Shy reels in respect with leadership skills at Southeast

April 20, 2026

Southeast High School senior Shy is reeling in big plans for his life with his strong work ethic, outgoing personality and commitment to excellence.
 
Shy has used his leadership and communication skills to become a role model for many Knights. He is an active participant in classes such as chemistry, algebra and German, and his effort on the football field this past season scored him a large amount of applause. He is planning to study heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and real estate at Southeast Community College this fall.
 
Shy is also an avid fisherman who dreams of one day catching large tarpon along the Florida coast. He said the encouraging environment at Southeast has given him the resources to pursue all of life’s goals with confidence.
 
“I feel like more students enjoy coming to school because of the staff and the people that they’re surrounded by here,” Shy said. “It makes people happy when they have people who are behind them and are supporting them in everything.”

 
Southeast administrators Antonio Horton and Robert Baltensperger said Shy has become a key member of the school family. They said he has used his platform in both academics and athletics to inspire other people.
 
“The thing I enjoy the most about Shy is his work ethic,” Horton said. “When things look like they are getting tough, Shy shows his resilience and perseverance to push through. When Shy gives you his word, he stands on it.”
 
“Shy fits really well into that leadership component that’s part of our school vision,” Baltensperger said. “He really embodies that well. To have students like him be able to contribute like that makes for a strong culture, and it makes for a place where people feel welcomed and included.”
 
Shy grew up in Lincoln and enrolled at Southeast at the beginning of his high school career. He said his first year at school was filled with moments of trying to fit in with the crowd. Conversations with teammates and teachers steered him in a direction that has led to many bright achievements since then.
 
“It takes a lot to get to that point,” Shy said. “You have to realize what you need to do to build yourself up as a person.”

 
Shy said his academic experiences have been a major factor in his growth. He has watched Southeast teachers establish classroom expectations of acceptance and assistance. They have been interested in how he and other Knights are doing daily, which has reinforced everyone’s self-esteem.
 
“When I have a teacher who can talk to me like I’m not just a student, but someone who really matters, it feels nice to learn from them,” Shy said. “It makes me want to do more.”
 
Shy said those feelings skyrocketed this past fall when he took part in a new activity for him. He joined the football team for the first time and became an integral part of the defensive unit. Even more importantly, he increased his friendship circle with both adults and students throughout the season.
 
“Being able to have teammates like that and have coaches that put that kind of respect on my name was incredible,” Shy said. “That made me feel really good. It made me feel like someone was counting on me to do something. I always wanted to make sure to do my job on the football field because of that.”

 
Those connections have impacted other people across campus as well. A younger Knight approached Shy in the hallway one day this spring and told him he was interested in joining more school activities. The student said he wanted to try playing football next season because of Shy’s example.
 
Baltensperger said those types of interactions have been common over the past several years. He said they were a testament to Shy’s increased maturity during that time.
 
“I’ve just enjoyed seeing the growth that Shy has made over his four years here,” Baltensperger said. “Not just physically, but how he’s developed into a young man who has great manners and is respectful and is a real leader in the building. He does the right thing, and kids look up to him.”
 
Horton said Shy will put those traits to good use after he graduates from Southeast. He felt Shy’s potential was as big as the Florida tarpon he will one day bring into his fishing boat.
 
“Shy has a very bright future,” Horton said. “Although he may have changed his plans a couple of times, he always has a goal. He is always willing to help others be successful and at the same time hold himself accountable for his progress. Whatever he decides to do, he’s going to be amazing!”
 
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