LIFE IS BETTER WITH A TRACTOR. “You’ll have that on them bigger jobs,” says Derek. This is something that you can always find Derek saying whether something is funny or doesn’t go as planned.
Derek Xavier Pankau was born on September 10, 2004 to parents Trevor and Brandy Pankau. Derek has four siblings: Austin, Peyton, Rory, and Skylar. Derek’s parents have had the biggest influence on him throughout high school and his life. “They have always been there for me and have always supported me through everything I have done,” says Pankau.
Throughout high school, Derek has been involved with FFA for four years. One of these four years, Derek served on the officer team. As Derek joined the Valley Heights community his junior year, he was only involved with FFA at Valley Heights for two years. Despite that, he kept busy in FFA with events, competitions, and service to the community. Every year, Valley Heights does the annual Fall Festival. At the Fall Festival, FFA organizes hayrack rides. “My favorite memory from high school at Valley Heights was giving little kids hay rack rides at the Fall Festival with my buddies,” says Pankau.
After high school, Derek plans to attend NCK in Beloit, Kansas for heavy equipment operations. “Keep working hard and stay focused. When things get hard, just keep going,” advises mentor Mrs. Manley. Derek has big visions for himself and many future goals. In the future, Pankau has hopes of owning his own farm equipment and farm ground. “Derek's uniqueness has been shown as when he first came to Valley Heights. He fit right in with everyone and it seemed like he always had been here. He is also very mature in certain aspects and has a plan for what he wants to do and is really focused when it comes to things like that. In the future, I can definitely see Derek running a business and being his own boss” says Mrs. Manley.
Many people know Derek for his smile and generosity. There are some things about Derek that people don’t know. Derek has lived in Berlin, Germany and went to school there. Currently, his parents still live overseas. Pankau’s ideal Friday night consists of hanging out with his friends. He will also never turn down an opportunity to eat Mexican or Chinese as these are his favorite foods. Outside of school, you can also always find Derek helping on the farm and doing what he loves most, farming.
Throughout his time here, Derek has impacted many. “Derek has impacted Valley Heights greatly. He always walks around with a smile. He’s always polite, kind, and friendly. Getting to be his mentor was very rewarding, as I got to know him better,” says Mrs. Manley. “When I leave Valley Heights, I want to be remembered as the guy that made really cool tiktoks,” says Pankau.
Article by Taya Smith