She knew that there were opportunities to make the school and especially Earth a better place.

Kammerer, a senior at Fort Dodge Senior High, founded the Green Team during her junior year.

“I founded FDSH’s Green Team my junior year in hopes of making our school and planet a better place,” Kammerer said. “This year alone we learned how to compost in the greenhouse, we have picked up trash around our community, and we have held fundraisers to acquire recycling bins for our school.

“There is so much that we can do for our planet and community, but most people don’t know where to start. Green Team teaches students different ways that we can help the planet every day, and encourages them to share their ideas.”

With the new club, Kammerer has also learned a lot.

“I have learned so much from the Green Team too,” Kammerer said. “My classmates have brilliant ideas, and leading the group has brought me out of my comfort zone.

“I hope the club continues to grow after I graduate, and I have to shout out Amy Hinders and Emily Oliver for everything they have done for the group.”

Along with the Green Team, Kammerer is involved in many activities as a Dodger.

She is in Jazz, Marching, Concert and Pep Band as well as A Capella choir.

Kammerer is also a student ambassador, on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and National Honor Society.

Kammerer also has her athletic side as part of FAST Swim Club, the Fort Dodge girls swim team, where she was a state qualifier. She was also a manager for the boys swim team and is a part of the ARISE youth group.

Playing my alto saxophone has given me many opportunities, and I am grateful to be a part of the different band activities at FDSH,” Kammerer said. “During marching band season, I was a saxophone section leader with one of my closest friends Emily Oliver, and I love how during marching season the band learns new things and grows closer together. Concert band is a little more serious, but we learn technical skills and work together on challenging pieces that have made me a better musician.

“Jazz Band has pushed me out of my comfort zone through soloing in different pieces. This year I had the opportunity to solo at jazz championships during our song “Alegria,” a Latin tune. It was also incredible to hear my classmates show their talents in our jazz pieces as well. Although the band styles are very different, each one has helped form me into the saxophone player I am today. I hope to bring what I’ve learned to one of the Wartburg College bands this upcoming fall.”

On the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she has developed the ability to work with her peers.

“During our meetings, we discuss what it means to be a leader in your sport and school, how to be a role model, and how to support our community,” Kammerer said. “Together we have collected items for our school pantry, spoken with middle school students, and met with some amazing leaders who shared their stories on what leadership means to them.

“Being a part of this committee has broadened my perspective on what it means to be an athlete, and it has helped me connect with students in other sports. My brother Braden was also selected into SAAC this year, and I am very excited to see what he will accomplish with the group throughout his high school career.”

Kammerer has found challenges in keeping a tight and busy schedule, but she finds value in keeping busy.

“Being involved in swimming and all my other activities has had its challenges, but they were absolutely worth it. Each fall has actually been the highlight of my year because I get to participate in my favorite activities, marching band and swimming, at the same time,” Kammerer said. “There were many occasions where I had to come in early for swim practice and show up on the marching band field with dripping wet hair, but balancing my favorite activities has taught me responsibility, time management skills, and how to work towards my goals.

“At times it wasn’t easy, but all the hard work you put in is worth it. I am extremely grateful for my family, coaches, and teammates who were always there for me, and I am also incredibly proud to have swam on our state relays the past two years and of our saxophone section in this year’s marching show.”

Kammerer has built many memories through her years as a Dodger, but being involved in many activities has made her feel at home.

“It is impossible to pick one favorite memory from all of my activities, but one thing I have loved is that through them I truly feel like I belong and that I can make a positive difference,” Kammerer said. “Whether it was a random swim practice, half-time performance, or just hanging out with my teammates and section mates, I have felt cared about and believed in. I am so thankful for everyone who has been there for me, and I will never forget that feeling.

“It is so important to be involved in your school and community because it’s how you discover who you are, and it’s how you can make a positive difference in the world.”

Kammerer’s biggest influences have been Ashley Beaumont, Rylie Steinkamp, Maria Elizondo, Al Paulson, as well as Emily Oliver and her family.

After high school Kammerer plans to attend Wartburg College for environmental studies and communications in hopes of advocating for ways to help the planet. She also plans to continue playing saxophone in one of Wartburg’s bands.