‘I feel super lucky to have grown up in such a welcoming environment’

POLO — Polo Community High School senior Rebekah Zeigler was recently named the school’s January Student of the Month. She received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for her efforts.

Zeigler is the daughter of Mark and Alissa Zeigler. She participates in volleyball, basketball, track, student council, FCCLA, Spanish club and National Honor Society. After high school, she plans to attend a four-year university to major in biology with the hope of pursuing a career in medicine.

Upon winning the award, Zeigler filled out a list of questions about her school experience.

If you could create any new class at your school, what would it be?

-A career preparatory course that exposes students to various jobs so they have some sort of idea what they want to do after graduation.

What does it take to be a successful high school student?

-Prioritization, goals, and good friends.

How would you describe your group of friends?

-They’re hardworking, supportive, and the funniest people I know.

What do you do in your free time?

-I like to hang out with my friends, play volleyball, go to Starbucks and see movies.

What class do you find really engaging and why?

-STEM courses are my favorite, as they all build on each other, so naturally my favorite class this year is Biology 105 with Mrs. Cole. I enjoy learning about applicable content, and Mrs. Cole makes both her lectures and lessons really engaging. We’re about to start a genome modification lab I’m really excited about.

What are your career and post-graduation plans? What school(s) or other instruction, travel or endeavors do you have planned?

-This summer, I plan to spend time with family and friends, maintain a job and get ready for wherever I decide to spend the next four years. I know I’ll miss summer league sports, but I’m excited to have some more free time. As an occupation, I think I eventually want to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist, but that’s tentative for now though I am thinking of a career in medicine.

What are your two favorite extracurricular, volunteer or community activities you participate in? 

-Although the season’s over now, volleyball is one of my favorite extracurricular activities, as it’s my favorite sport. I’ve played on both school and club teams throughout the years since sixth grade and plan to join either a club or an intramural team in college. I’ve learned to be more cooperative, supportive and appreciative. My other favorite activity is probably student council, as we do a lot for both the school and community. I really enjoyed helping out with the Doggy Dash and our local nursing home essentials drive this year and have learned to be a better leader, friend and citizen.

Please share a moment, group event or activity at school that was meaningful or memorable. -Winning basketball regionals this year was really special, as Polo hasn’t done it since 2008. Basketball’s not even close to my favorite sport, but I had lots of fun and am super proud to have been part of the team. Shout out to secret weapon Sydnei Rahn.

What is your hope for the future?

-My hope for the future is to be happy, successful and surrounded by good friends. I also want to feel like I’m contributing to the community, as I feel super lucky to have grown up in such a welcoming environment. Go Marcos.