Fine Arts Student of the Week: Cassidy Pelkey

Cassidy Pelkey

Grade: Senior.

Age: 17.

Art focus: Brainerd High School (BHS) Wind Symphony.

Adviser nomination: "Cassidy is the flute section leader of the BHS Wind Symphony. She is also a member of the 2014-15 Minnesota Music Educators Association All State Band. Her consistent leadership and musicianship is appreciated and noticed by her peers and teachers."

Memorable fine arts achievement: "Making Minnesota All-State last year."

What do you like about playing the flute: "For me its a good stress reliever. A good way to clear my mind. I enjoy playing music. I've played the flute since sixth grade. I also play the piccolo. I started playing it in ninth grade. I started to play the piccolo because I had the opportunity to. People told me it was fun.

"It's harder to play than the flute because it is smaller. It's an octave higher so it's harder to hit notes, harder to get in tune. There are two other people in band who play the piccolo."

How do you help others: "I like to help people with the tricky fingering. I like to help others, I mainly help those who play in my section. There are seven flutes. My peers know to go to me. It feels good to help them."

Favorite music to perform: "John Philip Sousa marches. I like marches because they are fun to play."

Hardest piece: "Either 'Incantation in Dance' or 'Testament.' I played them both in band. The dance piece I did my sophomore year and 'Testament' was last summer."

Favorite TV show: "Gilmore Girls"

Book you last read: " Pride and Prejudice."

Favorite subject: Science.

Favorite movie: "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Last song you heard: "Shake it Off" by Taylor Swift.

Dream job: "I am going to study environmental science, ecology or peace studies. I really like peace studies and read about it and it seems like something I would be into. A fun job for me would be to work for the DNR. I haven't really thought about it yet. I am going to attend either St. Ben's or the University of Notre Dame."

Another passion: "Figure skating. I've been in figure skating since I was 6. I like everything about it. It's relaxing and I've made so many friends through there. It's no drama. You go and have fun with your friends."

Clubs: Key Club and Earth Club.

"I was in cross country from fifth- through 11th-grade, but decided not to do my senior year. I knew it would be really busy. It was really hard (to drop out). I still went to the meets to support them. I miss it a lot. I will be in track and field this spring."

Favorite ice cream: "Bear Creek Carmel. I work at Chrissy's Ice Cream Parlour at Madden's in the summer."

If you were an animal, which one would you be: " I would be a cat because they just eat and sleep. I dont get a chance to do those things."

Parents: Kevin and Michelle Pelkey of Baxter.

Honorable Mention: Camryn Schmidt, junior, mock trial: The mock trial's adviser said, "Camryn is a lawyer for this years' mock trial team. In the Jan. 22 competition, Camryn excelled in her performance. She did a direct examination and cross examination without consulting her notes even once. She had less than the expected time and she had to totally adjust her questions on the fly to fit the time. She was completely cool and calm the whole time. Then she gave an excellent closing argument that was clear and persuasive."

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl .