The Hilltopper Volume 79 Issue 5 Monday, February 12, 2018 Dream chaser proves dreams can come true by Alysia Morgan Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachu- think to myself, if you don’t make it in how are setts, is one of eight Ivy League schools across you going to feel. Therefore, my second choice the country and one of the world’s most re- would have been the University of Chicago.” nowned universities. Due to only a 5.4% accep- Bonny wants to study cellular and/or molecular tance rate, the odds of being accepted are low. biology. In order to study these topics, one has However, that wasn’t the case for a Highlands to have a very strong understanding of chemis- High School senior. Instead, she was one of the try, physics and genetics. lucky few to be accepted into this prestigious When asked if she thought she was going to university. get accepted, Bonny described herself as being Bonny Lemma has always wanted to at- a “50/50” chance, claiming, “There were days tend Harvard as long as she can remember, when I thought it could happen or sometimes and when her time finally came, she decided not, asking myself what am I doing with my to give it a chance and applied for early action. life, because I have wanted to go for so long.” The day Harvard was to announce acceptances, She said the process was a very challenging Bonny was very nervous as her sister and she one to achieve all of Harvard’s requirements. personal motivation and drive, they will be con- had counted down the days until the day finally She stated, “I thought I had a chance because vinced.” arrived. my scores were in the range, then I had to write Looking back, Bonny would have to say that Bonny recalled, “As I checked my email, the essay portion, thinking this essay better be one of the main reasons she was accepted is how nothing showed up; therefore, I waited it out, amazing because the people who go here have much time and effort she put into her Harvard and when it did show up I got really tense, be- really dramatic stories. And, sometimes the In- supplementary essay. She said, “I took the time cause the anticipation had worn off. So there I ternet is the worst place to look for that mate- to show what I wanted to do with my future; was in the middle of another application, com- rial because you see somebody who’s saving the the prompt I picked asked how do you plan to ing to the conclusion I’m just going to chuck world and you’re just here in Kentucky, and so use your Harvard education, and I want to be this and move on, because in all honesty I re- there were many times when I really felt like a doctor and go into international healthcare. I ally didn’t think I was going to get in because it this is just a moonshot (but I) might as well try charted my journey from when I was eight years seems very untouchable.” this and move on, which is why I wanted to ap- old to now, showing my idea of being a doc- Sitting in front of her laptop with her sister, ply to early action, so I could work harder on my tor as a young person to how it developed as Hiren, by her side, she finally decided to open applications to get them better so that I wouldn’t I learned more about the world. Everything I the email without hesitation. She said, “Opening be holding out for Harvard at the same time as researched showed me that you have to show that email that said congratulations, Hiren and I all the other schools.” growth, maturity and alignment of thinking and sat silently for about two minutes, then it was a Bonny has a lot of advice to those wanting conviction in the essay.” lot of celebrating with my family that night. It to apply to Ivy League schools and is willing Bonny is extremely excited and grateful, but- was an unbelievable, crazy thing that happened, to help anyone in the application process. She she believes those around her can be grateful really wonderful but unexpected.” thinks every individual who believes he/she and excited, too, if they just take the initiative to Bonny does plan on attending Harvard Uni- has the knowledge and academics to get into apply to a school they don’t believe they’ll get versity, but she is currently waiting to get all her an Ivy League school should go for it. She said, into just so that they can work their hardest. Af- replies from the other schools she has applied “I think it’s all about the essays. I really think ter all, one application won’t change the course to until she makes her final decision. Harvard if you write a great essay that shows your test of your life. Congratulations Bonny! was her first pick; however, she added, “I would scores and your grades, that match with your 13 not unlucky for We the People team by Nicholas Cooley “United we stand, divided we fall.” But ish it…” This line, stripped directly from that takes place in April. The team will go on January 23, when the We the People the Declaration itself, is the very motto to Washington, D.C., -for five days. Two team went to the state competition in Lou- in which this class has constructed itself will be spent touring the city during this isville, there was no falling to be had. The around. Their ultimate goal--to come up amazing opportunity, while the other three class, We the People, is a debate-based with a strong side that can be built upon will be actually competing. class in which students work to develop and form a solid defense. “I think we have a strong team that is go- different argumentative statements relating Not only did the Highlands WTP team ing to be pretty competitive in nationals,” to the American Constitution. win that day, they won for the 13th time said Lucy Houben, senior. “I really enjoy “Whenever any form of government and the 10th time under the teaching of Ms. bonding with my team while learning with becomes destructive to these ends, it is Megan Boimann-Hennies. them.” the right of the people to alter or to abol- The next step is the national competition H2 Monday, February 12, 2018 The Hilltopper Spring sports seasons begin February 15, teams set goals Tennis by Lexie Crawford players have other obligations but all have team and opportunities for individuals to win As winter comes to an end, so do winter been working extremely hard this offseason to titles as well.” Last year, the girls 4x400 relay sports, but athletes have the opportunity to prepare for the season and we’re looking for- won individual state champions, contributing start new activities. One of the spring sports is ward to this season starting,” said Mr. Baioni. to the win. This year, they aim to break the tennis, available to 7th through 12th graders. school record as well. Last year, the team had a great record; boys Softball by Caitlyn Morgan Speaking of school records, last year, Sa- were 16-3 and girls were 14-3-1 for the regu- The softball team has similar goals for their vannah Brady, then junior, broke the longest lar season. Both the boys and girls teams were season. The team is mainly focusing on hit- standing school record in the 800m run, with 10th region team runner-up. Freshman Peter ting and improving on and off the field. a blazing fast time of 2:20.91. According Laskey was individual regional doubles cham- “Yes, we want to win and get better but we to Coach Alessandro, the girls team will be pion (with graduating senior Jeff Schenk) and also want to prepare our players for life after heavily relying on its state champion cross a state qualifier. Junior Elizabeth Schwalbach softball. All sports are great, but they can only country team to score points in events like the was regional doubles runner-up (with senior take people so far in life,” said Coach Rob 800m, 4x800, mile and 2-mile. However, he Jana Riffe) and also made it to state last year. Coffey about his goals for the team. says that it is essential for athletes in all ar- Mrs. Laskey, tennis coach, said, “I expect Pe- The team lost valuable players two seasons eas to perform well. The first outdoor meet, ter and Elizabeth, along with senior Brooke ago to graduation and last season was spent Boone County Relays, is scheduled for Thurs- Hodory, junior Jacob Schuh and sophomore rebuilding the team with several young, in- day, March 8, weather permitting. The girls Jackson Hopper, to make another good run at experienced players playing at a high level. are hoping to perform well and take home Regionals this spring and hopefully beyond.” However, that rebuilding year is behind them lots of wins. Although the girls track team While the team lost several boys and girls and now the team is focusing on making a run is strong, they are always looking for more to graduation last year, many good younger at the state title and enhancing their hitting runners to compete in a variety of events. If players are still part of the team, and the team skills.