JEFF FIELDER Editor
ALLIANCE – Lillie Otto, a senior at Alliance High School, has been named Nspire Today!’s Female Student of the Week, sponsored by First State Bank. She has a 4.0 GPA and is in National Honor Society. She’s also involved in volleyball, track & field, FCA, student council, Key Club, A-Club, and Bulldog Strong. In addition, she serves at her church, Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance. In volleyball, Otto started as a right-side hitter. Her parents are Rich and Aimee Otto.
Q: Among the activities you’re involved in, which one do you enjoy the most?
OTTO: “Probably volleyball. It’s my favorite sport. I put a lot of time into that.”
Q: How many years did you play volleyball?
OTTO: “Since sixth grade. I’ve played almost every position.”
Q: How do the feel the volleyball season went for the Bulldogs this year?
OTTO: “I think we improved every game. It was really exciting to see what we could do. It was a really fun season with my teammates.”
Q: What does it mean to you to hold a 4.0 GPA right now, and how special is it to be part of National Honor Society?
OTTO: “I think grades are really important. I’ve always taken school seriously. It’s an honor to be part of National Honor Society.”
Q: Has it been a challenge to maintain a 4.0 GPA?
OTTO: “Yes, I’ve definitely had to put in a lot of work, but it’s nice to be rewarded for that.”
Q: When you entered high school, was maintaining a 4.0 GPA one of your goals?
OTTO: “It was a goal for me. I’m very lucky to have parents who have pushed me to do my best. I’ve also been very lucky to have other good mentors and teachers.”
Q: Which teacher do you feel has made the biggest influence on you?
OTTO: “I would Mrs. [Vicki] Joule. She retired last year; she was my biology teacher. She taught me so much, and I absolutely loved her class. She was so fun to be around, and I learned so much from her.”
Q: What is your favorite class this school year?
OTTO: “I would say my physics class. We have a small class, and we get to do a lot of interactive stuff. Also, I have really fun classmates.”
Q: Up to this point, what’s been the highlight of your academic career?
OTTO: “I would say being on the Honor Roll every semester.”
Q: What are your plans after you graduate from high school?
OTTO: “I plan to go to college, and I want to study something in the health care field. I’m undecided on exactly what I want to do, but I’m hoping to get an internship at [Box Butte General Hospital] this summer so I can narrow down exactly what I want to do.”
Q: What colleges are you considering?
OTTO: “Right now, I’m thinking about either UNK or Creighton.”
Q: What got you interested in the medical field?
OTTO: “I have a lot of family members in the medical field, so I’ve kind of been around that stuff my whole life. Also, I really love math and science.”
Q: Are you looking forward to getting your college career started, or are you sad that high school is about over?
OTTO: “I have mixed emotions. I know I’m going to miss high school when it’s over, but I am really excited to start that new chapter in my life.”
Q: What is your favorite non-sports activity at school?
OTTO: “I would say student council because I put a lot of time into that as well, and we do a lot of fun things for students. It’s fun to see them enjoy the stuff we do for them.”
Q: How would you summarize how your high school career has gone up to this point?
OTTO: “I would say it’s gone really well. I love the people I go to school with, and the teachers at Alliance High School are great. I’m very blessed to be doing as well as I am. I’m excited for my future.”
Q: Have you lived in Alliance your entire life?
OTTO: “Yes, I was born and raised here.”
Q: How much have you enjoyed growing up in the Alliance community?
OTTO: “The Alliance community is like one big family. I love every single person here. I’m proud to be an Alliance Bulldog.”
Q: Who’s one of the kindest students at Alliance High School?
OTTO: “Peyton Kindred. She’s a freshman, and she’s full of energy. She’s so sweet, and she genuinely cares about everyone. She’s super nice to everyone.”
Q: Name one person who you feel is a big difference-maker in your community.
OTTO: “I would say Sandra Pilfold because even though she’s retired, she still comes to a lot of practices, and she puts in a lot of time with kids. She is just such a great person and coach. She’s well loved by everyone.”
Q: What is one thing you wish people would do more of?
OTTO: “Be more kind to one another.”
Q: After college, would you like to move back to the Alliance area?
OTTO: “I wouldn’t be against living in Alliance after college, but I’ll go wherever I get a job. I’m definitely a Nebraska girl. I’d love to stay in Nebraska, for sure.”
Q: Outside of your school activities, what do you like to do for fun?
OTTO: “In the summer I like to go to the lake with my friends.”
Q: Favorite music artist?
OTTO: “Khalid.”
Q: Favorite TV show?
OTTO: “The Office.”
Q: Favorite local restaurant?
OTTO: “La Villa. They’re a family-owned business, and they have great service and really great food.”
Q: What do you like to order there?
OTTO: “I get the cheese enchilada plate with rice and fideo.”
Q: What’s the most exciting place you’ve traveled to?
OTTO: “Australia with my dad.”
Q: What do you feel is the coolest attraction in the WyoBraska area?
OTTO: “I would say Carhenge. It’s cool to look at.”
Q: What is something about you that not many people know?
OTTO: “I’m a twin [with her brother Charlie], and a lot of people don’t know that because we don’t look anything alike.”
Q: If you could give a shoutout to one business in Alliance, which one would it be and why?
OTTO: “Shelmadine Print Shop because they do so much for the school, and they have amazing T-shirts.”
Q: Do you work?
OTTO: “I had a job at the pool, and I also mow.”
Q: Do you have any siblings?
OTTO: “I have three: Maggie, 22; Josie, 19; and Charlie, 18.”
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Students of the Week, sponsored by First State Bank, you may do so by sending an email to jeff.fielder@nspiretoday.com or by mailing a letter to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Nominations may also be submitted by sending a text to 308-220-8865.
In addition to being recognized online, students of the week will also be recognized in Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues) to the magazine, please send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. To pay with a credit card, please call 308-220-8865. If you would like to increase your subscription to $20, Nspire Today! will donate the extra $5 in December to the Veterans and Military Families Emergency Relief Organization.
First State Bank has been a community bank for more than 80 years with locations in Scottsbluff, Gering and Colorado Springs. First State Bank’s new mortgage center has the convenience of applying online without giving up the personalized customer service people have come to expect. Visit www.fsbcentral.com to find out why when First State Bank says, ‘We’re Big on You,’ they mean it. Find First State Bank on Facebook at firststatebank1935.
