Being a Gael has been a big part of her development and who she has become.

“Being a Gael means a lot to me because I can talk about my faith,” Midtling said. “I am not catholic, but I still have the opportunity to be open and honest about what I believe in and how it shapes my life.

“Being a Gael also means friendship to me because we are not a big school and do not have big class sizes. I find this important because it gives me the chance to be close with people and know them a lot more due to the small population.”

Midtling has kept her schedule packed through her four years and has even used her time outside of school to help others.

In the community Midtling has provided her time and efforts to help out where needed.

“I have done a lot of service acts within the school and community,” Midtling said. “Some of the things that I have done are help with the parish’s pancake breakfast and help serve beverages during Lent at the Fish Frys at Corpus Christi. I have also helped out at Iowa Central during their STEAM fest.

“I really like all of the acts that I have done because I love helping others and making our community better. Overall, I like helping others because it may not seem that I am doing much, but I know that it means a lot to them, therefore, it means a lot to me that my small act helped them hugely.”

Midtling takes part in choir, band and student council as well as student council. She plays tennis and is the manager for the football team. She is also a part of Respect for Life.

“During my junior and senior year I filmed for the football team. This meant that I was the one behind the field running the camera so they and the other teams would have film to watch to learn what they needed to improve on and what went well,” Midtling said. “This entailed traveling with the team, packing the bus and making sure all the camera equipment was packed up by the end of the night.

“I got into this because my brother was the one who did it my freshman and sophomore year. Once he graduated I volunteered to take over for the team because I was willing to film and because I like football and went to a lot of games anyway.”

As part of Respect for Life, a pro life group at St. Edmond, students advocate that all life is important from conception to natural death.

“Each year a group of students go to Washington D.C for the annual March for Life. I have been on this trip three times standing up for all life with thousands of others with the same belief,” Midtling said. “We do not just advocate the right to life, we also help serve others who need help.

“For example, I have taken the lead and planned a meal for the Beacon of Hope on behalf of our group so we can help feed those who need help. Every year at the Corpus Christi Center R4L holds a garage sale. This is a huge fundraiser for us along with an opportunity for those to take what they need. This garage sale is a free will donation so those who do not have a lot can take clothing and any supplies that they need without any cost.”

Midtling enjoys this group because it gives her a chance to not just focus on life, but those who are in need.

“The biggest thing that I like about this group is that we do not focus on one thing, we focus on all life and those who need help,” Midtling said. “I love helping others and working the garage sale and planning meals is one way I can show that I care and want to help those who need it.”

Midtling is the vice president of the student council, which helps plan and direct activities.

“In this group we plan our school dances and other fundraising activities to bring money in for us and places in the community,” Midtling said. “For example, during catholic schools week the senior student council has put together a dodgeball tournament as a fundraiser for our Sadie’s dance and money for senior scholarships.

“After this, February 2 is our coaches vs cancer night where we will have a variety of different opportunities for community involvement to help raise money for a blanket warmer for our cancer center. Overall, the student council does a lot with school involvement and community involvement for fundraising and to make sure places have what they need.”

Midtling also enjoys music, whether it is playing it or singing it.

“I like the calmness that singing brings,” Midtling said. “I take choir as a class, but I feel that it is an escape from the other difficult classes throughout the day. I like singing because it brings me a sense of calmness and ease so I can take a break from the stress of the day.

“I play a wide variety of percussion instruments in my school’s pep band. It is going very well and we are playing new and old music with past graduates and seventh and eighth graders.”

Midtling stays busy in the classroom as well, as she will graduate with an Associates of Arts degree in May even before she gets her high school diploma for St. Edmond.

“It is important for me to be involved in so much because I have always liked helping people and it leaves smiles on my face and theirs,” Midtling said. “Part of me does not like to sit still, therefore, I do what I can to keep moving because it keeps me busy, but it also takes a weight off others shoulders.”

Midtling has had a strong supporting cast behind her to help guide her.

“My dad has been a big influence on me because he helps people everyday and what he does has stuck with me and driven me to help others as well,” Midtling said. “My grandpa would also be a huge influence because he got me to have a love of sports taking me to football and basketball games at Iowa State along with watching NFL with me on the weekends my dad works.”

Midtling’s late grandmother has been a big part of her life as well.

“One of my biggest influences would be my grandma who passed December 31st. She taught me how to bake and sew, which are skills that I use a lot today,” Midtling said. “I love making cookies for the Fort Dodge Fire Department (where my dad works) and for teachers and friends at school.

“I used the sewing skills she taught me to make quilts for the residents at the Marion Home from the student council. Lastly, she wanted more than anything to see me graduate so she is my big reason for challenging myself in school everyday until high school and college graduation.”

After high school Midtling plans on going to Iowa State University to major in Human Development and Family Studies. She will get her master’s later in School Counseling to pursue a career in Social Work either for Adoption or in School.

People I would like to have dinner with: Brock Purdy, Xavier Worthy, and Jaylin Noel.

Where do I see myself in 10 years?

I see myself being a social worker for an adoption agency or a school counselor somewhere in Iowa.

What are you listening to right now?

“You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” by Offspring.

A show you binge watch: The Rookie and The Pitt.

Dream piece: I would love to be in Grey’s Anatomy

Favorites …

Musical: Hamilton.

Performance: Jazz Championships 2023.

Music genre: 2000’s Pop.

Song: “God’s Country” by Blake Shelton.

Movie: The Conjuring.

Book: Alas Babylon.

Instrument: Triangle and chimes.

Phone App.: Tik Tok