With eyes on the horizon, Max Froehlich, staff writer and photographer of Zephyrus, is wrapping up his senior year at Edina High School. Max has been a member of Zephyrus for two years and is committed to University of Minnesota Duluth for Jazz Studies. A talented and proficient musician, Max has participated in piano lessons since childhood, has a band with his friends, and is a member of the EHS Concert Orchestra. An avid stick shift driver, creative writer, and coffee enthusiast, Max has gotten through his high school years with caffeine and corduroy pants.

“I had a persona that I wanted to become in middle school, and it all came true,” Max said. “I don’t know whether I want it now or not.”

Max has developed a significant connection with the theater department. His mother, Jessica Froehlich, is retiring this year from teaching and from her role as the head artistic director of the theater department after almost 20 years at EHS. Familial ties to the school have made EHS a second home for Max, souring his departure.

“Even in elementary school, I was walking these halls. So even though I left elementary school and middle school, this place always kind of felt like a constant,” Max said.

One of the most important things Max will be leaving behind is his beloved car, Abuelita. In addition to his many niche interests, cars have been important to Max since a young age. This long lasting admiration will make the transfer to a walkable campus all that more difficult. 

“She is my heart, my soul, and her recall airbags are gonna kill me,” Max said. “[That] car is so fun.”

Despite what will be left behind, Max is looking forward to his next four years. During college, Max plans to start a new band and continue his current hobbies. Eventually, he hopes to open a coffee shop and live music venue somewhere in the Twin Cities or Duluth.

This piece was originally published in Zephyrus’ print edition on May 18, 2023.