March 29, 2024
Local News

Student of the Month Jenna Longan

Jenna Longan, 17, a senior at Dixon High School, is the December Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Lynn and Cameron Longan. Her siblings are Holden, 11, and Keenan, 16.

Favorite class: My favorite class is Spanish, because Mrs. Fitzanko makes it a lot of fun. I think it is really awesome to be able to learn a new language over 4 years. We learn not only the language but about Spain and Mexico. One of my favorite memories from Spanish class is watching "La Catrina" last year.

Top teacher: My top teacher is Mrs. Mauch. She teaches math of all different levels. I had her for one semester of geometry my freshman year, all last year for pre-calculus, and this year I have her for AP Calculus. She is a wonderful teacher. Her notes are always very detailed, making it easy to study before the test.

Extracurriculars: I've been on the Dixon tennis team for all 4 years. I'm currently in my fourth year of bowling. I am president of Rachel's Challenge, an anti-bullying club at DHS that was started last year. I also play clarinet in the Dixon High School band. Also, this year I joined Publications, which writes articles for the Dixini and works on the yearbook. Outside of Dixon High School, I am an active member of my church, Immanuel Lutheran, and its youth group. I also teach fourth- and fifth-grade Sunday School.

After graduation: After DHS, I plan to attend Valparaiso University to study meteorology.

Favorite singer or musical group: My favorite band has been Lady Antebellum ever since their first song, "Need You Now," came out. This past summer, I went to one of their concerts in Cedar Rapids.

Favorite actor: My favorite actor is David Tennant. He was the Tenth Doctor from the infamous "Doctor Who," but he also appeared in Harry Potter.

Favorite movie/TV show: My favorite movie is definitely "Finding Nemo." I also have multiple favorite TV shows. They are "Bones" on Fox, "Doctor Who" on BBC, and "Glee."

Hobbies: I love to play tennis, bowl, listen to music, read, and hang out with friends and family.

Favorite game or outdoor activity: When it is warm enough, I love to ride my bike with my littlest brother. I also enjoy camping with my family, although we haven't camped in quite a few years.

Favorite food: My favorite food is definitely Joe's spaghetti. I could eat it all day, every day for the rest of my life.

Biggest fear: My biggest fear is disappointing my parents. I always try my hardest for them, and I hope that they know how much I appreciate their support and love. If I ever disappointed them, I would be beside myself.

Least favorite class: I don't have a least favorite class. They are all good. Honestly, I just really enjoy learning about new things.

What makes your blood boil? Bullying makes my blood boil. If a person can't be nice to someone, then just don't talk to them at all. You don't need to make someone's life miserable to make yourself feel better.

What kind of music makes your skin crawl? I like all kinds of music, so I cannot tell you a specific type that makes my skin crawl.

Where are some of the places you like to hang out? I like to hang out at the Plum Hollow, because all the employees are super friendly and bowling is a big part of my life during the winter months.

Survival guide: What is the key to surviving high school? I think that the key for surviving high school is to get involved. Meeting new people younger and older than you makes school seem a lot less stressful because there will always be someone around to talk to.

Useless knowledge: There is definitely no such thing as useless knowledge. You never know when you might need what you have learned.

I'm in the dictionary next to: Trustworthy, because people can come and talk to me about anything without worrying about me going and telling anyone else. Plus being a part of Rachel's Challenge is being that go-to person. I like knowing that, if someone has a problem, I might be one of the first people that they come to.

Personal trivia: I went to Illini Girls State this summer at Eastern Illinois University. I met 20 other girls who are very much like me. In the week we were there, we learned about government and how it works at the state level. We voted and campaigned, but we also became a family. Umdenstock was easily the best city at Girls State. I made so many new friends that I keep in touch with through Facebook. They will have my back for as long as I live, and I can't imagine spending that week any other way.

Dream job: My dream job is to one day work for The National Weather Service behind the scenes, making the calculations and being out in the weather as it happens. I want to be one of the best meteorologists ever.

Trading spaces: If I could pick anywhere, it would most certainly be Ireland. I think that being able to see the scenery in real life would be absolutely breath-taking. It would be so beautiful that I would probably cry.

Read this: My favorite books are from "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins, because they kept me on the edge of my seat. The books had action and romance. I could not put them down!

Shout out: I'd like to thank Ryan Mackey for being an amazing youth group leader. He's given me opportunities that I could have never imagined having in church and in the real world. This past summer, we went on an Urban Plunge in Omaha. It was one of the best opportunities that I have even been given. We worked with the impoverished, from kids to adults.