Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a senior at Emmaus High School.

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

A. My parents are Joe and Angie and I have an older sister Rachael.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. I love my computer science classes because they involve solving problems and finding solutions. It is a growing and changing field which makes it very exciting and challenging.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I earned EHS Academic Achievement Awards and I was inducted into National Honor Society. I have also competed in many coding competitions conducted by Bloomsburg University, DeSales University, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin.

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

A. I have been a member of the EHS Power Tech Club and American Computer Science League for four years and currently serving as president of both clubs. The after-school clubs provided opportunities for me to explore many interests and activities while working together with others. I have also volunteered as a Hornet Ambassador for two years and I have enjoyed welcoming new students and visitors to EHS. I am a member and volunteer at The Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit while also serving as a youth representative on the Northeastern PA Synod Council for four years. During this experience, I have witnessed how to navigate different situations and be understanding of people. I am also a crew trainer at McDonald’s which has developed my customer service and management skills.

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

A. My biggest challenge and privilege so far was learning and working with a local cybersecurity firm in the EHS Field Study program during my junior year. I quickly gained real-life experience in a cybersecurity career and worked alongside cyber professionals which assisted me in deciding my future plans. It was a new experience balancing school and work responsibilities.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I plan on attending college and majoring in cybersecurity and digital forensics with a minor in criminology.

Q. If you could spend an evening conversing with a historically significant person, whom would you choose? Why?

A. I would like to talk with Steve Wozniak “Woz” about his inspiration, ideas and struggles with designing and creating Apple computers.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I hope to be remembered as a helpful and kind person. I volunteer to help my school and community when I can. I have learned that kindness is contagious. When we are kind, we inspire others to be kind.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Life is designed to knock you down, but it doesn’t matter how many times you fall – it matters how many times you get back up.