Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week-Jessica Schatz

For this year's dance routine, the Wolves dance team chose a remix of the song "Survivor" by Destiny's Child. After placing .07 points away from being the first dance team to qualify for state last season, the song was not so much about surviving as it was about pushing through boundaries and rising higher. "It was about fighting, giving our all, and not letting anything or anyone stop us, whether it was dance related or not," says head coach Alex Raber. Senior Jessica Schatz, a two-year captain for the dance team, embodied that spirit as much as anyone, which is why she is this week's Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Missing out on qualifying by less than one point could destroy the psyche of some teams, but this year's squad was determined to use it as motivation for improvement. ".07 was everywhere this off-season and season," says Jessica. She goes on to add, "We added it to shirts, around the room, and used it for motivation when we weren't having our best day or needed an extra push."

For Jessica, dance has been a part of her life as far as she can remember. "I love the adrenaline rush before a performance and being part of a team full of fun people," says Jessica. The team comradery is one of the reasons coach Raber was so proud of her team and Jessica. "The growth of this team has left me speechless," says Alex. She goes on by saying, "We started the season as underdogs with 74.73 points, which would be considered developing. We ended this season with a whopping 85.5 with all applying and excelling scores. As a coach, that is all I can ask for and want for my team."

As a two year captain, Jessica played a major role in helping the team excel. "[Jessica] builds people up and embraces everything they are and dives in without hesitation," says Alex. Jessica's mother, Shannon Schatz, believes her attitude is what has made Jessica the person she is today. "[Jessica's] attitude and being considerate of others is what I am most proud of," says Shannon. She adds, "Her hard work and dedication are inspiring."

Competing in one of the toughest sectionals in the state once again this past weekend, the Wolves had an opportunity to revenge their .07 and earn their place in the state tournament. Despite finishing 7th (the top 6 earn a bid to state), and missing out on 6th place by only .4 points, the Wolves left nothing on the table and are proud of their accomplishments and growth. "Though we fell short from a state bid by .4 points, that's the only thing we fell short of this season," says Alex. She goes on to say, "Individually and as a whole this season, these girls are the true definition of champions."

Jessica's hard-working and uplifting attitude is reflected not only on the dance floor but in the classroom as well. Having earned over a 4.0 G.P.A. the past 7 semesters, and being a captain of the dance team and a member of the Business Professionals of America, Jessica's future is sure to be bright. She is currently undecided between the University of Illinois and Purdue University, wanting the experience of a big ten school with a strong business program. Whichever school she chooses, she is determined to try out for and become a member of their dance program.

Stacy Sadjer Adams, Jessica's Fundamentals of Business teacher, believes Jessica has the make-up to excel in the business world. "Jessica is one of my most positive students," says Stacy. She goes on to add, "Her energy light up a room and people want to be around jess because she makes people happy. She is always up for a challenge and she always gives 110% in whatever she pursues. She will be successful in the business world because she has both the interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that a leader needs."

Jessica's positive attitude was never more evident than this past Saturday when the team fell just short of reaching their goal of a state bid. Rather than pout or lament on her team's shortcoming, she tweeted out a positive message and put the rest of the state on notice, that the Wolves will only be back stronger next season. Those soon to be freshman would be wise to heed her advice to, "get involved as much as you can and meet as many people as you can." Although she will be moving on to college, the impression Jessica has left on the dance team, and Oswego East, will be here to stay for a long time.