By Hayden Swope

Southeast’s Meya Howell is involved in countless activities and sports at Southeast, and loves getting to make a difference wherever she can. 

“It feels good being a female wrestler getting the opportunity to be supportive not only for our sport, but for younger girls too,” Howell said. “Glory to God, He has blessed me with many blessings. I would 100 percent say this is another one of those blessings.”

Howell’s greatest piece of advice is one she has been working on for herself, and hopes that it influences other athletes around her. 

“I had wanted to work on mentality,” Howell said. “I wouldn’t necessarily title it as a weakness, but mentality plays a big part in wrestling. My biggest advice to other wrestlers or athletes in general is make sure you’re okay. Your body and mind deserve just as much care as you do for your performance.”

Affecting people in a positive way has been a big goal of Howell’s all throughout high school. Howell has added more to her plate this year by creating a better atmosphere at Southeast. 

“Actually, I’m working on starting a new club at Southeast,” Howell said. “This one is specifically to focus on teen violence. I’m a participant in the Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen Scholarship Pageant. With my new club I’m hoping to help bring awareness to more adults but also provide comfort and understanding to other students. I haven’t chosen my next sport for this year. I’m deciding between track, swim, or softball. I’ll definitely be choosing one after this season.”

Howell hopes to continue wrestling in college, but also continue her academics to enter the medical field. 

“My plans for after high school is college,” Howell said. “For my career I am planning to become an Obstetrician Gynecologist.”