Many seniors this reporter has interviewed over the years have similar answers when asked, “What advice would you give to the underclassmen?” The most popular reply is, “Don’t be afraid to try new things.”
JWP Class of 2026 member Travyn Shoultz is proof that this can apply to someone entering their senior year, because you never know when opportunities arise, even in your last year of high school.
Shoultz explained that as a freshman, he was fairly new to JWP. He was mostly involved in the musical and swing show. But this year, he decided to join his friends and try out for the varsity football team. He also helped manage the boys’ basketball team, a role that eventually led to the opportunity of singing the national anthem at the Class A State Championship at the University of Minnesota’s Williams Arena in March. Shoultz was not only part of the Snow Week court, but he was given the title of Mr. Snow Angel, a new title introduced at this year’s Snow Week coronation, similar to Mr. and Mrs. Lips titles at the Homecoming coronation.
He hasn’t skipped a beat when it comes to musicianship. At the Minnesota State High School League’s solo/ensemble contest, he received a superior ranking as a soloist and as part of a duet with sophomore John David Bublitz. The duet also earned him a “Best in Site” award, which, according to Becky Borneke, is an honor that a JWP has never received, at least when she was the choir director. Shoultz also received many awards for his performance in this year’s Swing Show, including best male solo award, best male group award (with the seniors and their Queen medley), and a senior leadership award. This year, Shoultz was also named an honorable mention in a leading/supporting role in Mamma Mia! by the Hennepin Arts’ Spotlight Showcase. He’s been a cast member of JWP musicals for a years.
So, what does life after high school mean for Shoultz? He plans on receiving his welding certificate through TBEI (Truck Bodies & Equipment International) in Lake Crystal.
He attributes his growth and confidence in his senior year to the teachers at JWP. “A couple of them pushed me and believed in me more than I believed in myself,” he said. “They made me into the man I am today.”
One of his favorite teachers is the art teacher, AJ Seibert. “She’s extremely easy to talk to and creates a space where I feel safe and accepted.”
He’s also grown close to Becky Borneke, who has helped with the musical as the music director and headed the swing show with Melanie Morrow and Ashley Flemming in the past two years. “Borneke pushed me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “It was the best thing to ever happen to me.”
Some of Shoultz’s favorite memories over the years came from his time in the art room or the shop. Not only did he enjoy learning in all the art classes he took this year – especially ceramics – but he also had some laughs with his fellow classmates. “All the guys were hilarious,” he said.
His freshman self would be proud of the person he became. “I’d tell that version of myself that it is hard to come to a new school and not have many friends,” he said, “but you can prove to anyone you’re who you’re meant to be.”
One thing he’ll miss most about high school is all the friends he made. “School has brought me opportunities that I never thought I would have,” he added.
What should the Class of 2026 be remembered for? “Our perseverance,” he replied. “We’ve been through a lot, and we’ve always decided to keep going.”
Advice to underclassmen? “Learn work-life balance. Work hard, but remember to take time for friends. You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
Shoultz has grown a lot in the past few years. He’s proof that anyone can achieve what they put their mind to as long as they have the confidence to take it on and the will to never give up when things get difficult. He’ll do well after high school.
