Super Kid: Kasey Pedroza, 17, Stanwood High School junior
Published 4:21 pm Monday, April 27, 2009
Comeback kid: Kasey Pedroza fell behind on credits his freshman year at Stanwood High School but recently learned he has caught up with his classmates and is on schedule to graduate on time. “My freshman year I was kind of a goof-off. I was just skipping school to go out and have fun instead of doing my work. I had to work hard and right now it feels good. I can just breathe now and not feel the stress.”
Appreciates help: He has used his sixth-period class time wisely to make up for lost credits. Classmate Dylan Tanner also kept him motivated to do his schoolwork when he needed a little push. Now, he is trying to nudge a friend to get her work done so she can graduate this June.
Lesson learned: Kasey said he has learned a lesson and has no intention of falling behind again. “I am going to still do my work, and do what I need to do.” That includes four years of math, his favorite subject.
Career goal: Athletic trainer for a college or professional sports team.
Craving competition: Kasey plays football and soccer and wrestles. He likes wrestling the most because of the one-on-one nature of the sport, but football has its moments. “It’s nerve-wracking. It’s the lights, the field and the crowd. Once you are out there, the rush is amazing.”
Favorite movie: “Porky’s.”
Small town: “Growing up in Stanwood, you end up knowing everybody. It’s a small town and your parents know if you do anything wrong, but it’s nice. Stanwood is where I probably want to live.”
Summer fun: “The best part is going to Lake Goodwin, flirting with the girls, boat rides and just having fun.”
Spare time: Much of it is playing sports, but he also likes to work with his dad reading meters for a water company.
Fun fact: Kasey kicks with his left foot and is left-handed, but writes with his right hand. “That’s like the only odd thing about me.”
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com.
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