Media-Providence Friends School issued the following announcement on May 6.
We'll be posting a Q&A with one of our grade 8 students each Friday leading up to the Graduation of the Class of 2022. Join us in getting to know what makes an MPFS graduate so special as we countdown to the big day!
A Q&A with 8th Grader Gage Cunningham, Cardinal O'Hara High School
Class of 2022 Time Capsule
Describe yourself in three words: Athletic, funny, and kind.
When you’re not at school, what activities or hobbies do you enjoy?
Playing basketball and going outside, riding bikes. I like to ride with my friends to the park or wherever. Riding our bikes to get food. I’m on an all-star basketball team for Chester Rec. I still play the regular team too. And the MPFS team.
Who is your favorite musical artist, band? What is your current favorite song?
My favorite musical artist is probably Lil Baby. My favorite song right now is probably “Be Happy” by Dixie D’Amilio.
What is your favorite television series or movie?
My favorite movie is Home Alone. My favorite series is probably Raising Dion on Netflix.
What is your current favorite book?
I would say my favorite book of all time would have to be Percy Jackson & Poseidon by Rick Riordan. At the moment, my favorite book is called The Rat Race. It’s about financial savings and how to start your own business.
The MPFS Experience
What grade did you start at MPFS?
I started in 2nd grade and my first teach was T. Shirley.
Do you have a favorite MPFS memory, event, or tradition?
My favorite MPFS event was Bear Creek. It was just the environment, we got to do our own thing. At night, we had the whole campus to play manhunt. It was like pitch black, like 10:00 at night, we used our flashlights. Sleeping in cabins, going on zip-lines. Being in nature and we’re in the middle of the woods kind of and being there with my friends, you have a lot of independence there. You can really do your own thing.
What interests have been sparked during your time at MPFS?
I started my own aquaponics system. T. Daryl, she got an aquaponics system and that inspired me to start my own. Seeing what it could do and...it's basically like having a fish tank but on top you plants seeds. You use the nitrites to help the plants grow. You’re basically using fish waste to grow plants. I’ve grown arugula, basil, cilantro, mint…
It just stood out to me because I thought it was really cool, I’d never seen anything like that. You’re basically having your own ecosystem in your house. It's really cool to wake up every morning to see the fish and plants growing. Giving them to people as gifts, growing yourself instead of going to the market. My mom cooked with them and stuff. I like to cook too.
What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned at MPFS?
I think most important lesson I’ve learned was…be yourself. Be who you are. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and treat everybody with respect. Don’t be afraid to show what you love or like to do. And believe in yourself.
What do you think you’ll miss the most about MPFS?
Definitely trips. Trips to Echo Hill, PEEC, and all those things. At Echo Hill we met other schools, staying there with them, being out in nature.
High School & Beyond
Where are you going to high school?
Cardinal O’Hara.
Are you looking forward to trying any new activities, sports, or subjects in high school? I’m looking forward to high school sports. It’s serious there. That’s like a next level step. In middle school, everybody’s at the same level. You’re going to have people taller than you, that can dunk and everything. Maybe I’d try high school football. My main sport is basketball but I'd maybe try other sports. Maybe join the swim team.
Do you have an idea of what you’d like to study in college or what you might want to be when you grow up?
Going to the NBA. I want to be a basketball player.
What advice do you have for next year’s middle school students?
Don’t procrastinate. Do you work on time. Meet new friends. You don't have to become best friends with everybody. Just sure you know every body’s name, you’re cool with them, you don’t have to be best buddies…You’re not going to always be with your friend group so you might as well just put yourself out there and make new friends. And it’s good to know whose in your community and people you’re going to see a lot.
Anything you want your family, friends, or teachers to know about you or your MPFS experience?
My teachers: I want them to thank them for teaching me and dealing with me. Thank you to my parents and family for sending me here.
Original source can be found here.
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