Alumni Focus - Michelle Wirth ('09)
If you attended the SCLA 2022 Gala in April, you may remember the beautiful photos taken by Michelle Wirth Photography. It’s wonderful to see St. Croix alumni using their talents and passions! Michelle Wirth (Enger ‘09) shares about St. Croix’s impact on her, how she found her way into photography, and what she’s learned from international travel.
What does St. Croix mean to you?
I made some lifelong friends at St. Croix. There are so many memories with them that I cherish!
Did any specific SCLA teachers make a positive impact on you?
Of course! Whether they realize it or not, teachers have a major impact on students. Pastor Huebner was my soccer coach. He was so encouraging and believed that I could be a leader even when I lacked some confidence. Any time a teacher showed interest in my activities outside of the classroom and genuinely wanted to know about me, it created a better relationship inside the classroom.
What is your favorite St. Croix memory?
One of my favorite memories was winning True Team in track & field but so was setting a school record with some incredibly talented teammates in the 4x800 relay (my sister included). I loved being a part of a team and working toward a common goal!
Can you tell us more about your photography business?
I’ve always had a love for capturing photos. When I graduated college, I got a job as a journalist for a small local newspaper where I got experience photographing all kinds of events. Today, I work for a school district as the district photographer and communications specialist. Friends and family started asking me to take portraits, and when I had the opportunity to shoot a wedding, everything just clicked. I fell in love with capturing special moments for other people, and now I couldn’t ask for a better job!
Learn more and see Michelle’s work at MichelleWirthPhotography.com
Anything else you want to share?
Travel is a major priority for my husband and I. We try to explore the world at least once a year. It’s taken us to places like Peru, Iceland, Denmark, France, and more. Experiencing other cultures and exploring other parts of the world has been a massive blessing that has allowed me to develop a global perspective. Travel has been the best extension of my education. It has given me an opportunity to continuously explore, keep an open-mind, be flexible, and adapt to change.