Hardworking, athletic, and easygoing junior Gino Merlo is ready to take on the next chapter. After graduation, he plans to study electrical engineering and explore life beyond Bangor. Active in sports and school clubs, Gino has made the most of his high school experience—on and off the field.

What have been your favorite classes?
My favorite classes would have to be gym and AP Psychology. I’ve always enjoyed being active, so gym gave me a fun way to break up the day and do something physical. It was a class that kept me moving and energized. AP Psych, on the other hand, was super engaging because it challenged me to think in new ways. I liked how it made me curious about how people think and behave—it just grabbed my attention more than most classes.

What are your plans after high school?
After graduation, I plan to go to college—definitely somewhere that isn’t close to home. I want a change of scenery and to experience new people and places. I’ll be studying electrical engineering because I’ve always liked working with my hands and solving problems, especially when it involves building or understanding how things work.

What is your best high school memory and why?
I don’t really have just one moment that stands out—it’s more about the day-to-day. Competing in sports with my teammates and coaches, whether it was on the basketball court or the baseball field, gave me some of my best memories. Those practices, games, and bus rides created bonds and experiences that I’ll never forget.

What activities have you done throughout high school?
I’ve been a part of SODA Club, Student Government Association, Leo Club, and of course, basketball and baseball. Each activity gave me different experiences—whether it was helping out in the community, organizing events, or representing the school on the court and field. I liked staying involved and getting to know different groups of people.

If you could switch lives with any teacher for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d switch with Mr. Burke, no question. He’s always so calm and collected—it’s like nothing ever bothers him. I admire how relaxed he seems and how he handles things with such ease. Spending a day in his shoes would probably be the most chill experience ever.

What is your favorite quote to live by?
“There’s a golden mean to everything.” That’s a quote from Mr. Hawk, and it’s really stuck with me. It reminds me that life is about balance—you don’t have to go to extremes. Whether it’s school, sports, or just everyday stuff, I try to keep that mindset and stay grounded.