Each August, we highlight outstanding rising seniors from area schools and talk with them about their inspirations, challenges, passions and hopes for the future. Meet Adam Behun, Luigi Viggiano, Olivia Schwintek and Zahra Haidari, four impressive students excelling in the classroom, on the sports field and in the arts, and working to make our communities even better places.
Olivia Schwintek
White Bear Lake Area High School
What have been some of the highlights of your high school career so far, and what are some of the things you value most about your school?
I think being part of the sports teams I’m on. I do track and also skiing. I love the coaches I’ve had—Patty Percival is my coach for track and cross-country, and she’s been my coach all through high school. My friends are on the same teams I’m on and we’ve been together since we started high school. It’s great to see the team grow as we get older. I’m also part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
You do volunteer work in the community. What kinds of things are you involved in?
I volunteer at Tamarack Nature Center, helping kids learn how to ski. I’ve been helping there since eighth grade. I work with kids age 5 to fifth grade.
Is there anyone who’s been an inspiration to you or a role model?
My parents. They’re very supportive and very involved. My coach Patty who I mentioned before. Also, Sharon Grant, my running coach. And Seth Salinger, my Nordic ski coach.
All my coaches are so supportive and are super-good people. They want the best for us not only in sports, but in everything. I also have a great group of friends. We do sports together, and we’ve grown up together.
What are your thoughts about where you might want to go to college?
I’m thinking about Montana State or University of Vermont. They both have good programs for the environment. They’re both in beautiful locales, and I can hike and ski there. They’re both kind of outdoorsy.
What would you say has been your biggest challenge so far?
Sometimes I feel like I’m doing a lot of hard things at the same time. Running is hard mentally as well as physically. Cross-country is an endurance sport—I have to put in a lot of miles every day, so I can be really tired on some days. And I also have practice. I’ve learned to use my time wisely.
What’s on thing about you that people might be surprised to know?
Some people are surprised to hear that I’m an only child.
Why is that?
Some people have an image of only children being spoiled and self-centered, and they then they’re surprised that I don’t fit with that stereotype. People might also be surprised that I’ve worked as a boat inspector, checking boats for invasive species.
You’re doing so many things—academics, sports, volunteering in the community—how do you manage to get so many things done?
My parents are always involved in so many things. They’re always helping people and organizing things. My dad helps neighbors with yard work. They’re always busy, and I’m the same way.
Thoughts about what you might want to pursue for a career?
Probably something in the sciences—maybe in biology or the environment. Maybe something health and
nutrition-related.
Adam Behun
Hill-Murray School
What have been some of the highlights of your high school career so far, and what are some of the things you value most about your school?
I like the religious aspect of Hill-Murray. All students have to take a religion class every semester. I especially got a lot out of the class I took on world religions. I like that Hill-Murray is a smaller school, so I know almost everyone in my grade. I’m also excited that Hill-Murray recently finished building a new track and a new football field. It’s the first time that we’ve hosted a track meet in about 15 years.
What teams are you on?
I’m on the track team. I also play club soccer with the St. Croix Soccer Club.
How are you doing this season?
I won first place in the pole vault at the first meet on the new Hill-Murray track.
What are some of your passions other than academics and sports?
Music. I’ve taken piano since first grade, and I also picked up the alto saxophone in my sophomore year. I play piano for mass every month, so it’s liturgical music, which I like a lot.
And I’m on the robotics team. Last year we won a spot at the world championship in St. Louis.
Is there anyone who’s has been a role model or inspiration for you?
My sister. She’s two years older than me, and she’s very high achieving. I’ve always looked up to her.
What’s one thing about you that people might be surprised to know?
I love to cook. That’s something that isn’t really seen outside of my own home, and it’s always been a passion of mine.
Do you have a specialty that you like to cook?
Probably my favorite thing to make are gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce.
What have been the most challenging parts of high school for you so far?
I think the main challenge has been just that there’s a lot of schoolwork and figuring out how to get studying done and maintaining good grades, and practice for teams and everything else. Figuring out how to manage my time well.
Can you share your thoughts about plans?
I want to go into engineering. I’ll probably go to college in the Midwest, but I don’t know where.
Luigi Viggiano
Mahtomedi High School
What have been some of the highlights of your high school career so far, and what are some of the things you value most about your school?
I really value how the school provides the resources and the flexibility for students to do all the activities they’re interested in. I’m able to do all the things I love. As far as my classes, AP Chemistry is probably my favorite. I also do College in the Schools (CIS, a program where high school students can take courses for college credit) and I like that a lot. I’m more of a sciences person. I also love my group of friends—we all run together and also spend time together outside of running. I do cross-country and Nordic skiing. I’ll be the captain of the cross-country team next year.
What are some of the other things you’re involved in?
I’m in jazz band. I play alto sax. I’m in the environmental club. My sister got me involved in that.
Is there anyone who’s has been a role model or inspiration for you?
My family and close friends. My parents have always been really supportive and encourage me to pursue what my passions are. My mom helps me keep honest about the decisions I make in life, and my dad has a lot of wisdom. I’m also a twin. My brother and I share a lot of activities. We have the twin competition thing so that keeps me pushing forward.
What have been the most challenging parts of high school for you so far?
Managing my schedule. I have sports responsibilities, and my work for classes. I count on coffee a lot and am missing some sleep, but it’s all worth it. I also work weekends at [Mills] Fleet Farm in the consumables department. I work in the candy area—the best part of the store.
What’s one thing that people might be surprised to know about you?
That I’m serious about academics. People know that I’m on sports teams and that I’m a runner, so I think they may think of me more in that way.
Do people see you more of a jock and then they’re surprised when they find out you’re also a scholar?
Yeah, I guess so. And I don’t know if people would be surprised about this or not, but I’m working towards being an Eagle Scout. For my project, I’m working with Wildwood Elementary School on designing and building an outdoor classroom.
Can you share your thoughts about plans?
I think I may go into chemical engineering or biomedical science. I’m looking at maybe going to college in California.
Zahra Haidari
Liberty Classical Academy
What have been some of the highlights of your highlights of your high school career so far?
It’s hard to pick one thing. I love my school so much, and I’m so fortunate to be here.
You’re an international student. What is your home country?
I’m from Afghanistan.
How long have you been in the U.S.?
Since ninth grade. That’s when I started at Liberty Academy.
What are some of your main interests?
I love science. Last year I got the Donaldson Science Award from the Science Museum of Minnesota. I also like photography. I’m also part of the student council and the yearbook team.
Is there anyone who’s has been a role model or inspiration for you?
So many people! I’m so grateful to the people who make my scholarship possible, so I’m inspired to work hard so I don’t let them down.
What’s one thing that people might be surprised to know about you?
I would like to join a branch of the military.
