Heller! My name is Leo Van Valkenburg. A lot of people know me by my nickname, Bubba. My mom gave me this nickname when I was just a baby. I am 10 years old. I am in 4th grade at Independence Elementary. I have lived in Big Lake sine I was born.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My family includes my dad, Mike, my mom, Elicia, and my little sister, Annie- she is 6 years old. We also have hound dog named Banner. He is a Golden Retriever and is 7 months old.
Q: How long have you lived and/or worked in Big Lake?
I have lived in Big Lake since I was born.
Q: Tell us about your current, past, or future career.
My current career is being a 4th grader! In the summers I volunteer for Faith In Action- I mow elderly peoples’ yards. I was nominated as Volunteer of the Month last summer. If my dreams come true I hope my future career is playing in the NFL.
Q: Have you ever had a nickname? What is it and why were you given it?
A lot of people know me by my nickname Bubba which my mom gave me when I was a baby.
Q: What is your favorite TV Show, Movie, Book? (Please list as many as you’d like!)
I really do not watch a lot of TV unless it is YouTube. My family has a tradition of family movie night and out of all the movies we have watched, A Dog’s Purpose is my favorite. I also like to listen to music and two most favorite songs are: God Bless the USA and Country Boy Can Survive. I love to listen to these songs while jumping on the trampoline.
Q: If you could only eat one food/meal and have one beverage for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only eat one food and beverage forever, I would pick water and Dad’s Root Beer to drink and cheeseburgers to eat.
Q: What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes?
My ultimate favorite thing do to is play football. I also like to fish, go on family football walks, build Legos, and color/draw with my mom and sister. I love to have lemonade stands with my friends. I do like to experiment with learning to cook also.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
My goal is to play in the NFL. I would like to skydive one day too.
Q: What would you buy/do if you won the lottery?
If I won the lottery I would buy my Nana a pink Cadillac!
Q: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Nothing- I like who I am.
Q: Who has been a hero in your life?
My football Coach- Coach Ben- he is always helping me become better at football.
Q: What is something even your family and friends may not know about you?
I have 2 middle names- Michael Scott
Q: What is your proudest accomplishment?
I Completed 20+ quarterback sacks in one season and earned Defense Player of the Year and Mr. Reliable awards. While at a tournament in Iowa, coaches from the opposing team took me aside to tell me I was really hard to stop and they were impressed with my perseverance.
Q: What are a few of your favorite businesses / restaurants in Big Lake?
Restaurants: Lake Cafe’s cheeseburgers and Pizza Factory’s cheesy bread!
Q: What is one of your favorite things about Big Lake?
The people are so nice.
Q: What advice would you give to people living in Big Lake?
Swim when it is warm and never give up on your dreams.
Q: Who is an interesting person in our community that you’ve met and deserves to be included in The Faces of Big Lake project?
Vicki from Minnesota Wholesalers- She is always so nice and kind and is very hard working.
