LINN — Katie Keilholz, who graduated valedictorian this year from Chamois R-1, has earned this year’s Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) scholarship of $500.
“I’m very happy to have received this scholarship,” said Keilholz. “This will help with books and other things. I was surprised because a lot of worthy people applied.”
OC-ADCAT Education Committee Member Becca Mehmert agreed. “It is always so hard to choose a winner as all of the applicants are deserving,” she said. “What made Katie stand out in my mind was that she recognizes that she is a role model for her younger brother and other young kids who look up to her as a stellar athlete so she doesn’t want them to think using substances is okay because they see her do it. She’s also headed to college to play basketball and knows that she won’t get far as a college athlete if she uses. She’s a very logical and practical young lady and I look forward to the good she will continue to do in her life.”
Keilholz is the first Chamois student to earn the scholarship, and she earned OC-ADCAT Student of the Month honors in February of 2019 as a sophomore.
Keilholz credits her parents, Glenn and Julie, as well as her older brother, Anthony, who was also a Student of the Month, for their support in helping her remain drug- and alcohol-free.
“My parents have always told me to stay away from it,” she said. “They’ve been great role models.”
She also wants to set a good example for her younger brother. “To me, it’s important that I show him the difference between right and wrong,” Keilholz said. “Hopefully, he will follow in my footsteps and remain drug-free. I know that one mistake with drugs could ruin the rest of your life, along with that of your family. That is something I do not want to happen to me, him or anyone.”
Keilholz, who will play basketball next fall at William Woods University, said sports has been a great motivator in her commitment to remain drug-free.
“I’ve always been dedicated to sports, and I knew that would ruin my chance to play so I’ve always avoided them,” said Keilholz, who earned All-State honors in basketball this year and finished her career as the second-highest scorer. “I do not want to risk losing an opportunity by being involved with drugs. In my opinion, drugs are a distraction to a person’s quality of life.”
In a letter of reference, retired Chamois R-1 teacher and counselor Susan Wolz noted that in addition to her natural athletic talent, Keilholz has a strong work ethic and perseverance to hone that ability. “She shows up on time, is present, and does the sweaty work to achieve team and personal goals,” Wolz wrote, noting that Keilholz has stepped out as a leader.
During her career at Chamois, Keilholz was an All-State cross country runner, played volleyball, and participated in track and field. She was also active in FFA, and 4-H.
Keilholz received the FFA chapter leadership award in each of her years at Chamois, and was the Chamois-Morrison FFA chapter secretary for three years, in addition to serving as class secretary for three years.
“Her coaches, teachers, and classmates trust her to be helpful and supportive in each of her roles,” Wolz wrote.
In addition to these commitments, Keilholz maintained Honor Roll status and is actively involved in her church and community. She helps with a weekly church camp for children and was one of the students who advocated a drug-free community by painting a mural on a historic building in Chamois.
Wolz also noted that Keilholz is one of the best strawberry pickers, and brings in more pounds of berries than most of the workers hired over the years. “She even showed up one evening with her brothers and cousins to help unload wagons of straw after a long day in the hayfield,” Wolz added.
Also writing a letter of recommendation was Chamois R-1 art teacher Joyce Wright, who noted she was privileged to have had Keilholz as a student.
“I have witnessed tremendous growth and development in the areas of visual arts achievement, academics, volunteer service, as well as character,” Wright wrote.
The drug-free mural was overseen by Wright, who said she saw firsthand Keilholz’s commitment. “Kate’s take-action attitude to help paint this mural shows her dedication to be a role model for other students to remain drug and alcohol-free,” Wright added. “Katie is a student that displays good character traits. She maintains her high academics while keeping an active life outside the classroom. Katie has learned to manage her time and to recognize the importance of a strong work ethic to help accomplish her goals. She continues to be a positive role model for other students, classmates, and teammates through her positive attitude, kindness, and willingness to help others in school and her community.”
Helping Keilholz maintain a drug-free course was Coach John Leach, who also teaches health, which Keilholz said was important. “He taught us all about the consequences that come from drugs and alcohol, and taught us to stay away from them,” she said.
Keilholz plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy.