Mariska Smith and Conner Leichty are West Liberty-Salem High School’s October Seniors of the Month.
Mariska Smith is the daughter of Josiah and Johanna Smith.
School Activities and Awards: Cross Country, Track, Indoor Track, NHS, multiple-time Academic All-Ohioan.
If I were principal for a day: I would take everyone on a field trip.
Favorite school memory: Getting Pizookies in Mrs. Arnold’s class.
People who have been an inspiration to me include: My friends and teammates.
My advice to parents: Give your kids the freedom to make their own mistakes and figure things out for themselves.
Next year I will be: Studying Exercise Physiology at an undecided university.
Conner Leichty is the son of Jon and Kim Leichty.
School Activities and Awards: Choir, Basketball, Soccer, Baseball, Track and Field, Student Council, Class Officer, Chess Club, Calculus Club, NHS, Link Crew, Key Club, Euchre Club, Teacher’s Assistant, Student Broadcasting, Superintendent’s Award, Highest Honors, Show Choir, Musical, Prom Committee, Students of Integrity Scholarship Nomination.
If I were principal for a day: Cater Cane’s for lunch.
Favorite school memory: Eating lunch and playing Spikeball with my lunch table.
People who have been an inspiration to me include: My parents.
Because: They have been an example to me and pushed me to be where I am.
Lately, I have been reading: Lord of the Flies.
My advice to parents: Encourage your kids to do what they love and try not to give them a reason to hate an activity. Don’t make them wish they were smarter, more athletic, or any different than they already are. Don’t focus on their weaknesses. Be realistic with them while loving and celebrating their strengths and gifts.
My biggest regret: Not picking up golf sooner.
Next year I will be: Attending a university to pursue a degree in something related to engineering, although I’m still working out the details.
