2013 Lilac Festival Court

Q&A with Emily Staker

What is on your Spokane wish list? "This past winter, I was driving with my best friend in a Spokane neighborhood after one of our bigger snowstorms. What we both noticed was that a majority of people who were out shoveling were older citizens, (whose) bodies may not be genuinely capable of performing physical labor, like shoveling heavy snow. We both agreed that we wished there was a program available for the senior citizens of Spokane, so that in the winter they can spare their bodies, and for those who are truly incapable of such manual labor, a way that they can exit their home in order to acquire amenities, like food." What teacher inspired you and why? "The teacher that has inspired me the most is my physics teacher, Mr. Phil Kuder. Although it is one of my most challenging classes, I look forward to going to class every day. He is always looking for new ways to challenge our class and that is something that I enjoy and appreciate. Not to mention, he has a wicked sense of humor, which makes the class ten times better." What is at the top of your bucket list? "This past summer, I was blessed with a trip to Swaziland, Africa, where I worked with a team to educate the people of Swaziland on sustainable agriculture, built gardens for many homesteads, distributed TOMS shoes to hundreds of children, and made many amazing relationships with the people there. After this experience, I would love to go back to Africa and serve possibly in another region, like Rwanda or Kenya." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Candid."

Q&A with Hailey Hyde

What is on your Spokane wish list? "Spokane provides many opportunities for exploring the arts, and experiencing the great outdoors. However, our city needs to attract companies that can provide jobs in the technology field. We have multiple universities that are preparing students for careers in technology, but offer limited employment opportunities after they graduate." What teacher inspired you and why? "Jennifer Smith was my fifth grade teacher, and is my current volleyball coach. She has inspired me to be a diligent, passionate, and caring person. She has always supported me inside and outside of the classroom." What is at the top of your bucket list? "I would like to travel the world and experience different cultures firsthand. I hope to see the seven wonders of the ancient and natural world." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Hardworking."

Q&A with Brett Rountree

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to see more activities for young adults added to the city. For citizens my age there is a limited number of things to do here during the winter if you are not into winter sports. While we do have places such as Sky High and Hugo's, I believe there are more activities that should be made available in Spokane." What teacher inspired you and why? "My 8th grade math teacher, Mr. (Chris) Smith, Greenacres Middle School, is the teacher that inspired me to go into the math/science field. Up until 8th grade, I struggled in math and science and did not enjoy them. After having class with Mr.Smith, I not only began to enjoy math and science, but excelled at them as well." What is at the top of your bucket list? "Returning to Africa and spending a summer teaching math and English in Katanka, a small village just outside Accra, in Ghana, Africa." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Convivial."

Q&A with Camiele Travis

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to see more safe and fun places for teens throughout spokane to go. That may be just fun hang out spots or even places for teens that have nowhere to go to be safe without being embarrassed to be there. I realize that we have a few of those places throughout the city of Spokane but I would like to see more." What teacher inspired you and why? "My choir teacher Norilee Kimball. She is such a strong woman and she is a role model for myself, and I'm sure for many others. She is just so kind and very caring and she knows how to make everybody laugh! She knows when to be serious but also knows when to be silly! I know that whenever I need somebody to talk to that I can go to her for advice or anything. Mrs. Kimball is an amazing lady and she puts everybody before herself. She would drop everything to be able to help someone. A big thank you to Mrs. Kimball for being such an inspiration!" What is at the top of your bucket list? "Sky diving! I'm a very outgoing and adventurous person and I love the feeling of falling! I LOVE roller coasters, so I think I would have an amazing time! And I just want to be able to say that I have done it!" How would you describe yourself in one word? "Effervescent."

Q&A with Sara Hyman

What is on your Spokane wish list? "Despite my ability to move construction zone signs and drive through areas all summer, I wish that construction was finished more efficiently. I also would like to feel safer in downtown Spokane after dark." What teacher inspired you and why? "My teacher Bruce Gore has inspired me. He is an engaging teacher who genuinely cares about me as a student and person. Between earning a law degree to teaching our philosophy and history classes, he is knowledgeable on every subject. If I ever learn half as much as he knows, I would consider myself a successful in my academic career." What is at the top of your bucket list? "The number one thing on my bucket list is to live in Chicago and pull a full Ferris Bueller's day off. I would play hooky from school, rent a red Mercedes convertible, go to the Art Institute, a Cubs game, be in a parade to sing Twist-and-Shout, and make it back before my roommate even knew I was gone." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Relational."

