Britta Velsko is a current senior at Homer High School, and a lifelong seiner on the Vestige, her father’s vessel. Her first season, at 12 years of age, was a mixed experience, as she “saw nobody (her) age all summer.” Nonetheless, she loves fishing and, on her breaks from college, plans to return to Homer and run her own operation.

With college on the horizon, she plans on attending somewhere nice and sunny on the East Coast and getting a degree in environmental or marine science. At the high school, Britta frequents the classrooms of Ms. Borland, Ms. Lowe and Ms. Bishop, having taken as many Advanced Placement classes as possible throughout the years.

While a good student, she also puts on a star defense for the Mariner girls soccer team! Playing soccer has been Britta’s most treasured and meaningful high school experience, especially now that her younger sister Estelle is out on the field, too.

Her favorite pastimes include watching “Arrested Development” and “Deadliest Catch,” as well as frequent book-reading. Her top pick is “Cannery Row” by John Steinbeck, an intimate and relaxing novel set in Great Depression-era California.

She’d like to tell younger students and incoming freshmen that, although it may already be challenging to balance academics and sports, they should also join the student council! It has helped Britta learn to talk to and deal with people, execute her own creative vision and, last but not least, have fun!

Suzanne Bishop, a Homer High language arts teacher, assigned a mini-biography project to her senior students. These short narratives helped strengthen student’s writing skills while also celebrating their peers. Each week, the Homer Independent Press will feature a student written Senior Profile, offering insight into the unique lives, experiences and personalities of Homer High’s Class of 2027.