You can only have one: Rose’s caramel corn, an ice cream cone from Jersey Junction, or a Yesterdog. Which do you choose?
A coffee ice cream cone from Jersey Junction.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Grand Valley State University to study special education.
What have you learned in East that will enable you to be successful?
More than anything, I learned that with hard work and dedication, you can accomplish anything.
What were you like in school?
I always tried to be kind and honest with my classmates and teachers. And since I’m being honest, I was pretty social as well (hopefully not too much!).
Did you have a favorite teacher or class?
I’ve had so many great teachers but I have to say Mrs. Menichino. She’s helped me so much over the years and I’m very grateful. I also loved Mrs. Mapes' history class. And I know I’ll stay in touch with Mrs. Schram as well.
If you had to choose one moment in one location to serve as the signature moment of your East school experience, what would it be?
Hands down, it was the 2020 Hearts of Gold football game for the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan. It was a perfect day. To witness the schools and community coming together to support a cause that means everything to me is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were younger?
That it’s ok to be yourself and speak your mind . . . and that you can speak your mind but still be kind about it.
Who from East do you think you’ll stay in touch with in the future?
I have no doubt that I’ll stay in touch with a lot of people from East . . . my best friend Sydney Bardeggia and our other friends, the amazing kids from Links Connect and some of my teachers.
What advice do you have for young East kids?
Always be yourself, always work hard and always be kind. And try to remember that you don’t know what someone else is going through.
Want to read more Celebrating Our Seniors Virtual Cups of Coffee? Visit the page. And to help educate the next Pioneers during this crisis, contribute to One East.
