At the eighth grade graduation program Wednesday, instructor Randy Ziemer announced Stephanie Hoeft as the winner of this year’s award. Only four essays were submitted by the students. Others competing for the honor were: Brian Stelling, Marty Lieser and Joy Hemmesch.
Printed below is Hoeft’s winning essay:
“Hello! I am a very outgoing 15-year-old, and express myself through love, friendship, creativity, understanding, enthusiasm, and dedication in everything I perform. My involvement in our community, church, school, and home nominates me for this great honor.
Throughout the years, I have volunteered in many places. I have dedicated myself to helping the flood victims by sandbagging; also cleaning abused country roads, mowing and raking lawns and recycling.
In the community, I have enjoyed playing bingo with the elders, Jump Rope for Heart, walking in the March of Dimes and assisting children during the Special Olympics.
A Christian life is very important to me and guides me in the right path. I enjoy acolyting, supervising in the nursery, performing plays for the younger children, working for fund raising activities, and baking cookies for the elders.
In school I have set long and short- term goals. I strive for superior grades and applied myself as a KnowledgeBowl member, FLA, band, choir, volleyball, track, dance line, student advisory committee, student council, book club, chosen Student of the Month by my peers, participated in the D.A.R.E. program and I have been an honor roll student since sixth grade.
As a student council member, I have demonstrated many leadership skills. Some tasks include: making agendas, planning school activities, helping organize food drives, designing Student of the Month posters, and sponsoring many other activities.
I appreciate the guidance and love my family has given me. I respect their values and standards. As a child, I have enjoyed helping with the farm work and spending quality time with family members.