Lingering around the edges of the lunchroom, you might have seen an impeccably dressed figure sitting at a counter stool flipping through a hard copy of the New York Times. You might have wondered to yourself, who is that? The answer: senior August Bicknese-Klein.
Bicknese-Klein has many unique qualities, like his dedication to reading printed newspapers or his strong passion for social studies.
Bicknese-Klein discovered his interest in politics during COVID-19, when he was stuck in his house listening to the news. It has continued to grow since. Blicknese-Klein has joined Model United Nations (MUN), Scholastic Bowl, Student Government, and Politics and Current Events (PACE) to express his passion for history. Blicknese-Klein’s strong interest in social studies resulted in him receiving the Social Studies Department award this year.
Bicknese-Klein reflects on what led him to become more politically active.
“I was raised in a political family, but I didn’t really start looking into politics on my own until the COVID-19 lockdowns. The idea that there was a club where people could go to learn and discuss worldwide events [at PACE club] interested me. At the first meeting, I saw how it was organized horizontally, a place where everybody was equal and could contribute their viewpoints, and I knew that I would keep coming back,” Bicknese-Klein said.
When not involved with school work, Bicknese-Klein continues to learn from reading historical books and biographies. He is also often reading printed newspapers, an activity not commonly seen in recent times.
“I read from a paper newspaper because my family has a subscription to a paper newspaper. I believe that there are benefits to actually holding what one reads, especially in such a digital age, and it is a better and more informative way. In my opinion, to pass time [rather] than scrolling through a phone is,” Bicknese-Klein said.
Senior Lucas Rosales became friends with Bicknese-Klein last year after sharing the same physics class with him. Rosales has since grown close to Bicknese-Klein and has seen how his personality differs from others.
“August stands out from other people because he knows who he is. He is very confident in himself, but he is also always keen on learning and pushing himself,” Rosales said.
As President of PACE club, Bicknese-Klein has many responsibilities, such as preparing slides with current events before each meeting and assuring that the discussions stay on topic and are timely. PACE club sponsor Joseph Edwards knew last year that Bicknese-Klein would strive as president.
“It was clearly evident last year that he was the one that always participated and the one that helped organize things even before he became president. I think that there was really no other choice that he was the one that should kind of take over,” Edwards said.
Junior Avinn Shrestha is a part of MUN with Bicknese-Klein and believes his great knowledge of history is a special addition to MUN.
“August is intelligent and unique, both in his style and his personality. He’s such a great addition to MUN because he has an expansive knowledge of world history, which gives him an extra edge in committee,” Shrestha said.
Bicknese-Klein also has a strong interest in music and hopes to grow a talent in guitar playing.
“I like music, primarily hardcore, and going to live shows of that and related genres…I’d like to develop my musical skills more, ideally to the point where I could play live,” Bicknese-Klein said.
Bicknese-Klein plans to continue his social studies interest in college and his future career.
“I’d like to help the world become a better place, so I’m going to major in political science in university, and then will likely go to law school after. I want to work in politics, law or a related field in some aspect, but I haven’t made any specific commitments yet,” Bicknese-Klein said.
