Karissa is the daughter of Chad and Molly Williams. She has one younger brother named Levi. Her favorite family activity is when they go and do something fun each summer. She also enjoys playing cards with her family around Christmas every year. Karissa admires her parents the most because they are very hard working and never say no to a challenge. Her most valuable possession is her dog who she says is adorable and super smart.
Something that many people don’t know about Karissa is that she was in dance for nine years, she did ballet, tap, and jazz. Her biggest pet peeves are people not respecting their parents or not treating their pets correctly. If Karissa could travel to any place in the world, she says she would travel to Italy, because she would love to try all different types of food. The accomplishment she is the proudest of is being the Unsung Hero in volleyball. Karissa has worked as a lifeguard at the Colman Pool for three summers. In 10 years, she sees herself living in a different state, excelling at her job. Three things that Karissa wants to accomplish in her lifetime are traveling the world, skydiving, and she wants to graduate college and have a fun career.
Karissa has been involved in volleyball for four years, NHS and FCA for three years, and softball for two years. She has also done stats for the boys and girls basketball teams. Volleyball is the extra-curricular activity that she enjoyed the most. She says it is her favorite sport where she enjoys being with her friends. Her favorite memory throughout school was, “Everyone having weddings at recess, asking for bridesmaids during math class and having Lanie being the pastor for all of them.” Homecoming week was her favorite memory as a senior. Mr. McKenney is her favorite teacher, “He isn’t easy on you, and he prepares you for college.” Human Anatomy and Physiology are her favorite classes because you can reference yourself. The most valuable lesson that Karissa has learned from a teacher or coach is that hard work pays off.
The most challenging part of her senior year has been figuring everything out; applying for college, applying for the program, dual credits, high school homework, keeping up with activities and still being a good student. If Karissa could do one thing differently in high school, she says she would be more involved and talk to more people. After she graduates she will miss seeing all of her classmates every day. The advice she will give to underclassmen is to do dual credits and to be involved in everything you are able to be in.
Karissa plans on attending Minnesota West Community and Technical College for the Radiologic Technology Program.