“One important part for me doing so much is the chance to form so many relationships,” Shields said. “Going into high school, I only knew a handful of people, but because I got involved in all these activities, I have formed so many healthy relationships with friends and teachers that have made my high school career so eventful.”

While at Fort Dodge Senior High, Shields has been involved in band, choir, and National Honor Society.

The Dodger senior also works on tech for the fall plays and musicals for Fort Dodge Senior High.

Shields plays percussion for the band and is currently a part of the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band.

“I am a part of the drumline, which I feel is the most connected section in the band,” Shields said. “We spend a lot of time together practicing, which means we are unified in our playing and in our relationships.

“We all are such great friends with each other and have a lot of fun together.”

Shields also takes part in Fort Dodge’s fall plays and musicals, but not on stage. Shields is a big part of making sure people can hear the performances as part of the tech programming.

“I help with sound,” Shields said. “I make sure everyone sounds good and I make sure their mics are turned on in time.

“Working the sound, makes sure people get to enjoy the show.”

With a packed schedule, leaves little room for other things, but Shields does make sure his grades are a big part of his plan. He has earned that, making the National Honor Society.

“It’s an honor to be in the National Honor Society,” Shields said. “Although my schedule is busy with other activities,, I still enjoy the opportunity to participate in what the NHS has to offer.

“I get to know the foreign exchange students, which I am really excited about.”

While in choir, Shields enjoys being a part of the people involved in it.

“I like all the people involved in it,” Shields said. “Which includes the students and Mr. (Matt) Drees.

“I also love singing, and the selections Mr. Drees picks for us are always amazing.”

In his final year of high school there will be a lot to miss about being a Dodger and a lot to look forward to.

“I am going to miss marching band and choir for sure,” Shields said. “Oct. 11 is our final marching band competition, which will definitely be a sad day for me. I will also miss my teacher. I would like to mention Mr. Takatsuka. I have already had four classes with him and plan to have one or two more. He has made my high school career fun and interesting, and I will miss the classes I had with him.

“I am looking forward to pursuing a career in the psychology field. I plan on going to the University of Northern Iowa and l am also looking forward to getting integrated into that community.”

In his four years of being a Dodger, Shields has met many people that have become a big part of his life.

“Mr. Takatsuka has been a major influence on me,” Shields said. He has shared a lot of good advice with me. I would also say my parents and some of my friends. My parents are a huge reason I am the way I am. They have guided me through my life and have made sure I don’t stray away from the path of my life.

“Also, in recent years I have grown very healthy relationships. My current friend group is so united and they have helped me through these past few years.”

Being a Dodger has given him a sense of identity, but he is also driven by faith.

“Me being a Dodger gives me a sense of identity,” Shields said. “I feel like an important part of a community. As a school, we are all bonded through the fact that we are Dodgers.

“I want people to know that I am a Christian and I want them to know that God is for them and loves them, so they should have comfort in knowing that.

“We should have no reason to fear anything because God is on our side.”