HC Senior Fencers: Max Niedziejko

How long have you been fencing? How were you introduced to the sport?

I have been fencing since freshman year after experiencing it through my three older siblings, who were all on the team when they were in school.

What is your role on the team? What is your greatest strength when competing? 

I, like the other seniors on the team, am a part of a program we have called senior leaders. We replace the role of team captains without all the politics because we work as a team to better the younger, less experienced members of the team. I am also a varsity sabre.

What is your most memorable takeaway from this experience?

The relationships I have formed over the past 4 years have to be the most memorable takeaway. I think it’s hilarious how we can beat each other with swords for three months yet remain close and support each other.

What other activities are you involved in at school (clubs, honors societies, sports, etc)?

I am involved in Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Jazz Lab, Pit Orchestra, Musical, Noteworthy, Madrigals, MRD, Tri-M, NHS, Rho Kappa, SNHS, SHS, Thespian Society, Mu Alpha Theta.

Noteworthy is a Tenor Bass Acapella group. It is a fun experience because it is just a bunch of cool people having fun and singing some cool music. For example, we’re singing sh-boom and The Longest Time in the spring and having fun learning them. 

What is your favorite thing/thing you will miss most from Central?

I will probably miss the familiarity the most, meaning I grew up here and am familiar with my surroundings, making it easy and simple to get around.

Name at least one thing you want to do before you graduate.

I would like to feel that I got the most out of my experience. In my opinion, high school is probably the hardest period in our life, and I want to end that time feeling successful and satisfied.

Plans after high school? College? Career?

I aspire to become a music teacher in the future and my dream school is West Chester University.

What is one way you have changed since freshman year?

One way I’ve changed is my confidence. Since my freshman year I have grown so much more comfortable taking on new challenges and responsibilities because I have a strong sense of who I am and how my support group can help me.

Pretend you are talking to your freshman self: what would you say to them?

It is ok to say no to things. Don’t worry about disappointing people if you shoot down their request.