One of Portage High School’s most outstanding students, Heather Zengler, excels in everything from the classroom, to the court and field.
As a senior, Zengler is a part of National Honor Society, ACES (Academic Champions Excelling in School), Captains Council and athletics. She is member of both the varsity softball, and basketball teams at Portage.
Zengler was a part of the ACES Banquet, which is a group of students that are recognized for being the top 30 students, based on grade point average, in the senior class. Along with being ranked eighth in the 2013 graduating class and taking on all advanced placement courses at PHS, Zengler endeavors sports, volunteer work and extra-curricular activities.
“It’s very hard, but you have to try to prioritize,” she said. “I like to hang out with my friends so I try to get all my work done as soon as I need to before going out.”
Zengler helped take varsity basketball team to a 7-7 season in the DAC. As a pitcher and first baseman, she also leads the varsity softball team as a captain along with seniors Haley Hodges and Jalise McKnight.
“I think that if we play how I know we can play, we’re going to have a really good season this year,” Zengler said.
Zengler plans on continuing her softball career at the University of Saint Francis, located in Fort Wayne.
“I am going to major in health and exercise science, and hopefully after that I hope to get my doctorate in physical therapy,” she said.
Although Zengler is moving on to bigger and better things in her life, she believes that her high school roots are what made her what she is today.
“I feel like my high school experience has definitely prepared me for college and later in life. I’m going to miss everyone and all the friends and relationships, but I know that I can look back and all my teachers will help me if I need it. I made relationships that will last me a lifetime. If I need help, they’ll help me,” Zengler said.