Keilholz doesn’t need drugs to have fun

By Neal A. Johnson
Posted 4/14/21

Linn senior Jessica Keilholz firmly believes that living a drug-free lifestyle has served her well and that she doesn’t need drugs to have a good time.

“I have a close group of friends that …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

E-mail
Password
Log in

Keilholz doesn’t need drugs to have fun

Posted

Linn senior Jessica Keilholz firmly believes that living a drug-free lifestyle has served her well and that she doesn’t need drugs to have a good time.
“I have a close group of friends that feel the same way I do and are against using drugs and alcohol,” said Keilholz, who was the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month for April. “We’ve bonded over that. For us, sitting around a bonfire or pizza and a movie is a great way to spend the evening.”
When told she had been selected, Keilholz was somewhat surprised but grateful to have been nominated by Christine Miller. “It’s nice to know there are people who think well of me and respect that I live without drugs and alcohol,” said Keilholz.
Miller said she nominated Keilholz because she is a great student in all respects. “Jessica is a hard worker inside and outside of the classroom,” Miller said. “She is also very dependable. She is a great role model for her peers and younger students to look up to.”
In the classroom, Keilholz has proven herself to be committed to academics with a GPA of 3.938 and a member of the top-five in her class. “She is always getting her work in on time with great quality,” said Miller. “Keilholz wants to learn and you can see that by the way she holds herself in the classroom.”
Keilholz has been told about the dangers of drugs and alcohol all her life by her parents, Lenny and Dr. Nan Keilholz, with even more emphasis as she prepared to enter high school.
“They told me and my sister, Rachel, to be careful,” she said. “It was a different environment but we listened. Having two cousins my age also helped.”
Peer pressure was evident early in her high school career but Keilholz said once people understood she wouldn’t join them, it became a non-issue. “They backed off, and I had my close friends who showed a lot of support,” she added.
Keilholz is a member of TREND-SADD, CYO, NHS, FFA, and the Athletic Club, while also playing softball and basketball.
“Jessica is always pushing her teams to achieve more whether through basketball or softball,” said Miller. “In the classroom, Jessica shows leadership by being willing to help others when needed. She also leads in FFA as one of the officers. Jessica is a great leader in all regards.”
Keilholz said she can be vocal at times but prefers to lead by example in everything she does, especially her lifestyle.
“I’ve tried to tell people to stop but some have their ideas set in stone and it’s hard to convince them to do something different,” she said.
With a future that includes playing softball at William Woods University, Keilholz said there’s too much at stake to dabble with drugs and alcohol.
“I don’t want to ruin my future,” she said. “Being busy and playing sports helps me keep my head on straight.”
Her leadership on the field and court also show her personality. “She shows others what is expected of the team, and she also helps others understand different concepts,” Miller said. “For example, on the softball field or basketball court you will see Jessica leading by example, but she is also encouraging the team and pushing them to their fullest potential.”
In addition to her classwork, clubs, and athletics, Keilholz volunteers at the Good Shepherd Food Pantry, helps her mom at the Osage Regional Veterinary Clinic, and handles chores on the family farm.
When thinking about her future and what she would tell others, Keilholz said it’s important to remember how destructive addiction can be. “It can come between family members and friends,” she said. “You’ll find out who your true friends are, and a lot of people can get hurt along the way. It helps to encourage others, and going out of your way to express that support will help.”
Keilholz 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."