Education and inspiration: High school seniors share their challenges and advice

The arrival of August marks the beginning of a special chapter for many students and their families as they begin their senior year in high school.

This month, 501 LIFE celebrates “Education and Inspiration” by profiling a handful of seniors from high schools in Central Arkansas. School officials were asked to suggest students who have overcome personal difficulties or challenges, and inspire others.

“It’s a pleasure this month to share these special students – Joshua Pierce, Trey Hickey, Drew Eugene Bostian, Mallory Brooke Simer, Julia Rippey and Sydnie Reedy with 501 LIFE readers,” said 501 LIFE editor/publisher Sonja J. Keith. “We wish them all the best as they embark on their senior year.”

Drew Eugene Bostian

Family: Parents, Steve and Paula Bostian; and a brother, Jamie, 24.

Where did you grow up: Morrilton.

School: Sacred Heart School.

Interests/activities: I like to hunt, fish, play basketball and baseball and watch football.

What do you enjoy most about school: Being around the great faculty and all my friends. It’s just a great place to be.

Challenges/difficulties: Being born with Spina Bifida. That’s a major challenge for me but I am doing a lot more than most people with Spina Bifida so I am thankful for that. Also, I have trouble with my balance and I don’t have feeling in the back of my legs so those are other major challenges in my life.

Who helped you succeed: It all starts with my great family. If it wasn’t for my family, I don’t think I could have faced all my challenges in life the way that I am. I’m really lucky to have them. Also, my great friends; I know a lot of great people who have helped me through my life. I also kept believing in the man upstairs.

Advice to other students: Never doubt yourself; keep striving for success.

Thoughts/feelings on your senior year: Can’t believe I made it. I had my ups and downs, but it has been a good, long run. I wanted it to end, but another part of me wants it to keep going.

What are your plans for after graduation: I have always been intrigued by the weather, so I look forward in the future to becoming a storm chaser.

What would you like for 501 LIFE readers to know about you: I didn’t do this interview to make people feel sorry for me. I did it to let other people with close to or the same challenges in life as me, know that there will be people in your life that can help. Always try your best and don’t get upset because you are a little different than your friends. No one is perfect!

Mallory Brooke Simer

Family: Parents, Sonny and Tonya Simer; and sisters Lauren and Morgan.

Where did you grow up: Morrilton.

School: Morrilton High School.

Interests/activities: Volleyball, softball, cheerleading, hunting, fishing; being with friends and family; Beta Club and GMAs (Girls Missionary Auxiliaries) at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

What do you enjoy most about school: Being able to spend time with my friends and participating in all school activities.

Challenges/difficulties: When I was 10, I found out I had Juvenile Diabetes Type 1. I had to change my whole lifestyle. I was pricking my finger four to five times daily and giving myself four insulin shots. I had to watch what I ate. Some days, my sugar level will be high. Some days, it will be low. It is a very overwhelming disease.

Who helped you succeed: My family – mostly my parents and my Papa Wayne Smith.

Advice to other students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You cannot carry a load by yourself. Whatever you can’t do, you can do with God.

Thoughts/feelings on your senior year: I am excited to start my last year as a Devil Dog. I’m also nervous and scared for the next chapter in my life.

What are your plans for after graduation: Go to Arkansas Tech University and go through their nursing program. My goal is to be a labor and delivery nurse.

What would you like for 501 LIFE readers to know about you: Even though I am living with diabetes and thyroid disease, I try to live my life as normal as I can. I have an insulin pump that helps me regulate my sugar so I am able to participate in all of my sports and activities. God has chosen this path for me but I know He will make this trial a blessing. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Julia Rippey

Parents: Will and Donna Rippey.

Where did you grow up: Searcy.

School: Searcy High School.

Interests/activities: Youth group, being around friends and family, and Sonic happy hour.

What do you enjoy most about school: Being around people and looking back to the beginning of the year to see how far I’ve progressed.

Challenges/difficulties: In October of my freshman year, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. I was taken out of school and did all my assignments from home. I was in and out of the hospital during six rounds of chemotherapy and two weeks of ra
diation.

Who helped you succeed: Family, friends, doctors and my community.

Advice: Work hard now so you don’t have to later. You can do anything for 10 months.

Thoughts/feelings about starting senior year: I’m super excited to see what this year brings.

Plans after graduation: Attend the University of Arkansas.

Trey Hickey

Family: Parents, Mike and Chata Hickey; and a sister, Kayla. 19.

Where did you grow up: Conway.

School: St. Joseph School.

Interests/activities: I like to fish and hunt.

What do you enjoy most about school: Seeing my friends and having fun in FACS (Family and Consumer Science) class with Mrs. (Monica) Lieblong. That is one of my favorite classes.

Challenges/difficulties:  When I was 8 years old, I got sick. I had a stroke and found out I had leukemia. It relapsed and I had to have a bone marrow transplant. Healing from that gave me a few other issues as well. I spent a long time in the hospital and had to re-learn how to walk again.

Who helped you succeed: My therapist at Pediatrics Plus, Laura Tucker, and all of my family.

Advice to other students: Don’t plan on anything being set in concrete. Life can change in an instant.

Thoughts/feelings on your senior year: I am a senior finally!

What are your plans for after graduation: Find a job that suits me and I enjoy.

What would you like for 501 LIFE readers to know about you: Even in my hard times, I roll with it. I have had some great adventures even with cancer. Life is short, so go with the flow.

Joshua Pierce

Family: Parents, Jennifer and Randy; and brothers Jaren, 11, and Jadon, 13.

Where did you grow up: Born in Little Rock but grew up in Conway. It’s a wonderful city and a fantastic place to live.

School: Conway High School.

Interests/activities: Doing research on the computer, traveling and watching DVDs. I like band leader Lawrence Welk and enjoy visiting the Welk Resort in Branson. I also have been an usher at New Life Church the last five years.

What do you enjoy most about school: I enjoy learning new concepts in math and I really enjoyed learning more about American history this past school year. I also like music and sing in the choir. I enjoy meeting new students and teachers and the atmosphere. Lunch is my favorite part.

What challenges/difficulties have you had to face: Living with autism. Sometimes, I repeat myself when I get overwhelmed at school. This can be extremely frustrating for me when I am trying to get my thoughts out.  Some of my school years have been quite challenging, but I have learned and proven that with hard work and a positive attitude I can make it through!

Who helped you succeed: Mom and Dad. (Conway High principal) Mr. (Joel) Linn will be my best friend forever.

Advice to other students: Keep trying, no matter what. You will get through, just keep trying.

Thoughts/feelings on your senior year: I’m happy and anxious. I’m looking forward to getting my diploma when I cross that stage at Verizon Arena.

What are your plans for after graduation: Attend college, get a job and have a family.

What would you like for 501 LIFE readers to know about you: Even though I am autistic, I really don’t see myself as being that different from others. I go to school, I am able to drive, I have a part-time job at Chick-fil-A and I’m looking forward to what my future holds!

More information: As Joshua transitioned from the junior high to high school, a suggestion was made that rather than wait outside in the courtyard, he could sit in a blue chair in the office before classes started. In time, he has become “the greeter” for faculty and staff at Conway High. “It’s amazing to see the lives he’s touched,” said his mom, Jennifer, adding that he’s been described as “a ray of sunshine” in one teacher’s day.

“I love to welcome people,” Joshua said.

Jennifer describes her son as an encourager. “He was sent to us for a special reason. He’s our gift,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the lives he’s touched.”