POLO — Alayna Young was recently named the September Student of the Month at Polo Community High School and received a scholarship from the Polo Schools Foundation for her efforts. She is the daughter of David and Andria Young.
Yingling extracurricular activities include track & field and student council. After high school, she plans to pursue a career in nursing.
Upon winning the award, Young filled out a list of questions about her school experience.
What does it take to be a successful high school student?
Get involved! You need a balance between schoolwork and school events. It is easy to get burnt out with homework alone. Participate in things you enjoy.
What is your life’s philosophy?
Live life to the fullest and don’t let other people bring you down.
What class do you find really engaging and why?
The class I find most engaging is my CEO class through Whiteside Area Career Center. This class is taught by our facilitator, Mrs. Emily Zimmerman. It is unlike any other class I have had. CEO is a student-led program that teaches students how to use critical thinking skills and improve public speaking, leadership, and knowledge of entrepreneurship. One of our main focuses at this time is our class business which will take place early next year. Then in April, every student will showcase their individual businesses at the annual trade show at the Northland Mall in Sterling, IL.
What are your career and post-graduation plans?
After high school, I plan to go to Sauk Valley Community College and then transfer to Northern Illinois University to pursue a career in nursing. My long-term goal is to become a nurse practitioner specializing in endocrinology.
What are your two favorite extracurricular, volunteer or community activities you participate in?
My two favorite extracurricular activities are Track and Field and Student Council. Track has taught me how to be a valuable teammate. Our track team is combined with Forreston, so I have many opportunities to meet new people. My favorite part is meeting someone new at every meet. Student Council has allowed me to show my leadership skills through various events. I’ve gained creativity, responsibility, and confidence by being a part of the Student Council.
Please share a moment, group event or activity at school that was meaningful or memorable.
My favorite event in high school was my sophomore year track season. I met so many new people that year which include some of my closest friends to this day. A specific moment that year was when all of my friends and I got to compete in big meets such as conference and sectionals. Experiencing big meets together brought us all closer together and it was the highlight of my year.
What is your hope for the future?
My hope for the future is to be happy and healthy while also having a family. I also want to be a successful nurse practitioner and help people the way my nurse practitioner helped me.
