Q: What grade are you in?

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

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject this year is Advanced Placement Government and Politics, partly because I really enjoy the class and its material as it gives you the opportunity to discuss your thoughts and ideas on current events and major issues, while remaining educational and interesting. Mostly, though, it’s my favorite class because I have Mr. Gallagher for my teacher and he’s one of my favorites, if not the best. I had him last year for World Studies Honors, too. He always keeps discussions constructional and light-hearted and he is straightforward with teaching and a caring and fun person. I highly recommend taking the class as it has definitely been a highlight of my senior year.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: In regard to special recognition and awards I have received the end of the year award for GPA in past years, as well as a Mastery of Biology recognition, Computers Excellence freshman year and one other for science interest.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: In my free time I am an Ambassador for Emmaus High School, I am member of Key Club and participate in the homeroom and I currently participate in National Honor Society. In past years, I was also a part of Spanish and Latin Club as well as Habitat for Humanity. I also work at Perkiomen Animal Hospital and have since I was a sophomore.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A. My next goal after high school will be working as an assistant team adviser at University of California Berkeley this summer for a student conference and then attending Drew University in the fall, majoring in biology and following a pre-med track. After that I hope to attend medical school and pursue a career in anesthesiology.

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

A: My biggest challenge to date is a little personal but it would have to be spending my adolescent years with my sisters and my mom alone after losing my dad. Having only one parent from any age is difficult but losing my dad so young was really hard for me to become accustomed to and grow from. It taught me a lot about myself and my strengths and how important it is to cherish family and friends while you have them. Graduating high school was something that I looked forward to doing with my whole family beside me, but a part of growing up, for me, has to be accepting that the picture isn’t always perfect.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I would like to be remembered as a hard working student, a dedicated son and a good friend.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My mom is Gwyn and my sisters are Sasha, Kayla and Taira. Our dog is Bane.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: I admire a lot of people, those I have met and those I’ve only read about, but my first and foremost role model is my mom. She has shown me strength, dedication, perseverance and the importance in love. My mom has always been my number one hero, even if she doesn’t see herself that way, and her humble attitude and irreplaceable care for my sisters and I is something I will always strive to remember and hopefully be in the future.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: My advice for my peers would be to work hard and remember to enjoy being this age. It’s not always fun and it’s definitely not always easy, but looking back at high school I’m happy I took the time to spend time with my friends and family and still keeping in mind to not give excuses and be an advocate for my future.