Meet Elizabeth Kraus, Étude Class of 2020 graduate. Elizabeth is Valedictorian of her senior class. This fall Elizabeth will be attending Marquette University as part of the MU Honors Program.
Elizabeth began her journey at Étude in 2013 as a sixth grade student at Étude Middle School.
“I was just eleven years old, and I was terrified of taking the next steps in my education. I remember walking in on my first day not knowing what to expect. I thought it was going to be like the stereotypical experience you see in movies—teasing, cliques, etc. Instead, I found community. I was immediately welcomed by students and staff, and I knew I was where I needed to be.”
In high school, Elizabeth became a leading voice in the Étude community. Throughout her time at ÉHS, she wore the title of Science Teaching Assistant, Étude Studios Events Intern, Yearbook Editor, and head of the Senior Committee. Elizabeth’s favorite role was working as the student coordinator for the American Red Cross Blood Drive.
“Through my four years volunteering with the American Red Cross, I discovered my passion for helping others. To be a part of an effort to save lives is such a gratifying experience and it really made me feel like I was doing something important. I think that especially came into play when I was able to become an active blood donor myself. It is definitely an activity that I’ll participate in for the rest of my life.”
Elizabeth worked with her advisors to ensure she had enough credits to graduate by the end of her junior year. In doing so, she was able to complete a full course load of classes at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay at Sheboygan Campus as a senior.
“My favorite course this year was my Introduction to Politics class. Although a very general course, I scratched the surface of so many new subjects that I’ve found I am quite passionate about. Politics, combined with my Introduction to Sociology course, has allowed me to paint a more clear picture of what I want my future to look like. As I move forward at Marquette University, I aspire to obtain a degree in political science and maybe even one day run for office. I’ve also considered pursuing a career in law or social work. I hope to have a career that will allow me to give back and personally help others. I believe that the service of others is one of the best ways to inspire change and I aspire to be the change.”
Congratulations Elizabeth and thank you for being a part of the Étude community! Go forth with an excitement for learning, a desire to explore and the knowledge that you are empowered to change the world.
“My time at Étude has most definitely been a large contributor to where my life is headed. Étude is a place that helped me succeed, fail, and persevere. I’ve learned what it means to be a part of a community with the support of my peers and teachers. I’ve had amazing opportunities like traveling to Mexico, having coffee with the Wisconsin State Treasurer, and getting to be a leader. I’ve really grown into myself through my experiences at Étude and I’ve met a lot of incredible people. I know that as I pursue the next chapter of my life, I will forever be shaped by my time at Étude.”
