Tell us a little about your family – parents, siblings, pets, etc.
I live with my mom: Carla, step-dad: Tom, younger brother and sister: Tommy & Jasmine. We have a 4 year old black lab / boxer mix named Bella, and she is a handful. My father lives in Maple Grove with his 8 year old Aussie Shepard Wriggs and 5 year old cat Pepper.
What are some of your favorite hobbies, activities, sports, interests?
My senior year was my 5th year as a competitive cheerleader, and that was a very important part of my life. However, my true passion is for music. I love singing in choirs and performing. I am an NHS member.
Share a favorite school memory from any grade.
My favorite moments from these extracurriculars were UCA Cheer Nationals 2021 and MMEA All-State Mixed Voices Choir 2023-2024. Nationals was the highlight of my cheer career and I had an amazing time with my team that I have bonded with over several seasons. All-State provided me a preview of how spectacular choirs can be and what I can expect as a future choral director.
Tell us about a favorite teacher, coach, or staff member who had influence in your life/education.
My favorite teacher must be the most recent one I have: Ms. Hawkins. She has genuinely impacted me to follow my dreams and passions with music.
What was your favorite subject to study in school and why?
My favorite subject is choir because of how it builds a community and allows one to be a part of something greater than oneself. I love the way a harmony can overpower me and give me a rush of sensations and emotions. I wish others can experience and appreciate music the way I do. Big Lake’s choir is shrinking, and it is really sad to leave when it’s at a vulnerable position.
Who are you always happy to see and why are you happy to see them?
I am always happy to see Sheena, a new foreign exchange student from Taiwan. She easily became one of my closest friends this year. We went Trick-or-Treating for the food shelf with Mishell Flores and Natalie Conklin, and that was one of favorite nights with friends.
What are your plans for after graduation (school, travel, work, etc.)?
I plan to enjoy my summer as best I can; meaning hanging out with friends, exercising, working. I will attend Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and will achieve a Bachelor’s of Music with focuses on Music Education, Music Composition, and Vocal Performance.
What advice do you have for incoming freshman as they start the high school adventure?
Be kind because the world needs more of it. Be yourself and find your crowd.
What has been the highlight of your senior year?
My highlight would have to be the Orchestra Hall concert for All-State. I can still hear the final harmony and the applause that follows. This moment reassured me that I was on the right path. This memory became something so critical to me and my future that I hope to conduct an All-State choir, so that I can replicate it for future generations.
Where do you imagine yourself 10 years from now?
I imagine I am teaching a choir with a moderate to large size. Along side teaching, I am still going to school for my master’s and doctorate, as my ultimate goal is to be a collegiate professor.
Is there anything you wish you could go back and change?
I would like to see what would have changed if I stayed in Maple Grove; I wouldn’t have moved to Big Lake and meet the people I now know. I also wonder what would it be like if I didn’t compete in cheer, and continued on a theater path.
What are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for my parents and music. My parents support me in every possible way, and I cannot thank them enough, not can I repay them for everything they have done for me. Thank you, Mom.
Tell us 3 words that describe you now.
Satisfied, proud, and eager.
What is something (or things) you like about living in, and going to school in, Big Lake?
I like how interconnected the community is, as it seems like everyone has some link to everyone else.
Where are your favorite places to eat, hang out, shop, etc. in Big Lake?
Not exactly in the heart of Big Lake, but I utterly love CamboFlare. I also like Grind for a warm welcome and a refresher.
