Let’s give a warm “Spotlight on Seniors” welcome to Kathryn Maerker – Kettle Moraine High School of Health Sciences!

Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I am the middle child with an older and younger sister. My older sister, Brittney, is 22 and recently graduated from Carroll University. She moved to North Carolina to dance for two years. Madison is my younger sister, who is 17 and also goes to my school. My Mother used to be a nurse at ProHealth Care and now works in the pre-procedure department. My dad is an electric driver and works for Border States Electric.

What are your interests and hobbies?

I love to dance, and previously danced for 15 years and am looking to get back into it. My favorite role that I played was Rat Queen in The Nutcracker. My hobbies include building Lego sets, reading… I am always looking for new book suggestions, cooking and baking new foods and trying different recipes. I love to be outside kayaking, swimming, hiking, working out, and playing pickleball. Another big interest of mine is firefighting. Currently I work as a Firefighter/EMT at Lake Country Fire and Rescue and I love it. I enjoy constantly learning and training, trying to improve myself.

Tell us about one of your favorite classes in school.

One of my favorite classes was AP Physics 1. I loved the coursework and how it constantly challenged me and my thinking. Being very mathematical, I loved how it was all based around math. It was challenging to understand the conceptual topics but I enjoyed the topics. And my teacher was really good and supportive.

What’s your least favorite?

Anything social studies related, I do not enjoy any reading or social studies stuff like that. My brain just gets bored with it.

Do you have a favorite memory from the school year?

The school band trip with all of my friends. Being able to march in front of the castle at Disney was a really cool experience.

What’s something you worked hard on this past year, a moment or an achievement you’re particularly proud of?

I taught myself the saxophone this year and was really proud of being able to do that. But I am really proud that I was able to handle school classes, classes at WCTC, and work this year while still enjoying my senior year. I really tried hard to manage all of my schedules and make sure that I was still enjoying being a kid and doing things that I enjoyed.

What has surprised you most about school this past year?

I was surprised at how much I was going to miss high school. As much as I want to be done and over with it, I really enjoy being able to see so many people and learn. Also having a set schedule is nice.

What are you looking forward to in the upcoming year?

I am looking forward to being able to spend more time outdoors.

What are some of your goals (academic, sports, personal)?

Goals for school: next year I am starting paramedic in the fall. I am really excited about this challenge and it is my goal to do well.
My personal goals are to spend more time outdoors, camping, and to read more as well. On top of that, I just want to continue to grow myself.

What is something you are good at and/or enjoy doing?

I am really good at doing decorative frosting and really enjoy to do it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

In 5 to 10 years, I could see myself in a full time job as a Firefighter. I also hope to start branching out into different specialists like diving, and rope rescue for work. I also would like to have my own apartment by then.

Explain a time you wanted to give up but didn’t?

This year, there was a class that I hated. I did not enjoy it a lot, and I really wanted to give up and drop the class. But my teacher kept pushing me to take the class and keep going, and I am very glad I kept with it.

What are your favorite memories?

Doing Nutcrackers with my family, taking a fire workshop with my friends, Nerf Wars, and the band trip.

Is there someone special who you admire?

I really admire my Lieutenant at work. He is such a good mentor, teacher, and leader. And then my parents because of their support for me to try new things

What do you love about Lake Country area?

The amount of coffee shops! I love coffee.

Tell us one piece of wisdom you’ve learned so far.

Slow down and enjoy life.

Do you have an unwritten rule at your school that everyone follows?

Waiting till the last minute to do schoolwork, we are good procrastinators.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?

Get uncomfortable and take every opportunity that you can.