Supportive, kind, and determined, Bangor Area High School senior Nathan Deeney has dedicated much of his high school career to music and leadership. Through band, choir, and theater, Deeney has grown both as a musician and as a person while preparing for a future in electrical technology.

What activities (sports, clubs, jobs) have you been involved in during high school?

PMEA festivals, band, choir, jazz band, marching band, pep band, NHS, and Yoga Club.

What are your plans after high school (college, career, military, etc.)?

Attend NCC to major in electrical technology.

What activity has meant the most to you and why?

Choir and band because not only did it train me musically, but it also taught me many valuable life skills that I can apply to everything I do. I have progressed a lot as a musician and person throughout my time in band and choir. It taught me persistence and how to work hard in everything I do. I have learned to manage my time wisely and be productive with all of the time I get.

Describe a specific moment or memory from that activity.

Performing Les Mis on stage at the Freddy Awards in eighth grade. We were nominated for Best Overall Show and performed “One Day More.” Standing on the stage while everyone cheered louder than I have ever heard, it was such a surreal moment and changed the course of my music career from then on.

What is one challenge you faced and how did you handle it?

I was faced with many challenges throughout my life, but one of the biggest has been not giving up when things don’t go my way. There have been many instances in which I worked really hard for something and then did not get it, which is always a very hard feeling. I was able to learn from these experiences and then approach them differently next time. I changed my perspective to be more open to possibilities and take the opportunities that come to me with gratitude and an open mind.

What is your best high school memory and why?

My best high school memory was performing in The Phantom of the Opera. It gave me an opportunity to use the gifts and talents that I have been working on throughout all of high school and make an impact on people with those talents.

If a movie were made about your life, what would it be called and who would play you? Why?

It would be called Persistence and I would be played by Chris Pratt. I think that my whole high school career I have been very persistent in learning everything that I have. I like Chris Pratt, so I would want him to play me.

Who is someone who had a big impact on you and why?

Mr. D has impacted me a lot over the last five years. He has taught me not to give up and to work hard for what you want to accomplish no matter what it may be. I wouldn’t have made it as far as I did without his help.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I see myself working as an electrician full-time and being married with a house. I also want to be writing music and leading more as a worship leader.

Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you?

I want to use music to inspire others in some way and use my gifts to make a positive impact on the community.