JEFF FIELDER Editor
DALTON – Dominick Russ, a 2021 Leyton High School graduate, has been named Nspire Today!’s Male Student of the Month for July, sponsored by 16th Empire Restaurant in Scottsbluff. This past school year Russ was involved in L Club, student council, National Honor Society, football, basketball, and track and field, and he was the class treasurer. He was the salutatorian of his class, and he graduated with a 3.88 GPA. Outside of school, he volunteers for The Well Armed Woman, which he said is a national non-profit organization for women who want to get involved in shooting. His mom is an instructor in that program. He’s also been involved in the youth group at the church he attends, Evangelical Free Church in Sidney. For a career, he wants to become an electrician. His parents are Renee and Dustin Thomas; and Nikolas and Heather Russ. For being named a student of the month, Dominick will receive a gift certificate for a free meal at 16th Empire Restaurant.
Q: How much did you enjoy your final year of high school?
RUSS: “It was awesome, especially watching everyone grow and be leaders in the school. The biggest thing I liked was being there for the younger kids when they had questions about homework, sports, or just guidance.”
Q: What do you think was your greatest achievement in school?
RUSS: “During graduation, I found out they did a poll through the school, and I was voted the best leader in the senior class. I was like, ‘Wow, it’s awesome to be named that.’ I always try to be there for everybody. That made my confidence grow, for sure.”
Q: How important is it to you to excel academically?
RUSS: “My mom always pushed me to get good grades. She encouraged me to talk to teachers when I had questions and to stay on top of everything. Looking back, I’m so grateful she pushed me to be the best I could be in the classroom. It’s nice to see that the work I put in paid off, especially becoming the salutatorian this year. That was awesome.”
The entire Q&A with Russ is in the July 2021 issue of Nspire Today! magazine. To sign up for a one-year subscription (12 issues), you may send $15 to Nspire Today!, P.O. Box 454, Scottsbluff, NE 69363. Please include your name, address, phone number, and email. You may also sign up with a credit card by calling 308-220-8865 any time, any day of the week.
If you would like to nominate someone for Nspire Today!’s Athletes of the Week or Athletes of the Month, sponsored by Kristy Culek Agency, 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.
