Ingrid Pelletier, 17, is a senior at Stanwood High School. Born and raised in Stanwood, she’s taken an interest in local politics. She’s senior class president and sits on the Stanwood-Camano School District’s Board of Directors and the Stanwood City Council as their student representative. She also enjoys photography, fashion, music and, her most recent hobby, baking.
Question: What are your favorite subjects and things to do in school?
Answer: Oh boy, I’d have to say English and history have always been my favorite subjects. I love writing and I love history. I love visiting historical sites, as well. I’ve been back to Boston a lot, and I love the patriotic sites. Also, I’m interested in civics and politics.
Q: What kind of extracurriculars are you involved in?
A: So I’ve been involved with FBLA, which is Future Business Leaders of America. This is my fourth year. I’ve gone to state all four years and I just really love the business aspect of it because it’s something I want to do when I grow up is get into the business world, so that’s been a club I’ve really enjoyed. I’ve been on the tennis team since I was a freshman and I was on varsity last year. It’s a great, great team with good coaches. I’ve been with National Honor Society for two years and National English Honor Society for three years. And I’ve also been involved with school politics since I was a sophomore. Sophomore year I was the treasurer and secretary, junior year I was the president and this year I’m senior class president. And then I’m also the school board representative and the city council representative.
Q: What got you interested in getting involved in politics, not just at the school level, but with the school board and city council?
A: When I was in middle school and younger, I was really quiet and shy, and it wasn’t until my seventh grade year when a teacher used to have us come and practice these speeches and we’d have these little projects we’d do and it really made me feel more comfortable with myself and with presenting myself in front of an audience. My middle school adviser told me he wanted me to be in school politics and leadership. And so freshman year I took that leap of faith and decided to run for sophomore class treasurer and secretary, and I won. Ever since then, I’ve been really interested with that whole aspect and I’ve kind of seen myself maybe getting into state or federal politics when I’m older.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I have three colleges that I’m going to be applying to: Notre Dame, University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University. I think my No. 1 school would be Notre Dame. Their business school is really good and so I think that’s why I want to go there, so I can pursue a business degree. I think it’s a really flexible, kind of general degree that could lead you anywhere. I could go into law or business and entrepreneurship.
Q: In the long-term, what would you like to accomplish?
A: Well, I’ve had several ideas. I’ve been more leaning to the entrepreneur side of business and maybe starting my own business. Or I would go into a more corporate setting. I’ve always liked Nordstrom and I like fashion as well, so if I could get into their corporate offices I would really love that.
Q: Outside of school, what do you do for fun? Any hobbies?
A: Well, photography is probably my biggest hobby. My dad got a Canon Rebel X about six years ago, and he’s barely used it but I’ve kind of taken it over. I’ve entered a couple competitions and I love entering my photos into the Stanwood Fair. I’ve won best in show a couple times. It’s just been kind of a casual hobby. I don’t know if I’d pursue it professionally. I love just being able to go outside and take photos. I really love nature photography. I love going to the beach and hanging out in nature. I love forests and gardens. We moved this past year, and our old garden had so much wildlife. I would love taking pictures of the little butterflies and bugs and trees and flowers, all of that. I just love kind of the natural architecture of plants and that natural art element. And I like fashion a lot, so fashion blogging and designing have been kind of another hobby. I also love music. I’ve played oboe, flute, violin, ukulele and now guitar.
Q: Any other interests in your downtime?
A: I do love baking. I love to make cupcakes and cookies. My favorite is lavender cupcakes. I just made those this summer. My mom told me I should learn some household things because I’m going to be leaving this summer, so I was like, “OK, I’ve got this.” I’m not the best yet, but I’m working on it. Oh, and I love one-liner jokes. I actually used that in my campaign for senior class president last year. I said, “Have you heard the joke about the broken pencil? Well, never mind, it’s pointless. But I promise that I won’t be pointless.”
Kari Bray: 425-339-3439; kbray@heraldnet.com.
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