‘I truly enjoyed my time at NRHEG’
Co-Valedictorian Hallie Schultz
By DEB BENTLY
Staff Writer
NRHEG co-valedictorian Hallie Schultz, 18, is the daughter of Rick and Jackie Schultz of New Richland. She plans to attend Iowa State University next fall, and will be studying architecture.
During school, she has been a class officer on the student council, participated in DECA and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was selected for the National Honor Society, was part of the Captains’ Council, and played with the volleyball, basketball and golf teams.
In the community, she is a member of All Saints Catholic Church and has volunteered for “Celebrate Me Week,” Meals on Wheels, and Youth First. She has operated a fresh produce sweet corn stand.
Of being one of the three co-valedictorians, all of whom acquired 4.0 grade point averages across their high school careers, Schultz says, “I am honored to be valedictorian, especially alongside the two hardest workers I know.”
Schultz said her family is proud of her accomplishment. She said she is happy to please them in this way, given how much love and support they have always shown her.
Her advice to other students is “Try in everything! Be the best version of yourself in every class and activity you join.”
Schultz admits that, as she entered high school, she did not begin with a goal of being valedictorian, nor did she expect to achieve it. “There were always other students with better test scores than I had. I tried my hardest in every assignment and test. The long, extra hours I put in helped me be the best student I could be.
“I will miss all of the activities, friendships, teachers and community at NRHEG. I have received so much support and will always love this community.”
Among Schultz’s favorite memories was the homecoming celebration during her senior year. “The student council planned out every day, so it was fun to see everyone enjoy the events we chose. I loved hanging out with my friends and experiencing another ‘last’ with my classmates.
Schultz says her least favorite classes during high school were English.
On the other hand she loved math class and Spanish. Senora Joan Olson was one of her favorite teachers because, “She truly loves each one of her students and creates the best environment to learn in. We always felt very close, like a family.” Another favorite has been Onika Peterson: “She was both a coach and a teacher to me. She is one person I can trust the most; she is hard-working and I look up to how she presents herself both in and outside of school.”
As she moves forward with her education, Schultz says she is excited to become acquainted with the new lifestyle college will bring for her, and to all she will learn and do in college. In ten years, she pictures herself as an architect working for a firm which designs schools, hospitals or stadiums. “Over all,” she reflects, “I want to be a good person, be happy, and not be overly stressed.”
If she could travel back in time and give herself some advice as she began her freshman year, Schultz says she might say, “Stress is a good thing–in a way. It shows how much you care and want to do well. Work as hard as possible and set a good example for others.”
In closing, she reflects, “I truly enjoyed my time at NRHEG. I would not be who I am without my family, teachers and friends in this community. I always had someone to look up to. I hope I set a good example for the younger generations.”
Read the other speakers and stories in the June 6 Star Eagle!