Top Scholars in Oakland County 2024
Several Chaldean students were recognized this year as Oakland County Scholars. From Bloomfield Hills High School, Elena Elias, whose parents are Eid and Fahda Elias, made the list. A 4.43 GPA student, Elena was an AP Scholar with Honor and an International Baccalaureate Programme Candidate. A member of Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and Science Olympiad, Elena plans to attend Michigan State University.
From Detroit Catholic Central, Francis Toma, whose parents are Leon and Angie Toma from Commerce Township, was recognized. Francis participated in the media team, student newspaper and a Linking Hearts Mentorship and was a member of the Spanish Honors Society and HOSA-Future Health Professionals. Francis plans to attend Michigan State University to major in pre-med Biology.
There were three exceptional students from Marian High School who made the grade: Grace Bitti, daughter of Abdulkarim and Niran Bitti of Sterling Heights; Chloe Toma, daughter of Bruce and Mervit Toma of West Bloomfield Township; and Jazzelle Yaldo, daughter of Bashar and Dalia Yaldo of Bloomfield Hills.
With a 4.372 GPA, Grace Bitti was named a valedictorian while pursuing all Honors and AP courses. She was recognized by the Archdiocese of Detroit with the Scholastic All-Catholic Award each year and has earned Marian awards for High Honors, Science, the Girardot Social Studies award and scholarship and the Joe and Marilyn Balous Scholarship. She is an AP Scholar with Distinction and National Merit Commended student. Grace has been a member of NHS, Spanish Honor Society, Chaldean American Student Association and Medical Club. In addition, Grace competed with Model United Nations and was the Marian team president. Grace has been a member of the JV Tennis and Varsity Bowling teams. She is a tutor and a volunteer for her church’s communion program. Grace plans to attend Princeton University.
With a 4.367 GPA while taking all Honors and AP classes, Chloe Toma was named a valedictorian and earned awards for High Honors. She was recognized with the Scholastic All-Catholic Award by the Archdiocese of Detroit each year of high school and awarded the University of Rochester Bausch + Lomb Honorary Science Award her junior year. Chloe was president of National STEM Honors Society chapter, secretary of the NHS chapter, and a member of Spanish Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Ambassador Club, and Project Care. Chloe served as a homeroom representative throughout high school and was captain of the JV tennis team her junior year. Chloe is the pianist for Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church and a volunteer with World Medical Relief. Chloe plans to attend Oakland University to study Biology on a pre-med track.
A 4.385 GPA student, Jazzelle Yaldo earned an AP Scholar Award, an American Citizenship Award, and Highest Honors, Science Honors, Mathematics Honors, Spanish Honors, Physical Education Honors, and Literature Honors. Jazzelle was founder and president of the school’s Pre-Med Club, participated in Leadership Council/Ambassador Club, was president of the Be Nice Club, NHS, Entrepreneurship Club, was Optimist Club office assistant at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital, a researcher of the study of the detrimental effects of Bulimia Nervosa on the epidermis, a head lifeguard at Forest Lake Country Club (Red Cross CPR/AED certified), Friendship Circle volunteer, student ambassador, varsity basketball player and team captain, and was on the swim team. Jazzelle plans to attend the University of Michigan.
At Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Prep, Jonathan Kassab, son of Bianca and Clint Kassab of West Bloomfield Township, made top grades. A 4.27 student, Jonathan was a member of NHS and played multiple sports. Jonathan has had three jobs and takes care of his elderly grandmother and siblings while serving the community and volunteering at his church.