The Senior Spotlight series features interviews with Sibley seniors who have shown commitment to academic excellence and personal achievement. The series will highlight two seniors each week until graduation.
SIBLEY SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: BEN GOLDEN
Son of Barbara Horwitz and Jeffrey Golden, from Mendota Heights
Ben has received Academic Letters and has taken Advanced Placement U.S. History, Psychology, Language and Composition and College in the Schools French and Hebrew courses.
Ben is Vice President of Sibley's Key Club, the school's student-led volunteer organization, and serves as an editor of the Sibley Scribe student newspaper. He is active in the Drama Club, National Honors Society and Concert Choir, and has participated in Model United Nations and Sibley's Book Club.
Outside of school, Ben is involved with various community service projects and volunteer groups, including the Jewish Philanthropic Organization. This year, Ben was one of 20 students in the nation selected to receive the Student Volunteer Award from Scholarship America's Dollars for Scholars.
After graduation, Ben plans to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison to pursue a field related to English and Psychology.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
District 197: How has Sibley prepared you to succeed after graduation?
Ben: It has also given me the skills needed to succeed in college, including a well-rounded academic background and a drive to be passionate about exploring more academic options in the future.
Who is your favorite teacher or what is your favorite subject at Sibley?
I cannot choose one specific teacher that has helped me because so many have in various ways. All Sibley teachers are very approachable, passionate about teaching, and have always been there if I need anything, whether it be academic help or just someone to talk to.
What’s a memory from your time at Sibley that will always stay with you?
Watching my one-act play that I wrote being performed on stage. It was very cool that something that came from my head was out in the open on the stage being performed at Sibley. It was a really fun experience and I grew a lot from it.
What advice do you have for younger students about high school?
Never be afraid to speak up in class, ask a teacher for help, or pursue what you love to do. Remember that high school is a time for you to grow as a person, have wonderful experiences and prepare for the future.
Anything else you'd like to share about your time at Sibley?
I am thankful for my time at Sibley and the many great memories and lifelong friends.
Read interviews with other students featured in the Sibley Senior Spotlight series:
Aspen Doud - Aspen takes advanced courses and maintains a 3.9 GPA while being a leader on the Dance Team and Student Council.
Victor Corral - Despite starting his freshman year at Sibley knowing very little English, Victor has maintained a 3.9 GPA, excelled in athletics, and was offered academic scholarships from three different colleges.
Kevin Kolstad - Kevin has made the A Honor Roll every quarter and takes many Advanced Placement classes. He is captain of the Sibley baseball and basketball teams, and also volunteers outside of school.
Nina Cerda - Nina has taken several advanced courses at Sibley and serves as captain of the Softball team. She volunteers outside of school with the Animal Humane Society and leads youth softball activities.
Santana Baker - Santana takes many advanced courses and is active in Sibley's math team, orchestra programs and musical theater.
Isaac Cortes Mera - Isaac takes many advanced placement courses at Sibley and has been on the A Honor Roll every quarter. He's involved in the Sibley Math Team and plays bass and guitar in his church's band.
Gretta Bruestle - Gretta has been involved in various Sibley activities and sports, including Link Crew, Model United Nations, Cross Country and Volleyball. She has lettered in Academics and taken many Advanced Placement and "College in the Schools" courses.
Patrick (PJ) Gannon - PJ has excelled in academics and has lettered in Track, Cross Country and Hockey. He also plays saxophone in several Sibley band ensembles and serves as co-president of Student Council.
Cassie Furlong - Cassie has been a leader on the Sibley soccer, track and field, and basketball teams, while taking various advanced courses. She volunteers outside of school with a youth group for high school students with disabilities.
Read about other achievements by students in the Class of 2014:
- Kate McKay named Henry Sibley High School’s 2014 Athena Award winner
- Henry Sibley student Jake Jaeger wins Region Triple A Award
- National Leadership training inspires Sibley student Jose Salazar to make change
- Sixty-five Sibley students earn AP Scholars honors
- Three Henry Sibley seniors recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program
- Meet the School Board's new Student Representative, Mikaela Ziegler
