BARABOO, Wis. — A love of music led Max Justus to the percussion section in the Baraboo band. His director Griffin James said Justus handles the mallets, drumsticks and just about everything else with excellence.

“He’s someone who doesn’t waste his time. He really wants to be involved. He wants to be using his time wisely. He doesn’t like to just sit around in the background. He wants to be in the forefront, leading,” said James.

The efforts paid off as his Solo and Ensemble group received the highest score possible for the past three years.

(Photo courtesy of Max Justus)

“Max is someone that the kids in the percussion section can listen to, to stick together for those good ensemble skills. That makes our entire band have a better ensemble,” said James.“Max is someone that the kids in the percussion section can listen to, to stick together for those good ensemble skills. That makes our entire band have a better ensemble,” said James.

Whether he’s playing at a state competition or a somber veteran’s event, Justus keeps his cool while performing.

“I don’t really get nervous when I play, to be honest. I try not to think about who is in the audience and how many people are there. I just focus on what I’m supposed to be playing,” said Justus.

He’s brought excellence to the classroom as well. Justus took seven AP classes during his high school career, including psychology with Brittany Crammond. She said she’ll remember him for the challenging questions he asked.

“His personality was one that I could tell other students were drawn to as well. Just kind of that camaraderie he brought to the classroom,” said Crammond.

Justus hasn’t chosen the college he’ll attend next year yet, but loves math and may pursue a finance degree. He’s a top 10 student in his class at Baraboo and gave back to the community through involvement with Student Council, National Honor Society and Key Club.

“It provides a lot of joy to me knowing that I can just help out with whatever’s needed, and make people happy,” said Justus.

(Spectrum News 1/Jon Fuller)

He was a soccer captain and called it his favorite sport but admits he’s better at track. Before his track season officially kicked off, Justus and fellow seniors led their teammates in off-season workouts.

Head coach Joe Becraft trusted that Justus would get them ready.

“He’s been such an advocate for having guys in the building, working them hard and making sure that there’s consistency amongst them,” said Becraft.

Justus said he thinks the early practice should help with more than just faster race times.

“We’re trying to get all the freshman to pop out and come and get a good workout in so we can all be ready, and so we can already have the team chemistry coming into the season,” said Justus.

His main event is the 400 meters, and his coach said he thinks Justus could crack into the all-time top 10 at Baraboo this season.

“Ah man, the 400, that’s really just holding on for dear life there at the end. He does a really good job with that,” said Becraft.

While Becraft said he wants him to continue running in college, Justus said he’s likely going to focus on his academics.