Fall entering class at UNL's Raikes School announced

            Thirty-six high-achieving 2013 high school graduates have been accepted into the highly competitive Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for fall 2013.

            The Raikes School develops leaders for this era of expanding information technology and business globalization. Students live and learn in the Esther L. Kauffman Academic Residential Center located at the heart of the UNL campus. Students are selected for this innovative program based on high academic achievement, outstanding leadership experience, demonstrated interest in computer science and business, and career goals. Students receive scholarships valued at approximately $35,000 over four years that cover housing in the Kauffman Center and a full meal plan. Most receive other tuition scholarships available at the university for high-achieving scholars. Raikes School students are admitted to the University Honors Program.

            The 2013 entering class includes 10 National Merit scholars and 11 high school valedictorians. The average composite ACT for this year's class is 33.6.

            The school is named for Jeffrey S. Raikes, chief executive officer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, based in Seattle. A Nebraska native, Raikes previously was president of Microsoft Corp.'s Business Division, retiring in 2008 after 27 years with the company.

            The program is a recognized leader in interdisciplinary computer science and business management education. It provides an education balanced in technology and management while developing professional skills in leadership, communications and collaboration. Graduates, who are among the most highly sought-after in the field, create innovative technologies for business, manage technical development, lead and manage technologists, manage with technology-based processes, understand technology market opportunities, understand the strategic uses of technology, and bridge the gap between technology and business perspectives.

            A list by hometown of accepted students follows. The name of the student's high school is included in parentheses. The student's intended academic major and parents' names are also included.

NEBRASKA

            Columbus: Austin Wendt (Scotus), mechanical engineering, son of Kori Wendt.

            Dunbar: James O'Neil (Nebraska City Lourdes), electrical engineering, son of Jan and Scott O'Neil.

            Elkhorn: Cameron Maciejewski (Elkhorn South), computer engineering, son of Colleen and Chuck Maciejewski.

            Gretna: Aaron Post (Millard West), computer science, son of Joy and Rod Post.

            Kearney: Michael Jensen (Kearney Catholic), computer science, son of Elisa Jensen.

            Lincoln: Benjamin Bradley (East), mechanical engineering, son of Clay Bradley; Ashlyn Lee (Lincoln Southwest), computer science, daughter of Carmen and Chris Lee; Nikolas Leger (Lincoln East), undeclared, son of Inta and Daniel Leger; Joel Mohrmann (Lincoln Christian), electrical engineering, son of James and Janet Mohrmann; Michael Rilett (Lincoln East), undeclared, son of Bev Rilett.

            Oakland: Jeremy Martin (Oakland-Craig), computer engineering, son of Tracie Martin.

            Omaha: Tobin Brown (Creighton Prep), computer science, son of Deb Brown; Michael Casper (Papillion-La Vista), computer science, son of Carla and Bob Casper; Travis Collins (Millard West), actuarial science, son of Val Collins; Noah Gould (Westside), computer science, son of JoAnn and Jim Gould; Ryan Long (Millard West), actuarial science, son of Kevin and Shirley Long.

            Papillion: Nicholas Brockman (Papillion-La Vista South), computer science, son of Margo Brockman.

            Thurston: Rebecca Dahlman (Pender), business administration, daughter of Sheila Dahlman.

            Utica: Trevor Slawnyk (Centennial), computer science, son of Mark and Deanna Slawnyk.

ELSEWHERE

            Aurora, Colo.: Spencer Berends (Cherokee Trail), electrical engineering, son of Cynthia and Gary Berends.

            Aurora, Ill.: Caleb Zatorski (Oswego East), computer engineering, son of James and Gloria Zatorski.

            Bloomington, Minn.: Samuel  Lindvall (Thomas Jefferson), engineering, son of Jason and Nanette Lindvall.

            Boulder, Colo.: Wyatt Goodin (Fairview), computer science, son of Emily and Doug Goodin.

            Brandon, S.D.: Brendan Gallo (Brandon Valley), business, son of Kevin and Linda Gallo.

            Brookfield, Wis.: Veronica Telega (Brookfield East), computer science, daughter of Greg Telega.

            Festus, Mo.: Ashley Dyer (Festus), computer science, daughter of Jennifer and Casey Dyer.

            Fortaleza, Brazil: Heitor Castro (International), computer engineering, son of Leandro and Antonia Castro.

            Lexington, Ky.: Jacob Sanchez (Paul Laurence Dunbar), biological systems engineering, son of Jon and Shirley Sanchez.

            Lino Lakes, Minn.: Marcus Pasell (Cretin-Derham Hall), computer science, son of Julie Pasell.

            Naperville, Ill.: Joshua Dunne (Naperville Central), computer science, son of Pat and Joan Dunne.

            Overland Park: Kan.: Rachel Sutcliffe (Shawnee Mission South), actuarial science, daughter of Brad Sutcliffe.

            Oshkosh, Wis.: Maggie Haverland (Oshkosh North), actuarial science, daughter of Anne Haverland.

            St. Joseph, Mo.: Sydney Goldberg (St. Joseph Central), pre-health, daughter of Pat and Larry Goldberg.

            Watertown, S.D.: David Socha (Watertown), computer science, son of Tim and Linda Socha.

            Windom, Minn.: Ryan  Helmoski (Windom Area), computer science, son of Kevin and Kristina Helmoski.

            Woodridge, Ill.: Hanna Rogoz (Downers Grove North), actuarial science, daughter of Joe and Regina Rogoz.

Writer: Tom Simons, University Communications