Laken Alexander Garard Olesen, known as “Pookie” by his friends, a senior in Madison High School, is the son of Heather and Larry Olesen. He has a good relationship with his brothers Logan and Lane. He has lived in Madison his whole life but plans on living in North Dakota when he is out of high school. When Laken is not at home with his 3 cats or with his friends, he is working at Prostrollos. His favorite part of his job is “working on and driving new and cool vehicles.”
Speaking of vehicles, he has been into cars and mechanics his whole life. His obsession began when his dad first introduced him to snowmobiles and even gave him his very own to drive around his farm. When he was younger, he would help his brother Lane and his dad fix up cars. Now Laken drives around in his brother Lane’s old blue Dodge pickup that Laken modded himself with some help from Lane, of course. After high school, he plans on going to a technical school for diesel mechanics and getting a job as a diesel technician. When asked if he had 5 million dollars, what would he spend it on, he said he wanted some nice trucks, a workshop of his own, and a nice house. And when asked what superpower he would like to have, he said “teleportation so he doesn't have to drive through Iowa.” If he could play any character from a movie or show he wants to be Batman.
When asked what he wants to be remembered for by his classmates, he said “being stupid but funny.” He also says that he doesn't think he will keep in touch with all his friends from high school, but he will keep the ones who count. And when asked what his favorite part of school was, he said, “The memories I made with my friends,” and his favorite memory was “meowing in Ms. Lutter’s class.” When asked where he sees himself in 10 years, he says, “Living on my own in my own house and being happy.” His advice for underclassmen is “Live life how you want to,” and the quote he lives by is “If it were easy, everyone would do it.”