Salute to Graduates Sonja Knudson Convent of the Visitation, Mendota Heights Sonja Knudson attends St. Thomas More in St. Paul. Her parents are Scott and Lisa Knudson. She plans to attend Tufts University in Medford, Mass. What is the greatest lesson you learned in high school? To “be who you are and be that well!” In other words, the only way to grow spiritually, intellectually and personally, is to follow your own passions and not conform to others. Name one thing you are proud of accomplishing in high school. Being a part of the hockey team and being able to lead the team as a captain this year. What is the most meaningful way you have helped another student or students in your school? Over the last two years, I’ve helped in
coordinating our middle school’s STEM day for girls. This experience has empowered my own interests in the science and math fields, in addition to hopefully empowering young girls in the same fields. Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school. At our senior class retreat in the fall, we were given time to go off and reflect on our own. I found a spot by a beautiful marsh and meditated over our school’s motto for this year, “Marvel at God’s Goodness.” Throughout the year, I have found that to wonder and be in awe at the work of the Lord is both difficult and rewarding. What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think? We just recently read “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin which incited several conversations in class about social boundaries and personal happiness. I had never read such a bold
MAY 9, 2013 • THE CATHOLIC SPIRIT social critique before, so it really expanded my view on the power of literature. Who is a spiritual role model for your Catholic faith? Both of my parents, because they have been great moral guides for me growing up. What can the Catholic Church do to keep you and other young adults engaged in the life of the Church? Expanding volunteer programs where kids and young adults can work within their community would keep them more engaged in the life of the Church and would offer an opportunity to meet kids who share the same faith. If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be? I would love to have a conversation with Dorothy Day so I could thank her for her work in launching the social justice movement of the Church. What is your favorite prayer? The Direction of Intention.
Austin Peters
Luke Scott
Totino-Grace High School, Fridley
DeLaSalle High School, Minneapolis
Austin Peters attends the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis. His parents are Maureen and Phil Peters. He plans to attend the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Luke Scott attends St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony. His parents are Kelly and Mary Scott. He plans to attend the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D.
What is the greatest lesson you learned in high school? I am involved in many extracurricular activities like math team, science team, and intramural basketball, to name a few, and have carried a rigorous class schedule all four years that challenges me daily. I had to learn to manage my time and prioritize extremely well to be successful. Name one thing you are proud of accomplishing in high school. I am most proud of my grades. I challenged myself with an Honors/AP schedule and worked very hard in and out of the classroom each day to maintain a straight-A report card for four years. What is the most meaningful way you have helped another student or students in your school? I have been tutoring for four years — it is my way of giving back. I have been very blessed and love to help share my knowledge with other students who might not catch on as easily or struggle in the classroom. On a daily basis, I get asked to help and knowing I’ve made a difference can be the best part of my day. Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school. The most significant faith experience I have had in high school was during my senior all-day overnight retreat, where I really had a chance to look back on my life and reflect on what I have done well and what I have struggled with. These activities, prayers and moments of meditation really connected me to God and helped me improve how I live my daily life. What book did you read in high school that most changed the way you think?
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If you could go back in time five years, what advice would you give yourself? Keep an open mind and forgive others. What are the top three things that you hope to accomplish in your life? Go to medical school, have a job where I can travel and own a boat.
What is the greatest lesson you learned in high school? The greatest lesson I learned in high school is that perseverance is the best way to reach my goals.
“The Holy Longing” by Father Ronald Rolheiser really changed the way I think. We read this book in my spirituality religion class, and it really shed some light on religious questions that puzzled me — why God doesn’t answer prayers sometimes, why we should forgive others, and how God truly is active in our everyday lives. Who is a spiritual role model for your Catholic faith? My grandmother, who is also my confirmation Sponsor, is a very important spiritual role model in my life. Whenever I visit her, we attend Sunday Mass together and she and I usually have some conversations about God and Jesus and their roles in our lives. She also is very involved in her parish, helping out with community service, being an extraordinary minister of holy Communion and attending daily Mass.
Name one thing you are proud of accomplishing in high school. My greatest achievement in high school is winning two basketball state championships. What is the most meaningful way you have helped another student or students in your school? I try to help others through everyday interaction. If one is feeling down, I try to brighten their day with a smile and positive attitude. We are called to serve others to the best of our ability, and DeLaSalle has taught me to do that. Describe the most significant faith experience you have had during high school. My faith transformed in the adoration chapel at St. Charles. I learned to really appreciate Jesus Christ’s presence in the Eucharist. His presence has given me peace over the years that has helped me persevere through many challenges during high school.
If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be? I would want to talk to Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. I would ask him questions like what caused him to create it in the first place, why he believed in it, and how he plans to live out the rest of his life.
Who is a spiritual role model for your Catholic faith? My mom is my spiritual role model because she is always there for me no matter what trials I am going through. I see her praying every day. She has truly helped shape my faith to what it is today through her beautiful example.
What are the top three things that you hope to accomplish in your life? Land a job with a pharmaceuticals company using my chemical engineering degree to make a difference in the lives of others, have a family, and live a balanced life spiritually, professionally and socially.
What can the Catholic Church do to keep you and other young adults engaged in the life of the Church? We could have groups that talk about the enjoyment of being a Catholic while doing active things like sports. This is actually happening right now as my dad has combined spirituality and
athletics with a non-profit organization called Spirit and Sport. If you could have a conversation with a historical figure, who would it be and why? I would like to have a conversation with Blessed John Paul II because he seemed to be the holiest man that I have seen in person. If you could go back in time five years, what advice would you give yourself? Trials are only there to make you stronger. Trust in God fully, and do not believe what people may say to bring you down. Be courageous in thought, prayer, action. Do not be afraid to pray in public places (before meals, etc.), because even if others judge you, God is the final judge. Love others no matter what challenges you must face. As my brother said, “Let go, and let God.” What are the top three things that you hope to accomplish in your life? My ultimate goal is to help others enter the gates of heaven, and to do that involves multiple things. I hope to be doing something with my faith in my professional career. I hope to make a huge impact on others, guiding them to believe through example that being a Catholic is not only the best thing to do for one’s soul, it also brings joy that is not obtained through worldly pleasures. Even though I am only 18, I can truly say that my faith has brought me more peace and happiness than all of the worldly experiences combined.