Student Spotlight: Dana Abbring
Dana Abbring is a senior at Morgan Township High School (MTHS). She has been deeply involved in MTHS and in her local community for years, holding several leadership positions across the activities she is involved in.
“I'm mostly involved in the community through Christ Lutheran Church. I am rather involved and active in many of its ministries that grow my faith and benefit ‘the least of these’ as we are called to do as Christians. I also volunteer at a monthly food pantry managed by my running coach, Joel Davis,” Abbring said.
In her senior year, Abbring has been the president of the National Honor Society and Speech and Debate Team, the vice president of the German Club, secretary for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Council, and the editor-in-chief for the MTHS yearbook. She is also involved in the MTHS band, cross country team, and track and field team.
“I think a lot of times when I face pressure I take a step back and reevaluate my priorities,” Abbring said. “Sometimes the pressure doesn't need to affect me, and so I adopt an attitude that doesn't let it. Most other times I just take a deep breath and face the challenge head-on. I know the pressure will only last a short while.”
Abbring has received several impressive scholarships during her high school career, all of which push her forward in her journey to become an engineer. She has received the Purdue Trustee Scholarship, which was based on her application, the Harry B. Anderson scholarship, the Urena Scholarship, and the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award.
“I'm motivated by my personal desire to achieve, to feel productive and improve the lives of others. I like to try new things and to demonstrate and grow my skills and experiences,” Abbring said. “There's only so much time, and I have big dreams I would love to accomplish before my time on this earth ends. I want to be a loving and kind presence and reflect God's will in the world through my smile and actions.”
Abbring’s ambitions aren’t only limited to academic success and community service. She also strives to be a good role model and person inside and outside of the school.
“I hope to continue to be a smiling, kind, loving person that brightens others' day and sets a good example of leadership, ambition, integrity, and ethics. I want to be in community with other like-minded individuals,” Abbring said. “I want to have a good work-life balance and not only be a great engineer, but also a great family member and friend to others.”
-Article by Amelia Sutherlin