Alexa Janssen Student Optimist of the Month

“ Making it to State for cross country my Senior year, definitely stands out as one of my favorite high school memories. Not just because of the accomplishment, but because of the people with which I shared the experience. Our team that year stuck out to me because we had a true bond. It was a team built by genuine support, trust and a shared goal that brought us closer and closer as the season progressed. What made it even more meaningful for me personally, was being able to overcome the hip injury I’ve been battling since my freshman year. There were times that it felt like it might hold me back from achieving my goals, but pushing through those challenges I made state with my teammates. Even more rewarding, was running my personal best of all four years. At the end of the day, it wasn’t just about qualifying, it was about finishing my high school career sided by a team that truly felt like family.”  Those are the memories of Alexa Janssen, Optimist Youth of the Month for April.  She has a 4.0 GPA and is tied for first in her class, having been on high distinction honor roll throughout high school. She was inducted into the National Honor Society, and is Vice President. She was named the local school winner of the Believers and Achievers award her senior year and represented district 29 at the Cornhusker Girls State in 2025. She was elected by her fellow students as the 2025 Homecoming Queen.
The letter winner has participated in cross country all four years of high school, qualifying for the State Finals twice.  Janssen also lettered while participating in track all four years, running the 1600 meter race.  She was named academic All-State in both sports.
Janssen plays flute in the concert band where she serves as a section leader and in marching band has been a member of the colorguard for the past three years as captain.  She is also a member of the concert choir. She lettered in all three categories.  She was nominated for both the East Central Nebraska conference, choir and band and received superior ratings at the district music contest for a vocal duet.
She was a cast member of the musical all four years of high school. Janssen earned a lead role the past two years and has served on the leadership team and as dance captain. She was a member of the one act her senior year.  She has been a member of the speech team since her sophomore year qualifying for State each year and being named academic All-State.
She is a member of the Art Club where she serves as Reporter. Janssen is a member of the Math and Science Club serving as President. She has served on student council past three years, has been with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Bulldog Way. She is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, where she currently serves as Parliamentarian. She has attended the state leadership conference all four years of high school, placing in competition each year.
She is a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Auburn and the youth group. She has a long list of volunteerism, including meals on wheels, the red cross blood drive and the FBLA mentorship program.
She is the daughter of Tony and Erica Janssen of rural Brownville. She plans to attend the University of Nebraska in Lincoln majoring in elementary education. When speaking of her experiences in the arts, Janssen commented…” another one of my favorite high school memories was getting a lead role in our school musical my junior year. I had the privilege of playing Ellie in Freaky Friday. It was an experience that pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to grow as a performer, both vocally and emotionally. Taking on such a big role, came with pressure, but also gave me confidence and a sense of pride in what I could accomplish. Performing alongside such a talented and supportive cast made the experience even more special.  it’s a memory I’ll always hold”