Story By: Faryal Zubair, Editor-In-Chief.
Mr. Athletic. The Leader. A Role Model. A Nerd? Maybe.
Regardless, Seth Jergenson has a lot to offer the world such as leadership and sportsmanship, but he’s only just begun. One of Waynesboro High School’s most reputable seniors is ready to take his first step out into the real world. But his high school years didn’t come without struggles. With a full course load and enough extracurricular activities to drive anybody crazy, Jergenson still didn’t disappoint. Some of his distinctive achievements include that he will be graduating at the top of his class, with honors.
“There is a balance. I feel like having a balance between them is part of who I am. I play sports because I enjoy them. If I didn’t, I’d go crazy,” said Jergenson who plays varsity soccer, runs cross country, and swims.
Along with sports, Jergenson is president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the Key Club, and member of the Beta Club. He also takes AP classes such as chemistry and government, and French IV, which “might as well be an AP class,” according to Jergenson.
Jergenson also takes part in Young Life, a Christian organization helping kids to stay true to their faith.
“This summer, I had the privilege of going to a Young Life camp, Young Life Capernaum,” said Jergenson. Capernaum is a camp that allows kids with mental and physical disabilities to have fun and participate activities that heighten their self esteem.
“They are people just like us. There really is no difference. So what if they talk a little slower or couldn’t talk that well? That doesn’t really matter,” said Jergenson who participated as a camp counselor. “It doesn’t make them any less human.”
Jergenson describes the experience as a defining moment in his life.
“It really humbled me,” he said.
‘Humble’ isn’t the only word that describes Jergenson.
“I can’t just let homework sit there because I’m a nerd. I don’t have a problem saying that,” laughed Jergenson.
Jergenson applied for and was accepted into Governor School, which he began last fall.
“They say it helps you prepare for college. Truth is, you can take equivalent classes at the high school. I don’t think it prepares you that well,” said Jergenson.
This school year, Jergenson decided to opt out of Governor School.
“I realized that I had a growing feeling of school pride and so that’s where I want to be,” he said.
With school spirit, student leadership, and “nerdiness” in the bag, Jergenson must have his future all planned out, right? Well, not exactly.
“It changes from day to day,” said Jergenson. “However, a dream or aspiration would be to be a doctor.”
Another career path that Jergenson is considering is teaching math or science, just as long as English and history aren’t involved, he said.
Jergenson’s future isn’t the only big decision that has been on his plate these last three years of high school.
“I don’t drink and I don’t smoke. I know a lot of people in high school who do,” said Jergenson. “I’ve been asked before, if I have or had, or if I would. I try to be a good role model as much as possible. I try to set a good example. I think that if you have good role models who are upperclassmen, that’s where it starts,” he said.
While many seniors might be counting down the days until they walk across the stage, diplomas in hand, Jergenson admits that he’s going to miss school next year.
“My appreciation for being at Waynesboro has really grown,” he said. “I’m going to miss a lot of my friends, the teachers, everyone. My main hope would be to have a great senior year all around.
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