For Jared Claunch, Byron has always been home. He’s walked its hallways, played on its fields, and built lifelong connections within a close-knit community that has shaped him since kindergarten. As he prepares to graduate, Jared finds himself at a crossroads—one where his next step could take him into the workforce, college, or even a two-year mission trip for his church.

Jared’s high school career has been defined by football, wrestling, and a deep appreciation for the teachers and coaches who have helped him grow. Since fifth grade, sports have been his focus, and playing for Byron’s storied football program has been one of the most meaningful experiences of his life. The program is more than just a team—it’s a tradition, built on decades of hard work, discipline, and a culture that has left a lasting impact on him.

“Our coaches tell us stories from way back,” Jared said. “Things that started years ago, small things that became part of what Byron football is today. We have our team dinners, family nights, and a sense of belonging that’s really unique.”

Being part of that tradition has been both an honor and a responsibility, and Jared has embraced every part of it. From the packed stands on Friday nights to the quiet moments of leadership in practice, he’s learned that success is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

Football may be what he’s best known for, but Jared’s interests extend beyond the field.

Throughout high school, he’s also taken art and business classes, and enjoyed his experiences in agriculture studies. He appreciates all the opportunities Byron has offered him, but when it comes to what he’ll do after graduation, he’s keeping his options open.

“Hopefully, I’ll be working somewhere, earning money,” he said. “Maybe college, maybe a mission trip. I’m still figuring it out.”

If he chooses to go to college, he’s considering business or agriculture—two fields that have always interested him. The business classes at Byron, particularly those with Mr. Wessel, have been both challenging and fun, giving him a taste of what an entrepreneurial path might look like.

The possibility of a mission trip is something he’s also taking seriously. It would be a two-year full-time commitment, something both of his older brothers have done before him.

“My oldest brother went to Ecuador, but because of COVID, he had to start in Arizona first before he could go international,” Jared said. “My second-oldest brother just got back from Croatia and Serbia.”

Jared has grown up in the LDS church, and a mission trip would be a deeply personal experience that would push him beyond his comfort zone while strengthening his faith and sense of purpose.

His plan—if he decides to go—would be to work this summer, go through the application process, and then head out on his mission in the winter.

“I’d still have to go through all the steps, the interviews, and get my call,” he said. “It’s something I’d have to be really ready for.”

The third option he’s considering is entering the trades, specifically an electrical apprenticeship program. He’s always liked working with his hands, and he sees a future in skilled labor as a path that could be both stable and fulfilling.

“I’ve thought about doing a paid apprenticeship in the trades,” he said. “Maybe electrical work—something hands-on where I can build a career.”

No matter what path he chooses, Jared is confident that his experiences in Byron have prepared him for what’s next. From his teachers to his coaches, his parents to his brothers, he has been surrounded by people who have shaped his values, work ethic, and ability to lead.

“My parents have been the best role models I could ask for,” Jared said. “They’ve always supported me, no matter what. And my brothers—I look up to them a lot. I kind of want to follow the way they’ve gone about their lives.”

That sense of gratitude extends to his teachers and coaches, who have helped him develop into a student-athlete and a leader in the Byron community.

“I try to help the younger guys coming up through the program,” Jared said. “It’s about passing on what I’ve learned, making sure they know what Byron football is about, and setting the example for them.”

For Jared, football has never been just about the game. It’s about learning discipline, building relationships, and understanding what it means to be part of a team. It’s about walking onto the field on a Friday night and seeing a stadium full of people who care about the team just as much as the players do.

And that sense of belonging is something he knows he’ll carry with him, no matter where life takes him next.

If there’s one thing he’s certain about, it’s that Byron has been more than just a place to go to school—it has been a community that shaped him.

When he describes his hometown to others, it’s hard to put into words.

“I’ve lived here my whole life,” he said. “So it’s hard to compare it to anywhere else. But what I know is it’s a great place to grow up. It’s safe, people support each other, and it feels like home.”

Jared knows that the future is full of possibilities, and he’s in no rush to decide exactly where his path will lead. He’s taking things one step at a time, open to where life takes him.

And whether he works, studies business, serves on a mission, or builds a career in the trades, one thing is clear:

The lessons he’s learned in Byron—about leadership, hard work, and being part of something bigger than himself—will stay with him for life.