Q. In what grade are you currently enrolled?

A. I am currently a senior at Salisbury High School.

Q. Who is in your family? Please provide the first names of your family members: parents, siblings and pets.

A. There are five people in my family. My parents are Doug and Tina Marinos. My older sister, Christina, is a senior at Franklin and Marshall College. My younger brother, Christian, is in seventh grade at Salisbury Middle School. We have a brown Labradoodle named Bruno.

Q. What is your favorite subject? Why?

A. My favorite subject is science, specifically the Honors Anatomy and Physiology class I took sophomore year. Until I took that class with Mrs. Wilson, I was unsure what I was interested in. Learning about the human body and its functions sparked my interest and curiosity in the field of science.

Q. Have you received any special awards or recognition?

A. I am a member of National Honor Society and served as a senior captain on the boys soccer team this year. Awards I received include first place in Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science and Future Business Leaders Of America competitions.

Q. Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? How has COVID-19 impacted these activities?

A. I am involved in the soccer and tennis programs at SHS. Last spring of my junior year, our tennis season was canceled due to COVID-19. It was a difficult time for my teammates and me because we had a great team under Coach Benson and looked forward to competing. Unfortunately, our seniors at the time did not get to play their final senior season. This fall of my senior year, my soccer team and I were fortunate to have a condensed soccer season under Coach Allinson and Coach Frick. We were able to have our season by following The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, like wearing masks during practices. It was an adjustment from the way we ever practiced before, but in doing so we finished our season and advanced to districts for the first time in my high school soccer career. I am thankful for all that my coaches and teammates did to make this happen.

Q. What is your next goal after high school?

A. I would like to attend college. I have applied to St. Joseph’s University and several other colleges. I am undecided on my major but have interest in business, law and medicine.

Q. What do you consider your biggest challenge to date?

A. People can be presented with unexpected challenges in life. I’ve learned that whatever obstacles you face, you are never alone and can overcome them with perseverance and the support of your family and friends. Keeping a positive attitude and finding humor in things has helped me overcome challenges I’ve faced, big and small.

Q. For what would you like to be remembered?

A. I would like to be remembered for my dedication to academics and athletics throughout high school, but also my ability to have fun and make people laugh. I learned this from my grandfather, John Yurconic. He always makes his friends and family laugh and enjoy life more. Last, I would like to be remembered as a good friend and someone who had an insatiable desire to win every game of gym dodge ball!

Q. Whom do you admire? Why?

A. In addition to my parents and siblings, I admire my older cousins, Mason Groff and John Yurconic. They have always excelled with hard work and by setting high standards for themselves academically, athletically and personally. They are not only good role models because of all they’ve achieved, but most importantly, because they are genuinely good people. With their help and guidance, I hope to be like them. I could not imagine my life without them.

Q. Do you have any advice for your peers?

A. My advice for my peers is to work hard and focus on your own version of success. Take time to laugh and create memories with people you meet because they make high school a special experience. Additionally, know that going through tough times and helping others who may be struggling will build strength and character. Last, stay close to your family and friends. They are what matter most in life.