Weber High School is bursting with creative talent and excellence. As this time of year approaches, the recognition for 2016 seniors is announced and Sterling Scholars are awarded. All of the hard work has paid off! All of the experience, hours of service and learning have come to fruition! The students are eager for their bright futures that lay ahead.
This year, 13 candidates soared to the top as Sterling Scholars. They are as follows in their category: Krissa Woodring, World Languages; Tatiana Pryor, Vocal Performance; Aspen Wayment, Dance; Haeli Rich, Science; Amanda Grover, Computer Technology; Alyssa Cassity, Social Science; Robyn Shupe, Visual Arts; Alex Langford, Instrumental Music; Brooke Hansen, English; Chantelle Gossner, Speech/Theater/Arts/Forensics; Allison Pobanz, Family and Consumer Sciences; Caden Stewart, Mathematics and Sam Good, Business and Marketing.
When Tatiana Pryor, Vocal Performance Sterling Scholar, began attending Weber High, she was a transfer student from Syracuse. Although she comes from a home with a very close and loving family, she retells her experience from the beginning: “It was very terrifying to recreate myself and make new friends, but I did. I was true to myself and discovered how much I loved theater and education.” Tatiana learned that making friends came easily in theater because her group spent so much time together. She chose vocal performance because, “It was a mix of both education and talent. My competition was amazing and difficult and somehow I was chosen to represent our school’s musical arts.” From her point of view, “There are so many people in my life I have to recognize. I need to thank my family—they kind of rock. My sisters, Cosette and Mabelle are crazy helpful in all of my dreams. Mark Daniels who is the best theater teacher and who motivated me to compete against myself. My best friend, Emma Swanson, who believed in me the whole way. Mr. Rhees and Mr. Wood were both pianists and teachers who helped me reach my full potential. I have learned most of all, how important it is to believe in yourself. You have to be happy with your performance no matter what.”
Chantelle “Elle” Gossner became the Sterling Scholar in Speech/Theatre Arts/Forensics. “I am so argumentative and people have been telling me I should join a high school debate team since I was probably 7, so when it came time to register for my sophomore classes—I did!”
Some things Elle did in order to put on a Sterling Scholar resume include: Student leadership committee, Premier Distinction, Competitive Drama for the past 2 years, and this year she took 2nd place in Weber High’s region in her Dramatic Monologue. She was also the state champion in International Extemporaneous Speaking. Her experience as a student at Weber High has been great, but she does wish that Weber had more diversity of AP classes along with better supported academic extracurriculars. “The debate program is fantastic and our theater program is absolutely wonderful. Mr. Daniels has done such great things with it.”
Becoming the Business and Marketing Sterling Scholar meant that Sam Good had to focus on business skills partnered with the skills he currently has, like non-profit management skills on the financial end and management end. “I have worked with 2 youth-driven non-profit organizations-- all volunteer. Ultimately, I had an interest with environmental science,” Sam tells us, “So I found a position with an environmental non-profit organization and I’ve worked my way up for 2 years to be the president of a youth council.” Something that set him apart was being involved with the Future Business Leaders of America. Currently, he serves as the President of Weber High School’s chapter. He also serves the entire state of Utah as the public relations director for FBLA.
When asked about his family, Sam referred to them as having an, “Entrepreneurial spirit”. His father started a number of companies and therefore Sam has looked up to him with all of his variety of interests and business ventures.
In the future, Sam has his mind set on attending Stanford University and plans to major in Environmental Engineering.” He ended with one final note, “Service is something to keep in mind no matter what category and involvement in your community with leadership.”
