EM Salutatorian: Anna Sessions

ELK MOUND — Anna Sessions is the Salutatorian of the Elk Mound High School Class of 2014.

The Colfax Messenger sent a questionnaire to Anna, and here are her answers.

1. Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school.

My most memorable high school event was the second playoff game we played in volleyball this last season. We were given the seventh seed in the region and we were scheduled to play La Crosse Aquinas, which had the second seed. Despite how much the odds were stacked up against us, we won the match in five games. That was the best feeling in the entire world because we played together so well and were able to fight for every point like we never had before. We had a great group of fans drive all the way to support us, and their excitement amplified the experience even more. I can’t fully describe how amazing it was, but I know I will miss playing volleyball with those girls more than anything next year!

2. Tell us about your favorite high school classes.

I absolutely loved Anatomy and Physiology because it was so interesting to learn about all the little details of how the human body works; before I took that class, I had no idea how many different types of tissues are in the body or what Nodes of Ranvier are. I also enjoyed that class because Mrs. Simet is a wonderful teacher, and she always made me laugh with her random remarks.

Another class I had a blast in was Lifetime Sports. We never had to run the mile or do a bunch of push ups like all the other physical education classes. Instead we played badminton, pickle ball, volleyball and even went snowshoeing. We also got to go bowling on Fridays for part of the term. Even though I was not exactly skilled in most of the activities we did, I still had a great time! Mr. Schiszik was fun to hang out with every day as well even though he never let us skip fourth block to keep bowling on Fridays.

3. Tell us about the activities in which you were involved during high school.

During high school I was in multiple sports including volleyball (4 years), basketball (3 years), track and field (3 years), and now golf, which is a completely new adventure for me; I am easily the worst one on the team, but it is such a fun sport! Coach Kongshaug is very patient with us, and she has an extensive knowledge of golf, which I really need because I am lacking an understanding of many things involved with it.

I am also a member of E-Club (President as well), Science Olympiad, National Honor Society, Student Council, Youth Group at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church, and I was a part of the Greater Menomonie Area Junior Chamber and Prom Committee last year.

Although the experiences I have had with all of these activities were cherishable in their own ways, volleyball was always my number one priority. I will love that sport forever, and I will never forget the memories made during the years I played, ranging from the days of seventh grade when I would miss trying to hit the ball to the first time I played in a varsity match as a freshman. (I was so nervous I barely remembered what sport I was playing when I got on the court). All in all, volleyball taught me how valuable hard work and dedication are, especially when applied to something you love. Even when I was so sore from two-a-day practices during summer that I struggled to stand up after sitting on the toilet, I could not wait to get back in the gym with my team.

4. What are your plans after graduation?

After graduating I will begin working at 3M in Menomonie, which is the same place my dad is employed at. I was beyond thrilled when I was offered a position there because this will be my first official job, and I am going to learn a lot. Not to mention I will get to hang out with my dad more often.

5. Are you planning to attend college or technical school, and if so, where?

Next fall I will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and I am planning on living in the dorms there. I recently decided that I want to enroll in the pre-medical program there since I was fascinated by my Anatomy and Physiology class in high school. Science is such an amazing thing, and I want to make a contribution to it.