Standout Student: Champlin Park’s Izzy John
Every year at Oxbow Creek Elementary, the entire student body gathers outside to take part in a day-long event of physical activities. Yet track and field day couldn’t happen without the help of volunteers like Izzy John.
“Yeah it’s really fun to interact with all these ages and see them smile and have fun,” said John, a freshman at Champlin Park.
Izzy was once a student at Oxbow Creek. Now this three-sport athlete from Champlin Park is taking time to give back.
Excellence in the Classroom
But volunteering and sports are only part of Izzy’s story. She also excels in the classroom. As a freshman, she signed up for all honors classes and carries a 4.2 GPA.
“I just find it really cool to be able to know as much as you can and to pay attention and just get the most you can out of all your classes,” she said.
That mindset has paid off in ways well beyond her report card. This year, she decided to take the ACT early just to gauge where she was at as a student. She ended up getting a 30, but even that high score didn’t satisfy her.
“No, I’m excited to take [the ACT] after I’ve gotten more years of schooling and learn more of the content,” she said.
“A Special Student”
Meanwhile, Izzy’s teachers have nothing but great things to say about her character.
“Izzy is a special student,” said Lisa Christensen, an English teacher. “She is obviously super smart, but more importantly, she’s genuine and kind and a lot of fun.”
And she has three more years to make her mark on Champlin Park. But for now, she can act as a role model to the aspiring student-athletes at Oxbow Creek Elementary.
“I really like doing these kinds of things with kids,” she said.
One day, Izzy says she’d like to go to medical school and become a surgeon. But in the short term, she’d like to follow in the footsteps of her older brothers and earn a basketball scholarship.
Champlin Park High School
