Senior Spotlight: Kendra Leighton

If Kendra Rae Leighton could describe herself as one victual, it would be coffee. She is energetic, a comforter and a soothing voice for someone in a low spot, and has different moods similar to the different flavors of coffee. Although the people closest to her would likely agree with her coffee comparison, it does conflict with her favorite food, which is pasta alfredo. They don’t go together very well. Entering the world simulation on July 13, 2001, Kendra is the child of Brian and Kelli. She also has four older brothers named Tyler, Jordan, Riley, and Mason, who all share the athletic genes. 

One thing that Kendra could not live without is her bed, which provides her with a source of love, comfort, and a pastime. Kendra’s passions involve sports, where she has received awards in volleyball, track, and her favorite-basketball. Additionally, she is a member of the MHS National Honor Society. These activities have taught her many valuable principals such as leadership skills and mentorship. Being a leader in her respective sports, Kendra has learned the importance of being kind and caring through interactions with teammates, especially underclassmen, who needed her help. Occupying another part of her life are her two jobs as a CNA at both the hospital and Bethel Nursing Home, where she enjoys taking care of both patients and residents alike. 

By this point, it probably isn’t a big surprise to learn that Kendra has dreams just like the rest of us. Her post-high plans include going to the University of South Dakota for nursing and later pursuing a Masters’ Degree to be a nurse practitioner. This ties in well to her ten year plan, where Kendra sees herself as a pediatric nurse practitioner, living in a nice house in a large city with a husband, child, and dog. If she could live anywhere in the world for a year, she would go to Africa to view all of the unique animals and assist the less fortunate by building shelters and giving food, water, and other resources. In the instance that $5 million were to be given to Kendra, she would give some of the money to her family and use the rest for health-related, adoption, and animal charities. Her compassionate side is further explored when she was asked if she could try anything, knowing she would succeed, what dream would she attempt? To which her response was, “to end cancer by researching with other professionals in the medical field.”

Kendra’s favorite high school memories are of state track and state volleyball, especially her senior year of volleyball when her team got 5th place. If she could recommend one thing it would be her all-time favorite TV show All-American. Speaking of TV shows, if Kendra could play any character, it would be Elena from The Vampire Diaries, a dynamic female who experiences many trials and never gives up. In analyzing the things that define Kendra: her activities, her jobs, and her pastimes, it is not hard to see that she will be determined to succeed in any path she chooses to follow.