The Fort Dodge Senior High School senior grew up in a household that was built on harmony.

“Music has always been important to my family,” DeJong said. “My dad (Jonathan) was a drum major and my mom (Andrea) played the piccolo in the Iowa State marching band.

“I started band in fifth grade because I had already taken piano lessons for a couple of years and I chose the alto saxophone because my dad played saxophone as well.”

DeJong’s love for music has brought her into another family with the All-American Fort Dodge Marching Band.

“Band is 100 percent like a family,” DeJong said. “I have been with the same people in band for eight years now and it’s going to be difficult to leave them when I graduate. My favorite part of the band is traveling for marching band competitions or jazz championships and spending time with my friends and the saxophone section.

“I love hearing all of our individual practices come together to create a great performance.”

Music also transitions into theater. DeJong has been a part of many shows in her three years at Fort Dodge Senior High.

“I have learned so much about singing, acting, dancing, and relationships through theater and that is what makes the countless hours of hard work and late nights worth it,” DeJong said. “Through theater and musicals, I have become stronger in my acting abilities and I am more confident as a person.”

DeJong has played Molly in “Annie,” Teen Fiona in “Shrek Jr.,” ensemble in “Les Miserables,” Pabbie in “Frozen Jr.,” Winnie Foster in “Tuck Everlasting,” and Tsarina Alexandra and a Swan Lake dancer in “Anastasia.”

DeJong started acting at a young age.

“The first theater production I performed in was Comedia’s production of “Annie” where I played Molly at 6 years old,” DeJong said. “After that performance, I was pretty nervous to audition for another show until I got the courage to try out for the FDMS musical in seventh grade.

“Since then, I have loved performing and I audition for every production I can be a part of.”

DeJong has been a part of “Annie,” “The Rockin’ Tale of Snow White,” “Elf,” “Little Luncheonette of Terror,” “Les Miserables,” “Tuck Everlasting,” “Frozen Jr.”, and “Anastasia.”

“Whether I was playing an 11-year -old girl in “Tuck Everlasting,” a Romanov tsarina in “Anastasia,” or even an elderly troll in “Frozen Jr.”, playing a completely different character in every show is the best part of being involved in so many productions,” DeJong said. “It’s so rewarding to hear about the impact a performance had on the audience in the lobby after a show, and I always remind myself of the importance of telling a meaningful story every time I step on stage, no matter the size of my role.”

Another big part of DeJong’s schedule is being a part of speech, where she has the chance to work on a number of different skills.

“The best part of speech is having the ability to shed light on crucial topics that need to be heard,” DeJong said. “During my sophomore year of individual speech, I received an All-State nomination for my literary program on the book “Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson. This book is about finding the courage to share your story after experiencing something traumatic. Through the creation and performance of “Speak,” my mindset about speech changed and realized speech is more than just performing, it’s sharing an important message with as many people as you can.

“I have definitely learned the importance of having good time management skills while being involved in speech. On my busiest days, I create detailed to-do lists with dedicated time blocks for practice and assignments to make sure I stay on top of schoolwork while being fully prepared for my speech performances.”

With all of the time involvement and effort, it would seem that there isn’t enough time in the day or effort to accomplish all goals. But for DeJong, nothing has faltered as she is also a part of the National Honor Society.

“Although I really enjoy all of the activities I am a part of, my grades have always been my top priority,” DeJong said. “Because my afternoons after school are pretty busy, I make sure I wake up early every morning to get my work done. I always try my absolute best to succeed in the classroom no matter how busy I am.”

Time management is a crucial part of DeJong’s day as well.

“I love to be involved in as many activities as I can be in and I function best when I am busy,” DeJong said. “Being surrounded by my supportive and kind friends in all of my activities makes handling a busy schedule so much easier.

Being in the halls for three years, DeJong has also been an ambassador.

“As an ambassador, I love getting to know the freshmen in my homeroom and seeing them slowly break out of their shell throughout the school year,” DeJong said. “Being a Dodger to me is being proud of our school and showing up for my peers.”

As her time winds down, there is a lot to look forward to, a lot to miss and a large group of people who have helped develop DeJong’s passion.

“I am looking forward to the band trip to Memphis during winter break and both large group and individual speech this school year,” DeJong said. “I am going to miss seeing my friends every day. They never fail to make me smile and I’m grateful that I have such amazing people in my life.

“My biggest influences are my family, Michael Wagner, Leif Hamilton, Owen Hamlow, Simeon Roberts and my directors, Mr. Drees, Mrs. Krug, and Mr. Paulson,” DeJong said. “They all push me to be the best version of myself and help me grow as both a performer and a person.”

DeJong is currently undecided on a school yet, but plans on majoring in biology on the pre-dentistry track.

Vacation destination: Switzerland.

People I would like to have dinner with: Rufus Wainwright and Andrew Garfield.

It would surprise people that I: I am terrified of butterflies.

Performer that inspires me: Michael Wagner.

My everyday role model: Jesus Christ.

I can’t go a day without: An energy drink.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

In residency after completing dental school.

What are you listening to right now?

Radiohead and Coldplay.

Dream piece: Into the Woods or Sweeney Todd.

A show you binge watch: “Barry.

Favorites…

Musical: “Sweeney Todd.”

Performance: Tuck Everlasting.

Music genre: Rock.

Song: “Go or Go Ahead” by Rufus.

Class: IC-Anatomy and Physiology..

Instrument: Piano.

Movie: Dead Poets Society.

Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Phone App.: Pinterest.