When senior Luke Schena took Introduction to Engineering at Macomb Community College during his junior year, he gained insight into potential careers. 

That course, along with his senior year Robotics and Computer Graphics classes at De La Salle, has led to Luke’s plans to pursue Mechanical Engineering. 

Luke will be attending Hope College. His older brother, Anthony, DLS ‘22, is already a student at Hope; Luke’s twin, Audrey, a senior at Regina High School, may also be attending Hope. 

Currently a second-year member of the DLS varsity bowling team - his third year with the program. 

“It's a pleasure having a young man like Luke on the Varsity Bowling team!” said Varsity Bowling Coach Jay Lang. “He is a very genuine person, a great teammate, and always upbeat.”

Luke is active with Campus Ministry's “Service Saturdays” program. He has also assisted the non-profit “Kids on the Go” organization for several years.

In addition to Bowling, Luke participates in the lunchtime Board Game Club. 

He has also appeared in the Regina fall plays each of his four years, along with his sister.

Luke is a member of the National Honor Society, and on track to graduate magna cum laude. 

NHS Moderator Ben Westphal said Luke has been “a fantastic NHS tutor for years and has impacted the lives of so many Pilots and community members.” 

His Advanced Placement (AP) courses include AP Computer Science Principles, AP Calculus AB, and AP Psychology. 

He regrets not taking the DLS Engineering class, but did enjoy a recent Computer Graphics class. “Mr. Barger covered CAD, and I was glad to learn that,” Luke said. 

Luke says his favorite high school class was his Robotics class the first semester of senior year. 

He advises freshmen to try as hard as you can your freshman year. 

“Your grades as a freshman do matter,” Luke said. 

Luke himself is a prime example of working hard, particularly in Math. 

“Luke is a great example of student growth in mathematics,” said Catherine Leix, Luke’s AP Statistics instructor. “He started his academic career in the basic Algebra 1 course, and each year has moved up a level, bringing him to AP Calculus as a senior. His success in the college level class shows that if you’re willing to put in the work, you can start at any level of math and become exemplary.” 

Faculty members have high praise for Luke. 

Science teacher Mary Balamucki moderated the Rising Stars Academy Field Day site for the school-wide Day of Service earlier this fall, and although she hasn’t taught Luke, his demeanor impressed her.

“Luke was great with the special needs young adults,” Balamucki said. “He was engaging and kind with them as he ran the giant Jenga and putt-putt golf. His character helped make a wonderful experience for the field day attendees.”

John Berlin, one of the DLS Theology teachers, says, “Luke is an attentive, conscientious student who is a pleasure to have in class. I have enjoyed his talents in the Regina musicals and the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Choir, as well as watching him bowl. He brings joy and gratitude to every venue. He is someone who truly represents the very best of De La Salle.”

Counselor Andrew Campbell also notes Luke’s personality. “He has an easy going temperament that translates into a calm demeanor and patient responses to new challenges. That personality trait allows him to take on respnsibilities as a leader of his peers.”

“The sky is the limit for Luke,” Campbell said. “He will be successful in his life and will always be a value to his community.”

Luke attended his home parish grade school, Our Lady Star of the Sea in Grosse Pointe Woods. He lives in Grosse Pointe Woods with his parents Anthony, DLS ‘89, and Kristy. 

Luke also works part-time at a local restaurant, Villa Nova, on Jefferson in St. Clair Shores.