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: CASSIE FURLONG
Daughter of Mark and Maryclare Bade, from Mendota Heights
Previously attended Somerset Elementary and Heritage Middle School
Cassie has taken Advanced Placement Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, Psychology, and Language and Composition, and also College in the School courses in French through the University of Minnesota. She has been a member of the National Honor Society and Sibley's Youth Leadership group.
Cassie has excelled as a three-sport athlete. She has been part of the Sibley Varsity soccer team since her freshman year and served as captain her junior and senior years. She has been on the Varsity Track and Field team since her 8th grade year and served as team captain this past year. She has also played Varsity basketball all four years at Sibley. For each sport, she has received All-Conference honors, and also received Academic All-State for soccer and basketball two years.
Earlier this year, she received first place in the West St. Paul Optimist Club's Essay Contest and went on to take second place in the Optimist Dakotas-Manitoba-Minnesota District Essay Contest.
Throughout high school, Cassie has volunteered as a leader for Young Life Capernaum, a youth group for high school students with disabilities.
After graduation she will attend the University of Vermont and major in Early Childhood Special Education.
District 197: How has Sibley prepared you to succeed after graduation?
Cassie: Sibley has prepared me academically for college and other future plans, but it has also taught me very important skills. I have had the opportunities to be in advanced classes, be involved in activities, and had leadership opportunities. Through my years at Sibley, I have learned the importance of hard work and the value of both failures and success.
Who is your favorite teacher or what is your favorite subject at Sibley?
I have had a lot of excellent teacher at Sibley, but one of my favorites is Mr. (Erik) Kluznik. I had never really had a hard time with a class until I had him in AP Calc and he pushed beyond my comfort zone and beyond the AP curriculum. He helped me understand that it is okay not to know everything and to have that push to try harder when you are struggling, especially when trying to grasp difficult concepts.
What’s a memory from your time at Sibley that will always stay with you?
My favorite moment I am sure is a lot of other people's favorite memories: when our football team won the section championship and advanced to the state tournament. I have never been so excited and proud to be a student at Sibley. I got to share the moment with all my friends and the whole community during the last year of high school. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
What advice do you have for younger students about high school?
I would recommend that students take as many advanced classes as they can, as well as take advantage of all the elective classes offered at Sibley. Make sure to attend all the school sporting events, performances, and all the other activities. Try to get to know people you don't know and talk to other classmates because after four years you will become friends with a lot of people you didn't know the first day of high school. All of the staff at Sibley are there for you, so don't be afraid to ask questions and get to know your teachers.
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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.
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
