Henry Graunke is a heavily involved senior who is trying to make the most of the opportunities that Metea has to offer.
What role(s) do you play at Metea?
I’m part of the dance team, one of the co-captains of the dance team here. One of my favorite things to do is to dance. I’m a founder of the Student Mentor program that we have here at Metea, which gives back to students who are in need by allowing them opportunities to have a partner with them in classes. Varsity Mustang String. I’m a committee chair for the Principal Advisory Board. I’m really, really active in Key Club.
What are your goals and/or plans for the future?
I’d say my short-term goal is to finish high school really strong and really make the most of every opportunity that comes available to me. I think a lot of times it’s easy to say no or I’m so busy, but really, since it’s senior year, I’m going to prioritize the opportunities I have at Metea, even if that means prioritizing those over homework. Just because it is my last year, and I’m not as worried about those traditional goals that I might have been earlier in my high school career. I really don’t want to miss these opportunities before they’re gone. For the long term, I’m obviously planning on going to college. I would like to go to a four-year university first and then go get my graduate degree. I can’t say definitely where I want to go, because I haven’t seen my acceptance letters yet, but hopefully to leave the Midwest and experience something new, and then eventually, I’d like to live the rest of my life in Europe. When I’m done with college, I’d like to take a job there and spend the rest of my time there.
What is one of your favorite memories from your time at Metea?
Oh my God, so many memories. I would say my favorite is probably from dance team [and] doing the football games. They’re very iconic. It’s just what you think of High School Musical, all the movies you see, that’s totally what dance team is. You’re on the side and it’s amazing to get to hype up the crowd, to cheer everyone on, and just to be at all those games.
What’s something about you that people might not know about but is important to you?
Never assume that just because somebody’s attitude is a certain way, that they are only dealing with the things that you see around them. Everybody’s always dealing with more struggles than you’ll ever know. So don’t assume that someone’s life is easy, or that they had something handed to them. Because I worked really hard as a freshman, and that’s what led me. That’s what led me to a lot of the roles I have now as a senior.
What keeps you motivated to come to school every day?
I can’t say for certain that I wake up in the morning and I’m like, “Oh, I’m thrilled to go to Metea Valley.” Obviously, the first thing that motivates me is the law. I do have to come to school every single day. But I really enjoy doing my extracurriculars. That’s something that helps motivate me. College applications also motivate me every day. But there is this competitive nature at Metea. It’s a friendly competition, because I feel like I’ve been competing with these students for so long that they’re all like my friends at some level. Even though, yes, we’re like cutthroat right now, with college applications, and who’s gonna be the best kind of vibe that’s going on. It’s not all that, you formed a lot of friendships that I don’t think I would ever have formed if it weren’t for the academics that we have here at Metea and the culture that really has transpired here.
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