DOWAGIAC — With the upcoming graduation of Dowagiac Union High School seniors, the valedictorians and salutatorian took some time to answer a few questions and reflect on their high school experience.

Valedictorian Lewis Hartsig

GPA: 4.0

Parents: Paul and Diane Hartsig

What are you plans post-graduation?

Going to Grand Valley State University to study statistics.

What does being valedictorian mean to you?

It means the world. It’s really nice to have hard work recognized. It’s very rewarding.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Senior prom. I got to take my girlfriend out, and it was a great time.

What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Don’t take your senior year too seriously. It’s your last year of high school, so try to have a good time.

Valedictorian Justin Lyle

GPA: 4.0

Parents: Pat and Rhonda Lyle

What are you plans post-graduation?

I plan to attend Central Michigan University to major in broadcasting and cinematic arts.

What does being valedictorian mean to you?

It’s an honor. It’s hard to explain it, but it means to represent your community, not just yourself. It means to be bigger than an individual, but to be a good representation of the community.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Participating in a talent show that I probably shouldn’t have. I sang, even though I don’t usually sing. It was spontaneous and fun.

What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Do as much as you can. You are going to miss it when it’s done.

Valedictorian Haley Soderbloom

GPA: 4.0

Parents: Paul and Cari Soderbloom

What are you plans post-graduation?

I’m attending Hope College to double major in dance and kinesiology.

What does being valedictorian mean to you?

I feel that having high academics will get you as far as you want to go in life, so I feel it’s important.

What is your favorite high school memory?

Winning Battle of the Fans in 2014.

What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Enjoy it.

Valedictorian Drew Vaickus

GPA: 4.0

Parent: Karen Vaickus

What are you plans post-graduation?

I plan to go to Western Michigan University. I’m kind of undecided on a major, but I think I want to be an accounting or finance major. I might even double major, but I’m not sure yet.

What does being valedictorian mean to you?

It means a lot. You work your whole life; you work in school, you do your homework, so it means a lot to be honored like this.

What is your favorite high school memory?

[The academic honors assembly] will probably be it. It means a lot.

What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Do all your homework and work really hard. That’s probably what everyone says, but it’s true. You just can’t slack.

Salutatorian Alexis Hale

GPA: 3.99

Parents: Randy and Jodi Hale

What are your plans post-graduation?

I’m going to attend Grand Valley State University to study pre-med.

What does being salutatorian mean to you?

It means to me that I did my best and stayed as focused as possible throughout my four years here. It also means that I overcame obstacles to succeed.

What is your favorite High School memory?

Battle of the Fans my freshman year. We were Battle of the Fans champions.

What is your advice for next year’s seniors?

Don’t let senioritis get to you. Stay focused. Finish what you started