To appreciate Riley Schalk’s level of involvement in her school, pay close attention at a Cedar Vale-Dexter home football game.
 
Schalk, a senior cheerleader, misses out on holding the run-through banner as the Spartans enter the field because she plays the xylophone with the band during pregame festivities. But after cheering for a quarter, she rejoins the band for a song, then repeats the process in the second quarter and during the halftime break.
 
And if the dance team performs a routine, Schalk is out there, too.
 
“It can get pretty crazy,” she said.
 
Schalk, the Capitol Federal® True Blue® Student of the Week, wouldn’t have it any other way.
 
If something is happening at Dexter High School, located in the Flint Hills region southeast of Wichita, chances are Schalk is involved. This year, she is serving as president of the senior class, student council and Future Farmers of America chapter while also playing volleyball, basketball and softball.
 
Those who witness her on a daily basis say she does all of it well.
 
“Riley has always demonstrated ambition and maturity on the court, field and in the classroom,” Dexter superintendent K.B. Criss said. “She shows genuine interest and kindness in helping others succeed, and is a tremendous role model for her peers and our younger students in school.”
 
With 98 students at Dexter, Schalk is able to make a significant impact.
 
“One thing I love about going to a school this size is it really is like a family,” said Schalk, who started attending Dexter schools in fourth grade. “You know the teachers and all the staff here so well. I know that if I ever needed anything, I could reach out to any one of them for help.
 
“From an athletic standpoint, you get to know your teammates really well because there’s not as many of them, and you can really create a bigger bond with them. I think having a greater bond with your teammates and coaches, it really shows on and off the court.”
 
Schalk plays outside hitter for the Spartans’ volleyball team, which concluded its regular season Tuesday with a triangular split against Udall and Sedan. In basketball, she was an All-South Central Border League honorable mention selection last season, and in softball she primarily plays second base with some time at third.
 
Over the course of three seasons in each sport, Schalk’s leadership skills have sharpened.
 
“Riley is a young lady that everyone looks up to,” Cedar Vale-Dexter volleyball coach Juli Young said. “She leads by example in her work ethic, but also with encouraging words and actions for her teammates. Even if she is having a bad day, she is there for others.”
 
Schalk, a straight-A student in all but one grading period through high school, said her hands-on approach to school was cultivated long before she got there. In her student council role, she was heavily involved with Cedar-Vale Dexter’s recent homecoming week planning – one that ended with her being selected as queen.
 
“Since Day 1, my parents have always had me and my little brother in sports, so I’ve always been involved with extracurricular activities,” Schalk said. “As for school leadership, I’ve been involved with stuco since I was a sixth grader. I’ve always tried to take on those high roles since then.
 
“I like seeing the rewards that come out of it. I like the things that come out of putting in the hard work. I like seeing behind the scenes all the things that go into what we do at the school. I definitely don’t think I would have as much respect for my teachers and all my fellow classmates if I wasn’t as involved.”
 
Schalk did a deeper dive into leadership over the summer, attending an FFA leadership conference with schoolmates Kaitlynn Buxton and Brooke Haunschild in Washington, D.C. Conference attendees explored ways to carry out the last line of the organization’s motto, “Living to Serve,” and make a positive impact in their communities.
 
Another highlight for Schalk was taking her first commercial airline trip.
 
“The whole goal of the camp was to teach us to become better change-makers,” Schalk said. “We talked with other people about their Living to Serve plans and what our LTS plan could be and how we could better our community.”
 
Schalk, who also sings in the school choir, is hoping to attend a four-year school and perhaps work toward becoming a sports broadcaster. For now, she’ll enjoy her remaining time as a Spartan athlete and trying to continue being a positive influence at school.
 
“I know for a fact once I’m done here, I won’t regret any of it,” she said. “I’ve enjoyed every moment with all my teams and groups and being part of it with them.”