Austin High School Senior Maty Erie is the Austin Noon Kiwanis student of the month

Academic Achievements:

First off, I would have to say an academic achievement of mine would consist of being awarded the Student of the Month thanks to the Noon Kiwanis, which I extremely appreciate. Another academic achievement for me would be that I have progressed and managed to improve my grades to reach my potential along with being granted the opportunity to participate in and take PSEO classes through Riverland. These classes are classes through Riverland Community College that I can take at the high school but they still count towards college credits, which are very beneficial in the long run.

Activities:

Activities I have been involved in consist of Link Crew both my junior and senior year, which is put together to invite the freshmen class into the high school, and also being a part of Youth Frontiers. Youth Frontiers is a group that dedicates a day to teaching a certain grade about good character, for example the courage retreat, and I’ve had the opportunity to help out and be a leader with that. I am also apart of starting a group called GT5/Safe which is a group that is just starting out and is dedicated to helping other students and giving kids a place to feel safe and comfortable in. This group holds meetings to give students a chance to talk to others and make them feel they are in a safe place. I have also participated in softball my freshman, junior and soon to be senior year. I currently work at Caribbean Suntan & Essential Life Spa running the front desk as a receptionist.

Potential College Plans:

My college plans are all just now falling into place.  I am planning to attend St. Catherine University, otherwise known as St. Kate’s, which encompasses the largest innovative college for women. This is an all-girls private Catholic university up in St. Paul, Minn. I am planning to attend St. Kate’s for PT, physical therapy. My future plans consist of finishing all of my schooling with a doctorate in PT through St. Kate’s and living in the metro area here in Minnesota.

A person who has had a positive impact in your academic or school life:

There are many people in my life who have had positive impacts with my academics and school life but two in particular have helped me to stay on track and plan for my future. One of the school counselors at Austin High School, Thor Bergland, has helped me to stay on track and keep up with my grades in high school. He has pushed me throughout high school since my freshman year to reach my full potential. Secondly my uncle, Bob Pepper, has always been there to help support me and guide me with my future plans. These future plans are things such as figuring out what I want to do with my life and how to get there. For instance, I have always known I’ve wanted to be in the metro area and he has helped me pursue a goal and choose the right path for getting myself there, such as through the right university and what will work the best financially and realistically. I am beyond thankful for these two and everyone else who has helped guide and support me, along with being very appreciative of this award from the Noon Kiwanis for Student of the Month.