Derek Pearse Post Falls High co-salutatorian

I am a hard-working student who always wants to make a difference in people's lives. I want to leave an everlasting mark on the high school, and I want the students behind me to follow in my footsteps.

Activities/clubs/sports: Football, baseball, student council, National Honor Society.

Hobbies: Hanging out with my friends.

Favorite books/movies/music: I love the “Harry Potter” and “Star Wars” movies, and I love music by J. Cole.

Favorite school subject: Math.

What has been your proudest moment in your school career? My proudest moment in high school is being elected co-salutatorian of my class because it shows how hard I have worked the past four years, and I am glad to see it pay off.

What has been the biggest challenge you overcame to become top of your class? Being able to write well. My freshman year, I struggled greatly with this and if it were not for Mr. Johnson's awesome teaching skills, I would not be where I am today.

What is one of your favorite school memories, from K-12? My favorite memory from school is beating Skyview High School in the football playoffs for the first time in our school's 5A history my junior year.

What are your plans for after high school? I am attending Montana Tech to play football and study engineering.

Who has been your biggest influence or your biggest cheerleader through your academic journey? My mom has supported me greatly throughout my years of school, and has helped me strive to be great in everything I do.

What will you miss most about high school? The friendships that I have gained, and the fun times had with my friends in classes and lunch.

What advice do you have for younger students that will help them excel in their studies? I would say that they should never take time at the school for granted. You will never know when your time is up there, so always work hard and have fun with your friends.

What is your legacy to your school? The impact that I had on the students, teachers and faculty. I wanted to make a difference at the high school, and I believe that I did.

• • •

The Class of 2020 is filled with stars so bright, even a worldwide pandemic can't overshadow their accomplishments. This series highlights the top graduates of North Idaho's high schools. Top seniors, we salute you!

— Compiled by Devin Weeks