Sterling High School September Student of the Month: Walter Reter

Walter Reter, 17, of Sterling, is one of Sterling High School's September Students of the Month. He is the son of Jason and Alice Reter. His sisters are Ellen and Maya.

Favorite class: AP chem because Steve Johnson is a fun teacher and always found ways to include visual demonstrations and make class interesting.

Least-favorite class: Economics, because I had to take the class online via Edgenuity and the program was uninteresting and repetitive without a real teacher.

Favorite teacher: Although I have enjoyed many of my teachers at SHS, Steve Johnson always made class engaging and could make even the most complicated chemistry concepts seem simple. I'll never forget when Mr. Johnson casually went to get printed papers and returned in his full military uniform for our Stoich boot camp.

School activities in which you participate: I am heavily involved in Warrior sports. I participated in soccer, swim, and track all 4 years, in addition to cross country my senior year. I am the president of Young Doctors League, and a member of the National Honor Society.

Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: Over the summer I worked as a volunteer for CGH Medical Center, helped at the food bank every other week with New Life youth group, and volunteered with Rock River Hospice & Home.

What will you do after high school? I plan to attend a 4-year university and major in some sort of science.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you'll never use? I'm honestly not sure how the formations I learned for marching band my freshmen and sophomore year will affect my future, but who knows?

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? I would definitely petition for another Jumbotron. A lot of people have seen a high school with one Jumbotron, but how many high schools can say they have two Jumbotrons?

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? It would be cool if our school had some alternative physical education classes like some of the other local schools. I think adding weightlifting  classes and other more specialized activities would encourage more people to take PE.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? Everyone is different, and I think people just need to find a balance of what works for them. As a general rule of thumb, keeping track of all of assignments as they are given and planning out the week while keeping any extracurricular or job related commitments is important

How would you describe your group of friends? Energetic, active, people who enjoy poking fun at each other.

What do you do in your free time? My biggest hobby would definitely be disc golfing, but some other things I enjoy are mountain biking, water sports on the Rock, snowboarding, and playing Xbox and ultimate Frisbee.

What kind of music are you listening to? I listen to a wide variety of music and enjoy pretty much everything other than modern country music.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Australia, because I have always wanted to snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Eating whatever the parents brought for a team snack after my YMCA soccer games.

What is the best way to cheer you up? I have always really liked Sour Patch Kids, but honestly it doesn't take much.

What is your life's philosophy? Don't worry, be happy.

Do you have any pets? I have two dogs and a cat

Favorites:

Food: Sour Patch watermelons

TV show: "How I Met Your Mother"

Book: "The Martian"

Color: Purple