National Merit Bios
This year, Carmel had a record number of students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program. Below, some of the Semifinalists reveal their personal favorites, memories of their Carmel experience and different interpretations of the word “stranded.”
For the related news story that appeared in the 9.26 issue, click here.
Please click on the name of a semi-finalist to begin browsing.
Grace Baranowski | Omar Bari | John Boeglin | Anisha Chakrabarti | Elliott Chen | Jaclyn Chen | Kelsey Collins | Abigail Edwards | Daniel Frascella | Jennifer Gitter | Kush Govani | Susan Keen | Keun Bae Kim | Anne Lenzi | Harrison Hines | Hillary MacBain | Yifan Meng | Jesse Mentz | Alexander Metz | Megan Morrison | Harry Murzyn | James Peng | David Pison | Xingping Shen | John Shi | Yili Shi | Daniel Stamer | Erica Ting | Alexis Tryba | Lauren Waterman | Colin Watson | William Zhang | Ziwei Zhong | Tan Zou
Grace Baranowski
Activities
House, Spanish Club, Accents, HiLite, NHS, Teen Library Council, Connor Prairie Youth Interpreter, Teen Library Council, church acolyte
Favorite subject
Tie between Spanish, history, English, philosophy, art… I can’t choose just one, but basically anything involving communication and culture
Favorite teacher
The combination of Maureen Borto and Dave Bardos
Favorite books
Twilight, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d read minds whenever I want, but I would be able to turn it on and off so it’s not crazy like in What Women Want.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A golden retriever – loyal, friendly, fun, and hard-working
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Sunblock – I burn way too easily.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
I’ve learned how to lead others and accomplish a common goal.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
I wish I would have known that, although school is important, living life to the fullest should be a priority too.
Anisha Chakrabarti
Activities
I play violin in the Symphony orchestra. I also run cross country and track and play (recreational) soccer in Carmel Dads’ Club. I take a North Indian classical dance called Kathak. I’m also part of International Children’s Society.
Favorite subject
My favorite subject is French because I love the sound of the language. However, since I’m not taking French due to complicated reasons, my favorite class would be ceramics because I rather enjoy working with my hands.
Favorite teacher
My favorite teacher is Kathie Freed because we learn, but it isn’t boring. I like that she is so much freer than other teachers I have.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Twilight, Angels + Demons, Harry Potter, and books by Paulo Coehlo
Movies: “Chicken Little,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Pursuit of Happyness”
Music: Jason Mraz, Goo Goo Dolls, Mika, Sting, Foreigner, Maroon 5
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
It would be the ability to stop time because then I could stop time, sleep as long as I wanted and then start time back up again. It would be useful.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A hyena. They laugh all the time, and they’re also very devious. Of course, I was also told I should say a falcon, but I’m really not that fast.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Water, a pack of cards and a camera
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Time management, which includes being able to finish homework before class.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
I wish I could have known where all the shortcuts are in the school and that four years isn’t as long as it seems.
Jaclyn Chen
Activities
HiLite, NHS, House, Model U.N.
Favorite subject
Probably math. It’s the most logical, and it’s fun, at least for me, to problem solve.
Favorite teacher
Other students. Everyone is good at something, and when you’re all in it together, people are willing to help you out.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Matilda, The Great Gatsby and the Harry Potter series, of course
Movies: “Ocean’s 11,” “A Walk to Remember,” “The Italian Job”
Music: Goo Goo Dolls, Sheryl Crow, Maroon 5 and a smattering of others
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Definitely flight. How cool would it be to see Niagara Falls or the Egyptian pyramids or Mount Everest from up top?
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Probably a jaguar – I tend to try to get where I’m going super fast.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
I would take my best friend because we would never run out of things to talk about. On second thought, I probably shouldn’t wish that upon her.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to talk to people – everyone has a story; you just have to seek it out.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
If something is interesting, you should at least try it once. Oh, and the old adage of “Work hard, play hard.”
