Finalist Mike Rosenthal

What one word would you use to describe St. Paul’s? Dedicated.

Any words of wisdom as a St. Paul’s senior? No class (except for AP Physics) is ever as hard as people say it is. We are all just chronic complainers. You can take that either as a recommendation to try new things, or merely an indictment of the advice of your upperclassmen.

What is the best advice you have ever received? Be nice to people who handle your food.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of school? I like to curl up on a couch with my dogs and read very long books.

What do you plan to study in college?

Ancient and Classical History with a focus on Culture and Mythology.

Do you feel any one person, family or teacher, has been your inspiration for education? There is no one person—I’ve always enjoyed learning simply for the sake of knowing more. So, rather than any single figure, countless people I’ve met, or whose books I’ve read, have influenced me and driven my desire to learn.

If you are leaving Mobile for college, what will you miss the most about our city? My grandmother’s farm and the menagerie of critters upon it.

What has been your proudest moment to date? This one time, when I was like 4, I swam across the length of a pool without coming up for air. I haven’t topped that since.