Madi Illg was born in Homer, Alaska and has lived here her entire life. From her elementary years at Paul Banks and West Homer Elementary Schools to her years at Homer Middle School, Madi felt that she would enjoy homeschooling for high school. However courageously deciding to embark on the journey through the Homer High halls, she feels that she made the right choice, as all the friends she has found each impacted her life in a different way.
When Madi’s not at school photographing student life as the design editor of the Mariner yearbook or tirelessly studying for her classes, she’s playing piano, painting or outside enjoying the nature that encompasses all of Homer with her cat Stewy. Madi has been an avid pianist ever since she was 9. This year she has stepped out of her comfort zone and now plays small recitals for Long Term Care at South Peninsula Hospital.
Nerves are natural when it comes to performing, but Madi powers through as she believes that “if you feel nervous about something, that means it’s important.” Similarly Madi’s perspective on life was shaped from a young age by her favorite book, “Word of Mouse” by James Patterson which captures the daring journey of a blue mouse that discovers the importance of embracing uniqueness and that one doesn’t have to be fearless to be brave. Bravely stepping out into the world, Madi plans to attend college out of state after graduation and major in Speech Language Pathology or Radiology.
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.
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