EVERETT — Hannah Volsky, 18, is a senior at Archbishop Murphy High School, a Catholic school south of Everett. She is the daughter of George and Jennifer Volsky, of Bothell.
Question: You were the lead in a musical this year?
Answer: This is my fourth musical with Murphy. It’s probably one of my favorite activities here. I played Marian, who was the librarian in “The Music Man,” and I loved my part and I loved doing that.
Q: And you’re a cheerleader?
A: This was the only year I’ve done cheer. I’m really glad I did it. I liked just being able to try something new. I’ve always liked dancing and I like going to school activities, and it was a cool way to combine them all.
Q: Any other school clubs or sports?
A: I was a member of the mock trial team for three years. I was a varsity attorney last year and we got second in state and lost only to the national champions, Seattle Prep.
Q: Have you thought about what you want to do after high school?
A: I’ve been looking at audiology and speech pathology as my major. My younger brother, Patrick, is hard of hearing. That’s always been a prominent factor in my life, and when I was looking at career choices, it became relevant again. It would be a good way of working with kids and also getting the science aspect.
Q: What college do you want to go to?
A: I’m between three colleges so far. I’m leaning more toward the University of Washington and Gonzaga.
Q: What’s your favorite book?
A: “Redeeming Love,” by Francine Rivers, would be my favorite. I’m such a reader. I read almost three books a week during summer.
Q: What do you like to do outside of school?
A: I mainly do a lot of singing. I’ve been taking voice lessons the past six years. I’ve been working with Shih-yi Quan.
Q: Tell me about your singing.
A: I’ve been in a lot of concerts and competitions … I also sing in my youth group’s worship team as the lead singer and in the Choral-Aires, that’s Murphy’s honors choir. I love acapella groups. I’m very much into music.
Q: Any jobs or volunteer work?
A: I am a nanny for two twin girls during the summer. I’ve been working with them for the past three years. For service hours, I’ve been working with the Blessed Sacrament soup kitchen (near UW). I try to make it every Sunday.
Q: Was there anything you wanted to get done in high school that you’ve accomplished?
A: I’m very happy with how many activities I’ve done. I’ve gone out of my way to try a lot of different things. Through those experiences, I’ve met a lot of great people.
Q: Have you had a favorite class or teacher?
A: Miss (Natalie) Schmidt. I’ve had her as a teacher for two years and she was my mock trial coach for one year and my cheer coach for one year. I’m very comfortable going to her for advice. She teaches history. I’m in her Matteo Ricci program this year, which is a college course out of Seattle University.
Q: You have a 3.9 GPA?
A: I think it’s a 3.9. It’s not quite a 4.0. This year’s been a lot more difficult because I took a physics class.
Q: How did academics become so important to you?
A: Just growing up, I’ve always valued good grades. I went to a really good elementary school, Heritage Christian Academy in Bothell. From there, I’ve always wanted to do the best I could in all my classes.
Q: What made you decide on a science-related field?
A: I am very interested in working with people, but I still want to be able to think and work on my feet, and I like math.
Q: Any plans for summer?
A: Oh yes. I’m really excited. I’m going to Germany and Switzerland with my best friend since the second grade, Kayla Boller, and her family.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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