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Belief in something or someone is a choice, and for Jenson Litwiller it's an easy one.
It's a belief that runs deep and one that has guided him through his life.
"My belief in God is the foundation of everything I have at this point in my career," Litwiller said. "My motivation, character and gifts all come from Him. God is our mighty fortress, always ready to help in times of trouble," he said, quoting Psalms 46:1.
Litwiller's story is one of perseverance and love.
"I was orphaned as an infant and taken in by an orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia," Litwiller said. "The women of the orphanage named me Temesgen, which means "Thank God," "Be Thankful," or "Be Praised" in Amharic.
"That is now one of my middle names."
Litwiller, who was adopted by Mike and Jenny Litwiller, has used his passion for faith, music, and new experiences to make his career at Fort Dodge Senior High one he can be proud of.
Litwiller is one of four drum majors for the Fort Dodge All-American Marching Band as well as being a Dodger Senate representative, Diversity Action Troupe officer, Jazz 1 piano and Mejor Juntos.
"Being a drum major has taught me to smile," Litwiller said. "Not everything needs to be taken with uptight seriousness.
"When you are literally on a podium in front of 100-plus peers for two and a half hours some days, your behavior and expressions are constantly observed. It improves the atmosphere."
Being a part of the band has helped develop friendships as well as Litwiller's love for music.
"When I transferred my sophomore year (from St. Edmond), and was how I got plugged into all of the things I am involved in now," Litwiller said. "I made many of my friends in marching band and discovered my passion for music even more.
"Marching band is similar to the spring musical, a multi-faceted production. Sound, sight and emotion. It is probably one of the most technically demanding productions done at our high school."
Being a figure in the high school that students can look up to and look at is a part of being on the Dodger Senate.
"It is important to me (Dodger Senate) because I too would want my class to be represented fairly and realistically," Litwiller said. "It takes honest and willing people to do that."
As part of Mejor Juntos Litwiller enjoys celebrating Hispanic culture.
"Mejor Juntos means "Better Together" in Spanish," Litwiller said. "We are a group that celebrates and integrates specifically Hispanic culture in our school community.
"For example, we write letters to English language learners at the elementary level, make amazing Latin-American foods, and have fiestas."
Being a part of the fine arts came from his family.
"My grandmother Cindy Litwiller inspired me to get involved," Litwiller said. "I took piano lessons with her for a short time. I would also go with her when she would accompany the services at Trinity United Methodist Church."
Being in theater productions is something that happened as a sophomore.
"My sophomore year, I literally said yes to everything," Litwiller said. "All kinds of clubs and groups.
"But I knew Mrs. (Lindey) Krug through friends and family and I knew she was a great person. She makes things happen."
Being involved takes time and effort, but for Litwiller it's the ability to learn new things and different experiences.
"I am always eager to learn new things, to gain new experiences, and go places," Litwiller said. "I've been to 20-plus schools, inside and outside of Iowa, just for extracurricular activities.
"It's at these events and competitions that I make connections and meet new people. It is true that your network is your net worth."
As his final year as a Dodger is getting underway, there will be some things he will miss and new experiences to gain as he steps into the world.
"Being a Dodger means to me that everyone belongs," Litwiller said. "I am going to miss the connections I've made and friendships I've grown in this community.
"I am looking forward to leaving the country. Seeing the world and the people within it."
Through his years at FDSH Litwiller has had many teachers that have guided and influenced him.
"Teachers of all subjects have all influenced me," Litwiller said. "I especially give credit to the teachers who have challenged me to go deeper, think differently, and to push myself.
"Mr. (Jeff) Boyd, Mrs. (Andi) Adams and Mrs. (Katie) Moser have shown me that there is always more to life than there appears to be."
After high school Litwiller plans on enlisting in the Air Force and specializing in foreign intelligence and diplomatic relations and studying linguistics/anthropology.