I’m so happy to introduce Class of 2021 senior, from Eureka High School, Natasha Bernius!!  I have been the LUCKIEST photographer all year long because I have had the honor of getting to know this beauty and take her photograph on numerous occasions.  She has changed and grown right before my very eyes and no doubt…  had me at hello with her contagious smile and fun, quirky personality!  Tasha walks to the beat of her own drum; she cheers on the underdog; she stands and speaks up for what she believes in and she is a loyal friend.  She possesses so many amazing qualities that I truly admire including determination, creativity, courage, and she is very talented when it comes to music and colorguard.

After graduation, Tasha plans on attending Monmouth College to pursue a career in teaching and social studies education.  One of her proudest moments during her senior year was making it to IDTA State finals for her flag solo.  “My piece was dedicated to my late Aunt Sara, so it was very special to me. It means so much to compete at the state level in her honor.

Natasha’s favorite teacher is Ms. Bertschi because “throughout my high school career she has taught me how to sail the seas of life. She has been my Scholastic Bowl coach as well! Her and I also share similar values which has brought us closer.
My favorite class is definitely American Experience with Ms.Bertschi. This class is a “dual credit course” which means it’s at the college level. I enjoy this class because it has an integrated way of learning. We are taught the different perspectives throughout history.”

In school, she is super active and participates in the Marching Band, Scholastic Bowl, Pep Band, Speech & Drama Team, Jazz Band, Softball, and Swimming. Outside of school, she spends alot of her time outdoors. “My mom and I both enjoy gardening, hiking and going on walks. I also spend a lot of time with my best friends! The three of us go to different coffee shops to choose our “spot” for the summer. When I’m free, I try to volunteer at Midwest Food Bank and I donate to local secondhand shops.”  My hobbies include canoeing on the Mackinaw River

“My favorite school event is the FFA petting zoo. When I was in kindergarten a family friend, Tommy, was showing his dog and puppies. When I and my class went to his station he recognized me! I felt so cool in front of them! I mean a big kid said hi to me! I always look forward to this event so I can be the big kid to the grade schoolers I babysit.”

“My perfect day consists of going camping with my best friends, Cleya and Rachel. We’d hike up to the perfect spot, pitch our tent, make sandwiches then swim in a nearby lake. After swimming, we’d make s’mores under the stars and tell ghost stories before hitting the hay.”

Food and Family:

1. My favorite family recipe is Italian Wedding Cookies. They’re very special to my family because only my Great Aunt has the recipes so we only get them on special occasions (weddings, holidays etc)
2. If I could eat only one meal for the rest of my life, it would be Chicken Alfredo
3. The most unusual thing I have ever eaten is smoked octopus
4. Favorite drink Lemonade
5. Favorite restaurant and what I love to order there: Cayenne in Peoria Heights. I get the Mac Daddy which is a Mac n cheese taco!
6. Favorite dessert: Mom’s Texas sheet cake, Favorite ice cream flavor: Twist soft serve Favorite, Snack: Chips & Salsa, Favorite candy: Hershey’s Cookies N’ Creme bar
7. My favorite family trip was our last visit to Galena Illinois. It was a small weekend getaway. It was just me, my mom, my sister and my dog. We needed a break from reality and had a girls trip.
8. The best thing about my mom is her perseverance. She has never given up no matter how many curveballs God throws her. She has kept my family above water. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without her.  She also happens to be my hero because she is the strongest woman I know. She has gone through so much and I owe every single accomplishment to her.
9. My favorite childhood memory would be going to Lou’s Drive In, in Peoria. My mom would take my sister and I to places all over Central Illinois. We’d call these trips “fun fantastic fabulous Fridays”.
10. Favorite holiday – 4th of July. We have a huge block party/cookout on the Fourth of July. My dad makes incredible shish kebabs!  On Easter, we have a tradition of throwing our rotten dyed eggs to see who’s egg lands the farthest away from the house.

Fun RANDOM Natasha Facts!

1. I can play over 5 instruments!!
2. The most daring thing I have ever done was give a speech about female mensuration in front of the high school principals demanding free products.
3. If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would want to go to Italy with my mom just to dig into our family history.  And of course, the pizza!
4. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a lawyer.
5. My nickname is Tasha
6. What advice do you have for incoming freshman? Go to every home game! Join a sport or activity! High school goes by way too quick-just soak up the little moments. You’ll regret not getting involved when it’s too late.
7. Favorite bands/singers?  Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Joji, Bob Marley, Lana Del Rey, Hobo Johnson, Cavetown
8. What’s your current style? Comfort is KEY! I usually wear mom jeans, Dr.Martens and a classic rock band shirt. So I would say, vintage/90’s-60’s style. I love jean jackets, mom jeans, flannels, overalls and oversized T-shirts!
9. Why did you choose Shelby Photography to take your senior pictures? I love how Cindy captures her seniors genuinely. Each portrait shows me a piece of the model’s personality. I adore that everything doesn’t look staged. It looks very natural and elegant.

What is a moment that you are most proud of? “I am most proud of advocating for myself when things got tough. I wasn’t ashamed to ask for a little help and in the end, it benefited me.”

Three things on my bucket list: Cross country road trip in an RV 2. Hot air balloon ride 3. See the Northern Lights

I love listening to classic symphonies and operas! My passion truly lies with music.  I play the Oboe, Flute, Saxophone, Piano, and Clarinet. I am best at playing the Oboe but I love playing the Saxophone the most!