Karina Stryszowski

Since her favorite band is ABBA and she enjoys music from the 1970s and 1980s – long before she was born – it is safe to assume that Karina Stryszowski inherited her musical tastes from two people who she also considers her heroes.

“I have two heroes, who are my parents,” said Stryszowski, a student at Barrington High School in Barrington, Ill. My parents always encourage me and support me in my work, whether that is going to my gymnastics meets, or encouraging me when I think I am incapable of doing something.”

Her parents’ support helped Stryszowski not only exceed her expectations, but “I have also been able to view the world in a brighter light,” she said.

Stryszowski was recently named a winner in the Bill of Rights Institute’s Think The Vote program and said she enjoys that Think The Vote offers different topics to choose from “and that people’s opinions can be expressed.”

Stryszowski participates in multiple activities inside and outside of school, including gymnastics and orchestra. She plans to study nursing in college and considers education and health care as two topics she cares about the most.

In her spare time, Stryszowski enjoys running, sewing, crocheting, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.