The goddess of percussion, Madison Nichole Pauli, is an intelligent, hard-working, and determined individual. Since the fourth grade, Madison has been known for her talent and passion for being a percussionist. As a senior, her legacy lives on as she is known for the countless times she has earned a spot in the Augustana Honor Band and other groups such as SD All-State Orchestra.
Family makes a big impact on Madison’s life. Her sister, Liz Pauli, was the reason she joined the band. Her parents, Samantha and Joshua Pauli, have given her some of the best advice she has ever received. “Don’t worry about the small things that won’t affect you in the long run,” her father tells her when she is stressed about an assignment. Madison admits that she “sometimes forgets that some things won’t matter in three days and shouldn’t be stressed over”, and that her dad is, “really good at being calm and being a good reminder.” She remembers this advice daily, as she sometimes forgets that life is not always about hard work, but rather about enjoying your time.
Throughout high school, Madison has participated in various activities. She has been in the high school band for all 4 years of high school and even took a trip to Florida with the marching band. Madison is also a part of the jazz choir, commonly known as Madvoices, and has gone with them to Creston, Iowa to professionally record a song in a booth. Thriving in all of the fine art extracurriculars, it is not a surprise that she is also in the One-Act and Spring Plays. One of her biggest takeaways from high school is learning how to deal with people. Madison states that she has “gotten better at handling difficult people,” and believes that it will “benefit me in the long run and everyone should have this skill.”
Madison’s future entails going to Augustana University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education. While in college she is most excited about the study abroad opportunities that Augustana has to offer. She wants to do a J-Term, which is a program where you pick where in the world you want to study for the month of January then come back and start your second semester. One of her goals is to go with a study abroad group to Central America and teach people English.
Ten years from now, Madison pictures herself as a second-grade teacher. She will be close to home in the Midwest. Possibly married and with kids, she believes she will end up in or around Minnesota. One dream of hers is to one day become a principal. With her persistent attitude and hard-work, Madison will accomplish anything she sets her mind to.