2012 Recipients
Rachel Weathered
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
Major: Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science
Currently: Northwestern University, Evanston, IL – Graduated 2016. PhD program in Molecular Engineering.
Sports: Member of the Northwestern Cross Country team
Volunteer: Assistant coach for Girls on the Run, a 3rd-9th grade after-school program that encourages confidence and health in young girls
Favorite Memory in College: ”I spoke at a campaign fundraising event to over 600 Northwestern alumni. It was one of my bravest moments.” (Rachel with her winning smile was featured on the cover of the NU Alumni Magazine – SWK)
NNHS: ”When I think back to my experience at Naperville North High School and what stuck with me, I remember the kindness I found in students, teachers, and coaches. Being a member of the cross country team gave me an immediate sense of community and support, empowering me to take risks and grow.”
“The Rob Koranda Scholarship award has allowed me to puruse my passions and find community in college. I am inspired by the legacy Rob has and by the kindness, support, and generosity of his family and friends.”
Adrian Rodriquez
Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
Major: Computer Science
Achievements: Kenneth Cole Awareness Grant, City of Naperville Certificate of Appreciation, Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award, Chicago Lighthouse Scholarship Award, Kenneth Jernigan Scholarship Award(Illinois), John Brinkworth Scholarship Award. Keynote Panelist: Shift Series, Washington, DC; Co-speaker Student Orientation, Chiang Mai Univ., Thailand; Speaker Top Rank U, Bangkok Bank, Thailand; Speaker Center for Disease Control, Thailand.
Internships: 2013: Google Glass, Software Engineer (Development of application for engaging retail labels verbally);
2014: Maelao Hospital, Thailand, Philanthropic Software Engineer (Developed mobile and web application to create/manage patient information. Presented work to CDC, Bangkok Bank, and leading Thai universities); Stanford Medical School, Undergraduate Software Engineer (Worked on conception/beginning development of software to objectively evaluate laparoscopic surgical procedures;
2015: Palantir Technologies, Infrastructure Quality Engineer (Internship evaluating and improving system architecture and performance for software company whose technology is used in national security)
Interests: Scuba Diving, Fitness, Fashion & Consumer Electronics
NNHS: “As the years go on, I increasingly realize that every moment I spent at Naperville North was precious. My time at North yielded lasting relationships, intellectual motivation, and a clear path to follow What’s more, my time at North always afforded me a great socially-integrated education.”