2023 Run Muskegon Scholarship Recipient

Madalyn Simpson

Meet Madalyn Simpson, Run Muskegon’s Inaugural Scholarship recipient. Madalyn is 18 years old and a senior at Reeths-Puffer High School. She currently lives with her parents, Christopher and Amy Simpson. 
 






We asked Madalyn to answer a few questions so everyone can get to know her a little better.

1. How long have you been running? Do you participate in any other athletic events either through school or community? 
   I have been running for at least 10 years. I started cross country in 6th grade and stopped in 8th grade. I have been running track since I was in 7th grade. Running has always been my sport of choice. Recently I have gotten more into shooting sports. I was the highest point shooter in my club. I compete at the county fair. Along with that I have also ridden horses for 10 years on and off. 
2. Have you received any specific recognitions or awards in athletics?
   The only award that I have received in athletics was my sophomore year. I was given the most improved award on my team. 
3. What groups/organizations/events do you/have you volunteered with and why?
   I am heavily involved in my FFA chapter. We do a lot of volunteer work in our community, especially with animal shelters. For the next year I am going to spend a big part of my time serving as Michigan’s FFA Region V State Vice President. I am a 4-H member as well. The 4-H club that I am in was awarded the Muskegon County 4-H Community Service Award last year for the amount of community service hours our club had as a whole. 
4. What profession do you plan to pursue after high school?
   I plan on pursuing a career in soil science. I want to be able to educate people on the importance of soil. I love learning everything about how the environment works. Conserving our natural resources is one of my biggest passions in life. Turning my passion into a career makes me so excited to go to college and learn more than I already know.
5. Run Muskegon’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle. How has running/athletics impacted your life? 
   Athletics has taught me that it is not always about winning the race. You have to fail and fail again before you see improvement. It taught me to never complain because your life can always be worse than in that moment.
6. How do you plan to continue a healthy lifestyle in college and beyond?
   I am a huge hiker. I would love to be able to travel and backpack across the county on trails such as Isle Royale, The Appalachian Trail, and The Pacific Crest Trail. When I am in college I plan to pursue these goals during my summer vacations. I love being outside and seeing the natural world around me. Working in the outdoors and agriculture requires a good amount of physical demand. As I am working I will still be living a healthy lifestyle. Keeping myself fit is so important for my future career.
7. Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life to this point and why?
   My old CTC principal Mr. Fiebig. He saw the potential I had to be the leader that I am now in FFA. He always encouraged me to experience and try as many things as I possibly could. 

---