Petek races along non-stop at Medical Lake

Whether in academics, athletics or other pursuits, this senior is a leader

 

Last updated 2/15/2018 at 10:25am

Paul Delaney

Hannah Petek's face is seen all over the place at Medical Lake High School.

By PAUL DELANEY

Staff Reporter

Medical Lake High School's senior dynamo Hannah Petek seemed just a bit relieved this past Monday when she had to say, "I didn't make it on the court."

That's the group of seven girls from area high schools - a queen and six princesses - who will represent Spokane's Lilac Festival throughout the next several months.

This turn of events leaves Petek just a little more time to cheerlead for basketball, oversee Medical Lake student government, get ready for the upcoming softball season, stay on top of her studies and even work a little.

Oh, maybe get up to Mt. Spokane to catch a few more runs on her snowboard, too?

The 18-year-old Petek was one of 17 original candidates who applied for a spot on the Lilac Court. After a whirlwind few weeks of activity that began in January, the finalists were chosen on Feb. 10.

"We had a real intense interview Saturday, having to talk to five judges," Petek said. All she knew in advance was that some thought-provoking questions would be asked.

Regardless of outcome, "It was a great experience," Petek said.

The attraction for her were the skills she might acquire in the run-up to court selection. She was after brushing up on etiquette, resumes and more.

After receiving their official Lilac Festival court regalia, vests and school sashes, "We were off and running with meetings two to three times a week (and) community service projects on the weekend," Petek said. Those helping hands were put to work at Habitat for Humanity and Catholic Charities.

One word, "Heavily," describes Petek's volunteer and leadership life. She serves as ASB president, ascending from vice-president as a junior.

Petek is also captain of the Medical Lake cheerleading squad, but in doing so had to give up playing volleyball this past fall. "I just couldn't do it this year," she said.

Maintaining a 3.6 to 3.7 GPA has also taken its share of Petek's time as she pursues a possible career in marketing, communications or public relations.

As for where it happens, that's up in the air Petek said.

"I have four options now," she said, including her top choices of the University of Colorado in Boulder and the University of Oregon. Petek also applied at the University of Washington and Washington State but has not decided if she wants to stay in state or not.

If there's a hint of a preference it might be Colorado as Petek has family there and the snowboarding is good as well.

Now if all the rest is not enough, Petek works at Snap Fitness one day a week. As for a social life, "That can happen later, I'm kind of busy right now," she said.

The lifelong ML resident loves the small-town feel, the close-knit atmosphere and Friday nights in the fall under the lights at a football game. She has a large extended family that includes parents, Kathy Overfelt and Tony Petek, step-parents Chris Overfelt and Lynndi Petek, as well as a brother, sister and three step-sisters.

Petek will soon be out on the field playing softball for Medical Lake, something she has done since her freshman year. This year she hopes to move from left to center field.

And the reason wanting to move several yards to the left will not surprise anyone. "Center is just the leadership position of the outfield," Petek said.

Medical Lake High School principal Chris Spring ducked into the interview to pass along his congratulations to Petek.

"What I'm most proud about her is she isn't afraid of anything and puts herself out there," Spring said. "If you haven't failed, you haven't tried."

"And though while sometimes there's bad news, like she got Saturday, she never misses an opportunity to put herself in a position that others don't," Spring said.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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