We congratulate Theodore T. on being selected as a Coca-Cola Scholarship regional finalist!

updated 1/14/26

This is a tremendous achievement. Theodore is one of only 250 students out of 107,000 initial applicants to earn this honor in this achievement-based scholarship program. He will now move on to the final round.

The program is designed to identify and recognize socially conscious, service-minded future leaders who positively shape the world. As per their website, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides "investment in exceptional high school students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others." 

At Latin, being a change maker is part of each student's make-up, as they seek to make positive change in the community and the world. We are proud of Theodore for exemplifying this commitment to making a difference.

Theodore will now advance to the final stage, with the goal of being named one of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars for 2026. We wish him the best of luck!  

To learn more about this program, visit Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
To learn about Latin change makers, see our Portrait of a Latin Learner.

We are thrilled to announce that senior Scarlet G. has been named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Scholar. 

Regeneron STS, which is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school students, recognizes and empowers promising young scientists who are developing ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges. Alumni of the competition have made extraordinary contributions to the world of science, including 13 who went on to win the Nobel Prize.

More than 2,600 students representing 46 states and 16 countries entered this year's competition. The rigorous application process included the submission of an original scientific paper and answering a series of essay questions that were focused on past successes and failures, community involvement, and examples of leadership. A holistic review process ensued to identify future leaders in STEM. 

This honor places Scarlet among the top 300 STEM students in the United States. Her paper "Detecting Stellar and Disk Winds Through Absorption Spectroscopy of Black Hole High Mass X-Ray Binary Cygnus X-1" showcases her high level of knowledge, strong commitment to learning, and deep passion for science. 

Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and Publisher of Science News, recognized this year's group of scholars and said that "their research highlights the creativity, rigor and determination that’s pushing forward the future of scientific discovery."

We congratulate Scarlet and look forward to following her progress as she continues to make her mark on the scientific community with her tenacity and creativity. 

See the press release.
Learn more about the Society for Science.

We congratulate Gabriel R. (11th grade) on being selected as one of the four finalists of the 2026 Crain-Maling Foundation CSO Young Artist Competition.

This is a prestigious concerto competition for Illinois’ top young soloists, sponsored by the Crain-Maling Foundation, whose mission includes supporting education and cultural activities. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, founded in 1891, is consistently hailed as one of the greatest orchestras in the world.

After taking part in a preliminary round, Gabriel auditioned at Symphony Center alongside a competitive field of applicants in front of a distinguished panel of judges. From there, he was selected as one of four finalists.

As a finalist he has been invited to perform live in Orchestra Hall, accompanied by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and led by Naomi Woo, Music Director of the NYO Canada.

The winner of this final round will earn a place as a featured soloist with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as part of the CSO School and Family Concerts series. We wish Gabriel the best of luck!

To learn more about this program, visit Young Artists Competition.

When did you start playing basketball?

I played on club basketball teams in elementary school and at Latin starting in Middle School.

What are your goals for this season? What are your hopes for the Latin basketball program?

We’ve made it further in the playoffs the past couple of years, which I think has helped change the narrative about Latin basketball. One of my main goals is to keep that narrative going by helping younger teammates understand that we’re a team that can win big games.

I was out last year early in the season due to an injury. I worked hard in the offseason, so my individual goal is to contribute on both sides of the ball this year.

How has your role on the team evolved over the years?

As a freshman on the varsity team, I was focused on learning from my teammates and cheering people on.

Last year, with my injury, I led more from off of the court. This included watching a lot of game film and giving my teammates tips.

This year, I’m combining both of those experiences and using the things I learned from older players as a freshman and while watching from the bench when I was injured. I am going to use communication, my performance and positive energy to be a leader on the court this season. 

What has basketball taught you?

One of the biggest things basketball has taught me is that good performance comes from proper preparation. The work you put in is the improvement that you’ll see. I try to apply that mentality to school, as well.

What is a favorite memory you have from basketball at Latin?

This season, we had a really cool win in a close game against Montini, a big school with great basketball players. 

Also, when we went to super sectionals my freshman year, having a bunch of fans drive two hours to come support was really memorable. Even though we didn’t win, that memory pushes me to get our team back there in the playoffs.

Do you have any pre- or post-game rituals, routines, or snacks?

It’s not quite a superstition, but one time someone offered me Twizzlers before a game and I played really well, so I have Twizzlers before every game.

What are three words your teammates would use to describe you?

Dedicated, leader, supportive.

What is your favorite part about being on a team at Latin?

The bonds you develop with your teammates. I’ve been able to build friendships with teammates in all different grades over the years.

Favorite warm-up song?

Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Migos before games. 

What are you involved in at Latin outside of basketball?

I run on the varsity track team at Latin. Three of my teammates and I set the school record for the
4x100 meter relay my freshman year.

I also serve as the junior prefect of Student Government and am on Latin’s SAAB.

Great segway! You’re a member of Latin’s first Student-Athlete Advisory Board (SAAB) - what has that experience been like for you so far?

It’s been a really cool experience to talk about ways to improve teamwork and leadership in Latin’s Athletics programs. 

You recently attended the IHSA Leadership Conference with fellow SAAB members…what was that like? What stood out to you?

I got to meet students from across the state and talk to them about the challenges we face in Athletics and ways to approach them.

What stood out to me is the fact that we’re from all over, yet we have similar experiences with our sports teams. It was cool to bond over that and learn from other students about how they lead their team and build teamwork.

Who would you like to thank for contributing to your journey as an athlete and why

First, my parents. My mom and dad are very supportive of me. 

I’m also thankful for our coaches at Latin - Justin, Harris, Loomey, and our former coach DeNard. I’ve built really strong relationships with them while on the team. They push me to be the best possible version of myself.

Any particular games that you’d like to shoutout for fellow Romans to come cheer you and your teammates on at?

After we come back from winter break, we’ll have a lot of conference games. Fans at any home or away game against an ISL school will help us get those tough wins and get that ISL title!

And, of course, the Big Games on January 30. 

Coach Halloran, you’ve coached Rohin since his freshman year on varsity. What do you enjoy most about having him on the team?

Rohin is a joy to coach. He cares deeply about the program, and brings great energy and a competitive spirit every day. He has adapted to new roles and stepped up to new challenges each year, and always does everything he can to help the team win. 

This year, Rohin is a vocal leader on top of being our leading scorer and rebounder. His commitment level is something that other players can learn from. Last year, he suffered an unfortunate injury that caused him to sit out the majority of the season; and, to his credit, he still showed up every day with positive energy, cheered on his teammates, and found ways to help the team.

Mark your calendars for January 30, as Latin’s varsity basketball teams take on Parker in the annual “Big Games” at UIC’s Credit Union One Arena. The girls team plays at 5 p.m. and the boys team plays at 6:30 p.m.