Tell us a little about your family – parents, siblings, pets, etc.
My family and I are super close, and I enjoy spending time with them whether we are hiking together, camping, or having family dinners. My parents Jeff and Cheri Grunewald continue to support me no matter what, and are always an inspiration. My dad specifically motivates me to never settle for less and to follow the path that will make me the happiest. After working in sales for the majority of his career and being unhappy he decided he wanted to change his career, so my mom and him decided to look for a campground. My parents are now proud owners of Coos Canyon Campground and Cabins, and I have never seen them happier. My sister Autumn, is only a year older then me and is my bestfriend. She is always down to go on a Caribou run with me, or simply drive in circles listening to music. She is attending Winona State University in the fall, and I am going to miss her so much. We also have a cat, and she is named Black Sabbath, thanks to my dads love of rock music.
What are some of your favorite hobbies, activities, sports, interests?
Some of my favorite sports include gymnastics, tennis, and lacrosse. I specifically hold a special place for gymnastics in my heart since I have been doing it since I was 5. I now realize how much it truly meant to me now that it is over, and will forever be grateful for the memories it has provided me, and the lessons I learned from it. One hobby of mine is flying, since I am currently in the process of getting my private pilots license. It is still crazy to me that I get to enjoy being thousands of feet above the ground on a casual week day. I also like hanging out with my friends, even if we are just sitting in someone’s room talking and laughing.
Share a favorite school memory from any grade.
My favorite school memory has to be winning state in both 2020 and 2023 with my gymnastics team. The feeling of holding hands with my teammates and realizing all of our hard work had payed off, is a feeling I will never forget. It wasn’t even just the gymnastics part itself, but the time in the hotel beforehand, the excitement, and support from other gymnasts that truly made it extraordinary.
Tell us about a favorite teacher, coach, or staff member who had influence in your life/education.
Mrs. Schulte is one of my favorite teachers. I was lucky enough to have her as my AP English teacher. I also had a good group of friends in her class, and she never failed to laugh along with us. She is one of the teachers I feel the closest to, and know I can always ask for help and for guidance from.
What was your favorite subject to study in school and why?
My favorite subject to study in school is math, because there are no grey areas in the correct answers. Although I have a love hate relationship with math, I find it the most interesting and engaging to learn about.
Who are you always happy to see and why are you happy to see them?
I am always happy to see my friend group which includes Amelia, Ava, Emma, Sam, and Emily. They never fail to make me laugh, and are people I always want to surround myself with. I love them so much.
What are your plans for after graduation (school, travel, work, etc.)?
After graduation I am attending the University of North Dakota, where I am majoring in commercial aviation. I am looking forward to starting this new journey with my best friend Ava, who is also majoring in commercial aviation, and is going to be my suitemate!
What advice do you have for incoming freshman as they start the high school adventure?
Don’t take school events for granted. Some of my best memories have come from going to sporting events with friends, whether that is football games, basketball games, or any of the others. Being involved in school events, will make your high school experience 10 times better.
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
A highlight of my senior year was homecoming week. This week was a highlight because of the rivalry between the juniors and seniors outside of school, the powderpuff game, and being on the homecoming court. It was a week of little sleep, but was so much fun. I enjoyed staying out late and waking up early the very next day in order to practice for the powderpuff game. After a week of this routine, there was no better way to end it, then getting ready with my friends and dressing up in our school colors to support our football team.
Where do you imagine yourself 10 years from now?
In 10 years from now I imagine myself as a commercial pilot for Delta, or some other major airline. I also imagine myself having a family.
Is there anything you wish you could go back and change?
Honestly there isn’t anything that I wish I could go back and change. Even the events that didn’t seem to have the best outcomes have been learning experiences for me, and have shaped who I am today.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for the connections I have made throughout my high school career. I have made friendships that I believe will last a lifetime with people who support me. I have also created relationships with coaches and teachers who have helped me succeed and further better myself.
Tell us 3 words that describe you now.
Outgoing, Kind, Compassionate
What is something (or things) you like about living in, and going to school in, Big Lake?
I like living in Big Lake because it is a small town, but not too small. This contributes to why I like Big Lake schools. The class size is perfect, because I know who almost everyone is in my grade, if not everyone.
Where are your favorite places to eat, hang out, shop, etc. in Big Lake?
My favorite places to eat and hangout in Big Lake would have to be Caribou and McDonald’s. Mrs. Koehler, my history teacher, knows a thing or two about how often me and my friends will make McDonald’s runs, since we are always planning them out in her class.
