NILES — With high school graduation on the horizon for area schools, the top students of their graduating class were announced earlier. To showcase these students and their hard work and talent, they completed a questionnaire and offered some advice to incoming freshman. The Top 10 questionnaires are starting with Niles High School students and running in no particular order. 

Lindsay Eichenberg

Age: 17

GPA: 4.07

City of residency: Niles

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

I’m very honored to be a part of the Niles Top 10. I know that the class of 2018 is a hardworking, intelligent group of students and each one of us strives to be the best we can. It’s because of this I knew that being a part of the top 10, would be a difficult goal to achieve. When I heard I was going to be listed in the top 10 I was happy and felt privileged to be recognized with such a great group of individuals.

2.How do you feel you earned the title?

I didn’t do anything spectacular to earn this title. It was my constant drive to keep working that helped me get to this spot. I always made sure I put forth my best effort each and everyday. This meant taking advanced courses when I no longer felt challenged, it meant do the extra credit assignment even though I had a good grade and really it meant giving 100% in everything I did. I earned this title simply by having the motivation to continue to grow in my education.

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 I graduate I plan on attending Trevecca Nazarene University. This 4 year private college is located in Nashville, TN. Once I’m there I will be studying the field of social work. I believe I was put on this earth to help others. Children often need the most help because they don’t always have someone in their corner. That’s why I want to study social work, so I can be voice for kids around the world.

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

High School is a special place. You’re going to do things you never thought possible, you’re going to make friends with people you didn’t think you would, and you’re going to achieve things you only ever dreamed about. It’s so easy to want to rush through the next 4 years and graduate or to even get caught up in the stress of school work, but don’t let that happen. Cherish your time in high school because it will change you and make you different person.

          

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

My favorite part of high school was the relationships I formed. The people that I met during my 4 years of high school are really what made my experience enjoyable. The band kids that cheered at football games with me and the friends that danced the night away at prom with me are the people that made high school fun. The same goes for the teachers and staff that led me and inspired me during my 4 years at high school. These people have given me memories I will cherish forever and I am so grateful for them.

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

It’s hard for me to find achievements outside of school, but I think I most proud of the trip I took last summer to Europe. I was very nervous about leaving the country with just a group of peers and 2 teachers. However, I was pushed to go and took a chance. Heading to a completely different side of the world for 10 days was scary. I didn’t speak the languages and had no idea how to get around, yet I had so much fun on this trip. I am so proud that I found the courage to go on this trip. Expanding my horizons in this way is truly one of the great things I have accomplished during high school.