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Highlighting Inspiring Women: She promotes individuality

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Abby Schellhorn

Throughout March, which is Women’s History Month, the North Iowa Times-Clayton County Register is again publishing a series of articles highlighting local women. Whether it’s through their careers, hobbies, volunteer efforts or unique personalities, these women have become an inspiration to others.

 


 

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

 

Choir, show choir, SODA (Students Opposed to Drugs and Alcohol), student council, National Honor Society, speech (both group and individual), girls basketball, track, cross country, softball, volleyball. Abby Schellhorn has been involved with almost every activity imaginable at MFL MarMac.

 

“It’s been a whirlwind of happy times and a whirlwind of ‘Oh, my gosh, why am I involved in all this?’” acknowledged the high school senior. “But it all comes out in the end that it will help me become a better person and expand my horizons.”

 

Heading into high school, Abby didn’t necessarily plan to become so involved. 

 

“I thought I’d join a few groups like student council and choir,” she said. “Then, as time went on, I thought, ‘These groups are cool. I’m going to give them a try.’ And they are probably some of my favorites. I don’t know what I’d do without some of the groups I’m in right now.”

 

Abby is grateful for attending a smaller school like MFL MarMac, which allows students to explore a variety of intellectual, creative and athletic opportunities. It’s helped her discover who she is.

 

After being bullied in middle school, Abby entered high school trying to find a clique to fit into. As it turns out, said Abby, she didn’t fit into any specific group.

 

“As high school went on, I expanded on being my own original self. I felt I needed to explore who I was going to be before trying to impress other people,” she shared. “Now, I’m graduating with more respect than I came into high school with—for myself and from other people.”

 

Abby even tackled the topic of originality in individual speech this year. Her original oratory, entitled “Individuality is the New Popularity,” just earned her an all-state nomination—the second of her high school career.

 

This confidence in her voice, both literally and symbolically, almost didn’t happen.

 

“I didn’t really know if I was going to do speech my freshman year,” Abby recalled. “But I tried it out, and it’s become one of the biggest parts of my life. It’s helped a lot with my public speaking abilities.”

 

Abby has only expanded that through music, where she’s not afraid to show off her voice as part of a group or individually. As a freshman, she was the lead in the musical “Annie,” and has since tackled other solos in choir and show choir. Later this year, for the fifth time, she’ll perform the national anthem at a state sporting event with other choral members.

 

What might be intimidating for others simply comes naturally, she reflected.

 

“I started at a young age. My first words were actually song lyrics to ‘Wheels on the Bus,’” Abby quipped. “Nerves don’t come easily to me, and I feel like I was born to perform—I’m a singing person. It’s helped me show my personality and show that, ‘Hey, music is cool.’”

 

Abby’s list of credentials doesn’t end there. The teen has been active in the community, volunteering with Monona Hay Days and the school’s summer lunch program. She’s also helped at the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the Monona Volunteer Fire Department, where her dad, Jeremy, is a firefighter.

 

Through student council, Abby has helped organize MFL MarMac’s annual Veteran’s Day program and cancer awareness activities.

 

“Those are probably the two biggest events I love doing because it helps the community. It’s something so influential,” she said.

 

In the sports realm, Abby’s biggest responsibility has been as girls basketball manager. She initially started as an athlete, before transitioning to a behind-the scenes role.

 

“I loved every minute of it,” she said. “First, I started with Hudl, recording all the games, then got upgraded to doing the books and stats. This year, I had the privilege of being head manager, until the JV team needed assistance.” The squad was short-handed, so she agreed to play on the team so they could have a season.

 

Abby’s selflessness earned her the “You Can Award” from the Iowa Girls Coaches Association this season, based on a nomination from head coach Jason Winter.

 

While she was glad to help others, Abby acknowledged her duties have helped personally as well.

 

“Being behind the scenes is hard. You have to make sure the coaches are on time and organized. You have to make sure the players have their uniforms and are set and ready to go. You have to have patience,” Abby explained. “It’s helped me with organizational skills, teamwork skills and being a leader.”

 

Those qualities will aid Abby next year at the University of Iowa, where she plans to double major in general psychology and sports recreational management, with a specialty in communication relations and journalism. 

 

“I’ve also applied to be a women’s basketball manager,” she added.

 

Abby’s goal is to become a sports psychologist, capitalizing on her love for sports and her love of helping people.

 

That willingness to help is one personality trait Abby is most proud of. She listed her work ethic and drive (from her dad), kindness and compassion (from her Grandpa John) and caring (from her Great-Grandma Janetta) as others.

 

“I’m also willing to step outside my comfort zone,” she said.

 

For those who are scared, she advised to just be yourself—even if it means messing up.

 

“Even if you step onto the stage and forget the words, regroup and go back out there. People will be happy you’re trying again,” Abby shared.

 

And even though it’s hard, don’t care what other people think. Don’t let them dictate what you do.

 

“Always do what your heart is telling you to do,” Abby stressed. “Don’t fit into a crowd when you were born to stand out.”

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