Q: What is your favorite memory you have at East?
A: All of the dances from the dance team. I always look forward to those, specifically the one on Christmas where Mr. Burnside jumped out in the middle, that was really fun.
Q: What is the most valuable lesson you have learned throughout high school?
A: It’s not always about the academic part of school, you need to make yourself well-rounded. Being well-rounded as a student, as an athlete, and as a participator in the community is always good.
Q: Where do you see yourself a year from now?
A: I plan to attend college at the University of Akron. I see myself hanging out with friends, focusing on college, and I plan to hopefully be able to play for a sand volleyball team, and just work towards my future. I also plan to be able to come home and visit people I miss and just enjoy life.
Q: What teacher or staff member has had a positive influence on you?
A: Mrs. Rahe. She is one of the most influential, caring, and patient people I’ve met in terms of the school. She does her job well, gets things done, and she goes through every day with an optimistic outlook and always makes sure to be inclusive to everybody and to stop hate when hate is created.
Q: What is your favorite class you have taken at East?
A: I would say I loved the entire biomedical program. I learned my passion for the medical field through that program, and I was able to find my career and what I am passionate about.
Q: If you were a Disney character, who would you be?
A: Tarzan. He is very adventurous, all over the place, optimistic, and tries to be the best for other people, no matter who they are, even if they’re gorillas.
Q: What is your most memorable volleyball moment?
A: My last game of my junior year I got in on the varsity court for the first time, and I got to play with all of my best friends that were seniors before they left. Even though we lost, it was just a memorable moment for me.
Q: Has anyone left a lasting impression on you throughout your school years?
A: Will Huelskamp has left one of the most resounding influences on me. He’s one of the most well-rounded human beings I know. He participates in so many things. He’s smart, he’s athletic, he’s out in the community. Every day, day in, day out, he is constantly doing something, which has always inspired me to just keep moving forward and to try my best in every situation.
Q: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at school?
A: When I won my star award my freshman year, I looked around blankley to make sure it was the right person called because the ceremony was going on for so long that I kind of spaced out.
Q: How have you changed since freshman year?
A: Since freshman year, I have found myself. I have made a lot of changes in my life, and have accepted who I am, and have gained so many relationships throughout high school and done so many different things. I’ve been a part of a really good community, and I’ve had ups and downs, but a majority of them have turned into good experiences, and I am grateful for all of them.
Q: What is the best school event you have attended?
A: Prom. Prom was the best dance that I have ever been to, and it was the first dance I fully enjoyed. It was classy, there were no freshman or sophomores, it just felt very mature and it was fun.
Q: What is your favorite cafeteria food item?
A: If the pizza crunchers are there, I am getting the pizza crunchers. I also definitely enjoy the apple slices, they are just so good.
Q: How did you decide which colleges to apply to?
A: I only applied to one college, which I am now enrolled in. I searched for colleges based on my career I am interested in, which is chiropractors. After I did my research, I visited the University of Akron, and I just loved it. It was a gorgeous campus but it also had my program, and that’s the main priority for me.
Q: What advice would you give to underclassmen?
A: Embrace every moment of highschool. I had the mindset for sophomore and junior year that I just wanted to be done, and looking back, I wish I fulfilled every moment. I now just try and have the best point of view on everything, and embrace the fact that I won’t be with these people anymore, so cherish every moment like it’s our last day.
Q: How have you had an impact on the school?
A: I have attended pretty much every single sporting event that I have been able to do, I’ve become part of five different clubs, and I’ve just worked hard academically. Just being a person that is available and just supporting Lakota East through and through.
Q: What is one thing you would do differently if you could redo high school?
A: I wouldn’t say there is a specific thing that I would change about my high school career. I try not to live with regrets and stay optimistic. I have not regretted a single class I’ve taken or a single person I have become friends with. Everything about high school so far has just grown my life and grown me as a person.
Q: What are you most looking forward to in college?
A: I am looking forward to the opportunities. Even if I fail at some things, I know I can get right back up and pick up something different. I have so many goals to fulfill and new people to meet.
Q: What is your favorite football/basketball game theme?
A: I love pink outs. I think that everyone looks so good in pink, and that people should embrace pink more.
Q: What are three things you cannot live without?
A: My family; they’re my support system. Chipotle; I have it at least once a week. Talking; I don’t think I would be able to live if I couldn’t talk.
Q: What is your parking spot painted and why did you choose that?
A: My best friend and I have parking spots right next to each other and we decided to do a theme of Toy Story. One spot is Buzz and the other is Woody. It says ‘To infinity and beyond’ because we know that we have so much more to go even if it’s not together.
Q: What celebrity would you choose to hang out with for a day?
A: I would really love to hang out with Trisha Paytas for a day. I think she is a monumental figure and an icon of our generation and I can’t wait to watch her Broadway shows. She’s just hilarious.
Q: What always makes you smile?
A: People make me smile. Old people make me smile. Babies make me smile. Humans in general, just knowing that we can get along as human beings and that no matter the circumstances, no matter our beliefs, when people are able to be cohesive and cooperate and be kind to each other, that makes me smile.
Q: What song would you use to describe graduating?
A: “You’re Gonna Go Far” by Noah Kahan.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do after school?
A: I love a good nap after school. It can range from 30 minutes to 6 hours. A lot of work can be draining and at times you need to rebuild your health and catch up on sleep, that’s just a part of high school.
Q: Out of 25, what would you rate your high school experience?
A: I would rate it a 22.5 out of 25. I’m taking 2.5 points off because there is the stress involved with high school. However, I have grown to love this school. I’ve attended schooling events since I was pretty much born. My personal high school experience has been nothing short of interesting, but also amazing at the same time.
