NDHSAA/Farmers Union Insurance Distinguished Students - James Schmidt

Editorial note: We will be publishing a series of articles on getting to know this year’s distinguished student finalists.

James Schmidt from St. Mary’s Catholic High School is this year’s NDHSAA/Farmers Union Insurance Distinguished Student finalist. James is seventeen years old and enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, fishing, reading, playing guitar and piano.  While attending SMCHS, James has selected English as his favorite subject.  He is very involved  in extracurricular activities, where he participates in basketball, soccer, track, band, jazz band, Knights of Virtue and Catholic Athletes for Christ.  With James’ busy schedule he still finds time to give back to his community.  These activities include: picking up litter, altar serving, and set up and server for banquets.
            
Upon graduation, James plans to attend the University of North Dakota and pursue a pre-dental degree.  With that degree, he envisions himself being a dentist in 10 years.
            
When asked, “What is the first thing you would do if you were elected President?”  James’ response would be to cut taxes for lower income families.
            
Outside of his family, James admires Mr. Nick Emmi because of his musical talents and joyful outlook on life.
            
James points out that justice and fairness are the most important characteristics of a leader.
            
We asked James several unique questions to get to know him better.  He stated his pet peeve is people who are hypocrites.  His perfect vacation would be a ski trip to the American Rockies.  He could go a day without communicating with another human being and his favorite holiday is Christmas because of all the food and gift giving.  His response to the question of whom he would like to have a meal with living or dead included the following: Alexander the Great, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein and Jesus Christ.  Any finally, if we made of movie of his life, Ryan Reynolds would play the role of James.
            
Congratulations to James Schmidt, this year’s NDHSAA/Farmer Union Insurance Distinguished Student finalist and best of luck in his future endeavors.