Maple Grove seniors shine in many ways, and athletics is certainly one of them. After a two-year hiatus, Senior Spotlight is back, and this year, the light shone on not only students who were outstanding athletes, but community leaders to boot. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these outstanding Class of 2023 graduates.
Drew Pitzner
Heritage Christian Academy
“Andrew is a great representative of Heritage Christian Academy [HCA]. He always seems to be in the center of all the action at the school. He is involved in everything. He is a student mentor, student tutor, member of the HCA Honor Society and is always willing to help someone in need,” says Scott Thune, the middle and high school principal at HCA.
In Drew’s Words:
What was a defining moment of your high school career?
My defining moment of high school is receiving the All-State Soccer Award. It was an exciting experience to step on the stage and receive the award after playing soccer since I was [6 years old] and putting a lot of time and hard work into it.
What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?
Maybe not surprisingly, soccer is my top passion. I like to get out and practice when I can, and I enjoy refereeing. Besides soccer, I enjoy reading books and working out.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
I’ve pretty much always wanted to be an entrepreneur. Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to own a business.
Samantha Longenecker
Osseo Senior High School
“Samantha is a thoughtful, positive student who not only gives her best, but also gives back to others. She’s the epitome of servant leadership, someone who has both the confidence and problem-solving skills to handle Osseo Senior High’s most challenging classes, as well as a rigorous schedule outside of school,” says Megan Thompson, a social studies teacher at Osseo Senior High School.
In Samantha’s Words:
What was a defining moment of your high school career?
My first full 5K in my junior cross-country season. My sophomore season ended early with an injury that left me in a boot and on crutches and prompted seven months of physical therapy and training. I missed my track season and had to modify my summer training. I was unsure if I would be able to successfully finish a 5K …much less retain my competitive position. I was very nervous to run, but once the gun went off, I settled back into racing mode with ease. I remember feeling stronger than I ever had while running, and as I finished the race, my coaches, friends and family were all lined up at the finish line with big smiles on their faces. I laughed as I crossed the finish line, unbelievably happy that all my hard work and sacrifices had paid off, and I was able to be back in the
environment I loved.
What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?
Most often … I’m found running. I joined cross country in my seventh-grade year, after many years of playing softball, and I felt right at home. I’ve always felt the cross country team to be my second home.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
I was in second grade when I was hospitalized the first time for pancreatitis. Then, during my seventh-grade year, I was hospitalized again for my gallbladder and ended up staying about 11 days for other problems that occurred along the way. It was these experiences that got me interested in the medical field. I was in awe of the way my doctors and nurses made me feel cared for and comfortable, and I thought there was no better way to spend my life than doing the same thing for others. As such, it’s been a dream of mine ever since I was that little 7-year-old to work as a pediatrician in a hospital.
Max Johnson
Maple Grove Senior High School
“Max is a great individual wrestler, but he’s far more than that. He’s a tremendous leader for the team and a promoter for the program. He has helped create a family atmosphere within the Maple Grove wrestling program, and his influence extends beyond just his teammates with the high school program,” says Troy Seubert, the head wrestling coach of Maple Grove Senior High School.
In Max’s Words:
What was a defining moment of your high school career?
A defining moment of my high school career was placing third in the state wrestling tournament. At that moment, years of hard work and experience felt like it paid off. The whole season had been coming together, and I was improving rapidly, leading to the biggest accomplishment of my high school career (so far).
What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?
Outside of school, I like to do just about any activities with my friends and family. Whether it’s driveway basketball or ping-pong, tennis or pool, I love to compete in anything I do.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
When I was growing up, I wanted to be a professional football player. As I grew up, I realized this was not a realistic dream. Now, I am looking to go to college and be successful in anything
I choose to pursue.
Koral Horstman
Providence Academy
“Koral’s academic and extracurricular achievements are no doubt impressive and wide reaching. She is so much more than what you would gather on paper. Koral is exceptionally bright, inquisitive, thoughtful and driven. She has been a student at Providence since kindergarten and has shined throughout that time,” says Paige Von Bank, a college counselor at Providence Academy.
In Koral’s Words:
What was a defining moment of your high school career?
I’d say the defining moment in my high school career so far was seeing the Providence softball team place fourth in sections my sophomore year. It was the furthest the team had ever gone in the postseason, and I’ll never forget how it felt to be a part of that group. I was also awarded all-section as a catcher that season, a position that I had never consistently played, and I loved being able to contribute in that role.
What can you be found doing outside of school and schoolwork?
When I’m not at school or doing homework, I’m usually at softball. Whether it’s for the Providence team, my summer club team or volunteering for youth organizations, I love to be around the game. Volunteering with younger kids is special to me because growing up around a college program changed my perspective about softball, and I like sharing that with others, along with giving back to the game I grew up loving.
What did you want to be when you grew up? How about now?
Even when I was younger, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in STEM. In recent years, I’ve narrowed that down to the neuroscience field, as I am interested in learning how the brain works and applying that knowledge to new discoveries.
