(Chelsea Update would like to thank Vanessa Fisk for the information in this story.)
Luke Mourad
Chelsea High School senior Luke Mourad, the son of Emily Kuo and Ron Mourad, is set to leave behind an impressive legacy of achievement, leadership, and community involvement. A standout student both in and out of the classroom, this senior has balanced a wide range of commitments while maintaining academic excellence.
A dedicated athlete, he was a key member of the Varsity Tennis Team, with one of his favorite high school memories being the exhilarating experience of competing at the state tournament. Luke’s talents extend far beyond the court, however. As Principal Cellist in the CHS Symphony Orchestra and a member of the All-State Orchestra (2023–2025), he demonstrated musical excellence and a deep passion for the arts.
His musical accolades include second place in the Rosalie Edwards Youth Music Competition and finalist recognition at both the Dexter Community Orchestra Youth Artist Competition and the Michigan Music Teachers Association’s Level 12 Student Achievement Testing Day.
In addition to Luke’s musical and athletic pursuits, Luke was an active contributor to school and community life. His involvement included CHO (2021–2024), Quiz Bowl (2021–2023), Link Crew, the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, and leadership as President of the Ping Pong Club. Luke also volunteered with Faith in Action and at Chelsea First United Methodist Church, embodying a strong commitment to service.
Among numerous honors, he has received Summa Cum Laude and SEC All-Academic distinction, the Regents Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship, WXYZ’s Brightest and Best distinction, and the Chelsea Excellence Award. Luke’s parents are Emily Kuo and Ron Mourad.
This fall, Luke will take the next step in his academic journey at the University of Michigan College of Engineering.
Alexander Bennett
Chelsea High School senior Alexander Bennett is preparing to graduate with a record of exceptional involvement, leadership, and impact. The son of Kristine Rubin and Steven Bennett, Alexander has spent his four years at CHS making a difference both locally and globally.
A dedicated athlete, Alexander competed in both soccer and track throughout all four years of high school, demonstrating determination and teamwork on and off the field. He was also an active member of the Interact Club and Ping Pong Club, where he built strong connections with peers and engaged in meaningful extracurricular activities.
One of Alexander’s most notable accomplishments was his involvement in a student-led initiative through the nonprofit buildOn. Working alongside fellow students, Alexander helped raise an impressive $125,000 to fund the construction of two schools in Malawi, Africa—a testament to his commitment to education, service, and global citizenship. In addition, Alexander will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
Among his favorite high school memories are the Interact Club’s shelter box campouts, where students experienced firsthand what it means to serve others and raise awareness for global homelessness and disaster relief.
After graduation, Alexander will be attending the University of Michigan, where he plans to continue his journey of learning, leadership, and service. His time at CHS reflects a legacy of dedication and compassion that will undoubtedly carry forward into his next chapter.
Chase Nichols
Chelsea High School senior Chase Nichols, the son of Novia Nichols and Kevin Nichols, is set to graduate this spring with a strong record of service, leadership, and academic achievement. Known for his dedication to both his peers and his community, Chase has made a lasting impact during his time at CHS.
A passionate advocate for learning and mentorship, Chase spent time outside the classroom teaching a chess clinic at the local library, helping elementary and middle school students build strategic thinking and problem-solving skills through the game. His commitment to education and youth development was further recognized when he received the Youth Volunteer of the Year award—an honor that reflects his generosity, leadership, and drive to make a difference.
At CHS, Chase also served as President of the Spanish Club, where he helped promote cultural awareness and fostered a welcoming, engaging environment for students interested in the Spanish language and Latin American culture. In addition, he will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
This fall, Chase will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he plans to continue his pursuit of excellence in academics and community involvement.
Hayley Hopkins
Chelsea High School senior Hayley Hopkins, daughter of Lloyd and Heather Hopkins, is graduating with an impressive list of accomplishments and a legacy of leadership, athletic excellence, and academic achievement. Known for her dedication both on and off the field, Hayley has made her mark across multiple sports and school organizations.
A standout athlete, Hayley competed on the Girls Varsity Tennis Team for four years, helping lead the team to a state runner-up finish in 2022 and earning one doubles state runner-up honors in 2024. She is also a three-time regional champion in tennis. Her athletic achievements extend beyond the court—she was a two-year member of both the Girls Varsity Swimming and Girls Varsity Field Hockey teams. Most notably, she was part of the 2024 Field Hockey Team that made school history by winning the state championship for the first time, a moment she names as her favorite memory from CHS.
