First Pres Senior Booklet

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AJ Arakawa
Jordan Brokaw
of Wheaton Alexis Chojnacki
Aubrie DaVall
2020 Caroline Garner
YOUTH SUNDAY Thomas Kaenel
Jeffrey Kincaid
MAY 17 Adam Kulton
Jamie LaBue
Simon Leonard
Jule Luhrsen
Thomas Queen
Elizabeth Rench

Abigail Ritt
Morgan Wach

John Ables-Lyons

Johnny Ables-Lyons is graduating from WNHS, where he enjoyed playing volleyball his
first two years there. He also enjoys connecting with friends, listening to music, drawing,
camping, going to the beach, and getting around on wheels. He is looking forward to
getting safely beyond COVID and attending COD in the fall.
Johnny wishes to send a thank-you to all who were a part of his growing at First Pres.
He fondly recalls his experiences at Camp Timber-lee and playing gaga ball at an
all-church retreat. He sends a special shout out to Mary Kinsey.

David Ables-Lyons

David Ables-Lyons officially finished up his coursework at WNHS in February of this year, and
he is currently working. David is musically talented, playing cello throughout his school career
and piano by ear outside of school. He enjoyed being on the volleyball team his first year at
Wheaton North and continues to enjoy hanging with friends. He is a skilled skateboarder, a
good writer, and plans on attending COD this fall.
Like his twin brother, John, David had many wonderful experiences at First Pres while growing
up, including Vacation Bible School, Easter Egg Hunts, Sonny Acres at Halloween and Timber-lee.
For a time, David also explored a faith experience at Crossroads and developed meaningful
relationships there. The journey continues. A special thanks to Shelley Iliff for her faith in God
and children, her spirit of inclusion and her remarkable, loving kindness.

Jordan Brokaw

Jordan has attended First Pres since he was five years old. He has participated in Sunday
School, LOGOS, Genesis, WF and WF band. He has attended retreats at Timberlee and
Stronghold. His favorite memories are from the WF 2017 Pennsylvania mission trip and
the 2018 Chattanooga mission trip. Jordan attended Wheaton North and participated in
football, basketball, volleyball and golf. This fall Jordan plans to attend the College of
DuPage and study Interior Design. Jordan would like to thank his family and friends for
always supporting him along the way.

Alexis Chojnacki

Hi, my name is Alexis Chojnacki and I am a senior at Wheaton North. Next year, I will be
attending University of Kansas, studying business with an emphasis in management and
leadership and a minor in Spanish! Throughout high school I played soccer all four years and
joined golf to try something new this year. I was a member of Student Council, Spanish Club,
and Youth and Government. As for WF, I have been on the leadership team for three years
and have been in the praise band for now two years. I have been a member at First Pres.
since I was born and I am beyond thankful for everything this church has given me. I am so
blessed to have such an amazing group like WF and all of the adult leaders in my life. I owe
it to all of the preschool teachers and Sunday school adults who helped me start my faith
journey. Without this church, I would not be the person I am today. I’m so excited to begin this
new chapter of my life and see where God takes me!

Jule Luhrsen

Hi, I'm Jule Luhrsen, and I am a senior at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. Next
year, I'll be at the University of Kansas studying early education, and one day I hope to be
a special education teacher! Throughout high school I’ve played tennis and lacrosse. I've
also been in Yearbook, Art Club, Random Acts of Kindness and Tiger Crew. I was baptized
here at First Pres when I was three months old and I’ve been here ever since! From Logos
to Genesis to WF,I have always felt at home here. Thank you to everyone who has been a
part of my faith journey. I wouldn’t be who I am without all of you. No matter where I go in
life, I know I will always have a place here in the First Pres family.

Simon Leonard

Hi, my name is Simon Leonard and I am a senior at Wheaton Warrenville South High School.
I have competitively rock climbed for the past three years and have been on my school’s Math
Team for four years and Scholastic Bowl team for two years, as well as playing Ultimate Frisbee
my freshman and senior years. I was also active in Boy Scouts all throughout middle school
and into high school, when I achieved the rank of Eagle in February of my freshman year. I have
also played the cello since the age of five and am active in my school orchestra as well as the
Naperville Youth Symphony Orchestra, in which I was co-principal cellist and have performed solo
concertos with both orchestras. I have been in WF band for three years as well as leadership
team my sophomore year. My favorite WF memory would have to be the Guatemala mission trip
last year, being able to see God’s impact on these people through us was just breathtaking and
it was great to grow closer to all my WF family. Next year I will be attending Purdue University,
majoring in Aerospace Engineering and I hope to carry my faith through college and on into my
life beyond.

Abby Ritt

Abby has her sights on owning her own business. To accomplish this task, she will be starting
business school in the fall at the College of DuPage. With a wide variety of interests, she is
uncertain at this time what type of business she wants to open.

Morgan Wach

I plan to attend Augustana College and am hoping to major in communications. My
favorite memory from WF was doing the rope bridge on the confirmation retreat. Thank
you to my parents and the teachers and staff at WWS that helped me get to graduation.

The High School Ministry of this church would not be possible without the many hours and amazing
dedication of the many volunteers that make it all happen. Specifically, I want to thank the high school
adult leader team. You all are just amazing to me, and I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work,
fun-loving nature, encouragement to me, and dedication and love for these kids and our God!
• Confirmation: Colleen Powell, Beth Stremel, Matt Stremel
• Sunday AM: Doug Reinhart, Mike Rohl, Bryan Sanzotti, Julie Leonard
• WF: Jacob Brokaw, Jesslyn Carroll, Ross Cheairs, Chris Nickell, Colleen Powell, Doug Reinhart,
Beth Stremel, Matt Stremel
• Agape/Girl’s Small Group: Chris Murray, Beth Stremel, Hilary Van Oss
• Adelphoi/Guys’ Small Group: Ross Cheairs, Doug Reinhart, Matt Stremel
I also would like to thank a few people who have helped with the Youth Sunday preparations:
• Kim Van Oss – thank you for sewing the banner base for us to build on!
• Jesslyn Carroll – thank you for your graphic design skills! The t-shirts look amazing!
• Kedrick Armstrong – thank you for writing our awesome original song, and for all the musical
leadership today and throughout the year!
First Pres Family – Your support of our fundraisers and your encouragement of our youth speaks
volumes about your love and commitment to our students and our amazing God. Thank you so much
for your love and support!
Most importantly, thanks be to God! May God be glorified during our worship celebration today!
Faithfully, Nancy Goodwin

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHEATON

Connecting People to Christ

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

of Wheaton