Quiet Determination
Koziarski noted Aitken’s academic achievements, leadership within the school, deep involvement in extracurricular activities and sports, and helming initiatives like a blood drive that reached out from the school to help the community.
“What’s most impressive about Havilyn is her determination,” Koziarski said, telling how she initially struggled as a freshman volleyball player, but soon rose to captain the junior varsity team and then move to varsity girls volleyball.
“This is how Havilyn approaches everything, with quiet determination and a will to improve,” he said.
Be a Doctor
Aitken, a lifelong Chicago resident, said she plans to attend college after graduation and has applied to many schools for undergraduate study.
“I want to be a doctor,” she said. “Maybe a pediatric surgeon.”
Koziarski said Aitken’s high GPA, National Honor Society and Honor Roll inductions, and stratospheric SAT test score have inspired application to top universities, including Ivy League schools like Princeton, Harvard and Yale.
Top SAT Scores
Assistant Principal Mersad Imamovic noted how Horizon Science Academy recently became the top Illinois charter high school for SAT scores, supported by in-class curriculum and special student programs like “SAT Saturday” sessions.
Aitken credited Horizon Science Academy and its staff for supporting her academic and personal achievements.
“This school really helped me get out of my shell,” she said.
“Havilyn is a special person who has made a significant impact at our school and in all our lives,” Koziarski said. “I am confident that she will succeed in her future endeavors.”