Duane Bonifer  |   Published March 05, 2022

A Model of Involvement

After enjoying a full high school career that included Science Olympiad and cross country, Trustees’ Scholar Michael Andal ready to explore engineering as a Scot.

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Crystal Lake South High School senior Michael Andal did not let a pandemic slow down his stellar high school career.

Andal’s four years at Crystal Lake South have been spent earning top grades and being involved with everything from captaining the Science Olympiad and biology team to cross country and track and field.

MICHAEL ANDAL: ?Whenever you get involved, there are hidden opportunities that you can learn from... MICHAEL ANDAL: “Whenever you get involved, there are hidden opportunities that you can learn from, which is why I'm so glad and grateful that I was a part of so many organizations and extracurricular programs. I also got to meet amazing people.”The honors student from Crystal Lake, Illinois, will have the same opportunities for involvement as one of four members of the Monmouth Class of 2026 to be named a Trustees’ Scholar. Recognized for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and leadership in their schools and communities, Trustees’ Scholars receive a full four-year tuition scholarship worth more than $160,000.

“I am proud of myself. I am proud of my accomplishments,” said Andal. “I’m so proud of myself for being able to put myself out there taking advantage of opportunities. Whenever you get involved, there are hidden opportunities that you can learn from, which is why I’m so glad and grateful that I was a part of so many organizations and extracurricular programs. I also got to meet amazing people.”

During his four years at Crystal Lake South, Andal has also been secretary of the Spanish club, a member of the choir and served as a tutor.

Andal, who plans to major in engineering, said he was attracted to Monmouth because of its “holistic approach with students.”

“They don’t just train you to just get a job,” said Andal. “They also teach you how to be prepared for life in general. Monmouth teaches important life skills so that you can pivot through situations, apply different learning techniques to your life, and develop your own unique perspective and talent.”

Andal said that he likes that Monmouth encourages students to explore topics and ideas outside of their major, and he’s also been impressed with the Monmouth faculty he’s met.

“I like knowing that the faculty at Monmouth have my back. So if I have an idea, they’ll definitely put the effort in with me to make it reality,” he said. “I love that they focus on investing in their students, that they want the best for their students, and they want them to be prepared for everything.”

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