It’s all in the family

CAITLIN (LEFT) AND SISTER MEGAN SCHILLE

Keeping a tradition of academic excellence alive and well in her family, Fife High School (FHS) senior Caitlin Schille’s impressive grade point average – 3.988 – has earned her a place among the top 10 of her graduating class this year. She is humble about her accomplishment, and chalks it up to good old-fashioned hard work.

“I’m really dedicated to school and studying,” she said. “You’ve got to be willing to work hard, bottom line. There’s no easy way to succeed without working hard.”

Schille comes from a smart family. Her brothers Justin (FHS class of 2006) and Colton (FHS class of 2008) were also in their graduating class’ top 10. Little sister Megan looks like she is bound for the same honor.

What is even more remarkable about Caitlin is that she made the top 10 through challenging science and math courses like calculus and physics. Principal Mark Knight is thoroughly impressed with her acumen.  

“Caitlin is a fantastic young lady who has excelled in some of the most difficult academic classes that we have on campus,” he said. “What is also nice is that she participates in a variety of athletic and other extra-curricular activities, making her a well-rounded student.” Some examples: tennis, swim team, Book Club, National Honors Society and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.

“Caitlin is a self-starter,” her mom, Jeri, said. “I don’t have to remind her to do her homework, and I never have. She’s always on top of that. It’s a priority for her.”

Even when she was in second grade, Caitlin said, she was conscientious about her studies. Having her eye on attending Brigham Young University when she grew up, little Caitlin asked her mom back then if her grades were good enough to get accepted. It seemed pre-determined even then that she would one day attend this heralded university – she will be entering BYU this fall on a full-year scholarship. “I’m planning on studying physics or some sort of engineering, or biology – something in science or math. I’m not quite decided yet.” She has her eye on working for NASA in the future. Last summer she attended a Washington Aerospace Scholars summer camp sponsored by NASA, and she was bitten by the space bug.

“It’s kind of a long shot, but my ultimate dream is to work with NASA somehow, but since they’re…privatizing and cutting jobs and encouraging space exploration through private industry, if I could get a job with an aerospace company that would be really cool.”

It is not all school work for Schille, though, as she is looking forward to having children and continuing to embrace her church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). “I definitely want to have a big family. I’m also thinking about serving a mission for my church during college when I turn 21.” Her brother Justin served a two-year mission in Brazil, and Colton is currently serving in Germany. “I have seen them grow so much through their missions,” mom Jeri said. “It’s an experience you can’t duplicate in any other way.”

Her mom said not only is Caitlin dedicated at school, every school day she goes to early morning seminary at her church. “At 5:55 in the morning she’s in a church building for 45 minutes five days a week. And then she comes home for about 10 minutes, grabs her backpack, her lunch and some breakfast and goes to school. Not many people know that. That’s dedication, and for all four years of high school.”

Jeri Schille’s pride in her children shows. She said she and her husband, Bill, even ask themselves what they did to be blessed with such outstanding children. “I’m so lucky…and spoiled,” Jeri laughed. She attributed several reasons to how the couple produced such good kids. “I’ve always been a stay-at-home Mom and I’m very dedicated to that.” She said her and her husband’s goal with their children was to foster three things – creativity, curiosity and reading. “When you encourage lifelong learners through those things, it really helps.” Caitlin credited family dinners and very limited television watching. “I think that played a huge part in it,” she said.

Her advice for new incoming Fife High students? Work hard and you will reap countless rewards. “I know this sounds very cliché, but don’t be concerned with being popular because that’s not what determines your happiness in high school.”

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