Meet Karsten Olson

Whiz Kid's name: Karsten Olson

Whiz Kid's age: 18

Whiz Kid's school: Lakes High School

Whiz Kid's accomplishment: Karsten, a 2011 honor graduate, is off to Pacific Lutheran University in the fall after earning an academic scholarship to the school. He plans to study business and theology. During his senior year at Lakes, Karsten was captain of the Class 3A state championship basketball team and was named to the state’s Academic All-American Team. He also was a Running Start student at Pierce Community College and a member of DECA.

Whiz Kid's key to awesomeness: Karsten said that he feels that his faith has helped him the most throughout the years, and that he had the opportunity to preach a sermon at Blessed Temple Church during his senior year. He also cited the people with whom he has connected as key to his success. “(They) all support me in different, positive ways,” he said. Among those positive influences are the Lakes basketball players who he called “a group of guys I’m proud to call my family.”