Sam Neuenschwander has impacted how the people around him see the world and themselves. Through his kind-hearted nature and humorous outlook on the world, he has made a name for himself in Wenatchee High School. .
“Sam brings life,” said Steve Roche, Sam’s cross-country coach. “He’s incredibly hardworking, and he’s really funny.”
Simon Purdom, Sam’s long-time friend, said his authenticity draws people to get to know him. “There’s not a single person I know that doesn’t know and care about Sam,” Simon said. “He’s just who he is, and everyone loves that.”.
Over the years, Sam has been involved in many sports and extracurricular activities, including Earth Club, German Club, Sports Med, track and cross country. Each of these, for different reasons, have influenced his path.
Sam has also been involved in track and cross country all four years of high school. Steve Roche, Sam’s coach, has noticed incredible changes within him since his freshman year.
“He really is just very personable and likable, and one of the things that draws people to him is that he makes them laugh,” Roche said. “It’s such a cool quality that crosses bridges between people.”
Roche explained that as he entered his first cross country season his freshman year, Sam was one of the slowest runners but ended his senior year with more than 9 minutes cut from his original timing.
“He’s never been about glory or the limelight, but he works hard. He’s a great example, and I just love that kid,” Roche said.
Roche has built a strong bond with Sam through one of his hardest classes, AP US History, and having been Roche’s TA twice. Sam’s two brothers before him were also in many of Roche’s classes, so they were acquainted long before they truly met.
“I feel like I’ve known Sam for a really long time,” Roche said, “which is kind of fun just getting to be a part of his life and getting to know his family.”
Roche recalled a fond memory of Sam, one that repeated every year. At the end of the cross country season, the team comes together for a run called Costume Run, where everyone dresses up.
“On more than one occasion, his costume for Costume Run were me,” Roche said. “I’m going to miss him. A lot. He’s a really great young man.”
Simon is also going to miss Sam a lot. The two of them have been going to school together since before either of them can remember, from Washington Elementary to their senior year at WHS.
“I feel like I’ve just known him forever,” Purdom said. “He is extremely caring and empathetic. He cares about his friends and would do anything to go and help them if they needed.”
Simon described times in his life when simply being around Sam helped him overcome difficult challenges.
“He’s influenced me quite a bit in my life,” Simon said. “For a person like me who used to be a bit more insecure in public places, being around him really helped try and break that and try to be more myself because it was so easy for him to just be who he was. It helped me find that for myself.”
Simon remembered a time before Sam was as outgoing as he is known to be.
“He used to be, I think, a bit more quiet, a bit more shy,” Simon said. “I think at some point, he realized he didn’t like being quiet. He just wanted to let the world know who he was.”
Simon and Sam have also been involved in track together. They would walk around the meet and cheer people on between competing in their own events. Simon said he has enjoyed every moment of their friendship.
“I’m proud of him for how far he’s come, and I wish him luck on his mission,” Simon said.
Sam has also participated in Sports Med, which has helped him discover what career he wants to pursue in the future.
“I’ve always liked to help people, and I’ve always liked medicine,” Sam said. “[It’s] always fascinated me, and I don’t get squeamish around blood.”
Because of this, Sam has decided to become an EMT. Before attending medical school, he plans to attend a mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Sam values balance, and he showed this through his continuous involvement in the social aspect of high school. He was a member of Chamber Choir for his junior and senior years, where he spent time with friends and traveled as far as Scotland. He also attended many sports games, which he recalls as a favorite memory.
“Have fun, but also work hard because high school can be a really fun time if you really want it to be,” Sam said. “This is the time to find out what you like to do [and] what you want to do.”
Outside of high school, Sam is excited to travel the world, where he can visit many countries and hike. To achieve his dream of becoming an EMT, Sam has been looking into schools like Western Washington UV and Central.
Sam will leave WHS with the everlasting impact of his humor and empathy. He has helped those around him and found personal fulfillment through his authenticity, which he will carry throughout his life.