By Jennifer Falvey, Standard Correspondent
Jonas Kantola from West Windsor is Woodstock Union High School’s valedictorian for the graduating class of 2017.
In the fall, Kantola will be attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he hopes to study biological engineering or aerospace engineering.
Kantola’s passion for biology began when he was a high school freshman. “I took AP biology as an independent study in my freshman year. I was able to go as in-depth as I wanted to and I really enjoyed it. I especially liked microbiology because it is the foundation of how our body operates. Proteins were also very interesting as they regulate almost all of our bodily functions,” he said.
“I’m interested in aerospace because I love the idea of exploring space. Innovative companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are pushing the possibilities of space travel, and I believe that humans will become interplanetary during this century. It would be an incredible experience to be on the forefront of such a momentous change,” he said.
Biology and aerospace engineering are not Kantola’s only interests though. Woodstock Union High School has provided a variety of sports opportunities for him. “I have been involved in soccer, Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, and lacrosse.”
In addition to sports, Kantola has been involved in band during high school, “I play alto and soprano saxophone for the jazz band. My favorite piece to play is Red Clay by Freddie Hubbard. I would like to continue playing music in college in a small combo band,” he said “My favorite activity besides jazz band was Change the World Kids,” Kantola said. “I don’t plan on playing a sport in college, but I do plan on joining the Outing Club and maybe a chess club.”
This summer he will be gainfully employed behind the deli counter at the Woodstock Farmer’s market and doing yard work for neighbors.
Kantola has plans for college, immediately after college, and beyond. After graduating from MIT, Kantola plans on working for a biotech company or NASA. Beyond that, he would love to share his passion for learning and research by teaching at a university. “I would love to teach at a university and continue to do research,” he said.
Like many Woodstock Union High School students, Kantola will go wherever his future career takes him. “As of now, I don’t see myself coming back to Vermont for awhile, even though I love this state very much,” he said.
Thoughts of returning to Woodstock merge with future plans for raising a family. “I can see myself moving back here to raise a family,” he said.
This article first appeared in the June 8, 2017 edition of the Vermont Standard.