High School Activity Programs Life-Changing for Heart of the Arts Award Recipient

Sports, performing arts and other afterschool activity programs have been the springboard to successful lives for millions of students for decades. For many students, it is through these programs – more than in the classroom and at home – that they have learned important life lessons such as self-discipline, self-confidence, teamwork and handling competitive situations.

There is another benefit of playing sports, competing on the speech or debate team, playing an instrument in the school band, or being a part of the school’s esports, bowling or chess team. These important and essential programs – beginning in middle school and continuing through high school – build resiliency in students to prepare them for the next phases of life.

Resiliency – the ability to withstand, adapt to and recover quickly from adversity, trauma or significant changes. Whether it’s a loss in an important basketball game, or a missed line in a speech or theatre event, students in these education-based programs learn how to bounce back from setbacks and move on to the next challenge.

One of the best examples of resiliency exhibited by a high school activities participant is Brooklyn Wolthoff, who recently was named as the 2026 recipient of the National High School Heart of the Arts Award given annually by the NFHS.

The National High School Heart of the Arts Award was conceptualized by the NFHS in 2014 to honor individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts and represent the core mission of education-based activities.

The phrase “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” is a perfect description of Wolthoff, a senior at Riceville Community High School in Riceville, Iowa. Since eighth grade, Wolthoff has been knocked down repeatedly, only to get up again and turn to her involvement in a multitude of high school activity programs to keep going.

After overcoming an early diagnosis of dyslexia, Wolthoff became a dancer and cross country runner, but that all changed in eighth grade when she was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers‑Danlos Syndrome. Running was no longer possible.

In what would become a common occurrence, Wolthoff redirected her attention and passion to another activity – speech – although yet another life-altering challenge was around the corner. 

During her junior year, Brooklyn began experiencing seizures and was diagnosed with Neurological Functioning Disorder — a condition that caused her to lose the ability to walk and to dance. Yet through every diagnosis, every loss and every moment of uncertainty, Brooklyn never lost her happiness, her positivity, her faith or her determination.

When she could no longer perform in certain speech events, Wolthoff coached the student who replaced her. When self‑pity would have been understandable, she chose purpose instead — writing speech programs about her dyslexia and her confinement to a wheelchair. When giving up would have been easier, Brooklyn endured extensive physical and occupational therapy, working eight hours a day to regain some ability to walk using hand crutches or a walker.

As a junior, Wolthoff delivered an original oratory titled On Wednesdays I Will Dance. She understands that dancing may look different now than it once did, but she will dance nonetheless, whether from a wheelchair or with crutches. She is determined to live fully and joyfully, no matter the obstacles placed in her path.

Outside of school, Wolthoff’s life is remarkable as well. She assists with local blood drives, helps plan the annual Ties and Tiaras dance for elementary students and parents, and supports numerous community fundraisers. She makes tie blankets for families at the Ronald McDonald House through the Knot Alone project, inspired by her own stay at a Ronald McDonald House during a medical diagnosis, and remains actively involved in her church youth group.

As Wolthoff has demonstrated throughout her life, education-based activity programs in our nation’s schools are helping students learn resiliency – and the ability to thrive through all challenges that come their way.