What makes Southwest special isn’t academics or test scores, but the students who make up the community. Southwest students demonstrate their academic integrity in the classroom and their talents and commitment to our community through sports, clubs, and community service. Senior spotlights are an opportunity to acknowledge and highlight the contributions our amazing Southwest seniors have made in just four years. One member of our community that stands out is senior Dahlia Karch, who has made a positive impact over the last four years through clubs, academics, and volunteering, building an impressive rèsumè of both community involvement and academic achievement.
Since she was young, music has been an essential part of Karch’s identity, and a meaningful source of community. “I started playing cello in 4th grade, taking lessons in school,” she said. “It has become a big part of my life, leading me to join both school and a private orchestra. It’s really fun, and I love playing.”
For the past four years, Karch has enjoyed playing as a dedicated member of Southwest’s Chamber Orchestra. She recently performed Vivaldi’s cello double concerto at the fall concert with duet partner Clark Burdick (‘26), which proved to be a highlight of the concert. Burdick said, “I’ve played with Dahlia in orchestra for four years, and she’s one of the most talented and smart people I know.” Orchestra has been a constant over the past few years, allowing her to grow close connections with fellow classmates and teacher Mr. Wixson, who said, “Dahlia has been a cellist in our orchestra for four years and for three years has served as our cello section leader. Dahlia teamed up with her fellow senior cellist, and they did amazing!” In addition to Southwest’s Chamber Orchestra, Karch performs with a citywide orchestra through the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, and this past summer she earned a spot in All State Orchestra, a competitive statewide orchestra for high school students.
Throughout her time at Southwest, Karch has also been involved in numerous student run organizations, such as Jewish Student Union, Green Team, and National Honor Society. When asked about her experiences in these organizations, Karch noted her strong connection to JSU in particular. “[Jewish Student Union] has been the best community. We do fun activities, and eat good food. Everyone should join!” said Karch. Another club she says she’s enjoyed is the Green Team, which she described as a fun way to find volunteer opportunities.
In addition to her involvement with community organizations, Karch is also working towards getting an IB Diploma. She described the IB diploma as, “Challenging but rewarding.” Karch added, “Academically, Southwest’s IB diploma program has definitely had an impact. I love the collaborative environment and support I get from my classmates, friends, and teachers.” The IB program is a rigorous program that asks students to truly push themselves. Ms. Vujovich, Karch’s current Theory of Knowledge teacher and Extended Essay advisor, also taught her HL Literature class in her junior year. Having gotten to know her over the past few years, she shared, “Dahlia is a fantastic student and I am so proud to be her teacher. She is always so engaged in class and has countless insightful things to say about the things we are reading. I will always remember her as a thoughtful and analytical writer.”
Recently, many Southwest students participated in the PSAT test, a standardized practice SAT test that awards scholarships to students who score in the top percentage of test takers. This fall, Karch was awarded a National Merit Semi-Finalist, an enormous achievement, for her score on the PSAT last October. This is a testament to the work she has put in throughout her time at Southwest. Reflecting, she said “I generally have liked all of my classes. I’ve been lucky to have so many good teachers throughout my experience at Southwest.” Like many seniors, she has become an integral part of the Southwest community, finding a role leading organizations and preparing for her future after high school.
