We checked in with members of the class of 2021, to find out what — and who — made their high school experiences in Leelanau uniquely theirs.

Cecelia Schaub, Suttons Bay, St. Mary Catholic School
Schaub is off to the Peach State to study architecture at Savannah College of Art and Design.
Who at St. Mary made a difference for you? My Business Professionals of America advisor, Mrs. Korson. Her positive hardworking energy is contagious. I will forever be grateful for the countless hours and effort she dedicated, especially traveling to BPA Nationals in Orlando, Boston, and Anaheim. [Schaub competed in events demonstrating business skills such as speeches, presentations, and administrative tasks].
Best part about campus? The views and sunrises at school always remind me how lucky I am. I will miss eating lunch outside by the lake on sunny days.
Memorable class: I enjoyed the peers I took honors calculus with. There were only four of us, so we got really close and always had a good time. On test days we wore Crocs for good luck, even in winter.
A stand-out moment? During high school I played on the county co-op varsity tennis team. Clay Court Classic tournament junior year was a perfect sunny day. Drew Barber and I won first place for #1 doubles and got medals. 

Sophia Wright, Zionsville, IN, Leelanau School
After savoring the final days on Lake Michigan at her experiential boarding school, Wright is headed to Hope College in the fall.
Any teacher shout-outs? I love Mrs. Hood; she taught me that I actually do have an act in music and never gave up on me. I learned guitar and took songwriting (twice!) and she got me to pick up the clarinet again.
What has meant the most to you living on campus? We are so fortunate to live in a small family-like community in one of the prettiest places. Everyone on campus is so loving and caring and taught me so many values. Leelanau has made me a more wholesome, down-to-earth human.

Amanda Herman, Cedar, Glen Lake Schools
Herman participated in Northwestern Michigan College’s Early College program, and will return to NMC before attending Wisconsin Lutheran College.
What is your passion? After taking a business class at NMC this spring, I plan to study business marketing.
Summer plans? I will be working at 45th Parallel’s Candy World in Suttons Bay. I love working there, and the opportunity to meet locals and tourists. I am also lucky in that I am able to go on a fantastic trip with my classmates in June — visiting Mount Rushmore, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, the Moab area, the Cody area in Wyoming, and Salt Lake City.
A really happy time as a Laker? When we went to camp in ninth grade, it was like being with completely different people. We were all more comfortable with each other when we were outside of school, and it was great to see each other like that.
What do you appreciate about your classmates? Frequent changes were made as COVID-19 cases surged and decreased in our area, and my classmates adapted to it. Our student council especially went out of their way to give us the best senior year possible, even though they faced many challenges in doing so.

Ciara Glynn, Suttons Bay, St. Mary Catholic School
After working to save for college this summer — and squeezing in a quick trip to Boston to explore the city before moving there in August — Glynn will start at Boston College to focus on Environmental Studies.
Best class you took at St. Mary? Advanced Biology. Our teacher held off our senioritis by letting us explore biological topics that catered to our interests.
Any teacher shout-outs? All of my teachers at St. Mary…have taught me lessons and values that I will hold with me for the rest of my life. Particularly my class advisor, teacher, and cross-country coach. Whether it’s calculus or an 8-mile run, Mr. Papes has always encouraged me to push myself to my fullest potential.
A really happy moment? Our “senior sunrise.” Before the first day of senior year, my classmates and I woke up early to eat donuts and watch the sunrise. We were all so happy to be able to start the last chapter together — as things were so uncertain whether we would even be able to have a senior year in person.

Ethan Cook, Winnetka, IL, Leelanau School
Cook will be working in Glen Arbor over the summer and is heading to the University of Cincinnati to major in psychology, with a minor in criminology or gender and sexuality studies.
What was it like living on campus? You don’t expect to learn as much as you do about people, nor get as close. For example, Sophie [also interviewed] and I may have never really spoken in public school due to our different interests and social groups, but now we are bound at the hip.
Any shout-outs? My first is one of my dorm parents, Katrina Schafer. She is not just the person who checks my room, or who tells me to sign in at night, but she is also has dragged me out of my comfort zone and into the woods — literally. I will miss her dearly. My second is to my academic advisor, Mrs. Dymond, who has never failed to support me and push me academically, really preparing me for college. She has not only been a teacher but also been one of my main motherly figures at school since I am away from home.
A cool experience at Leelanau School? Galapagos Islands last year, the month before COVID-19 hit. We spent a month in the classroom, then took a week-long trip to Ecuador then to the islands. We were on a boat ride, with it jumping about four feet consistently for two hours straight. Many people were scared or feeling sick, but my best friend Jack and I were sitting there laughing completely out of joy and entertainment: the fact that a classmate had fallen asleep through the jumping, the tour guide [continuing speaking] as if it was no biggie, and he had done this millions of times before, which he probably had. I look back at the moments I shared with my classmates on that trip all the time. It was amazing.
How did you change the most during your time there? My resilience. I used to really struggle with my anxiety, but I have grown from that and learned to not let that keep me back.

