Two 8th Graders move on with honors

After interviewing the top seniors, it seemed fair to talk with two top eighth graders, too. With 4.0 grade averages for this year, Madelyn Dielman and Logan Wirkkala Scheller were good picks to chat with. Logan likes the small Naselle GRV school and has done well here after moving over from Warrenton. He plans on studying engineering, then getting a master's in accounting. Logan is the oldest of five children, so he regularly spends time with the younger kids and helps the family. He is a hard worker, a trait he credits learning from his grandpa and his dad. Logan loves to travel and was happy last year when the robotics team toured Washington DC and the University of Maryland. A recruiter there encouraged him to look at various computer/robotics majors he might consider, but he wants to stay in the area and continue sports – javelin and basketball – next year. Logan likes designing projects and solving problems, as well as creating solutions. He's grateful for his parents and remembers well his first-grade teacher, Mrs. Salmi. She taught him discipline, to work hard and that it is better to work for things rather than expecting them to come to you. Logan is introspective, but full of energy. Logan is considering the Running Start program since he feels his classes weren't very challenging this year. He will be fun to watch as the coming years pass.

Madelyn loves English and math. She likes sports, volleyball, softball and cheering, too. However, she has no desire to move into Running Start because she wants the full high school experience. Madelyn likes this small school where she can hang out with her friends. When she graduates, she is thinking of moving into a university setting with a strong science program. She is interested in finance and accounting or finance management. She wishes there were more extracurricular choices for her high school years. Madelyn is most proud of the relationships she has developed with her friends. She says being involved in sports has helped that. She loves traveling. Her father is a fish and wildlife officer and her mother works in child welfare in Astoria. Madelyn has lived in other locations due to her father's work, which makes her very appreciative of her current school and wants to continue here through her high school years.

Both students will most likely be in the top tier of their senior class. I had wanted to talk with one more, Andy Rosas, but he had to leave to compete in track events. He is yet another 4.0 student. There is so much to celebrate as these students move into high school next year. Both parents and grandparents in our area can take pride in their young family members. We wish every graduating eighth grader all the best in their high school years.