Interview with Hunter May - Royal Valley - Class of 2026 - Topeka's Best Senior Portraits

Meet Hunter—a smart, competitive, and funny senior with a passion for cross country and a bright future ahead. We had the pleasure of photographing his senior session starting downtown, then moving to a rustic field near Shawnee Lake. The setting sun gave everything a warm, golden glow, and the beautiful weather made for a perfect evening. Hunter was so easy to work with—cooperative, kind, and quick to smile. His family came along for the session, and everyone was in a great mood, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Hunter first got into cross country his sophomore year and has loved the sport ever since. He’s motivated by his competitive spirit and the chance to see his girlfriend at practice. He doesn’t even listen to music while running—he likes to train the way he races: focused and in the moment. After graduation, he plans to attend K-State and become an athletic trainer. We’re excited to see where the road takes him, and we’re so glad we got to be part of celebrating this season of his life.

T.H. Peterson: What first got you into cross country, and what’s kept you motivated over the years?
 Hunter: I first got into cross country sophomore year. My freshman year my geometry teacher was the xc coach and he was trying to get me into it, so the next year I gave it a try and I liked it. I'm a very competitive person so being competitive and trying to beat others keeps me motivated as well as getting to see my girlfriend every day at practice.

T.H. P.: What’s your favorite kind of music to listen to during a long run—or do you prefer silence?
 Hunter: I don’t usually listen to music when I run just because you can't listen to music when you race, so I like to be used to just running by myself with no music.
T.H. P.: What’s your go-to movie?
 Hunter: Need for Speed
T.H. P.: Would you rather run a 5K in freezing cold weather or blazing heat? Why?
Hunter: In the freezing cold because I could just layer up and run—in the heat you can't really do anything to cool off and it sucks.
T.H. P.: How would your friends describe you in three words?
Hunter: Smart, competitive, and funny
T.H. P.: What has been your favorite memory from high school so far—either in school or sports?
Hunter: Making the all-league team for XC
T.H. P.: What are your plans after graduation? College, work, travel—or still figuring it out?
Hunter: Go to K-State to become an athletic trainer
T.H. P.: Favorite thing mom cooks?
Hunter: Maybe her homemade brownies
T.H. P.: What did you enjoy most about your senior photo shoot with us?
Hunter: I liked that it didn't take long to take the pictures
T.H. P.: What advice would you give to someone just starting high school or joining the cross country team?
Hunter: Stay positive and try to have fun.




To book your own session, please call Tommy or Holly at 785.793.2492 or 785.213.0812 or email tommy@thpetersonphoto.

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