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Ben Kern, Appleton West
FVA Spotlight: Ben Kern, Appleton West Basketball and Football
Each week during the 2015-16 school year, the Fox Valley Association will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its 10 schools for a "Student-Athlete Spotlight" Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday and individuals are selected by the school.
Name: Ben Kern
School: Appleton West
Sports: Basketball, Football
Other school clubs/activities: Link Crew, A-Team, NHS, Varsity Choir
Parents’ names: Nick and Annette
Siblings’ names: Karri and Toby
Favorite aspect of your school: Appleton West is rich with history and traditions that have been embedded into our walls that guard this furnace of a school. No other school can compete with that, I feel very honored to go here, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which has been most rewarding and why? I was in a band with my friends from the Appleton High Schools, and we played at the Miracle League fundraiser. This made me very proud, being a part of a project that has brought happiness to so many people.
College or post-high school plans: I plan to attend a UW-school, though undecided yet.
What is your desired major/career field? Psychology
What is your favorite class? AP Psych, Choir, or World Lit&Comp. It's too hard to decide.
Who is your favorite teacher? Larsh!
Favorite youth coach: Coach Dahl
What is the best advice one of your coaches has given you? "Ben Kern, get your head out of your hind-end and get going."-Papa Engen
Something people would be surprised to know about me is…: My legal first name is actually Nicholas Kern. I have gone by Ben my whole life, though, because I am Nicholas Kern the Fourth. So, you can imagine how confusing that would be at family get-togethers. I have to go over this story every time I meet a new teacher and they take attendance, calling me by the name that's on the sheet: Nicholas.
Favorite place to play on the road in the FVA? Appleton North
Favorite athlete to compete against in the FVA: Tanner Bollenbeck (Appleton North)
Favorite memory from being involved in co-curricular activities is…: The free breakfasts I've gotten from Coach Engen
Favorite professional team: Green Bay Packers
Favorite professional athlete: Brian Cushing
What is at the top of your “bucket list?” To become taller than 5'10
What is your dream job? Psychologist at a High School
Favorite person to follow on Twitter: Definitely Spencer Bard (even though I don't have a Twitter.)
A non-athletic talent I have is…: I can play 4 different instruments and have a passion for music.
