The Senior Spotlight series features interviews with Henry Sibley High School seniors who have shown commitment to academic excellence and personal achievement. The series will highlight two seniors each week until graduation.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: ISAAC CORTES MERA
Son of Ismael Cortes and Melinda Mera, from West St. Paul
Isaac also attended Friendly Hills Middle School in District 197
Isaac has been on the A Honor Roll every quarter during his time at Sibley and has taken many Advanced Placement courses, including Biology, Chemistry, U.S. History, Calculous, Language and Composition and Physics. He also takes a College in the Schools French Course.
He has been involved with Sibley's Math Team since his sophomore year and was named Rookie of the Year when he started. This year, he is captain of the Math Team. He has also been involved in the Chemistry and Physics Demo Team which visits elementary schools to demonstrate science experiments for younger students.
Outside of school Isaac is very involved in his church, and plays bass and guitar with the church band.
After graduation Isaac will attend the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities to major in physics. He plans to also pursue graduate studies.
District 197: How has Sibley prepared you to succeed after graduation?
Isaac: Sibley has prepared me to succeed after graduation by exposing me to a lot of different classes and activities and also by challenging me to be my best. Although some of the classes might be challenging, the teachers are great and help us understand what we need. Through my classes I have developed a strong work ethic and critical thinking skills which will be useful for the rest of my life.
Who is your favorite teacher or what is your favorite subject at Sibley?
It's very hard to say who my favorite teacher is so I hope I don't break the rules by mentioning two. Both Mr. (Erik) Kluznik and Mr. (Peter) Bohacek have had tremendous impacts in my life. I have been Mr. Kluznik's student for all four years and I am very glad that it has been this way. Mr. Kluznik is a great teacher who is also very patient and always willing to help.
I've only known Mr. Bohacek for the last two years but I have really had a lot of great experiences with him. I was in the Chemistry and Physics demo team and it was great to be able to go with him and other students to the elementary schools and do science! This year, I have had the opportunity to help Mr. Bohacek with his 'Direct Measurement Videos' Project and I think that is one of the greatest things that I have been able to take part in. Being able to see and film real physics events and then edit the videos and analyze them has been great for me — especially since I am planning to major in physics in college. The videos are used by a lot of different universities such as the University of Minnesota, and soon MIT will also be working with the things we have developed and I am very happy that I have been able to be a part of that.
What’s a memory from your time at Sibley that will always stay with you?
One of my greatest memories from my time at Sibley will be when we won the football game against St. Thomas to go to state.
What advice do you have for younger students about high school?
I would tell them to get involved in any activities that they might find interesting because that is a great way to have fun and meet new people. Also, I would tell them try to take challenging classes because that will really help them be more successful students and make it easier for them to adjust to college.
Anything else you'd like to share about your time at Sibley?
I just think that this is a great school and I can't think of a better school to have spent the last four years. One big reason if for the Warrior pride. Sibley is a great community where everyone can have a great time, whether it be at sporting events or other events. GO WARRIORS!
Read interviews with other students featured in the Sibley Senior Spotlight series:
Aspen Doud - Aspen takes advanced courses and maintains a 3.9 GPA while being a leader on the Dance Team and Student Council.
Victor Corral - Despite starting his freshman year at Sibley knowing very little English, Victor has maintained a 3.9 GPA, excelled in athletics, and was offered academic scholarships from three different colleges.
Kevin Kolstad - Kevin has made the A Honor Roll every quarter and takes many Advanced Placement classes. He is captain of the Sibley baseball and basketball teams, and also volunteers outside of school.
Nina Cerda - Nina has taken several advanced courses at Sibley and serves as captain of the Softball team. She volunteers outside of school with the Animal Humane Society and leads youth softball activities.
Santana Baker - Santana takes many advanced courses and is active in Sibley's math team, orchestra programs and musical theater.
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Read about other achievements by students in the Class of 2014:
- Kate McKay named Henry Sibley High School’s 2014 Athena Award winner
Find out what's happening in Mendota Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- Henry Sibley student Jake Jaeger wins Region Triple A Award
- National Leadership training inspires Sibley student Jose Salazar to make change
- Sixty-five Sibley students earn AP Scholars honors
- Three Henry Sibley seniors recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program