Grand Haven High School has announced its top 10 scholars in the class of 2015.

Varun Biddanda finished at the top of the class and Adam Greer finished second. Here are the top 10 graduates listed according to class rank:

Varun D. Biddanda, son of Dr. Bopi and Kavitha Biddanda. He was an all-conference varsity tennis player, concertmaster for the chamber orchestra, a member of Science Olympiad, winner of the Norbert Muller Concerts Competition and recipient of the Harvard Book Prize Award. He plans to study biology in college.

Adam J. Greer, son of Jay and Patti Greer. He was a member of the National Honor Society leadership team and the Youth Advisory Council; an all-district, all conference honorable mention varsity soccer player; president of the Catalina Club; an AP Scholar; October Rotary student; and distinguished academic leader; and participated in chamber orchestra, GOTAK, Science Olympiad, swing dance club, Interact Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He plans to study biomedical engineering at the University of Michigan.

Lauren R. Richardson, daughter of Tom and Jordan Richardson. She participated in color guard, winter guard, National Honor Society, chamber orchestra, dance and the ultimate Frisbee club; was a Rotary student of the month; and earned an AP Scholar Award. She plans to pursue a business-related degree.

Stephanie R. Shantz, daughter of Bob and Cindy Shantz. She was captain of the varsity swimming and varsity water polo teams, an officer in the Catalina Club, a member of the National Honor Society, an academic-all-state athlete and a Rotary Student of the month and won numerous scholar-athlete awards and the Outstanding Junior award from Michigan State University. She plans to attend the University of Michigan, California-Berkley or Stanford University to study industrial and operations engineering.

Elinor J. Scholtz, daughter of John and April Scholtz. She participated in Science Olympiad, geology club and National Honor Society; was co-chair of the Youth Advisory Council for the Grand Haven Community Foundation; was senior drum major for the marching band; and was first chair flute in wind ensemble and pit orchestra. She plans to attend Vanderbilt University to study communication of science and technology.

Justin L. Merriman, son of Brian and Maria Merriman. He participated in National Honor Society, varsity cross country and the Celtic music group GOTAK; was viola section leader of the chamber orchestra; was president of the Buccaneer Original Swing Society; and was Rotary student of the month. He plans to pursue a degree in computer science.

David C. Kooistra, son of Bill and Shelley Kooistra. He participated in National Honor Society and student senate; was first chair bass in chamber orchestra, for which he received superior ratings at the state level; was captain of the Catalina Club; and was captain and goalie of the water polo team, receiving all-conference, all-regional and all-state honorable mention awards. He plans to attend the University of Michigan’s school of kinesiology to study movement science.

Brent M. Petersen, son of Paul and Stacey Petersen. He participated in National Honor Society and track and was captain of the cross country and varsity hockey teams, earning academic all-state honors in both. He plans to attend Cedarville University to study mechanical engineering.

Erin L. Crandle, daughter of Marci and Dave Hammond. She was Rotary student of the month, had multiple pieces of art in the Grand Haven High School art show, received several scholarships and was a finalist in Michigan State University’s ANRDS Scholarship competition. She plans to attend MSU to study food science.

Schaefer E. Thelen, son of Rex and Gwen Thelen. He participated in National Honor Society and track and field, was captain of the varsity football and basketball teams, was sports editor for the Bucs Blade, finished fourth in the state VFW Voice of Democracy contest, was a four-time Michigan Interscholastic Press Association first-place winner, and was a Centralis Honors Scholarship winner. He plans to attend the University of Michigan to study business.

Lynn Moore covers education for MLive Muskegon Chronicle. Email her at lmoore8@mlive.com and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.

source: http://www.mlive.com / MLive Muskegon Chronicle / by Lynn Moore / Grand Haven, Michigan – June 09th, 2015