Energetic, hands-on, and always up for a challenge, junior Gavin Pysher has made a name for himself with his mechanical skills and strong work ethic. Whether he’s on the baseball field or building something from scratch, Pysher brings focus and dedication to everything he does.

What have been your favorite classes? What did you like about them?
My favorite classes have been Robotics and Gym. In Robotics, I loved getting to build things and work with my hands—plus, the freedom to design our own projects made it fun and creative. Gym, on the other hand, helped me stay active and focused during the school day. It gave me the chance to reset and compete, which I’ve always enjoyed.

What are your plans after high school?
I’m considering either going to a four-year college or attending a trade school for engineering. If I go to college, West Virginia University is my top choice. My brother goes there now, and I think it would be awesome to spend some time on campus with him before he graduates. I’d major in Mechanical Engineering and possibly minor in architectural design.

What is your best high school memory and why?
One of my favorite memories was helping my brother during his senior assassin game when I was a freshman. I helped him stay in the game—checking outside for him, standing guard at parties with my water gun, the whole deal. It was fun and gave us a chance to bond. Plus, watching him succeed in baseball that year is something I’ll never forget.

What activities have you done throughout high school?
I’ve played both basketball and baseball throughout high school. While I really enjoy basketball, the bond I have with my baseball teammates is unmatched. They’re like a second family to me, and I’ve made some great memories with them on and off the field.

If you could switch lives with any teacher for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d switch lives with Mr. Miller. He gets to teach engineering, work with 3D printers, robots, and all kinds of cool tech. That’s basically a dream job for me—except maybe dealing with all the students.

What is your favorite quote to live by?
“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” This quote reminds me to focus on the moment and not stress too much about the past or future. Life is better when you’re living it fully right now.