Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. Among the myriad of joyous occasions, one particularly special event stands out – the graduation of high school seniors. This year, as we bid farewell, our local area high schools are taking a step further and Spanning the Need is honoring and spotlighting the achievements of these bright young minds. This week’s featured senior is Austin Rowe from LaBrae High School.
Name: Austin Rowe
School: LaBrae High School
Class: Senior 2026
GPA: 4.0
Bio:
Austin Rowe is a senior at LaBrae High School who has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout his high school career while excelling as a three-sport athlete. In addition to athletics, he is actively involved in numerous clubs and programs, including the National Honor Society, Students for Christ, Viking Volunteers, Spanish Club, SADD, the 6th Grade Camp Counselor program, the Mentorship Program, and serves as a Student Aide.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend a Christian college to study business and/or communications as well as play basketball.
What is your favorite class?
Calculus
What accomplishments during your high school journey are you most proud of, and how do you feel they have shaped you as an individual?
There are a few things I am most proud of during my high school journey. Academically, being selected as a member of the National Honor Society. Athletically, winning three straight basketball and baseball league championships and being the first team in school history to win a golf league championship. These accomplishments have provided a blue print for success in that you prepare the best you can, work hard, and celebrate together as a team.
Beyond academics, what extracurricular activities, volunteering in the community or passions have played a crucial role in your high school life, and how have they influenced your future goals?
I think the food drive allowed me to understand the importance of helping each other. Seeing friends and families that just needed a little extra help made me realize that we are all in this together. In the future, I hope to always be in a position where I can be helpful to the next person.
Why is the most memorable moment in your scholastic career?
One of the most memorable experiences in my scholastic career was being moved into a higher grade for math. In 3rd grade, I was able to walk to the next building and join a 4th grade class. It allowed me to be challenged at a higher level and meet new friends. The acceleration allowed me to complete all of the math requirements early at LaBrae and start taking CCP classes.
As you reflect on your time in high school, is there a teacher or mentor who made a lasting impression on you? What made their impact so meaningful?
Overall, I think the staff here teaches you to appreciate relationships. They call you by name and speak to you about all the things that you are involved in. I think Mrs. Helmick has a high energy and goes the extra mile to read and comment on every assignment. She makes you feel like you are very important and every reflection on paper is meaningful.
What is your favorite sports related movie?
Space Jam
What is your favorite food?
Steak
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
Do you have a field of study already chosen when you go to college? Why that field?
I plan to study business and/or communication. The business field will put my interest and skillset of mathematics into a job that I would enjoy. Also, a communications degree can tie into sports broadcasting, which is a passion of mine. I have been working for YSN doing live broadcasting for football and basketball games for the past two years.
Who is your role model?
My dad (Todd Rowe) and Peyton Aldridge are two of my role models. My dad was a professional basketball player and has coached my friends and me in every sport imaginable. He made it so much fun while teaching us how to compete and be respectful no matter what the outcome of the game was. Peyton is a current professional basketball player that treats me like a brother. By working me out every summer, Peyton prepared me to be the best basketball player possible.
If there was one person you would want to meet, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Tom Brady because he was one of the greatest athletes of all time. He took pride in preparation and handled his success in a humble way.
A favorite quote by which you live:
Proverbs 16:3 Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.