Elliott Chen
Activities
Swim team
Favorite subject
Chemistry because it’s always exciting having a class (in which) something might explode.
Favorite teacher
Debbie Haire and Tim Mylin – they make chemistry exciting and easy to understand.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Angels and Demons
Movies: “Rush House 2,” “Hitch”
Music: Chamillionaire
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Charge playing cards with kinetic energy – Gambit style
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A dragon
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A grill
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to function at 5:00 in the morning
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That time flies by way too fast
Kelsey Collins
Activities
Bible study leader, youth group planning team, summer camp counselor, NHS, volunteering, hanging out
Favorite subject
English classes – they involve people, big ideas, and creativity.
Favorite teacher
Michele Satchwell, Kathie Freed, Dora Mulcahy, and Sarah Wolff – fun and personal
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: anything by Donald Miller or Rob Bell
Music: Anberlin, The Almost, The Fray, Goo Goo Dolls, Bethany Dillon
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d love to have a really good voice because I love music and trying to seen
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
I’ve been told a koala bear, but to be honest, I have no idea what that’s supposed to mean.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Music, books, food, friends, a hammock, a private jet (including a pilot)
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Photography
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
If you take marketing junior year, you can take internship senior year. I wish I’d known more about cool programs like that, (for which) you need perquisites.
Abbey Edwards
Activities
NHS, Lifelines, riding horses, playing piano
Favorite subject
I really enjoy English. I love reading and writing, and it is a subject that is actually useful and necessary on a daily basis.
Favorite teacher
Michele Satchwell – she’s a great teacher and I learned much about English from her. Just as important, she treated us with respect and as adults, giving us freedom to make our own decisions (and live with the consequences).
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Harry Potter series
Movies: “Pride and Prejudice,” “Zoolander,” “Mean Girls”
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Even though it is not a typical “super power,” I would choose magic (Harry Potter-type magic). Magic would make life so much easier and way more fun
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A cross between a cat and a dog. I am very independent and usually laid-back like a cat, but I am very loyal and outgoing (when I choose to be) like a dog.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
I would take a well-stocked boat, so I could get back home.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Learning how to navigate crowded hallways in a very large building
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
To take advantage of all opportunities (social, academic, extracurricular, etc.) at Carmel – doing so will really make the most of your high school experience
Dan Frascella
Activities
Best Buddies, student body president, varsity wrestling, Model U.N., German and Japanese exchange, Indiana Association of Students of German
Favorite subject
History because it is interesting to see how society has evolved over the years
Favorite teacher
My grandma because she is wise.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: The Hunt for Red October and Lord of the Flies
Movies: “Rocky” 1 and 4 and “The Godfather” 1
Music: Frank Sinatra and Red Hot Chili Peppers
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would be invisible so I could spy on people and/or scare them.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
An owl because owls are studious and sly, and they work more effectively at night.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
I would bring a Foreman grill and a bow and arrow. I would also bring some people to repopulate the island, along with water purification tablets.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
I’ve learned to budget time.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
I wish I would’ve known the importance of not procrastinating. AP World History freshman year was deadly.
Kush Govani
Activities
Tennis, guitar
Favorite subject
History because I feel I’m good at it
Favorite teacher
Peter Beck because he’s incredible
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Don’t have any
Movies: “Knocked Up,” “300”
Music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Super speed because I am so slow.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Iguana
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
My guitar
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Learning to budget my time
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That I was inferior to seniors
Tim Harris
Activities
Concert band, symphony orchestra, Ambassadors, Model U.N., Teens for Life, NHS, Boy Scouts, New World Youth Symphony Orchestra
Favorite subject
Multivariable Calculus
Favorite teacher
Dave Bardos – the best social studies teacher; Janice Mitchener; Kathie Freed – teaches my favorite class
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Blindness
Movies: “Real Genius”
Music: Casting Crowns, Indochine, Beatles
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The power to absorb other superheroes’ powers and keep them so that I could amass a collection of powers.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A fully-equipped motorboat, unless that is against the rules of being stranded on an island. In that case, I would take a GPS tracking/SOS system.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to drive in a stressful or aggressive environment (a.k.a. the stadium parking lot)
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Don’t stay out late at Jazz at the Roof the night before taking the SAT, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t go.
