|
 Kelsey
Menzel, the 18 year old daughter of David and Vivian Menzel, and
salutatorian for the DHS class of 2007, refuses to let an April
automobile accident define her senior year.
“It’s no big deal,” she said, when asked
about her injuries. And although she’s used a wheelchair and crutches,
and participated in the Home Bound educational program for the last
several weeks of her senior year, you get the feeling she means it.
“I’m doing fine,” Kelsey said, “it’s
really not that bad. It was unfortunate, but I’m going to make a
complete recovery.” She added that the support of her family and
friends have helped during these last few weeks, especially that of
her parents.
Kelsey has attended school in DeLeon
since kindergarten, and has many happy memories.
“Probably my best year was fifth grade,”
Kelsey said. “Or eighth. I don’t really know why. In fifth I had Mrs.
(Terrill) Casey, Mrs. (Linda) Lindley, and Mrs. (Sherry) Weaver. And
in eighth grade, I had Mrs. (Leisa) Nowlin. I took GT in both fifth
grade and eighth grade, maybe that was it -- that was fun.”
Even though her math teacher was one of her favorites, English was her
favorite subject.
Her high school activities have included
basketball and One Act play, and “track for a couple of years.”
Kelsey, the senior class vice president, is also in Student Council,
the National Honor Society and was a member of the First National
Junior Bank Board. She was also yearbook editor.
“I’ve really enjoyed high school, it’s
really been fun,” Kelsey said. “I’m going to miss it.”
Kelsey has one sister, 21 year old
Kristen, a recent Tarleton graduate, who plans to start graduate
school in the fall.
Although Kelsey’s current activities are
obviously limited, she enjoys reading, listening to music, playing
video games and spending time online. She also enjoys fishing and
spending time with her mixed breed dog, Phoebe.
Her future plans include attending the
University of Texas and pursuing a degree in Political Science.
Kelsey’s not sure exactly how she’ll put
that degree to use after graduation. “I’ve changed my mind a few times
through the years. At different times I’ve wanted to be a
psychiatrist, a massage therapist, a small business owner, and a
teacher,” she laughed.
When a “just for fun” question is tossed
her way -- what fictional character would you like to be? -- Kelsey
said that Lucy, from “I Love Lucy” would be her top choice.
“She does a lot of zany things but
somehow always gets out of them,” Kelsey said. “And her problems never
last for longer than 30 minutes.”
Another whimsical question -- “What two
people, from any time in history, would you choose to have dinner
with? -- prompted a more thoughtful response.
“I would say Wolf Blitzer and Estee
Lauder,” Kelsey said. “Estee Lauder built a very successful business
on her own, and she could give some advice on entrepreneurship. Wolf
Blitzer would provide some comic relief, and I have just always wanted
to see him in person.” |
