Pandora teen takes challenge in stride

PANDORA - Challenged Champions has given Kendra Schulte a challenge the past two years. As a volunteer for the equestrian center in Ottawa, Schulte works with the youngest riders.

"They play games and have fun," the 2008 graduate of Pandora-Gilboa High School said. "My first year, I was a side walker and helped hold the riders in place and talked to them. My second year, since I had more experience, they let me lead. Sometimes, it's a struggle because the kids are so young, but I like the challenge."

Schulte grew up riding horses.

"One year, I showed my horse at the fair, and I used to ride them all the time, but I got busy with homework and sports," she said.

Schulte was a member of the P-G Grow and Show 4-H club and Classic Horsemen. During the summer, Schulte said, she enjoys riding with friends.

"I ride my dad's horse," she said. "My horse died from the West Nile virus, and my cousin's horse that lived right down the road died from it, too. They were even vaccinated."

At Pandora-Gilboa, Schulte was senior class secretary and a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club and Physics Club. For the Rockets, Schulte played varsity volleyball and basketball three years and one year with the junior varsity.

"Sports was always year-round for me between school, open gyms and a travel team," she said.

Schulte said she especially enjoyed basketball her last two years.

"We were sectional champs," she said. "We pulled together."

Outside of school, Schulte works part time at Tony's, in Ottawa. She also participates in a high school Bible study group with St. John Mennonite Church youth in Pandora and is a member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ottawa.

Schulte also has job shadowed pharmacists at Wal-Mart in Ottawa and said she plans to attend the University of Toledo to study pharmacy.