SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: KRISTEN BOERKE

By JACK PALMER 

Washingtonville High School is no stranger to students who bring all sorts of talent to the table.  Whether it is a crazy talent like the ones seen on Talents With Tuck or a talent no one has ever heard of before, there is no shortage of impressive teens.  However, one special student at the high school possesses a talent most people are capable of, this girl just brings it to the next level. 

JACK PALMER FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Kristen Boerke has been running for the Washingtonville track team since the seventh grade and in that time has generated a long list of accomplishments. She humbly says her biggest accomplishments are “breaking the school record with my 4x400 meter relay team and going to States with them.  As well as making it to States in the pentathlon and high jump.” 

When Kristen was given the honor of being team captain this year, she was beyond thrilled.  Any student who has run for the track team in recent years, or even knows Kristen outside of the track team, knows her personality is one of the bubbliest in Wizard Nation.  With her carefree personality and her love of running, it is never difficult for her to inspire teammates before a big race.  “I try to inspire my team by leading by example, and showing them that they are capable of great things.”  And inspire she does, but in a very unique way: with dance parties.

Running is a sport that no one can perfect, but Kristen has been determined to be the best that she can be and only continues to get faster.  She claims that she gets her motivation just moments before she runs. “Seeing my teammates on the line ready to get the baton gives me reason to not give up and run my hardest.” While track is both an individual and team sport, her goal is to “be a leader, motivator, and friend to all of the athletes no matter what.  Making the team a family is always the goal.”

Kristen has finally found her home for the next four years at SUNY Plattsburgh after much deliberation.  When she did an overnight stay at Plattsburgh with the track and field teams, she felt the best connection with that team and felt as if she could “do it.”  And if anyone can, it’s Kristen Boerke.