I interviewed Brooke Schwenke on the internet, and she wrote her answers to my questions. I asked her about her drawing that she had received an award for. Brooke wrote, "I entered the American Auxiliary Poppy Poster contest my junior year, because my art teacher, Ms. Jaramillo, presented us with the amazing opportunity to get our work into the contest. She always offered us the best ways to get our artwork out there and was 100% supportive through it all and always making sure we didn't have any roadblocks in the way. She truly was my favorite art teacher. My drawing, "Fallen Soldiers Are Guardian Angels," represents all the soldiers whose lives got taken from themselves while serving and those who have served. I feel like they play a big part in our lives and the reason we are safe, and those who have lost their lives are now our guardian angels. I know I have family members who have served, so I do believe I am connected to those who serve/have served. After turning my drawing in, I received a 2nd place trophy in the Class V Division. I was a junior when I did this drawing." However, Brooke didn't get the award until a few weeks ago. It's an incredible pencil drawing.
I asked her what she wanted to do after she graduates. Brooke continued, "A lot happened for me in my junior year. I'd say my junior year was when I decided I wanted to become an elementary teacher with an art k-12 minor. The only reason why I say that is because my art teacher, Ms. Jaramillo, allowed me to teach my own art class to the fourth graders that year-I immediately fell in love with teaching at that moment. That opportunity brought so many open paths to me. I ended up applying to MSU
Northern, which I will be attending in the fall, and I couldn't have done it without all the teachers I had, especially the ones who made me come to school in grade school when I absolutely did not want to, a big thank you."
Brooke wrote what it is like being a senior and not having the traditional last year. "Being out of school as a senior, sucks, but it has given me a lot of time to be with my family and bond before I move for school in the fall. I miss my class immensely, and I really wish we were back at school, making memories together for our senior year, even if we were just there getting in trouble for trying to talk our way out of homework or annoying our teachers. We have had a lot of memories together, but I wish there were more made from our senior year. I know we argue like none other, but we genuinely are the class that has one of the strongest bonds. I want to wish the best of luck to my classmates. I also want to thank all of the parents, the staff of Big Sandy Public Schools, and the community that has had to put up with making things work this year for the class of 2020! We appreciate everything! I wouldn't have wanted to grow up in any other small town. Big Sandy, MT, will always be home in my heart no matter where I end up."
