That’s why the Fort Dodge Senior High senior keeps things moving while he is in high school.

“You only get four years in high school,” Recker said. “I try to make every day count by being involved in many things. I am of the opinion that someone who is only doing the bare minimum in school is truly not learning as much as they can.

Joining clubs, sports, or any other extracurricular is an enhancement to the high school experience. Without my extracurriculars, I would not be the same person I am today.”

While at FDSH Recker has been involved in fall play, musical, speech, ambassadors, choir, band and Model UN.

As his high school career is winding down, Recker has been happy with his time as a Dodger.

“I am not sad my high school years are ending,” Recker said. “But I am happy because they happened.”

Recker has also put in his hat in the athletic venue, competing for the Dodgers in cross country and tennis.

“To me, seeking excellence through sports and fine arts go hand in hand,” Recker said. “Sports challenge my physical capabilities and fine arts challenge my artistic limits. “Sports and fine arts go together as expressions of art. Overall, I enjoy them both and it is truly the ‘love of the game’ that keeps me in both.”

Recker just recently finished his competitive band season on the drum line for the Fort Dodge All-American marching band.

“Both of my older brothers were in band so it was encouraged for me to also join,” Recker said. “However, I would’ve quit the band if it wasn’t for my friends in percussion.

“I originally played the Alto Sax in middle school before I made the switch to percussion in eighth grade.”

Band has been a special place for Recker.

“I totally agree with band being like a family,” Recker said. “I am the bass drum section leader, and I have enjoyed educating the newer members of the drumline and teaching them lessons that they will teach eventually in a few years.

“It is truly the people that make the band so great.”

Recker hit the stage for the first time his sophomore year.

During my sophomore year, I performed in my first musical, Tuck Everlasting,” Recker said. “I was in the ensemble and I played Stilts the Clown. I enjoyed learning how to sing and dance while being on stilts.

“For my junior year, I was Vlad Popov in Anastasia. I had so much fun that year and I specifically enjoyed singing solos on the stage. For my senior year, I decided to also do the Fall Play and I am King Duncan in Macbeth. I plan to participate in this year’s musical.”

Being in musicals and fall play allows Recker the chance to hone all his acting skills.

“I love singing, acting, and dancing but more than all of that, I love being with like-minded people,” Recker said. “Musicals give me an opportunity to be with my friends while doing something I love. It also gives me the opportunity to make new friends since we are all connected by a common interest.”

Recker added a new phase to his high school club list, joining the Model UN club.

“With Mr. Ross DeArmoun joined the staff last year, he restarted the Model UN club,” Receiver said. “Essentially, we debate topics as if we were delegates from countries seeking for the best interest for the world and our nation.

“Every spring, we go to UNI for the Model UN Conference, and last year, FDSH represented Norway.”

Recker is also involved with ambassadors, who help welcome in the freshmen to FDSH.

“Teaching freshmen valuable lessons in hopes they will one day make a change either in the school or in the community,” Recker said. “I hope that in a couple of years, the freshman I taught will remember me and teach others about being a good person.

“I see ambassadors as the start in a positive cycle of educating others about what is right and what is wrong.”

Being involved in speech has also been a guiding force for Recker.

“Speech is really good at taking you out of your comfort zone. It may seem easy until you have to perform an acting piece in front of three judges who would be more than happy to give you a low rating for one mistake you make,” Recker said. “Speech teaches me to continuously perform at my highest level despite my circumstances.

“Making sure you are giving 100% while practicing every time can be exhausting but it pays off on competition day. I am typically not too busy in the winter so it hasn’t been too stressful.”

Recker has enjoyed being a part of the Dodger family and finding new ways to spend his time.

“Every day is a new way to represent Fort Dodge. I’ve always held the opinion that Dodgers have the most fun,” said Recker, who also has a love for biking as he has rode in RAGBRAI with his dad Tony. “Going to cross country or tennis meets, I always see these teams who try to stay as serious as they can be or try to appear tough. However, our team is always laughing or smiling.

“I’ve seen people who claim they love tennis but never smile while playing. Regardless of the scoreboard or the ranking or whatever it may be, we always have the most fun.”

Recker’s biggest influence in his life has been his parents.

“My parents have raised me and taught me everything I know,” Recker said. “I (literally) wouldn’t be here without them.”

Recker plans on attending the University of Iowa on the pre-physical therapy track.

Vacation destination: Paris or Venice.

People I would like to have dinner with: Barack Obama.

It would surprise people that I: hate anything mint flavored.

Performer that inspires me: Aidan Hutchinson.

My everyday role model: Madeline Stephan

I can’t go a day without: singing.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

working as a physical therapist somewhere in the US.

What are you listening to right now?

The Beatles.

A show you binge watch: Seinfeld or The Simpsons.

Favorites …

Movie: “Spiderman Across the Spiderverse”.

Song: “One” by Metallica.

Book: Chop Wood, Carry Water.

Music genre: Rock, Hip-Hop, Pop.

Instrument: guitar or bass drum.

Class: IC-Medical Terminology.

Phone App.: Instagram or Clash Royale.