By Naomi Rivera-Zuganelis & Daisy Ruiz, staff writers
Michael Hertl, Class of 2017 Academy Valedictorian
Q: What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher?
A: My favorite teacher was probably Mr. Fix and my favorite class had to be Physiology.
Q:What was your best memory from high school?
A: My favorite memory was being a part of the school election. Learning about the politics of running and running against Kate Hilstrom was great.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: Sleeping. Also, I’m going to college to be a Molecular Biologist.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were a valedictorian?
A: I knew I was in the running but when I found that I got it, I was honored.
Abigail Goodhall, Class of 2017 General Studies Valedictorian
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were a valedictorian?
A: I was really excited! [Andrew and I] knew for a while that we were first and second, but we didn’t know how it would end up. So when we found out that we were going to be co-valedictorians, I was extremely happy!
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I’m going to UW-Platteville and I’m going to be double majoring in Music and Forensic Investigation. Once I’m out of school, I’m hoping to get a job in a crime lab and then do voice and trombone lessons on the side.
Q: What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher?
A: I don’t have one specific favorite class because Wind Ensemble and Chorale are tied for me. Additionally, my favorite teachers are both Mr. Wiele and Mr. Choi. I have such a big passion for music and both of them have just further strengthened my love for music!
Q: What was your best memory from high school?
A: My best memory from high school is probably winning the 2016 Talent Show! I did a duet with Norris Jones, and we decided to audition the day of auditions. But I’m so glad that we decided to because it was such a fun experience! We also had live music, so three of our friends and two of our teachers played with us!
Andrew Dorst, Class of 2017 General Studies Valedictorian
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were a valedictorian?
A: I was ecstatic. Being valedictorian has been a dream of mine since the fifth grade, and to have all my hard work finally pay off and have that dream come true was incredible.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: I will be attending Carthage College in the fall majoring in Biology, with the intention to go onto grad school to become a veterinarian.
Q: What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher?
A: My favorite classes have been PreCalculus and Calculus and my favorite teachers are Mrs. Carpino and Mrs. Baskaran.
Q: What was your best memory from high school?
A: My best memory in high school was going on tour with the Indian Trail choir to New Orleans this past spring break. It was an amazing week spent with great people and making meaningful music.
Aseelah Saiyed, Class of 2017 Academy Salutatorian
Q: What what your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher?
A: My favorite class was Biology with Mr.Fix and also Band with Mr.Wiele.
Q: What was your best memory from high school?
A: It would have to be band and also jazz band because playing the concerts was really fun.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: After graduation, I’m going to UW-Madison to be a doctor. I want to be a research doctor in genetics.
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were salutatorian?
A: I was really excited and happy that all the work I did paid off.
Leah Ness, Class of 2017 General Studies Salutatorian
Q: What was your reaction when you found out you were the salutatorian?
A: When I found out I was salutatorian it was pretty unexpected. I literally ran down the hallway because I was so excited to find out that all my hard work had finally paid off. It is even more special that I get to share this honor with two of best friends Abby and Andrew who are co-valedictorians.
Q: What are your plans after high school?
A: After high school I plan to attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and to major in mechanical engineering.
Q: What was your favorite class? Who was your favorite teacher?
A: My favorite class in high school was AP Physics I because it really challenged me and helped me realize what I wanted to major in. My favorite teacher in high school is my band instructor, Mr. Wiele. Mr. Wiele has helped shape me into the person I am today, and he has taught me so much about both music and life.
Q: What was your best memory from high school?
A: My best memory from high school so far was performing at Jazz Night this year. The Indian Trail Band’s Jazz Night is a pasta dinner during which all the jazz bands perform in order to raise money for the band program. Performing with my best friends has made up most of my favorite memories from high school. During this year’s Jazz Night everything just fell into place, the energy was high, and I was getting to do what I love with the people I love. This is something I will never be able to replace after I graduate.