Harrison Hines
Activities
Tennis, Senate, church youth group
Favorite subject
Science – helps make sense of the world and its inner workings
Favorite teacher
Mrs. Paige, who gave me the solid academic foundation I stand upon toay
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Ender’s Shadow series
Movies: “Minority Report”
Music: Christian rock
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The power of cloning so I could be doing many things at once
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A tyrannosaurus
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Austin Lugar so the times would be fun, and I could eat his mom’s cookies for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to build stronger and more meaningful relationships
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
How fleeting my high school career would be so as to savor every moment of it
Susan Keen
Activities
Key Club, NHS, International Children’s Society, Academic Superbowl
Favorite subject
History – I love how everything can connect into a single, flowing story
Favorite teacher
I don’t like playing favorites, especially since I’ve had so many amazing teachers
Favorite books/movies/music
It’s so hard to choose! My favorites change on a weekly basis (I’m so indecisive!).
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly, hands down. Not only would I love the sense of freedom it would provide, but I could also travel the world for free.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
It’s a mix of a deer and a cat. Like a deer, I’m a shy, quiet observer. However, like a cat, I’m not just cautious but also curious and friendly.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Probably matches – I could use them to cook food, sanitize water, keep warm, and make smoke signals to get rescued
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to enjoy the company of people of varying beliefs and attitudes
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Where to buy ice cream at the main cafeteria – it took me almost an entire, ice cream-less year to figure that out!
Anne Lenzi
Activities
Charisma, Coquettes, Greyhound Connections, DECA, GKOMs, NHS, Wild Bunch, Sunday School teacher
Favorite subject
I like social studies because it requires taking information, thinking analytically and drawing conclusions. I also like math because I like applying concepts. But I’ll like any class if I have a good teacher
Favorite teacher
I have three: Will Ellery, Joe Stuelpe and Sarah Wolff. They’ve all given me opportunities to step up and challenge myself, both academically and in extracurriculars.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: No Excuses, Goodnight Moon
Movies: “10 Things I Hate About You”
Music: The Shins, Maroon 5, The Clash
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to stop time – I could catch up on sleep, and I’d never be late.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
I have no idea. I like dogs, so I’ll go with a dog.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Bears. Beets. Battlestar Gallactica
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
I’ve learned a lot about leadership. It’s not just having an official title – how you act every day can impact others, and it’s up to you whether it’s positive or negative.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
I wish I knew not to hurry through high school – it goes by so fast, and there are so many opportunities to get involved and have fun.
Hillary MacBain
Activities
Too many - Camerata orchestra, where I play viola, cross country (I was manager this season), International Children’s Society, and, very importantly, church. I attend Carmel Lutheran Church, where I participate in orchestra (violin), handbells, youth group, Bible study, Student Leadership Team, volunteering, and attending church. I go to school and football games as well.
Favorite subject
Math and French. The two have consistent rules and the methodology of them rarely changes. As for classes, I love cardiovascular development (read: jogging class). I get extra mileage in (and I get credit for it!).
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: I read the Bible, my textbooks, and Facebook
Movies: I’ve seen an embarrassingly small number of movies. I did like Finding Nemo and Meet the Parents, though.
Music: My music choice by day is defined by my mood. Some days I stick to acoustic music: Coldplay, Guster, or Death Cab for Cutie. Usually, though, you’ll find me listening (quite loudly) to Anberlin, Mae, The Almost, Kids in the Way, or sometimes I rock my body to Justin Timberlake.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I’d love to be able to catch ‘em all, like Ash Ketchum.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
I would be a panda. They sit around and eat all day.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A water filter, sunscreen, fishing pole, matches, and ideally, a laptop and cell phone
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
School pride and spirit
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Bring a sweatshirt to school (yes, even when there is a 105 degree heat index outside). It is always near Arctic temperatures in the cafeteria.
