Jeremiah Schenzel to take over as student body president

Jeremiah Schenzel's New Year's resolutions extend to all of his peers at Carson High School.

"My biggest goal is to make sure high school is fun for people," he said. "You don't have to be in every club to enjoy high school, just have fun while you're there and gain from it what you need to gain."

As student body president, Schenzel, 16, plans to lead by example. In addition to his responsibilities in student government, he is active in culinary arts, a member of the varsity soccer team and the state president of SkillsUSA.

"If you're not involved in high school, you're missing a lot," he explained. "If you're just going from 8 to 2, you're not experiencing high school in its fullest form at all. There's so much more to it."

Schenzel first became interested in student politics when he was in seventh grade and saw eighth-grade officers, including Maria Urbina.

When school resumes Monday, Schenzel will replace Urbina as student body president and serve in that capacity until January 2005.

"I'm happy I'll have somebody there who knows what's going on," he said. "I know I'll learn a lot from her because she's done so much."

As a freshman, Schenzel was class treasurer and was elected class president the following two years.

It wasn't until he met with his officers to choose a student body treasurer that his new assignment became a reality.

"It's a little overwhelming," he said. "I didn't really understand all the responsibility. I don't think it hit any of us until then that what we are doing is going to change our school."

It's a year that will bring other big changes to the school as well. After 12 years, Principal Glen Adair announced he will retire in June.

"It's kind of scary because I have a really close relationship with Mr. Adair. He is the best administrative head you could ask for. If you need something and you ask him, it always gets done," Schenzel said. "You can't even predict what's coming but it will be fun because I like challenges."

After high school, Schenzel wants to pursue a bachelor's degree in restaurant management and eventually become the CEO of the National Restaurant Association.

Raised in Carson City, he is the son of Lester and Kay FitzHenry and has siblings Lissell FitzHenry, 21, and Jonas Schenzel, 15.

Contact Teri Vance at tvance@nevadaappeal.com or at 881-1272.