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

A. My parents are Erica, Josh; my siblings are Preston, Alex, Sophie, Quentin and Jane and my pets are Cheerio (gecko) and Sweetie (bird).

Q. As a senior, do you have any specific goals you will pursue this academic year?

A. I hope to gain a clearer view of what I want to pursue in my future, as well as embracing and enjoying the opportunities this school year will provide.

Q. What is your favorite class at Emmaus High School? Why?

A. AP art and design with Mrs. Maley. This class is such a fun and relaxing part of my day where I get to create whatever I want and be around wonderful peers without worrying about my other coursework.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I am a two time Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Allstate oboeist, as well as a participant in PMEA District and regional ensembles throughout the entirety of my high school career. I have earned a Scholastic Art and Writing National Silver Medal and on the regional level, I have won three silver medals and four honorable mentions. For editorial cartooning, I am a NSPA Finalist, have won third place for the National Federation of Press Women and two Pennsylvania Press Club first place awards. I am an AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as an awardee of the College Board National Recognition Program. I have received multiple underclassman awards chosen by faculty and administration for academics, school spirit, band and art.

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

A. Marching band – this activity has provided me with a wonderful community of friends and a space to improve as a musician and a leader.

Various other music ensembles – Music is such an important aspect of my life and participating in ensembles such as in-school symphonic band, community ensembles, auditioned honor PMEA ensembles and summer festivals have allowed me to meet so many people around our area and across the country who have a shared interest in creating music.

Stinger illustrator- This extracurricular has been by far more impactful on my high school career than I would have ever imagined. By creating illustrations and political cartoons for the school newspaper as well as other publications such as the SUNN post, I have been able to express and share my opinions and advocate for causes in an artistic manner.

Hydroponics club- I cofounded this club at the end of ninth grade, and it has allowed me to share my love of plants and the science behind growing plants.

Tri-Music Honor Society, National Art Honor Society and National Honor Society – These organizations have given me the opportunity to serve the community through music and art.

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

A. Finding a balance between being academically successful and making time for having fun and relaxing so I don’t get burned out.

Q. At this time, what are your plans for the future beyond high school?

A. I plan on pursuing a degree/career relating to environmental protection; currently I’m thinking of majoring in environmental engineering. I also plan on continuing to pursue my musical interests with a major in oboe performance.

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

A. Either Rachel Carson or Jane Goodall. These individuals had such a positive impact for the well-being of the environment and the living things within it, as well as breaking barriers for women in science, which allowed for generations of future women scientists and environmentalists to exist.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered as someone that was kind, trustworthy and hardworking. I hope to have improved someone’s day, been a good example and encouraged others to seek excellence.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers

A. Don’t let any single grade define you or control your happiness. No grade is representative of your worth or should take away any joy from your life. Keep moving forward, ask for help and find what works for you to have balance in your life.