English Valleys senior featured in college newsletter

WILLIAMSBURG — Declan Patterson, a senior at English Valleys High School, is featured in the spring 2025 newsletter for Kirkwood Iowa County.

In the question-and-answer article, Patterson says he started taking classes for college credit during his freshman year.

“The course I have enjoyed the most is Mythology,” Patterson said. “I enjoyed learning about different myths from across the world and how they differed from ones I already knew.

“The most surprising thing I have learned is how to read the stock market. It is a useful skill to know even if you don’t plan to trade in the stock market.”

Patterson says the person who has had the biggest impact on him is his mother. “She has helped shape me into who I am today by giving me helpful advice and guiding me along the correct path.

“She was the one who recommended that I take college classes in high school, and I do not regret it.”

By giving students a head start on college, dual enrollment helps students prepare for the future, Patterson said.

“You are able to take the mandatory classes that you need to graduate. This will help you spend your college time focusing on whatever subject you may want to major in.”

Patterson’s hobbies include playing board games and video games and hanging out friends and family.

“After high school, I plan to go to college for telecommunications before returning home to work with a local telephone company.”

To nominate a student for the Student Spotlight, email michael.jacobsen@kirkwood.edu.