For Warner Standing Bear, the future begins in Ireland—no matter what it takes to get there. 华纳计划在都柏林三一学院（Trinity College Dublin）、都柏林大学学院（University College Dublin）或戈尔韦大学（University of Galway）攻读政治学或法学预科，他正在制定横跨大西洋的雄心勃勃的计划。 “Even if those plans fall through,” he says, “I’m going to study abroad or try to get a work visa! No matter what happens, I’m getting to Ireland before I do anything else.”

While law school is the long-term goal, Warner’s passions reach far beyond the courtroom. 他的理想工作？ A blend of ghost hunting and documentary filmmaking—traveling to small towns across the U.S. to capture their histories before they fade. 但他的心也在劳动法上，为更好的工作条件和公平而奋斗。 “At the end of the day, I’m perfectly content to do any work that tangibly improves the world.”

华纳富有创造力，富有同情心，充满好奇心，他的时间都用写作、缝纫、绘画和建立基于他超特定兴趣的在线档案来填补。 他创造了政治理论和诗歌，以及《星球大战》人物的爱情和披巾舞。 无论是为学校戏剧设计服装，还是制作HTML网站，华纳都用心对待每一个项目。

他在DECA和剧院的参与塑造了他的高中经历。 从一个安静的DECA新成员到作为成员参与主管的领导角色，华纳挺身而出，帮助开展筹款活动和组织活动。 In Theatre, he transformed a backstage curiosity into an essential role—designing costumes, running the lighting board, making playbills and helping coordinate five productions. “Theatre is really, really fun and welcoming,” he says. “I would recommend that anyone nervous to audition try out anyway!”

Warner’s educational journey has been as unique and resilient as he is. After attending multiple elementary schools across the metro—some of which were difficult and even traumatic—he eventually found community and stability in Richfield. His family’s path has included hardship and strength, moving frequently before settling in the area. Warner proudly identifies as Lakota Sioux through his father’s side, with deep ties to the Sisseton Wahpeton reservation, and as Polish-American through his mother’s side, whose great-grandmother immigrated to the U.S. after World War II.

他在里奇菲尔德高中最喜欢的课是和艾弗里老师一起上的独联体美国历史课。 “For all the intense labor it requires, almost everyone can leave that class not just more educated, but more confident and an infinitely better writer.” 华纳称赞该课程是真实的、进步的和深刻的变革。

Social Studies teacher Ben Powers calls Warner “the definition of competency and maturity. Part of that maturity is always trying to do what is right, even if it isn’t popular or well-received. He somehow still manages to be humble and an avid learner at the same time.”

在五到十年的时间里，华纳设想自己在都柏林自己的公寓里，当一名律师，写书，花时间从事创造性的追求。 “Getting my own space would mean so much,” he says, reflecting on the importance of independence and mental well-being. “No matter what happens, I just want to get to Ireland and have enough free time and spare money to pursue my creative endeavors.”

Warner offers this advice to underclassmen: “Take as many risks as you can, at least socially. 拒绝表现出真实的紧张、诚实和怪异只会吸引不合适的人。 Don’t let others take your joy, no matter what.”

无论是通过法律、艺术还是被遗忘的城镇的故事，华纳站熊决心让世界变得更美好、更有意义。