Marissa Pratscher, 18, has a passion for the mentally ill and looks forward to beginning a career in psychology.

The Illiana Christian High School senior will attend Loyola University in Chicago and plans to travel internationally.

“I’m really passionate about getting justice and help for the mentally ill, and this career path seems to accomplish both,” Pratscher said.

“I want to work in countries like Nepal, where the mentally ill can be arrested because of their sickness. If possible, I would love to focus especially on depressed and/or suicidal teens.”

“My honors psychology class opened my eyes to how vast the career options in the field of psychology can be, and my guidance counselor, Mr. Zandstra, helped me to figure out where my passions lie,” she added.

Pratscher is the daughter of John and Deanna Pratscher, of Thornton, and is a member of Illiana’s yearbook staff and speech and debate team.

A member of National Honor Society, she works backstage during drama productions and serves as co-editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.

“Alongside my co-editor-in-chief counterpart, I manage the editorial staff and reporters for the paper, write news stories, columns, and editorials, layout (page) spreads, and proof and edit the work of the other editors,” she said.

Pratscher and her family are members of Bethel Reformed Church in Lansing, where she is active in the youth group.

An avid reader, she also enjoys gardening for local senior citizens and volunteering with Feed My Starving Children, the Ronald McDonald House, and Kids Against Hunger.

Her busy schedule of serving others led to recent recognition by the Lansing Rotary Club as Student of the Month.

“I’m honored to have been selected,” she said.