf course next year as a member of Illinois Wesleyan University's golf squad.

Dominguez Ties Third-Fastest State Meet Time by HPHS Runner

Dylan Dominguez, a cross-country runner at HPHS, finished 29th at the IHSA State Meet. Additionally, Dominguez's time of 14:40.10 is tied for the third-fastest ever by an HPHS runner at state.

IHSA All-State Honors

  • Brooke Eliacin, HPHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Erika Ilkiu, DHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Nate Margulis, DHS: Football
  • Lucy Segal, DHS: Field Hockey

State Qualifiers

  • Nadia Barbieri, HPHS: Tennis
  • Dylan Dominguez, HPHS: Cross Country
  • Brooke Eliacin, HPHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Emily Fraser, HPHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Liza Gleyzer, DHS: Tennis
  • Gabrielle Gold, HPHS: Tennis
  • Sari Golding, DHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Erika Ilkiu, DHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Jenny Luo, DHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Mira Schmidt, HPHS: Tennis
  • Maya Stolarsky, DHS: Tennis
  • Sarah Wang, DHS: Swimming and Diving
  • Hunter Whitney, DHS: Golf

All-Conference Honors

Nearly 60 District 113 student-athletes earned All-Conference Honors. Congratulations to those who achieved the honor this past fall.

News-Sun Football All-Area Honors

  • Lucas Gordon, HPHS
  • JT Killeen, HPHS
  • Nate Margulis, DHS
  • Quinn Schimanski, DHS

DHS Enshrines Class of 2024-25 Hall of Fame

The latest DHS Hall of Fame class was honored at the October 25 football game. 10 inductees were named in the class and are listed below:


  • Mark Carlson
  • The All-State quarterback who led the Warriors to their first-ever football State Championship in 1975. He went on to have success at the University of Minnesota and played professional football.
  • Cory Everson (Kneuer)
  • A multi-sport athlete who became a six-time Ms. Olympia winner, setting a standard of excellence in bodybuilding and inspiring athletes worldwide.
  • Geoff Gluck
  • A legendary coach who led the girl's tennis team for 30 years, winning a team State Championship and instilled values of integrity and character in countless athletes.
  • Lindsay Knapp
  • An All-State football player who excelled at the University of Notre Dame and in the NFL, he went on to win a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers.
  • Susan Koopman Johnson
  • A standout softball athlete at DHS and Northwestern University, a dedicated coach who has left a lasting legacy at DHS, inspiring future generations with her example of excellence.
  • Chuck Morrison
  • A legendary tennis coach whose numerous state championships and profound impact on high school tennis in Illinois have earned him a place in multiple Halls of Fame.
  • Eria Odlaug
  • A record-setting cross country and track and field athlete whose state and national achievements earned her a place among DHS' finest.
  • Ted Parker
  • A wrestling champion whose success at DHS and Indiana State University has solidified his legacy as one of Deerfield's finest athletes.
  • Dan Sherman
  • A wrestling standout who placed in state at DHS and won an NCAA Championship at the University of Iowa, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
  • 1989 State Badminton Team
  • The historic team that swept the state tournament with a perfect score, setting an unmatched standard of excellence.

HPHS Announces Class of 2024-25 Hall of Fame

The latest HPHS Hall of Fame class will be honored at a ceremony on February 8. The five inductees named in the class are listed below:


  • Danny Barnett
  • Class of 1990, football and basketball
  • John Gorleski
  • 1981-present, Athletic Trainer, Athletic Director, Coach and Contributor
  • Cathy Nachman
  • Class of 1973, multi-sport athlete, Coach and Contributor
  • Peter Rudman
  • Class of 1986, basketball and baseball
  • 2011 Girls Golf Team
  • 3rd place finish at State