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Congratulations to the Class of 2022 Holt Adoptee Graduates!

It is with great joy we present the digital 2022 adoptee yearbook and send each graduate a printed keepsake. You are all special members of the extended Holt family and we wish each of you good luck in your new chapter.

On This Page:

High School Graduates

Aimei Rosengren

LOGAN, IA — In high school, Amy Grace was a manager for cross country and soccer, and also participated in cheerleading. She will be taking college courses at Iowa Western Community College after taking a gap year.

Allison Liszka

DAVIS, IL. — Allison was a member of the National Honor Society and part of the varsity cross country and track and field teams, as well as marching band while in high school. Allison will attend DePaul University in Chicago to study medical sciences with a goal to attend medical school.

Amy Christian

TYLER, TX — Amy played flute in high school band and competed with the mathematics team. She graduates as an AP Scholar with distinction. Amy will be attending Stephen F. Austin State University in the fall to major in mathematics.

Amy Templeton

WOODINVILLE, WA —  Anna will be attending Syracuse University to major in political science.

Annaliese Conner

ROCKFORD, MI — Annaliese graduates with top honors as a member of the National Honor Society. She played varsity volleyball and varsity soccer. Annaliese will be attending Vanguard University in California to major in psychology to pursue a career as a therapist.

Avalon Satang Carmelo

FRANKLIN, NC — Avalon has been involved in dance for over 10 years. She has been an active member of her church, serving as acolyte and usher. She will attend Southwestern Community College to major in business/entrepreneurship.

Avery Brandon

REEDSPORT, OR — In high school, Avery earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. He was also a member of National Honor Society. Avery plans to have a career in sports management.

Avinash Sabbagh

WINSTON-SALEM, NC — After graduation, Avinash will be attending Forsyth Technical Community College.

Bindiya Srinath

KINGSPORT, TN —  Bindiya participated in band, Beta Club, Health Occupations Students of America, Mayor’s Youth Council, Young Democrats Club, and the National Honor Society. Bindiya plans to attend East Tennessee State University to major in biology to pursue a career in the medical field.

Brian Joseph InSoo Chee

MOORPARK, CA — In high school, Brian was senior class president, part of ASB leadership and National Honor Society. He graduates with highest honors as a Ventura County Star Scholar for Leadership. Brian will be attending the honors program at Moorpark College to study science and biology with a goal to pursue a career as a reconstructive plastic surgeon.

Catherine Bouril

MIDDLETON, WI — In high school, Katy was an active leader of the dance team, office of Investment Club and a member of the Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and National Honor Society. Katy will attend University of Wisconsin-Madison in the fall as a finance major.

Catherine Sarah Mee So Lillja

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — In high school, Catherine played the flute and piccolo in marching band and wind ensemble. She was a member of the National Honor Society and earned a Seal of Biliteracy in English and French as well as a Scholastic Award for her digital art. Catherine will attend The College of New Jersey where she received a Presidential Scholarship and will major in statistics.

Derek de la Cruz

LAKE STEVENS, WA — Derek will be attending the University of Washington in the fall!

Eliana Handan Cain

CLOVIS, CA — Eliana graduates as valedictorian, an Advanced Placement College Board Scholar, and Advanced Studies Scholar of Distinction. She was involved in marching band and winter percussion throughout high school. Ellie plans to study sports journalism and pursue a career in professional sports digital media.

Gavin Brown

OMAHA, NE — Gavin graduates an an All-Academic Scholar. He participated in swim, band, and All-State Band. He will be attending University of Nebraska-Lincoln to major in actuarial science.

George Thomson

MANVILLE, NJ — George graduates as salutatorian while being involved in band, cross-country, track, debate and National Honor Society. George plans to major in biology at Rutgers Honor College.

Grace Pantalone

WADSWORTH, OH — Grace participated in tennis, track, cheer, student council, and the school newspaper throughout high school. Grace will be attending Wittenberg University to major in biology.

Jack Greenwood

LAMONI, IA — Jack graduated summa cum laude and as a member of the National Honor Society. In high school, Jack participated in cross country, basketball, track, band, student council and class council. Jack will attend the University of Northern Iowa in the fall.

Jack Wing

SAINT JOSEPH, MO — In high school, Jack was Student Council Vice President and played soccer, tennis, cross-country and track. He was a member of National Honor Society and All-District Orchestra. Jack plans to attend Missouri Western State University.

Jake Schunke

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Jake graduated with high honors. He plans to pursue his dream  of playing college hockey after taking a gap year.

James Lapidus

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — James played varsity boys’ volleyball, club volleyball, and inter-county soccer in high school. In the fall, James will be attending East Stroudsburg University to major in health and physical education.

John Dodge

JACKSON, MI — John will be attending Southeast Missouri State University in the fall!

Katherine Armstrong

FINDLAY, OH — Katherine finishes high school with 24 college credit hours. She will be attending Ohio Northern University to major in medical laboratory science.

