POLO — Natalya Witkowski was recently named the January Student of the Month at Polo Community High School and received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for her efforts. She is the daughter of John Witkowski and Christina Corcoran.
Witkowski’s extracurricular activities include FCCLA, cheerleading, Spanish Club, Student Council, Varsity Club, and National Honor Society. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in teaching.
Upon winning the award, Witkowski filled out a list of questions about her school experience.
What does it take to be a successful high school student?
-Set high expectations for yourself and work hard. It’s important to be involved and step out of your comfort zone. Try something new!
What class do you find really engaging and why?
-I have loved taking English 12 Composition taught by Betsy Coy. It’s great being in an English class with a teacher who challenges me to be a better writer, and read books out of my comfort zone. My favorite assignment was writing a persuasive paper on the rhetoric of a Breaking Bad Super Bowl commercial. This class also introduced me to one of my favorite books, Lord of the Flies.
What are your career and post-graduation plans? What school(s) or other instruction, travel or endeavors do you have planned?
-After high school I plan to continue working at McDonald’s over the summer to save up money. In the fall I’m attending Sauk Valley Community College to study Early Childhood Education. After that, I’m transferring to Northern Illinois University to become a kindergarten or preschool teacher.
What are your two favorite extracurricular, volunteer or community activities you participate in? Explain why for each and what you’ve learned or gained from being involved.
-I loved being involved in my local theater during my freshman and sophomore year. I was an actor, stage manager, I did everything! It was so fun to put on shows and be a part of something bigger than me. If I had the time, I would definitely go back! I also enjoy participating in Student Council events like Doggy Dash and Elder Buddy. It feels great to give back to the community and just have so many eye-opening experiences.
Please share a moment, group event or activity at school that was meaningful or memorable.
-Learning my very first homecoming routine was a very special moment for me. It was the hardest thing I had ever done in cheer. Our team spent almost two months choreographing and learning a six-minute dance. Although it was exhausting, I’ll never forget nailing the routine and the big group hug we had after. It was so much fun performing with such a sweet group of girls.
What is your hope for the future?
-To live a long and happy life with a job I love, a family, and a cat!
