Hermann High School senior Michaela Grannemann, daughter of Brian and Amy Grannemann, recently received an invitation to join the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS, www.nshss.org).

“Our mission is to recognize academic excellence and honor the highest-achieving high school students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career, and community,” according to the organization’s website. “Our vision is to establish a worldwide network of high-achieving scholars and help equip them to be the next generation of impact-driven leaders in their schools, workplaces, and communities.”

Grannemann, a National Honor Society member, holds a 3.8 GPA while taking multiple dual-credit classes. “I hope to have over 30 college credits when I graduate,” she said.

When asked about her favorite class, Grannemann said, “I have an A+ class in the elementary Special Ed class pre-school. I really enjoy working with the kids.”

Michaela was awarded the Lloyd Stock All-Around Student Award — Silver, named for a former Hermann High School principal who believed students should be involved in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities.

Her extracurriculars are extensive. She has been involved in and held multiple positions in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and has been on several contest teams. Michaela placed second in the Missouri Pork Producers competition this year and will compete at districts. She has been on the student council for four years and was the freshman class treasurer.

Michaela has been in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for three years and competed on several contest teams, as well as earning 13th place in the national competition in 2023. She was the Future Business Leader of America (FBLA) secretary for two years and has been in the Drama Club for four years. Grannemann shines brightly in sports as well, with one year on the dance team, three years as a football cheerleader, four years as a basketball cheerleader, and four years as a track manager. She was nominated to homecoming court her junior year.

The Bearcat’s achievements aren’t just limited to school.

Michaela holds down two part-time jobs and, when asked about hobbies, said, “I enjoy volunteering. My parents taught me from a young age that when you volunteer, you can make the world a better place. I have over 400 hours of volunteering.”

Those hours include assisting with summer school, the Erick Heldt Memorial Golf Tournament, Blue and White Night, Families in Action, the Blake Grannemann Memorial Scholarship, the Gasconade County Fair, and the FFA-National Honor Society Blood Drive.

When asked who inspired her, Michaela said, “My teacher has inspired me. When I was 18 months, I was put in foster care, and I couldn’t talk. When I was 2-years-old, I was placed in a foster home in Hermann, and the teacher in Hermann helped me in so many ways. From learning how to talk to teaching me that I was safe and no one could hurt me again. I hope to be able to help a student the way I was helped.”

Her commitment to that is strong.

“After high school, I plan to attend Missouri State — West Plains, and major in Early Childhood Special Education,” she said. “I have a brother and a cousin with special needs. I understand that you have to have a lot of patience with them, and they can learn, just in a different way.”

In conclusion, Michaela said, “A little act of kindness can CHANGE THE WORLD.”