Emma O’Connor and Kendra Wagner were invited to lunch with the Austin Rotary Club for the month of April. They were selected for being senior students who excel in academics, leadership and/or activities.

 Emma O’Connor

Activities/hobbies: Cheer team, dance team, track manager, Austinaires, Concert Choir.

Awards/recognitions: Academic awards in both cheer and dance, dance and cheer team captain.

Thoughts on educational experience: I’ve learned a lot of things that I can carry with me for the rest of my life. The classes and teachers that I’ve had have made high school better than I could have ever imagined.

Plans for the future: Attend the University of Minnesota—Duluth and major in accounting.

Rotary experience: It was a great opportunity to meet people in the community, as well as become more aware of what is going on in Austin. Everyone was very welcoming and I was honored to get to be a part of it.

 Kendra Wagner

Activities/hobbies: Throughout my high school career I have been involved in many different activities. I was the vice president of the Go Green club for my junior and senior year. One of the most memorable things that I did with that club was when I went lobbying at the capital in order to help pass a bill that would ensures clean water. This said bill was trying to ensure that the runoff from farms wouldn’t effect streams and rivers. I was also the historian of the National Honor Society my senior year. There were many responsibilities involved in this officer position, for example during every meeting I would help inform the other members of the volunteering opportunities that were available for us. Each semester I was required to do ten hours of volunteering around the community. At the end of the year I was asked to put together something to show all that we have done throughout the year so I made a scrap book of all the things we have done. Outside of school I have many hobbies including reading, being outside, and researching new topic. I enjoy learning new things, any time there is an opportunity for me to learn something new I am excited to participate.

Awards/recognitions: I have not received a lot of awards but there are a few that I have gotten. Throughout my elementary years I received the Academic All Stars award when I was in second, third, fourth and fifth grade. I have also received an award for completing five years of Spanish during my high school career. Winona State University also gave me a scholarship for my GPA, class rank and my ACT score.

Thoughts on educational experience: I think that my education experience so far has been one of the most influential experiences. I have learned a lot not only regarding textbooks but also regarding social situations. I learned through difficult classes that I can take charge of my own learning. I remember one class where I thought the teacher was lazy because she taught her class in a more independent way. She had the students teach themselves from the book and she didn’t give much direction. I soon realized that she was preparing me for college by making me take charge. I overcame this difficult class by putting more time and effort into it. I spent more time with the homework and the responsibilities for this class so I could succeed.

Plans for the future: I plan to attend Winona State University to major in Clinical lab science with a minor in Spanish.

Rotary experience: I am very thankful for getting the opportunity to experience Rotary. I learned a lot about the different opportunities that there are in the community to help people. I enjoyed learning about different ways that one small organization helps so many people around the world. It was an eye opening experience that I will always be thankful for.