By Rianna Garza, staff writer
The class of 2015 has many gifted and talented students, but four stand out academically as this year’s valedictorians and salutatorians.
Ariana Voyles:
Indian Trail High School valedictorian
What was your favorite class?
So hard to choose! I really enjoy human anatomy and AP Bio as well as my Spanish classes throughout the years. Of course, I love my music classes as well — band and choir.
To what do you attribute your success?
Hard work and determination to achieve anything I set my mind to, despite challenges and obstacles along the way. I thank my friends (and you know who you are) for allowing me to come over at all hours of the night to let me use their computer for my homework assignments.
What do you plan to do after high school?
I plan on attending UW-Madison studying pre-med and foreign language. I hope to study abroad in Europe and travel the world any chance I get. I hope that wherever I go, I can put a smile on people’s faces. I hope to have a big family. (LOL) When I am retired, I want to live in Italy. What was the most challenging for you?
I live in a house with no computer, so online assignments were often a challenge to complete. I would spend hours at friends’ houses using their internet facilities to complete work from in school and E-school classes. Never having the luxury of the Internet at home was a huge obstacle, but I was able to overcome it. Also, the past semesters stress level was huge, (my dad passed away), and keeping up with school despite the grief is truly incredible.
What was your favorite memory of high school?
My favorite memory of high school was having the chance to perform on the main stage at the international Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. Performing a show with my best friends in front of a 3600-seat audience is the greatest feeling. It’s so much fun, and the crowd sure goes “wild.” I look forward to going to Nebraska again this summer with Hello! My Baby as Frances. Previous Shows — Catch Me If You Can (dancer) and Shrek (dancer)
Sara Prostko:
Indian Trail Academy valedictorian
What was your favorite class?
Wind ensemble, human anatomy, and AP bio.
To what do you attribute your success?
The wonderful teachers and my parents who supported me and encouraged me to work hard and do what I love.
What do you plan to do after high school?
Attend Lawrence University and study neuroscience and music. I hope to become a research scientist and study music and its effects on the brain.
What was the most challenging for you?
Trying to balance school, music, college, and a social life, while trying to remain sane.
What was your favorite memory of high school?
Band as a whole-from Wiele’s weird analogies and stories to 50 kids on stage crying dur- ing a song at the spring concert.
Emma Dalton:
Indian Trail High School salutatorian
What was your favorite class?
My AP classes; Language, Lit, Psychology, Calculus, Chemistry and Biology have been my favorite classes because they challenge me to work harder and study more effectively in order to be successful in the class. They also have had the largest influence on my decision for the route I want to take at college next year.
To what do you attribute your success?
I have had so many amazing teachers who have shaped me into the student I am today. Most importantly I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents who have pushed me to work to my potential. Throughout the years they have kept me on task and never let me take the easy way out.
What do you plan to do after high school?
I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I hope to study Kinesiology and eventually get my doctorate of Physical Therapy.
What was the most challenging for you?
Managing my time. I have the worst time management EVER. I am really active between school, work, and athletics, so I am very aware that I am limited on time at home. Yet I still can never seem to start my homework at a decent time because I waste so much time!
What was your favorite memory of high school?
I have had an awesome time at Indian Trail, it is really hard to pick one. Honestly I think cheering on all the sports teams was probably some of the best times I have had. You got close to people you had barely known before, and you always felt like you were a part of something bigger when you were in the student section. It’s a feeling you may never really have again.
Claudia Rodriguez:
Indian Trail Academy salutatorian
What was your favorite class?
Ap biology with Mr. Metzler
To what do you attribute your success?
A huge influence to me has been my parents, their constant support and guidance instilled in me a fierce passion for learning. That passion has driven me to do my best and to never give up, no matter what the situation
What do you plan to do after high school?
I plan to go to UW-Madison and pursue a career as a veterinarian.
What was the most challenging for you?
Something I, as well as others, struggled with was balancing our school and personal life. Finding time to pursue my hobbies like playing the cello and reading was exceedingly difficult, but in the end, taking a few times a week to relax was very beneficial. Overwork- ing yourself, in the long run hurts more than it helps.
What was the most challenging for you?
My favorite memory of high school was during 2013 Medsci Academy Awards. It was a true bonding experience with my four closest friends and we have been together ever since. Amazingly, all five of us won awards that night, and being able to share that together was an unforgettable experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.