Fatima senior Jalyn Ahlstrom — selected as the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month for October — said living drug-free is a relatively easy decision because of her upbringing and friendships.

Her parents, Ryan and Sheila, instilled a sense of responsibility that still resonates. “My dad always told me that (drugs and alcohol) would ruin my life so I never touched them,” said Ahlstrom, who was nominated by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) co-sponsor Debby Muenks. “He said they were a waste of money and that he would ground me forever if I even tried them.”

Having a strong circle of friends also helps.

“In my friend group, we don’t have anyone who drinks so I don’t feel peer pressure,” said Ahlstrom. “It’s not hard to abstain from drugs and alcohol when none of your friends do them. I have a good support group. My friends really help keep me on the right path.”

Ahlstrom said she was surprised to have been selected for this recognition. “I’m not very outgoing so I didn’t really think it was a possibility,” she said. 

Muenks praised Ahlstrom’s dedication to various programs and clubs since entering high school.

“Jalyn has been a very active member since her freshman year,” Muenks said. “She leads by example. She is always willing to help with any task needed, even the ‘uglier’ things such as taking down Red Ribbon Week decorations or picking up ‘Adopt-A-Highway’ trash in the rain. She quietly volunteers for anything she knows needs to be done. I think that she is on every one of our many committees (e.g., trash pick-up, blood drive volunteer, etc).”

Muenks added that Ahlstrom is a terrific role model for younger SADD members. “This is not just by being the secretary in SADD, but especially by living a life that is drug-free,” Muenks said. “She is a young lady who makes decisions very thoughtfully and avoids destructive decisions at all times. In fact, if you ask Jalyn what she enjoys doing on Friday or Saturday nights, she will tell you that she is happy just to be at home or doing something fun with her family. She has a close family, and she is a positive role model for her younger brother, Royce, and her cousins.”

Ahlstrom doesn’t necessarily think of herself as a leader. “I don’t move mountains to stay drug-free and away from alcohol. I just do and I rely on a lot of people to live my life like this.”

However, Muenks said Ahlstrom’s commitment plays a part in helping others make good choices.

“She makes life better for all by encouraging Fatima students to stay safe by wearing seatbelts, making good decisions, and treating each other with kindness,” said Muenks. “Jalyn may be one of the most soft-spoken students in our SADD group, but she gets the message across with her actions.”

Ahlstrom plans to have a career that involves working with animals in some way. She works part-time at the Woodland Animal Hospital in Jefferson City.

“I love working there,” said Ahlstrom. “I plan to pursue a career either working with animals or medical coding. I’m keeping my options open.”

Muenks added it is not surprising that Ahlstrom loves her job. “She has a quiet, loving nature, and she wants to make life better for all,” Muenks said.

Ahlstrom said that staying drug-free is important to her because life is important. “I don’t want to mess that up,” she added.

Fatima Principal Sharyl Kelsch said that Ahlstrom is a great example of a student who shows quiet leadership. “She is willing to help in ways that many students don’t think about,” Kelsch said. “She also really lives the tenets of being a member of SADD.”

Ahlstrom will be eligible for an OC-ADCAT scholarship, which is awarded at the end of the school year.

“I am so excited to showcase our seniors that have chosen to live drug and alcohol-free,” said OC-ADCAT Education Committee Chairperson Charlotte Bellsmith. “I know this is not an easy thing to do. The pressure on our teens to drink while still underage is still pretty severe.”