As an athlete, cultural explorer, and leader of his peers, Jack Huffman’s senior year is much more than a relaxing break. Determined not to fit the stereotype of the lazy, burnt-out senior, Jack has played a role in a wide range of school activities. Not only is Jack deeply interested in the German culture and language, which he hopes to continue learning in college, he has also been a member of the cross country team, Band and a captain of the ultimate frisbee team for three years,.

Since his sophomore year, Jack has led the school’s ultimate frisbee team as one of the team’s captains, a role he feels he has grown into over time. Ben Rollings, senior and frisbee team member, said Jack has been a knowledgeable and welcoming leader, despite the fact that his early rise to the position of captain made him something of an exception. Jack believes ultimate frisbee is the type of sport that has made him a more outgoing and confident person.

“My sophomore year was the first year I was a captain of the team. It was really an awkward situation for me because I was such a small little sophomore and I had to boss around a bunch of 6-foot-5 seniors,” Jack said. “So I’d be out on the field and tell them what to do, but they would still just tower over me in the hallways. It was a really uncomfortable situation, but also a really good learning experience.”

Jack hopes to further his ultimate frisbee career in college. He also plans on continuing to study German, which he has remained involved with since middle school. During the summer following his junior year, Jack took part in the German American Partnership Program (GAPP), where he spent time in Hamburg immersing himself in the language and culture. He believes this experience changed his life for the better.

 “It’s different learning a language and actually going to another country and having to speak it with other people,” Jack said. I just valued it so much more after that. Before then, German was completely meaningless, but now I use it every single day.”

 Planning to attend Mizzou, Jack hopes to major in Information Technology (IT). Although he’s excited to tackle the challenges college has to offer, he still regrets not having more time to enjoy his last year at KHS.

 “The sooner I get to graduation, the less I actually want to leave this place,” Jack said. “I like it here in Kirkwood. I’m not ready to go.”