The November Youth Optimist of the Month, Autumn Schenzel, was nominated by Mrs. Bethany Martinovici. Mrs. Martinovici states, “Autumn belongs to many groups and activities. She puts much effort into the activities that she is in – in and out of school. With the amount of extra responsibilities she has on her plate, she has been extremely successful. Autumn works hard to balance life in school, work and extra curricular activities. She is driven and determined to participate well in everything that she applies herself to. She sets goals to achieve the ultimate desires. In Track and Field, she is determined to better herself and will work hard for that opportunity to shine.”
Autumn is very active and participates in FFA, Octagon Club, Earth Club, Student Council, National Honors Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Link Crew, Basketball, Track and Field, Cross Country and Volleyball. She is a varsity letter winner for track and field, cross country and basketball; has received the FFA Greenhand and Chapter Degree as well as being the Vice President and President; A Class Officer, Octagon Club PR Representative, National Honor Society Vice President, Cross Country Team Captain and head lifeguard. Autumn has also received Athlete of the Week, Honorable Mention All Conference, Rookie of the Year and MVP for Track and Field. She has also received highest honors GPA 4.0 her entire high school career.
When not in school, Autumn is involved with volunteering at Grandpa’s Farm, St. Francis Fish Fry, Bowl for Kids Sake, Special Olympics, Optimist Cheese Curd stand, distributing Christmas Gifts on behalf of Church Mutual, recycling through the high school, highway clean up, St. Francis fair stand, June Dairy Breakfast, Make a Difference Day, Washington Elementary School Enrichment, walking dogs at the Humane Society, Merrill Lions Club Easter egg hunt and Special Olympics.
After graduation, Autumn plans to attend UW River Falls for the pre-veterinary medicine program then transfer to UW Madison or University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to complete her veterinary medicine program, obtaining a doctorate. She is the daughter of Sarah and Greg Schenzel.