Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

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

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject would have to be history. I’m really interested in history for many reasons, but mainly because of what it reveals about people in general. History provides a record of both successes and failures for people to triumph and overcome. Without learning from history, people are doomed to repeat the failures of the past. So, all the lessons history provides truly makes it the most valuable, and my favorite subject.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have been awarded the AP Scholar award by the College Board. I have also achieved Principal’s Honor Roll every marking period, the Academic Excellence Award each year and in sophomore year I was awarded the Excellence in AP United States History Award and the Excellence in English Award. In my freshman year, I was awarded the Excellence in Biology Award. I have also been awarded the Best Witness Award at a mock trial competition and third place Best Delegate Award at the Model United Nations competition. This year I was selected as the school winner of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen award.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. I am the captain of Debate Team, a co-secretary of Student Government Association and the president of Model United Nations. I am a member of National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society. I represent the high school at board meetings for student government and I am a member of the Principal’s Advisory Board as well. I am a team member of the EHS Mock Trial Team and I am the treasurer of academic team which participates in PBS Scholastic Scrimmage competitions along with NAQT regional competitions. I am also a member of EHS Chorale and Select Choir. I also participate in the EHS Red Cross Club.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I hope to attend college and pursue a degree in political science. I would like to incorporate an international relations and perhaps an economics component to my education because I would ideally like to work either in international politics or law.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. My biggest challenge would have to be adapting to new study habits and strategies I’ve been exposed to. After struggling in classes that weren’t necessarily my strong suit, I realized I had to work harder and in different ways in order to succeed. Rather than studying alone and close to test dates, I worked with friends in study groups and worked on problem sets. This challenge, while difficult, taught me quite a lot about study habits that work for me.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for my involvement in the school community. I have strived throughout my years in high school to be as involved as possible within the school. Through my involvement in student government, as well as through my work as a school board representative, I hope to have left a positive impact on the students, teachers and board members I have interacted with. I also hope that my work on the debate team, Model UN and academic team has set a good example for new members to follow.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My mother’s name is Nicole, my father’s name is Harry. My brother’s name is Sam and my sister’s name is Grace. My dog’s name is Penny.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my grandfather, who we refer to in my family as Pepere. My Pepere has truly been a source of guidance for me as long as I can remember. He served in the Air Force as a radar operator and then at Bethlehem Steel until its closure. His lessons about perseverance and hard work have shaped me into the both the student and the person that I am today. Pepere constantly inspires me because of his love for his country, his family and his community and I hope to carry his values into my adult life.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice would be: Find something you are truly passionate about and have a desire to learn more about, and dive into it. The best feeling in life is discovering a hidden talent or skill or passion. By working hard and constantly learning more about what you enjoy most, you will succeed and will be happy with what you are doing.