It all started in eighth grade at the Fort Dodge Middle School.

“I was Snow White in ‘The Rockin Tale of Snow White,” she said. “We only got one show to perform because of COVID and I remember being so nervous for my solo, but of course once the show was over I wanted to do it again and redeem myself, yet that wouldn’t be possible due to the circumstances.”

“From then I tried out for the Fall Play my freshman year of high school,” she added. “I got an understudy, but then I ended up playing Bibi in ‘While the Lights Were Out,’ which was a supporting role.

“I always say to myself that I would redeem myself from when I didn’t get to perform that second show for Snow White. I love acting so that’s also why I keep doing it. I get to tell a story through my emotions for which I hope it gets to the audience’s emotions as well.”

Acting isn’t the only part of Balm’s schedule that keeps her busy. She plays a big role in Fort Dodge’s All-American Marching Band as a drum major for the second year.

“Seeing the senior leaders my sophomore year made me want to make the band better,” Balm said. “There were four drum major positions open and so I decided to go for it. The only thing that was weighing on me was wanting to play the piccolo and still to be on the field.

“As a drum major now I still miss being a part of the horn line and marching, but I realized my leadership can help the whole band, and that’s still pretty fun.”

Balm is also versed in playing the flute, oboe, piano, alto saxophone, bari saxophone and guitar.

“Things have been going well with being a drum major,” Balm said. “Now that it’s my second year doing this I’m more confident in conducting, going through the warm ups, helping the band, and getting to know the new members of the band.

“My favorite parts about being a drum major is helping people, getting other people more confident in themselves, and as well as making sure everyone is having a good time.”

Balm is also active in concert and jazz band, choir, All-State choir, solo ensemble for band, fall play, large group and individual speech, spring musical and Dodger Senate.

The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior also has two part-time jobs, working at Starbucks in Hy-Vee and the floral department inside Hy-Vee.

When it comes to singing, Balm enjoys testing her vocal cords.

“I like learning the different songs, hearing the harmonies, and hearing the choir as a whole,” Balm said. “Something I love about singing is singing high, I love hitting the high notes, as I should since I’m a soprano 1.

“Especially in the Star Spangled Banner with the high C near the end, chief’s kiss.”

In her last year of walking the halls at Fort Dodge Senior High, there are many things Balm looks forward to and says she will miss.

“Honestly, probably speech (will miss the most),” Balm said. “I love acting so much and I know that I probably won’t get to do it again after high school. Individual speech I will miss you dearly.

“I cannot wait for Fall Play, speech, and the Spring Musical. So I’m definitely looking forward to acting this year since it’s my last.”

Even with a busy schedule, it’s part of Balm’s lifestyle and keeps her going.

“I think it keeps me grounded in life,” Balm said. “The chaos of it all sometimes is the best part, it makes life interesting with something to look forward to.”

Last year’s spring musical was one that Balm will never forget.

“The spring musical in 2023, ‘Les Miserables,” Balm said. “It was such a great environment and telling this story of the people felt so hopeful and I just had an amazing time doing it.

“Remembering opening night where we were singing the ending song and people were already standing up to applaud us was the best feeling I’ve ever felt.”

Balm said “The Class of 2023 had so many leaders and people I looked up to in that class that made that year amazing.”

Balm is still undecided on her future plans, but is planning on either going to Iowa Central Community College for her Associate of Science degree or straight to the University of Iowa in Iowa City and experience college life there. But she plans to be a surgeon.

Vacation destination: Going south on any cruise ship.

People I would like to have dinner with: Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Kendrick Lamar, Frank Ocean.

It would surprise people that I: play golf.

Performer that inspires me: Aaron Amhof.

My everyday role model: my parents.

I can’t go a day without: music.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

starting as an intern for surgery at the University of Iowa hospital.

Dream piece: A Fleetwood Mac show.

A show you binge watch: Grey’s Anatomy.

Favorites…

Musical: Heathers

Performance: Gray from my junior year of individual speech.

Music genre: 70s Soft Rock/Rock.

Song: “Us and Them” by Pink Floyd.

Instrument: Piano.

Class: IC-Medical Terminology.

Movie: Fight Club.

Book: Prisoner B-3087.

Phone App.: Youtube.