Cashmere teen credits faith for academic achievement

CASHMERE – Cashmere High School valedictorian Faith Kert credits her faith in God as the driving force that pushed her to achieve academic excellence.

"I think the main reason that inspired me to strive for academic excellence throughout my high school career stems from my Christian faith," she said. "Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." This verse pushes me to give my best at whatever I am doing."

"The most important person in my life is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," she said. "My goal in life has been to bring glory to him in all that I do, and the last four years, I have tried to do that by doing my best in my academics."

Kert said the main challenge for her in high school was to balance extracurriculars, school, and sports. She values good grades and involvement in clubs and sports. To overcome this challenge she focused on good time management. 

"In part, I balanced my studies with extracurricular activities and my personal life by keeping an organized schedule, but mostly, I was able to keep track of everything thanks to my amazing mom who was always there to help me," she said.   

Her experience at Cashmere High School taught her many things, but the main thing she will take away is how important hard work is to achieving her goals, she said.

"Cashmere has helped me build my work ethic, and because of this, I feel prepared to tackle and work hard towards my future plans and goals," she said.

Kert feels grateful to have grown up in Cashmere.

"I think the community is the main thing that sets Cashmere High School apart from other schools in the area," she said. "Every town is centered around something, and for Cashmere, that thing is the schools. Whether there is a band concert or a Friday night football game, the community shows up to pack the stands in support of the kids in our town. Cashmere is like one big family and I feel super blessed for growing up here."

She hopes to one day return to the valley to raise her own family.

In the fall, Kert will attend Whitworth University to major in elementary education, where she will play tennis for the Pirates.

One of the accomplishments she is most proud of during her high school career was winning a state championship doubles title with her sister in tennis. 

Kert's favorite subject is Spanish.

"Cashmere is so blessed to have such amazing Spanish teachers," she said. "I learned so much, and it is a skill I will use for the rest of my life."

Her advice to incoming freshmen is to get involved and push themselves to achieve their full potential. 

The legacy Kert hopes to leave at CHS is living her faith.

"I hope to leave a legacy of living a life that reflects my core beliefs and values, such as hard work and positivity, with the aim of glorifying God," she said.

"One of the most important lessons I learned during my high school years was the importance of living out my faith in all aspects of my life," she said. "I learned that being a Christian wasn't just about attending church or reading my Bible, but about applying His word in my daily interactions and decisions."

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media.