She is hardworking, determined and unafraid to challenge herself. She is ambitious, but she also treats everyone around her with constant kindness. Our Student of the Month this January is Kyra Spyhalski!

“I am hardworking, yet very humble about my accomplishments and ground myself in humility,” Spyhaski said. “I’ve always been one to strive towards my goals in order to be the best version of myself.”

In her years here at KHS, Kyra has accomplished much. Among her honors, accomplishments and awards are as follows: All A Honor Roll, National Honor Society member, Student of the Month, 21 Dual Credit Hours, Hi-Stepper LT + 1st Lieutenant

Despite how many awards she has received, though, she finds her joy in something much more valuable to her.

“I am most proud of being able to create long term friends and life lasting memories,” Spyhalski said. “I have always had the mindset to live in the moment and soak up your youth, so having the ability to form and influence a community in a positive way means a lot.”

Some of her favorite memories have been made during her time as a Hi-Stepper.

“My favorite school activity is Hi-Steppers,” Spyhalski said. “Entering my fourth year on the team as a senior has been a surreal feeling. I have made so many memories and met so many amazing young ladies along the way.”

Not only is she successful in dance, but she also holds herself to a high standard in her academics. One class that has stood out to her among others is humanities, a project based learning class that combines both English and History classes together.

“A class I will miss the most is humanities,” Spyhalski said. “I was in this class both freshman and sophomore year and enjoyed every bit of it! I was with all of my friends and had fun experiencing project based learning.”

Just like anyone else, Kyra faces plenty of challenges. One that has always stood out to her, though, is trying to balance multiple passions.

“My biggest challenge has been maintaining a balance of both academics and dance,” Spyhalski said. “It gets super busy at times, but I have never let that determine my performance in or out of the classroom.”

In some cases, though, Kyra can find ways to combine both her service activities and her passions. She still looks back fondly on one of these days in particular.

“My favorite service activity was ‘A night to shine’ at New beginnings church,” Spyhalski said. “We greeted and danced with special needs students and encouraged them. It was such a memorable night.”

Through all of these joys, hardships, challenges and celebrations, Kyra finds her peace and purpose in one person she knows she can always rely on.

“Although not a physical human being, He still possesses love, clarity, and the will to live, so God is the most influential person in my life,” Spyhalski said. “He gives me purpose and understanding when I feel like everything else around me is falling apart! I would not be here today without him!”

Not only does she love her faith, but Kyra also loves her most cherished friend, who happens to be her mother.

“My best friend is my mom. She has always been there for me and has protected me through thick and thin. She is my life long best friend and partner in crime.”

Once she’s made it through high school, Kyra plans to head to college and pursue her dreams.

“I plan to attend Kilgore College and try out for the Rangerettes,” Spyhalski said. “After that, I want to transfer to UT Austin or LSU!”

Kyra has always loved learning about how the human body works, so she plans to choose her major accordingly.

“I plan to major in kinesiology/exercise science in order to be a sports medicine physician,” Spyhalski said. “I have always been very active and interested in human movement, so it is something I would truly enjoy.”

In a decade from now, once she’s finished her college education, Kyra plans to continue working towards her career goals.

“In 10 years, I hope to continue my kinesiology path, with a well accredited career in sports medicine,” Spyhalski said. “Surely by then I will also have my own house and be very financially stable. I plan to travel and see the world.”

With success comes the desire to share that joy with others. If Kyra could talk to anyone in the world, she knows exactly who she would speak to.

“If I could, I would sit down and talk to my Gigi, who passed away last December,” Spyhalski said. “I would tell her everything I have accomplished since her passing and tell her how much I love and miss her. She will forever be my biggest inspiration.”
Congratulations Kyra!