EMHS Salutatorian: Sarah Sweeney
ELK MOUND — Sarah Sweeney is the Elk Mound High School Class of 2017 salutatorian.
She is the daughter of Steve and Holly Sweeney.
The Colfax Messenger sent out a questionnaire to Sarah for a profile of the salutatorian.
• Describe the most memorable event that happened while you were in high school. My high school career has been filled with memorable moments, but the ones that had the greatest affect on me were often sports. I got closer with my teammates than I would have ever thought. One stand out moment is when we beat Colfax in a conference game after losing to them four consecutive years. I remember jumping up and own with my teammates on the court. We worked so hard, and it paid off. Looking back at the film still makes me smile. Being conference champions my junior year (2016) in track was also an achievement.
As Mr. Mack’s last year was coming to a close we gave it our all and both the boys and girls team was crowned with the title. Another great memory is during my freshman year general science class. Mr. Mack was the teacher and he bravely let us use his lab equipment. Through the course of the class there were at least four broken beakers, two fires, and a lot of yelling. He came to the rescue multiple times. I can safely say we learned more than how to calculate density in that class.
• What were your favorite high school classes? My favorite high school classes include Spanish 1-3 and leadership. Senorita Hoover taught me how to think in a whole new way, and opened my eyes to a new society. She is one of the reasons I love the Spanish language and culture. I learned that school doesn’t always have to be boring and dull. Mrs. Hoover integrated learning with enjoyment in a new way.
Leadership was taught by Mr. Fredrickson. That class was more focused on life lessons and development of character. I enjoyed reflecting and learning more about my classmates.
• Which activities were you involved in during high school? What was your favorite? Volleyball, powerlifting, track and field, E-Club, band and marching band, NHS, Dunn County Leadership Program, Student representative on the school board, Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
• What are your plans after graduation? I have been applying to multiple businesses but have not secured a final destination for summer work.
• Are you planning to attend college or technical school? If so, where? I will be attending UW-River Falls in the fall to pursue a degree in education. I am planning on studying Spanish and eventually traveling abroad.
• What will be your major at college or technical school? I decided to study education because I enjoy helping people and I believe education is an awarding profession, where growth is an everyday thing. I also plan to obtain a coaching minor so I can learn more about the sports I am passionate about. This will enable me to continue my love of sports within my profession.
• What does it mean to you to be the salutatorian of the Elk Mound High School Class of 2017? To me being the salutatorian means that all my hard work has paid off. All of the extra time, the repeated double checks, the numerous revisions were all worth it. When I entered high school this was not my goal. I was motivated to get good grades but never realized how far it would take me. I am proud of my determination and persistence to do my best. This achievement was not accomplished alone. My parents, teachers, and friends have all contributed to help me along the way.
