Sterling High School March Student of the Month: Nathan Ottens

Nathan Ottens, 18, of Sterling, is one of Sterling High School’s March Students of the Month.

His parents are Brad Ottens and Kelly Ottens. He has a brother, Dylan Ottens, and a sister, Payton Ottens.

Favorite class: Building and construction trades, because it gives me hands-on experience on how operations work on a construction site.

Least-favorite class: English, because I hate writing papers.

Favorite teacher: Chris Lacy, because he always is helping me out and giving me good advice.

School activities in which you participate: Basketball, golf, football, track, and National Honor Society.

Civic, church, or other volunteer activities in which you participate: I volunteer at concession stands at athletic events, and bake cookies with, and read to, the elderly.

What will you do after high school? I will attend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to study engineering and play basketball.

What is something you learned in high school that you think you’ll never use? The memorization of the unit circle, because I can always just look one up.

If you could change one thing about your school, what would it be? I wish we could have open campus for lunch; because of COVID-19, the cafeteria food is not very good.

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be? A STEM class that would combine hands-on and class learning to experience science, technology, engineering, and math.

What does it take to be a successful high school student? Time management and the determination to understand.

Do you have a job? I work for the Sterling Park District. Free golf.

How would you describe your group of friends? Very goal-oriented, and we always try to push each other to be the best student athlete we can be. You can find us at practice, working out at Westwood, or golfing out at Emerald Hill.

Who are your best friends? Nick Simester and Alex Knapper, because we have known each other since fifth grade, and they both have great work ethics.

What do you do in your free time? I enjoy golf, disc golf, and shopping.

What kind of music are you listening to? Country, rock, and rap music.

If you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be? Bora Bora, because it has crystal blue oceans and awesome scenery.

What is your favorite childhood memory? Waking up on Christmas morning to see a trampoline with my name on it.

What is the best way to cheer you up? Offer to rebound for me.

What is your life’s philosophy? Enjoy whatever you are doing and have an amazing work ethic.

Do you have any pets? I have a 6-year-old Miniature Pinscher/Chihuahua named Rico.

What would you do if you received $1 billion all of a sudden? Pay off friends’ and family’s debts, buy a house in Texas or the Carolinas, open up a line of sports stores, and put half in the bank and the other half in stocks.

Is there anything else you want people to know about you? I love being outdoors, and I am a loyal friend.

Your favorite:

Number: 32

Food: Steak

Movie: “Step Brothers”

TV show: “The Office”

College sports team: Wisconsin Badgers