McAuley's Youpel on the go

Mother McAuley High School senior Mary Youpel recently took a trip to Las Vegas.

"It was definitely a culture shock," said the 17-year-old Beverly resident who was there to accept a scholarship award from the National Demolition Association.

"We stayed at The Mirage hotel and had a great time. We took a walk down the Strip and looked at all of the big hotels. It was something special."

"Special" is a way to describe Youpel's nearly four years as a student at McAuley. In the classroom she has a 4.1 grade-point average and 27 ACT score. She is a National Honor Society and French Honor Society member, student council president, Illinois State Scholar and first baseman on the softball team. She has been involved in theater and is an Eucharistic minister at her St. Cajetan Church in Beverly.

On April 13, she will receive an award from Bishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller for her achievements at McAuley.

When fall arrives, Youpel will be studying civil engineering at either Purdue University or Marquette University. She has earned a Presidential Scholarship Award from Purdue and a Leadership Award from Marquette. In addition she was nominated for appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

"I'm not sure what my dream job is, but I'm really looking forward to meeting new people and having independence in college," she said.

The second-youngest of six children, Youpel is thankful she tried so many different activities in high school.

"When we had a school play, I was able to be involved in production design," she said. "I've been part food collection drives during the holidays. We helped people who really needed help.

"At St. Cajetan, I've been a minister since eighth grade. It has been very rewarding. So has being a volleyball coach at our church and helping my uncle's boy scout troops. I like being a coach because you can pass along what you've learned."

Youpel doesn't have much free time, but she does root for the White Sox, would pay to see Hannah Montana in concert, and enjoyed reading the book "Frankenstein." She's also a big "Law & Order" fan and gives high marks to the movie "Newsies."

She has traveled to Nashville, Tenn. and San Diego, but can't wait to see Europe, China and Antarctica.

She also appreciates the support she has received from her family.

"I've been taught that if you work hard, you can achieve great things," Youpel said. "You can't be afraid to try."