Editor’s note: This Q&A was first featured in the July issue of Today Magazine.

Alex Tiernan

Age: 15

School: St. Edmond

Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you have had growing up in Fort Dodge.

There are many ways to escape our day to day lives here in Fort Dodge. I personally have found joy in learning to act and sing with Comedia Musicals, the Art Festivals at the Blanden, the Dragon Boat Bash held every August, taking dance lessons at a young age, visiting the Historical District and the Fort Museum, joining Taekwondo and Sogo Ryu, going to church at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, and joining the band, choir and speech departments at school. Through all of these things, I have been able to expand my horizons and view of the world right from my hometown.

What is your earliest memory performing?

Dance Recitals at Jill’s Jazz Pizazz.

What do you most enjoy about performing?

I enjoy performing because I get to show my knowledge and be an example for the younger generations.

If you could meet any famous person, alive or dead, who would you pick and why?

I would personally like to meet the Italian-American inventor, Antonio Meucci. He invented the telephone before Alexander Graham Bell, and I would like to hear what his thoughts were when he didn’t get credit for his work until 2002, 113 years after his death.

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring?

• Kindle with books

• Smartphone with music and a data plan

• An endless supply of chocolate

In what ways will music/dance be a part of your life in 25 years?

In 25 years, I hope to have kids that I am sharing the joys of music and dance with.

What do you want to do after high school?

As of right now, I am curious about the world of biochemical engineering, but that could change.

Who are some of your role models?

My role models are people I look up to that show me and encourage me to become a better version of myself. A few are Coach Matt Dillon, the Justin, Deann and Michael Faiferlick, Kelsey Felch, Andrew and Colin Birzer, Ben Wegner, Janessa Hendrix, Jason Swedlund, Michelle Curtis, Nancy Blair, Curtiss Klein, Dan Cassady, Shelly Bottorff, Bruce Perry, Andrea Bodholdt, my family and the Comedia Musica Family.

Walk us through a typical day in the life of Alex Tiernan.

Weightroom: 5:45am

Show Choir: 7:00 am

Classes: 7:45 am-2:55 pm

Biology

Band

Religion

History

Spanish

Online Science

Choir

Geometry

Honor’s English

Sport(s) Practice:

Football: 3:30pm-4:00pm

Volleyball: 4:00pm- 6:00pm

Taekwondo: 6:00pm- 7:00pm

Homework, family dinner and shower: 7:00pm-?

REPEAT!!!

What are 3 things that are important to you?

• Academics

• Music

•Family