Sterling High School February Student of the Month: Jonathan Abele

Jonathan Abele, 18, is one of Sterling High School’s February Students of the Month. His parents are Dave and Karen, and he has a brother, Nick, 20, who attends Western Illinois University in Macomb.

Favorite class: AP U.S. History, AP government, and AP literature. However, I also enjoyed science classes such as AP biology and anatomy and physiology.

Least-favorite class: Although the teachers at Sterling do an excellent job of making math interesting, I still prefer social studies and English. Nothing against my great, former teacher Alexis Rivera, but I didn't always look forward to studying precalculus in the morning.

Favorite teacher: Throughout high school, I have had several excellent teachers. I would like to personally thank Taylor Jackson, Heather Johnson, Nicole Schlemmer, Laura Carbaugh, Mike Lemay, Steve Johnson, and Jessica Smith for inspiring me and making learning enjoyable.

School activities: President of the SHS National Honor Society and the Young Doctors League, cross country, swimming, tennis, Speech Team, Key Club, Student Council, Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering, and theater

Civic, church, volunteer or other activities: Through Key Club and National Honor Society, I have been involved in multiple projects to raise money and help make significant changes within the community.

Do you have a job? Lifeguard at the YMCA, and during the summer I work at Camp Benson as a counselor.

What will you do after high school? Attend Ohio State University, where I will major in either political science or biology. I plan to get an advanced degree to practice law or medicine.

What kind of music are you listening to? Mainly alternative rock, such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, and Cage the Elephant

What's the one thing in your life you can't do without? I couldn't live without my friends. They make life much better.

What is your advice for surviving high school? Get involved in as many extracurricular activities as possible, but stay on top of time management. Also, get to know your teachers and go see them whenever you need help.

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? I definitely wouldn't mind pushing school back an hour to get some more sleep.

What's something about you that nobody knows? Most people at my school don't know that my Camp Benson nickname is, somewhat ironically, "Smooth."

If you could try any job for a day, what would it be? I think being an emergency room doctor would be an exciting profession, where I could jump into action to help others during medical emergencies.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? New Zealand. It is a beautiful country with lots of potential for adventure. I also have some friends who live there that I met through camp.

What is your proudest moment? Learning to dive for swimming was a proud moment for me. For some reason, it took many belly flops to perfect.

Who is your hero/role model? My teachers and my parents have been significant influences in my life. I completely attribute my success in high school to them.

What do you think your life will be like 10 years from now? Hopefully, I will be practicing law or medicine, possibly within this community.

Shout out: To my close friends, Jack Nitz and Corey Sherman.

What is your favorite ...

App? Spotify

Food? Pizza

Game or activity? Kayaking

Movie? "Guardians of the Galaxy"

TV show? "The Office"

Sports team? The Ohio State Buckeyes