Yifan Meng
Activities
International Children’s Society, Spread the Music, AP Tutoring Program, HiLite, Orchestra
Favorite subject
AP U.S. History – detailed examination of a specific country
Favorite teacher
I loved all my teachers except one.
Favorite books/movies/music
Favorite movie: “Sunflower”
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
To fly. (There’d be) no need for gas money, and full of freedom
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
What an odd question.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Soap. Cleanness is a must.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to assert myself and be a leader
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Deli bar is at the main cafeteria.
Jesse Mentz
Activities
Lacrosse, Student Venture, international espionage (CIA), Greyhound Connections, House, NHS, but most importantly I’m the drummer for The Branches
Favorite subject
History
Favorite teacher
Dave Bardos. He’s hilarious and he still manages to teach really well.
Favorite books/movies/music
I really like C.S. Lewis and John Eldredge as authors. For movies, probably the Bourne trilogy. And besides The Branches, I really like David Crowder Band.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Superhuman speed!
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
No.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A life raft and some signal flares
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Lacrosse
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That my true identity, who I really am, who I was created to be, revolves entirely around God’s love toward me and learning to understand that more.
Harry Murzyn
Activities
Resident sleight-of-hand artist for CHS, speech time, NHS
Favorite subject
Art and architecture classes – I love the opportunity for creative expression… plus there’s no limit to the detail and quality I can put into my work.
Favorite teacher
David Smith, who I’ve had as a teacher in every year of high school (industrial tech dept.). He’s an excellent teacher and a great guy.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Don’t really have one… it’s not Harry Potter though, for those who were thinking it.
Movies: The Sting – the song “The Entertainer” is from this movie. Plus, it’s got card cheating it in.
Music: If it doesn’t make my head hurt, I’m ok with it.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
A photographic memory – it may not be classified as a superpower, but it would still be pretty cool though.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Oyster
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Sunscreen
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Self confidence. Also the ability to weave through massive crowds of people and come out unharmed and on time for class
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Two things: these four years really do go by fast, so make the most of them; Deli Bar is amazing.
Megan Morrison
Activities
SAGE, GSA, Model U.N., drama, teaching Sunday school, piano lessons, House, NHS, choir, book discussion club, golf team
Favorite subject
Math/physics – the answers are clear-cut and grading isn’t arbitrary
Favorite teacher
Peter Beck – he cares about his students as people, not just as students
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: My Ishmael
Movie: not scary ones
Music: The Dresden Dolls
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis – hearing the thoughts of others would be insulting. And invisibility is over-rated.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Cat?
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A solar powered phone with GPS. Obviously.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Time management
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
What others think doesn’t matter. Also, I wish I would have taken choir/drama sooner instead of worrying about (academic classes on) my transcript.
James Peng
Activities
Debate, speech, Key Club
Favorite subject
History – because people do really silly things, and it’s fun to learn about them.
Favorite teacher
Don’t really have one favorite. Probably have too many favorites
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Michael Crichton books
Movie: “The Departed”
Music: Queen
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Flight – because I can see the world from a different perspective
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Horse – it is my zodiac sign after all.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A cell phone – so I can get off the island
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to swing dance, kind of
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That high school would go by so fast.
David Pison
Activities
Cross country, track, Senate, Student Venture, NHS, indoor soccer, The Branches (my band)
Favorite subject
Science. Over the course of four years at Carmel, I’ve enjoyed most of my classes, but the sciences, be it biology, chemistry, or anatomy, have always been challenging at fun.
