Sarah Neltner

Alternate first runner-up female Scholar-Athlete
Sarah Neltner
Columbus Academy
Grade-point avg.: 4.13
$6,500
Encova Insurance

Sports played: Soccer (4 years), track (4)

Academic highlights: Academic All-Ohio; scored 32 on ACT

Athletic highlights: First-team all-state and all-district and league player of the year in soccer; member of state meet-qualifying relay in track

College choice: Washington University (anticipated major: pre-dental)

Photo location: Hondros Field at Columbus Academy, where I got to represent my soccer and track careers

Home front: I am the younger daughter of Dr. Kurt Neltner and Dr. Carolyn Scott Neltner. My sister, Clare, is 19 and attends Wittenberg University. But my favorite family members are our two English bulldogs, Pico and Stella.

Favorite subject: I have always loved to speak Spanish because it has allowed me to form close relationships with people that I would have otherwise never been able to communicate with. The language acts as a bridge to experience new cultures and has significantly expanded my creativity.

Least-favorite subject: Calculus became my nemesis during my junior year, which surprised me because to that point I had enjoyed math. That class required a great amount of dedication and persistence and I have (surprisingly) learned to appreciate it a bit more.

Prized possession: My camera. I use it to express myself and create images that reveal raw emotion as well as hidden beauty in the everyday elements of our surroundings. It allows me to view the world from a different perspective.

Favorite book: “Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do?” by Michael J. Sandel. It opened my eyes to the intricate, complicated world of philosophy and sparked my curiosity in psychology.

Favorite movie: “Kicking and Screaming” is the funniest movie I’ve ever seen. I can quote it in its entirety and it will never get old.

Favorite television show: “Grey’s Anatomy” is hands down my favorite show. I learned to love the characters and am always on the edge of my seat while watching it.

Favorite musician: I love to listen to Morgan Wallen. His voice is unique and all of his songs instantly put me in a good mood.

Essential app: Spotify. Listening to music is essential to my everyday life and I can always count on a good playlist to brighten my day.

Favorite home-cooked meal: My grandmother’s famous veal stew is my absolute favorite.

My cooking specialty: I love to cook, but in the kitchen I tend to lean more toward baking. My dad and I are known for our delicious chocolate-chip cookies.

Favorite restaurant: Brunch is my weakness, and Lindey’s in German Village has the best beignets and eggs benedict.

Guilty pleasure: Pretzel M&M’s are my absolute favorite candy. They always satisfy my sweet tooth.

Proudest sports moment: I was incredibly proud of my team’s run for the state championship in soccer this past fall season. We made Columbus Academy history by qualifying for the state semifinals and hopefully paved the way for even more success in the future.

Sport I’d like to try someday: I’d love to try golf.

Favorite athlete: I admire Tim Tebow because of how he walks so strongly in his faith and supports his community.

Inspiration: My mom is a prime example of how hard work and determination can allow anyone to reach their goals.

Dream job: I want to be an orthodontist because I grew up very insecure about my smile and braces restored my confidence. I want to bring back the smiles of other people, too!

Place I’d like to travel: The list keeps growing, but as of right now I’d love to explore Greece.

Something most people don’t know about me: I can eat an entire bag of grapes in one sitting.

Least-favorite household chore: I hate cleaning the toilet.

Something I can’t get right no matter how hard I try: I have not quite mastered the art of chopsticks.

Words to leave by: “When given the choice between being right or being kind, choose kind.” — Dr. Wayne Dyer

By Ray Stein
rstein@dispatch.com