Makenna Olivia Shelly

While many students count down the days until graduation, Makenna Olivia Shelly is looking ahead with both excitement and honesty about what comes next. With a passion for creativity and a strong sense of independence, she’s ready to step into adulthood and build a future on her own terms.

After high school, Makenna plans to become a paraprofessional, focusing on making a difference in the lives of others. Although college isn’t part of her immediate plans, she remains open to the possibility in the future. For now, her focus is on gaining real-world experience and beginning her career.

Like many seniors, Makenna feels a mix of emotions about what lies ahead. She’s excited about having a job, her own apartment, and the freedom that comes with adulthood. At the same time, she acknowledges that the future can feel uncertain. Still, she believes in pushing forward and taking risks, even when things feel scary.

Throughout her school years, art has been a constant source of comfort and expression. From the time she was in kindergarten, drawing has been her passion and her “happy place.” Alongside art, her love for anime has also been a big part of her life, offering both inspiration and relaxation.

Makenna credits her mom as her biggest role model. Growing up without her dad, her mom has been her strongest supporter, guiding her through challenges and encouraging her to keep going even when things felt difficult. “She’s been both a mother and a father to me,” Makenna shared.

When asked what advice she would give to younger students, Makenna emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself. She encourages others not to let people judge their interests or change who they are to fit in. “Don’t be a follower—be a leader,” she says.

High school hasn’t always been easy. Makenna describes her experience in three words: challenging, happy, and surprising. She wishes she had known just how difficult it would be before starting, but she’s proud of how far she’s come.

Outside of school, Makenna enjoys spending time at home watching anime, drawing, and being with her mom and her dad, Toby. While she doesn’t have a favorite sport, she does have a favorite song,“Tanjiro’s Theme,”which reflects her love for anime.

One of her most meaningful high school memories has been her friendship with Spencer, whom she describes as her best friend and partner. Meeting him, she says, was one of the best things that’s ever happened to her.

As graduation approaches, Makenna knows she will miss the time spent with friends and the memories she’s made along the way. Looking ahead 10 years from now, she still sees herself working as a paraprofessional, continuing on the path she’s about to begin.

With determination, creativity, and a strong support system behind her, Makenna Shelly is ready to take on whatever comes next, one step at a time.

 

Norah Danielle Watkins

Norah Danielle Watkins is heading into the next chapter of her life with a clear goal and strong determination. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Saint Mary to major in exercise science and work toward becoming a physical therapist. She’s especially looking forward to continuing her running career at the collegiate level.

During high school, Norah discovered a strong interest in anatomy, making it her favorite subject, thanks to her curiosity about how the body works. She credits Avery Meyerkorth as one of her biggest role models, whose positivity and encouragement pushed her to improve, especially in the 4×800 relay.

In her free time, Norah enjoys staying active by playing sports and lifting weights, but she also likes to unwind by reading, writing, and playing video games. Her favorite sports are track and cross country, and one of her favorite memories comes from the day before state track her junior year, when she spent time shopping and laughing with her teammates.

Reflecting on her high school experience, Norah wishes she had been more outgoing and confident early on. Her advice to younger students is simple: believe in yourself. She also emphasizes the importance of managing your time and not putting off big assignments.

Norah describes her high school years as long, intense, and funny, and says the best advice she received was to not take life too seriously and to enjoy the moment. After graduation, she will miss wrestling, her teammates, and the friendships she built along the way.

Looking ahead, Norah sees herself in 10 years working as a physical therapist in a medium-sized town, like Kearney, helping others stay active and healthy.

 

Ryder Cash Herron

Ryder Cash Herron is closing out his high school career with big plans and even bigger goals. After graduation, he will continue both his academic and athletic journey by playing football at the University of Central Missouri. While he remains undecided on a major, Ryder is focused on building a successful future, with aspirations of securing a strong career and making a good living.

During high school, Ryder discovered an unexpected favorite subject: trigonometry. He describes the class as both fun and engaging, a surprising highlight of his academic experience. However, it’s athletics that have truly defined his time in school. In addition to football, Ryder is a two-time state champion wrestler, earning back-to-back titles his junior and senior years, an accomplishment that speaks to his discipline, resilience, and competitive drive. His favorite memory, however, comes from being part of a state championship football season his senior year.

That drive stems largely from his biggest role model: his dad. Inspired by his father’s own high school success, Ryder has always pushed himself to meet, and even surpass, that standard. Looking back, he admits he would have worked even harder in sports if given another chance, but he still sums up his high school experience in three words: “fun, exhausting, memorable.”

Outside of school, Ryder enjoys playing video games and lifting weights. He also has a strong interest in music, with “I Don’t Mind” by Sturgill Simpson among his favorites. And while many recognize him for his athletic ability, one lesser-known fact is that he’s also a pretty good cook.

When it comes to advice, Ryder keeps it honest and straightforward. He encourages underclassmen to be outgoing and to block out negativity from others. The best advice he’s received himself? “Enjoy it while it lasts.”

As graduation approaches, Ryder says he’ll miss his friends and several standout teachers the most. Looking ahead 10 years, he envisions himself settling into a solid career, owning a home, and maybe even having a cat or two.

With a strong mindset and clear determination, Ryder Herron is ready to take on whatever comes next.