Van Why Gets Along Well In Culbertson

Senior Profile

Culbertson High School senior Ayden Van Why has a very familiar face to many area residents. After all, customers probably have been greeted by Van Why at the Val-Am store in Culbertson on more than one occasion.

Van Why works at the store, mainly as a cashier, after school every day.

He enjoys the job as he gets to interact with customers and develop more people skill.

Van Why also cooks at the store at times. “I like making the breaded chicken,” he said. “I have some control over how much breading to put on it. People like it crispy.”

His favorite food item at Val-Am is the french fries.

Van Why’s favorite hobby is playing video games including Call of Duty and Phasmophobia. He has streamed with other friends to increase the competitiveness.

He also likes to drive around with friends and “finding something new to do.”

In the classroom, his favorite subjects are English with teacher Shelly Salvevold and history with teacher Dave Solem.

“She interacts with us,” Van Why said of Salvevold. “She keeps it interesting for us.” He added about history class, “Every day is a new subject.”

Van Why moved to Culbertson from Pennsylvania about five years ago. He has adjusted well to the smaller community.

“It’s easy to make friends,” Van Why said. “If you need help, you could walk less than a block and find somebody willing to help.”

After high school, Van Why plans to study computer science. He wants to learn how to code and build computers.