Over the final few weeks of the 2017-2018 school year, we’re sharing stories about the ways Upper Perk prepares students for life after graduation. With the 2018 graduation ceremony mere hours away, we thought we’d take a pause from the Career Prep Series to tell you about not only where some members of the Class of 2018 are going, but also where they’ve been.

We talked to a handful of seniors about their post-graduation plans, Upper Perk memories, and more. Check out their responses below.

Natasha Carpenter

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

I played soccer and was in the band. I also was in FCA, Perk Pals, NAtional Honors Society, Leo Club and Future Business Leaders of America.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

Ms. Schoelkopf and the AP Chem class that I took junior year had a profound impact on me, because it was a very challenging course, and it showed me who I am as a person. I was challenged more than I have been in my whole education at Upper Perk, which allowed me to grow as a student and be better prepared for my future.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

I will miss the friends that I have made in my time here at Upper Perk the most.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to go to Liberty University to study mechanical engineering.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

My ultimate goal is to get into biomechanics and design prosthetics.

John Demichael

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

I went to tech for their automotive program.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

Mr. Moyer’s classes and going to tech

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

The people that I met, both teachers and my peers, as well as this stage of my life

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I am going to Automotive Training Center in Exton.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

After finishing my training, I am going to spend my days fixing cars for a living and enjoying the old ones that I will have.

Hope Flack

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

I was involved in numerous activities that I actively participated in, including being the Vice President of the National Honor Society, student leader of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), student council, FBLA, Leo's Club, Perk Pals and being the a co-editor of the yearbook. I have also played varsity lacrosse (captain junior and senior year) and field hockey (captain senior year) all four years of high school.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

I have had a unique experience in high school because my mom works as a math teacher here at Upper Perk and was also my lacrosse coach. She has had an amazing impact on my life, and it has been such a privilege to have her here. Many kids would not like having their mom at their school with them, but it has been a huge blessing to me. I can stop in her room whenever I want to just talk with her, or have a paper signed that I forgot about. She has always been there to support me and encourage me. She has also coached me all four years in lacrosse, and I could not have asked for a better coach and role model. She has shaped me into the person that I am today, and I am thankful that she teaches at Upper Perk.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

The thing that I will miss most about Upper Perk is the closeness that everyone has here. I am going to a bigger college, so I will not be as close with my peers as I was in Upper Perk. I enjoyed knowing everyone here and having an identity at this school and growing very close friendships here.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation I plan to attend Liberty University and I am currently undecided in my major. I also plan to play lacrosse while at Liberty.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

Since I am unsure of my major, I am unsure as to what my ultimate career goal is, but I know that someday I hope to get married and start a family!

Madi Lentz

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

Overall, I have spent majority of my time at Upper Perk in the music department. Starting in 3rd grade, I played in the orchestra up through middle and high school on violin and double bass. In high school, I joined marching band, concert band, and jazz band for percussion/drum line. Through connections I made playing in these groups through the school, I also started playing in community groups such as the Red Hill Band and I am one of the Goschenhoppen Folk Festivals' Strolling Fiddlers.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

Mrs. Lerch, the elementary and middle school orchestra director. She encouraged me to join the music department in the first place all those years ago, and it started my life of music. She taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication, and allowed me to reap the rewards of musical skill as I improved. She physically taught me how to play the violin and double bass, as well as convincing me to use my piano skills I had from out of school lessons to join the band. I can now play over 20 different instruments with the skills she helped me start and continued to guide me along the way as I became a better musician.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

I am going to deeply miss the music department here at Upper Perk, specifically the marching band because the college I am attending in the fall does not have one. I will always remember and thank the teachers and mentors that have guided me along my path to graduation.

What are your plans for after graduation?

This fall I will be attending Drexel University for an accelerated BS/MS in five years with 18 months of co-op for biomedical engineering. I plan to minor in musical performance if it is possible with the workload of my major, but even if I don't minor in it I still plan to join Drexel's orchestras, concert band and percussion ensemble.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

If all goes well, I want one audition eventually for the Philadelphia Orchestra and/or put orchestras for some of the theaters in Philadelphia. I will also be still keeping up with the community groups i currently play in like the Red Hill Band and Strolling Fiddlers.

LeeAnn Markwalter

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

I was involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, National Honors Society, Leos Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Perk Pals and Minithon.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

A person who had the most profound impact on me during my time spent at Upper Perk was my cross country coach, Todd Niemann. Not only did he coach my teammates and I to succeed as runners, he taught and encouraged us to be our best selves. From him, I learned how to be a positive leader, a dedicated teammate and most importantly, to never give up. His love and dedication to the sport and to the kids who participate is truly inspiring.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

I will miss most the friendships I made at Upper Perk. Upper Perk is filled with so many amazing people, each unique in their own way. I will greatly miss my friends, teammates and teachers next year.

What are your plans for after graduation?

After graduation, I will be attending DeSales University. I will be entering an accelerated health science/physical therapy program. At DeSales, I also plan on running cross country and track.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

My ultimate goal is to become a successful physical therapist. Ideally, I would like to work with athletes in a collegiate setting.

Jim Meitzler

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

I am most involved at the tech school culinary department.

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

At Upper Perk, Mrs. Lychock had the biggest impact on me. She showed me how to be relaxed and get my work done. At the tech school, Chef Tina Arnt has changed my life in a huge way by instilling in me the sense of urgency that I need 24/7 within the culinary industry, and has also lined me up with amazing jobs that have expanded my knowledge and skills as a young cook.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

I will miss going to the tech school the most because that is where I could really utilize my skills and passion for hands-on learning and the culinary arts.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am going to be attending Paul Smith’s College of the Adirondacks and will be there for just under a year and a half to obtain my associates degree in the culinary arts. As a result of my time at the tech school, I have half of my tuition off and some major culinary basics credits already out of the way.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

I plan on moving out west and opening up and being the executive chef of a modernist molecular gastronomy restaurant, and obtaining at least two Michelin Stars (but one would be fine with me).

Jess Schaut

What activities were you most involved in at Upper Perk?

Soccer (9-12), Track and Field (9-12), Future Business Leaders of America (11,12), class officer (9-12) and Student Council (9-12)

Who/what was one teacher/class/experience that had a profound impact on you?

Classes with retiree Ms. Sharon Schoelkopf. I had Chem 1, AP chemistry and Anatomy with her. Her teachings inspired me to pursue a career in the sciences. She helped me when I had questions or concerns in AP Chemistry, and for that I am grateful. Anatomy was the course I really enjoyed and excelled in. This gave me insight in what I wanted to do in the future.

What is the thing you will miss most about Upper Perk?

I will most likely miss my soccer team the most since I have been with these girls since 6th grade. We’ve all grown and matured so much over the past years. While I was upset to play the last game together on senior night, I’ve learned so much about these girls on and off the field, and for that I am grateful.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I plan to attend King’s College for their five year physicians assistant program. After five years, I will receive a bachelor's degree in biology and a graduate degree in physician assistant studies.

What is your ultimate goal in your career/life?

When I graduate, I want to move to Seattle, Washington and practice medicine there. I want to help people to the best of my ability. I also wish to learn from different cases everyday to expand my knowledge in order to help my patients even more.