Jomai Douangvilay is a multi-talented MLK senior with a Laotian background, pursuing baseball and nursing.

Douangvilay proudly wears #24 on the MLK Baseball team.

“I really enjoy doing things baseball related,” said Douangvilay.

Douangvilay is able to develop meaningful relationships with his teammates and coach, which is very significant to him.

“I’ve been able to bond with other guys and teams. We’ve stayed in cabins together,” said Douangvilay.

In addition, Douangvilay wishes to pursue nursing in college. He will work on his Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree in order to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Entering the medical field is paramount to Douangvilay, who wishes to help people in need.

Douangvilay finds many support resources in the classroom and at school. In middle school, he confided with his principal, Ms. Fey. After the passing of his grandmother, he participated in a Laotian ritual which included shaving his head.

“I would go to school looking a certain way, and Ms. Fey actually made it known and more people were understanding and talked about it,” said Douangvilay.

Mr. Bontrager’s 10th grade English class was also a key factor in his success as a student.

“Bontrager has been one of those teachers that I could always go to to talk about something. I made a lot of friends in there [Bontrager’s class],” said Douangvilay.

During his high school career, Douangvilay has discovered many of his strengths and weaknesses. In his opinion, he’s good at “handling feelings well,” but his weakness is “expressing feelings.” Being a high school senior presents many personal issues and doubts, but Douangvilay finds he can use these aspects to his advantage.

Fortunately, Douangvilay is starting his senior year and participating in Journalism class with his favorite teacher, Mr. Dowlen.

“Mr. Dowlen pushes me beyond my limits, and no teacher has really done that before,” said Douangvilay.