Student Council president, National Honor Society president, Iowa Youth Senator: at most other schools that list would include multiple names. At Johnston, it’s just one. Harrison Burkhardt is a name which rings familiar for many students at Johnston High School. The many activities he participates in has made him a familiar face and visible figure for those in Johnston and beyond.
“I’m involved in a mix of leadership, service, and academic activities. Outside of class, I serve as Student Body President and National Honor Society President, captain of a Mock Trial team, co-lead the Science & Sustainability Club, manage Cross-Country, and am heavily involved in choir and show choir leadership,” Burkhardt said.
Along with the community at Johnston High School, Burkhardt works endlessly to benefit the community on a larger scale. This includes tutoring younger students and working in faith-based programs such as service initiatives and music ministry teams. With so many obligations and activities, it can be easy to find himself stretched thin.
“School dominates the bulk of the day, but the hours before and after are a rotation of rehearsals, practices, meetings, tutoring, and coaching. Then, I attempt to cut down on my inexorably growing stack of academic assignments…Weekends are a mix of competitions, community events, service projects, and catching up on academic work,” Burkhardt said.
While in school, Burkhardt pushes himself academically by taking advanced classes such as AP Literature. The workload from such classes only adds to his schedule with work like analytical reading, essay writing and exam prep. He proudly faces this workload, additionally writing essays for college applications and scholarships.
“A typical workload includes academic reading and problem sets for a variety of classes, reading and writing for AP Literature, writing college/scholarship applications, organizing meetings/events, mentoring younger students, and rehearsing music,” Burkhardt said.
In previous summers, Burkhardt has participated in clinical shadowing programs, academic enrichment programs and preliminary research exploration. His leadership inside and outside of school serve well to prepare him for future endeavors and career goals, but these experiences are possibly the most directly related.
“In the long term, my goal is to attend medical school, and become a physician who is involved in shaping healthcare policy in the United States, especially surrounding access, rural healthcare, and environmental health,” Burkhardt said.
These programs and activities have given him opportunities to gain experience and knowledge in many different areas of his life. Burkhardt has found opportunities to grow and develop his skills in every activity he participates in. These experiences provide unique preparation for his future education, career, and life as a whole.
“My involvement has given me both technical exposure and human context. Shadowing and volunteering in healthcare settings introduced me to the realities of patient care and systemic limitations. Leadership roles have taught me how to navigate complex organizations, manage conflict, and advocate for others. Mock Trial sharpened my analytical thinking and communication. Science and sustainability work exposed me to environmental health issues that intersect directly with public policy,” Burkhardt said.
This preparation can look different ways. One important part of having such widespread obligations is learning how to manage them. From Burkhardt’s most time consuming activity, show choir, he has learned to manage pressure in many different ways.
“The intensity of show choir has forced me to become more disciplined with my time, more receptive to feedback, and more resilient when things go awry. Those lessons have translated far beyond music, and will stay with me for my entire life,” Burkhardt said.
As part of being a figure in the community, especially when involved in mentoring younger students, Burkhardt is someone who is looked up to. Many students have expressed astonishment at his ability to maintain such an impressive schedule and his drive. Burkhardt shares advice to those wishing to become similarly involved:
”Humility. This is a trait I am still working to build. The first step towards obtaining knowledge is to acknowledge what you DON’T know, and likewise the first step towards doing big things is recognizing that you are not above small ones. The people who make the biggest impact are usually the ones willing to stack chairs, stay late, and take on unglamorous work without asking for recognition,” Burkhardt said.
With accomplishments as impressive as his own, it’s no surprise that Burkhardt has strong mentors and adults in his own life. These figures are present in settings inside and outside of school.
“My mom has made the greatest impact on my life. I would not be living without her, in more ways than one, and she constantly makes sacrifices that lift up her family, her friends, and her community. She is the most selfless person I know,” Burkhardt said.
Along with his mom, he has found strong mentorship within Student Council. Instructional coach and StuCo Advisor Rachel Jensen has made a lasting impact on Burkhardt.
”Mrs. Rachel Jensen, one of our phenomenal High School instructional coaches, has made the greatest impact on me. Not only is she a passionate educator, but her selfless dedication to service through student council and silver cord is extremely admirable, and is a perfect example of what I strive to embody in my own leadership,” Burkhardt said.
He credits those who have helped to guide him and have given him opportunities with all his success.
“As a final note, I’d like to express my gratitude for the opportunities I’ve been given, and the people who have made some of my loftiest goals attainable. I am keenly aware that none of my accomplishments could’ve come without constant aid from my parents, friends, teachers, coaches, and mentors,” Burkhardt said.
