SPORTS WRAP
Owatonna High School has a very popular and active student council. This doesn’t surprise me based on the number of times a student-athlete has told me during an interview that they’re a member. Still, I hope whoever is bringing donuts has a discount card to satisfy the 67 members.
President Norah Kath says they meet in the Foundation Room to review events, do team bonding activities, host lessons and discuss upcoming happenings.
“It’s great to have everyone there together and working together,” said Kath.
The council turned “Give Week” in November into a big success.
Vice President Kennedy Katzung indicated that it hit home with the student body.
“We hadn’t done anything like this before. Kids were really willing to be involved in this, and they knew what kind of impact it was going to have on the community. Even kids around them. This was going to impact them in a good way too,” said Katzung.
“I think what sparked some involvement was being able to actually physically bring something in and be able to see the impact you’re making with that,” added Kath.
Benefactors included: Community Pathways (586 boxes of cereal), Toys for Tots (254 items), and the OHS Pantry (70 coats and 125 pairs of socks.) The United Way of Steele County received $1,500 during the Dash for Cash pep-fest.
Historian Emery Vick used social media to help spread the word.
“It’s an interest of mine just because of how big social media is. It’s something that almost every student in the school has. It’s a way that we can all come together in a sense,” said Vick.
Local photographer Aaron Guzman created a helpful promotional video.
Vick values being on the council.
“It’s an amazing way to meet different people in the school. It’s an awesome way to plan and be organized, and I like planning,” she said.
Katzung is a long-time veteran.
“I’ve been a part of student council since middle school. It’s always just been something I’ve enjoyed. Helping make the events, setting them up and seeing kids truly be excited about something… And the rewarding feeling of it afterwards,” said Katzung.
Events organized by the student council include homecoming, Ho-Ho Bingo in December and Snow Week in February.
Other activities
Vick is on the speech team and is in the process of choosing a “great speech” to analyze.
“I have to look at the words they use and the emotions, because I think emotions are important when you’re speaking,” said Vick.
She’s also a Big Sister. “I love going to see my Little every week. It’s so fun, because you get to do something that’s fun for them, but it’s also fun for you,” she said.
Kath sings during the holiday season. “I love Carolers. I love being a part of it. The reaction and the things that we hear about how important it is and how businesses and different non-profits appreciate us coming, it just warms my heart,” she said.
Katzung is in National Honor Society. “We do a lot in the community, but also, at the school. We have a big color run that we put on. And the pickleball tournament was super successful too,” she said.
Post high school
Vick plans to study political science, possibly at Ohio State University, University of Michigan or the University of Minnesota with a minor in Spanish or dance. Kath will go to the Unviversity of Kansas for international business and leadership management with a minor in Spanish or marketing.
Katzung is bound for North Dakota State University to get into exercise science or biology for pre-physical therapy. Watch the full interview with the executive board on OwatonnaLive.com.
OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule
Thursday, Jan. 2
OHS boys hockey vs. Century/JM, 7 p.m.
OHS girls basketball vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.
Blooming Prairie boys basketball vs. Kingsland, 7:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3
Medford girls basketball vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m.