WESTPHALIA — Fatima High School senior Maggie Kloeppel, whose commitment to making responsible decisions extends from her personal life to leadership roles throughout her school, has been selected as the Osage County Anti-Drug Community Action Team (OC-ADCAT) Student of the Month for October.

Kloeppel, the daughter of Roger and Mary Kloeppel, maintains a 4.0 GPA while balancing academics, extracurricular activities, community service, and preparations for a career in nursing. As a president of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), she has taken an active role in encouraging her classmates to understand the consequences of their choices. “Being from a rural area, where nicotine use is common and alcohol is widely accepted, I have seen firsthand how people can become reliant on these things, and lose the sense of happiness in their natural healthy wellbeing,” Kloeppel said. “I never want to become reliant on a material thing and sacrifice my health to ‘blend in’.”

Her commitment to remaining drug- and alcohol-free reflects both her personal ambitions and a desire to positively influence the people around her.

“A drug and alcohol-free life is important to me because I strongly value growth and improvement in my everyday life, and strive to prevent anything that can be a barrier for that,” she said. “I have high expectations for my future and goals that I want to achieve and staying free of harmful drugs and alcohol help me to stay the best and healthiest version of myself.”

Kloeppel also sees her decisions as an opportunity to encourage healthier choices throughout her community.

“Improving my community is also very important to me and I believe that by living a healthy lifestyle myself I can inspire others to do the same,” she said.

Fatima Principal Somer Hinshaw said Kloeppel’s influence is evident in both her accomplishments and her willingness to contribute without seeking attention. “Maggie is one of those students who makes Fatima High School a better place simply by being part of it,” Hinshaw said. “She is hardworking, dependable, and leads by example in everything she does.”

One of Kloeppel’s most significant leadership accomplishments came last spring when she organized a mock car crash presentation designed to educate students about the consequences of destructive decisions. Working with first responders, she helped coordinate the presentation and develop its script.

Her SADD adviser, who nominated her for the OC-ADCAT recognition, identified the presentation as a particularly meaningful example of her initiative and leadership.

“This docudrama took a lot of creativity and time. Both of which Maggie provided to help make it a success,” the adviser wrote.

Kloeppel has also helped coordinate Red Ribbon Week activities, produced morning announcement videos informing students about upcoming events, and assisted with the organization’s social media efforts.

Her adviser praised her willingness to take responsibility rather than simply occupy a leadership position. “What impresses me the most is she does not simply hold the title; she understands the responsibilities that title comes with and leads by example,” the adviser wrote.

In addition to SADD, Kloeppel serves as president of the National Honor Society, holds leadership responsibilities as vice president and secretary of Student Council, and represents Student Council in the Nature Club. She also participates in Book Club and the A+ program.

A competitive gymnast for much of her high school career, Kloeppel recently stepped away from the sport to concentrate on academics and other activities. She remains active in community service through her church, local organizations, and school.

Hinshaw said Kloeppel’s involvement demonstrates a genuine commitment to improving the school environment. “From serving as president of SADD and National Honor Society to her involvement in Student Council and other school activities, Maggie consistently goes above and beyond,” Hinshaw said. “What stands out most is that she doesn’t seek recognition for her efforts. She genuinely cares about her school, her peers, and making a positive difference.”

Although Kloeppel recognizes that peer pressure is part of the high school experience, she believes students can reduce its influence by understanding their values, choosing supportive friendships, and avoiding situations that conflict with their beliefs.

“Before being in a situation where peer pressure is present, I always make sure I know what my beliefs are, and why I live my life the way I do,” she said. “I believe it’s crucial to have confidence in your decisions and not feel bad when you stand out from the crowd.”

That confidence, she said, does not mean judging those who make different choices.

“I also am always careful to not be judgmental or rude when denying peer pressure, because I want to treat others with the same respect that I want to be given,” Kloeppel said.

Her parents have been important influences, providing examples of responsible behavior and educating their children about health and safety. Kloeppel also credits her friends and the activities she enjoys with helping reinforce her decisions.

“The biggest thing that helps me maintain a drug and alcohol-free life is the people I surround myself with,” she said. “I believe that surrounding yourself with the right people helps you to not feel judged for how you live your life, and also gives you support for forming healthy habits.”

Kloeppel’s academic and career plans reflect the same determination. Following graduation, she intends to attend Lincoln University, where she hopes to enter the nursing program and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is particularly interested in pediatrics or labor and delivery, although she remains open to other nursing specialties.

She is already preparing for that career through dual-credit coursework and enrollment in the Health Science program at Nichols Career Center. The program provides opportunities to pursue patient care technician credentials and gain clinical experience in a hospital before graduating from high school.

Kloeppel hopes to complete numerous college courses before graduating from Fatima, giving her a foundation for the demands of nursing school.

Her interest in health care also complements her desire to remain close to home and contribute to the community where she grew up.

Outside the classroom, Kloeppel works part time at Linn Thriftway, where she bags groceries, assists customers with their purchases, and stocks shelves.

Her adviser described her as an exceptionally bright and hardworking student whose determination carries into every aspect of her education.

“Maggie consistently demonstrates strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a drive to not just do good, but to excel in whatever class she is taking,” the adviser wrote.

Hinshaw said Kloeppel’s ability to balance those responsibilities while encouraging others makes her an especially deserving recipient of the recognition.

“She has taken the lead on meaningful initiatives, including organizing our school’s mock car crash presentation to educate students about the consequences of destructive decisions,” Hinshaw said. “She balances her academics, leadership responsibilities, community involvement, and career preparation with a level of maturity that is admirable.”

For Kloeppel, the decision to remain drug- and alcohol-free is closely connected to her aspirations for the future and her belief that healthy choices create opportunities for personal growth.

“Maggie is a wonderful example of what it means to make good choices, stand firm in your values, and positively influence those around you,” Hinshaw said. “We are incredibly proud to have her represent Fatima High School.”

OC-ADCAT Executive Director Lorie Winslow will present Kloeppel with a certificate in recognition of being selected as the September Student of the Month.

“Recognizing our senior Students of the Month is an important part of OC-ADCAT’s mission because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate young people who are choosing to live drug-free and make positive decisions in their schools and communities,” said Winslow. “Too often, we hear about youth only when something goes wrong. We believe it is just as important — if not more important — to shine a light on the students who are doing things right.

“These seniors are demonstrating that being drug-free is about more than simply avoiding substances,” she continued. “It is about making choices that support their future, being a positive influence on their peers, showing leadership, and contributing to their community. Every positive choice they make today helps build the foundation for the adults and community leaders they will become tomorrow.

“At OC-ADCAT, we are incredibly proud to recognize these students and celebrate their accomplishments,” Winslow added. “We want them to know that their choices matter, their community notices, and we are proud of the example they are setting for younger students throughout Osage County.”

Kloeppel will also be eligible to apply for the annual OC-ADCAT Student of the Month Scholarship.

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

For more information about OC-ADCAT, visit www.ocadcat.org.