Meadow Heights senior spotlight

Rachael Hellebusch is a senior at Meadow Heights High School.

Three words Hellebusch would use to describe herself are determined, intelligent and sarcastic. She said her academic career and high GPA are among her top accomplishments.

"One of my greatest strengths is math, and I have been taking advanced classes my whole life," Hellebusch said.

She is involved with many things at school, including basketball, softball, FFA, Student Council, Beta Club and Pep Club.

"I'm proud of her dedication in school and her willingness to help with anything that you ask her," said Elizabeth Kiefer, her Beta Club advisor.

Lori Kent

One accomplishment that stands out, Kiefer said, is the fact that Hellebusch has placed five straight years in the math section at the annual Beta Club Convention.

She is also the president of the Student Council.

"Rachael is a great team player and does a great job representing her classmates and school," said Renee Clark, her Student Council advisor.

Along with Kiefer, Clark believes that a quality which stands out in Hellebusch is her willingness to take on and complete any challenge that is given to her.

In five years, Hellebusch sees herself with a master's degree and teaching math, but she doesn't know where just yet.

Lori Kent is a member of Meadow Heights' 2024 graduating class. During her high school career, she has been active in FFA, Student Council, Beta Club, cheerleading and softball.

Kent is a very kind and genuine person. She makes it a point to help others when needed, and always tries to maintain a positive attitude.

She is also very compassionate about her animals and currently maintains her own small herd of sheep. She developed an interest in sheep because she wanted something to do with agriculture and fell in love with Babydoll Southdown Sheep.

All sheep that Kent has shown have received first-place ribbons -- an accomplishment that makes her most proud. After graduating, she plans on keeping a small amount of sheep.

Her plans after high school include attending Southeast Missouri State University to receive a degree in early childhood education. She has dreams of becoming a preschool or kindergarten teacher.

In her free time, Kent cheers on the Meadow Heights cheerleading squad, attends Bible studies and hangs out with her boyfriend, Hunter. She also enjoys reading, watercolor painting, leather working and anything that has to do with her animals.

She is currently trying to start up her own business that carries western accessories and products, such as belts, key chains, earrings and anything made of leather.