Name: Maddy Kersten

School: Washburn High School

Main Activity: Performing her original songs with her band.

How did you start: In sixth grade, I had a guitar class at Field (Community School). Oh, I should tell you that I play trumpet as well. I didn't bring that to this performance, though, because it's hard to sing while you play that. 

I keep at it because it's really, really nerve wracking. At the same time, it's a lot more fun to have an audience than to play by myself in front of the bathroom mirror.

What else do you do: I'm on the FIRST Robotics team, I play softball, and math is my favorite subject!

Ed. Note: Updated 1/27/12 at 1:57 p.m. to correct the spelling of the subject's name. The original article identified her as Maddy Kirste.