Lilly Gilbert

I have grown up on a farm, and been fortunate to watch my dad do what he loves. This job is very unusual and doesn't have a 9-5 schedule. You also can work outside when it's -10 degrees out or a blazing 90. To make the connection back to me I have done multiple jobs for my dad growing up. I have worked two weeks in potato harvest, which is long 12 hour days Monday-Saturday. This is all while having fall sport practice at 6 am before work starts at 8. It has taught me hard work, self discipline, resilience, and patience. Another job I have done for my dad is roguing oats in July. You have to walk through big, humid fields in the dead heat of July. You pick out wild oats or anything else that doesn't belong in the oats. I am a very responsible and likeable individual because of my role in sports. I have been team captain for cross country both my senior and sophomore year. My coach very carefully decides who should take on this role so I find this good qualities about myself.

In cross country I have won a state trophy every year, and I also won districts 2/4 years. As an individual I won a medal at districts every year, and 2/4 years at state. To be able to accomplish this, I had to put in lots of time and hard work outside of the season. Summer miles are key. Going into my senior season I ran 312 miles from June-August of 2024. It takes discipline to be able to set goals like that and be able to reach them.