The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

As you all know by now, I like to profile certain seniors at Lake Roosevelt High School. It gives you all a chance to learn a little bit about the adults that the Raiders are producing and get a glimpse of where they have been and where they are going. Living in a small community, they become all of our kids, and Nick Baker is one of those students we all enjoy. So here is a little bit of my chat with “Big Nick.”

Before we even got started, that big smile that Nick carries with him was plastered on his face. It is the kind of smile that makes you wonder if he knows something about you or if he is about to pull off the biggest prank ever. Nick does like to have fun, but there is so much more to this young man. When I asked him about his senior year, that smile stayed on display. “Good, actually,” he said, nodding his head in agreement with himself. “I took some classes that I wasn’t sure I would enjoy, but I am really liking them.” Nick was referring to a welding class and an art class. His grades are impressive in both.

Nick has a solid plan for the future, as well. “Military,” he said. “I want to be an MP, and then I want to come back and be in the State Patrol.” Nick has always had a respect for law enforcement and his favorite shows, growing up and currently, revolve around a police force of some kind. “L.A.P.D., that’s my show,” he said, and the smile that was already big got bigger.

We talked a lot about family, and when I asked about overcoming things in his life, things took a more serious tone. When Nick was in the eighth grade, he was living with his grandparents. Things changed dramatically one morning. “I lived with her for eight months, and I woke up to her being gone.” Nick explained how important his grandma was to him and how his focus changed in an instant. Since that moment, it was him and his grandpa, and at the beginning of this school year he was rocked again when they found out his grandpa was diagnosed with cancer. “But we overcame together,” Nick added and let me know that grandpa is in remission.

Family is so important to Nick. That became obvious when he was telling me who is biggest influences are. His dad, Ellis Baker, has taught him about what it looks like to be responsible while raising a family, and his uncle, Cory Allman, has taught him work ethic, “how to work really hard,” he said as the smile returned. Nick is a hard worker too. He has had numerous little jobs around the community and all of those he worked with want him to return.

Nick also pointed out some Raider influence in his life: “Mr. Utz I can talk about anything with, and he is always pushing me to do better. Mr. Hill was laid back and gave me academic help. Mr. Hood and Mrs. Whitelaw are just awesome all-around people that helped me a lot.”

Nick also had some words of advice for future seniors: “Stay on top of your work; it sucks to fall behind and try and catch up.” That is good advice for us all.

I personally have known Nick for a long time. He likes to have fun, and that is always apparent no matter how much time you spend around him. He is definitely someone I will miss in the halls after graduation. His presence brings a real joy that comes from Nick just being himself. He is a good kid and will be an even better man. Much respect to you, Nick, and I hope your future is blessed just as much as you have blessed us.