Luke Sievers – Class of 2026
Rock Bridge High School | Columbia, MO
Every so often, I get the chance to photograph someone whose story I already know a little bit about. I had that opportunity again with Luke Sievers, a 2026 senior from Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, MO.
I first met Luke behind the camera lens as he crossed the finish line to win the MSHSAA State Cross Country Meet as a sophomore. Even then, it was clear he had a drive that set him apart. When we met for his senior photo session, that same focus and quiet determination came through just as clearly—only now, it’s shaped by more experience and perspective.
Luke plans to run in college but is still exploring where that might be. Wherever he ends up, it’s clear he’ll bring more than speed to the team. He’s already learned lessons most people don’t pick up until much later.
When I asked him about his favorite high school memory, Luke shared:
“I’ll always hold onto the first day of actual practice, my freshman year. I had done all the summer workouts, but when I showed up to that first practice, my coach’s intensity was completely different. I was just sitting there in shock at how someone could get so fired up about something that hadn’t even happened yet.”
Earlier this year, I learned that Luke wasn’t able to compete in the outdoor track season due to an injury. As he reflected on it as one of his toughest challenges, he said:
“Even though all I wanted to do was go run and deal with the pain and consequences later, I listened to my doctors and found other ways to fuel my competitive drive while keeping my leg from snapping in half.”
Knowing that Luke is so driven, I know that time had to be extra hard since he couldn’t compete.
We know that where we get is often has to do with the role others played in our lives. When asked who had shaped him, Luke didn’t hesitate to name two key people:
“My coach and my mom are my biggest inspirations. My mom inspires me to be the best human being I can be—always trying to fix the little things that can have a big impact on others, even when I don’t see them. My coach has taught me the importance of discipline and determination, not just in sports, but in everyday life.”
I really like to give seniors an opportunity to share some of their experiences with others. So, when I asked him about his advice for incoming freshmen, he shared something important:
“Be true to who you are. Don’t let others shape you and what you want to be. Find people and things that enhance you and build you up—not change you and bring you down.”
Here’s one fun twist I didn’t expect: I found out recently that Luke’s dad was part of the HR team that hired me 13 years ago. It’s been interesting reflecting on how young Luke would have been at that time and how old my old kids would have been too. It’s a small world, and I’m glad our paths crossed again—this time, in a whole new context.
Luke, congratulations on your senior year! I can’t wait to see where your next chapter leads.