Q: What grade are you in?

A: I am in 12th grade at Salisbury High School.

Q: What is your favorite subject? Why?

A: My favorite subject is math, whether it be algebra, geometry, calculus, etc. This is due to the fact there is a definite answer to each question. It is a black and white subject that is graded objectively.

Q: Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A: I was inducted into National Honor Society during my sophomore year. It is a privilege to be able to represent my school along with several other members.

Q: Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?

A: During high school I have participated in soccer, basketball and track and field for four years. I am an active member in Key Club, No Place for Hate, Best Buddies, Student Government, Student Advisory, National Honor Society and am the secretary for Students Against Destructive Decisions.

Q: What is your next goal after high school?

A: My goal after high school is to go to a four-year college and major in early childhood education and minor in special education. My ending intent is to be a special education teacher in an elementary school. This career has always been a dream of mine ever since I was in fourth grade. I truly believe that working with special needs children is my calling.

Q: What would you say your biggest challenge has been so far?

A: My biggest challenge thus far occurred at the beginning of my sophomore year when my family relocated from the city I was born and raised in – Niles, Ohio to Allentown. This was a drastic change for me because I did not know anybody who attended my new school nor the academic situation I would be walking into. However, the teachers, students and faculty welcomed, greeted and made me feel right at home.

Q: What do you want to be remembered for?

A: I would like to be remembered as a person who genuinely cares for people. It is important to me to be known for loving all people no matter who they are, where they come from or their circumstances. I want to be a person that makes an impact and a difference at my school, my job, my sports teams or wherever I go. Being known for encouraging and showing compassion to others is my goal because you never know what a person is going through.

Q: Who is in your family?

A: My immediate family includes my dad, John, my mom, Shelley and my brother, John.

Q: Do you have someone you look up to?

A: One of the main people I look up to is my dad for several reasons. He is a kind-hearted man who is always looking to help others. Whether it be a pulled over car on the side of the road, volunteering at different events or even helping his family, he puts others before himself. My dad is also very optimistic. No matter what kind of situation we are in, he can always see the positive side in what we are going through and help me to see it as well. Overall, my dad is a great role model for me and I hope to gain some of the great traits he has.

Q: Do you have any advice for your peers?

A: My advice to my peers would be to never compromise yourself and who you are to please others. Always stay genuine to who you are and don’t lose yourself in efforts to be like everyone else or gain approval.