LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s a wonder how Trinity High School’s Chaz Kapfhammer finds time to do it all. The Louisville teen is president of his senior class, directs live broadcasts of the school’s state-champion football team for a local TV website, creates graphics for the school’s Instagram accounts, is editor-in-chief of the Trinity online newspaper and reports for student-run newscasts. On top of all that, he has a 3.7 GPA while giving back to the community through a variety of projects.
Trinity teacher Dave Waggoner says people at the school do not know how Kapfhammer does it. “There are things that he is doing behind the scenes that nearly all of the student body would have no clue that he does, but they just count on him, they know he will do it, they know he will figure ways out,” Waggoner shared.
Kapfhammer says it isn’t always easy balancing it all, but the key is to never give up.
“Things are never permanent. You know, struggles happen with everybody. Just know that the challenge you’re facing now isn’t going to stay forever. You’re going to have people that are going to help you through it. And if you don’t — reach out. Meet some people, talk to people. Because I think now more than ever people are willing to help,” he shared.
Journalism and media are his primary focus, and his potential future career. He loves the camaraderie with his crew on Friday nights and says there’s rarely a broadcast where everything goes right, but reacting to those curveballs is part of the fun.
As a reporter, he tries to find the stories that aren’t being told. “Being able to give people a platform, that kind of makes me excited. Just letting people know that they’re able to be heard in situations. I think that goes hand-in-hand with just being just involved and being a leader. Just letting people know that they’re being listened to and giving them the platform to succeed,” Kapfhammer explained.
Waggoner says Kapfhammer is the rare student that eclipses him as a teacher, with a unique combination of problem-solving and innovation, matched by outstanding creativity. Waggoner predicts big things. “I believe we’ll be seeing Chaz on television. He is passionate about broadcast journalism. He has a gift, he really does. He’s extremely creative. He knows how to tell a story. And whether it’s on ESPN or a local affiliate, people will eventually be seeing Chaz in front of the camera,” he said.
But first there’s the second semester of Kapfhammer’s senior year and the conclusion of a stellar high school career.
“I think the thing I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built, not only with other students, but with my teachers. I can look up to them as parental figures and they’ve helped me in and out of the classroom. If I ever need anything, I know I can come to them. But building relationships with students and my other brothers, it’s something unique to Trinity. You know, everybody outside of Trinity hears brothers for life, and they may think it’s a gimmick, but once you’re here, you understand. It’s special,” he reflected.
He says he wants his legacy to be something who other students can look up to. That’s why Chaz Kapfhammer is a deserving Spectrum News 1 High School Scholar.