Senior Paul Gomes is not only a standout golfer for Walter Johnson’s team, but also a passionate outdoorsman. When he’s away from the course, you’ll most likely find with a rod in his hand and some bait on his hook.
“I love sitting on the boat waiting for the fish to bite,” Gomes said. “The other day I caught a snapping turtle, but it broke the line,” Gomes said with a laugh.
Using the Fishbrain app, Gomes discovers some of his favorite fishing spots. Among them, Lake Nirvana is his number one, a place where patience, peace, and the thrill of the catch come together.
Senior Solyana Kifle has a true passion for ice skating. Kifle found her love for ice skating the summer of 7th grade.
“I used to take lessons when I was in middle school at the Garden Ice House. I loved connecting with the coaches,” Kifle said. It was kind of like dancing for me, my main sport. It was a great form of self-expression.”
Though Kifle doesn’t take lessons anymore, she still finds herself gravitating back to the rink. Whether gliding across the ice for herself or going to teach her friends, skating is still one of her favorite ways to spend her time.
For junior Aidan Weiss, his hobby blends competition and connection.
“For me, poker is a nice way to connect with friends and make some money, depending on the night,” Weiss said.
One of his favorite memories is walking away from a home game with $20 in winnings.
“I also love blackjack because I enjoy living on the edge,” Weiss said.
But for Weiss, it’s about more than just playing cards.
“The mental poise card games teach me, give me a boost on the basketball court, too – my favorite sport and pastime,” Weiss said.
As these stories show, there are a lot of people roaming the halls at Walter Johnson with interesting hobbies, so get curious, WJ, and maybe try something new too.
