As we look ahead to the end of the 2025-26 school year and continue to celebrate the graduating class of 2026, Central Public Schools wanted to check in with one student whose post secondary education plans needed a little extra recognition.
Gabriella (Gabi) Schmidt has officially committed to attending the prestigious institution of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard was founded in 1636, making it the oldest education institution in the United States and has a reputation as one of the most prominent universities in the world. With an acceptance rate of around 3%, Harvard is highly selective and incredibly challenging to get into.
We connected with Gabi with a few questions about her time at Central Public Schools and what she has planned for her future.
What are your plans for after high school?
My plans after high school is to go to Harvard University for Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology. I am also considering a minor in either Spanish or vocal music. My career goals are broadly in the biology field, either in biomedical research with a focus on medical access and care disparities or a some kind of doctor.
How did your time at Central Public Schools prepare you for your future?
Central prepared me for my future by allowing small class sizes and a strong sense of community! I feel like I have good relationships with all of the staff here, not just teachers. The smaller class sizes allow for more personalized learning and getting to try new things.
Who was a teacher or staff member who made an impact on you?
Mr. Halbach, who was my 7th and 8th grade history teacher! He really believed in me in terms of success and I think he is my biggest fan. He encouraged me to apply to bigger and better schools, to imagine more for myself, and to chase after what I believe.
What are some of the highlights of your time at Central?
Some of my highlights have been competing at the solo and ensemble competition for choir and band at Gustavus Adolphus College. I have gone four years in a row and it's always so fun! I also really enjoy the mental health days because it’s a fun way to be around my peers without having to deal with academic pressure.
Getting into Harvard is a big deal, what does this accomplishment mean to you?
This accomplishment means a lot to me! It means that all of my hard work was worth it and that a very selective committee decided I was worth it and belonged with the top dogs. What it really means to me is that I don't have to worry about student debt and money in general because of college, which is amazing. It also means comfort in the fact that if I use the resources they give me, I have an infinite amount of doors that open.
Congratulations to Gabi on this amazing achievement from everyone at Central Public Schools!
Watch for more Senior Spotlight posts on our social media channels in the coming weeks as we will be highlighting our graduates throughout the spring.