Imagine this: you are a freshman and walk through the doors of Lincoln East High School for the first time. You expect to see the high school stereotypes that are portrayed in the movies: the nerds with big glasses, the jocks throwing footballs around the halls, and the band kids playing their instruments at all times. But when you finally enter the building, you are surprised to see the halls filled with students, not stereotypes.
Pop culture fabricates high school stereotypes, often pressuring students to conform to a single identity. As the digital world continues to push expectations on students, they may feel trapped into one stereotype instead of pursuing all of their interests.
One student at Lincoln East who is breaking stereotypes with his involvement in a wide range of activities is Colin Nehe, a senior. Most students at Lincoln East recognize Nehe as the star kicker for the Spartan Football Team, but he is so much more than that. Nehe not only plays football, he also plays guitar, participates in unified activities, plays soccer, and is an extremely dedicated student.
Nehe has kicked for the Lincoln East Spartans Varsity Football Team since his sophomore year, and will continue his role as a kicker in college for Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As a senior, Nehe made seven field goals and 24 of 26 extra points for the team.
“I grew up watching college football so I am excited to play at Augustana,” Nehe said. “The culture of college football is super good and I think it’ll be fun to play.”
In addition to football, Nehe goal tends for the Lincoln East Spartans Soccer Team. As the goalie and a team captain, Nehe propels the team to success by encouraging teamwork, and maintaining player focus. Nehe’s kicking skills from football even translate to soccer; his legs aren’t just helpful for booting the ball, they also aided him in scoring a goal this season.
His leadership on the soccer team is useful as he participates in unified activities at Lincoln East. Nehe is in the Unified PE class as well as a member of the Unified Track Team. Nehe competes in throwing, running, and jumping events for the unified track team, all while building relationships.
(Photo Courtesy of Colin Nehe)
“I like to participate in unified activities because it allows me to make connections with others while having fun,” Nehe said. “I think it is important to make sure everyone is included no matter what.”
Beyond sports, Nehe applies his skills to his passion for guitar. He started playing the guitar his freshman year and has developed into one of the most talented guitarists in the school. He is involved in Jazz Band and led the E-band for Expressions this year.
“What impresses me most about Colin is probably his flexibility as a musician,” Tom Thorpe, Jazz Band teacher, said. “He is always ready and willing to adapt what is on the page to make it fit what the band needs. He is pretty selfless as a musician and that’s a good trait to have.”
Other than extracurricular activities, Nehe is exceptionally successful in the classroom. He is an AP and differentiated student who takes his studies very seriously. For his senior year, Nehe tackles AP Physics C, AP Calculus BC, AP Macroeconomics, and AP Language and Composition. His success in the classroom is driven by the roles he has taken on throughout high school, and he uses them to his advantage in academia. “It’s very obvious that Colin uses his outside activities to help drive leadership in the classroom,” Kyle Thopmpson, Nehe’s AP Physics C teacher, said. “As a goalie he is responsible for guiding the team in certain situations. This translates in the classroom because he guides himself, his group, and the class towards what they need to do.”
Being involved in multiple activities teaches Nehe versatile skills. As college approaches, he plans to major in secondary education with a goal to work as a math teacher following graduation.
“I want to be a teacher because I really like working with people and doing hands-on activities,” Nehe said. “I think it will be a job that stays fresh and keeps me on my toes.”
As he heads off to college, Nehe’s story serves as an inspiration for others to embrace their individuality and explore every opportunity that they are given. His ability to break stereotypes, lead peers, and explore his passions, is an example for all students, including the ones he may teach in the future.
