The 2017-2018 school year is wrapping up, and the students of another exceptional senior class are preparing to bid farewell to the halls of NDA and greet the possibilities of their futures. As the year draws to a close, every week various students are recognized for their achievements in music, athletics and service.

Noah Eastman, a senior planning on attending St. Norbert College, recently received the A.C.E. award by the Green Bay Exchange Club.

A.C.E. stands for Accepting the Challenge of Excellence. This program recognizes high school students who have made a dramatic change in their attitude and performance during their high school years.

“It’s supposed to be for people that accept challenge and improve themselves either in social life, academically or spiritually,” Eastman explained.

The senior was nominated by College Counselor Becky Bain and Mr. Cassidy McGowan. He received a plaque and a cash prize.

Eastman admitted he has come a long way since his freshman year and intends on improving further. There was a moment in the retreat where the seniors gathered in a circle and were asked what they wanted to be remembered for and where they intended to go in the future.

“I admitted that I wasn’t really who everyone probably thought I was because I’m a really strong introvert, and sometimes it’s hard for me to get out of that situation.”

Eastman described the difficulties he has had coming out of his shell. “But that’s not who I want to be, or what I want to be remembered for.”

Eastman decided his mission was one of self discovery. “I want to find out who I am and why God created me the way that I am.”

He hopes to open his own company in the future for entertainment and media and “maybe a community service group because I really like to help out people, and I think it’s time this world starts taking more action. I don’t think we do enough because we are so focused on our own dilemmas.”

Eastman is thankful for his time at NDA and advises underclassmen and incoming freshmen to make close connections.

“Although life in high school may be extremely difficult and breathtaking, you should never give up hope and you need to truly try hard and find the people you trust and just always remember that hope is never lost.”