Thursday, August 30, 2018
One might expect a National Merit Scholar, Herb Kohl Student Excellence Scholarship recipient, and valedictorian of her class to talk at length about her various academic achievements when asked about the highlights of her high school career. However, for Rachel Halberg, those accomplishments are just one part of her experience.
“I’m grateful for being named for several honors,” she said. When asked to share a highlight of her time in high school, she spoke about building relationships with other people. “I had great teammates in sports. The bonds I formed with all of my classmates over my high school experience-- I feel like I got along with everyone.”
Halberg is a graduate of Hayward High School. As a student-athlete, she achieved success inside and outside the classroom. From winning the state girls’ basketball championship her sophomore year to playing soccer and volleyball, Halberg is appreciative of her entire high school experience.
She especially appreciated the freedom and trust her Advanced Placement Chemistry teacher, David Eckstrom, provided for students. As part of a flipped classroom, students watched lessons outside of school while completing the homework and necessary practice together in class.
“He believed we were capable and encouraged us to be curious,” she said. Halberg credits teachers like Eckstrom for fostering independence and opportunities to explore as the best way to engage students, so that everyone can get the most out of high school.
Halberg feels like she is prepared for what comes next both academically and socially. As a person with a strong faith, she is thankful for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, her church group, and her family. “I feel like I can do anything I put my mind to,” she said.
As her summer comes to close, Halberg is spending time with her family and working at the local candy store. She will attend the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota to study exercise science and then physical therapy.