Senior Spotlight: Olivia Woods, Noah Ellinger, Taylor Pessetti & Grayson Obey

Olivia Woods

Olivia Woods is the daughter of medical professionals, but her decision to become a doctor began in Zambia. Her family helped build a school and tend the sick while living there.

“That trip showed me who I wanted to be, what I wanted to do, and how kindness and love can change others lives,” Olivia said. “Helping the Zambians made me realize I want to be a doctor so I can serve those struggling with illness and poverty.”

Olivia returned a woman on a mission.

This high-honor student secured a senior internship at Borgess Medical Center, splitting time between physical therapy and radiology. She will start her studies at Michigan State University this fall. She plans to earn her medical degree from the University of Michigan.

“My mom has taught me that I will never work a day in my life if I'm doing what I truly love,” Olivia said.

Noah Ellinger

Noah Ellinger enjoys biology and chemistry equally.

As a Math and Science Center student, Noah bulked up on chemistry and biology courses. His Senior Capstone on genetic manipulation and human embryos earned him a chance to compete for a $5,000 Diocese of Kalamazoo scholarship.

“I thought it would be a cool thing to research,” Noah said. “I already knew Catholics were against it, but I wanted to see why and to what extent.”

And what will this honor student will study at Kalamazoo College in the fall?

“Either biochemistry, chemistry, or biology,” Noah said.

Noah is an Eagle Scout, a rank only 5% of Boy Scouts achieve according to National Eagle Scout Association. The experience taught Noah about leadership and humility.

“I learned it was okay to ask for help, which I found was a very valuable lesson instead of just trying to do everything on your own,” Noah said.

Taylor Pessetti

Taylor Pessetti embraces leadership.

She’s played four years on the volleyball, basketball, and track team, becoming a captain of all three. She is treasurer of both the senior class and the National Honor Society. Her Senior Capstone on abortion made the final round of the Diocese of Kalamazoo’s scholarship competition.

Taylor also embraces numbers.

She is class salutatorian, a member of the 30+ ACT club, and a four-year Math and Science Center student. She earned an internship at Kellogg’s Data Analytics and Services, where the field of statistics caught her attention.

“I knew I loved math from day one, but they talked about all the stuff you could do with it and I didn’t even know any of it existed,” Taylor said. “I thought I would explore it a little more and that’s what kick-started everything about stats.”

Taylor plans to study statistics at the University of Michigan this fall.

Grayson Obey

Grayson Obey doesn’t know if he will study at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University or Ohio State University this fall.

He does know what he will study.

“I intend on majoring in biomedical engineering because of my interest in prosthetics and prosthetic design,” Grayson said. “This comes from an interest in my father's occupations, as well as the biology and math based classes I have taken throughout my high school career.”

This scholar-athlete has distinguished himself on the field and in the classroom. Recently, Grayson became a finalist in the Diocese of Kalamazoo’s Capstone scholarship competition for his presentation on the morality of stem cell research. Specifically, he highlighted adult stem cell and umbilical cord blood stem cell research.

“Neither of these types of stem cell research results in the harming of human life and has seen real results in helping people overcome illnesses and diseases,” Grayson said.