Katherine (Katie) Maxa

Activities/hobbies: At school, I am involved in band, jazz band, orchestra, chamber orchestra, choir, Austinaires, vocal jazz, drama club, Knowledge Bowl, Math League, youth leadership, National Honor Society, tennis and golf. I am a member of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Girl Scouts and Freeborn County 4-H. I am the 4-H club president, county ambassador, and a representative on the Livestock Committee. I have been county vice president, a youth advisor, and a Minnesota 4-H state ambassador for the 2013-2014 school year. I also tutor outside of school.

Awards/recognitions: I have been a student of the month, a three-time presidential scholar, and won a full scholarship for the school’s France/Spain trip in June 2015. I am a four-time academic scholar for tennis and golf. This will be my second year as captain for golf, where I have played on varsity since freshman year. I have lettered in many activities. I have received the 4-H Key Award an shave received numerous champion and purple ribbons in 4-H at county and state fairs. I have won rabbit interviews at the county and state fair, and have placed in the top 10 for rabbit showmanship at the State Fair. I was also selected to be in MMEA All-Stat Women’s Choir for this school year.

Thoughts on your educational experience so far: Out of all the area schools I could have gone to, I’m glad I have attended Austin Public Schools. There have been so many amazing friends and teachers that have inspired me and helped me become who I am today. Austin also has some of the highest course levels in the area, an I am grateful to have been challenged. I am forever thankful that Austin has such a strong and supported music program. I have been able to find things that I love through my education.

Plans for the future: My plans are still undecided, but I have a few ideas as to what I’d like to do. I am mainly considering secondary, music, and/or French education. Schools I am currently considering are: St. Olaf College, Concordia College (Moorhead), Luther College, Wartburg College, and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.

Thoughts about your experience with the Rotary club: Rotary has been so enjoyable. Between all of the people, the fun, the food and the programs, I have become much more award of my community. Rotary made dressing up on Mondays worth it.

Giancarlo Marconi

Activities/hobbies: My hobbies include swimming, reading and hanging out with my friends. I am involved in several different activities. For example, I am the president of Youth Leadership and D.E.C.A. Also, I am a student council officer and the student representative on the school board. In addition, I am in National Honors Society, Link Crew, swimming, cross country, and I am active in my church.

Awards/recognitions: Some of my awards/recoginitions include the Principal’s Honor Roll, the AP Scholar with Distinction Award, and Spotlight on Scholarship.

Thoughts on your educational experience so far: My educational experience has challenged me to grow not only as a student, but also as a well-rounded individual.

Plans for the future: My plans for the future include attending a four-year college and studying marketing or finance. I am considering attending the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, the University of Pennsylvania, and Nortre Dame.

Thoughts about your experience with the Rotary club: I had a great experience and I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to participate in this program. I got to meet many amazing people and learned a lot about exciting, new things going on in the community.