Fosters forever friendships at WRHS
By Emilee Mae Struss
Every class at Wood River High School needs its class leaders. As students get to know their way around the school and learn more about their own strengths, naturally, leaders will emerge. There is a high potential that Wood River High School senior Willa Beriker is one of those students for her class.
Beriker joined the WRHS leadership team during her sophomore year, even though she found the position very intimidating.
“Most of the leadership kids were older than me, so it was intimidating at first,” Beriker said. “But I quickly got into the swing of things and it was an amazing opportunity for me.”
Through leadership, Beriker grew in public speaking, learning to take on leadership roles and trying new things.
“It helped me get more involved,” Beriker said.
She remained in leadership throughout her senior year. During that time, she says that working with nonprofits and planning the school dances were her favorite events. Beriker is also a committed volleyball player. She started playing volleyball in the fifth grade and joined varsity her senior year.
In the summertime, Beriker works at The Valley Club pool café where she receives orders and serves people poolside. Next year, she will attend the University of Kansas for pre-nursing.
“My mom went to the U of K and I’ve always wanted to go there,” Beriker said.
She hopes to be a pediatric nurse and help children who have cancer.
“I’ve always wanted to help people and put a smile on kids’ faces,” Beriker said.
She is excited to move to Kansas, but she is very thankful for her upbringing in the Valley. Her favorite memories growing up here include camping at Redfish Lake and playing in her family’s camper.
“I like how small the Valley is—it gave me a chance to meet my ‘forever friends’,” Beriker said.
She refers to her “forever friends” as the ones who will always be around for her, and her for them, no matter how far apart they may be in distance.
Editor’s Note: Anyone who would like to recommend a Blaine County School District student for The Weekly Sun’s “Student Spotlight” feature should contact The Weekly Sun at news@theweeklysun.com.