Distinguished Student: Kayla Hirschi

Hard work leads to success in many areas of life. Whether it’s school or dance or other activities, Madison High School senior Kayla Hirschi has found that to be true. She wins this week’s United Dairymen of Idaho Distinguished Student Award.

Kayla has been dancing since she was a little girl. It gives her a way to express herself, while getting great workout at the same time. She says there’s nothing like the thrill of performing.

“It’s a big thrill – of course the adrenaline and everything, but performing and feeling good about it, it’s amazing once it’s done to feel proud of what I’ve put out on the floor,” Kayla said.

Excelling at dancing takes hard work. Kayla learned the work ethic as a child, raising calves and lambs and even starting a business selling strawberries and raspberries.

“Hard work is something you can apply to all areas of your life whether it be school or dancing, it’s amazing what can be done if you put your mind to it and apply hard work,” Kayla said.

As much as she loves dancing, Kayla puts academics fist. It’s paid off with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She thanks her parents for instilling in her the importance of education when she was little.

“I’ve always been taught that education comes before all the extra things I choose to do, so all through elementary school they made sure homework was done before I could go to dance, and it’s something I’ve continued through high school,” Kayla said.

Kayla plans to attend BYU-Idaho and become a nurse – a profession she feels passionate about.

“When I was younger I had the chance to visit a neighbor and her two premature little boys in the NICU, and when I was there I was just really impressed by it, and to think I could do that as a job is what really impressed me.” Kayla said.