Conservation

Kayla Batdorf (Bennett), Class of 2020

Current Role:
I have been working for the Missouri Department of Conservation as a Natural Resource Technician the last few years. I love it! I had dreamt of working for them since my junior year of high school, so it’s still crazy (and awesome) to me that I’m getting to actually live it!

Favorite High School Activities:
Wrestling, Marching Band, and Pep Band were by far my favorite things I ever did!

Most Influential Blue Jay Staff Member(s): 
Coach Wright was the best coach I ever had. He is a very kind person, and he displays that even in coaching. I was brand new to wrestling when I did it, and he was always encouraging, patient, and kind. I continued to get better and I owe it all to him. He helped me to see my potential and improvement, even on the days where I lost matches. Wrestling turned out to be my most favorite sport I ever did, and I thank him for a lot of that!

Favorite Blue Jay Memory:
I always loved any of the dances—Homecoming, Rally Day, and Prom! It was always one night where you got the excuse to dress up fancy and go hang out with all of your friends at the same time, and dance and laugh the night away. It was always a happy time.

Advice to Your High School Self:
Have confidence in yourself!! Go try new things, take leaps of faith, and don’t be afraid to learn something brand new!