Photos: Tate Carlson
This Hudson High School student wants to study environmental engineering so he can tackle “some of the world’s most difficult challenges.”
This year’s class of 2020 in the St. Croix Valley has high aspirations and is fueled by their passions. They are busy planning their futures and preparing themselves for their final year of high school before facing the next steps. For them, the paths are numerous, and the options are infinite. Three students, from three different schools and pursuing different careers, have the same drive and dedication to present themselves as best as they can: Maddie Whittington, Miriam Cooper
Charlie Neuenschwander
Hudson High School
Improving the environment and combating issues like climate change can be accomplished, but only if we have more people like Charlie Neuenschwander, a senior at Hudson High School, actively trying to change it.
Charlie is planning to study environmental engineering, so he can change how people impact the planet we call home. Instead of just simply recycling and buying sustainable products, Charlie wants to be in the thick of it, as he says, “tackling some of the world’s most difficult challenges regarding the environment.”
“I think this field is of utmost importance because the repercussions of what we put in our earth and how we treat it will impact our future substantially,” he says.
Charlie finds drive and inspiration from those who have worked hard to achieve their dreams, such as Elon Musk and Kobe Bryant.
Even on his days off he still likes to engage himself intellectually, by watching a documentary or reading an article or book that teaches him about something new. Combined with hanging out with friends and relaxing at his family cabin, he’s your typical teenage boy—with the passion, intelligence and determination needed to make the world a better place for all living creatures.
Q+A:
What is your favorite subject in school?
“My favorite subject in school is math because there are so many different types and I enjoy having to problem solve these complex issues. Nothing’s more satisfying than boxing in the right answer on a test!”
What are you excited to learn more about in your future education endeavors, and what are you planning on doing after graduation?
“I am excited to learn more about a lot of different fields of study and the world in general. I look forward to doing this at a college where I could also possibly play basketball.”
Awards/ Accomplishments:
Varsity basketball team since sophomore year
Academic All-Conference
4.1 GPA
Chamber Choir member