Favorite teacher
I’ve had a few teachers at Carmel that truly showed passion for their students and their subject, and that makes them my favorite teachers. Will Ellery, Peter Beck, Karen Taff, Crystal Brim and Helen Shiffer.
Favorite books/movies/music
My current favorite book is Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. My favorite movies are “V for Vendetta” and “Saving Private Ryan.” I like almost any music, but I tend to listen mostly to rock, classic rock, rap, Christian rock and R&B.
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Telepathy and telekinesis so I can know what people are thinking and move things with my mind
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Some kind of monkey. They can be relaxed a lot, but then they can surprise you with energy. It would need to be a loud monkey too.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Music. If there were anything I would want while waiting to be rescued, it would have to be my guitar and a stereo so that I can always have music around.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
In my four years at Carmel, I’ve learned that there is a lot more to people, good or bad, than meets the eye.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
A little extra work and effort over a longer time will pay off in the end, no matter what it is needed in. Be it academics, sports or anything, even small efforts pay much bigger dividends.
Xingping Shen
Activities
Community service, science research, math contests
Favorite subject
Physics C
Favorite teacher
Kathie Freed
Favorite books/movies/music
“Forrest Gump” and “Schindler’s List”
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Teleportation
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Dove
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A boat to escape
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Time management
John Shi
Activities
German Club, HiLite, Amnesty International
Favorite subject
Economics: It’s very theoretical and applicable to many things.
Favorite teacher
All CHS teachers are excellent!
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Snow Crash
Movies: “Pulp Fiction”
Music: The Shins
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The Force. Who wouldn’t want to possess the ability to command the force?
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Cougar
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
Indiana Jones
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to make the best Deli Bar.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That grades are important.
Dan Stamer
Activities
Marching band, TechHOUNDs, orchestra, jazz band
Favorite subject
Physics. I get to take calculus and predict how a ball fired out of a cannon will behave – it’s pretty cool.
Favorite teacher
Kathie Freed. She’s great at teaching calculus but she’s also willing to joke about it, which makes calculus a whole lot more fun
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Ender’s Game series
Movies: “Real Genius,” “Independence Day”
Music: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
The ability to fly so I wouldn’t have to park at the stadium
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A lion: cool, courageous and confident
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A Frisbee, a soccer ball, my trombone and some sweet tunes
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
I’ve learned two ways to spin a pen around my finger.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
To prioritize studying for finals with the 12-point scale in mind
Erica Ting
Activities
NHS, orchestra, Spread the Music, International Children’s Society, GKOM Council, speech, debate
Favorite subject
Does orchestra count? Because it’s awesome. There’s no better group of people in the school.
Favorite teacher
Every teacher is my favorite. Debbie Haire is very special though.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Black Jewels trilogy
Movies: “Rush Hour,” “Casino Royale”
Music: Maroon 5, Cascada – everything – Christina Aguilera, UVERworld
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Flight – because it would be awesome!
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Probably a cat – independent, moody, attention-loving. Then again, cats are very happy creatures…
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
This could be a very personal question… I think I’d take a billion dollars and build a resort for myself. And then invite my family and friends.
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Assertiveness. In a school so big, you won’t get ahead by blending in, and you’ll go a lot farther if you put your foot forward assertively.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
You really do get back only what you give. If I could change anything about the previous years, I would’ve wanted to be more involved from the get-go.
Alexis Tryba
Activities
Varsity soccer, NHS, Exploratory Teaching, CUSC soccer
Favorite subject
Genetics because the class has more hands-on activities than lectures, and I like finding out why the body does what it does.
Favorite teacher
Michele Satchwell because her class improved my writing immensely, and she treats me like an adult
Favorite books/movies
Books by Jodi Picoult
Movies: “Disturbia,” “Save the Last Dance,” “Stomp the Yard,” “Freedom Writers”
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to teleport myself because I am impatient and don’t like waiting to get somewhere.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
My personality is like an owl. Owls are fairly quiet, and most of the time observe more than they participate. I like to watch and observe before I join in
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
I would take an iPod to pass the time, a laptop to keep in touch with people and a soccer ball to stay active
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
I have learned how to work with both peers and adults. I have learned how to be a leader and how to be a team player as well.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Everyone always told me how quickly my four years in high school will pass, and I wish I would have believed them.
