Ilona Noelle Szuch is the daughter of Jason and Laura Szuch. She has two younger siblings, Moriah and Ryker. She was born in Lima in November 2004. Ilona has been attending Temple her entire life. Throughout high school, Ilona has been a 4.0 student and involved in the drama program, student government, yearbook, NHS, elementary chapel, choir, and cheerleading. Ilona said some of her best memories have been going to all of the basketball games and cheering for the boys.

Outside of school, Ilona enjoys running, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family. Her favorite animal is an elephant, and her favorite food is her mom’s mashed potatoes. Her favorite subject in school was history with Mr. Green. If Ilona could have any superpower, she said she would choose teleportation and use it to go to Australia because she said she has always wanted to visit there.

When describing her senior year, Ilona said it was long but fun. Ilona’s advice to the underclassmen is to always put your relationship with Christ first and to set a good example for those around you. She said her dad is someone who has inspired her because he is a hard worker, a risk taker, and stands up for what is right even when it is difficult.

Ilona said she will always remember the teachers at Temple that have invested in her life over the years, and how much the staff cares for the spiritual life of the students.

Her favorite Bible verse is Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

After graduation, Ilona plans to go to Grand Canyon University in Arizona to major in marketing and advertising, and minor in business analytics.