Renee Strohmeyer
Renee Strohmeyer, a senior graduating from Apollo High School this year, is quite accomplished for someone so young; so accomplished that you would be surprised to know the adversity she has had to overcome to be so successful and stay healthy in the process. Renee, the 18-year-old daughter of Amos and Ramona Strohmeyer , has lived in the same home in Utica all her life. According to Renee, this has led to an attachment to her community. Her parents’ strong relationship has also allowed her a contentment that many of her peers don’t get to experience. While Renee says she knows she can’t share her parents with everyone, she hopes others “can see the love they have taught me.” This strong love and sense of contentment were most certainly grounding influences that have helped Renee deal with a diagnosis of Type I diabetes nine years ago.
Renee, who will attend the University of Kentucky in the fall, still has no idea what she wants to be when she “grows up.” But she is certain that her dream job would combine “my passion for others, my interest in the human body, and my desire to encourage other diabetics (Type I specifically).” Since her favorite school subject is Anatomy & Physiology, a career choice in the health field would be fitting for Renee. She would also prefer to return to Owensboro to pursue her career, since she feels such affection for this area. Currently Renee, who holds a 3.6 GPA in school, is a member of the Beta Club, Owensboro Youth Council and the National Honor Society. She also serves as a mentor for freshmen students and has swum on the school team and played volleyball for two years. For all four of her high school years, Renee has proudly served as Student Council class president. Apollo High School Counselor Jan Young boasts, “Her zest for life is contagious and she is one that can make your day a brighter one with her positive attitude and beautiful smile. She is a very hard working young lady that does not accept barriers to keep her from achieving her goals.”
Despite the fact that Renee must test her blood sugar multiple times a day, count the carbs in everything she eats, and wear a pump that dispenses insulin, Young says that this vivacious student “does not use the diabetes as a reason not to live life to the fullest, she chooses to be thankful for having the life lessons that it has taught her. Renee sees that persistence is extremely important- even though it takes a lot of energy to maintain stable sugar levels, her well-being is more important than worrying about how negative the diabetes is.” According to Renee, some of those life lessons have been very valuable. “It’s amazing how many people don’t know anything about what they eat, they just eat it. Granted, without diabetes I would be one of those people too, but [having diabetes has shown me] why so many people have health problems, and they honestly don’t know that they are their own worst enemy.” Due to her diagnosis, Renee has come to realize that every person’s life seems tough, but life is only as hard as you let it be.
After graduation, Renee will most likely enjoy fishing and swimming with her twin sister, Nicole, in her family’s lake, laying out with friends or working with the eight spoiled horses on her farm before she takes off for UK. Although her diabetes will follow her wherever she goes, Renee won’t let that keep her from pursuing her goals and staying positive. And we, as a community are proud to say “Congratulations, we are so proud, Renee. And we look forward to your returning to Owensboro!”