Jiajun (Andy) Song
Jiajun Song, better known as Andy, had a strange start to his senior year.
He was accidentally dropped off at Lakeview High School instead of Saint Philip. Andy had his phone with him and was able to contact one of the students at the school. Mrs. Groat picked him up right away.
“I will never forget that day,” Andy said. “Mrs. Groat is so nice.”
Andy’s home is in Jiamusi in southeast China. The weather in Jiamusi is very cold, so Andy wasn’t bothered by Michigan’s climate.
“Michigan’s winter is warmer than my hometown,” Andy said.
Andy wanted to attend an American high school because he wanted to go to an American college.
“There are too many people and not enough colleges [in China],” Andy said.
He chose St. Philip because he thought it would be academically challenging and provide an opportunity to transition into American culture.
Andy plans on attending New York University and will major in economics like his father and his grandfather.
By: Magdalene J. Hill, Class of 2019
Madison Bradley
Madison Bradley wants to pursue a career in nursing. Her grandmother is her role model.
“My grandma was a nurse, so I know a lot about it,” Madison said. “Being a nurse just seems like the right thing for me.”
In addition to St. Philip, Madison attends the Calhoun Area Career Center and is dual-enrolled at Kellogg Community College. Her favorite classes are anatomy and physiology.
“Taking those classes are more of a commitment than other college classes,” Madison said.
The highlight of Madison’s high school experience was her sophomore year innovation project. She raised $300 for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society through Walk MS.
Madison is grateful for the personal growth she experienced during her high school years.
“[The past four years] formed me,” Madison said. “They formed my personality and how I’m going to go out into the world.”
By: Magdalene J. Hill, Class of 2019
Sean Daugherty
Sean Daugherty’s favorite sport is gymnastics. Sean has been going to the gym longer than he hasn’t been.
“My parents put me in the gym when I was two,” Sean said. “It was basically babysitting with mats.”
Sean started competitive gymnastics when he was five years old and hasn’t stopped competing yet.
The sport has played a vital role in Sean’s college choices. This fall he will be attending the University of Oklahoma with hopes of joining their gymnastics team. He will be training with Oklahoma’s team this summer.
The thought of going to college in a new state is a little daunting, but Sean is looking forward to living somewhere new.
“I’ve been in Michigan my whole life,” Sean said. “I want to go out and try something else.”
Sean plans to study engineering, specifically electrical or chemical engineering. He is even considering studying nuclear engineering towards the end of his degree.
By: Magdalene J. Hill, Class of 2019