Senior Spotlight: Bethany Dunkle
As graduation draws near, we’re sitting down with the class of 2024 to talk about their time at Sioux Falls Lutheran School and what the future holds.
Photo Credit: Blanche Hoff
Name: Bethany Dunkle
College/University accepted to: University of Sioux Falls
Intended field of study: Music
What makes USF a good fit for you?
I liked that the campus was smaller and close to home. I also appreciate that it is a private college with Christian roots.
How did you feel when you received the news of your acceptance?
I was excited but also a little nervous.
How did you decide on a field of study?
Music has always been a part of my life, and I have always loved it. Over my senior year, I started to feel a pull in the direction of music. I was hesitant to listen because I wasn’t sure if I would be capable of the challenge and I still wasn’t sure what I would do with a music major. As the pull grew stronger, I realized I had to let go and let God take me where He wanted me to go, even if I was unsure.
Which classes, programs, and/or faculty at Sioux Falls Lutheran School helped support your interest in your planned field of study/career field?
Choir was a class that helped encourage me to pursue a degree in music. The music program at SFLS truly is wonderful, as are the staff who make it possible. The dedication and love they show daily for their work is truly inspiring.
Please share any other activities that had a significant impact on you during your time at SFLS.
During my time at SFLS, I was very involved in extracurricular activities. I participated in volleyball, track, drama, math club, student council, and national honor society. All of these activities had a significant impact on me. They helped me grow in leadership, helped me persevere through challenges, and taught me how to work well in a team.
What is your favorite high school memory/moment?
My favorite memories in high school come from our junior English class and my algebra 2 class. Every day something crazy happened, and I could always expect plenty of laughter from those classes.
I am inspired by or grateful for…
I am so grateful to the staff at SFLS and to my friends and family. I would not be where I am today without their guidance and encouragement.
If you could go back and change one thing, what would it be?
If I could change anything, I would try to avoid letting the little things stress me out.
What advice would you share with underclassmen at SFLS?
Do your best and be your best. Even if it seems like it won’t matter, it will. Above all else, love everyone. You never know what someone is going through. Your smile and kind words might be the thing to brighten their day and inspire them.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” –Isaiah 40:31
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.