WHS Class of 2017 has three top students

Sydney Hansen plans to study secondary education at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. After she graduates, she hopes to spend some time in her own classroom before returning to school to get her masters degree and principal's certification.

"I've been a teacher's assistant for Ms. Leitz all year," Sydney said. Stephanie Leitz is the principal at WHS.

"I've looked to her as my mentor as I've taken part in all these leadership activities throughout the past year and a half," Sydney continued. "She wants to know her students. Her desire to make Wahkiakum a better, more positive learning environment has influenced me."

Eventually, Sydney hopes to be a principal in order to "build a school culture that is positive and changing with the times."

Sydney played volleyball and basketball for the Mules. She was also a member of the Key Club for four years, helping to raise money for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. This year she acted as the club president. She participated in the Make the Change, Be the Change program, which provided her some insight into the climate at school. She was also a member of the steering committee for the Association of Washington Student Leader's fall conference, and helped plan a service project.

"Mrs. Niemeyer was my senior advisor and helped me a lot with graduating and looking for scholarships," Sydney said, when pressed for a favorite teacher. "Ms. Petterson I've really enjoyed. She has really challenged me to think. I've taken AP classes from her which have been rigorous and challenging and beneficial for me as a student."

"I've really enjoyed the relationships with teachers that I've been able to build," Sydney said, "they are all very different and supportive. A small school environment has allowed me to have these relationships and I'm grateful."

She counts history as one of her favorite subjects, but she has many interests.

"I'm really into the musical Hamilton," Sydney said. "My sister's friend is in the Chicago production as a swing, and I've been able to talk to him and nerd out over it. My dad is a history teacher so I'm really fascinated, especially with politics and what has been happening this year."

Sydney is the daughter of Beth and Eric Hansen.