Waldron Salutatorian headed to IU Columbus to study Chemistry

Jared Crosby has ideas about what his future holds, but he is in no rush to make a wrong decision.

The Waldron High School Class of 2025 Salutatorian will attend Indiana University Columbus to study Chemistry. Once he completes that two-year program, he will finish his bachelor’s degree at a larger school.

And in time, he will decide what route he wants to take with his degree.

“I could work with my dad who is a chemist in Seymour,” said Crosby. “If I want to shoot big, I could go to Eli Lilly or something like that.”

Crosby is not yet ready to give up his small-town life where he thrives. That led to the decision to start at IU Columbus.

“I got an email from them saying I was already admitted. It’s close to where I live. I can commute and save money on dorms. And I get a feel for college and then transfer,” he explained.

Crosby was a standout runner, both in cross country and track and field, at Waldron. He also played 8-man football his senior year.

Crosby could continue his athletic career in Columbus, but he is enjoying his free time this summer rather than training.

“I kind of feel like I am done with running right now,” he said. “Maybe I will change my mind while I am there and go tryout for the team. I feel like I need a break. Running takes a lot out of you.”

Crosby etched his name into the Waldron track and field record board this spring as part of the record-setting 1,600 relay team. He also was an all-conference performer all four years for Waldron’s cross country team.

“(Athletics) taught me what it means to work hard and be disciplined,” he said. “And also how to balance school work and other side activities.”

One of Crosby’s favorite memories is playing football as a fourth grader at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. With the establishment of the 8-man football program at Waldron, Crosby happily returned to the field his senior year.

“That was such a cool experience getting to play at Lucas Oil Stadium,” said Crosby. “Cross country was always my No. 1 sport. I didn’t want to get hurt (playing football), but my senior year it was no regrets. I just went out and did it and it was so much fun.”

Graduation ended an era for Crosby, who loves his community. And, in time, he may move on to pursue a career. Such is the nature of life.

“I will miss everybody,” he said. “It’s small. You just know everybody. You get those close bonds with every class and every teacher. It will be sad moving on.”

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