McKenna Gleisner and Abby Bickler were invited to lunch with the Austin Rotary Club. They were selected for being senior students who excel in academics, leadership and/or activities.

McKenna Gleisner

Activities: I play tennis and am a part of the National Honor Society, Scarlet Chord and link crew. In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with friends and running.

Awards: I have received several Spotlight on Scholarship awards for the sports I have played.

Thoughts on my educational experience so far: It has gone by so quickly and I have loved every minute of it! I am so thankful for the different opportunities I have had to grow in my education.

Plans for the future: I am attending Iowa State University in the fall and majoring in business with a minor in Spanish.

Thoughts about my experience with the rotary club: I have loved coming to the meetings and getting to talk with different people in the community. It has been a real privilege that I am very thankful for!

Abby Bickler

Activities: I am involved in gymnastics, softball, choir, NHS, and Link Crew through Austin High School. Outside of school I love to spend time exercising, being with friends and family, going to sporting events of all kinds, watching movies, playing with my dog, and shopping.

Awards: Gymnastics: All-Section (five times), All-Conference (three times), All-State (three times), State Competitor (five times). Packer Booster Club Award, Honor Roll Member

Thoughts on my educational experience so far: I have worked hard thus far to challenge myself through my years of high school which has paid off. I have learned many things and kept my grades up, but I have learned the most throughout the many different challenges and successes I have faced in life rather that the number of things that I have learned in school.

Plans for the future: This summer I plan on traveling and experiencing different places, spending time with family and friends. Next fall I will be attending Winona State University to study psychology with a minor in coaching. I will then continue on to a master’s program in sports psychology. I hope to someday work with a college athletic program or professional sports team.

Thoughts about my experience with the rotary club: I appreciated how accepting and interested they were in their guests. It’s nice to know that community leaders are able to join together in a setting like that. They got me very interested in the group and I think it would be great to be a part of a Rotary Club someday.