SLATER SPOTLIGHT: ANNABELLE GORMONT

Rose Chen, Reporter

Kind, driven, and thoughtful senior Annabelle Gormont is headed to Lock Haven University to major in biology with a pre-medical track. Gormont has showcased her determination and hard work throughout the Slater community, which was especially clear in band and science classes.

What are your favorite classes?

I am a huge science nerd, so of course my favorite classes would have to be research and AP Biology! Both the content and the teachers had me engaged. These classes challenged me to not only increase my knowledge but also improve my character.

What do you hope to study?

I am attending Lock Haven University to major in biology with a pre-medical track. After graduating from LHU, I hope to attend University of Pittsburgh’s medical school to become a medical oncologist. I believe that too many good people die from cancer. I want to be the doctor to not only guide the patient through their battle with cancer, but also be there to help the patient’s family. I have held on to this dream for a long time because I believe that saving lives is what I am meant to do.

Describe your ideal life 10 years from now.

In 10 years, I hope to be married to the love of my life. We’ll own 2 dogs, but we won’t have any kids yet because I will be preoccupied with my residency at UPMC’s Hillman Cancer Center.

What is your best high school memory?

It is the little things in life that I truly appreciate, so all the jokes and laughs that I have had throughout my experience in the research class will probably hold the top spot for fondest memories.

Which band could play the soundtrack to your high school career?

One Direction could play the soundtrack because overall my life is very carefree and optimistic, and I feel like their music gives off those vibes.

Although if my high school were to have a theme song, it would have to be “Back Home” by Andy Grammer because no matter where life takes me, I will still look back on my high school memories with a fondness.

If there were a movie made about your high school days, what would be the title and which actor would play your part?

Title: The Beauty of Chaos

Explanation: Life isn’t perfect, it is actually rather messy, but through those imperfections, life is rather beautiful and hilarious.

Annabelle played by: Emma Watson

Explanation: She is a very driven, dedicated, and outspoken individual, just like me.

Which event(s) will you miss the most?

I will miss the football games the most. Not only do I absolutely love football, but some of my fondest memories were made while with my fellow band members at the football games.

Who is your biggest mentor?

Mr. Hachtman has helped me the most throughout all four years of my high school career. He introduced me to my love for biology, which is how I discovered what I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to. He also helped with college searches and wrote my letters of recommendation. I found my love for research through his class. All academic improvements aside, he had a major influence on my character development. He created an environment where I felt included, this helped me to build confidence. Eventually by my senior year I got over my stage fright, when I had to present my research experiment to 70+ other scientists at a research symposium at Juniata College.

What is your favorite quote to live by?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Ghandi

Why? I believe that if I want my life to change, I have to be the one to make that change. If I want the world to be a better place, that starts with me being a better person.

Who will you remember most in Bangor?

My best friends, Gabby Finn, Kahlan Fuhrer, and Mia Mariano, for being with me through all of the ups and downs.

What activities have you done throughout your high school career?

Marching band, jazz band, Envirothon, Ecology Club, and musical.

Which of these activities is your favorite?

Marching Band: I was low-brass section leader and band secretary. The band placed 2nd at Cavalcade Bands National competition. I loved marching band, not only because I love music, but also because the band felt like a family to me from my very first day.

Envirothon: I am the forestry expert on 1st team. I loved Envirothon for many reasons: I got to learn new things, I was surrounded by like-minded people, I got along with the advisors, and my time spent at the club never failed to make me laugh and put a smile on my face.