Tavion Crouch. Photos: Chris Emeott
Every August and September, our senior spotlight feature is a chance to introduce our readers to some of the outstanding Plymouth seniors that are making an impact at their schools.
We would like to express our gratitude to the school administrators, advisors, principals and teachers who make this feature possible.
Tavion Crouch
Cooper High School
“Tavion is an exemplary student-athlete who shows leadership and problem-solving skills while working with his teammates, coaches and classmates on and off the field. In addition to playing varsity football for the Cooper Hawks, Tavion is an outstanding student in all respects. Tavion is an advanced learner who has taken honors, Advanced Placement- level courses and International Baccalaureate courses all while staying on top of his academic and sports responsibilities. Many of Tavion’s teachers have noted how Tavion does not shy away from inquiry-based learning and actively explores concepts that require critical thinking and curiosity. Tavion has proven that through hard work, follow-through and dedication, one can truly reach their goals and dreams.” —Alessandra Bivona, school counselor
In Tavion’s words:
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
During my two years at Cooper High School, I was able to earn nine credits in Advanced Placement, Honors and International Baccalaureate classes, as well as scoring high on all exams I took in addition to receiving a score of four on the AP U.S. History exam.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
In my spare time, I like to write and create political models and political maps to help contextualize and visualize political data. I submit my projects to political analysts in order to influence campaign strategies and agendas.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Scott and Ramona by Lil Uzi Vert
What is your favorite childhood book?
Trenches, Treaties, Mud, and Blood by Nathan Hale
What is your favorite school lunch?
General Tso’s chicken with rice
Describe your future in three words.
Independent, Innovative, Political
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Football
- Weightlifting
Leni Kuhn
Providence Academy
“Leni Kuhn is a shining example of what a well-rounded student at Providence Academy looks like. She is active in the arts through band and theater and is a three-sport athlete. Leni is very accomplished in her extracurriculars, earning 13 varsity letters and multiple conference and state-level awards. She is also a student that has severe allergies that certainly make navigating nutrition and day-to-day life more difficult. All this and Leni still finds time to volunteer at places like Bunce Performing Arts, CycleHealth and Extreme Faith Camp as a church usher.” —Kurt Jaeger, Upper School director
In Leni’s words:
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of being selected for and attending the HOBY Minnesota Leadership Seminar. It expanded my leadership skills and changed my view on what leadership is. I also met wonderful people there, and I will cherish the bonds I made forever. I am extremely proud to be a HOBY scholar.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
Some hobbies I enjoy that others might not know about include knitting and writing! I hope that someday I have more time to pursue these more creative projects.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
Mr. Blue Sky by Electric Light Orchestra
What is your favorite childhood book?
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
What is your favorite school lunch?
I don’t take school lunch because of my food allergies, but I am blessed to have a mom who makes me delicious lunches! My favorite lunch that she makes is homemade sushi.
Describe your future in three words.
Full of smiles!
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Varsity cross country and track and field
- Backstage crew in theater
- Plays flute in band
- National Honors Society member
- Head of school’s Latin Club
- Academic letter recipient
- Involved with Bunce Performing Arts
Faith Zhao
The Blake School
“Faith is the incarnation of curiosity, inclusiveness and open-mindedness. As a committed member of the Blake girls’ golf varsity team, she has earned multiple accolades. Beyond athletics, she has shown a deep commitment to journalism through her work with Blake’s student newspaper, The Spectrum, where she has served as a staff writer, page editor and creative director. Faith’s favorite articles demonstrate her strong sense of empathy by focusing on social issues that give her glimpses of all the things that life holds and the stories that people have to tell. Additionally, her volunteer work, which includes creating posters for a ministry supporting children with autism, volunteering at the Special Olympics and planning a Lunar New Year event, reflects a heart for service.”—Pachao Yajcherthao, French teacher and student advisor
In Faith’s words:
What is an achievement or experience from your high school career that you are most proud of?
I’m most proud of my ability to stay authentic to myself. In such a competitive environment and with the constant self-reminders of “I should be doing x” or “Why am I not like x?”, I have learned to have a grasp on who I am individually and to have confidence in my capabilities. I think this confidence is reflective in all aspects of my life: school, friends, family and golf. As I continue through these seasons of life, particularly facing tough challenges and obstacles in school and especially golf, I get better at learning who I am.
What is something that your peers might not know about you?
I feel like when I’m at school or I’m at practice for golf, I can seem very stressed and busy, feeling worried about a test or nervous about a tournament. However, deep down, I actually really enjoy the process, both the ups and the downs. These experiences—studying for finals week and practicing really hard to improve my golfing—are exciting for me because I know I’m working toward who I will be in the future.
What song should be used as the soundtrack to your high school career?
I Think I Like When It Rains by WILLIS
What is your favorite childhood book?
Magic Tree House by Mary Pope Osborne
What is your favorite school lunch?
Pasta bar
Describe your future in three words.
Exciting, Unbounded, Growth
What sports, clubs and extracurricular activities are you involved in?
- Captain of the girls golf team
- Creative director for the school newspaper
- Volunteer for the Special Olympics
