Article from the Palm Beach Post

Best of the Class: Dennis Hollich
By Loretta Grantham
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Thursday, June 08, 2006

All Dennis Hollich needs to get off the ground, literally, is duct tape, plywood, roofing tarp and a leaf blower. The math and science honor student, along with a friend, used these items to build a hovercraft, a vehicle that travels on a cushion of air. Dennis Hollich is a senior at Dwyer High who's goal is to become an inventor. In the teens' case, the creation didn't travel — they didn't attach a fan to propel it — but Hollich was able to float above ground. "We were looking around on the Internet, and they sold hovercraft kits," he says, referring to his senior project. "Instead, we just did it ourselves for $30 at Home Depot." Hollich, who earned a 4.53 honors GPA while juggling a part-time job at Publix, is remarkably practical, which is why he wants to be an engineer. "I'm really good at math, but I like chemistry and physics because you can apply them to the real world," he says. Physics teacher Peter Thorne says the way Hollich applies himself in class makes him "one of my best students." "He constantly challenges me with in-depth questions during my lectures, which shows that he is trying to master the subject rather than just get a good grade," Thorne says. When the teen isn't carving out quiet time to study — he's ranked No. 2 in his class — he's striving to be loud. Very loud. Hollich is the only tuba player in the band. "The tuba is the heartbeat of the band, and Dennis has proven himself reliable week in and week out," writes Sandra Buck, booster president. The sousaphone standout is eager to march with fellow musicians at Virginia Tech, where he plans to study oceanic and aerospace engineering. "My goal is to improve things," says Hollich, who volunteers in the community and plays soccer, volleyball and tennis. "I'm not looking to reinvent the wheel, but to make it better." — Loretta Grantham
Age: 17 City: Jupiter High school: William T. Dwyer High College: Virginia Tech Plans: 'My goal is to use my gifts to design products to serve mankind as an engineer.' Quote: 'Dennis is an asset to our school and community. There are very few young men, if any, who could fill his shoes.... He is an inspiration to us all!' — Marie Maloney, math teacher