For students, this time of year brims with new beginnings and fresh challenges. As seniors in high school embark on months of endings and “lasts,” they, too, are preparing for a new transition after high school.
Before it’s time to don the mortarboards, let’s take a moment to give a tip of the hat to this year’s Prep Elite students, who were among students nominated by their schools and chosen by our editorial team. Read about the other students here: Evan Dimich, Mae Monette, Sarah Cao
Merlyn Mayer, West Lutheran High School
“In addition to being an amazing student in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA, [Merlyn] also plays volleyball and is the manager of the girls’ basketball team. She has been a great ambassador for the school with her positive attitude and kind demeanor that is displayed to everyone she has met. Merlyn is a fine Christian example that reflects West Lutheran’s [mission]. She is active in her church and school communities, and her willingness to help people is evident in all she does. I have been a teacher of Merlyn’s for two years, and I have witnessed her growth as an individual and seen first-hand her positive interactions with the West Lutheran community ...” – Phil Meitner, teacher
What influenced you the most during high school?
My freshman year at West Lutheran, I wanted to be on the basketball team, but I was unable to because of a knee injury. The [junior varsity] coach suggested that I become a team manager. Although it was not exactly what I had in mind, I would come to realize that the team is a body, and each member has an important role in sustaining it. That concept can also be brought into any situation where each person’s abilities are valuable, and I will take that with me into the future. – M.M.
Your future in three words: Stewardship, reflective, dependable
