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.

Candice Kops
Candice is a Fruitport High School graduate and is currently attending Muskegon Community College pursuing a degree in Nursing.
 
1. What High School did you/do you attend? 
I attended Fruitport High School and graduated in 2004. 

2. How long have you had an active lifestyle? Do you participate in any other athletic events either through school or community? 
During High School, I was a sideline cheerleader. Now, my sports activities include cheering on my children. Our 13 yr old son plays school and Travel Baseball. One of our twin girls (10 yrs old) is active in softball, and the other participates in competitive cheer.

3. What does Jen’s motto of “just one more mile” mean to you? 
Now that I am older and back to school, I have set high standards for myself and my grades. I am always doing homework or studying throughout the day. Even if that means sitting in my car between my children's games, or during practices.  I am also not afraid to ask for help when I need it. 

4. What is your motivation for healthy living? 
Healthy living? I want to be the best mom and wife for my family. I try my hardest to ensure I am at every sporting event or activity my children have. I can do this by keeping a very detailed calendar in my phone. 
​
5. What's your greatest accomplishment? 
Besides my children. Since returning to college, I have been allowed to tutor all of the classes I have attended. I have also maintained all A’s in my classes (except for 1- B+), all while still working 2 jobs. 

Any final thoughts? 
​I want my children to be proud of their mom for returning to college, putting in the dedication and time in my classes, and hopefully for becoming a nurse.  (fingers crossed)

Elizabeth Woller
Elizabeth is a 2024 graduate of Montague High School.  She will be attending Muskegon Community College, majoring in Medical Diagnostic Sonography.

1. What High School did you/do you attend?
I attended Montague High School and graduated Class of 2024. 

2. How long have you been running? Do you participate in any other athletic events either through school or community?
I have been running for about 7 years now.  I started running in middle school because I wanted to try something new and utilize the ability to run with my prosthetic. It is important for me to stay active given the amazing gift of being able to run despite my physical differences. I continued to run after I fell in love with cross country and decided to give track a try as well. Once I got into high school, I decided I wanted to continue to participate in these sports.  After countless injuries in cross country, I had to make a hard decision my junior year to take a year off and rest my body and instead focus on track. Tearing my meniscus was certainly not in the cards but thankfully I was able to get back into running and recovered. After some prayers and the help of my parents' input, I decided I would do only track my senior year.  

3. What groups/organizations/events do you/have you volunteered with and why?
I volunteered in ministry and my church worship team because I wanted to volunteer; not to be recognized for doing something good but rather to fulfill the purpose God had in my life. Over the 7 years being involved in ministry I have learned a lot of things:

1. To always be counting my blessings I have in my life, rather than wanting what the things I don’t have. 
2. Through every trial I may face, there’s ALWAYS a purpose in God’s plan.
3. Trust God’s timing and not my own.

 
4. What does Jen’s motto of “just one more mile” mean to you?
Jen’s motto ‘’just one more mile’’ has a significant impact.  Her motto breathes the idea to always push yourself when you don’t think there’s nothing left.  A verse that has always stuck with me since I was a child was Philippians 4:13 ‘’ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’’.  God knows who we are inside and out.  He knows how we react, the way we think, and even how much we can handle. There was never a time in my life when he failed me or left my side. Instead, he was there with me saying just one more mile and pushed me to my full potential. Jen was probably the person who always wanted to push others to be the best version of themselves, knowing the limitations in their mind were no match for the reality of success. 
 
5. What is your motivation for running?
My motivation for running changed throughout the years.  When I first started running my mindset was only to get better. It was much less a passion and more a hobby that kept my body moving. This was the case until I found myself pushing too hard resulting in injuries. Then, something I took for granted quickly became a thing I was no longer able to enjoy, and I realized it was much more than something I did in my free time. During my junior year I spent a lot of time praying and contemplating how this could be God’s plan for me. Was running a gift God has given me (the answer is yes)?  The Summer before my senior year I knew I needed to change my mindset and put in the effort to recovery so I could participate in the sport I grew to love. I realized running has brought me so much joy and stress relief. I love the rush and adrenaline because it makes me feel alive and I cannot wait to continue my running journey.
 
6. What’s the farthest you have run at one time?
​The furthest I have ever run at one time is 14 miles. 

Gabrielle Dohm
Gabrielle is 17 years old and from Ravenna! She is dual enrolled at Ravenna High School and Muskegon Community College. Gabrielle currently lives with her parents, Steve and Sara, her sister Taylor and brother Christian.
 
1. How long have you been running? Do you participate in any other athletic events either through school or community? 
I’ve been running track since 7th grade and running cross country since 8th! I was on my school's bowling team for sophomore-senior year and my school's soccer team for freshman and sophomore years along with XC and Track for all 4 years!
 
2. Have you received any specific recognitions or awards in athletics? 
I earned coach’s awards for both XC and Track along with both Most involved for both sports! I’ve been team captain of the track team for the past three years and captain of the cross-country team for the past two. I also received all conference academic awards for all 4 years for both sports.
 
3. What groups/organizations/events do you/have you volunteered with and why?
I am in the National Honor Society and have volunteered through that and I’m also very active in FFA and have volunteered with that also. Giving back to my community is super important to me and very rewarding. It is something I definitely will continue to do throughout my life.
 
4. What profession do you plan to pursue after high school?
I plan on going into biotechnology after college before going into the medical field.
 
5. Run Muskegon’s mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle. How has running/athletics impacted your life? 
Running and athletics has been a huge part of my life. I’ve played sports since I was four years old and have met a lot of my mentors and friends through them. Running has given me a lot of unexpected friendships and I am very thankful for that.
 
6. How do you plan to continue a healthy lifestyle in college and beyond?
I am currently committed to run cross country and track at MCC. Even after college, I plan on continuing with running and staying in shape.
 
7. Who would you say has been the most influential person in your life to this point and why?
My dad has definitely been the most influential person in my life to this point. He has been such a positive role model over the past 17 years and has pushed me to try new things. He was the reason I decided to branch out and try track and then cross country and I am so glad I did.
 

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.