Business student to attend Indiana University

Emily Stisser
Feature/Entertainment Editor

Webster Groves’ Friendship King, Quinton Nehring, and Queen, Lilly Ortinau, are crowned at the annual Kirkwood-Webster Friendship dance at Webster Groves High School Nov. 2. Photo by Lindsey Bennett

“Quinton (Nehring) is the type of person who lights up a room when he enters. He is driven, competitive, smart, kind, patient, humble, respectful and a leader. He constantly goes out of his way to learn and improve his craft. He has demonstrated this drive in sports, academics and his pursuit of his future,” DECA advisor, former Marketing teacher and current WG Thrive Entrepreneurship Incubator Program Director Kara Siebe said.

This fall, senior Quinton Nehring will attend Indiana University at Bloomington as a direct admit to the Kelley School of Business.

“I really loved the feel of the big campus with big sports teams and many opportunities to meet students from all over,” Nehring said about why he chose the school.

“In the Kelley School,” Nehring said, “I hope to find my way to the right major for me, although I am leaning towards a degree in either finance or marketing. I have been leaning towards those due to my high school marketing class being the best part of my day, but finance is the other option due to my love for math as well.”

Current Marketing teacher and DECA advisor Kathryn Laurentius got to know Nehring throughout the course of this past school year, throughout his time in Marketing II and involvement in various business-related activities.

“He is a very hard worker and involved in so much to help our school and community. Quinton is really interested in business and learning the ‘why’ behind how things work. Quinton participated in so many things this year from Mr. Webster, (his video was awesome!) to Black Light Dodgeball, to co-chairing the Schoemehl run. Quinton will go far in business because of his outgoing and personable nature, his work ethic and his intelligence,” Laurentius said.

Throughout his time at WGHS, Nehring was involved in many sports, clubs and extracurriculars, working his way up to leadership positions in many of the following activities. Nehring has been a part of Men’s Varsity Basketball, was Captain of Men’s Varsity Volleyball, President of Interact Club, a DECA Class representative, a Student Council Officer, a Best Buddies member, a Future Leaders PACER, a member of National Honors Society and a leader of Pep Club.

Regarding his involvement, Nehring said, “Being in so many clubs and afterschool activities has helped me a lot in terms of management. I think the fact that I earned my way up to being a captain on the varsity volleyball team after two years, and earned my way to being the President of Interact Club will help me as I look for jobs and begin at a starting role.”

“As I get familiar with the situation and become passionate about it, it allows me to grow into a leader and advisor for newer members,” Nehring said.

Student council advisor, Lauren Maedge, shared about Quinton’s time and involvement in the program.

“Quinton quickly stepped up to help out as a STUCO officer this year and his help was greatly appreciated. We dubbed him the ‘unofficial hype guy!’ Quinton’s positivity and school spirit radiates wherever he does. Quinton maintained a heavy workload with sports, school work and all of the clubs he was involved in. Quinton will be successful in whatever he pursues after high school,” Maedge said.

Throughout his time at WGHS, Nehring found success in many areas, including Marketing club, DECA.

“I plan to continue to be involved with community service and play intramural sports in college, along with DECA which is a marketing activity, which is a potential major of mine.”

“As a DECA member, Quinton placed in the top five at Districts two years in a row, and at the State Competitions. As a Junior, he qualified for the DECA international competition, and I am sure he would have this year if we did not have to cancel the competition (due to COVID-19),” Siebe said.

Nehring has lived in Webster Groves for his entire life and has grown up going to school in the district since preschool.

“I think it will definitely be hard at times to leave all of my family, friends and teachers behind that I have become so close with over the years. I plan on staying in touch with several friends and family and might even try to reach out to some teachers to thank them for the many lessons each and everyone has taught me over the years, but I will keep repping Webster Groves everywhere I go though because deep down I am a true Statesman,” Nehring said.

Lastly, Siebe shared, “His hunger for knowledge, ability to build meaningful lasting relationships and humility will help as he pursues his business interests. I am confident Quinton is going to make a big impact on our world and I am thankful he made an impact at WGHS and in my life.”