Katie Kraft

SEATTLE, WA —  In high school, Katie participated in track and field, cross-country, National Honor Society, and Asian Club. Katie will be attending Loyola University Chicago to major in neuroscience.

Kaylie Mason

REDLANDS, CA — Kaylie will head to Crafton Hills College in the fall to major in child development!

Kellie Jo Martin

SHELDON, IA — Kellie Jo was a cheerleader, a volunteer at a youth program and nursery, and participated in choir and speech in high school. Kellie Jo will be taking time to save money and then attend college with a goal to pursue a career in nursing.

Landon Wieweck

SALEM, OR — Landon graduated from a CTEC program and will be attending community college in Salem, Oregon to major in AutoCAD.

Lily Albano

ACWORTH, GA — Lily graduates high school as an honor graduate, president of the Octagon Club, and recipient of the Outstanding Senior Scholarship. She will attending Georgia State University to major in environmental architecture.

Macy Lisle

WOODWARD, IA — Macy was involved in band, choir, show choir, dance team, football cheer and track in high school. She volunteers her time at church to sing on the worship team and work in the nursery. Macy will attend college to study dental hygiene.

Madden Sinnes

MCKINNEY, TX — Madden was varsity golf MVP all four years of high school, as well as All-State Academic. Madden will be attending University of Oklahoma to major in atmospheric science with a scholarship.

Maeley Rosengren

LOGAN, IA — In high school, Maeley played soccer, was a boys’ basketball manager, and participated in cheerleading. She was a member of the National Honor Society. Maeley will be attending Iowa State University to major in graphic design with a minor in general business.

Maria Morley

MONNETT, MO — Maria was a volunteer at a pregnancy care center and youth camp throughout high school. She played piano and saxophone in band and will be getting her black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Maria plans to attend Evangel University to major in social work.

Mary Nolan

CARMICHAEL, CA — In high school, Mary played basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross-country, and track and field. Mary received the Presidential Award upon graduation. Mary plans to attend American River College before transferring to Sacramento State University to study computer science.

Matthew Frey

MODESTO, CA — Matthew is a member of the California Scholarship Federation and National Honor Society. He will be heading to Grand Canyon University on a Presidential Scholarship to major in computer science.

Natalee Danielle Chin

ALAMEDA, CA — Natalee graduated from Alameda High School on the Academic Honor Roll. She was the captain of the women’s tennis team and earned a black belt in karate. Natalee plans to attend the University of California, San Diego to double major in philosophy and sociology, with a goal to someday study law.

Nick Thomas

SHERWOOD, OR — Nick plans to attend the University of Arizona to major in biological science. 

Nina-Li McNay

PECULIAR, MO — Nina graduated with 120 hours of volunteer service by working at summer camps and at church, and with 23 college credit hours. Nina is going to college to study interior design and continue her passion in art.

Olivia Hopp

WEST ALLIS, WI — In high school, Olivia was the Student Council vice president and a member of the National Honor Society. She played basketball, volleyball, and soccer and was part of the a-cappella choir. Olivia will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison to major in business.

Olivia Wanner

LYON STATION, PA — In high school, Olivia played field hockey, softball and track, and participated in dance, yearbook and the student council. Olivia plans to attend Cedar Crest College to play field hockey and major in criminal justice.

Rachel Burdick

BURLINGAME, CA — Rachel is graduating high school with a Golden PAWS Service Award, Jefferson Service Award and Scott Miller Award. She was on varsity track and field and was the cross country team captain. Rachel will be attending UC Berkeley to study environmental engineering science.

Ren Kitko

OMAHA, NE — Ren was on the swim team for all four years of high school, qualifying for the Nebraska state swim meet his senior year. Ren will attend St. John’s University to major in criminology.

Renee Bertine Lusimond Jones

YONKERS, NY — Renee graduates with high honors and an International Baccalaureate diploma. She was a varsity student athlete in volleyball and indoor and outdoor track. In the fall, Renee will attend Loyola University Maryland to major in biology.

Ryan Henderson

FLOWER MOUND, TX — In high school, Ryan played the euphonium in the school band, and played football, soccer, and baseball. During his summers, he volunteered at a camp for children with special needs. Ryan plans to attend Oklahoma State University to major in sports medicine.

Sadie Schumaker

CORVALLIS, OR — Sadie was part of the student leadership team, SAFE Club, musical theater and choir. She was nominated “Future First Citizen” in the City of Corvallis. Sadie graduates summa cum laude and plans to attend University of Oregon to major in journalism with a scholarship.

Shannon Cockerill

REDLANDS, CA — In high school, Shannon was the ASB executive president, a tri-varsity athlete and captain of the cross country and soccer teams, and homecoming queen. Shannon is attending University of California Davis to study human development, pre-med track, with a goal to become a pediatrician.

