Embrace individuality, focus on strengths

Not only is Alexis Kresge able to get dolled up and embrace her femininity or get her hands dirty, but she’s also comfortable in both of those roles and enjoys both equally. This speaks to her unique flexibility as a young lady. Before entering JHS, she knew she relied heavily on help from other people but found herself blossoming in her individuality particularly her junior and senior years. She attributes this to the fact that the teachers at JHS pushed her to embrace what they knew she could do. Her biggest inspiration came from her grandpa and her dad who have taught her to “trust herself because she’s capable and to not quit,” she said. Alexis also said they have a “no-nonsense policy and don’t accept excuses.” 

Navigating the social realm of high school is one of many challenges. Alexis felt she conquered this by trying her best to fit in while being herself. Being “fed up with drama” fueled the desire to embrace her individuality. Because the fake facades from freshman and sophomore year were too hard to maintain, she decided, “people will like me for me or that’s their problem. Things always turn out better when I stay myself and don’t pretend to be somebody I’m not.” This attitude has helped her develop lifelong friendships. One of those special friends is Mykala Edmisten, who will be her roommate in the fall when they’ll both attend the University of Montana Western in Dillon.

In Dillon, she intends to obtain a two-year business degree with the hopes of one day owning her own taxidermy business. This love of taxidermy is bred from countless hours hunting with her dad and many days spent in her grandfather’s taxidermy shop. An exotic game taxidermist in Helena told her most taxidermists will pick one species, but Alexis plans to gain diversity in all elements of the craft. She owns six mounts of her own: a duck, two fish, a turkey, a deer and an elk.