What’s a great way to get to know a person—to find out what makes them tick, what inspires and motivates them, makes them happy or sad? Why, asking questions, of course. With that in mind, we chatted with our area’s prep elite about just those things and many more. What we got was insightful, forthright and, sometimes, funny answers about their lives now and where they see themselves in the years ahead. Read on to see just how remarkable these four top students are and visit whitebearlakemag.com to find more insightful answers from these star students.
Kayleigh Abell
Liberty Classical Academy
An accomplished pianist who has played for 11 years, Kayleigh Abell finds great joy in the 88 ebony and ivory keys of her piano. She shares her gift with numerous performances throughout the year, practices almost two hours every day, and has seen how the hard work and sacrifice has helped her with her considerable skills. But she also finds happiness in helping others, specifically orphans in Haiti. After a life-altering mission trip this winter, Kayleigh’s first college choice is Bethlehem College in downtown Minneapolis, as they are “firmly grounded in biblical doctrine” and have an outstanding missions program.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
English. So many things contribute to this being my favorite class. I love the books we read, the discussions we have and the projects we do. My teacher makes the books come to life in the way she passes her love of literature on to us.
What motivates you to succeed?
I’m a pretty competitive person, to put it lightly. I want to be on top, to do the best that I possibly can. But at the end of the day, no matter if I win or lose, I’m motivated to succeed because I want to honor my God; I want to honor Him by giving everything I have to whatever situation He places me in.
Describe yourself in three words.
Sweet and sour.
What is your favorite food?
French fries.
What is a quirk you have?
I like to chew on my earbud chord while I listen to music (gross, I know).
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself standing in the rays of the hot Haitian sun, holding as many sweet and beautiful kids as I can, and giving them all the love I possibly can.
How would you spend a billion dollars?
When I was little, I promised my parents that I would buy them a house on Cannon Beach, Oregon. I think I could do that with a billion dollars.
Morgan Newpower
White Bear Lake Area High School-South Campus
To say that Morgan Newpower (pictured on page 19) is an accomplished athlete is an understatement. She’s been on the varsity soccer team since ninth grade, and the varsity hockey team since the eighth, not to mention being selected as captain for both teams as she heads into her senior year of high school. But there’s much more to this powerhouse than just sports. With a 3.67 GPA and her favorite class being math, Morgan has her sights set on medical or nursing school.
What do you love most about school?
I love being able to see my friends, especially the ones I don’t get to see very often.
What motivates you to succeed?
My grandma, because she put up a fight four times with cancer, so why not put up a fight for what I want? Knowing that all the hard work and time I put in, the outcome will be what I want.
Describe yourself in three words.
Athletic, smart and caring.
What is your dream job?
Marine biologist.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Invisibility, because I could sneak up on my brothers.
What makes you happiest?
Being at my cabin, and my friends and family laughing unconditionally.
What makes you cry?
Seeing friends and family members hurt or heartbroken.
If your life were a song, what would the title be?
“One shot, one opportunity.”
What animal best represents you and why?
A monkey, because I can be very crazy at times but then super-mellow as well.
Maggie Freking
Mahtomedi High School
Maggie Freking says hanging at the beach, exercising, and spending time with family and friends makes her happiest. But she’s also a year-round sports enthusiast who excels in soccer, basketball and track, and participates in several extra-curricular activities and groups such as Interact Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and National Honor Society. This well-rounded student is excited to pursue a medical career.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
English and science, because I enjoy writing, and science has always been very interesting for me.
What do you love most about school?
The thing I love most about school is learning new things and ways of thinking that I am able to apply to multiple subjects.
What is your favorite food?
Steak and mashed potatoes.
What is a quirk you have?
I always yell or scream when I mess up.
What is your greatest achievement?
Participating in the Minnesota State Soccer Tournament, and maintaining a GPA over 4.0.
How do you define love?
When you care so much about someone that you would do anything for them.
Who is your hero?
My grandma.
Ben Nelson
Mahtomedi High School
You can learn a lot about a person based on what he or she likes to learn about and study. For Ben Nelson—football player, wrestler (he will be a team captain this year) and NHS member—chemistry and physics are what gets his mind working. Why? In Ben’s words, these fields give him “a more complete perspective of how the world works.” This high-achieving, cerebral athlete has Luther College as his No. 1 college choice, and has met all of the football coaches and many of the science professors.
What do you love most about school?
I like how my teachers are really passionate about what they do and care about their students as individuals.
What is your dream job?
Travel writer—you get to fly all over the world and all you have to do is say how great it was.
What is your greatest achievement?
Restoring a 1967 Ford Bronco with my dad over the past seven years.
Describe yourself in three words.
Motivated, intelligent and athletic.
Who is your hero?
John Muir, because of his dedication to the environment and the impact he had on the landscape of our country. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, something that he never lived to see to fruition, but he laid the groundwork and convinced our leaders to create the park system. He had a very direct hand in creating two of the original parks, Yosemite and Kings Canyon.
What is one piece of technology you can’t live without?
I couldn’t live without a device that plays music.
What is your favorite food?
Raising Cane’s chicken.
What is a quirk you have?
I like to whistle.
