NILES — With high school graduation on the horizon for area schools, the top students of their graduating class were recently announced. To showcase these students and their hard work and talent, they completed a questionnaire and offered some advice to incoming freshman. Starting with Niles High School students, the following students are the first to be featured.

Alec Janowski

Age: 18

GPA: 4.4043

City of residency: Niles

1. How does it feel to be listed as one of Niles’ top 10?

It is exciting to be in the top 10 because I have worked toward it for my entire high school career.

2. How do you feel you earned the title?

I feel that I earned the title by working hard throughout high school in all my classes and by careful class planning and selection.

3. What college, trade school or future endeavor do you plan on pursuing after you graduate? If you will attend a college or trade school what do you plan on studying and why?

I plan on attending Stanford University after I graduate. I plan on majoring in computer science because it is something I am passionate about and already have significant experience in.

4. What’s your advice to next year’s freshmen?

My advice to next year’s freshmen is to work hard and not think that four years until college is a long time. The four years will be incredibly short and everything you do will impact your future college and career choice either positively or negatively. High school is the beginning of your lifelong career. Make it count.

5. What was your favorite part of your high school career?

My favorite part of my high school career was enrolling in college classes through the programs Niles has to offer. I really enjoyed learning in a college environment and studying unique subjects.

6. Outside of school, what are some other accomplishments you are proud of achieving?

I am proud of tutoring fellow local athletes and helping them improve their standardized tests scores. It is rewarding to help people I know achieve their academic and college goals.

Madeline Gattis

Age: 17

GPA: 4.111

City of residency: Niles

1. How does it feel to be listed as one of Niles’ top 10?

It is very honoring yet humbling to be listed as one of Niles Top 10.

2. How do you feel you earned the title?

I earned this title by being a studious, hard-working student throughout my high school career.

3. What college, trade school or future endeavor do you plan on pursuing after you graduate? If you will attend a college or trade school what do you plan on studying and why?

After high school, I am attending Michigan State University to study biology on a pre-med track to eventually become a pediatrician.

4. What’s your advice to next year’s freshmen?

Enjoy all of the little moments. Make lots of friends. Find something you are passionate about and pursue it. Work hard and always do your best.

5. What was your favorite part of your high school career?

My favorite part of my high school career would be spending four years with my best friends, all while getting an education that will help me move closer to my dream career.

6. Outside of school, what are some other accomplishments you are proud of achieving?

Some outside of school accomplishments I am proud of are learning how to play several musical instruments and taking care of my menagerie of pets.