Putting Our Best FIST Forward

This year, three members of Forever Improving Steuben County Together, the youth philanthropy branch of Steuben County Community Foundation, are graduating from high school. Abby Stoy, Autumn Godwin, and Tori Creager all share a passion for helping others in their community. Recently, each of them took time to reflect on their experiences with FIST.

Autumn Godwin is a graduating senior from Fremont High School, and this past year, she served as FIST president. She has been a dedicated FIST member for the last five years and when reflecting on her time, stated “Through FIST I really found myself as a leader. This past year, as president, I really tried to help people out of their shells and show them we are all the same. I wanted FIST to be a safe place for all opinions and ideas.” Autumn described FIST as a place that allowed her to be who she is both as a leader and a passionate community member. As she looks to the future, Autumn stated, “I will forever remember FIST and will forever miss the amazing group of people who helped change our community”. After high school, Autumn will continue her education at Western Michigan University, studying exercise science and continuing her softball career. She hopes to one day become an athletic trainer.

Abby Stoy is a graduating senior from Angola High School. Abby’s favorite memory from her time in FIST was playing basketball with Mrs. Depue’s class in Hamilton. Abby explained she loves that students still ask when FIST is coming back or if they can help FIST. “FIST has helped prepare me for my future in more ways than one. However, the one I feel will benefit me the most is my confidence in myself.” Abby shared. Abby noted that she is excited to get involved in her new community of West Lafayette, and thanks to her experiences with FIST, she feels equipped to do so. Abby will be attending Purdue University in the fall for Athletic Training, and hopes to pursue a doctorate in Physical Therapy. She aspires to be a physical therapist at Riley Children’s Hospital working with pediatric patients.

Tori Creager is a graduating senior from Hamilton High School. Tori’s favorite memory from FIST was spending time volunteering at the Cops for Kids pie auction. She reflected that “FIST has helped prepare me for my future by teaching me to always help others.” During her time in FIST, Tori enjoyed meeting many of the amazing people in Steuben County. Tori plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing by first starting at Ivy Tech and later finishing her degree at Indiana University Fort Wayne.

Congratulations to each of our seniors from the class of 2019! We are so proud of the things you have done for your community. Thank you for all you do.