Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction.
By Stacey A. Shannon—
MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School junior Ruth Sherck is all about sports, faith and family. Throughout her high school years, she’s been a three-sport athlete with soccer, basketball and track. This year, she’s missing basketball due to an injury. But that doesn’t mean she’s not busy.
When she isn’t on the field as soccer captain or throwing shotput and discus for track, Sherck can most likely be found at a meeting for one of her other numerous activities or at her church, The Gathering.
“I’m really involved in my youth group and my church,” she said. “I love spending time with other people who are involved with my youth group and who want to know Christ.”
She’s a teen leader in her youth group as well as a student leader in Delta’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As a member of the National Honor Society, member of the Chick-fil-A leadership team and treasurer for her school’s Best Buddies program, Sherck enjoys a chance to give back to others just as her parents have raised her to.
“[My parents] have instilled a lot of that in me,” she said. “It’s just my natural instinct.”
For example, Sherck said from the time she was young her dad saw her innate inclination to make sure everyone was included in activities. He has encouraged that attribute in her.
“I love my parents,” Sherck said. “They’re great; they’ve taught me everything I know. I would say my mom and my dad are some of my best friends.”
She’s also learned from her older brother who passed away about a year ago. Sherck said he was autistic and nonverbal, and the way he saw people helped her to see people differently as well. Her desire for her brother to be seen and included has also inspired her to pay closer attention to those around her.
“My leadership, I think, and who I am as a leader is honestly because of the impact my brother had on my life,” Sherck said. “I’m just good at trying to hear other people’s opinions out even if they aren’t vocalizing them.”
She used her leadership skills to organize a 5K fundraiser last year that raised money to have a wagon at Riley Children’s Hospital named in her brother’s memory.
Through all of the challenges Sherck has faced in her personal life as well as being involved at school, she has learned the importance of keeping the right people around her.
She is close with numerous other students who are part of the same sports and activities as she is. They encourage and remind one another of activities and events. Sherck’s best advice to younger students, in fact, is to get involved in activities and find older students or adults who can mentor them.
After she graduates in 2026, Sherck is looking into Christian universities where she will study to be an athletic trainer. As an athlete herself and growing up with a dad who is a former volleyball coach at Anderson University, Sherck said she’s been exposed to numerous athletic trainers.
“I really like the idea of being able to help people,” she said. “Sports are a major part of who I am and the things I enjoy. Staying involved in sports is something that’s fun for me, and it’s just a way that I can help people.”
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