Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I graduated from Emmaus High School June 11.

Q. Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. My parents’ names are Shannon Reidnauer and Glenn Reidnauer. I have a younger sister Samantha. Finally, I have a dog named Riley.

Q. What was your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject recently was psychology. I find it fascinating to understand the reason behind the human thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have received the academic achievement award all years of high school as well as honor roll. In addition, I was also inducted into National Honor Society and graduated with honors.

Q. Were you involved in any extracurricular activities? How did being involved in these organizations impact your high school experience.

A. I was involved in NHS, Interact Club and my job at Kohl’s. Being in these organizations brought me a sense of community with other students. I wouldn’t know these other students if it weren’t for being involved in these organizations. They brought me lots of opportunities and lifelong lessons that I’ll carry on with me through the rest of my educational pursuit.

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

A. My biggest challenge to date is overcoming setbacks when they happen at inconvenient times.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My next goal is to get my master’s in psychology at Elizabethtown College. I would like to become a school psychologist.

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. I most admire my two grandmothers, Sharon Galasso and Gloria Reidnauer. My first grandmother, Sharon, is one of the most hardworking and dedicated people I know. At the age of 74, she continues to work, as her choice, as a director of nursing in New York. While working hard, she looks out for everyone around her and never fails to constantly be the rock for anyone to lean on.

My second grandmother, Gloria Reidnauer, has courage. At the age of 81, my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. Instead of backing down, she arose to the challenge and fought it as hard as she could. Although she is still fighting the never-ending battle, she keeps a smile on her face and never lets her fear show. Together, my grandmothers are everything I wish to be and more.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would most like to be remembered for working hard even when I wanted to give up and as someone who always went out of their way to help others.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. They will tell you all the time high school flies by, and although you may want to roll your eyes at that statement, it’s true. It will be gone by a blink of the eye. So slow down, and enjoy it, even when it seems like it’s never ending. Don’t worry about being the perfect student, the perfect person or the perfect friend; because that’s impossible. Don’t get me wrong, try your best, but, be who you are and have fun! It’ll be done before you know it.