Graduates reflect, look toward the future

Published 4:03 pm Thursday, May 31, 2018

EDWARDSBURG — In just a little more than a week, seniors will turn their tassels at Edwardsburg High School.

11 students stood out among the rest, ranking in the top 11 based on their academic performance from the past four years. Each was asked a few questions about their time in at Edwardsburg High School, what their plans are after high school and what advice they have to give to next year’s seniors. They are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Amber Barnosky

1. What are your plans for after high school? After high school, I plan to attend the University of Cincinnati to pursue a degree in fashion design.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? It is an honor for me to be in the top 11. I have worked hard and challenged myself for my entire academic career, so it is nice to be recognized for my hard work.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school would have to be performing at state choir festival my sophomore year. Although it was a very sad time for our choir because we had just lost one of our friends in a car accident, it was very beautiful performance that we dedicated to her, and I am thankful for that opportunity to honor her.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? I would advise seniors to challenge themselves. You’d be surprised what you can do with a little hard work and passion.

Raegan Blue

1. What are your plans for after high school? To attend the University of Michigan to study biology.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? To challenge yourself and take opportunities to further your education and learning experience.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? Being able to have been involved with many different types of adventures from athletics, music and academics.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? Don’t let yourself become absorbed by your future or college applications. Continue to do what you enjoy while also continuing to learn and grow.

Caitlyn Bogunia

1. What are your plans for after high school? I will be attending Saint Mary’s College. I plan on majoring in communications and minoring in German.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? Being a top academic student means my hard work and intelligence is being recognized.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school was creating “FNG” or Friday Night Hangout every Friday and have wholesome fun.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? My advice to next year’s seniors is to make the most of the year and have fun.

Kailee Claire

1. What are your plans for after high school? My plan for after high school is to attend Grand Valley State University in the Fall.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? To me being a top academic student means a lot. It is very rewarding knowing all of my hard work over the years has paid off.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school is watching our football boys make it to state and play at Ford Field.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? Advice I would give to next year’s seniors is enjoy it while it lasts. Your last year flies by and before you know it, you will be graduating and going to college.

Robert Clark

1. What are your plans for after high school? I am going to Purdue University to pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? I have been working hard and taking the most rigorous courses available. Bing in the top is just affirmation of my drive and success still to come.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory in high school was playing George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful LIfe.”

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? I would tell them to focus on making senior year their best year of high school. This is likely the last time you will get to share with your closest friends.

Lynsee Ludwick

1. What are your plans for after high school? I will be attending Belmont University to pursue a degree in music business.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? To me it means that I’ve been able to stick to my goals and stay motivated all while having fun.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? Going to football games every Friday night with my friends.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? The advice I would give to next year’s seniors is to experience everything this community and school has to offer because being a part of Edwardsburg is unlike anything else.

Ann Marks

1. What are your plans for after high school? I plan to attend Mississippi College to study political science and history before continuing onto law school in pursuit of a degree in constitutional law.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? As a top academic student, I have achieved the highest aspiration possible in the classroom. To meet this goal, I had to engage in challenging classes and work diligently to fully comprehend each subject. This dedication shaped me into an assertive and persistent person.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite high school memory was aiding in Operation Christmas with the National Honor Society. I was able to help families in need throughout our community by providing them with presents and essentials. There was nothing more humbling than seeing the expressions of pure bliss and gratefulness on the faces of the families upon receiving these gifts.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? I would advise the incoming seniors to not leave the year with any “what if’s.” For most seniors, this is their last chance to be with classmates and partake in high school activities. Seniors need to take advantage of this opportunity by engaging in every opportunity possible, bonding with classmates and trying new things.

Ryan Pabreze

1. What are your plans for after high school? I am going to the University of Michigan and majoring in mathematics, as well as pre-med.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? Being a top academic student means that I get to see my hard work pay off by getting into a good college.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory was watching my best friends go to state for football.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? You guys have big shoes to fill. Good luck.

Allison Rakowski

1. What are your plans for after high school? My plans for after high school are to attend the University of Michigan to study biology and then hopefully attend medical school to become an OBGYN.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? For me, being a top academic student is an honor and a dream come true. It shows that if you work hard you can achieve your dreams.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from High School is my friends and I hanging out every Friday.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? I would advise the next year’s seniors to continue to challenge themselves their last year and to start on college applications early.

Jasmine Sindelar

1. hat are your plans for after high school? After high school, I plan to attend the University of Notre Dame to major in chemistry. I hope to eventually attend medical school to become a pediatrician.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? Being a top student academic student means putting your best foot forward and doing your best in the most challenging classes you can take. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory from high school to be meeting with my friends every Friday night to hang out.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? Don’t procrastinate on your work. Also, don’t be afraid to talk t people you didn’t talk to most of high school They might become your best friends. Senior year is the year that you find people you should’ve been hanging out with most of high school.

Hope Walls

1. What are your plans for after high school? I plan on attending Ball State University to become a high school english teacher and write young adult novels.

2. What does it mean to you to be a top academic student? To be a top academic student means that all of my hard work has paid off. This was a goal for myself that I had way back in elementary school when I struggled behind everyone else.

3. What is your favorite memory from high school? My favorite memory is definitely when the marching band went to state this year and got ninth place. It was the first time we place in the single digits. That last note, last step and last performance will forever be the best memory of my marching career.

4. What advice do you want to give to next year’s seniors? The advice that I give to next year’s seniors is to not give off the gas pedal. Keep giving your 110% effort until the very end. You’ll regret it if you start to slack due to senioritis.