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

A. Julie Shickel (mom), Thomas Shickel (dad), Matthew (brother), Cubby (dog).

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

A. I accomplished my goal of getting into my dream university. My current goal for the end of my senior year is to pass all of my AP exams and end my senior year with “all “A’s.”

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

A. My favorite class at Emmaus was AP Psychology. I enjoyed learning about parts of the brain and their functions. I also found it interesting learning about what makes us so unique from one another and how our cultures can produce another level of connection beyond surface level similarities.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I have been on the Principal’s Honor Roll for all four years of high school. I was awarded the “Service Above Self” and Investing and Corporate Finance Award for the EHS Underclassmen Awards. I was also chosen to serve on my school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team as a girls lacrosse representative where I learn skills to help my teammates develop a winning mindset. Our team won second place in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference in 2024 and 2025.

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

A. I am the social media editor of The Stinger (school newspaper), I am an officer in Key Club, I am a part of National Honor Society and World Language Honor Society. I have also played on the girls lacrosse team for all four years of high school. My involvement within the high school has influenced both my emotional and academic growth. I am grateful to have such an amazing community of teachers, coaches and friends who support my interests and encourage me to earn every “A,” earn every minute on the field and value every relationship I have.

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

A. My biggest challenge to date is one I am currently facing. Trying to make every moment of senior year the best while facing personal adversity can be difficult at any stage of high school. It is especially trying during a time that is meant to be the most fun part of high school. I think navigating through a period of hardship leads you to appreciate the small things both inside and outside of school.

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

A. I plan to study business at Villanova University and hone in on my interests and talents.

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

A. I would choose to speak with Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton. Being able to watch her story be told through the Broadway show “Hamilton” not once, not twice, but three times was enough for me to see her as a strong leader and powerful female figure. She used her privilege as a widowed socialite to promote women’s rights and established the Orphan Asylum Society.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. Staying positive and finding humor during times of struggle.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice for my peers would be to get involved and make connections. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try your hardest to create strong relationships with teachers and classmates.