High school upperclassmen exude a certain hope for the future. Fueled by the successes of secondary school, they wait anxiously on the precipice of big decisions, big changes and big dreams. They are old enough to know about the many possibilities, but young enough not to have been jaded by life’s challenges. It is their enthusiasm for the future that helps drive a community and inspire both young and old to go for their goals, no matter how big or small they may be.

In the spirit of youthful inspiration, we chatted with six local students who excel in the arts, academics and athletics—and in most cases a combination of all three. Two are already on his way to post-secondary athletic acclaim, the other four still building impressive college applications. Their stories are unique and their achievements irrefutable. These students demonstrate that although there aren’t any real shortcuts, hard work leads to success in the long run.
 


Genevieve McCarthy
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Providence Academy
Claim to Fame: First Providence Academy student to be a member of 2010-2011 all-state orchestra, second to join an all-state ensemble

Accolades: MMTA 2008, 2009 and 2010 piano Honors Concerts; MSHSL Contest Superiors at state: Mallet duet and percussion ensemble (2008), snare drum solo (2009) and mallet solo (2010); CMBDA (Central Minnesota Band Director's association) 9th and 10th grade honor band (2009); Second percussionist for UMD Gold Honor Band (2009); 2010-2011 Allstate Orchestra; NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs) 3rd and 4th Gold cups for piano (cups 1 and 2 earned before high school); Three Blue ribbons in Educational Department of MN State Fair for miniature room boxes (summers of 2006, 2007 and 2008)

Little-known Fact: She enjoys reading all types of book, especially science fiction and fantasy. So much so that she started writing one for the pure “enjoyment” (operative word being started, she says; she’s so busy that she hasn’t touched it much since ninth grade).

Pre-concert routine: To minimize stress, she tries (sometimes unsuccessfully) to treat concerts like any other rehearsal: some intense practicing to fix any last-minute performance details, followed by trying to convince herself she won’t mess up. When in concert at school, the ensemble always says a prayer before going onstage.

Other Activities: National Honor Society, debate club, senior leader of Lions For Life, Miniatures

Genevieve McCarthy has an undeniable flair for the arts. Whether it’s musical, theatrical or visual, the senior at Providence Academy seems to somehow do it all, and the impetus for all of this artistic talent was piano lessons in first grade. “I really hated it,” McCarthy says with a laugh. It wasn’t until ninth grade, she says, that she figured out how to practice effectively. “That’s when I really started to like it. My mom used to have to bug me to practice; she doesn’t anymore.” Now an accomplished pianist, she’s rehearsing for the final exam through Minnesota Music Teachers Association. Having passed the first 10 of 11 levels at MMTA, she has the chance to play in an honors concert at Northrop Auditorium in a 20-person elite piano ensemble.

McCarthy’s musical talents go beyond the. She plays percussion in the upper school symphonic band, the jazz band and the pep band; she’s made all-state orchestra; and she sings alto in the upper school choir, The Academy Chorale.

Having started her dramatic career playing a townsperson in a sixth-grade performance of Puss in Boots, McCarthy’s other love—theater—has progressed through the years, and she’s now in charge of running all the lights for high school performances. “There’s an artistic aspect to it,” she says. “You have to get the timing [right]. It’s similar to my music.” McCarthy insists she gets her artistic talent from her grandmother. Her drive to succeed is all her own, however. “It’s all challenging, but very rewarding,” she says.


Jacob Damiani
Age: 17
Grade: 12th
School: Robbinsdale Armstrong High School
Claim to Fame: Member of two-time national championship chess team from Zachary Lane Elementary

Accolades: 4.0 grade point average, superior rating at classic lake conference solo and ensemble contest

Little-known Fact: Avid Modern Warfare 2 player on Xbox 360

Superstition or Pre-game routine: Go to Noodles with a couple football teammates before every game. Listen to my iPod in the locker room.

Other Activities: Football, baseball, band, weightlifting, intramural basketball, Link Crew

A leader by example, Jacob Damiani works hard to be a mentor and confidant to his fellow classmates. The senior at Robbinsdale Armstrong says, “I’m not a vocal leader, but I try to do the right things everywhere—from the weight room to school—to set an example for the younger kids.”

A tenor saxophone player since fifth grade, Damiani plays in both the school’s pep band and symphonic wind ensemble, the former being his favorite. “I really enjoy pep band in the winter season when we play at hockey and basketball games,” he says, explaining his draw to the combination of contemporary rock music and sporting events.

Multi-faceted, his performance on the sidelines is interrupted in fall and spring by his performances on the field; he’s a standout wide receiver on the football team and a center fielder on Armstrong’s baseball team. “Sports take up a lot of my time, but I just love competing,” he says.

In addition to his musical and athletic endeavors, Damiani maintains a 4.0 GPA, keeping busy with a class schedule punctuated by Advanced Placement classes. His high grades have ushered him into the Spanish Honor Society and also led him to be involved in tutoring younger students in math in the Extended Learning Time program. “I have all the tools I need to succeed, and I like doing as many things as possible,” he says. “I enjoy all of it.”