Super Kid: Josh Schuh, Stanwood senior, has eye on Annapolis

Q: What keeps you busy at Stanwood High School?

A: In sports, I play left tackle in football, defense on the lacrosse team, and I swim butterfly and backstroke.

Q: So did the swim team raise enough money to pay for transportation to practices at the swimming pool in Marysville?

A: Yeah, we did. It's difficult not having a pool in Stanwood. I hope the community is able to build a YMCA here so the kids coming up have a home pool.

Q: And you are the student body president this year, right?

A: Yes. That means I am a student representative on the school board, I run student assemblies, organize homecoming. Stuff like that. One thing we are proud of this year is that we try to greet students at the door every morning. I think this makes our school more friendly, especially for freshmen.

Q: So, we hear you have applied to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Anywhere else?

A: The University of Washington, which is where my mom wants me to go, and Penn State, Auburn, the Citadel and Virginia Military. But I would really like to go to the Naval Academy. They have a 10 percent acceptance rate, but I am hopeful.

Q: Why do you want to go into the military?

A: It's a chance to give back to my country. My dad is a Navy lieutenant, and he's serving now on the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz. He enlisted in the Navy right out of high school and is an inspiration to me. I've grown up with the Navy. I like the lifestyle, the chance to progress up through the ranks, learn skills and see the world. I would eventually like to serve on a submarine.

Q: Your dad must be proud of you. What does he say?

A: He's very excited. I am not allowed to open any letters from the Naval Academy unless my dad is around.

Q: Most of the colleges you applied to are on the other side of the country. Why?

A: We moved to Stanwood when I was in fifth grade. Before that we lived in Connecticut. I like the East Coast, the summer humidity and the fall colors.

Q: Humidity?

A: I like the heat.

Q: What's playing on your iPod?

A: Rap and country. I grew up listening to country, but I like KiD CuDi, too.

Q: What's a book you've read lately?

A: "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad. It wasn't an easy read for me, but the overall point, about the cruel things people are capable of, was a good one.

Q: What's your favorite class this quarter?

A: AP (advanced placement) calculus. I also like studying physics and history. I want to study engineering in college.

Q: Wow, you have a heavy load this year. Do you have a job, too?

A: I work weekends in the food service department at Warm Beach Christian Camp. And when my dad is deployed, I take care of things at home too.

Know a super kid? Contact Gale Fiege at 425-339-3427 or email gfiege@heraldnet.com.