Valerie Pollock

My name is Valerie Pollock. I’m 18 years old and just graduated from Fruitport High School.





1. How long have you been running? Do you participate in any other athletic events either through school or community? 
I started running in 3rd grade with a Girls on the Run Club and then have run cross country and track throughout middle and high school. I also played club soccer when I was little up until high school.

2. Have you received any specific recognitions or awards in athletics? 
I have received All Conference honors three years in high school and honorable mentions one year. I am a two-time state qualifier in cross country and have received academic all-state once. Additionally, I received academic all-state in track when my 4x8 team qualified for states my sophomore year. 

3. What groups/organizations/events do you/have you volunteered with and why?
I volunteer at the kids ministry at my church, at Fruitport Old Fashion Days with the Leo’s Club, and at middle school cross country/track meets. All the activities I volunteer at I participated in as a child and I have many fond memories from them. I enjoy helping kids make similar exciting memories to my own.
 
4. What profession do you plan to pursue after high school?
I plan on pursuing a career in industrial and organizational psychology. As an IO psychologist I would help businesses train their employees and sort out issues that compromise efficiency. I believe I will find this career rewarding because I like efficiency, problem solving, and helping others.

5. Run Muskegon’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle. How has running/athletics impacted your life?
Running has definitely made me prioritize my health. When I became more serious about running high school I wanted to perform well and something that helped me reach that goal was taking care of my body and meeting my basic needs. Throughout high school I learned how to manage my time so I was able to get 8 hours of every night and I made sure I drink lots of water and limit sweets. In addition to improving my running performance, these new healthy habits have also reduced the amount of migraines I have. When I was in middle school I started getting migraines quite often and the doctors told me they were likely caused by unhealthy habits such as not enough sleep or water, or too much sugar. Over the years the amount of migraines I have dwindled to little to none. 

6. How do you plan to continue a healthy lifestyle in college and beyond?
I plan to participate in cross country and track at MCC. This will keep me active and give me an incentive to continue practicing the healthy habits I have developed throughout high school. Beyond college I plan to continue running since it is something I am passionate about and surround myself with people who will push me to stay active. 

7. Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life to this point and why?
I would say the most influential person in my life is my mom. She has always been there to support me as I work towards my goals and challenge me to become a better person. Additionally, she is hard working and is willing to make sacrifices for the ones she loves which are characteristics I admire.
 

Iris Wright
 I graduated from Holton High School in 2024, and I am currently a Muskegon community college Pre-nursing student. I'm in the process of getting my Nurse aid certification through MCC while also taking pre-requisite classes. I am the oldest of two twin brothers and a sister. I love keeping myself busy, working out and tanning outside.  
 
1.     What High School did you/do you attend?
I attended Holton High School

2.     How long have you had an active lifestyle?
Middle school to now I maintained an active lifestyle through sports, running or the gym.

3.     Did you or do you currently play sports through school or community? 
I was in competitive cheer in Middle school, however covid happened and halted this. In High School I took interest in running and weightlifting at the gym.

4.    What groups/organizations/events do you/have you volunteered with and why?
I was an active member of my high school's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) group as well as the College Ambassadors program. I also partook in White Lake Nutrition's 5k color run in honor of Ava Vanderstelt and mental health. I chose to be involved in these activities because they reflect causes I care about and are all positive influences in our community.

5.     What does Jen’s motto of “just one more mile” mean to you?
Recently, I’ve been doing a hour of cardio at the gym, and I really resonate with the motto “just one more mile.” When you're pushing yourself to go that extra mile while running, it becomes more than just physical. It becomes a way to show yourself what your potential is “Just one more mile” turns into a mindset that can apply to all areas of life.

6. What is your motivation for healthy living? As a nursing student, I know that in my future I will care for people who are bedridden, elderly, or who miss the physical abilities they had. Being blessed with a healthy body and entering my twenties, I think it’s very important to treat my body with respect and invest in a healthy future.

7.     What's your greatest athletic or professional accomplishment?
My greatest professional accomplishment is working full time throughout high school while still graduating with honors. As well as continuing to work full-time in college while maintaining a strong GPA. There are weeks when it feels overwhelming, however looking back I can't express how proud I am of myself and the level of drive it gives you, seeing what you can accomplish.
 
8.     How do you manage your time between your studies and family life or time with friends?
To balance my social life, school, and my work I make my number one priority too never procrastinate. If something is due in two weeks but released today, I will do it that day. Falling behind in one of these areas is the worst thing you can do. I always make sure to over prepare rather than under.