Kensley may not be a high school sweetheart in the traditional romantic sense, but she truly is the sweetheart of MHS. She demonstrates a level of kindness most aspire to reach with little effort and is a role model for most through her involvement within the school.
She is currently involved in basketball, track, softball, and FFA, and has previously been involved in travel basketball, travel softball, and 4-H.
“I’m inclined to do so many activities because I am only in high school once, and this is my chance to do as much as I possibly can I might dread practice sometimes, but future me will thank myself for being so active and developing skills that I otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to do,” said Kensley.
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle with all of her activities can be a challenge, which is why most people don’t choose to do it, but Kensley has tried her best to perfect it.
“It is very hard to balance everything, but I try to plan my week out every Sunday and set aside time for homework and hanging out with friends and family,” she said.
Kensley’s dad, Mr. Paul, is a teacher here at MHS for the FFA program.
“It works out pretty well [to have her at school]. I have had her in class for 3 years. She is a pretty good student so that is also helpful,” said Mr. Paul.
“My dad has influenced me the most in life as he has always pushed me to be active in FFA. He helps me with anything I ask, and he encourages me to be active and the best I can be at everything I try. I admire his passion for agriculture, and I try my best in FFA in order to make him proud,” said Kensley.
Being involved in FFA is a unique experience and requires a big commitment, which Kensley has given to the fullest extent. She has qualified in state for radio broadcasting in FFA. She plans to involve agriculture in her future endeavors, where she will go to Iowa State and major in Ag business and minor in Culinary to eventually become a private chef and entrepreneur.
“FFA and track have both shaped me the most. FFA has taught me to get out of my comfort zone and participate in many speaking events,” said Kensley. “Track has taught me mental toughness and how to compete and challenge myself.”
High School is a very prevalent time in life and shapes people in many different ways. There are many opportunities to be explored in a short span of four years.
“My number one priority in life is to try as many things as I can and meet new people whenever the chance arises,” said Kensley.
Kensley constantly takes the time out of her day to talk to people and help when needed.
“I try to help her, and at the same time, she kind of helps me with special schedules and remembers different things that happen. Right now, I have her in class at the end of the day, so after class, we are able to talk about other things as needed,” said Mr. Paul. “She is respectful, hard-working, and also has been involved in lots of different activities and events. She also is easy to get along with and helpful in class and around the school.”
With her involvement, Kensley has met many people and made many friends throughout her life, leaving a positive impact on the people she meets.
“Kensley has been a close friend of mine since preschool. I love her like a sister. Her kindness and empathy make it easy to be her friend. She is involved in so much at MHS from track to radio broadcasting,” said Ella Maynard, a junior at MHS.
