Science has long been Castillo’s favorite area of study. He credits EPCHS science teachers
Kevin Knapik, who taught him in AP Biology; and Bryn Zingrebe, who taught him both Honors
Chemistry and AP Chemistry, for “pushing me along the way and giving me the idea of pursuing
more coursework in the sciences.”
He’s in the process of applying to a number of top-ranked schools across the country, sharing
his specific interest in the chemistry program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT).
“I would love to go to a university that heavily incorporates the current physical science literature
into undergraduate coursework,” Castillo said. “My dream school is MIT due to its dedication to
keeping its curriculum relevant as well as its commitment to creativity in the sciences. MIT is
very much a stretch coming from a small high school, but I would be more than happy going to
any school with a strong chemistry department and a collaborative environment!”
Castillo said he fell in love with chemistry in his first semester at Moraine Valley, and hopes to
be involved in some capacity with biomolecular therapies.
“Every time I take a course, it’s like a new world opening up,” he said.
WATCH: Max Castillo Featured on ABC-7 'Chicago Proud' News Segment
At Moraine Valley, Castillo began in the summer semester of 2023, and mastered the use of the
“interim” system the school uses in which students have the opportunity to complete four-week
courses without having any breaks throughout the semester.
As of the first week of October 2024, Castillo has earned 92 college credits, well above the
threshold needed to earn an associate’s degree. He said it was only one prerequisite course,
AP Language, to have its credits become official this past summer, or otherwise he would have
earned the degree even earlier than he did.
It’s more than likely that by the time Castillo officially becomes an EPCHS graduate this May, he
will have earned multiple college degrees, as he’s only one credit away from picking up an
associate’s degree in science from Moraine Valley as well. Added to his academic schedule is
also a course in biochemistry he’s enrolled in at the University of Illinois-Chicago.
Through the process, Castillo’s school counselor, Eileen Durkin, was “extremely supportive in
helping me navigate significant changes in my academics and advocating for my ability to
pursue higher level coursework.”
Although he’s a proud member of Mustang Nation, he rarely has the opportunity to enjoy life on
the campus. His EPCHS coursework is completed on a fully remote basis due to having been
born with a hypersensitivity to gluten.
“It has gotten to the point where I am unable to be in the same building where gluten is being
produced. And it’s mass produced in cooking and baking.” he said, noting that he has been able
to attend most of his Moraine Valley and UIC courses in-person.
Through the power of post-COVID era technology, Castillo has had the opportunity to closely
connect with his EPCHS teachers and peers remotely.
“I love the staff at EPCHS,” he said. “The encouragement I’ve received from teachers and
administrators has impacted me profoundly. I do not think I would be nearly as far along as I am
with my college studies without the support of everyone at EPCHS.”