Number Seven in the Class of 2020, Sam Van Straten, will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall. He plans to major in Biology- Pre-Med. 

“My favorite high school memory is every time I hit Mr. Kriegl with a ‘Draw 4 Card’ in UNO,” said Van Straten. 

Cross country, trap team and Model UN are a few things that he participated in while at NDA.

“NDA has provided me with academic challenges such as the IB curriculum which has really helped me grow as a student by developing better study habits, writing skills and work ethic,” said Van Straten.

His biggest regret during his time at Notre Dame is not giving math teacher Mr. Konshak more hugs. 

He says he “will miss the lasting friendships made before freshman year during summer gym.”

Something that nobody knows about him is that he sneezes every time he brushes his teeth. 

In fourth grade Van Straten became inspired to be a dedicated student. 

“I brought home a report card with less than stellar grades. It was at this point I made the decision to never do that again,” he said. 

In ten years Van Straten hopes to be mountain biking or downhill skiing in his free time while finishing his fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery.