And when Larson joined All-State band, it was an experience that would be entrenched in her memory for a lifetime.

The senior was honored in 2023 as All-State in band with the French horn. The recognition was something that Larson worked and strived for and earned it twice.

“Getting into All-State band took a lot of time and practice and a couple of all nighters,” Larson said. “But, I don’t think I would have made it without my amazing French horn teacher, Kristin Bodholdt. Mrs. Bodholdt taught me everything I know about French horn and has been a major influence in my musical career.”

Playing with fellow All-Staters was a journey that was worth the time and effort.

“In 2023, I was honored to make All-State Band,” Larson said. “Playing in such an amazing band with so many talented musicians felt surreal, and it’s an experience that I will never forget.”

Larson has earned the honor two years.

Larson also had the honor of playing her music in Fort Dodge with the Karl l. King Municipal Band.

“I was first asked to play in the Karl King Band for the Memorial Day program since they were short a French horn,” Larson said. “Since then I’ve been asked to play in many of their concerts.

“We only get one rehearsal before the show, so a lot of it is sight reading, but what I love the most is how despite the music being new, everyone plays it together so well.”

Larson has been involved in many activities at Fort Dodge. Musically she has been in marching band, jazz band and a capella choir. She has also been a part of speech, musicals, National Honor Society and youth group as well as being on the volleyball and tennis teams.

She has played the piano since she was five years old and began playing the trumpet her freshman year.

“It can get to be a lot sometimes (being busy), but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Larson said. “Especially during volleyball season, there were a lot of times where we went straight from practice to march our show at the game.

“Being in both music and sports requires a lot of early mornings and late nights, but the experience of being in those activities and the memories that come with it make it 100 percent worth it.”

As a junior, Larson took on a new task, working in her first musical as a Dodger.

“Last year I joined my first musical, “Tuck Everlasting,” Larson said. “I wanted to experience being a part of a musical before I graduated.

“Although it could be difficult balancing tennis with musical, I met so many cool people and had so much fun. I will always remember having to sprint down the hallways for a quick change and spending all of the practices talking backstage.”

While being active outside of the classroom, Larson also kept a pristine record inside of it, earning a spot in National Honor Society.

“Academics were never a huge struggle for me,” Larson said. “Sometimes I would have to stay up late to cram after a game and still have to wake up early for morning practice or weights, but I think it just ended up strengthening my time management skills.”

Also in her junior year, Larson added more to her schedule, joining speech.

“I decided to join speech for the first time my junior year to try something new and I’m so grateful that I did,” Larson said. “I got to act as the lead in both our 2024 All-State nominated film “Twice Daily “and this year’s short film “Reflections”.

“There is so much time and work that goes into making a film, especially while balancing being a part of other speech categories, but I loved every second of it.”

Walking down the halls in her senior year has brought back many memories for the senior.

“Honestly, I’m going to miss being on the volleyball and tennis team the most,” Larson said. “Some days could be hard, but I’ve loved being on both of the teams and the memories made with them on and off the court.

“I’m especially going to miss all the amazing friends I’ve made once I graduate.”

Through all of her years, Larson has had a strong support system and many influences.

“My mom has always been my biggest influence and supporter,” Larson said. “She gives her all in everything she does and inspires me to work hard and strive for my goals.”

After graduation, Larson will attend Iowa Central Community College for a year to finish her associate degree. She then plans on transferring to Iowa State University in Ames to major in criminal justice and get her certification in forensics science.

Vacation destination: Galveston, Texas.

People I would like to have dinner with: Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo.

It would surprise people that: I try to go to bed at 9 p.m. every night (I need my eight hours)

My everyday role model: my mom.

I can’t go a day without: a bubblr.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

graduated from Iowa State and living somewhere warm

What are you listening to right now?

my summer playlist on repeat

A show you binge watch: “Gilmore Girls.”

Favorites…

Musical: “Tuck Everlasting.”

Performance: Playing in Brady O’Brien’s Christmas Show.”

Music genre: Pop.

Song: “August” by Taylor Swift.

Instrument: French horn.

Class: IC-Intro to Psychology.

Movie: “Catch Me If You Can”.

Book: “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

Phone App: Spotify.