High School Senior, Dane Daiker, 19, has lived in Old Forge all his life, having grown up on Fourth Lake. In the fall, he plans to attend an Air Freight Mechanics program at the former Griffiss Air Base in Rome.
“I chose that route, because I’m good with wrenches,” he said.
It’s a short program, as well, and Dane hopes that will get him into the job market quickly.
Unlike many students, Dane’s favorite class is math.
“I’m really good at it—more than some other subjects,” he said.
To better prepare for his future education, Dane said he participates in Educa-tional Studies Career Opportunities (ESCO), a program that Webb school offers.
He works with Jack Lloyd repairing small engines in Eagle Bay.
Dane’s favorite teacher is Mr. Kinney. “He’s most laid back, and helps me with pretty much anything,” he said.
During the spring sports season, Dane has competed in a number of track events. In the fall, he has played soccer at the forward position.
Dane’s favorite sport is soccer. “We always seem to be competitive in that sport,” he said.
He is member of Varsity Club and Student Council.
In the summer, he enjoys the outdoors, especially being out on the lake.
“I love to jet ski and water ski,” he said.
He also spends a lot of time on his dirt bike. “I’m into anything that involves adrenaline,” Dane said.
In the winter, he likes to ski and snowmobile.
Dane’s parents are Tal and Deb Daiker. They own and operate Daiker’s Inn, in Old Forge. Deb is also a school teacher at the Inlet Common School.
Dane has one brother, Devin, 21, who attends Morrisville College.
Dane waits tables at his family’s restaurant, and intends to continue till his mechanics program starts.
A favorite memory was venturing with friends, as a kid, into the air flow ducts under the school gym. “I have no idea why we did that; we were young and intrigued,” he said. “It was a lot of fun, but it was a big disappointment when we realized it wasn’t a bomb shelter, just an air duct,” Dane said. Oh, well.
Dane says his parents influenced him the most. “They kept pushing me to succeed in school,” he said.
Dane has two dogs, Torque and Tito, that he said he will miss.
Dane says he’s looking forward to graduation, but when he leaves town he’s going to miss the closeness of Old Forge; and his friends. He plans to come home for special events.