Q: What grade are you in?

A: I am in 12th grade at Emmaus High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is English. I have always loved writing and I think it’s interesting to learn about how powerful words can be.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: In my junior year I ranked superior in the National School Press Association News Write-Off Competition and won second place in newswriting and column writing for the Pennsylvania State Keystone Award. This year one of my feature stories was nominated for the NSPA’s Story of the Year award and I received eighth place. I have been on the Principal’s Honor Roll every year and have received the Excellence in English and Excellence in Journalism awards during my high school career.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: I am the editor-in- chief of The Stinger school newspaper and I run cross country, winter track and spring track. I also play the violin in the orchestra, serve as the communications officer for Model Congress and helped the debate team as a researcher this year. I am also a member of Interact Club and National Honor Society.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: My goal is to attend whatever college or university is right for me, study what I’m passionate about and be happy.

Q: What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

A: My biggest challenge so far has been learning how to not sweat the small stuff. In high school it’s easy to get caught up in the little, stressful parts of each day and it was hard to step back and look at the bigger picture sometimes.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I want to be remembered for being a good friend and a hardworking, dedicated student.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My mom, Mary, my dad, Mike, my brother, Kevin, and my fish, Fish.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: I look up to my journalism adviser, Ms. Reaman. She’s been my inspiration and mentor throughout high school and has taught me so many valuable lessons that I will carry with me outside of the classroom.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: Do what makes you happy, because in the end that’s what is most important. Don’t let high school skew your view of what really matters in life.