Everett, Wash.
Published: Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Super Kid: Ryan Hillery, 16, Granite Falls High School junior

 School spirit: Wore a dress and a wig for a video promoting fall activities, including girls' soccer. One clip has the lanky teen — he's 6 feet, 5 inches tall — pretending to compete at a soccer practice. He quips, "Long legs in short shorts" and insists, "It was everyone else's idea who was working on the video, but it was good because it was for school spirit."

Taking the lead: Is junior class president and is taking a leadership class. Goal is to get more students involved. "I have a lot of friends in leadership. It should be fun. It should be a good experience and I think it will help me in life."

Full schedule: Classes include precalculus, chemistry, U.S. history, third-year Spanish and college-level Advanced Placement Language Arts.

Favorite subject: History, particularly enjoyed world history. Art was one of his favorite electives.

Three sports: Runs cross country in the fall, plays basketball in the winter and is midfielder on soccer team in the spring. Likes basketball the most and figures that's his best sport.

Summer highlights: Hanging out with friends and enjoying the Pilchuck River. Going back to school last week was hard, given the fun he had on vacation. "I was wishing for a little more summer."

Good match: Moved to Granite Falls from southwest Washington when he was 5 and enjoys the pace at his school and town. "I like a smaller school like Granite. The classes are challenging and the teachers are all good."

Winter getaway: Likes snowboarding with his friends at Stevens Pass.

Favorite author: Tom Clancy, particularly likes "Rainbow Six."

Favorite movie: "I'm kind of a nerd. I like the Star Wars series."

Longest run: Ten miles. "It was rough. I was dead tired after that one."

Taking caution: Plans to treat his younger sister, Kacie, well when she enters Granite Falls Middle School as a freshman next fall. "She could tell stories in front of my friends."

Future plans: Undecided about college and career.

Wheels: Gets a ride to school with his mom each day, which is fine with him.

Friend at home: Polar, a yellow Lab.

Favorite bands: Pearl Jam, Led Zepplin.

Know a super kid? Contact us as 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA