Bailey Rees

Parents: Tyler and Mindi Rees

Extra-curricular Activities: Band, Choir, Drama Department, Speech Team, Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, Earth Club

Community Activities: Washington Community Theater Productions, Washington County 4-H, Ambassadors Youth Ministry, Collide Youth Group

Future Plans and Goals: I plan to attend Drake University this fall. I am going to double-major in graphic design and marketing, with a minor in music.

How will your high school experiences help you in the coming years? One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned over the past four years is time management as I balanced work, social life, classes, and extracurriculars.

Fondest memory of high school: My fondest memory is serving as drum major of the marching band.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on you and why? The most influential teacher I’ve had the pleasure of working with is Mrs. Shelly Duwa. I have taken only two of her classes, but Mrs. Duwa stood out among the other educators in my school. She genuinely cares about her students and finds no shame in pushing their limits. Mrs. Duwa has shown me that I am capable of more than I could imagine. Her encouragement has given me confidence in myself and in my future.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you? My mother is very involved in the school, music, and sports programs. I couldn’t list all the organizations she’s a part of. From a young age, I was told that I looked just like her, and that made me so happy. Because of her, I jump at the chance to volunteer. I have joined organizations to better my community like Earth Club, 4-H, and NHS. I can’t wait to continue practicing the citizenship I’ve admired my mom for. I want the things I do to bring joy to others.

What is special about your high school? Washington High School encourages students to get involved in extracurriculars. In our small town, students can participate in a wide range of activities. The combination of Washington High School’s encouraging atmosphere and the array of opportunities Washington offers allows students to be well-rounded and experienced by the time they turn eighteen.

If you go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself? “Do what makes you happy.”