LINN — Linn R-2 senior Kristi Wibberg approaches life with a clear sense of purpose, choosing to remain drug and alcohol free as part of a broader commitment to self-control, personal responsibility, and fully experiencing the world around her.

“I really value control over one’s actions,” said Wibberg, who was selected as the March OC-ADCAT Student of the Month. “I don’t like the idea of having substances like that controlling me.”

That mindset has been shaped both by observation and intention. “The amount of people I know that made very bad decisions because of outside influences is crazy and I don’t want that to happen to me,” she added. “I can embarrass myself just fine without drugs and alcohol pushing it.”

Agriculture instructor Megan Niederhelm described Wibberg in her nomination as “an outstanding student who leads with confidence in the classroom and is always willing to lend a helping hand when needed,” noting that she brings “valuable hands-on knowledge from her family’s farm into daily discussions and activities.”

Wibberg’s involvement reflects that same level of commitment. She is a four-year member of FFA and currently serves as Linn FFA Historian. She is also active in National Honor Society, band, jazz band, marching band, and art club, while also participating in St. George Catholic Church and working at Osage Regional Veterinary Clinic.

Her leadership style is both visible and grounded. “She is confident in her beliefs and leads by example, consistently making choices that reflect integrity and responsibility,” Niederhelm said. “She encourages her peers to make positive decisions while maintaining a level-headed and respectful approach in all situations.”

Band instructor Kevin Pierce co-nominated Wibberg for the recognition, and echoed Niederhelm’s assessment, describing the senior as a student who “holds herself to high academic, moral, and social standards” and is “prepared for anything and everything.”

Pierce noted that her leadership is often demonstrated through action rather than attention. “Kristi leads by example, by giving constructive feedback, through offering a wide range of support to her peers, and she has the unique ability to offer a contrary opinion without coming across as condescending,” he said.

That approach has had a direct impact on those around her, particularly younger students. “Kristi consistently has her music learned for all band performances,” Pierce added. “Kristi often offers constructive feedback to younger musicians. Kristi is always ‘cheering on’ her classmates with little positive sayings.”

He also highlighted her willingness to go beyond expectations, including helping provide transportation for underclassmen to attend band events.

Wibberg said she has largely avoided situations involving peer pressure, crediting both her environment and the expectations set among her friends. “People know that I don’t enjoy those types of things,” she said. “Me and my friends can have plenty of fun without being under the influence.”

Her outlook extends beyond avoidance and into a deeper appreciation of life itself.

“I personally value the full experience of life—that is to breathe fresh air, truly learn about and encounter the people and animals in my life, and generally get the most full understanding of the world around me,” Wibberg said. “To live life under the control of drugs or alcohol would be to sacrifice beauty for the convenience of blindness.”

That perspective carries through into both her academic and extracurricular success.

Looking ahead, Wibberg plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, with a focus on large animals. She has already been accepted to College of the Ozarks, where she will major in animal science while gaining hands-on experience through the school’s work-based program. “I want to become a large animal veterinarian,” she said. “I’ve already started gaining work experience… so I will be saving money for my doctorate.”

Through her choices, involvement, and leadership, Wibberg has established herself as a steady influence among her peers—defined not only by achievement, but by a clear and consistent set of values.

OC-ADCAT Executive Director Lorie Winslow will present Wibberg with a certificate, and she will be eligible to apply for the annual Student of the Month Scholarship.

“I am so excited to showcase our seniors who have chosen to live a drug- and alcohol-free life,” said OC-ADCAT Education Committee Chairperson Charlotte Bellsmith. “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 https://www.ocadcat.org.