Lauren Waterman
Activities
Cross country, track, House, GKOMs, Lifelines, Best Buddies, NHS
Favorite subject
History because I enjoy studying the past and learning from it.
Favorite teacher
Dave Bardos because he helped me grow as a student, and he is an interesting teacher who makes his subject incredibly interesting.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Harry Potter books
Movies: “Fight Club”
Music: The Killers, Postal Service, indie rock
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis because I am somewhat lazy and it would be nice not having to get up to go get random objects.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A wolf – “run” in packs or alone
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A generator… to power my iPod
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Confidence in myself
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
To get involved in things you want to do, even if it conflicts occasionally with sports, and how fast high school truly goes by.
Colin Watson
Activities
Debate
Favorite subject
History. It’s all one story, but you can spend a lifetime trying to put together the pieces.
Favorite teacher
Dave Bardos. When you write something, he reads it thoroughly instead of just checking your grammar.
Favorite books/movies/music
History books and metal music
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Telekinesis. We spend so much time traveling around just to do tiny tasks when we get there.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
A platypus. It can’t decide exactly what it is.
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
In 2007, who would answer anything but a computer? Oh, and a solar power generator, WiFi…
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Some people are born multi-tasking, but I had to learn it here.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
I wish I had known better where my true talents were, so I could have emphasized those subjects more.
Will Zhang
Activities
Orchestra, football video manager, piano, Senior Connects, Math Club, Science Olympiad, Amnesty International, International Children’s Society, Spread the Music, Piano Club, ultimate Frisbee, NHS, track video manager
Favorite subject
Computer science. I like the combination of using logical problem solving skills and working with computers, which are of great interest to me.
Favorite teacher
Will Ellery. His AP US History class was challenging, but I was very well-prepared for the AP exam. He made the class fun and mind-stimulating with activities and simulations.
Favorite books/movies/music
Books: Harry Potter, Dan Brown books, Brave New World
Movies: “300,” “Endless Waltz,” “The Simpsons Movie,” “Lord of the Rings,” “Pride and Prejudice”
Ayumi Hamasaki, Basshunter, Yellowcard, Cartel, Chopin, DJ Encore
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Space/time manipulation; Hiro Nakamura is awesome.
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Panda
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A teleportation machine to get off of the island
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
How to procrastinate well and still get stuff done.
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
What exactly to do in order to get into a prestigious college, how to procrastinate better and more efficiently. Most importantly, how to accomplish a lot while also making room for relaxation and fun.
John Zhong
Activities
School, sleep, eat
Favorite subject
Science because they give you A lunch
Favorite teacher
The internet because it has everything and has many perspectives
Favorite books/movies/music
Favorite movie
“A Beautiful Mind”
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
God’s powers because I could do anything I want
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Homo sapiens
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A boat to get back
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Procrastination
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
That working hard is not as important as getting an easy teacher
Tyler Zou
Activities
Starcraft, school, sleeping, eating
Favorite subject
Computer Science (because it provides) internet access during school
Favorite teacher
People who are good at Starcraft; they can help me get better.
Favorite music
Basshunter
If you could choose one superpower, what would it be and why?
Omnipotence (so that) I can do everything
What kind of animal most represents your personality?
Homo sapiens
If you were stranded on an island, who or what would you take with you?
A doctor, a chief, an 80-year supply of non-perishable foods and clothes, 10 computers with satellite internet access, a nuclear fusion reactor
What is one non-academic skill that you’ve learned at Carmel?
Procrastination and still getting stuff done
What do you wish you would have known as an underclassmen?
Hard work pays off later but laziness pays off now.
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