Discus Awards

Athletics

I have been playing softball for almost twelve years. Softball taught me quick-thinking, teamwork, and patience. In a sport like softball, every player on the field has a big role in the play and is tied to every other player. Making quick-decisions is very important. The situation can change at any moment.

I have been playing Varsity softball since freshman year. My freshman, sophomore, and junior year I was starting first baseman. My senior year I will be starting catcher.

I have played in the city travelling softball team for two years, in 2010 and 2012. Both years, my team went to the Wisconsin State tournament and won several tournaments throughout the state.

Work

I have worked many odd jobs since I was 14, but for the last two years I have been working as dog handler at the Oshkosh Area Humane Society. I love every minute of it and it has taught me so much. I have learned patience and determination. It can take weeks to get a dog to trust you and allow you to proceed with its training. I have worked with dogs that are absolutely terrified when I first work with them and many get adopted weeks later. I have been growled at, snapped at, licked, and greeted by a wagging tail many times. To be successful, one must work hard and push through until the end.

For my Saint Norbert College English 101 patron saint project, I directed a promo video for the Oshkosh Area Humane Society.

Faith

My family and I entered the Catholic religion when I was in second grade. I first started out with weekly religious education classes, going through the motions of every elementary-age Catholic. My faith really kicked off when I went on a mission trip to Chicago in 2009. There, I experienced poverty and displacement. One of the exercises I did was to sit on the steps of a building as if I were homeless. It changed my life forever and has made me more grateful for what I have.

Now I am active in both Catholic high school youth programs and teach a religious education class to seventh and eight graders. I am a leader in my parish's Lifeteen and the north side parish's Catholic Youth Oshkosh program.

I have also been active in my high school, Lourdes Academy, which is a catholic high scho