Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I graduated from Emmaus this spring and will attend United States Merchant Marine Academy this summer/ fall.

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

A. My parents are George and Denise Magditch; my siblings are McKenna and Alexander and my pets are Bailey and Chauncey (dogs) and Buddy and Sullivan (cats).

Q. What was your favorite subject? Why?

A. If I had to choose, it would probably be either chemistry or biology. I find both subjects really fascinating. There is so much new information to learn in regard to both.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have received USMC Distinguished Female Athlete Award. I have also been named the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference Female Scholar Athlete for swimming: Academics – 40%, i.e. GPA, Class Rank, SAT Scores, participation in NHS, Merit Scholar, Athletics – 40%, i.e., All-State Honors, All-Conference, Co-Captain, Special Achievements Extra-Curricular/Community Activities – 20%, i.e., participation in school/community activities/sports, the Emmaus Swim and Dive Players player (This award is voted on by the athletes and is only awarded to one athlete on each team. In the event of a tie, the coach casts the final vote. This award is given to the athlete who best embodies the spirit of the team through actions), Emmaus Swim and Dive Most Valuable Player (This award is given to the athlete who is most valuable to the team. Examples would be the athlete who performs where the team needs them, is always at practice, never or rarely late, prepared, leads by example, has good sportsmanship, pushes the team/teammates, cheers on teammates and is consistent and successful), Emmaus Swim and Dive Booster Club Scholar and the Gary Nonnemacher Award: Self-Sacrifice Award. Gary was primarily a diver for the Hornets in the late 1970s and early 1980s, yet from time to time when called to swim he answered. Gary was an athlete who persevered through the sport by never giving up and always finding more to help the team.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has being involved in these organizations impacted your high school experience?

A. During my four years at Emmaus, I was part of the French Club, Habitat for Humanity, Key Club and Interact Club. The majority of these clubs are based on doing service and volunteer work in the community. Other programs I have been part of are both National Honor Society and the French National Honor Society. I have been a varsity athlete for Emmaus Swim and Dive since my freshman year and I swim all year round for a local club team called EMAC.

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

A. The hardest thing for me was the college application and decision process. There were so many moments where I questioned myself and whether I had what it took to go where I wanted to go. A lot of the schools I was aiming to get into were prestigious and had low acceptance rates.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. My next goal as I enter the USMMA is to continue to grow and improve both athletically and academically. I want to continue to grow as a leader in every respect of life and, upon graduation from the academy, be commissioned to active duty in the United States Navy.

Q. Whom do you hope to emulate? Why?

A. I have been so blessed to have had adults in my life who are such role models and there are different aspects of them that I carry with me. Mainly, my parents. My dad is one of the hardest working people I know and taught me that persistence and elbow grease will get me far in life, and my mom showed me patience is key and in life, you should always be a student furthering your knowledge.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. If there’s one thing I hope to leave behind or be remembered for, it is that honest hard work and a willingness to do what others are not are the best ways to improve yourself. I guess what I am getting at is hard work does not pay off right away; often, it’s quite the opposite. I hope people have learned from me that compassion and grit are a recipe for success.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Always pursue what you are passionate about, and never stop improving and growing yourself. Find what you’re passionate about, follow it, and make it your career and life.