Math path: Is taking pre-calculus as a sophomore and plans to take college-level Advanced Placement calculus classes in his junior and senior years. “Math is my best subject. I’m just taking classes that will prepare me best for college.”
Math gene: Brother Joel is studying to become a math teacher and brother Chad is in the electrical engineering program at University of Washington. Wants to follow in Chad’s footsteps and major in electrical engineering at UW.
Thanks, Mom: “Our family is really mathematical, especially my mom. She is the one who really drove us in school. She makes sure we did our work to the best of our abilities. To me, if you give anything less than your best, what’s the point of even doing it?”
Schedule: Classes also include German, college-level Advanced Placement European history, English, biology and band. Plays the trumpet.
Lots of letters: Earned varsity letters in tennis, swimming, track and band this year.
Favorite sport: Swimming. Competes in butterfly and qualified as an alternate for the state meet. Hopes to shave three seconds a year over the next two years to set a school record in the event.
On the job: Works as a lifeguard and instructor at swimming pool and as a grounds keeper. Plans to team up with a friend and create TJs Odd Jobs business. “We’re just trying to earn money for college and tuition.”
Summer plans: Looking forward to a family trip to Greece, where relatives live. Also excited about trips with Calvary Chapel youth group, including a five-day adventure to ranch in Eastern Washington.
Mission to help: Has been part of two church missions during spring breaks to help impoverished communities in Mexico. Work has included varnishing wood, pouring concrete for a walkway and playing with kids. Gets a good feeling from helping out. “They have pretty much nothing compared to us, but they are just so happy we are there.”
Favorite book: “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card. Also likes the Artemis Fowl series by Eoin Colfer. Enjoys reading anything, fiction or nonfiction, at night before going to sleep.
Free time: Just likes to hang out with friends. Remembers fondly playing for long hours in the creeks as a child in Lake Stevens. “It was a great place to grow up.
Good balance: “I really like to cheer people up and make people laugh. I’m not uber-serious. When it comes to school, I’ll take it very seriously, but when it comes to friends I just like to have fun.”
Eric Stevick, Herald Writer
estevick@heraldnet.com.
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