Emma Porter, Suttons Bay, Suttons Bay Public Schools
A summer job and beach time are in Porter’s immediate future, before attending Ferris State University and pursuing a nursing degree.
What do you think makes Suttons Bay High School unique? The school has always felt like a family. We are pretty blessed with a great community of people that genuinely care for each other.
Any shout-outs? I would also like to thank all the members of the community for always supporting Suttons Bay schools and everything it has to offer — including our masquerade prom over the weekend!
A happy moment? Every musical I have been a part of at Suttons Bay — Oklahoma, Guys & Dolls, Once Upon a Mattress, Shrek, Mary Poppins, Bye Bye Birdie. I loved being able to play different characters on the stage next to the people I was so close with.

Emily Reynolds, Northport, Northport Public School
A K-12 Northport student, Reynolds is attending Michigan State University Fall to study advertising and international business.
How is Northport Public School unique? Since it is such a small school, it is easy to form genuine and real connections with others. I feel like my teachers have also genuinely cared about me, and not just my schoolwork.
Any specific shout-outs? I want to say thank you to our middle school English and high school drama teacher Mrs. Wilson. I knew she was always there to support and challenge me to be the best that I could be. She has given countless students amazing opportunities, but even better, her time. I hope she knows how amazing she is.

Kaden May, Peshawbestown, Suttons Bay Public Schools
May, a Norsemen since pre-K, is an accomplished artist, skateboarder, science fan, and student athlete — in track, football, and golf. He’s headed to Northwestern Michigan College, likely to pursue graphic design.
Any shout-outs? I would love to first give a shout-out to the entire staff, even the newer members that have joined the school recently. Teachers that have made a huge difference and always made me smile are Mrs. Wille, Mrs. Goodyke, Mrs. Hursey, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Fenske, and Mr. Hursey. There are many others that were there for me in my younger days and have helped shape me into the person I am…they know who they are.
Your work was recently displayed in a juried student art show at the Dennos, when 30 artworks by local students were selected for the show in honor of the museum’s 30th anniversary: The art that all the students made was amazing and I’m very glad one piece was able to get honorable mention. [The other he gifted to his mom, Shawn, for Mother’s Day.]

Nate Mitchell, Leland, Leelanau School
Mitchell will show his cooking chops as head cook at the Leland Country Club before heading to Bradley University.
What’s the focus of your studies? Hopefully game design, specifically relating to the narrative storytelling side.
Special shout-outs? Each of the teachers could genuinely be my favorite, but if I could only pick a few it would be: Mrs. Hood, my music teacher for helping me further my passion in music and keep my outlook on life positive; Mrs. Blondia for being the single most uplifting human being on campus. Her positivity is contagious, but never overwhelming; Cal Meyers: For being one of the best math teachers ever, being practical, logical, and funny, as well as showing me that I can retain information past when I learn it. 
Best part of being on campus: How often do you get to be so close to nature during your free time and in between classes? The natural beauty is a blessing that I will not take for granted. 

Wyatt Sirrine, Traverse City, Leland Public School
Sirrine will work at Crystal River Outfitters and Knot Just a Bar this summer (plus swim, wakeboard, and surf with friends). He is headed to either Pomona College near Los Angeles or the University of Michigan this fall to study international relations.
Class that will stay with me: Critical Knowing (similar to philosophy).
Teacher shout-out? I’ve been super fortunate to have Mr. Wheeler as a coach and as a teacher. He has taught me to be a better thinker and a coached me to be a better soccer player.
Standout moment: Winning a state championship in soccer in 2018, the first soccer championship in our history. The support from fellow students, staff, and the community in general was really special.
What’s a strength of Leland Public School? How tightknit our community is. Everyone is always finding ways to help each other.