In addition to her athletic pursuits, Hayley has been a leader in the classroom and the community. She served as Vice President of the Interact Club for four years and was Co-President of the National Honor Society. She also earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, recognizing her commitment to global citizenship and language proficiency.
She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction and is a member of the National Honor Society.
This fall, Hayley will attend Michigan State University through the Honors College, where she plans to study biosystems engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering.
With a well-rounded background and a passion for innovation and service, Hayley is ready to take on the next chapter of her academic and personal journey.
Lauren Thompson
Chelsea High School senior Lauren Thompson, daughter of George and Jennifer Thompson, is preparing to graduate with a remarkable blend of academic honors, artistic talent, and leadership experience. Known for her creativity, commitment, and collaborative spirit, Lauren has been a vibrant part of the CHS community throughout her high school years.
Lauren’s dedication to excellence has been recognized through numerous honors, including the prestigious Chelsea School District Portrait of a Graduate Award. She was also nominated for both the CHS Excellence Award and Citizen Award, highlighting her well-rounded contributions to her school and peers. In addition, Lauren will graduate with Summa Cum Laude status and SEC All-Academic distinction.
As Co-Captain of the CHS Cross Country Team, Lauren demonstrated perseverance and leadership. One of her most cherished memories came during her senior season, when the team unexpectedly qualified for the state meet thanks to a rarely-used rule—an emotional and unforgettable moment of triumph for the whole team.
In addition to her athletic and academic achievements, Lauren contributed her artistic talents behind the scenes as a designer and crew member with the Chelsea High School Theatre Guild. Her passion for the arts was further recognized with a Fine Arts Scholarship and a Lux Esto Scholarship from Kalamazoo College.
Lauren will attend Kalamazoo College this fall, where she plans to major in history and minor in piano.
With aspirations of becoming a museum curator or exhibit designer, she is set to blend her love of storytelling, history, and the arts into a meaningful and inspiring career.
Benjamin Tetens
Chelsea High School senior Benjamin Tetens, son of Merri Priddle and Robert Tetens, is wrapping up a dynamic and well-rounded high school career marked by leadership, academic excellence, and strong community involvement. With a passion for both engineering and public service, Benjamin has made the most of his time at CHS.
A dedicated athlete, Benjamin played on the Varsity Tennis Team throughout high school and served as team captain during his senior year. His commitment to the sport extended beyond competition, as he also spent four years coaching younger players as a Middle School and Club Assistant Coach—sharing his skills and love for the game with the next generation.
Benjamin has also been deeply involved in STEM through four years with the FRC Robotics Team, where he was nominated for the prestigious FIRST Dean’s List Award. His leadership extended into the classroom and school community as a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council Senior Representative, and Link Crew Commissioner.
He was also a participant in the CHS Ping Pong Club and received the Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award, reflecting his commitment to community and academic achievement. Benjamin will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction as well.
Looking ahead, Benjamin will attend the University of Michigan, where he plans to pursue a dual major in pre-law and engineering—an ambitious path that reflects his wide-ranging interests and strong work ethic.
When asked about his favorite memory from CHS, Benjamin fondly recalls the fun and camaraderie he shared with friends in Mr. Rickli’s classes—moments that brought laughter, learning, and lasting friendships to his high school experience.
Samuel Trimble
Chelsea High School senior Samuel Trimble, son of Matthew and Terri Trimble, is graduating with an impressive list of academic achievements and a clear vision for the future. Known for his intellect, leadership, and easygoing nature, Samuel has made his mark as both a scholar and a supportive peer.
Among his many accomplishments, Samuel was named a National Merit Finalist and earned recognition as an AP Scholar, reflecting his strong performance in advanced coursework. In addition, he will graduate with Summa Cum Laude and SEC All-Academic distinction.
He is also a three-time recipient of the CHS Academic Letter, a testament to his consistent excellence across subjects throughout his high school career.
Outside the classroom, Samuel served as Vice President of the Ping Pong Club, where he helped foster a fun and inclusive environment for students to connect and unwind.
