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Hudson Badskey’s future
By Jody Grismore Vance
For a number of years now we’ve been heading over to East Noble at this time of year and asking for the name of a senior the counselors feel has earned recognition– but isn’t the top headline getter in sports or show choir or academics. I guess, when it comes right down to it, we’re asking them to point out someone who is responsible with a good head on his or her shoulders and their feet on the ground– a good role model and a future successful citizen.
This year that person is Hudson Badskey, son of Amy and Dennis Badskey, of Avilla. And right from the get-go, I knew they had chosen wisely. Talking with Hudson is enjoyable…and there is no sense of older person/younger person–it is just two people talking in a free-flowing conversation.
He’s going to Purdue to study Agribusiness Management, which isn’t surprising, given his activity in 4-H and FFA. What wasn’t expected was that he was scheduled to take the exam for his real estate license. So, yes, this kid has been thinking and working in relation to this future of his. It impresses you.
Furthermore, when he was considering becoming a teacher, he took advantage of the cadet-teaching program at East Noble. He says, “ My senior year, I cadet taught at Avilla Middle School in Luke Amstutz’s classes.”
“You’re there and you help our however you can. I did it for two semesters–6th and 8th grade social studies…and it was fun.” You can hear the smile in voice.
Mr. Nelson, who oversees the program, observed and as Hudson says, “He would see if we had questions and if we were learning what is involved in teaching–what it’s like to be one and what they have to go through,”
Participating in the program turned out to be a good move for Hudson: “After I got into it, I found out it probably wasn’t my niche.” He quickly adds, though, “It wasn’t the kids that made me think I didn’t want to do it anymore.”
Having attended East Noble schools since kindergarten, Hudson says of the transition from middle school to high school: “It was overwhelming the first week or so because the building was so big, but the teachers are really friendly and the counselors are awesome–absolutely awesome to be around.”
Asked to explain why he was so definite with the “A” word, he answered, “You can talk to them about anything…Mr. Beasley–he’s one of the assistant principals now–he was my counselor when I first came in and he’s just an awesome guy. He was a basketball coach and you could go in there and speak with him about anything any time. Ms. Munson is the same way…joking around with, talking with. I’ve only had two counselors.”
Munson calls Hudson a role model and a strong leader.
And what about the teachers? He chuckles, “There are classes where you love the teachers, but you just don’t quite get the classes.” And here he grins and says matter-of-factly, “Spanish. I was terrible at it–absolutely terrible. I hated it –I could do the book work, but I couldn’t pronounce it very well.”
Yet it was the subject, not the teachers that caused him grief and he says, “Mrs. Pineda and Ms. Bohde made the class fun.”
Continuing to reflect on his teachers, he adds, “Mr. Ort– he’s one of the best loved teachers at East Noble. He was my freshman PE teacher and freshman football coach– he’s a great guy, hilarious, absolutely hilarious, and he always had a smile, always loved his work, joked around with people…and everything we had to do, we got done.”
Mr. Hoffar also gets high marks from Hudson.
When it comes to the academic classes Hudson liked best, he says,
“Any of the agricultural classes I took with Mr. Arnold–he’s the our FFA advisor…and he’s been a big part of my life as far as FFA stuff; I call him and we talk; he’s always been one I could confide in–a good friend.”
Hudson spent four years in football, playing both sides of the ball on the varsity in his senior year and played basketball as a freshman.
He’s an all around team player–in more than just athletics, but when it comes to people…to friendship. He says, “I made a lot of friends in grade school and middle school…but, when you get to high school, you have groups and I’ve always gotten along with my group very well. You have athletics; you have 4-H and FFA…A lot of the friends you have is all because your interests pulled you together.
And along with common interest, he has what some would call “the common touch”–that gift some politicians would kill for. He says, “There are very few people I couldn’t just go talk to. I can talk to about anybody, anywhere. If you’re going to like me, fine; if not, I don’t care. I can get along with (just about) anyone.”
He mentions some of his friends, worrying that he will leave someone out, and it becomes apparent his friendship reaches out. His girl friend, Samantha Pranger, is from Central Noble. Jason Kimmel is from Churubusco and a student at Rose-Hulman. Kellie Longardner is Jason’s girlfriend and Hudson’s friend. Haley Hayden is a good friend from EN and Hudson laughs and says, “She’s pretty full of life.” Josh Resler, another 4-H friend from Churubusco and Josh’s girlfriend Anna Appel. Kayla Dreup. Levi Diehm–a home-schooler. Jessie Rodenbeck from EN and Ashley Comparet from CN.
And somewhere in this conversation about friends and getting along, he says, “Yeah, I joke around and have my fun,” but that is only part of a personality that encompasses a strong work ethic and family ties.
He says he doesn’t spend much time on the Internet. “I stay pretty busy on the farm. 12 acres, 18 cows and taking care of pigs that he shows every weekend. His dad buys livestock for Tyson Fresh Meat and together they keep an eye out for the potential county fair– and maybe State Fair winning pig. He’s been the Round Robin champion at the Noble County Fair three times– only Jackie Riecke Bell– has done the same, and he hopes to win a fourth time this year.
Right now, organizing the farm work and pigs and the shows is a little more complex because his dad broke his leg six weeks ago. “A calf kicked him in the knee and broke the tibia. He’s been kind of laid up and can’t do a lot.” But wait, there’s more. “It’s the right leg he broke now; a year or two ago he broke his left foot and now has tendon and bone spur problems– he’ll be in a boot and out for another six to eight weeks.”
However, he has help. His sister, Heather, is in 6th grade and he says, “She’s been going with me to all my pig shows this year and it’s a true blessing to see her development and get better and learn stuff. She is becoming a young lady and really nice. Out in the barn she’s figuring stuff out, getting smarter and learning the ways.
Well, one would expect that, given what Hudson says about his folks: “I’m very close to my mom and dad. They loved each other and showed me the right way in life…It is a big deal when they can listen to you and talk to you and give advice…They have always set a good example for me.”
And that would be a great way to end this piece…but he brings us one more thing. “We go to church in Auburn at Lakewood Park Baptist. The people there are awesome. We have been going over there for at least 10 years and they welcomed us with open arms.”
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