Q&A with Devyn Russell

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to see a shelter available for homeless married couples so they have a place to go where they do not have to be separated from their spouses." What teacher inspired you and why? "My art teacher Mrs. Kaye Linda Johnson inspired me to incorporate art and creativity into all facets of my life and she encouraged me to chase after a creative career. Her support has really impacted me in my choices for my future." What is at the top of your bucket list? "At the top of my bucket list is to travel throughout Europe exploring as many cities as I can." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Joyful."

Q&A with Katie Heitkemper

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to see our relationships strengthened with Spokane's sister cities (Nishinomiya, Japan; Jilin City, China; Limerick, Ireland and Jecheon, Korea." What teacher inspired you and why? "My english teacher Mr. Davis brings literature to life and encourages students to think as if the author was sitting right next to us. He leads Face to Faith Club where we Skype conference with students around the world on topics ranging from Human Rights to the Environment which has added to my interest in global relations." What is at the top of your bucket list? "I have always wanted to paint a mural. I could enhance the beauty of Spokane while doing something I love." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Optimistic."

Q&A with Jade Wong

What is on your Spokane wish list? "To have a better transportation system that would be economically available to our society." What teacher inspired you and why? "Ms. Wirth, my AP Chemistry teacher, who is always positive has inspired me that no dreams are unattainable." What is at the top of your bucket list? "To see the world from up above; on a hot air balloon to skydiving." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Compassionate."

Q&A with Felicia Jackson

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to have a place where teens of all ages could get together and hang out. A place where they could meet new people, listen to music, dance, eat, play games, and just have a good time without worrying about the pressures that come with most "parties" that teenagers go to." What teacher inspired you and why? "My 4th grade teacher Mr. Gady is the one teacher that inspired me. At a young age he instilled in me my work habits and always expected my very best and never took anything less from me. Even to this day he is still interested in my life and accomplishments whenever he sees me." What is at the top of your bucket list? "To go to Barcelona, Spain because it is absolutely beautiful and I have always wanted to go somewhere foreign. Especially to a Spanish speaking area because I love the language and have wanted the chance to use it." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Involved."

Q&A with Ashley Uhlenkott

What is on your Spokane wishlist? "What I would like to see changed about Spokane is for more of the community to be people that do instead of people that rely only on others to complete everything." What teacher inspired you and why? "There has been many teachers that have inspired me, but the one who has the most is my freshman and sophomore math teacher, Jennifer Watts. Not only is she a teacher but also a friend. Even with not being my teacher anymore she is there every day to help me out with whatever I need." What is at the top of your bucket list? "The item at the top of my bucket list is to get married to a man who loves me for me and have children together. Then as a family travel to every country." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Compassionate."

Q&A with Savannah Sundseth

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would like to see Spokane add more memorials in honor of the veterans who have served our country as well as our city." What teacher inspired you and why? "The teacher that inspired me was Mrs. Rowan. This is because she always encourages me to be the best I can be and she will not let me settle for anything less than perfection." What is at the top of your bucket list? "I would love to visit Australia before I die." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Determined."

Q&A with Shelby Schafer

What is on your Spokane wish list? "If I had to choose something to be added to Spokane it would be a community athletic center. Where there would turf field so that people can use it for many different sports and it would be user friendly for everyone." What teacher inspired you and why? "John Adams my 8th grade history teacher inspired me because he enjoys life and it inspired me to share the better part of life everywhere!" What is at the top of your bucket list? "At the top of my bucket list would be my goal to travel to every continent and visit every country around the world. Just to experience all the different cultures." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Responsible."

Q&A with Michelle Tatko

What is on your Spokane wish list? "Spokane is a great city and home. If I had to see one thing change, it would be the crime rate. I would love to see that number decrease." What teacher inspired you and why? "My band director, Mr. Brueggemeier, has inspired me because he goes the extra two miles as a teacher. Not only is he extremely good at instructing bands, jazz, and percussion groups, but he is a very talented musician himself. He is positive, good-natured, fun, and he genuinely cares about his students and their well-being. He has taught me that music is something one can pursue for a lifetime." What is at the top of your bucket list? "I would love to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. It would give me a vivid perspective of another culture and also help me to become fluent in the Spanish language." How would you describe yourself in one word? "Vibrant."

Q&A with Quinne Evans

What is on your Spokane wish list? "I would love to see a welcome center added to Spokane. I think that it would be a great addition to our community, it would help locals and visitors learn more about Spokane and what all that is has to offer." What teacher inspired you and why? "The teacher that has inspired me most would be Diane Wesley, she was my 5th and 6th grade teacher. She is an amazing woman. She taught me the power of confidence, to always stand up for what you believe in, thank those around you and that its good to stop and smell the flowers." What is at the top of your bucket list? "Sky Diving. I love to push myself to extremes and i think that sky diving would be a complete thrill!" How would you describe yourself in one word? "Effervescent."