Samuel will continue his academic journey at the University of Michigan, where he plans to study computer science—a field that combines his love of problem-solving with his drive to innovate and create meaningful solutions.
When reflecting on his time at CHS, Samuel fondly remembers the end of his junior year in AP Calculus. After completing their AP tests, the class celebrated with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere, enjoying a barbecue and card games together—a moment that blended academic success with well-earned fun and camaraderie.
Clara Johnson
Chelsea High School senior Clara Johnson, daughter of Susan Orlandi-Johnson and Bryan Johnson, is concluding her high school career with an impressive portfolio of accomplishments in academics, athletics, leadership, and service. Clara has been a driving force in many areas of the CHS community, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with deep extracurricular involvement.
A dedicated athlete, Clara was a four-year member of the Varsity Swim Team and a three-year member of the Water Polo Team. Her commitment in the pool was matched by her academic success, earning her the All-America Academic Award and the Academic Letter for three consecutive years.
One of her most cherished memories at CHS was winning the SEC championship with the swim team each of her four years—a testament to both personal and team perseverance.
Clara’s contributions extended far beyond athletics. She will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction and was a member of the National Honor Society and served as secretary for both the Interact Club and Arbor Club throughout all four years of high school.
She also founded the Photography Club, earned the AP Scholar Award, and was a nominee for the Excellence Award as a sophomore. Her academic accomplishments include earning the prestigious Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish and contributing to the Econ Challenge Team. Additionally, Clara was a committed member of the SRSLY student team for two years, promoting youth wellness and prevention initiatives.
This fall, Clara will attend the University of Michigan to study Economics, bringing her strong analytical skills, leadership, and community-minded spirit to the next level of her academic journey.
Stefano Tricoli-Bugan
Chelsea High School senior Stefano Tricoli-Bugan, son of Carmen Bugan, is graduating with an exceptional academic record, a passion for the humanities, and a keen interest in scientific inquiry. Known for his intellectual curiosity and drive for excellence, Stefano has excelled across a wide range of disciplines during his high school years.
A talented linguist, Stefano is a three-time Platinum (first-place) winner in the AATF National French Contest, showcasing his mastery of the language on a national level. His writing skills earned him second place in the Long Island Author’s Group Essay Contest, further reflecting his strength in analytical thinking and creative expression.
In the sciences, Stefano conducted cybersecurity research at Stony Brook University and submitted a scientific paper to the Toshiba ExploraVision program. His project qualified for Honors at the Long Island Science Congress, marking a significant achievement in scientific communication and innovation.
He was also recognized as an AP Scholar with Distinction for his performance across multiple advanced courses. Stefano will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction and SEC All-Academic status.
Stefano’s leadership and global awareness were evident through his participation in Model United Nations. He attended the National High School Model United Nations conference and was nominated for Secretary General at Ward Melville Model UN, highlighting his diplomatic skills and commitment to international dialogue.
This fall, Stefano will attend the University of Michigan’s Honors Program and Residential College to pursue a degree in English Literature. He plans to continue his academic journey with postgraduate studies in Early Medieval History and Literature, focusing on Anglo-Saxon and Old Norse traditions.
Reflecting on his time at CHS, Stefano fondly remembers his first day of school—meeting kind and welcoming classmates and teachers, an experience that set the tone for a fulfilling and inspiring high school career.
Alexander Rogers
Chelsea High School senior Alexander Rogers, son of Jason and Lauren Rogers, is graduating with a strong academic foundation and a bright future in engineering. Known for his thoughtful approach to learning and easygoing sense of humor, Alexander has made the most of his high school experience.
A dedicated student, Alexander was an active member of the CHS Quiz Bowl team, where his quick thinking and broad knowledge base contributed to team success. His academic commitment was recognized with the SEC All-Academic Award, celebrating his balance of extracurricular involvement and scholastic achievement. In addition, he will graduate with Summa Cum Laude distinction.
This fall, Alexander will attend the University of Michigan to study Engineering, where he plans to explore innovative problem-solving and technical design as he begins his collegiate journey.
When reflecting on his time at CHS, Alexander fondly recalls the lighthearted tradition of “Just Dance Fridays” with his BC Calculus class—moments of laughter and connection that brought fun and energy to even the most rigorous coursework.
