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Leadership A ward
HARTINGTON – McKenzie Bruning is the type of person that loves a challenge.
She’s always been the type of person to take on big challenges and she’s never been afraid to fail.
Those attributes helped the recent Hartington Newcastle graduate to earn the Gov. Charles Thone Cedar County News Leadership Award.
In high school, Bruning held leadership positions on the volleyball and basketball courts as the team captain. Inspired by her predecessors, Bruning took on these roles to be a role model for underclassmen.
“I had a lot of good leaders when I was a freshman…they all had a really big impact on me and everybody that I looked up to,” said Bruning. “I really wanted to be that person for the little kids now.”
The award came as a surprise to Bruning, but she covets the symbolism of the award.
“With having so many leadership roles in the school and community, I felt super honored, like all my hard work paid off,” said Bruning.
As a team captain, Bruning’s leadership style revolved around pushing people to try their best.
“That’s how I was raised, getting pushed to be my best. I see a lot of potential in the people that I try to lead,” said Bruning. Parents Mark and Kristi Bruning raised her in Hartington and led Bruning to hold close family and friend bonds.
“Keeping those relationships close means a lot to me, just because I know I have a big support system behind me,” said Bruning.
She believes that a good leader should demonstrate hard work and determination.
“If you want to be a leader for something, you’ve got to be dedicated too,” said Bruning.
Next fall, Bruning plans to attend Wayne State College and major in elementary education. As a role model, she intends to extend her leadership to future students.
Bruning’s advice to young people looking to get into leadership roles is to get out of their comfort zone and go for those positions.
“At the end of the day, somebody could need that person for them,” said Bruning.
Bruning a l s o thanked her support system for pushing her to get into those leadership roles and for their support.
“Throughout my high school career, I had a great support system through everybody that came and supported either through sports or the community,” said Bruning. “I have a great community behind me, so I just like to thank all of them for supporting me through everything I did, especially my sports coaches and my teachers who pushed me to be my best.”
Bruning also added a thank you to her family, her parents, sisters, and the rest of her family.
