As the school year comes to an end and seniors are getting ready to leave, senior Olivia Kinnamon is asked some questions about her experience and view on being a student at PCM High School and being valedictorian

Q: How does it feel to be valedictorian?

A: I feel very accomplished to be holding this position in a class full of hardworking and intellectual students, and I feel very grateful to everyone who has influenced me academically.

Q: What are your plans for after high school?

A: After high school I plan on attending the University of Iowa to major in communications and eventually go on to work in human resources or public relations.

Q: Why do you think you were chosen for valedictorian?

A: I was chosen for valedictorian because my GPA is the highest in our class rank.

Q: Who or what has motivated you throughout high school?

A: My mom has been my biggest motivation in my life because she has always pushed me towards academic success.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A: In 10 years I hope to have completed grad school and to be working in human resources for a company. I also hope to be living somewhere in the West like Colorado or Oregon.

Q: What faculty member influenced you the most?

A: The faculty members who have most influenced me are Ms. Pohl because she taught me to believe in myself, and was one of the first people who ever made me feel like I was truly good at something. Another very important faculty member to me is Mr. Heacock because he taught me everything I know about writing, and I know I will always refer back to his teaching.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone striving to be valedictorian, what would it be?

A: I would say that even though it is a very good goal to strive towards, academics do not mean everything. You have to find things that you enjoy outside of school that help you stay motivated with your goals.

Q: What’s your favorite high school memory?

A: My favorite high school memory is just making close connections with good people and all of the little moments I’ve spent making memories with my friends.

Q: What was your favorite class you’ve taken in all of high school?

A: My favorite classes in all of high school were Spanish 3 and 4 because Mrs. Jacobsin is one of the best teachers I have ever had, and she made class very enjoyable.

Q: What was your biggest challenge in all four years of high school?

A: My biggest challenge has definitely been staying motivated with my academics while balancing a social life.