This article was first posted in the 2018 issue of Hamptonia.
Quiet and reserved, JR Kreuzburg ’18 spent four years on the New Hampton School campus. One might be easily fooled by his tacit composure, yet once you uncover his passion, JR’s thoughts and enthusiasm bubble to the surface. In May, JR departed New Hampton School confident in his choices and excited about his future as a recruited member of the mountain biking program at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina. As Joe Williams
remarked in his Commencement speech highlighting the personality of the Class of 2018, marked by students of purpose, focus and individuality, JR’s life as a child of a faculty member provided him with a unique understanding and appreciation for education and the value of hard work and personal challenge.
Lees-McRae College has developed one of the best mountain biking programs in the country over the past 10-years. In addition, the small college with just over 1,000 students, located in Banner Elk, North Carolina is a perfect match for JR’s reserved personality and understanding of community. “A short conversation with JR helped to identify his priorities, and with that, we began developing a list of schools that might best match his needs and interests.” says Director of College Counseling Jennifer Berry. Situated in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Lees-McRae is the perfect setting for JR to study Environmental and Wildlife Biology as an avid outdoorsman.
Unlike JR, JT Wheelock ’18 transferred to New Hampton School looking for a place where he felt comfortable and was excited to contribute to the community. Initially drawn to New Hampton School by the friendly and supportive vibe he picked up on even before visiting, the fact that he could keep his own horse nearby as part of our school’s equestrian program helped to seal the deal.
During his three-years at New Hampton, JT rode all season long, traveling to the nearby barn after classes most days. His shared passion for the sport of equestrian and his horse helped balance his journey
through school, offering opportunity to build confidence, comradery and competition. As JT set out on his college process, he knew a strong equestrian program would be essential, yet also needed to be balanced with the right community and academic opportunity. Not only does Findlay University provide JT with the opportunity he desires to continue competing in equestrian, the school, located in Findlay, Ohio, also specializes in animal science and equestrian studies so JT can delve even deeper into his interests in veterinary practice.
Two years ago, New Hampton School added a position for a part-time college counseling officer to help students navigate college athletics, recruiting and NCAA standards. Students and parents have already recognized the benefit of this new guidance and support.
