Zach Knollenberg hopes to apply his dedication, talent, enthusiasm to law
by Joni Astrup
Associate Editor
Ten years from now, Zachary Knollenberg hopes to be living in Texas, married and working as a lawyer.
He’s getting a jump start on one of those goals as he and his family — parents Jeff and Julie and two younger siblings — move from Albertville to Houston in a few weeks. Knollenberg said his family lived there when he was born, his dad always wanted to return and now was the time it worked to do so.
Knollenberg plans to attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he will be in the Business Fellows Program.
“Right now my end goal is to be a lawyer,” he said.
He graduated at the top of his class May 27 from Spectrum High School, a public charter school in Elk River. He said he is competitive and it has been his goal since ninth grade to be the class valedictorian.
Asked his secret to getting good grades, he said, “It’s probably nothing too revolutionary. Just work hard, study a lot and it pays off.”
He also noted that he always got his work done and never had a late assignment in high school.
Spectrum teacher Amy Kinney described Knollenberg as a blend of talent, drive, enthusiasm and joy.
“He’s going places,” she said.
Kinney is a language arts teacher. She said Knollenberg is top notch in academics, athletics, writing, public speaking and more. Yet, she said, he’s humble and has a strong character exemplified in that he’s full of kindness and joy, is positive, is friends with everyone and adds a little humor, “to make it a perfect cake.”
“I’ve been an educator for 17 years. This kid stands out,” she said.
Besides finishing as the top student at Spectrum, Knollenberg is a National Merit Scholar and graduated from high school with 61 college credits. He earned an associate’s degree from Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids without leaving the Spectrum campus.
Knollenberg said he took classes from Anoka-Ramsey, St. Cloud State University, the University of Minnesota and Pine Technical and Community College through Spectrum’s College at Spectrum High School. He also took four online classes and picked up nine college credits from Advanced Placement courses he took.
In addition to hitting the books, he played basketball and golf.
Currently standing 6 foot 7 inches tall, Knollenberg played varsity basketball from ninth grade on and served as captain in 10th, 11th and 12th grades.
He said his favorite high school experience was the homecoming game for basketball during his senior year where they played rival St. Croix Prep. The venue was packed with fans, and it was a close game going into overtime.
“It was a really fun experience, even though we lost,” he recalled.
He also played golf for two years in high school, participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was a part of National Honor Society and was in Quiz Bowl during 11th grade.
Will he miss high school? It’s a mixed bag.
“There’s obviously a little bit of sadness,” he said. “I really did enjoy high school, but I’m excited for the future.”