Senior Nevaeh Wacholz is an impactful leader. She wakes up every day, knowing she was meant to make a difference through her acts of service. Many of her peers agreed that she is making a difference at Albert Lea High School.

“Nevaeh was very impactful because she is always positive and involved in everything,” said Senior Maya Richards. “She is such a good role model to others.”

Wacholz is the President of Student Council and National Honor Society. She is also the captain of three sports teams: basketball, volleyball and softball. She has been named captain for multiple years. She was also named the Volleyball All-Conference Player (Junior and Senior Year), Basketball All-Conference Honorable Mention (Junior Year) and All Conference (Senior Year), Triple A Award Recipient, Excel Award Recipient, and DAR Award Recipient. During her Freshman year, Wacholz was inducted onto the Wall of Inspiration.

“That’s something I take a lot of pride in,” said Wacholz. “I want to be able to dip my toes in the water as much as possible in all areas of our school. I think doing that has made me the person I am today.”

Students should have role models their age and celebrate leaders like Wacholz who intentionally contribute to a positive school culture. She is kind and resilient, but she keeps things real. She shows that even leaders are human and make mistakes.

“When you are not really experienced handing all of those tasks and responsibilities, it can be a lot,” said Wacholz. “There were a lot of times where I was like, I don’t know if I can do this. Maybe I need to say no to certain things. But, as you experience having a lot on your plate, your plate grows. You get used to adapting and it challenges you mentally and strengths who you are as a person.”

Wacholz has a lot on her plate but she pushes through by being positive and practicing resiliency. She shows up, puts herself out there, supports others, even on the most difficult of days. She also credits her support system for being there and holding her up.

“I think I had a great support system all throughout high school,” Wacholz said. “Whether it´s friends, teammates, teachers, family members, they took care of me, and listened to me when I had those bad days.”

Wacholz is loved and motivated by her family, specifically her parents, Afton and Philip Wacholz, and her brother, Brecken Wacholz. They mean the world to her. She considers them a blessing and that she has a place to go home surrounded by people who genuinely care for her.

“Above any academic or sport accomplishments, they [her family] care about Nevaeh,” said Wacholz. “They care about who I am.”

Additionally, her role models are people who she takes inspiration from including 2022 alumni Abby Chalmers, Wacholz’s grandmothers, Wanda Wangsness and the late Nancy Delger, and her best friend, Senior Evie Dawson. They shaped her into who she is today and have helped her to become a role model for others.

“My goal is to be that person for students following behind me,” said Wacholz. “And to be that person that I needed when I was their age.”

Wacholz also said that her faith is her biggest motivation and is her “why”. She believes that her leadership qualities stem from her faith and love for the Lord. She wants to dedicate her life to serving others and plans to become a nurse.

“I want to help people and make a positive difference to their lives,” said Wacholz. “And, what came to mind is to be a nurse.”

She has had plenty of practice by serving the students of ALHS.

“Nevaeh is a leader wherever she goes, and is someone you can count on to do the right thing,” said by Senior Maxx Richards. “With everything she has on her plate, she still takes the time to show her care and support for those around her. I appreciate that she keeps it real and is willing to show that even the best leaders have bad days and face challenges, but that’s not a reason to back down.”