By Katherine Schmitt
Staff Reporter
Whether it’s the middle of summer or a frigid winter afternoon, you’ll probably find junior Ellie Prantner out on the ice. The second year Sentry photographer is deep in the recruiting process to play hockey in college. However, unlike most in her position, Prantner knows what she wants, and is prioritizing a meaningful college experience along with playing her sport.
“I’ve kind of figured out that I don’t really want to go D1, because it’s just so much stress, and for what? I want to be able to have a normal college experience and do all the things that I would do if I wasn’t playing a sport,” Prantner said.
Prantner’s usual position on the ice is a winger—her job is to score goals, much like a forward in other sports. Wingers typically stay on one side of the rink, moving up and down to either score or pass to other players. Prantner enjoys being an integral part of helping her team score.
It’s safe to say hockey is always on Prantners mind. While managing the demands of her sport, Prantner is grateful for current trends, like comfy clothes at school.
“I don’t want to have to feel pressured to actually try to put outfits together, that’s so much stress in the morning,” Prantner said.
But whether her outfit is put together or not, Prantner is always a friendly face. Her bright personality is matched with a love for indie and country music.
Prantner is an avid fan of Noah Kahan and Morgan Wallen, who are her go-to artists when doing homework.
Heading into junior year, Prantner is still adjusting to her classes and course load. She strives to stay organized, but commitments to her sport right after school make it difficult.
“I leave every day straight from school. I have practice at 3:45 in Maryland, so I have to drive, and then I’m right on the ice,” Prantner said.
Her third year at our school had certainly been a step up from previous ones, but Prantner is ready for the challenge.
Prantner is excited to continue her work for The Sentry as a photographer. This year she is ready to test her skills and bring inspiration to the photos she takes.
“I’m just excited to take really good perspective shots and be able to tell more of the story of the article with my pictures,” Prantner said.
While balancing school, sports, social life and an impending college commitment, Prantner stays a valuable member of The Sentry staff. Her warm personality and enthusiasm make Prantner a joy to work with. We are lucky to have her photography skills and dedication in our class for the coming years.
By Ellie Prantner
Staff Reporter
Unlike the majority of our school, you won’t find junior Katherine Schmitt under Friday Night Lights, supporting our school’s football team. Schmitt’s ideal Friday night would be spent at home, finishing schoolwork and baking.
“I’m not a big football game person, so I like to just finish all my homework, bake cookies and stay in,” Schmitt said.
When doing homework, Schmitt, like most teenagers, enjoys listening to music.
“I probably shouldn’t listen to music while doing homework, but it’s a lot of quiet Taylor Swift, and I’ll get distracted once in a while, but it kind of helps sometimes.” Schmitt said.
Like most juniors in high school, Schmitt has started to look at colleges, and where she sees herself in the future.
“We’ve looked at a few, kind of up and down the east coast and then in California, since we have family there. I have a few on my list that I really like, Boston College and Notre Dame, where some of my family has gone. I’m thinking of a bigger, mid-sized college, but I haven’t looked too in depth.” Schmitt said.
A first year on staff for The Sentry, Schmitt is looking forward to several aspects of the class.
“I’m excited to write some interesting articles, improve my writing and interview people.” Schmitt said.
Schmitt spent the majority of her summer at the pool, where she worked as a lifeguard, gave swim lessons and competed on her summer swim team. However, even with all of these commitments, she was able to have a fun family vacation.
“We went to California and Yosemite, and kind of hung out with family,” Schmitt said.
Schmitt has several hot takes with subjects regarding our school, like the hallways and bathrooms. One of these is Schmitt’s biggest pet peeve which most people can relate to.
“I hate when people are unorganized, and I hate when people walk slowly so being in these hallways is a really big annoyance for me.” Schmitt said.
Although Schmitt doesn’t have one specific favorite memory, she enjoys spending time with her family outside of Virginia, away from school and her commitment to her competitive swim team. As a swimmer, Schmitt has been given a lot of advice, but has been able to tune out the noise and listen to what she knows will help her perform to the best of her capabilities.
“One of my swim coaches told me to just trust the process, go at your own pace, it’s okay if you’re not as fast as everyone else or if you’re not at the same level, it’s okay to be comfortable where you are and take it at your own pace.” Schmitt said.
As Schmitt navigates the challenges of junior year, we are excited to add her adventurous and hardworking personality to this class. Her passion and willingness to work will greatly benefit The Sentry and produce amazing articles.
