Elizabeth Kerkhoff
Huntingburg,IN
Summary
Adaptable student leader with hands-on experience supporting children, guests, and animals. Strong public speaking, organization, and reliability contribute to positive team results and safe environments. Prepared to bring leadership, service, and a strong work ethic to future opportunities.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Intern
Dubois County Humane Society Spay & Neuter Clinic
Jasper, Indiana
08.2026 - Current
- Prepared surgical supplies and sterilized instruments for veterinary procedures.
- Assisted with animal handling and clinic preparation, maintaining a clean and safe environment.
- Cleaned kennels, exam rooms, and recovery areas at humane society clinic.
Intern
Dogwood Medical Clinic
Jasper, Indiana
08.2026 - Current
- Assisted with veterinary appointments and procedures, improving understanding of animal health and clinical care.
Ride Operator
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
Santa Claus, Indiana
04.2026 - Current
- Followed safety procedures to ensure safe, welcoming guest experiences.
- Achieved Crew of the Week recognition for exceptional performance during operational audit.
- Received Holiday Hero award for providing support to child with a disability.
After school counselor and Child Watch worker
YMCA
Ferdinand, Indiana
06.2023 - Current
- Supervised and engaged children, creating a safe and supportive environment for development.
- Facilitated group activities to enhance children's communication skills and social interaction.
After-School Tutor
Southeast Dubois County School
Ferdinand, Indiana
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Tutored seventh- and eighth-grade students, enhancing their understanding of core subjects and fostering academic growth
- Supported Southeast Dubois County students with after-school homework help
- Monitored student behavior during supervised learning sessions
Education
High School Diploma -
Forest Park Jr. Sr. High School
Ferdinand, IN05-2027
Skills
Indiana Youth and Government (INYAG)
President & Clerk of the House — Junior Year
Clerk of the House — Sophomore Year
Vice President — Freshman Year
● Helped establish and grow the Tri-County Youth and Government delegation, expanding civic engagement opportunities for local students
● Presented a legislative bill as a freshman that successfully passed the House
● Developed leadership, public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and legislative skills through participation in a student-run mock government program
Forest Park Marching Rangers
Drum Major, 2025–2026 Leadership Team, 2024 Section Leader, Sophomore Year
● Served as a student leader, helping guide rehearsals, support fellow members, and foster unity and accountability
● Recognized with the Outstanding Freshman Member Award and earned a varsity letter in band
Ranger CARES
Founder & Leadership Team Member — Junior Year
● Helped establish a school organization focused on community support and service
● Organized fundraising and donations for Dove House, helped prepare and serve breakfast, and participated in a visit focused on understanding recovery
Dubois County CARES
Youth Leadership Team
● Participated in youth-led substance-use prevention initiatives
● Attended the CADCA conference in Chicago to learn about prevention, advocacy, and community leadership
Awards and Honors
4-H Project Achievements
- 2026: Grand Champion — Child Development and Collections; Indiana State Fair Special Merit — Child Development.
- 2025: Grand Champion — Alpaca, Poultry, Child Development, and Cat Poster; Indiana State Fair Special Merit — Child Development.
- 2024: Grand Champion — Child Development; Indiana State Fair Special Merit — Child Development.
- 2023: Grand Champion — Creative Writing and Dog Obedience.
- 2022: Grand Champion — Dog Poster and Dog Agility; Indiana State Fair Special Merit — Dog Poster.
- 2021: Grand Champion — Robotics and Dog Agility.
Archery
- Competed at state tournaments in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, and 2026.
- Competed at national tournaments four times.
- 2025: Second-place high school female and third-place overall female at a competition.
- Recognized as an academic archer.
Additional Recognition
- DAR Essay Contest School Winner, eighth grade.
- Outstanding Freshman Band Member Award.
- Holiday World Crew of the Week.
- Holiday World Holiday Hero.
- Academic Honors, freshman through junior years.
- Varsity letters in band and swimming.
Activities
Music and Performing Arts
- Marching Band — Six-year member; Drum Major, 2025–2026; former section leader; leadership team.
- Pep Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Brass Band, and 4-H Band.
- School Musical — Sound technician for Beauty and the Beast and Anastasia; Stage Manager for Catch Me If You Can.
Student Leadership and Service Organizations
- Student Council — Class Treasurer, freshman and sophomore years; Class Secretary, junior year.
- National Honor Society.
- Natural Helpers.
- FACS Club — Led the Dove House service project and contributed to projects benefiting homeless individuals and a women’s shelter.
- Community Impact — Leadership Team, freshman through junior years.
- Key Club/Builders Club.
- Business Professionals of America.
- Newspaper Club and Book Club.
Athletics and Other Activities
- Archery — State and national competition experience.
- Swim Team — Team Manager; varsity letter recipient.
- 4-H — Dog Club, Junior Leaders, club treasurer, and multiple project areas.
- Math Bowl — Sixth grade.
Community and professional interest
- Animal welfare, veterinary medicine, and zoology.
- Youth advocacy and substance-use prevention.
- Civic engagement and public service.
- Music, mentorship, and community involvement.
Timeline
Intern
Dubois County Humane Society Spay & Neuter Clinic
08.2026 - Current
Intern
Dogwood Medical Clinic
08.2026 - Current
Ride Operator
Holiday World & Splashin' Safari
04.2026 - Current
After-School Tutor
Southeast Dubois County School
08.2023 - 05.2024
After school counselor and Child Watch worker
YMCA
06.2023 - Current
High School Diploma -
Forest Park Jr. Sr. High School