Benjamin Setterdahl didn’t have sight set on Valedictorian
BY DANI TIETZ
dani@sjodaily.com
The SJO Daily has sent questions to all St. Joseph-Ogden High School valedictorians and salutatorians. SJ-O High School has recognized valedictorians Eve Owens, Rylee Sjuts, Ben Setterdahl, Brianna Suits and salutatorians Nathan Emmert and Jacob Shaw. Each student who responds to their interview questions will be featured.
Becoming SJ-O’s valedictorian was not on Benjamin Setterdahl’s list of things to accomplish during high school.
“Coming down the homestretch of our last semester after I was already accepted to colleges, (valedictorian) became my main motivator to stay on top of my work.” Setterdahl said.
But the accomplishment did not happen overnight.
“I didn’t realize how much I do enjoy learning new things until the last few years or so,” he said. “Looking back, I think I have had that curiosity and drive to learn since grade school and I attribute that to my parents and older sister.
“One of my academic goals as well as just life goals is to be as well rounded as possible.
“In academics that means getting good grades in every class instead of just the ones I’m good at, and in life that just means trying new things and pursuing my passions to the best of my ability.”
Growing up in the St. Joseph-Ogden community allowed Setterdahl to pursue his passions.
He participated in “We the People,” Scholastic Bowl, Spanish Club, the Maroon Platoon and was chosen as a captain of the football team as a senior.
“Life without the opportunity to learn is life without the opportunity to grow and adapt,” he said. “Learning is a skill that is underrated, but is so important in so many aspects of life.”
Setterdahl said that he did not go through the process alone, though.
“I have had so much amazing support from everyone around me,” he said.
“Since grade school my teachers have been very supportive, but especially in these last couple years I have leaned on my teachers so much and they have always been there for me.”
In what Setterdahl considers to be the best four years of his life so far, SJ-O provided more than just an education. During his time there, his confidence has grown.
“One thing in particular I have learned is to not worry about fitting in and do what you like to do and be passionate about it and everything will be alright,” he said.
Setterdahl will travel to South Carolina in the fall to attend Clemson University and pursue a degree in civil engineering
“I also cannot thank my parents enough,” Setterdahl said. “They are the reason I am who I am and I could not be any more happy to have them. I will definitely miss them this fall.”
