Meet Distinguished Young Woman Participant Rachel Greifenkamp

Each week I'll be featuring a little background about each participant in the upcoming Distinguished Young Women contest. This week features Rachel Greifenkamp

Rachel is the daughter of Mary & Robert Greifenkamp. She is looking to pursue a career as a judge and her college preference is Iowa State. Rachel has won the Varsity Ski Team Sportsmanship Award, 2009 Presidential Education Award - Gold Eagle, Cadette Girl Scout Community Service Bar Award, Social Studies Polaris Award Freshman year, Green and Blue Scarves (Camp Anokijig Horsemanship).

She is involved in the Theatre Department Acting and Stage Manager, Varsity Ski Team, camp volunteer, hunting, recreational softball, horseback riding, and reading.

Here's a little bit more about Rachel in her own words.

What or who encouraged or motivated you to participate in the DYW Program?

I was originally encouraged to participate in DYW by one of my best friends, Karen Binder, who participated last year. After learning more about the program and how it is an incredible scholarship and self-developing opportunity, I decided to register.

What do you hope to get out of the program?

I'm most hoping that this program will help me get to know a wider variety of people and learn more about classmates that I don't talk to often, as well as give me a chance to participate in community events.

What is something you would like people to know about you?

Something that people should know about me is that I am a very rounded individual. I love reading, mostly fiction, Harry Potter is my favorite series but I'll give any book a chance. I've been on the Varsity Girls Ski Race Team since freshman year (snow is one of my favorite things in the world) and play recreational softball in the summer.

This was my third season deer hunting with my dad (my first year I got a doe). I volunteer at a summer camp where I have had the opportunity to meet some truly amazing and inspiring people from around the world while I learn about horses and expand my riding ability. It also gives me a chance to work with kids. To learn about where they come from and how everyone is different, I have learned so much from them.

Rachel has performed in many of fall plays and spring musicals.  She is very talented and we are so proud to have her in our program this year.