Sheen Xin Mathia

EAGLE, WI — Sheen has overcome many obstacles, having been adopted from China at 9 years old with profound hearing loss and no language. He earned his Eagle Scout rank, was the captain of his high school soccer team for two years, participated in 4-H and the Janesville Wisconsin Fife and Drum Corp.  His greatest honor was being awarded the Athletic Award of Excellence which will be named after him in the future, and each year a deserving student will receive the Sheen Mathia Athletic Award of Excellence. Sheen was accepted into an intern program where he will work at a local hospital in several departments.

Surya Rajamani

LEXINGTON, MA — Surya was active as a peer mentor and admissions ambassador for his school. He is a decorated multi-sport athlete and has been featured by the Boston Herald as an all-star sports athlete. Surya plans to attend the University of Rochester to major in finance.

Talie Moore

WILLIAMSTON, SC — In high school, Talie was a level-10 gymnast. She will be attending Anderson University to major in nursing.

Ty Nocita

OMAHA, NE — Ty will be attending Metropolitan Community College to pursue a career in the culinary field.

College Graduates

Anita Michaels

BREWSTER, MA — Anita graduates with Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and special education. Anita plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in special education and literacy.

CarynGrace Horn

CARMEL, IN — CarynGrace is graduating with a degree in psychology. After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in speech language pathology.

Gabrielle Bencivenga

MEDFORD LAKES, NJ — Gabrielle graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science in health sciences and a minor in business. Gabrielle will be entering the Disney College Program after graduation before pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Jamie Nelson

GENEVA, FL — Jamie graduated from Southern Technical College as a certified veterinary technician. After college, she plans to pursue a career that allows her to work with animals.

Jeremie Wing

SAINT JOSEPH, MO — Jeremie is graduating with a degree in electronics engineering technology as a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the dean’s list, and the Missouri Western Orchestra. After graduation, Jeremie will start a career working at Garmin International. 

Jessa Tiedeman

GLENDALE, CA — Jessa is graduating magna cum laude as a member of Fresno State’s College of Health and Human Services Honors Program with a bachelor of arts in communicative sciences and disorders – speech-language pathology. She was on the dean’s and president’s list all four years of her college career. Jessa will continuing her education to earn a master’s degree in speech-language pathology, and eventually pursue a doctorate degree with a goal of having a career working with deaf and hard of hearing children.

Lilly Van Loon

GLADSTONE, MI — Lilly is graduating magna cum laude with a degree in medical laboratory science and a minor in psychology. In college, Lilly was an undergraduate researcher, Undergraduate Research Internship Program recipient, and the recipient of the Mathematical Certificate of Merit award. Lilly plans to attend Marshfield Clinic’s Medical Laboratory Science Practicum program.

Lily Bennett

FRESNO, CA — Lily graduated in three years with a bachelor of science in animal science. A member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Lily was also a member of the equestrian and dressage teams. Lily will be applying to medical schools in the spring of 2023.

Marina de la Cruz

LAKE STEVENS, WA — Marina graduates summa cum laude with a degree in organic and sustainable agriculture. After graduation, Marina is getting married and moving to Tuscon and will pursue a career in sustainable food systems.

Marissa Gerstner

FORT ATKINSON, WI — Marissa graduated magna cum laude and without student loans with degrees in elementary education and special education with a minor in mathematics! Marissa plans to teach middle school math at a public school in Wisconsin.

Melissa Malcolm

ATCO, NJ — Melissa graduates with a Masters of Science in Mathematics and received the 2022 Outstanding Scholarship Award. Melissa plans to begin her career as an engineer.

Mia Monell

DELAND, FL — Mia is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in aeronautical science as a member of the Alpha Omicom Alpha Aeronautical Honor Society. After graduation, Mia plans to work towards a master’s degree while working as a commercial airline pilot.

Mikayla Jun Tang Forhan

BALDWINSVILLE, NY — Mikayla graduates with a degree in sign language interpreting. She was President of Delta Phi Epsilon chapter where she organized one of the sorority’s largest fundraising events. After graduation, Mikayla will begin her apprenticeship at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

Peter de la Cruz

LAKE STEVENS, WA — Peter is graduating with a degree in information technology and will pursue a career as an I.T. professional.

Rachel Brown

MIFFLINTOWN, PA — Rachel graduates from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as a member of Sigma Sigma Phi and the National Honor Fraternity for Osteopathic Medicine. After graduation, Rachel will begin her internal medicine residency.

Tad Dietsche

ALBANY, NY — Tad earned his Ph.D in organic chemistry from Purdue University. While at Purdue, Tad met and married Youngeun Nam, who also earned her Ph.D. Tad is now working as a scientist at biotechnology company.

Teresa Collins

BROOKLYN, NY — Teresa is graduating with honors in naval architecture and marine engineering. She studied and researched submarine and submersible design for high priority programs with Special Operations Command. She was an active member of the Catholic community, STEM Outreach and Education program and Brigade Honor Program. Teresa plans to work at the Naval Academy on Naval Special Warfare before going to Navy Nuclear Power School. Eventually, Teresa will go through a deployment cycle before returning for a master’s degree in naval architecture and marine engineering.