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

A. Mom, Heather, dad, Joseph, sister, Alyvia, dogs, Charlotte and Phoenix, red-footed tortoises, Winston and Franklin, leopard gecko, Dalton, goldfish, Silverfish

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

A. I would like to start a terrarium business since it has become a passion of mine. I put a lot of research into creating environmentally balanced ecosystems.

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

A. My favorite class is AP biology. It was fun since it aligned with what I want to study in college.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I won the Matt Kish Award during my junior swim season for exhibiting the same qualities that were valued in Matt: “Being there for his teammates by his actions, his smile, his quiet encouragement.” I was on the swimming states team my junior year.

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

A. I am a member of the EHS swim and dive team, marching band (section leader), jazz band, brass ensemble, BioOlympiad Club (president), Hornet Ambassador, National Honor Society member, Spanish National Honor Society member and member of the Music Tri-M National Honor Society. My involvement in these organizations gave me a wide variety of experiences I might have otherwise missed out on. Plus, I got to know a lot of people and made many good friends.

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

A. My biggest challenge is getting enough sleep as I juggle homework, college applications, morning and afternoon swim practices, practicing the trumpet, volunteering at the Last Chance Ranch and playing taps for Bugles Across America.

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

A. I plan to pursue animal science in college, specializing in large animals as a veterinarian.

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

A. I would choose Steve Irwin because he had a strong passion for the environment and protecting animals. He created a large zoo in Australia.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for inspiring positive habits that lead to healthier lifestyles for others; your body is a “temple.”

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. Get eight hours of sleep a night, eat well-balanced meals, study hard and find joy in your life.