Ed. note: The Enterprise publishes “Catch a Rising Star” to recognize students who stand out among their peers academically, athletically, artistically or in in their attitudes. Students from Glen Lake, Lake Leelanau St. Mary, Leland, Northport, Suttons Bay and those living in Leelanau but attending Traverse City West High School will be featured. Catch a Rising Star is compiled by news editor Amy Hubbell and is published twice a month when school is in session.

Stefani Pentiuk, a junior grader at Leland
Public School, is this week’s Rising Star.

Stefani Pentiuk

Pentiuk, the youngest child of Perry and Heidi Pentiuk of Leland, has an older sister, Anna, who is a junior at Hope College.

“Stefani is the kindest, gentlest, best friend to everyone. She never misses school and is always willing to lend a hand,” principal Terry Breen said.

She serves on the Leland School Improvement Committee and is involved in drama, the Leelanau Youth Ensemble and other community activities. At age 8, Stefani had a heart transplant but she hasn’t let the major operation slow her one bit.

“She is a wonderful young woman and an inspiration to everyone who knows her,” Breen said.

Interests: She enjoys music, drama, swimming, skiing and hanging out with friends and family.

Favorite Class: “Probably anatomy. We’ve been dissecting cats. I like the hands-on part of it. We’re not just reading it in a book.”

Do you have a role model: “I have to say my parents and sister. My parents are good Christian examples for me. They’ve raised me with good morals. My sister is in nursing school and is always so positive. I look up to her a lot.”

Career plans: “Since I was in third grade, I’ve always wanted to be a nurse. But now, I’d like anything in the medical field.”

Favorite place to hang out: “Anywhere around Leland, the beach or Fishtown.”

Describe your perfect day— who would you spend it with, what would you do and where would you be? “I would be with all my friends and family on Lake Michigan. We’d have a picnic and watch the sunset.”

What’s the best book you’ve ever read: “I couldn’t really decide on one favorite but I really like books by Sarah Dessen, such as Someone Like You and Keeping the Moon because they’re about how different people handle different situations and real life things that could happen.”

Favorite musical group: “I really like old stuff, Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. But I also like The Newsboys and Switchfoot. They’re Christian rock groups.”