Student Spotlight: Shea Eggleston

WHS Senior Recognized For Work at Student Impact of Westfield

Writer / Matt Keating
Photographer / Amy Payne

Shea Eggleston, a senior at Westfield High School, is being recognized for her outstanding work at Student Impact of Westfield.

Student Impact, 536 North Union Street, Zionsville, is a safe place where students from grades 5-12 can build relationships that bring hope and healing. It was started in 1999 to be an environment where kids can hang out and get mentorships and guidance.

Eggleston says she is excited to be recognized by Student Impact of Westfield. 

“I feel extremely humbled and honored to win,” Eggleston says. “My high school journey has been far from easy. During my freshman year, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, and missed a lot of school because of it. I get sick easily and miss more school than most people. It has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to school and extracurriculars, to be where I am today, but it has been more than worth it. With all the hard work, receiving this award is even more special.”

Eggleston plans to study zoology in college.

“Ever since I can remember, my favorite thing has always been animals, particularly of the mammal species, but still animals in general,” Eggleston says. “My dream job has always been something to do with animals, whether that was a veterinarian or a zoo keeper, I did not really know, but I knew it had to be with animals.

“Once I started trying to narrow down my dream job, I knew I did not want to be a veterinarian, but that is about all I could figure out. I hope one day I can figure out what career I want, but for now, I know it must be working with animals.”

Eggleston noted that Westfield has some of the best teachers.

“Almost every single teacher I have had since first grade I have really liked. With Westfield teachers you can tell they want every single one of their students to succeed, and they try to make that happen. I have had so many teachers inspire me, and make me want to be a better person and student.”

Eggleston has a favorite teacher.

“One teacher that will forever have a place in my heart and will forever be my absolute favorite teacher, is Erin McKinney, a math teacher at Westfield High School. Not only was she an amazing teacher, and helped me find a new passion in math, but she also was, and still is, an amazing friend and mentor,” Eggleston says.

“Mrs. McKinney has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life,” she adds. “To this day, I try and see her at least once a week just to say hello or have a conversation. It is not only Mrs. McKinney at Westfield, but there are so many teachers like her. I know so many students that have a relationship similar to mine with a teacher and those relationships will stick with the students for the rest of their lives.”

Eggleston says Student Impact of Westfield has also helped her tremendously.

“I attend Student Impact every Monday and Friday and volunteer as an intern/student leader every Tuesday and Thursday,” Eggleston says. “I love everything about this organization. I love the people who run it and attend it, what they stand for, what they do for Westfield, and everything in between.

Eggleston is proud to say she have been a part of Student Impact since the fifth grade and will be a member until the moment she graduates high school.

 “I started volunteering at student impact my sophomore year, but it wasn’t until my junior year that I was volunteering on a constant basis. As of right now, I volunteer nine or more hours a week, and love every minute.”

Eggleston also says she loves living in Westfield.

“I have always felt safe and secure while being in Westfield,” she says. “I love the amenities and opportunities available. I love that Westfield has fun things to do with friends, and also fun things to do with family.” She believes Student Impact is a big part of that.

Danyele Easterhaus, executive director of Student Impact of Westfield, says says she is thrilled Eggleston has been recognized.

Shea is just an amazing young woman,” Easterhaus says. “She leads with a quiet, yet strong sense about her, despite all the issues she faces each and every day. She puts others first and displays leadership not in an aggressive manner, but in the normal, everyday ways of life.

For more information on Student Impact of Westfield visit therockwestfield.org or call 317-414-6456.

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