The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior has packed his schedule full of sporting events to go along with performing, singing and playing instruments.

While participating in numerous activities, Beekman finds the time to stay active.

“It has been a little difficult to balance everything that I have been involved in in the past,” Beekman said. “The more you are in, the more challenging it becomes.

“If it is something you enjoy, you will make it work regardless.”

Beekman competes for the Fort Dodge golf, bowling, tennis and baseball teams.

While not in athletic arenas, he is in band, choir, speech and drama, jazz band, marching band, fall play, musical and youth group.

“Being involved is what will build your connections and will also give you some extra determination and roundness to your character,” Beekman said. “I have met people I would have never met from being in extracurricular activities at our school and others.”

While playing the tuba in the marching band and concert band, Beekman satisfies his love for music.

“What makes marching band and concert band different is the physicality,” Beekman said. “In marching band you can interact with each other more physically, then in concert band you can use those connections to build a great sound.”

While being in athletics and on stage is different, Beekman has found a lot of similarities in the activities.

“When it comes to preparing for a season and a play, it’s a lot of work,” Beekman said. “What I find to be key is making sure you rest outside of your activities. Eight or nine hours will make all the prep work a lot less stressful and taxing.

“The difference between pitching and a big role is definitely there, but in a way they are very similar. As every pitch is extremely important, every line delivery is important as well. The cast depends on you just as much as your team depends on you to get an out, but in both there is always someone there to back you up.”

While on stage, Beekman gets the chance to portray a character in his way.

“The thing that is special about performing to me is getting to show how I feel a character should be portrayed, alongside seeing everyone else fit into their roles,” Beekman said.

The Dodger senior just finished one of the main roles in Fort Dodge’s fall play rendition of “Radium Girls.” His character was Dr. Von Sochocky.

Through all of his roles and activities, one of his fondest memories has been on the tennis courts.

“The most memorable thing that I have been a part of was my junior year at tennis districts,” Beekman said. “It was my second year and my partner’s first year playing. We won a match together and played well the rest of the day.

“Although our other doubles team was the one that moved on, it was one of the most fun matches I’ve ever played.”

Beekman’s biggest influence has been everyone he has surrounded himself with.

“My biggest influences would have to be my past teammates,” Beekman said. “They were the ones who taught me to play the best I could and to fill my role.”

Beekman plans to attend Iowa State University in Ames for art and design after graduating from Fort Dodge Senior High.

Vacation destination: Alaska.

People I would like to have dinner with: all of my loved ones.

It would surprise people that: I love to paint.

Performer that inspires me: Aaron Amhof.

My everyday role model: my grandpa.

I can’t go a day without: my music.

Where do I see myself in 10 years? Hopefully working with a good company.

What are you listening to: a little bit of everything.

Dream piece: “Sing, Sing, Sing” for jazz band.

Favorites…

Song: Too many great songs.

Book: The One and Only Ivan.

Musical: “Newsies.”

Instrument: Guitar.

Class: Metals.

Movie: “Tangled.”

Phone App.: Angry Birds.