Ava Petersen
Algona
ACT score: 32
Class rank: 4/118
GPA: 3.994
College: University of Northern Iowa
College major: Undecided
Best high school memory: The trip to Nashville that my school’s music department put on. Our schedule was filled to the brim with activities and sightseeing. We went to the symphony, the Opry, and a clinic at Vanderbilt University as well as a recording studio to record some of our concert music. I particularly enjoyed our time with a session musician who wrote a silly little song with us which was recorded and sent to our directors. Said song was played over the bus’s speakers several times after that day.
My day is not complete until I ... read at least one chapter of a book. Ever since I was a child, reading has been my go-to past time. I used to finish two 300-page books a week.
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2024: Top 10 statewide | Full list | Northwest | Northeast | Central | Southwest | Southeast
Renae Callaghan
Sioux City Bishop Heelan Catholic
ACT score: 33
Class rank: 1/119
GPA: 4.531
College: University of Notre Dame
College major: Biochemistry and Spanish
What challenges have shaped you, and how? In 2022, I glanced towards the instructor’s desk and watched in shock as one of my classmates took a picture of the upcoming test and answer key. That night, I sent my teacher an email stating what happened, the names of the individuals involved, and asking that he wouldn’t share my name with anyone. Because of my previous defiance to the social norm, it eventually became obvious in my small school who had “tattled.” I was ostracized, cursed out by students, and followed to my car after school. My simple act of courage showed everyone, including myself, that I wasn’t going to compromise my morals to fit into other’s expectations. Because of this small act of courage, I know that I will hold my moral ground and stand up for the truth and what I believe in.
Luke Van Wyk
MOC-Floyd Valley
ACT score: 34
Class rank: 1/116
GPA: 4.000
College: Undecided
College major: Software Engineering
What are your life goals? I hope to go to college for software engineering and potentially get bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both within five years. I don’t care whether I make a difference to one person or 8 billion, I just want to help somebody. When I think of goals, my mind wanders to bucket list items, so here are my top three: Raise a strong Christian family, visit a castle in Europe, and land a kickflip. Right now, I have no clue how to skate.
My favorite place in Iowa: In the summer of 2022, I found a new appreciation for disc golf, a combination of golf and ultimate frisbee. Roadside Park in Alton will forever be in my memories for supplying us with hours of exploring the forest, many laughs, and scary encounters with geese and snapping turtles.
Bradyn Anderson
Le Mars
ACT score: 33
GPA: 4.000
College: Iowa State University
College major: Civil Engineering with a minor in Music
What are your life goals? To be able to use my knowledge in music and sound coupled with my knowledge in civil engineering to be a structural engineer on performance venues all over the world. I also hope to perform in one of the venues I worked on. In addition to my regular job as an engineer, I would like to continue my interest in music by being a part of a jazz band and community band playing saxophone, and a symphonic orchestra playing cello.
What challenges have shaped you, and how? All-State Band has shaped me to keep getting back up and trying again. After not being selected my freshman year, I took a step back and restructured how I approached it. I became better at using my time effectively when I practice. I am now a three-year All-Stater on alto saxophone.
Celine Matthews
Mason City Newman Catholic
ACT score: 32
GPA: 4.000
College: University of Notre Dame
College major: Biology
What are your life goals? My life goals include attending medical school to become an obstetrician. I would hope to create the most welcoming environment for both the expecting mother and the new child, and guide them through a very stressful, but beautiful time.
What challenges have shaped you, and how? When I tore my ACL five basketball games into my senior season, I was devastated. I no longer could be part of the basketball or tennis teams that I have been a member of for three years. My biggest milestones were in a physical therapy rehabilitation center. I became the tennis team manager. I come to daily practices and help teach the girls who are just beginning. In doing so, I have found a passion for coaching and plan on continuing this.
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE 2024: Top 10 statewide | Full list | Northwest | Northeast | Central | Southwest | Southeast
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