Kebeb Michael Zimmerman is a senior at Valley Heights High School. He is the son of Jena and Joe Zimmerman, and he is the youngest of his three siblings; sisters Hailey and Samantha, and brother Luke. Kebeb was born on June 13, 2007. He loves a good Demi Lovato song. Some of his favorite songs are: “Still Alive” by Demi Lovato; “New Rules" by Dua Lipa, “For the Good" by Riley Clemmons, and "Intro End of the World" by Ariana Grande. A quote that is really important to Kebeb is Romans 8:28. “Whenever something doesn’t go according to plan, I know that all things work together for the good.” Kebeb also wants people to remember him as someone who never gave up and always had hope, no matter what the odds were he pushed through.
He has been involved in a lot of activities over the years including: Art club, KAY, Scholars Bowl, Cross Country, Track four years; Band, FCA, Mustang Mentor two years; and Cheer one year. Kebeb is most proud of placing top 10 at the Wamego Cross Country meet. He has a passion for running and after he graduates he wants to attend college to compete in cross country and track at the next level. Along with being a college athlete he wants to study to become a wedding videographer. Some advice Kebeb wants the underclassmen to take away from him is to, “Be bold and be you. Don’t let anyone dim your light.” The person in Kebeb’s life that has influenced him the most is his Cross Country Coach, Adrian Pishny. “Through my high school career, it’s been me and him. His first year of coaching was my first year of high school training at VHHS. Being on a small team means more independent work with him, and Adrian has helped shape me into a leader for my team on and off the dirt roads.”
Some fun facts about him is that his favorite food is Chinese, and his ideal Friday/Saturday night is watching Netflix or taking a night run. A memory at Valley Heights that Kebeb will never forget is filming his FBLA project in Manhattan all day with Anne Toeber, then getting Culver’s after. Kebeb’s senior mentor is Aundrea Reinecke, Mrs. Reinecke is an advisor for FBLA. Kebeb grew a passion for the work that goes into this club and Mrs. Reinecke had a big role in helping him be successful in it. In ten years Kebeb sees himself living in South Dakota and enjoying life in the Rocky Mountains.
Article by Ava Smith