Sterling High School December Student of the Month: Danae Palmer

Danae Palmer, 18, of Sterling is one of Sterling High School’s December Student’s of the Month.

She is the daughter of Chelese Palmer and Chris Palmer. Her sisters are Kaylen Zarembski and Maryn Palmer, and her brother is Micah Palmer.

Favorite class: Choir and psychology, because they are both classes that I can relax and enjoy my time learning the most.

Least-favorite class: Math has never been my favorite subject, but I enjoy all of my classes this year, so it is hard to pick my least favorite.

Favorite teacher: Mark and Taylor Jackson, Haley Farringer, Dan Young, Weston Henry, Tim Schlegel, and Joel Penne have all made an impact on my high school experience, as well as Jason Fargher, my fourth-grade teacher. I have made an amazing connection with every one of them, and I couldn’t be more thankful for their guidance.

School activities in which you participate: Choir, madrigals, fall play, musicals, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: I volunteer at Riverdale preschool whenever I get the opportunity. I attend the youth group for Christ Church. I also volunteer around the community as an officer for the National Honor Society, and a member of Key Club.

What will you do after high school? I plan to attend Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with an undecided major and a music minor. I am considering an education or communications major.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you’ll never use? Triangle proofs. I remember struggling to understand the logic of them in my freshman math class. I don’t plan on figuring out why different parts of a triangle are the way they are.

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? Even though it is out of the high school’s control, I would love to go to school every day and experience the joys of high school life. I especially miss the football games and school dances.

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? I think a do-it-yourself class would be super fun. We could choose DIY videos on the internet to follow and create innovative items for school and/or home.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? Along with getting your schoolwork complete, communication is key. Never be afraid to ask for help or start conversations with your teachers and classmates.

How would you describe your group of friends? I have a really small group of friends. We like to plan many fun activities and trips, because we are all about experiencing all we can before going our separate ways after high school.

Who is your best friend? Mackenzie Arndt has been my best friend since fourth grade. We have gone through so many milestones together and taken lots of fun trips that make the greatest memories.

What do you do in your free time, outside of school activities? I spend a lot of my free time dancing at Woodlawn Arts Academy, listening and singing along with music, taking naps, and taking my dogs for walks.

What kind of music are you listening to? I listen to a mixture of pop and Christian music. More recently, I have enjoyed listening to Dua Lipa and Lauren Daigle.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Australia, no doubt. Australia is filled with many beautiful places to explore. I also want to experience the wildlife, because I love animals.

What is your favorite childhood memory? I don’t have a specific memory, but I enjoyed the time I had with my siblings when we all lived at home. We would go down the stairs in sleeping bags and wrap ourselves in blanket burritos, make “sandwiches” with the couch cushions, and take ice cream and park trips.

What is the best way to cheer you up? Dogs always cheer me up. I don’t know what I would do without my dogs. Lola is a 15-year-old cocker spaniel and sheltie mix. Coco is a 7-year-old miniature red French poodle.

What is your life’s philosophy? I’m not sure, but I still have a lot of time to figure out what my life’s philosophy is. I do believe that communication and kindness are key elements to a happy life.

What would you do if you received $1 billion all of a sudden? I would save it to pay off all college expenses, and then travel the world. Of course, I would give some to my parents for all of the money they spent on me growing up.

Favorites:

Food: Pasta or sushi

Musical artist: Lauren Daigle

Movie: “A Dog’s Purpose”

TV show: “Gossip Girl”

Color: Pastels