Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

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

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is definitely physics. I took Advanced Placement Physics 1 as a junior and I am currently enrolled in AP Physics C. While the classes can be difficult, I love the concepts. It astounds me that everything in the world around us can be modeled and explained by a few simple equations. And, of course, my amazing teachers have made the experience wholly enjoyable; both Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Ohl provide a wealth of knowledge and an exciting class setting.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have received the awards for Excellence in Biology and Excellence in Chemistry in ninth and 10th grades respectively. I received Excellence in French IV in grade 11 and Academic Excellence in grades nine, 10 and 11. I also received the Science Fair Award in ninth grade. I was inducted into National Honor Society as well as the World Language Honor Society in grade 11. I have also received Principal’s Honor Roll every marking period of my high school career.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A. I am the president of the EHS gaming club, which is a great place to compete and relax with games of all kinds. I am also an officer of the Model Congress, which aims to analyze all sides of today’s problems and present potential solutions. I have been on the EHS Debate Team for four years; a junior varsity member during grades nine and 10 and a varsity member during grades 11 and 12. This past season, I was the captain of the junior varsity team. I also partake in the monthly Pennsylvania Math League competitions and I am a tutor coordinator/mentor for the NHS tutoring system. On Mondays, I help gifted fourth and fifth graders at Willow Lane Elementary School with “Math 24” competitions. In addition, I’ve played soccer for Lower Macungie Youth Association for many years. For the past two summers, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a full-time intern at ATAS International, which has been a wonderful experience.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My next goal is to study aerospace engineering in college. While I haven’t chosen a university yet, I look forward to expanding my knowledge of the subject and helping to make innovations in the aerospace field, especially as it related to renewable energy. Cleanly powered air travel is a fascinating idea to me, as is space travel in general. See you on Mars!

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

A. My biggest challenge has probably been accepting failure and growing from it. As I mentioned, AP Physics C is a very difficult class and sometimes it’s frustrating to under perform on an exam or not reach personal standards. I think it’s easy to get discouraged from defeat and it’s been a challenge for me to accept that I can’t be perfect and just keep trying my best.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I’d like people to think of me as a good student and a kind person – I know that no matter what I create as an engineer, I’ll never invent anything as brilliant as a smile.

Q. Who is in your family?

A. My parents’ names are John and Deborah and I have an older sister named Amy. Rest in peace to my goldfish Fishie, 2006-2006.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I admire my parents for all of the unconditional love and support they have given me throughout my life. I appreciate all of their help toward my successes. I also really admire my grandfather, Bob (Pop). He is one of the most gentle and kind men (with a great sense of humor) that I have ever encountered and I aspire to be like him in many ways.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Don’t stress about the little things. I see and hear lots of students constantly in a state of anxiety or worry, which is definitely not how a teenager’s years should be spent. These years are supposedly the best of our lives, so don’t waste them worrying about a hairstyle or a vocab quiz. While grades are important, there’s no need to turn your life upside down over a single assignment. Take some time to relax.