December Student of the Month: Sam Bratt

Sam Bratt, 18, is Dixon High School’s December Student of the Month. His parents are Tim and Grace, and his siblings are Meghan Doran, 37, of Richmond, Virginia, Lesly DePiante, 35, of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gordon Bratt, 33, of St. Paul, Minnesota, Wyatt Bratt, 31, of Linden, Virginia, Clare Polak, 29, of Austinburg, Ohio, Hugh Bratt, 27, of Front Royal, Virginia, Mary Bratt, 25, of St Paul, Minnesota, Sadie Inman, 25, and Nora Bratt, 22, both of Austinburg, Ohio, Joan Bratt, 20, of St. Paul, and Alane Bratt, 16, of Dixon.

Favorite class: Publications. I love to write, and I love to give my opinion on current issues. This year, I've been blessed to become editor-in-chief, so I also get to work with others to improve their writing.

Least-favorite class, and why: AP chemistry. I liked regular chemistry, so I took AP, and while I learned a lot, it was less interesting than I thought it would be – and really hard!

Favorite teacher: Michelle Bally, my newspaper advisor and freshman English teacher. She cares about each and every one of her students, and always sees the good in everyone. I try to do this, but it's much harder than it looks.

School activities in which you participate: Soccer, tennis, madrigals, yearbook and newspaper

Do you have a job? Manager and cashier at Oliver's Corner Market

How would you describe your group of friends? Funny, intelligent, and forgiving. I have a serious sarcasm problem, and they put up with it every day, God bless them.

What will you do after high school? I plan to attend either Christendom College in Front Royal, or St. Thomas Aquinas College in California. Both are Catholic liberal arts schools, and I would get a degree in English or literature, and hopefully teach with it.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you will never use? AP chemistry. I learned a lot, but I have no intention of ever coming close to chemistry ever again!

What kind of music are you listening to? A little bit of everything, but mostly blues rock (The White Stripes), jazz, and classical. I cannot stand country music. I think I like four songs total.

Is there a celebrity whom you act like? I've been told Robert Downey Jr. I'm not sure if it's a compliment, but I'll take it as one.

What is your advice for surviving high school? Relax, and don't complain about the work you're given. Just put your head down and work.

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be and why? The culture in the classroom. People just don't like to accept that they need to work for things in life. The culture of our sports teams has been an emphasized so much, but we're losing focus in the classroom.

What scares you? Failing God. I've been blessed with so much in my life, a facile brain, an easy-going temperament, good friends, I know a lot will be asked of me in the future, and I don't want to fail.

What did you think about the presidential election? I was happy. It's time for a change in D.C., and Trump is not half of what everyone makes him out to be. We will be happy with this election.

If you could try any job for a day, what would it be? Secretary of state. I love politics, and you could travel the world in that position, so I could knock two goals out at once: I could see the world, and meet all the dignitaries I wanted.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Europe. I love the history there, and the natural beauty. I love ancient buildings, and cathedrals. … I would love to see all of it at least once.

What is the last good book you read? "East of Eden," by John Steinbeck. The story is beautifully constructed, and the message of the book has helped me through many hard times.

What is your proudest moment? My October opinion in the Dixini. I wrote it expecting to get flak from everyone, and all I have heard since was that I spoke the mind of the people. I have to say, not many things have made me feel better.

Who is your hero/role model? I have many: Roger Federer, for tennis and classiness, Rush Limbaugh for his fearlessness, but I would say that Trey Gowdy, representative for South Carolina, is one of my greatest. He speaks his mind and says exactly what he means. I recommend his speech at Liberty University for all to watch.

What do you think your life will be like 10 years from now? I hope to be teaching English or literature in a beautiful location, with lots of kids near a ski resort!

Is there someone you'd like to send a shout out to? Stephen Hodson! He's never afraid to give me his opinion on my papers, and he always makes me laugh. He has a big heart, and was an English teacher as well, so I can relate to him.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Sports team: Unfortunately, it's the Bears. I love the Cubs, too, though.