We Are the League Feature Series: Meet Abraham (Abie) Skelton Harris

Editor's Note: Welcome to We Are the League, a feature series that recognizes the work, dedication and enthusiasm of individuals who are essential in making opportunities within the Minnesota State High School League a truly great experience for all. During this series, you will meet an incredible array of individuals, including student -participants, who will share their journeys through education-based activities. The League hopes you enjoy this recognition series.

My High School Journey

• I came in as a freshman at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School knowing nobody other than my then-senior brother. Making friends had never been an issue for me, so I did what I knew best and chatted up everybody I met. I immediately started to get involved in all sorts of clubs, sports and activities across the school. I'd never been in choir before, but knew it was a passion of mine. Through it, I've made some of my best friends to this day and shared some of my favorite moments of my high school career. Getting involved in choir has proven itself to be worth it. I've participated in various select ensembles, competed at regional contests, sang in Minnesota's All-State Choir, and currently serve as Armstrong's Concert Choir president. Along with choir, I'm also a captain of the Armstrong-Cooper Boys Swimming and Diving team and a member of the Falcon Punch Ultimate Team (Armstrong's club ultimate team). Both of the teams this year went through major rebuilding. I, along with the other captains, was tasked with finding new coaches and trying to recruit more students to compete on the same team. Through both these teams, I've enjoyed seeing people grow so much in a team setting and reach new heights they didn't find feasible, including myself. Senior year came by in a flash. I was involved in the National Honor Society, club swimming, choir presidency, and Post-Secondary Enrollment through a local college, all while applying for college and balancing two jobs. It was not an easy task to do all of this, and I took a moment to step back and reassess my priorities. It was not a task I faced alone, though. My teachers at Armstrong pushed me to be the best student I can be, constantly encouraging me to take harder classes. My parents helped me the whole way through, always keeping me updated on what was due when, and what needed to be done next for college. By surrounding myself with a strong circle of friends, teachers and family, I've been able to make my mark on my community and hopefully improve it for years to come.

Favorite High School Memories

• One of my favorite moments of my high school career happened at our section final swim meet in 2021. It was the last race of the evening, and being an eighth grader, I was not put on the "A" relay. However, my brother was, and I got to cheer him on from the pool deck. I remember the crowd being so loud that I had to yell so my friend standing next to me could even hear me. It was a close race the entire time and came down to the last few seconds. Wayzata touched first, Spring Lake Park second, and Armstrong third. Our entire team was a little defeated, as only the top two finishers qualify for state. It wasn't until a few minutes later that one of the officials came over to our coach, explaining that Spring Lake Park had performed an illegal exchange and was disqualified from the race. The Armstrong boys were heading to state! Our team, our coach, our families all erupted with applause and cheers as this was something out of the ordinary for the Armstrong swim program in the last few years. I remember seeing my brother beaming while standing up on that podium, so immensely proud of the hard work he and all the boys had put in. I look back at it now and am so glad that I continued to pursue swimming in high school, making even more podium memories of my own.

Why I enjoy being involved with high school activities

• It's so cliche to say, but by being involved in so many different clubs, in and outside of school, I've made such strong connections, met people I never would've met if I hadn't gotten involved, and truly felt like part of something bigger than myself. If you ask me, the best way to grow as an individual and not just a student is to get involved outside of your "normal" realm. By embracing the uncomfortable, I've extended beyond my comfort zone and encourage other people to do so too. I've learned how to be an effective leader and take part in being a team. I've experienced the highs and lows of sports, but most importantly, the fullness that being part of a community gives me. I'm off to UW-Madison next year and know that through my experiences at Armstrong and in the community, I've set myself up for success as I move on to this next chapter.