Los Alamos High School senior Luke Finstad will continue his education this fall at the University of Arizona, Tucson, College of Engineering. Luke moved with his family from Tucson to Los Alamos at the age of 5.

Throughout school, he excelled both academically and in the LAPS music programs. He enjoyed orchestra, playing viola from 4th through 10th grades. In 2022, he made the New Mexico All State Orchestra. Luke joined Aspen Percussion Club as a 5th grader. He kept the beat through middle school, and in high school became a member of Topper Drumline. 

For the past three seasons Luke has been part of Project Y First Robotics, enjoying machining,  electronics, construction and teamwork. 

Luke is active in the Los Alamos Troop 22 Scouting program and completed requirements for his Eagle Rank last fall, building a community seed library at PEEC Nature Center. He has a wide variety of interests from beekeeping, chemistry, engineering and gardening, to exploring and backpacking the mountains and wilderness in New Mexico and the American West. 

We are thankful for the excellent academic and community support shared with Luke over the last 13 years and are excited to see what his future holds. Luke’s proud family includes parents Elaine Drees and Casey Finstad, siblings Lydia Lutes and Micah Finstad.